Mystic Nine Drama: William Chan Returns as Zhang Qishan in 2026’s Biggest Adventure Hit
[ENTERTAINMENT] “Ten years later, he is still the unmatched Grand Buddha!” As the official sequel to the classic IP The Mystic Nine, the Republican adventure thriller Mystic Nine drama has swept the 2026 summer season since its surprise early premiere on Youku on July 30. The show broke the 100 million character heat index in just 19 minutes and set Youku’s fastest record to hit 10,000 heat points, ultimately claiming the summer championship with a massive 1.72 billion views.
Furthermore, directed by Bai Shan and written by the original author Nanpai Sanshu, this grand chess game of the Republican era sees William Chan returning as Zhang Qishan after a decade. Joined by Joseph Zeng (as Wu Laogou) and Chen Yao (as Huo Xiangu), the Nine Gates unite to uncover the century-old mystery of the vanished “Unit 401,” blending national survival with deadly tomb-raiding adventures.
The Plot: The Vanishing of Unit 401 & The Secrets of Ge Shi Lou
Set against the chaotic backdrop of the Republican era, the Mystic Nine drama kicks off with the bizarre disappearance of an entire military battalion known as “Unit 401.” This incident unravels a terrifying, century-old secret. To uncover the truth, the leaders of the Nine Gates of Changsha are forced to reunite. Zhang Qishan (William Chan), the formidable military commander, teams up with the cunning beast-master Wu Laogou (Joseph Zeng) and the ruthless beauty Huo Xiangu (Chen Yao) to embark on a deadly expedition.
Inheriting the core essence of the “Tomb Raiding Universe,” the crew navigates the eerie “Ge Shi Lou” (Tower of Separation) and the treacherous “Caopan Mountain.” Nanpai Sanshu masterfully weaves Chinese folk horror, warlord politics, and underground exploration into the script. Thus, this is not merely a treasure hunt, but a tragic epic of the Nine Gates sacrificing themselves for national survival in a broken era.
Cast & Nostalgia: William Chan is “Irreplaceable”
For fans of the franchise, William Chan’s return is the ultimate anchor. A decade later, when he dons that iconic military uniform in the rain, his commanding aura instantly triggers a wave of nostalgia. Audiences are raving, “No one can replace William Chan as Zhang Qishan.” This role also made him the first post-85 actor in Youku’s history to hit 100 million character heat in under 20 minutes.
The new additions are equally thrilling. Joseph Zeng brilliantly captures the playful yet deeply intelligent essence of Wu Laogou (the grandfather of Wu Xie from the main Lost Tomb series). Meanwhile, Chen Yao perfectly embodies the early days of Huo Xiangu—glamorous, sharp, and fiercely proud. Therefore, the chemistry between the veteran and new cast makes this Republican ensemble incredibly vibrant.
Reception: 1.7 Billion Views vs. The 6.6 Douban Controversy
Commercially, the Mystic Nine drama is the undisputed king of the 2026 summer season, securing 1.72 billion views. However, its Douban score hovers at 6.6, revealing a stark divide between heat and critical acclaim. Fans praise director Bai Shan (known for Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty) for his masterful control of suspense, intricate tomb mechanisms, and William Chan’s stunning action sequences.
Conversely, some hardcore fans argue that the pacing drags in the second half, with certain romantic subplots diluting the tension of the main expedition. Despite the “hated but highly watched” debates, the show successfully reignited the public’s passion for “Republican tomb-raiding” themes, proving the immense commercial power of Nanpai Sanshu’s universe.
“The Nine Gates each have their duties. In these chaotic times, what we guard is not just Changsha, but the final backbone of our nation.”
— Thematic essence of Mystic Nine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the Mystic Nine drama? Is it a sequel?
Does William Chan still play Zhang Qishan? Are Lay Zhang and Zhao Liying back?
Is the horror and exploration scale intense?
Why is the heat record-breaking but the Douban score only 6.6?
Have you finished the Mystic Nine finale? Did William Chan’s return give you goosebumps? How do you rate Joseph Zeng’s Wu Laogou? Drop your “tomb-raiding notes” in the comments!
※ This article compiles reports from Youku, Wikipedia, Douban, and various drama media. Broadcasting schedules are subject to final official announcements.
