Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing and COL Group released the first season of the AI-driven micro-series The Contract of Mountains and Rivers on June 28. This innovative series is now available on major streaming platforms, including Youku, iQIYI, Tencent Video, Bilibili and Sohu.

A poster for the first season of The Contract of Mountains and Rivers.

The series draws inspiration from the classic Chinese mythological text The Classic of Mountains and Rivers and features important mythical creatures whose designs are based on the acclaimed book Hand-Drawn The Classic of Mountains and Rivers by Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing. Utilizing a cutting-edge blend of AI-generated imagery and hand-drawn refinement, the series boasts cinematic visual quality.

Hand-Drawn The Classic of Mountains and Rivers by Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing.

Set in the year 2088, the story follows Feng Xiaoyang, a graduate student majoring in AI, who is unexpectedly transported to the Xuan Ding Era, a world teeming with mythical beasts, by a family heirloom: a five-colored stone necklace. Together with a vengeful young woman named Xia Yi, a secret realm guardian Ling Yue, and a wandering Taoist, Feng embarks on a thrilling adventure. They use modern technology and ancient Five Elements principles to tame chaotic beasts and restore the world's spiritual veins.

The Contract of Mountains and Rivers masterfully intertwines elements of The Classic of Mountains and Rivers with futuristic sci-fi settings, creating a unique techno-fantasy universe where AI smart devices meet the ancient magic of the Five Elements.

A character in the AI-driven micro-series The Contract of Mountains and Rivers.

In addition to the series, a range of related merchandise is in the works, including themed flashcards, popular blind box figures, and a beautifully crafted collection of anime settings. The creators are also developing a dedicated virtual idol and a metaverse.