Long-Life Species
Last updated 2026-01-30
Long-life species is a term within the Xianzhou Alliance that refers to species that have extended lifespans.
Many long-life species have obtained their longevity from the blessings of Yaoshi, the Aeon of Abundance, though one exception to this is the Vidyadhara, whose longevity originates from Long, the Permanence. Long-life species are generally considered immortal, but not invulnerable.
Description
Long-life species, particularly the Vidyadhara, have slow rates of physical growth.[1] They are implied to have lower neuroplasticity than short-life species.[2]
Regardless of their origin, all long-life species are susceptible to mara, a condition that deteriorates the mental state while drastically transforming the physical body.[3] However, it is less common in foxians and Vidyadhara, as the former usually do not live long enough for mara to develop, and the latter reincarnate before mara has a chance to develop.[3][Note 1]
Some long-life species, like foxians, have long but still limited lifespans. Xianzhou natives are typically put down once they become mara-struck, while Vidyadhara reincarnate into different individuals and lose the memories of their past lives.
The term "long-life species" can be used in the singular to refer to an individual that is a member of a long-life species. The antonym of "long-life species" is "short-life species," which is used to refer to "regular" humans and other species without extended lifespans.
Species
Xianzhou Natives
Xianzhou natives, or Homo celestinae,[4] are the most commmon long-life species present throughout the Xianzhou Alliance. Their ancestors lived on a planet ruled by the Primeval Imperium, and their long lives can be traced back to when Yaoshi, The Aeon of Abundance, sprouted the Ambrosial Arbor to convert the Xianzhou natives into long-life species.[5] At the end of their lifespan, they become afflicted with mara, and start turning into abominations.
Foxians
Foxians are a long-life species with vulpine features, commonly found within the Xianzhou Alliance, especially on the Xianzhou Yaoqing. They have a common ancestor shared with the borisin, yet their genetics have diverged into different paths.[6] Their immortality was said to have come from Yaoshi, after drinking from the Redspring.[6] This species usually does not live long enough to become afflicted with mara.
Vidyadhara
Vidyadhara are a long-life species descendent from Long, the Aeon of Permanence. They hold draconic features, and some can transform into fully-fledged dragons.[7] This species avoids the risk of mara by hatching rebirth,[Note 2] in which they lose all their memories and start a new life.
Denizens of Abundance
While more of a faction rather than a singular species, the Denizens of Abundance are also blessed with the immortality of Yaoshi, albeit manifesting in different ways. Species within the Denizens of Abundance include the borisin, Cobrakinds, heliobi, Houyhnhnms, viscorpi, and wingweavers.
Notes
- ↑ While Fu Xuan states that "All long-life species are equal in the face of mara," Dan Shu's report Pharmacological Studies on the Draught of Draconic Surge states "Vidyadharas do not face the ailments of immortality that many other long-life species have to contend with."
- ↑ Also referred to as "molting rebirth" (such as in An Appeal from the Vidyadhara). They appear to be synonymous, although "hatching rebirth" is the more commonly used term.
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Long-life Species |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 长生种 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 長生種 |
| Japanese | 長命種 |
| Korean | 장수종 |
| Spanish | Razas de larga vida |
| French | Espèces à longue espérance de vie |
| Russian | Долгоживущие виды |
| Thai | เผ่าพันธุ์อายุยืนยาว |
| Vietnamese | Tộc Trường Sinh |
| German | Langlebige Spezies |
| Indonesian | Spesies Berumur Panjang |
| Portuguese | Macróbios |
Change History
References
- ↑ Data Bank, Characters, Bailu: Character Story: Part IV
- ↑ Readable: Dan Shu's Diary
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Trailblaze Mission, Topclouded Towerthrust: Desolate Depths of Despair
- ↑ Trace Material: Immortal Lumintwig
- ↑ Readable: Investigation of Ancient Pattern Rubbings from the Luofu
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Readable: List of Archenemies
- ↑ Trailblaze Mission, Windswept Wanderlust: Wood Sprouts Anew, Fate Tilts Askew