The upcoming original Chinese anime, Veiled Dreams, also known as “Yun Shen BuZhi Meng” (《云深不知梦》) and “Eclipse of Illusion”, has officially been announced for release on July 5, 2025. This series is an original story, which means both book readers and newcomers will be on a level playing field. The project is being produced by YOUKU Animation, a major player in the donghua industry known for high-quality productions. Let’s dive into the trailer and break down what this new fantasy donghua has in store for us.
Table of Contents: Eclipse of Illusion 2025
Breaking Down the “Veiled Dreams” Trailer
The trailer for Veiled Dreams is a fast-paced, visually rich preview that sets a distinct tone of tragedy, revenge, and high-stakes fantasy action. It wastes no time establishing its core themes.
The trailer opens with a stark contrast: a scene of fiery destruction [00:00] quickly cuts to a serene, almost magical moment of a single snowflake landing on an outstretched hand [00:01]. This juxtaposition immediately suggests a world of beauty and chaos intertwined. We then see a cloaked figure on a balcony [00:03], hinting at a story with mystery and somber undertones.
The plot’s central conflict is introduced with a distressed female character, who we can assume is the protagonist [00:05]. She appears to be at a grand ceremony, possibly her own wedding, that descends into betrayal and chaos. A close-up of a white-haired character with glowing eyes and tears of blood [00:07] reinforces the themes of pain and corruption. The imagery suggests that a beautiful union is shattered by a dark power, setting our heroine on a path of vengeance. The YOUKU summary of the story confirms this: “A beautiful wedding turns into betrayal by a beloved. No longer seeking immortality, a single thought transforms into darkness. The powerful and tragic heroine embarks on a path of vengeance as a killing deity, determined to eradicate all.”
The action sequences are impressive and dynamic. We see our female protagonist wielding what appears to be immense power, often visualized with glowing blue energy and the use of a bell-like artifact [00:16]. Her movements are fluid and elegant, even in the midst of battle. There are glimpses of large-scale conflicts with imposing, dark structures [00:09] and confrontations in harsh, icy landscapes [00:19]. The shot of blood splattering on pure white snow [00:25] is a powerful visual that captures the brutal reality of her new path.
The trailer also introduces other key characters, though their roles are still mysterious. We see an injured but determined white-haired male character [00:17] and a brief shot of a group of characters who may form an alliance with the protagonist [00:14]. The settings are varied and atmospheric, from dark, gnarled forests [00:28] to grand, ornate pavilions, showcasing a rich and detailed world.
What to Expect from the Story
Based on the trailer and available information, Veiled Dreams is shaping up to be a classic revenge tale with a strong, female lead. This is a popular and compelling sub-genre within donghua, but the “original content” aspect gives the writers freedom to subvert expectations. The central theme seems to be a transformation born from betrayal—a character who once sought something pure (like love or immortality) is forced to embrace a darker nature to seek justice.
The narrative will likely follow her journey as she hones her newfound powers, confronts those who wronged her, and navigates a world that has become hostile. The presence of other characters suggests that she won’t be entirely alone, and these alliances will be crucial to her success. There seems to be a deep well of lore to draw from, with hints of magical artifacts, different factions, and powerful deities or demons. Since it is planned for 26 episodes, the story will have ample time to develop its plot and characters, hopefully avoiding a rushed pace. This is definitely a title to keep an eye on.
Animation and Art Style
From a production standpoint, Veiled Dreams looks stunning. The animation is fluid, especially during the fight scenes, with a clear focus on expressive character movements and dynamic energy effects. The art style is detailed and vibrant, with intricate character designs and lavish costumes that reflect the high-fantasy setting.
The color palette is used effectively to convey mood. The early scenes of the ceremony are filled with rich, celebratory colors, which are then stripped away and replaced with dark, cool tones of blue, black, and white, punctuated by the fiery red of destruction and blood. This visual storytelling enhances the emotional weight of the narrative. The quality shown in this preview is on par with other top-tier donghua reviews we’ve covered, indicating that YOUKU is putting significant resources behind this original project.
Final Thoughts
Veiled Dreams (Yun Shen BuZhi Meng) is a promising new entry into the world of donghua. With its compelling premise of a heroine’s journey from betrayal to vengeance, high-quality animation, and the intrigue of an original story, it has all the ingredients to be a major hit.
Mark your calendars for July 5, 2025. We will be following this series closely and will provide more updates as they become available. For now, the trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world of magic, conflict, and dark beauty that we can’t wait to explore.
