A seemingly ordinary student, Zhang Chulan sees his life turned upside down when grave robbers target the tomb of his grandfather, Zhang Xilin. He then discovers the existence of "outcasts", practitioners of esoteric techniques, and that he has always been one of them.
Personality
Cunning, opportunistic and often cynical, Zhang Chulan hides his abilities and avoids trouble as long as he can. Yet he is capable of great loyalty, and his cunning is often his best weapon.
Powers & abilities
He masters the Qi Ti Yuan Liu, one of the Eight Extraordinary Techniques, passed down by his grandfather, as well as the Golden Light Thunder of the Celestial Master Mansion. These powers make him a target for everyone.
History
Recruited by the Nadutong delivery company, a front for managing outcasts, he takes part in the Luotian Grand Ritual, a tournament to choose the heir of the Celestial Master Mansion. He gradually uncovers his grandfather's past and the secrets of the Jiashen incident.
Relationships
Feng Baobao, his mysterious colleague, is his main partner. Wang Ye, a Wudang disciple, becomes a precious friend. The Old Celestial Master, Zhang Zhiwei, takes him under his wing.
Key moments
- The desecration of his grandfather's grave, which opens the series.
- Joining Nadutong alongside Feng Baobao.
- The Luotian Grand Ritual, where he reveals his abilities.
In the adaptations
The 2016 anime, co-produced with Japan, made the series known. Mi Er's manhua remains the source, and a live-action drama came out in 2020.
Did you know?
- The Chinese title, Yi Ren Zhi Xia (一人之下), means "beneath only one person", an allusion to the Old Celestial Master.
- The series draws heavily on Taoism and Chinese esoteric schools.
Our take
Zhang Chulan is a sly hero, far from classic heroic protagonists. His cynicism and tricks set The Outcast apart.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan