A Will Eternal: Your Ultimate Guide to Season 3, the Novel, Manga & More
If you’ve ever laughed at a cowardly protagonist stealing spirit chickens, cried over a shameless hero’s absurd quest for immortality, or binge-watched a donghua (Chinese anime) until 3 AM, A Will Eternal probably owns a piece of your soul. This cult-favorite series—equal parts comedy, fantasy, and chaos—has exploded into a global phenomenon, and its third season is currently dominating screens. Whether you’re here for A Will Eternal Season 3 release dates, curious about the original novel, or craving anime like A Will Eternal, this guide cracks open the secrets of Bai Xiaochun’s world.
A Will Eternal Season 3: Release Dates, Episodes & What to Expect
Season 3 (Yi Nian Yong Heng 3rd Season) premiered on July 3, 2024, and is still airing as of May 2025, with episodes dropping weekly on Tencent Video and Crunchyroll. The season dives deeper into Bai Xiaochun’s journey as he navigates higher realms of cultivation, political intrigue, and his ever-present fear of death.
Key Details:
- Episode Count: Sources vary, with some listing 52 episodes and others 59 . As of now, Episode 48 aired recently, with the finale expected in late 2025.
- Episode 15: This mid-season installment, likely released in October 2024, ramps up the stakes as Bai Xiaochun faces off against rival sects and grapples with his growing reputation as the “Plague Devil” .
- Animation Studio: B.CMAY PICTURES continues its vibrant, fast-paced style, blending slapstick humor with jaw-dropping martial arts sequences.
The Novel That Started It All: A Cultivation Comedy Masterpiece
Before the anime, there was Er Gen’s A Will Eternal novel—a xianxia (immortal hero) story that redefined the genre. Published in 2016 and translated by Deathblade, it follows Bai Xiaochun, a cowardly yet cunning teenager obsessed with living forever.
Why It’s Iconic:
- Hilarious & Heartfelt: Bai Xiaochun’s antics—stealing chickens, brewing cursed aphrodisiac pills, and accidentally starting sect wars—are legendary. Yet beneath the laughs lies a story about friendship, loyalty, and overcoming trauma.
- Criticisms: Some fans argue the later arcs become repetitive, but the novel’s first half is widely praised as peak xianxia comedy.
- Ties to Er Gen’s Universe: While standalone, it shares lore with I Shall Seal the Heavens, making it a treat for longtime fans.
The Manga Adaptation: An Eternal Will
The A Will Eternal manga (titled An Eternal Will) offers a fresh take on Bai Xiaochun’s journey. Available on INKR Comics, it’s praised for its colorful art and faithful adaptation of early novel arcs, though some fans note it “beautifies” gritty scenes from the source material.
Key Differences:
- Visual Style: The manga leans into Bai Xiaochun’s “charming” appearance, contrasting his roguish personality.
- Pacing: Condenses slower novel sections, making it ideal for newcomers.
Meet the Characters: Why Bai Xiaochun Steals the Show
A Will Eternal characters are a chaotic mix of allies, enemies, and unwitting victims of Bai Xiaochun’s mischief:
- Bai Xiaochun: The ultimate anti-hero—cowardly, shameless, but fiercely loyal. His fear of death fuels genius-level scheming (and endless trouble).
- Du Lingfei: A talented cultivator and frequent foil to Bai’s antics. Their love-hate dynamic drives much of the early plot.
- Li Qinghou: Bai’s exasperated mentor, constantly cleaning up his messes.
- The Antagonists: From jealous sect rivals to ancient demons, enemies learn the hard way: never underestimate the “Little Turtle”.
5 Anime Like A Will Eternal
If you love A Will Eternal’s blend of comedy, cultivation, and chaos, try these gems:
- The Master of Diabolism (Mo Dao Zu Shi): A witty, supernatural tale with a troublemaking protagonist and stunning animation.
- Throne of Seal: Combines humor and high-stakes cultivation battles, perfect for fans of Bai’s growth from underdog to legend.
- The Great Ruler: Epic world-building and a protagonist balancing power and humor.
- Spare Me, Great Lord!: Another laugh-out-loud xianxia with a scheming MC.
- Stellar Transformation: Action-packed and mythologically rich, though less comedic.
FAQs: A Will Eternal Season 3 & More
Q: When did A Will Eternal Season 3 release?
A: July 3, 2024. New episodes air weekly on Tencent Video and Crunchyroll.
Q: How many episodes are in Season 3?
A: Sources conflict—either 52 or 59 episodes. As of May 2025, Episode 48 recently aired.
Q: Where can I read the A Will Eternal novel?
A: The completed novel is available on WuxiaWorld, translated by Deathblade.
Q: Is the manga different from the novel?
A: Yes—the manga (An Eternal Will) streamlines early arcs and tweaks visuals but stays true to Bai’s antics.
Q: What’s the best anime similar to A Will Eternal?
A: Try The Master of Diabolism for humor and supernatural stakes or Throne of Seal for cultivation action.
Final Thoughts: Why This Series is Eternal
A Will Eternal isn’t just a story—it’s a mood. Whether you’re watching Bai Xiaochun bumble his way into godhood in Season 3, reading the novel’s iconic “plague devil” chapters, or laughing at the manga’s art, this series proves that even immortality can be hilarious.
Still have questions? Drop them below—we’ll answer faster than Bai can steal a spirit chicken!
