Painted Skin: The Resurrection 2012

As the centuries ticked by since Xiaowei’s transgression against the demon code, the fox demon languished in icy confinement, her powers frozen like the very substance that imprisoned her. Yet, within this stony tomb, a chance encounter with Que’er, a whimsical bird demon, would set Xiaowei on a path of redemption. The duo embarked upon a quest to find a mortal willing to surrender their heart to Xiaowei, hoping it would restore her humanity. Their initial foray led them to a pompous prince who scoffed at the notion, prompting Xiaowei to pilfer his heart with ease.

Undeterred by this rebuff, they targeted General Huo Xin, donning a golden mask that shrouded half of his face like a mysterious veil. Intrigued by the general’s enigmatic persona, Xiaowei employed her magical prowess to render him helpless, only to discover that the masked warrior was, in fact, Princess Jing, the youngest daughter of the ruling family. Jing’s visage bore the scars of a monstrous bear attack, which had occurred while Huo Xin, her loyal bodyguard-turned-general, was delayed by duty.

As night descended upon the White City, Xiaowei’s enchantments took hold of General Huo Xin, rendering him oblivious to his bewitchment. Princess Jing, feeling betrayed and spurned, flung herself into a lake, only for Xiaowei to rescue her. Unveiling her magical powers to Jing, Xiaowei suggested that the princess’s disfigurement would forever bar her from General Huo Xin’s affections. Convinced of this tragic fate, Xiaowei persuaded Jing to exchange appearances with her, seeking to gauge Huo’s true feelings.

Meanwhile, Que’er strolled through the city’s moonlit streets, only to be accosted by two ne’er-do-wells. Just as all hope seemed lost, Pang Lang, a local resident claiming descent from a line of demon hunters, intervened, his bravery matched only by his curiosity about the demonic duo. However, as he attempted to warn General Huo Xin of the approaching darkness, he found himself thwarted by the general’s vigilant guards.

As night descended, Jing donned a disguise, transforming into Xiaowei, and wove a seductive spell around Huo. The next day, exploiting the depths of Jing’s longing for Huo’s seemingly unrequited love, Xiaowei proposed an audacious plan: they would permanently exchange appearances. Unbeknownst to Jing, Huo happened upon this conversation, only to enter as Jing exposed Xiaowei’s true nature as a demon, commanding him to deliver the final blow. However, the enchantment binding him prevented such action, and Jing retaliated with fury.

In the midst of this tumult, the Tianlang kingdom’s army, led by an evil sorceress, arrived at White City to claim Princess Jing, who had been betrothed to their prince. Jing refused to accept her fate, prompting Huo to defend the city against all odds. With a desperate plea, Jing threatened to take her own life, ultimately persuading the Tianlang forces to retreat in exchange for her surrender within three days. Reluctant to marry any man other than Huo, Jing proposed an extraordinary solution: she would offer her heart to Xiaowei, allowing them to switch bodies and reshape their destinies.

As Xiaowei, disguised as Jing, infiltrated the Tianlang camp, she discovered her betrothed was none other than the boorish prince whose heart she had earlier consumed – and that the Tianlang planned to reinvigorate him with her own heart, which was actually Jing’s. Realizing she was powerless without her demon magic, Xiaowei faced a dire predicament.

Meanwhile, Que’er confided in Pang Lang about Xiaowei and Jing’s swapped identities, and the demon hunter swiftly disseminated this information to Huo. Just as Jing prepared to consume her first heart, sealing her transformation into a demon, Huo intervened with unyielding devotion. He blinded himself with his sword, shattering the enchantment that bound him, and paving the way for Xiaowei’s defeat.

As the battle subsided, Que’er’s life force faded, but Jing, Huo, and Pang Lang rallied to reclaim Jing’s heart from the Tianlang forces. In a final, desperate attempt, Huo offered his own heart to Xiaowei in exchange for Jing’s, only for her to choose the unconditional return of Jing’s heart. Under the mystifying glow of an impending eclipse, Xiaowei’s essence merged with Jing’s body, and Jing’s face was restored to its former beauty.

As the curtain closed on this cinematic tale, Huo and Jing prepared to embark on a new chapter in their lives, while Pang Lang discovered a bird resembling Que’er in her true form, bearing a feather akin to the one she had given him when they first met.