Ever Night (将夜)

In the Tang Dynasty, a prophecy warns that the arrival of "Yong Ye" (Eternal Night) will plunge the world into chaos. Ning Que, the sole survivor of his family's brutal massacre by a corrupt general, manages to escape and survive in the wilderness as a child soldier. While digging through a pile of corpses, he discovers a baby girl he names Sang Sang (Mulberry) and raises her as his loyal maid. Driven by revenge and his promise to protect Sang Sang, Ning Que travels to the capital to pursue justice. With the help of the Princess, he enters the prestigious Academy and becomes a personal disciple of its mysterious and powerful leader, Master Fu Zi (Confucius, portrayed by Adam Cheng). However, disaster looms when Sang Sang falls mysteriously ill — revealing herself as the prophesied reincarnation of the Eternal Night who could destroy the world. As both Tang Dynasty officials and the powerful West-Hill Divine Palace mark Sang Sang for elimination, Ning Que must defy the heavens and fight to protect the one he loves above all.

• Season 1 of Ever Night spans 60 episodes (approx. 45 minutes each). The series can be broadly divided into four main story arcs (Note: these arcs are fluid; episode ranges are approximate):
  • Act 1: Into the Capital & Trials of the Academy (Episodes 1-15): A chance mission escorting Princess Li Yu into the capital opens a path for Ning Que to seek justice. This arc functions like an action-packed movie as he navigates enemies seeking to kill him and the Princess. To prove himself, Ning Que enters the prestigious "Academy," undergoing rigorous tests to become a disciple of the mysterious teacher Master Fu Zi. This period establishes his talent, his fierce rivalry with Long Qing, and his growing bond with the Princess.
  • Act 2: The Hidden Struggle & Master-Servant Bond (Episodes 16-32): Having gained some strength, Ning Que is tasked with dangerous errands for the Academy and the Tang. His deep and unwavering bond with his maid, Sang Sang, becomes the emotional core of the story. During this arc, Sang Sang's mysterious "cold disease" begins to manifest, hinting at her strange nature. Meanwhile, spies target the protective "Black Umbrella" in her possession, leading to a fight that exposes her supernatural traits to enemies and allies alike.
  • Act 3: Revenge, Secrets & A Shocking Truth (Episodes 33-50): The plot reaches a pivotal turning point. Ning Que finally confronts General Xia Hou, the man he has long blamed for the massacre of his family, learning shocking truths about his past. Shortly after, a sinister incurable disease suddenly ravages the capital city. When the Academy, the Tang Emperor, and even West-Hill's most powerful healers fail to cure the plague, the helpless Ning Que is forced to turn to his own ailing servant, Sang Sang — who miraculously cures the plague. The world's most powerful forces then uncover the terrifying truth: Sang Sang is the prophesied being of destruction.
  • Act 4: Defying Heaven for the One You Love (Episodes 51-60): The Yan Emperor and the West-Hill Divine Palace issue a kill order against Sang Sang. Ning Que refuses to give her up, turning himself and his beloved against the entire world. He is forced to fight and even kill former allies to protect her, culminating in a desperate stand. The first season ends on a suspenseful cliffhanger after Ning Que challenges the powers of Heaven for Sang Sang's life.