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🏺Introduction

Although we’ve explored hundreds of mysteries across genres, The Grave Robber Chronicles universe has remained a standout favorite ever since its first screen adaptation, The Lost Tomb. What makes this franchise so universally appealing is its perfect blend of genres—there’s something here for every taste. You’ll find just enough romance to keep emotional stakes high (but never too much), coupled with thrilling action and gripping adventure in spades. Layered with ancient mysteries, supernatural forces, heart-pounding combat, historical backdrops, and fantastical lore, it’s like Indiana Jones—but with less sweeping romance and a whole lot more mystery and intrigue.

At its core, The Grave Robber Chronicles is rooted in literature. The original novels, known in Chinese as 盗墓笔记 (Dàomù Bǐjì), were penned by renowned Chinese author Xu Lei (徐磊)—better known by his pseudonym, Nan Pai San Shu. Starting as online serials in 2007, the series quickly grew into a national phenomenon, later compiled into nine full-length novels and adapted into a sprawling media empire. Over twenty million copies sold attest to its pull, with sequels and spin‑off web‑novels extending the universe well into the present .

The story begins with the enigmatic Old Nine Gates—nine ancient families who once oversaw the tomb-raiding world of China. Established long before World War II, these families originally served as protectors of the historic city of Changsha, each specializing in their own secret techniques for surviving the deadly labyrinths and traps hidden beneath the earth. Over time, as the political and supernatural landscapes shifted, so did the families. Some turned mercenary, driven by the lure of treasure. Others became guardians, racing against black-market thieves to preserve sacred relics of China’s past. But one thing remained certain: none of them are safe from the ancient guardians and deadly curses lying in wait, placed by ancestors sworn to protect their secrets—even in death.

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📚 The Grave Robber Universe at a Glance

The massive timeline of The Grave Robber Chronicles can be roughly divided into three main narrative eras, each with its own tone and central characters:

🏯 Era 1: Prequels – The Rise of the Nine Gates

The prequels generally focus on the rise of the Nine Families immediately before and during WWII, offering a gripping mix of wartime intrigue, ancient tombs, and political maneuvering. These stories serve not just as a historical lens into the tomb-raiding world, but as a foundational tool for understanding the greater universe of The Grave Robber Chronicles—its rules, legacies, and complex family dynamics.

The central narrative of this era unfolds in the drama The Mystic Nine, which focuses on Zhang Qi Shan—the formidable and mysterious head of Clan Zhang, one of the oldest and most enigmatic of the nine families. Once considered the most powerful, the Zhang family had fallen into decline in the 1800s. Now, only two members remain: Zhang Qi Shan and his cousin, Zhang Ri Shan. Together, they are determined to restore their family’s reputation and reclaim its former standing.

Having recently arrived in Changsha as military officers, the Zhang cousins must navigate not only the growing threat of the Japanese occupation, but also the complicated web of relationships with the other eight tomb-raiding families, many of whom are not as loyal—or as friendly—as they might seem. Some of these families are rivals, others uneasy allies, but all of them are guarding secrets of their own.

The Mystic Nine blends supernatural elements with historical fiction, shedding light on how the Nine Gates were originally formed and why the traditions, rivalries, and loyalties established in this period echo throughout the later series. It’s a world where ancient relics meet modern warfare, and where loyalty can be as deadly as betrayal.

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⚔️ Era 2: The Lost Tomb – Rise of the Iron Triangle and the Battle for the Nine Families

As we move away from the historical backdrop of WWII-era Changsha, the second era of The Grave Robber Chronicles thrusts us into modern times—and deeper into the labyrinths of mystery, family secrets, and supernatural war.

The central character in this era is WuXie, a descendant of the Wu family, who stumbles into the world of tomb-raiding after discovering a clue left behind by his Third Uncle, who mysteriously vanished during a mission. What begins as a search for a missing relative quickly unravels into a destiny that will forever bind him to the fate of all Nine Gates.

He isn’t alone. By his side are two unforgettable companions:

• Zhang Qiling, the silent, immortal warrior with a mysterious past and a Qilin tattoo
• Wang Pangzi, the loud, loyal, and trigger-happy explosives expert

Together, they form the legendary Iron Triangle—a bond of friendship so deep it rivals brotherhood.In these stories, Wu Xie grows from a wide-eyed novice into a seasoned explorer and quiet leader. The Iron Triangle tackles deadly tombs, mystical guardians, and dark conspiracies while unraveling the truth about their own family legacies.

But the peace is temporary. Eventually, Zhang Qiling departs on a mysterious ten-year mission, and Wu Xie is left to carry on alone. It is during this period—chronicled in the haunting and visually stunning Tomb of the Sea—that an older Wu Xie meets a troubled youth named Li Cu, whom he reluctantly takes under his wing. Together, they face their most dangerous enemy yet: Clan Wang.

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🔁 Era 3: Sequels – The Reunion Era and the Return of the Iron Triangle

After years apart, the most beloved trio in The Grave Robber Chronicles universe returns to the spotlight. In this third era—known by fans as the “Reunion” arc—we finally witness the long-awaited reformation of the Iron Triangle: Wu Xie, Zhang Qiling, and Wang Pangzi.

. This era, often referred to as the “Reunion Arc”, continues the central story of The Grave Robber Chronicles with a renewed focus on Wu Xie, Zhang Qiling, and Wang Pangzi as they reunite for a new series of high-stakes adventures.

The driving force behind these sequels is not just nostalgia—it’s resolution. The Iron Triangle returns older, wiser, and changed by the toll of time and the weight of everything they’ve uncovered (and buried). But despite the years, their bond holds fast—anchoring this arc in themes of brotherhood, legacy, and unrelenting loyalty.

This era also begins to broaden the lens, turning more attention toward other fan-favorite and lesser-explored characters from the wider Daomu Biji universe. These stories dive deeper into the lives, loyalties, and motivations of those who once stood in the background—and now take the stage in side stories and spinoffs.

In short, Reunion and its sister series bring the world of The Grave Robber Chronicles full circle: a universe where past and present bleed together, and where no character—no matter how small—is without purpose or history.

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🏛️ The Nine Families – Gatekeepers of China’s Underworld

The Nine Gates—originally introduced in The Mystic Nine—remain central in the modern timeline. Their relationships, rivalries, and histories echo throughout Wu Xie’s journey. Each family has a distinct identity, strength, and place in the power hierarchy:

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🔺 Upper Gates (Most Influential)

Tend to involve wealthier and more powerful families. Extensive in terms of their extended family, apprentices, connections, etc. These families are more likely to head up or undertake large operations requiring more manpower.

• Zhang (张) – Legendary, powerful, and morally driven, the Zhang Family is generally on the side of good and keep the more morally ambiguous of the families in check.. Often aligned with the military. Led by Zhang Qi Shan (Fo Ye) and later Zhang Ri Shan, the clan is tied to the mysterious Zhang Qiling, whose origins are deeply secretive. #ZhangRiShanFans ❤
• Er (二) – (The Chinese term for two – ‘èr’). Refined artists and tacticians, freqently associated with the Chinese Opera. Initially headed up by Er Yuehong, an opera performer and loyal ally of Zhang Qi Shan.
• Ban (半) – Initially led by Ban Jie Li. Though quieter in modern arcs, descendants seem to adopt the surname Li. It’s unclear if Li Cu is connected to them, but the possibility remains intriguing.

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🟡 Middle Gates (Independent but Capable)

Generally smaller families operating independently or in isolated groups. Not typically as political, but no less influential in their own area of expertise.  

• Chen (陈) – Once apprentices under the Er family, especially Chen Pi Ah Si (Si for the Chinese character 4 ‘sì‘), they eventually grow into an independent force.
• Wu (吴) – (sound is similar to Chinese 5 ‘wǔ‘). Wu Xie’s family, honorable and highly respected. Wu Lao Gou, often seen with a loyal puppy 🐶, is one of the elders from earlier generations. In modern times, the family is frequently more involved in the actual ground-operations than some of the Upper Gate families.
• Hei (黑) – (The name represents the color ‘black’). Represented by Hei Bei Lao Liu (sounds like the number 6 ‘liù‘). Less prominently featured in adaptations, they often play a mercenary role.

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🔵 Lower Gates (Traders and Support Roles)

These families often appear as sub-contractors, assisting the other families on digs occasionally but often focusing on the general trade of antiquities. Not always allies but generally so.

• Huo (霍) – Often led by formidable women, including Huo Jin Xi and her descendant Huo Xiu Xiu. They walk a fine line between ally and antagonist.
• Qi (齐) – Masters of feng shui and fortune-telling. Led by the beloved Qi Tiezui (Ba Ye), who was known for his wit, loyalty, and flair.
  #WeLoveBaYe ❤
• Xie (解) – Wealthy, resourceful, and usually neutral. Initially led by Xie Jiu, and later by the dashing Xie Yuchen, who aids Wu Xie often.

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⚫ The Tenth Clan – Wang (王)

First introduced in Tomb of the Sea, the Wang Clan is a hidden, underground organization bent on destroying the Nine Families and seizing the secrets of immortality—which they believe the Zhang family guards. With their members marked by phoenix tattoos, the Wang Clan represents everything the Nine Gates fear: corruption from within, and ruin from without.

Unlike the noble families, the Wang Clan is composed of traitors, outsiders, and rogue descendants of the original clans. Their obsession with eternal life and power puts them in direct conflict with Wu Xie, Zhang Qiling, and their allies.

⚠️ Not all Wangs are evil: beloved characters like Wang Pangzi and Wang Meng are completely unrelated to this sinister bloodline.

With the help of Li Cu and renewed support from descendants of the Nine Families, Wu Xie mounts a resistance to stop the Wang Clan and preserve the last threads of his ancestors’ legacy.

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🧑‍🎤 Popular Clan Members

*As a hidden Easter egg, you might remember that the persons who went to the Underwater tomb with Wu Xie’s uncle in The Lost Tomb 2 included Zhang, Li (likely from the Ban family), Chen, Wu, Huo, Qi, Xie – only the Hei and Er families failed to participate.

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📕Read the Novels First — or After?

If you’d prefer to dive into the original novels before (or after) watching the shows, you’re in luck—English translations are available! The first six books in the Grave Robber Chronicles series were officially published by author Xu Lei himself and are available on Amazon in both print and Kindle formats.

The English translations are not immediately aligned with the Chinese editions. There are eight volumes in the Chinese edition and only six volumes in the English edition. There are six volumes in the English edition and they often combine or excerpt content from the original version.

Chinese Edition	Online Translation (MereBear)	English Edition
Lao Jiu Men	The Mystic Nine
Lao Jiu Men Zhi Xiangxi Wangshi	The Mystic Nine 2: What Happened In Xiangxi
盗墓笔记 1	Seven-Star Lu Palace & Angry Sea, Hidden Sands	Cavern of the Blood Zombies Angry Sea, Hidden Sands
盗墓笔记 2	Qinling Sacred Tree & Heavenly Palace on the Clouds	Bronze Tree of Death Palace of Doom (Chapter 1 – 12)
盗墓笔记 3	Heavenly Palace on the Clouds (Part 2)	Palace of Doom (Chapter 13 – end) Deadly Desert Winds (Chapter 1 – 4)
盗墓笔记 4	Snake Marsh Ghost City (Parts 1 & 2)	Deadly Desert Winds (Chapter 5 – end)
盗墓笔记 5	Snake Marsh Ghost City (Part 3) Ancient Building Under the Dark Mountain (Chapters 1 – 10)	A Graveyard of a Queen
盗墓笔记 6	Ancient Building Under the Dark Mountain (Chapters 11 – End)
盗墓笔记 7	Stone Shadows of Qionglong
盗墓笔记 8 | 盗墓笔记 9	The Finale (Parts 1 & 2)
Zang Hai Hua (1) Zang Hai Hua (2)	Tibetan Sea Flower Parts 1-2
Sha Hai Parts 1 – 2 Sha Hai Parts 3 – 4	Sand Sea Parts 1-4
Shi Nian Zhi Hou	11 Ten Years Later
Chongqi 1	Restart Part 1: Sound of the Providence
Chongqi 2	Restart Part 2: Southeast Asia Adventure

For any volumes lacking an official English translation —including sequels, prequels, and side stories—you can find well-crafted fan translations on MereBear’s Translation site (💖 highly recommended!).

And if you’re more of a visual reader, don’t miss the graphic novel adaptation of Daomu Biji, also by Xu Lei. With stunning artwork and fast-paced storytelling, the manga-style series is available on Amazon as well (print and Kindle)—we couldn’t put it down!

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👁️️ Why You Should Watch

We seriously recommend watching the series for yourself and hope you will love it as much as we have! So without further ado, here is a list of the Chronological order for watching The Grave Robber Chronicle series! Each card will provide more details about the shows including the cast, trailers, and where to watch. Enjoy!

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📃️️ Chronological Order for Your Watching Pleasure

We’re shifting to a new database system so these lists are under development as we move each show over.

Prequels

• Legend of Zang Hai (Tibetan Sea Opera) – Only tangentially related to the series. Technically an independent series.
• Southern Anecdote (The South Bureau) – The novel was set in the 1870s but the TV series is set in the Republican era (1912-1940s).

Prequels – The Mystic Nine

• The Mystic Nine: Qing Shan Hai Tang
• The Mystic Nine
• The Treasured Bajia Book (The Mystic Nine S2)
• The Mystic Nine Side Story: Four Belongs to Abelmoschus
• The Mystic Nine Side Story: Tiger Bones Plum Blossom
• The Mystic Nine Side Story: Ganges in the Trees
• The Mystic Nine Side Story: Flowers Bloom in February

The Lost Tomb (Main Story)

• The Lost Tomb
• The Lost Tomb 2: Explore with the Note (2019) – Season 1
• The Lost Tomb 2: Explore with the Note (2021) – Season 2
• Ultimate Note

Sequels – Other

• Wu Xie’s Private Notes – Retells and expands on the Main Stsory with some new events. It can be seen as a standalone or as a companion to the Main Story.

Sequels – Bronze Door

• Adventure behind the Bronze Door
• Zang Hai Hua Zhi Xue Ye Xiong Deng
• Zang Hai Hua Zhi An Chao Xiong Yong

Sequels – Tomb of the Sea

• Tomb of the Sea (Sand Puzzle)
• Tomb of the Sea: Bang Ren
• Tomb of the Sea: Ran Gu

Sequels – Reunion

• Reunion: Sound of the Providence (2020) – Season 1
• Reunion: Sound of the Providence (2020) – Season 2
• Reunion: Ping Yao Wang Shi
• Tomb of the Sea: Hua Mei – Side Story featuring Liu Sang who is not in Tomb of the Sea but is in Reunion. Although this story is non-canon and does not easily fit into the timeline, Liu Sang’s experience suggests a setting better suited to post-Reunion.
• Echo of Moonfall – Side Story featuring characters from the Reunion
• Reunion: Escape from the Monstrous Snake
• Reunion: Abyss of Mystery
• Conjuring Curse – Side Story set just before the Iron Triangle Retires

Stand Alone

• Time Raiders
• Daomu Biji Zhi Qinling Shen Shu – Donghua

📺️️ Show Details

Do You Like the Show?

Are you a longtime fan of The Grave Robber Chronicles, or just starting your journey into the world of tomb raiding and ancient secrets? Let us know in the comments! Which adaptation is your favorite—and more importantly, which cast stole your heart? Whether you fell for the charm of Ultimate Note, the grit of Reunion, or the atmosphere of Tomb of the Sea, we want to know: Which Wu Xie is your Wu Xie? And did anyone else form a Ba Ye fan club, or is that just us? 🖤👇

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