Overview
Fengyun Bian (风云变), also known by its English title Nirvana of Storm Rider, is a Chinese donghua released in 2024. It is animated by BlueArc Animation Studio and produced by Tencent Penguin Pictures.
The series has 30 episodes in its first season, with each episode roughly 15-20 minutes long. The genre blends post-apocalyptic fantasy, cultivation, martial arts, and science fiction elements.
Plot
The story begins with two elite warriors, Bu Jingyun and Nie Feng, who anticipate a catastrophe that threatens all life. To combat it, they transform into quantum states—a process aided by mysterious elders and extraterrestrial visitors. After performing this transformation, they disappear without a trace.
Three thousand years pass. A massive asteroid collides with Earth, turning the surface into a deadly wasteland. Humanity is forced to live underground. Over time, people trapped below discover they possess a latent power called “pulse energy”.
In this underground society, there is a place called Dungeon 32. There, a young orphan named Bu Tianyun stumbles on a meteorite in which Bu Jingyun has been sleeping in stasis. This awakens Bu Jingyun. Bu Tianyun also starts to awaken his own pulse energy.
Bu Tianyun meets Nie Zifeng, a descendant of Nie Feng. Together they train to become pulse warriors, learning to harness their power not only for survival but to restore balance to their shattered world and protect the remnants of humanity.
Characters
- Bu Jingyun — Once a top-tier warrior who transformed into a quantum state to prevent disaster. After three thousand years, he awakens in a meteorite and becomes something of a legend with great power.
- Nie Feng — Another elite warrior from the “before times,” whose descendant plays a major role in the new world. His disappearance and legacy shape much of the world’s mythology.
- Bu Tianyun — The orphaned protagonist born in the underground human society. His discovery of Bu Jingyun and his own pulse energy potential sets off the main narrative.
- Nie Zifeng — The successor of Nie Feng; allied with Bu Tianyun. Both must overcome challenges and develop their abilities together.
There are antagonistic forces, harsh environments, rival warriors, and internal and external conflict including betrayal, survival, and reconciling the past world with the new one.
Themes & Highlights
- Rebirth & Legacy
The idea of past heroes (Bu Jingyun, Nie Feng) returning or influencing the future, juxtaposed with new generation characters who inherit their legacy, is central. - Post-Apocalyptic Survival
Earth has become harsh and unforgiving. Humanity’s living underground, the ruined lands, climatic disaster—they’re used not just as background but to heighten stakes and challenges. - Hidden Power / Awakening
The concept of pulse energy is a power latent in humans; the journey from ignorance to mastery is a classic, but the setting and sci-fi elements give it a fresh twist. - Partnership & Mentorship
The relationships between mentors (or past heroes), their descendants, and new disciples add emotional depth. - Restoration & Balance
The goal isn’t simply to become powerful, but to restore the world, protect humanity, and bring balance—both physically and morally.
Production & Release Details
- First released: May 2024
- Season 1: 30 episodes, each approx 15-20 minutes.
- Studio: BlueArc Animation Studio
- Producer/distributor: Tencent Penguin Pictures
Reception & Strengths / Weaknesses
What fans like:
- Engaging premise: mixing of ultra-advanced warriors, a ruined Earth, and new powers.
- Good pacing for many episodes; enough development to see growth in main characters.
- Visuals and animations are generally solid, especially in battle scenes and action sequences.
- The pulse energy system adds a layer of power progression and intrigue.
Common criticisms:
- Some viewers feel there are predictable tropes—heroes awakening after long time, world ruined, latent power. While the twist helps, parts feel familiar.
- Occasional pacing issues: some episodes may feel filler or slower, especially in mid-arcs.
- Character depth: Secondary characters might not be as fully developed; much of the focus remains on the main trio.
Where to Watch & Viewing Info
- Released on Tencent’s platforms; episodes are also available on Bilibili with English subtitles in many regions.
- Available on donghua streaming sites like Narul Donghua.
- Noted to be “censored” in some fan-upload sites, depending on region.
Why You Should Give It a Try
- If you enjoy sci-fi action with fantasy cultivation, this series blends both nicely.
- If you like stories about legacy heroes, new generations, and epic journeys across ruined worlds.
- If you prefer donghua with moderate length per episode, allowing consistent watching without long waits.
- If the idea of awakening hidden potential and fighting to restore the world appeals to you.
Final Thoughts
Nirvana of Storm Rider (Fengyun Bian) stands out as a promising donghua in 2024. It doesn’t break every trope, but it executes its premise well: large scale stakes, ancient warriors, a devastated future Earth, and young protagonists rising from the ruins. For fans of post-apocalyptic fantasy, martial arts, and power progression narratives, it offers a satisfying blend.
If you stick with it beyond the initial episodes, the plot and characters deepen in interesting ways. The action, the mystery of what destroyed Earth, the role of quantum transformation, and the relationship between past heroes and present-day warriors are all points of interest that keep things engaging.
