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“The Lost Tomb” in Chronological Order
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🏺Introduction
Among the hundreds of mysteries we’ve explored on this site, the Grave Robber Chronicles universe stands apart as a longtime favorite, a distinction it’s held ever since its first screen adaptation, The Lost Tomb. Part of what makes the franchise so appealing is its balance: enough romance to raise the emotional stakes without overwhelming the plot, paired with thrilling action and adventure throughout. Layer in ancient mysteries, supernatural forces, historical settings, and rich mythology, and you get something like Indiana Jones, minus the sweeping romance, plus a great deal more mystery and intrigue.
At its core, the franchise is a literary one. The original novels, known in Chinese as Daomu Biji, were written by author Xu Lei under the pen name Nan Pai San Shu. What began as an online serial in 2007 grew into a national phenomenon, eventually compiled into nine full-length novels and expanded into a sprawling media franchise. The series has sold more than twenty million copies, with sequels and spin-off web novels still extending the universe today.
The story centers on the enigmatic Old Nine Gates, nine ancient families who once governed the tomb-raiding world of China. Established well before World War II, these families originally protected the historic city of Changsha, each developing its own specialized techniques for navigating the deadly labyrinths and traps hidden beneath the earth. As political and economic tides shifted over time, so did the families themselves: some turned mercenary, chasing treasure; others became guardians, racing to protect sacred relics from black-market thieves. What never changed is the danger. None of them are safe from the ancient guardians and curses left behind by ancestors sworn to protect their secrets, even in death.
📋Table of Contents
- "The Lost Tomb" in Chronological Order
- 🏺Introduction
- 📋Table of Contents
- 📚 The Grave Robber Universe at a Glance
- 🏛️ The Nine Families – Gatekeepers of China's Underworld
- 🧑🎤 Popular Clan Members
- 📕Read the Novels First — or After?
- Graphic Novel
- 👁️️ Why You Should Watch
- 📃️️ Chronological Order for Your Watching Pleasure
- 👁️️ Why You Should Watch
- Join The Conversation!
📚 The Grave Robber Universe at a Glance
The expansive timeline of the Grave Robber Chronicles breaks down into three main narrative eras, each with its own tone and central cast.
🏯 Era 1: Prequels – The Rise of the Nine Gates
The prequels focus on the rise of the Nine Families in the years immediately before and during World War II, weaving together wartime intrigue, ancient tombs, and political maneuvering. Beyond their historical setting, these stories serve as the foundation for understanding the wider universe: its rules, its legacies, and the complicated family dynamics that follow.
The central story of this era is told in The Mystic Nine, which largely follows Zhang Qi Shan, the formidable head of Clan Zhang, one of the oldest and most enigmatic of the Nine Families. Once the most powerful of the clans, the Zhang family fell into decline in the 1800s, leaving only two members: Zhang Qi Shan and his cousin, Zhang Ri Shan. Together, they set out to restore the 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 Japanese occupation but also a tangled web of relationships with the other eight tomb-raiding families, many of whom prove less loyal, and less friendly, than they first appear. Some are rivals, others uneasy allies, but all are guarding secrets of their own.
The Mystic Nine blends supernatural and science fiction elements with historical fiction, illuminating how the Nine Gates were originally formed and why the traditions, rivalries, and loyalties established in this period continue to echo through the rest of the series. It’s a world where ancient relics meet modern warfare, and where loyalty can be just as dangerous as betrayal.
⚔️ Era 2: The Lost Tomb – Rise of the Iron Triangle and the Battle for the Nine Families
Moving past the WWII-era backdrop of Changsha, the second era shifts to modern times, pulling us deeper into labyrinths of mystery, family secrets, and supernatural conflict.
The central figure here is Wu Xie, a descendant of the Wu family who stumbles into the world of tomb-raiding after discovering a clue left by his Third Uncle, who vanished mysteriously during a mission. What starts as a search for a missing relative quickly unravels into a destiny tied to the fate of all Nine Gates.
He doesn’t face it alone. By his side are two unforgettable companions:
- Zhang Qiling: the silent, immortal warrior with a mysterious past and a distinctive Qilin tattoo
- Wang Pangzi: the loud, loyal, trigger-happy explosives expert
Together, the three form the legendary Iron Triangle, a bond of friendship that rivals brotherhood. Across these stories, Wu Xie grows from a wide-eyed novice into a seasoned explorer and quiet leader, as the trio tackles deadly tombs, mystical guardians, and dark conspiracies while uncovering the truth about their own family legacies.
The peace doesn’t last. Zhang Qiling eventually departs on a mysterious ten-year mission, leaving Wu Xie to carry on alone. It’s during this period, chronicled in the haunting, visually striking Tomb of the Sea, that an older Wu Xie meets a troubled young man named Li Cu, whom he reluctantly takes under his wing. Together, they face their most dangerous adversary yet: Clan Wang.
🔁 Era 3: Sequels – The Reunion Era and the Return of the Iron Triangle
After years apart, the franchise’s most beloved trio returns to the spotlight. Known among fans as the “Reunion” arc, this third era finally brings Wu Xie, Zhang Qiling, and Wang Pangzi back together.
What drives these sequels isn’t nostalgia alone, it’s resolution. The Iron Triangle returns older, wiser, and shaped by the passage of time and everything they’ve uncovered, and buried. Despite the years apart, their bond holds fast, anchoring this arc in themes of brotherhood, legacy, and unwavering loyalty.
This era also widens its lens, giving more attention to fan-favorite and previously lesser-explored characters from the broader Daomu Biji universe. These stories dig deeper into the lives, loyalties, and motivations of characters who once stood in the background and now step into the spotlight through side stories and spin-offs.
In short, Reunion and its companion series bring the world of the Grave Robber Chronicles full circle: a universe where past and present intertwine, and where no character, however minor, is without purpose or history.
🏛️ The Nine Families – Gatekeepers of China’s Underworld
Introduced in The Mystic Nine, the Nine Gates remain central to the modern timeline. Their relationships, rivalries, and histories echo throughout Wu Xie’s journey. Each family carries a distinct identity, strength, and place within the power hierarchy.
🟢 Upper Gates (Most Influential)
These tend to be the wealthiest and most powerful families, with extensive networks of extended family, apprentices, and connections. They’re the ones most likely to lead large operations requiring significant manpower.
- Zhang (张): Legendary, powerful, and morally driven, the Zhang family generally sits on the side of good, keeping the more morally ambiguous families in check. Often aligned with the military, the clan is led by Zhang Qi Shan (Fo Ye) and later Zhang Ri Shan, and is tied to the mysterious Zhang Qiling, whose origins remain deeply secretive.
- Er (二): Refined artists and tacticians, frequently associated with Chinese opera. Originally led by Er Yuehong, an opera performer and loyal ally of Zhang Qi Shan.
- Ban (半): Initially led by Ban Jie Li. Quieter in modern storylines, its descendants appear to have adopted the surname Li, though it’s unclear whether Li Cu is connected to them, an intriguing open question for fans.
🟡 Middle Gates (Independent but Capable)
Generally smaller families that operate independently or in isolated groups. They’re less political than the Upper Gates but no less skilled within their own areas of expertise.
- Chen (陈): Once apprentices under the Er family, particularly under Chen Pi Ah Si, the Chen eventually grew into an independent force.
- Wu (吴): Wu Xie’s family, honorable and highly respected. Wu Lao Gou, often seen with a loyal dog, represents one of the family’s earlier-generation elders. In modern times, the Wu family tends to be more hands-on in ground operations than some of the Upper Gate families.
- Hei (黑): Named for the color black, and represented by Hei Bei Lao Liu. Less prominently featured in adaptations, the Hei family often plays a mercenary role.
🔵 Lower Gates (Traders and Support Roles)
These families typically serve as sub-contractors, occasionally assisting other families on digs but generally focused on trading antiquities. They’re not always allies, but usually so.
- Huo (霍): Often led by formidable women, including Huo Jin Xi and her descendant Huo Xiu Xiu, the Huo family walks a fine line between ally and antagonist.
- Qi (齐): Masters of feng shui and fortune-telling, led by the beloved Qi Tiezui (Ba Ye), known for his wit, loyalty, and flair.
- Xie (解): Wealthy, resourceful, and generally neutral. Initially led by Xie Jiu and later by the dashing Xie Yuchen, who frequently aids Wu Xie.
⚫ 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 they believe the Zhang family guards. Members are marked by phoenix tattoos, and the clan represents everything the Nine Gates fear most: corruption from within and ruin from without.
Unlike the noble families, the Wang Clan is made up 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.
Worth noting: not all Wangs are villains. Beloved characters like Wang Pangzi and Wang Meng have no connection to this sinister bloodline.
With help from Li Cu and renewed support from descendants of the Nine Families, Wu Xie mounts a resistance to stop the Wang Clan and preserve what remains of his ancestors’ legacy.
🧑🎤 Popular Clan Members
A fun bit of trivia for sharp-eyed fans: the group who accompanied Wu Xie’s uncle to the underwater tomb in The Lost Tomb 2 included representatives from the Zhang, Li (likely Ban), Chen, Wu, Huo, Qi, and Xie families. Only the Hei and Er families were absent.
Notable characters across the series include Zhang Qi Shan and his wife Yin Xin Yue, Zhang Ri Shan, Er Yuehong, Huo Jin Xi, a young Wu Xie (The Lost Tomb), an older Wu Xie (Tomb of the Sea and later Reunion), Zhang Qi Ling, Wang Pangzi (“Fatty”), Wang Meng, Li Cu, Hei Yan Jing, Xie Yue Chen, and Huo Xiu Xiu.
📕Read the Novels First — or After?
If you’d like to read the original novels before or after watching the adaptations, English translations are available. The first six books in the series were officially published by Xu Lei and can be found on Amazon in print and Kindle formats.
It’s worth knowing that the English and Chinese editions don’t line up one-to-one: there are eight volumes in the Chinese edition, compared to six in the English edition, which often combine or excerpt material from the originals. The table below (credit to MereBear’s translation site for compiling this) maps the Chinese editions to their corresponding fan translations and official English releases:
This table draws on MereBear’s Translation work, which covers many additional side stories beyond what’s listed here. For any volumes without an official English translation, including sequels, prequels, and side stories, their site is a highly recommended resource.
If you’re a visual reader, the graphic novel adaptation of Daomu Biji, also by Xu Lei, is worth a look too. The manga-style artwork and pacing make it hard to put down, and it’s available on Amazon in print and Kindle formats.
English Translations
Graphic Novel
👁️️ Why You Should Watch
We recommend giving the series a chance yourself, and hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we have. Below is the full chronological watch order for The Grave Robber Chronicles, with individual entries covering cast, trailers, and where to watch each title.
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? 🖤👇
📃️️ Chronological Order for Your Watching Pleasure
Note: we’re migrating to a new database system, so this list is actively being updated as each title is moved over.
Ancient Prequels
- Legend of Zang Hai (Tibetan Sea Opera) – Only tangentially related to the series. Technically an independent series.
The Mystic Nine & Later Prequels
- The Mystic Nine: Qing Shan Hai Tang
- The Mystic Nine
- The Mystic Nine against the Coming Storm
- 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
- Archives: The Nanyang Mystery – The novel was set in the 1870s but the TV series is set in the Republican era (1912-1940s).
* The side stories are independent of one another and can be watched in any order. That said, it is best if they are seen after the first season of The Mystic Nine so you are familiar with the characters and because they generally are set later chronologically.
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
- Wu Xie’s Private Notes – Retells and expands on the Main Story with some new events. It can be seen as a standalone or as a companion to the Main Story.
Sequels – Bronze Door
Sequels – Tomb of the Sea
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 doesn’t appear in Tomb of the Sea but does appear in Reunion. Though non-canon and not a clean fit for the timeline, Liu Sang’s arc suggests a setting closer 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
- Misty Creed – Sequel to Conjuring Curse
Standalones
- Time Raiders
- The Buried Tree Devil – Donghua
👁️️ Why You Should Watch
Adventure Behind the Bronze Door
Archives: The Nanyang Mystery
Bang Ren
Conjuring Curse
Echo of Moonfall
Hua Mei
Legend of Zang Hai
Misty Creed
Ping Yao Wang Shi
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