Chinese animation, widely known as donghua, has grown tremendously in recent years. Among the most popular titles, Battle Through The Heavens (BTTH) and The Great Ruler (TGR) stand out not only for their captivating storylines but also because many fans often ask whether these two series are connected. Both works come from the same author, Tian Can Tu Dou, a highly acclaimed Chinese web novel writer. With that shared origin, the curiosity about their narrative links is natural.
In this article, we will explore the storyline relationship between Battle Through The Heavens and The Great Ruler, analyzing their backgrounds, characters, and the broader universe they belong to.
1. Background of the Two Donghua
Battle Through The Heavens (BTTH)
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Originally adapted from Tian Can Tu Dou’s web novel, Battle Through The Heavens tells the story of Xiao Yan, a young genius whose cultivation talent is stripped away but who rises again through determination, secret techniques, and the help of the mysterious mentor Yao Lao. The series is set in the Dou Qi Continent, a world governed by cultivation levels, where strength determines status and survival.
The Great Ruler (TGR)
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The Great Ruler is another adaptation of Tian Can Tu Dou’s work. It follows Mu Chen, a young man from the Northern Spiritual Realm, who embarks on a journey to become one of the most powerful cultivators in the Great Thousand World. Unlike BTTH, the scale of TGR is much larger, encompassing countless realms, sects, and ancient powers.
2. Same Author, Shared Universe
Both BTTH and TGR are written by Tian Can Tu Dou, who is known for creating interconnected universes. His novels are often referred to as part of the same xuanhuan multiverse. This shared framework explains why fans notice similarities in cultivation systems, realms, and even recurring concepts.
The most important connection lies in the Great Thousand World, the central setting in The Great Ruler. This world is described as the pinnacle of all realms, a place where only the strongest cultivators can reside. Interestingly, BTTH’s Dou Qi Continent is referenced as one of the lower worlds within this grand multiverse.
3. Direct Storyline Links
The connection between the two series is not merely thematic—it is also narrative.
- Xiao Yan’s Legacy: In The Great Ruler, Xiao Yan from BTTH is referenced as one of the legendary figures who ascended to the Great Thousand World. His accomplishments and legacy remain influential within that universe.
- Continuation of Cultivation Path: While BTTH primarily focuses on the rise of Xiao Yan within the Dou Qi Continent, the story hints at higher realms beyond his world. TGR takes this to the next stage, showcasing the broader universe and the ultimate pursuit of cultivation.
- Mentions Across Novels: Readers of the original novels often find easter eggs and direct mentions of characters and events from BTTH appearing in TGR, confirming that they share a continuous timeline.
4. Cultivation Systems and Power Scaling
One of the strongest indicators of the link between BTTH and TGR is the similarity in their cultivation systems.
- In BTTH, cultivators progress through ranks of Dou Qi, advancing from Dou Zhe up to Dou Di.
- In TGR, the cultivation levels continue at much higher tiers, reflecting the vast difference in scale between the Dou Qi Continent and the Great Thousand World.
This suggests that the cultivation hierarchy established in BTTH is simply the starting point, while TGR reveals the limitless expansion of power in Tian Can Tu Dou’s universe.
5. Themes and Motifs
Both donghua share recurring themes:
- Perseverance: Xiao Yan and Mu Chen both face adversity but rise through persistence.
- Teacher-Student Bonds: Xiao Yan’s relationship with Yao Lao mirrors Mu Chen’s mentorship with powerful figures in TGR.
- Rise From Humility: Both protagonists start in relatively small or disadvantaged positions before ascending to greater heights.
These thematic parallels strengthen the sense of continuity between the stories.
6. Fan Discussions and Speculations
Fans often debate whether The Great Ruler should be seen as a direct sequel to Battle Through The Heavens or simply a spiritual successor. While not a sequel in the traditional sense, TGR undeniably acknowledges and builds upon the foundation of BTTH.
Some popular fan speculations include:
- Xiao Yan may still have hidden roles within the Great Thousand World.
- Mu Chen’s journey might intersect with Xiao Yan’s legacy more directly in future arcs.
- Tian Can Tu Dou could potentially expand the universe further, connecting even more of his novels.
7. Donghua Adaptations and Their Portrayal
While the novels clearly confirm the connections, the donghua adaptations sometimes simplify or omit certain references due to pacing and production choices. However, careful viewers will still notice hints of the larger universe.
- In BTTH’s later arcs, subtle references to higher worlds appear.
- In TGR, mentions of legendary figures from lower worlds serve as callbacks for BTTH fans.
As the donghua industry continues to adapt more of Tian Can Tu Dou’s works, viewers may see even clearer depictions of these interconnections.
8. Conclusion: A Shared Legacy
So, does Battle Through The Heavens have a storyline connection with The Great Ruler? The answer is yes. While they are not direct sequels in a linear narrative sense, both stories belong to the same multiverse created by Tian Can Tu Dou. BTTH lays the groundwork with Xiao Yan’s rise in the Dou Qi Continent, while TGR expands the horizon, showcasing the vastness of the Great Thousand World. Together, they form pieces of a much larger puzzle in the author’s creative universe.
For fans of donghua, understanding this connection deepens the appreciation of both series, offering a richer and more immersive viewing experience.