The Grave Robbers' Chronicles

They share the same universe and Zang Hai is actually the astronomer who built some of the most dangerous tombs Wu Xie and the others explore in the story.

Zang Hai's story is deeply connected with the Gui Seal and the Copper Fishes.

However, the drama is quite different from the figure of Zang Hai presented in the Daomu Biji's novels. Great watch as a stand alone.

PREQUEL to Mystic Nine (Zhang Qi Shan & Er Ye's first encounter).

MAIN STORY of the Mystic Nine (and the beginning of what ends up unraveling by Wu Xie's generation).

book: The Mystic Nine | unfinished

SEQUEL to the Mystic Nine ; is focused on Wu Laogou's (Wu Xie's grandfather) story and the "end" of the Mystic Nine as the most powerful families in Changsha.

SIDE STORY ; it's about another branch of the Zhang's family that lives in the South by the sea. The time period is the same as the Mystic Nine, 1930s to 1960s.

book: The Southern Archives

Side story to Mystic Nine - how Huo Jin Xi  became the Hou's clan head.

Not necessary for the main story.

Side story to Mystic Nine -  Chenpi Ah Si's story and how he ended up joining Er Ye's clan.

Has basically nothing to do with the main plot - skippable.

Side story to Mystic Nine -  story of how Xie Jiuye (Xie Yuchen's grandpa) became the Xie's family head.

Even if Xie Jiuye has a pretty important role in what happened in the past and Zhang Qiling's story, this is not explored here, so not necessary to watch.

Side story to Mystic Nine -  Er Ye's adventures.

Not necessary for the main story.

MAIN STORY ; Seven stars Lu Palace & Angry Sea, Hidden Sands | book: 1

If one is new to the damou biji's series, I believe it's the best drama to start with for the main story.

MAIN STORY ; Seven Star Lu Palace's arc | book: 1

MAIN STORY (movie) ; the beginning | books: 1, mostly

MAIN STORY; Qinling Mountain Sacred Tree & Heavenly Palace on the Clouds | book: 2

Direct 2nd season of Tomb Raiders (2025) with the same cast, so I believe it'll cover mostly book 2 and it's a recommed watch over the other drama if you started with the 2025 adaptation.

MAIN STORY ; Angry Sea, Hidden Sands + Heavenly Palace on Clouds | books: 2, 3 and some of 4

MAIN STORY ; Snake Marsh Ghost City | book: 4

MAIN STORY ;   Snake Marsh Ghost City + Ancient Building under the Dark Mountain + Stones Shadows of Qionglong | books: 4, 5, 6 and some of 7

SEQUEL MAIN STORY (1) ;  set 5 years after the main serie ended (if you know, you know) and it's mostly about Wu Xie's searching about Zhang Qiling's family and story | book: Tibetan Sea Flower

SEQUEL MAIN STORY (2) ;  Wu Xie hunting down the Wang's family feat. Li Cu | book: Sand Sea (unfinished)

SEQUEL MAIN STORY (3) ;  Wu Xie's getting sick & his search of Uncle Three | book: Restart

SEQUEL MAIN STORY (4) ;  sequel to Reunion | book: Restart

SIDE STORY ;  Hei Yanjing's adventures

Not necessary to watch.

SIDE STORY ; Xie Yu Chen trying his best to not let Hei Yanjing's die.

SIDE STORY ; set after Reunion 2 (Xie Yuchen and Hei Yanjing in Russia). | book: Moving Forward Through the Flowery Night

NOT adapted from the novels.

Sequel to Conjouring Curse