The Mystic Nine

In 1908, Zhang Da Fo Ye is the first of the Nine Gates, an elite group known for their ability to rob tomb. He's also the general in charge of Changsha City. Once a mysterious train arrived in the middle of the night, the station master reports in fear. The train is full of death body and Fo Ye realizes something is related with an ancient tomb.

Along with his fortune teller, Ba Ye, and his loyal assistant Sergeant Zhang, he visits the train starting point, an old mine. Fo Ye's adventure leads to the evil plot of Japanese to harm Changsha City. Japanese has been the public enemy of the nation that moment.

Fo Ye must protect his city, but he needs help from the rest of Nine Gates members.

Duh, Fo Ye, why so cool. I can't help by screaming (internally) when he appears in the first episode. The character looks strong, both physically and mentally. He's the young man who leads the city army after all. But, even with such power, he hardly relies on subordinate's work only. He even takes care of the case personally. That's a recipe to be respected superior.

On the other hand, he's very warm toward his friends. Although he hardly jokes, he always puts his friend under consideration.

But, probably what I like the most is his appearance in army uniform. *melting*

Fo Ye's best friend, Er Yue Tou is a specialist in an ancient tomb. His ancestors had been digging the mine but never came back. When his wife fell ill, Er Yue decides to stop digging tomb and turns completely as opera actor. His compassion toward his wife is amazing. But, even after years, the illness is incurable. Regarding that condition, Er Yue refuses to help Fo Ye to unveil the mystery of death train. Er Yue and his wife are loving couple. The way he treats her even though he's busy is just adorable. *my heart*

This show is the prequel for The Lost Tomb. Judging from the episodes, I hope this one is much better than the later. It has enough spare time to explore the story. XD

*updated*

IT IS so much better than the previous series. Not only it has enough space to explore each character, the story also flows in appropriate pace.

http://movielosophy.tumblr.com/post/148899004038/the-nine-gates-masters-their-weapons

Yes, many complaints about how Fo Ye is such perfect man. But, seriously, he's not. He's solemn and cold. Thank God he's surrounded by people whom he cares, which makes him more human. He's pretty much tsundere, of course (and that's my kind of character). Especially when he meets Xin Yue (starts from ep9), he turns into more and more adorable individual. I can't get enough of their scenes.

If it's not enough, you can also enjoy some fanservice bromance between Fo Ye, Er Ye and Ba Ye. Seriously, Ba Ye seems like a useless person, but there are reasons Fo Ye trust him so much that he always drags the fortune teller to the mines, right? He controls the mood, never fails to make me laugh. He's been intimidated, threatened, stepped on, yet he still follows Fo Ye. Such a good friend. XD

Relation to The Lost Tomb

So, we know that The Lost Tomb covers story of The Nine Gates' descendant. But, who's related to whom? For someone who never read the novel, I can only figure out these: