By: Peggy Sue Wood | @pswediting

If you are a fan of reincarnation/transmigration stories where the protagonist goes from our world to the body of a villain–I have the series for you! From Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, the same author of Mo Dao Zu Shi and Heaven Official’s Blessing, is the story of Shen Yuan, a man transported into the world of the web novel, Proud Immortal Demon Way, as the villainous Shen Qingqiu. The novel’s title is The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong, and the anime’s title is Chuan Shu Zijiu Zhinan or Scumbag System, and it is one of my favorites from Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s work. It has one full season animated thus far, and is a good adaptation of the story. (Side note: I was thrilled when Season 2 was announced a few years ago, but now it’s been delayed indefinitely—maybe even canceled? So, as we wait, please allow me to recommend Season 1.)

Shen Yuan, the main character of our story, is horrified to realize that his character in the web novel is destined to meet a terrible fate, and so he decides to do everything in his power to change the story and save himself but is held back by certain system requirements. Along the way, he meets the novel’s original protagonist, Luo Binghe, and their relationship becomes a central aspect of the story, going from a supportive relationship to a romantic one later on.

In this animated adaptation to this series and, similar to other series from this author that have earned an adaptation, there have been some changes to the storyline and character design, but I think that it maintains a similar level of competence and engagement storywise as Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s other works. I like the anime well enough, though the CG is not as polished as Western or Japanese animation fans may be used to now. Still, I highly recommend it in addition to reading the novel series, which has been officially translated and formally published by Seven Seas.

While it is Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s earlier work, I think that it is my favorite, so I hope that the second season does, eventually, get made. However, when that will be is up for debate (and considering I drafted this post over a year ago before updating it to post this month), I believe that there is still some time before we see that Season 2 release. Hopefully it will get released this year (and not get canceled altogether).

So, if you are a fan of the cultivation genre, Xiu’s other work, and villainous reincarnations trying to avoid death flags, then I am sure that this will keep you entertained throughout its run and reading. The story has its share of heartwarming moments and emotional scenes, in addition to the comedy you’ll find with Shen Yuan fighting his new fate. So, I hope you will give it a watch and read it—I think you’ll be glad you do!

And let me know if you do, as I’d love to meet more fans of this awesome series!

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Copyedited by: Krow Smith | @coffeewithkrow and Katherine Cañeba | @kcserinlee