Ye Yan Ran (叶嫣然) is one of the main female protagonists in the Chinese donghua Wan Jie Xian Zong (万界仙踪), also known as Wonderland, or The Wonderland of Ten Thousand.
She appears early in the first season of Wan Jie Xian Zong (Episode 6), and becomes a key character in the rest of the donghua beginning soon after.
Right from the get-go, however, the Qingyu family member is someone you either love or find annoying (I am, sadly, in the latter category), but here are some key points about Ye Yan Ran’s character you should know before you get started on watching the long-running martial arts donghua, to help you make up your own mind:
Who is Wan Jie Xian Zong‘s Ye Yan Ran?
Ye Yan Ran’s Background
Ye Yan Ran is from the Qingyu family in Ning City, and is known for being one of the city’s main beauties.
She is also one of the few martial arts geniuses in her family and, because of this, quickly earns herself some notoriety.
Personality
She is seen to be quirky, playful, and often immature, but still fun to be around. While this can be attractive to some donghua fans, others find her childish personality to be off-putting.
Despite her playful nature, she is also a serious martial artist. That is, until she meets protagonist Ye Xingyun, and begins to act like a weak girl, often expecting him to save her.
But then she will turn around and save him. Go figure, eh?
One of Ye Yan Ran’s strengths, however, is she never gives up. Not in fights, and not when it comes to her feelings for Ye Xingyun.
Another is that she is extremely loyal and, so, never divulges a secret.
Ye Yan Ran’s martial arts skills
Ye Yan Ran is a Level 6 martial artist who practices the Flower Arts Skill up to level 9. Her talent in martial arts is notable, having reached this level at a young age.
This is one of the reasons why she is so famous within Ning City, as many of the city’s martial artists are unable to defeat her.
Relationship with Ye Xingyun
Ye Yan Ran initially encounters Ye Xingyun when he infiltrates the Qingyu family under a different identity to seek revenge. She becomes curious about him after he defeats another quite strong character with one punch.
Their relationship begins with tension, however, as she attempts to uncover Ye Xingyun’s secrets but ends up being defeated by him in a cunning manner.
That leads to her feeling slighted.
Despite this rocky start, Ye Yan Ran develops feelings for Ye Xingyun as their interactions with each other continue, and as two other women appear in his life.
Especially after he saves her from an ambush and possible death at the hands of the spoiled Yan family heir.
This event marks a significant moment in their relationship, as Ye Yan Ran starts viewing him as a peer and even shares secret family techniques with him.
That also indicates she trusts him.
Ye Yan Ran’s role in the Wan Jie Xian Zong story
Her character adds depth to the narrative, not just through her martial prowess, but also through her often clumsy and immature interactions with Ye Xingyun.
Especially when, as the story progresses, Ye Yan Ran becomes infatuated with Ye Xingyun, and so plays up to him at every turn.
While some viewers find this cute and charming, others don’t understand why a grown woman is acting like a petulant child. Particularly one who is such a strong martial artist.
To me, it is akin to those women we all know who speak to their boyfriends/husbands in a baby voice. No, I can’t stand that either.
In other words, the tolerance level you personally have for the way Ye Yan Ran acts will likely decide whether she is a favorite character in the Wan Jie Xian Zong donghua, or one whose many scenes you fast forward through.
Whichever side of the fence you arrive at over Ye Yan Ran, Wan Jie Xian Zong is still a very well-written, nicely voice-acted, animated and produced donghua, that tells a fun and interesting story.
With or without Ye Yan Ran, most of the donghua’s characters are fascinating too. I think you will like it.
You can watch the first season of Wan Jie Xian Zong (called Fairy Legends) for free on iQIYI.
Tencent Video’s YouTube channel streams most of the rest of the series.
Unfortunately, most of the Ruo Hong Culture-animated episodes do not feature English subtitles (or in any other language except Chinese, for that matter).
Entertainment journalist covering Japanese and Chinese anime industry for a decade.
Favorite donghua — World of Immortals, A Will Eternal, The Demon Hunter, Perfect World, Battle Through the Heavens, Fabulous Beasts, Spy x Sect, Soul Land, Tales of Herding Gods, Heaven Officials’ Blessing, Qi Refining for 3000 Years.