Reikenzan: Eichi e no Shikaku [Season 2]

Reikenzan: Eichi e no Shikaku Season 2 – A Cultivation Journey with Mixed Vibes

Let’s cut to the chase: Reikenzan: Eichi e no Shikaku Season 2 isn’t going to top any “Best Anime of the Year” lists, but for fans of cultivation stories and lighthearted fantasy, it’s a solid watch. This sequel to the 2016 series Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage (Stardust Revelry) continues the adventures of Ouriku, a young cultivator navigating the mystical Mount Reizan. While details about the production company and exact release date are a bit fuzzy (thanks, internet), the show’s 2017 Winter run and PG-13 rating set the stage for a mix of action, comedy, and the occasional fan service.

First off, let’s talk about the animation. One user on MyAnimeList noted, “Honestly, not only did the drawing upgrade, the animation upgraded too. Although it still can’t compare to the top animations, it’s pretty good for a Chinese/Japanese cooperation project.” That’s a fair assessment. The fight scenes are smoother than the first season, with vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles that make the cultivation battles feel more engaging. However, it’s not Demon Slayer-level fluidity—think more like Sword Art Online’s earlier seasons, which is totally fine for a mid-tier fantasy series.

Now, the plot. The second season dives deeper into the “Seven Stars” lore and hidden treasures, as mentioned in a forum comment: “This episode had a little fan service, not that I mind. It was more about Seven Stars and hidden treasures. Pacing has really started to pick up now with the storytelling.” The pacing is a highlight here—after a slow start in Season 1, Season 2 wastes no time throwing Ouriku into new challenges, from training arcs to unexpected encounters with rivals. The cultivation terminology can be a bit overwhelming (terms like “Tantai” for body training and “Kintan” for Golden Core), but the show does a decent job explaining them through dialogue, which helps new viewers keep up.

Character dynamics are where Reikenzan shines. Ouriku’s relationship with Rei, his childhood friend, is a fan favorite. Comments like “OMG! ITS MY QI ZI REI! AAAAAAAAAAAAH! Ouriku came back to see you” and “Rei can’t resist her future lover” show just how invested the fandom is in their romance. Their interactions are sweet, with a healthy dose of teasing—like when Ouriku teases Rei about her small chest, which one user found “funny” but others thought was unnecessary. The supporting cast, including the wise but quirky teacher Bunhou, adds humor and depth, though some characters feel underdeveloped (looking at you, Kotora, who gets kidnapped early on but doesn’t have much else to do).

Fan service is a hot topic here. Some viewers loved it: “I definitely don’t hate the fanservice and it was fun to watch Rei so vulnerable like that.” Others were more neutral: “This episode had a little fan service, not that I mind.” It’s not over-the-top—think occasional skimpy outfits or playful banter—but it might turn off viewers who prefer their fantasy without it. The show balances it with comedy, like when Bunhou awkwardly describes women to Ouriku, which lightens the mood.

Cultivation lore is a big part of the appeal. For those new to the genre, the stages (from “Body Training” to “True Immortal”) might seem confusing, but a helpful user broke it down: “On levels, level 1 is highest and 9 is lowest. That’s why ‘level’ would harder to understand, ‘class’ or ‘grade’ might be better.” This system adds stakes—every battle feels like a step toward Ouriku’s goal of becoming a powerful cultivator. The teacher-student dynamic is also interesting; as one commenter pointed out, “MC’s teacher is far stronger than her realm places her in. And I mean the teacher that uses the sword.” This hints at deeper mysteries within the series, which keeps viewers hooked.

That said, Season 2 isn’t without flaws. One user bluntly stated, “Terrible second episode,” though others disagreed, citing improved pacing and character moments. The harem elements are also a bit hit-or-miss—Ouriku’s “harem” is more implied than explicit, but some fans wish the show focused more on his relationship with Rei rather than teasing other potential love interests.

In conclusion, Reikenzan: Eichi e no Shikaku Season 2 is a fun, if flawed, addition to the cultivation genre. It’s perfect for viewers who enjoy lighthearted fantasy with a side of romance and don’t mind a bit of fan service. The animation upgrade, engaging plot, and beloved characters make it worth watching, even if it doesn’t break new ground. As one fan put it, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”—and for Reikenzan, that means taking risks with pacing, character development, and lore, which mostly pay off. If you’re a fan of shows like Martial World or Tales of Demons and Gods, this is right up your alley. Just don’t expect it to be the next big thing—sometimes, a solid, enjoyable series is all you need.