The Longest Promise

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At first it was a bit boring but I got through it and middle way it got a little bit exciting, the thing is IT ANNOYS ME HOW THE FEMALE IS ALWAYS SO WEAK THERES NEVER A TIME WHERE SHES ACTUALLY STRONG.and please dont even get me started with the misunderstandings and how the female character is always getting in the middle of the plans. Just based on my opinions I feel as though the actors and actresses are lacking a but more emotion and chemistry. this drama didnt fail to make me laugh however I wouldnt say it made me twirl and scrunch up my toes together. Ill give it a 7 considering the 43episodes but yeah…

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Good until ep 32, then goes downhill in a disapointing way

Gosh, this was one huge disappointment.

This drama started off well, laying a solid foundation and gradually developing genuinely interesting characters—right up until episode 31. But by episode 32, the writers made a questionable choice that pushed the story in the wrong direction. From there, things continued to go from bad to worse.

Poor pacing became an issue —important side characters introduced earlier were suddenly brushed aside, disappearing from the story for long stretches. Meanwhile, the narrative became overly centered on the two main leads for several episodes in a row, leaving the rest of the plot feeling neglected, imbalanced, and uneven.

Then there’s the ultimate villain—so exaggerated and overblown that it disrupted the internal logic of the entire world. In fantasy tales, when you introduce a great evil, there usually needs to be an equally compelling force of good to counterbalance it. That sense of balance was entirely missing.

On top of that, the script was plagued with inconsistencies, contradictions, unanswered questions, and a growing number of weak narrative choices. What began with so much potential ended up being a frustrating and disjointed mess.



------------ Spoiler Alert : Do not read if you haven't watch the Drama yet -----------------



List of weak narrative choices and inconsistencies

Ep 31 - Shi Ying being vague about his true intentions towards Zhu Yan allows a major misunderstanding to take root between them. For someone usually so perceptive and intelligent, all of a sudden, he's become dumb... This feels frustratingly careless.

Ep 32 - Zhu Yan takes the little boy, Sumo, to an untrusted physician without first consulting or even informing Zhi Yuan. Given that Zhi Yuan likely has the knowledge to treat the boy himself—and that both Zhu Yan and Shi Ying are shown later to be capable of healing him—this decision feels illogical.

Ep 32 - Zhi Yuan lies to Shi Ying about the true culprit behind the attack. After working so hard to build peace and earn Shi Ying’s trust, it makes no sense that he wouldn’t come clean immediately—especially about who was truly responsible and the real identity of the Dragon King. Withholding such vital information undermines both his character and the plot.

Ep 32 - Shi Ying prepares a wedding scroll as a gift for Zhu Yan, placing it in a box along with the embroidered scarf and jade pendant. Then, in episode 34, he makes these items disappear under pressure from the Grand Preceptor’s (Da Si Ming) threats against Zhu Yan. Yet when they finally marry in the tower later on, he never gives her these deeply meaningful items. Why? Are we supposed to believe he destroyed them? I doubt he would abandon so easily after all the trouble he went through for her already.

Ep. 35 – Shi Ying takes his own life to atone for killing Zhu Yan’s friend. While the act is meant to be emotional and dramatic, it comes off as unnecessarily extreme. He could have made his point just as powerfully by stabbing himself in a non-lethal way to show remorse—without making it life-threatening. The gesture feels overly theatrical rather than thoughtful.

Ep. 36 – Zhu Yan is repeatedly described by her master as having only average magical talent—yet suddenly, she's able to single-handedly decipher, master, and succeed in casting a long-lost spell (Star Revival Blood Oath) that no one has been able to unlock for millions of years, according to both the Grand Preceptor and Chong Ming. How does that make any sense?
And if this spell has never been successfully used before, how can the Grand Preceptor confidently predict its aftereffects—such as Shi Ying losing all memories after a certain point (“before his soul is fully restored, he will only remember things from before he met you”)? If this is truly uncharted territory, wouldn’t it be more believable for the consequences to be unknown? A simple case of temporary amnesia would have felt far more consistent and coherent.


- The Dragon
Introduced early on as if he would play a significant role in the story—perhaps even something pivotal—but no. After a brief introduction, it vanishes from the plot, only to reappear fleetingly for a minute here and there, giving empty clues such as waiting for a woman from the White Clan (Ep. 17), before disappearing again entirely until Ep. 40. In the end, it serves no real purpose and plays only a vague role in the unfolding events. A completely wasted opportunity, and frankly, pretty disappointing.

Ep 40 - At the end of this episode, Zhu Yan and Shi Ying descend into the abyss to meet the dragon for an important discussion. The scene ends mid-conversation, clearly set to continue in Episode 41. But no! Episode 41 opens with them already elsewhere. We never learn how their conversation with the dragon ended, how they left the abyss, or how they figured out how to find and awaken Zhi Yuan. And the dragon? Never seen again.


- Legendary Hundun Demon (Ep. 8 & 9)
Existed before the creation of heaven and earth. Born from accumulated resentment throughout history. Even emperor Xingzun of the past was also powerless against it.

Ep 43 - If Shi Ying was able to defeat the Legendary Hundun Demon and escape from it successfully back in Episode 9, then why, in the final episode 43, is he unable to destroy or seal Xuyao—even with Zhu Yan’s help and both of them wearing the magical rings? The inconsistency in power levels makes the final confrontation feel underwhelming and poorly justified.


- The ultimate villain (Emperor XingZun / Xuyao - God of destruction)
Introduced in Ep. 2 at the Ice Clan's Hall as a mysterious human figure wearing clothing, a cape, and a mask. We can see he has eyes, and black smoke fumes out of him. Addressed as "Excellency" by the Ice Clan's members.
Ep. 23 reveals he's the late Emperor XingZun, but he gets killed, and some of the black smoke enters a crow.
After that, the ultimate villain comes back and reveals himself to be just a bodyless black cloud.

In any case, how can there be a God of Destruction without a counterbalancing force—a God of Creation or Restoration? In mythological or fantasy-based stories, the balance between opposing forces is crucial. The absence of such a counterpart here leaves the mythology feeling incomplete and the final arc stretched thin—especially with the unnecessary deaths of so many key characters.


- The 2 Relics that are sealed (Houtu Ring + Heavenly Ring )
Their origins, purposes, and unlocking mechanisms remain vague at best, or unexplained at worst. This lack of clarity becomes increasingly frustrating as the plot unfolds.

Ep. 17 - When the emperor's blood is in peril, the Houtu Ring will emerge.

Ep. 18 - We find out the Sacred ring of the Menghua Dynasty is not located in Konsang but in the ruins of the fallen sea Kingdom. Bai Wei sealed the ring. It can't be retrieved by Xuyao. No further details are given.

Ep. 23 - Kriptic explanation: As long as there is chaos and calamity in the world, the Houtu Ring will leave Biluo Sea and return to Kongsang.

Ep. 35 - After Shi Ying's death, the Demon is able to break the seal and take the ring. How or why this is possible remains unclear. Suddenly, a second ring—the Heavenly Divine Ring—is revealed to exist, but again, nothing more is explained about it.

Ep.40 - The demon now possesses both divine rings.
He declares: "With the combined power of the dual rings, I'll destroy the world. I can use the power of the world to instantly annihilate the entire Yunhuang, then lead the Ice clan to establish a new Yunhuang on this wasteland."
He finds out he can't use them because of the Dragon Soul Seal (cast by Bai Wei on Houtu Ring 7000 years ago).
To break the seal, he needs the blood of the Sea Emperor.


Conclusion:
Altogether, these weak narrative choices and unresolved inconsistencies undermine the strength of what initially promised to be a rich, tightly woven fantasy. While The Longest Promise presents compelling themes and emotional moments, its storytelling often falters under the weight of rushed decisions, missing explanations, and character actions that defy logic or previously established traits. These gaps leave the viewer questioning not just the plot, but the internal consistency of the entire world it built.

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I love everything about this drama. Xiao Zhan is a great actor indeed. The music is good and eargasm. I hope they will play it every touching scene because i fell in love with the song. Please someone can give me the title or i can find it on YouTube?

The flowering romance between the two lead is giving me butterflies, though the concept of the master and disciple romance is always used to in most dramas. I yhink they already given us justice with the plotof it.

I also like the second lead A'Yuan. He os a hopless romantic merefolk and also the Sea Emperor. Hope he will realize it soon. As for the other couple XueLu and Qing Gang , hope that they can love each other freely. Hoping also for the character development of that cunning Xue Lu. Shi Yu and Xue Ying also please. I want Chong Ming to have a fl so that he will not be a third wheel anymore to Shi Ying and Zhu Yan. hahahahhaah.

For now i enjoying the friendship between him and Shi Ying because soon they will fight against each other for their own principles and for Zhu Yan. They are destined to be enemy.

Again i love everything about the drama. I don't care what other people are saying about the female lead. If you just gocus on her acting and not on her ,you will see that she is a great actress in the making.

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Patience will pay off

The story, plot is a bit slow and it requires patience. It does get more interesting as the plot slowly unravels keeping the viewers guessing what’s next and who is really a bad character. This drama makes you cry and make you smile in many ways.

I can’t help but think of the Untamed in many of the scenes and some parts of the storyline. The set and costumes are beautiful. I keep watching the teasers just to find the theme plot and almost tempted to read the novel lol. I think all the casts again are great and you really can’t hate any one of them like in “The youth memories” or “Where dreams begin” with XZ. If you have not watched that, check it out, XZ is great and it is a really good storyline!!

Actors:
ML - Xiao Zhan again challenge himself with the drama and consistency proves he is a great actor. He deserves all the credits because no one can act at his level right now. He can play multi-facet roles ranging with emotions from being cold to be loved and to be sad. Esp 35-36 are so memorable and wow, what an actor he is!! Watching the BTS, he directed some of the critical scenes or inserted more memorable scenes to make the script and acting flow better and that was definitely great to watch and appreciate.

Shi Ying is such a great character, he is smart, powerful, decisive, direct, responsible, not needy, loving, honest and caring.

As always XZ didn’t disappoint, his ability to express his emotions, his crying scenes, no other actors can compare. He always takes his acting skills to another level every drama I’ve seen him in and always ingrained himself into each of the different character he plays. Hope we can see more of his dramas or movies in the future and especially can’t wait to see him play a good/evil cute and naughty villain character as he has always said he wanted to be!! He would be great in a character like that!

FL - I think she did a great job and was very complimentary to XZ considering she is young, 21 and new when they filmed this drama in 2021. If anyone watching found her to be annoying and childish, that meant she did a good job and fit her character well. She isn’t the prettiest actress out there, but she can definitely act. She is cute and seems humble too! There were a few scenes that she could have done better with expressing her emotions or acting more naturally, but overall she did good and she fits the character/role.

Supporting casts - they all did good, but 2nd male lead (Alen) was memorable and his character was good. He acted well too! He should get more attention and gigs after TLP and so will all the other casts.

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Fantastic Xianxia drama with a great performance by Xiao Zhan

After having seen more than half of all episodes, I can confidently say that The Longest Promise is truly a great drama. It's indeed strong in all important aspects:

– Storyline

While it takes an episode or two to fully understand the setting, from then on it's a captivating story with good setups and payoffs, never letting plotlines drag on for too long but also not cutting interesting story elements short.

– Characters & casting

The stars of the show, Xiao Zhan as Shi Ying and Ren Min as Zhu Yan, are the heart of the show. Shi Ying is the tragic center of the story, while the character of Zhu Yan adds the necessary sweetness and a bit of lightheartedness to the story. Especially Xiao Zhan's performance of Shi Ying brings a lot of nuance and heart to the character.

The supporting cast is also very strong: they are well acted and all have their own motivations, ambitions and struggles. They are all written 3-dimensional and make the world and its inhabitants seem more alive (with the only exception so far being the Ice Clan).

– Visuals & CGI

This series is simply beautiful to watch. Sets, costumes, lightning, fight choreography, "magic", CGI background and creatures - they are all masterfully done and really work well with each other. For that alone it's a great watch.

– Music

I often don't notice music, even when it's well done. In this drama however I often notice music in a positive way, consciously realising that it improves the scene I'm watching even further and motivating me to go back and watch the scene again.

All in all a great drama to watch for any fantasy fan, and definitely a must-watch for any xianxia drama fan.

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Why must you watch THE LONGEST PROMISE!

The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is a mesmerizing costume drama masterpiece that demands the attention of every drama and novel enthusiast. This epic fantasy adventure is a testament to the extraordinary talent of Xiao Zhan and other actors and the visionary creativity of its production team. With its captivating storyline, stunning visuals, and brilliant performances, this drama stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the realm of Chinese dramas.

1. Enchanting Storyline:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan takes viewers on an enchanting journey through a world filled with cultivation magic, love, and self-discovery. The intricately woven plot follows the character portrayed by Xiao Zhan as he embarks on a perilous quest to save his country and protect the important person in his life. The narrative effortlessly combines elements of romance, action, and fantasy, creating a riveting and immersive experience for the audience.

2. Visual Spectacle:
From the very first frame, The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan captivates viewers with its breathtaking visuals. The cinematography transports you to a realm where reality blends seamlessly with fantasy. The drama's stunning landscapes, intricate costume designs, and imaginative visual effects create a feast for the eyes. Each scene is meticulously crafted, showcasing the attention to detail that went into the production.

3. Xiao Zhan's Exceptional Performance:
Xiao Zhan, known for his exceptional acting skills, delivers an extraordinary performance in The Longest Promise. He effortlessly embodies the complexities of his character, showcasing a wide range of emotions throughout the film. His portrayal is nuanced and captivating, making the audience empathize deeply with his journey. Xiao Zhan's on-screen presence and charismatic performance are undeniably a highlight of the Chinese Costume Drama.

4. Emotional Depth and Themes:
Beyond its dazzling visual and narrative prowess, The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan delves into profound themes that resonate with the audience. Love, sacrifice, self-discovery, and the pursuit of destiny are expertly explored, creating a tapestry of emotions that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Even from just 20 aired episodes this drama successfully tugs at the heartstrings, leaving a lasting impact and provoking introspection. There are more exciting, heartbreaking, and sweet moments in the next episodes to come. So excited until its last episode (40).

5. Cinematic Excellence:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is a testament to the artistic brilliance and technical expertise of its production team. The seamless blend of CGI, practical effects, and exquisite set designs elevate the drama to a whole new level. The attention to detail, impeccable sound design, and skillful editing contribute to an immersive cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Conclusion:
The Longest Promise of Xiao Zhan is an unmissable drama experience that showcases the pinnacle of Chinese drama-making. With its enchanting storyline, breathtaking visuals, exceptional performances, and profound themes, it is a true masterpiece that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, or romance, or simply appreciate exceptional storytelling, this drama is a must-watch. Prepare to be transported to a world of cultivation magic, wonder, and emotional depth that will leave an indelible mark on your Chinese Drama journey.

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Their Love is True but Their Fate is So Painful

I really love this drama even the ending is not very satisfying but the storyline is very interesting. At least in the end Shi ying still kept her promise to Zhu yan. Slow-burn Romance between Shi ying and Zhu yan is very good as a master and disciple. It is very sad to love someone we cannot love. Shi ying is a very good character because he still believe that destiny can be changed with effort, with the power of love even though it can't be changed even Shi ying doesn't waste the time to be together with the person who he love.

It's been a long time since I finished this drama but until now I still can't move on. I think maybe because their story is so tragic, too sad and so many challenges happened that it is still scarred in my heart. All actors did a very good job. The chemistry between Xiao Zhan and Ren Min is undeniable. They really did a good job. They are so cute together. I hope there will be another project for them. 🤍

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I see it two times

I really like the story and overall acting. Now, I am waiting for season 2. I am from Bangladesh, after seeing this series I really start to like Xiao Zhan. I like to see more series from xiao zhan like this. And he is so cutie. I like his acting and after seeing this series I saw the Untamed which made me so emotion. At least 2 times I saw it. Again I want to see it. The longest promise is best action, best romantic. I think I almost finish the drama from Xiao zhan, I am waiting for new drama. In traditional customs, Xiao zhan so cute. I feel like I am crush on him.

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This show deserves a better rating

It's actually 43 episodes.

I give this show a 10 to contribute to raising its rating, it certainly deserves more than a 7.9. At least 8.2 at a minimum. I've watched an 8.7 (One and Only) & an 8.9 (Love Like The Galaxy) that were down-right boring compared to this.

I read in another review it's a "refreshing take on xianxia" and I agree. The two leading characters are mortal, which makes a change for a xianxia, and makes their time all the more precious (as well as their sacrifices). The story, too, is refreshing in it's way and full of suspense. The disciple-master relationship developing into something romantic is nothing new but this one seems different.

Zhu Yan has some very satisfying character development from her childish younger self and a good deal of independence. Shi Ying is the seemingly aloof master while still being very in-touch with his emotional side. And Zhi Yuan is the selfless, gentle but powerful third lead who carried half the show. His character is so endearing you never tire of seeing him, with a sprinkle of Chong Ming to keep things lively.

The story starts a little cliche but gets a lot better later on and becomes something to be truly invested in and enchanted by. The ending was a little rushed and some explanation was lacking, but the final fight was a pleasant suprise as the show goes into full xianxia mode.

My only qualm is that Ren Min and Xiao Zhan sometimes failed to convey strong-enough emotion in their expressions for the circumstances they were in. But I love the whole cast, Alen Feng was a favourite in this one and it's great to see Xiao Zhan in a fantasy show again. I only give the rewatch value a 6.5 because a lot of what holds you in on this show is the suspense which is gone on a rewatch.

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Let down during the final episodes

I wanted to like this drama so although it wasn’t outstanding during the first half, I still found joy in seeing the ML’s subtle expressions in keeping with his loner persona. Unfortunately, the last few episodes spoilt it for me.

First, it had the classic mysterious open ending which is a pet peeve of mine.

Second, the storyline after the ML was resurrected felt very disjointed and forced. I would have rated this drama higher if they ended it then and tied up all the other loose strings for the other characters. But, the story decided to give another conflict for a dramatic ending which felt almost humorous when the evil spirit kept going into different bodies. The interaction between the ML & FL also suffered and I cringed every time they looked at each other in surprise or worry whenever they were faced with something new.

What I did like about the drama was the production quality. Sets looked good and outdoor scenery was gorgeous. CGI was a bit of hit and miss but generally ok especially during fighting scenes. I generally don’t comment on make up but really liked the eye make up for the Merfolk. Nice and subtle but enough to show they are different.

Another good thing about this drama is that it didn’t push the jealousies tropes. Although there was a SML, I liked his attitude towards and interaction with the FL. The character of the scheming princess was one I also liked as I enjoyed her being fleshed out as someone not purely evil but as someone who also does care. The actress playing this role did it wonderfully and I looked forward to watching her expressions to see this changes.

The FL’s acting was acceptable to me but I didn’t like her hairstyles and that kept getting in the way of me seeing her as a good match to the ML. When she had a fringe, she looked like a little school girl and it made her face look rounder. When it was swept to the side during the later episodes, it looked plastered down and like a wig instead…

As for the ML, I am biased as I am a fan from his work in the Untamed. While some see him as expressionless, I see the subtle changes in his eyes which the director does well in close ups. It was nicely contrasted with more carefree actions and expressions during the time he lost his memories. So if you are his fan, give this drama a go. Otherwise, best to skip it.

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Different from previous fairy tale dramas

First, The Longest Promise is different from previous fairy tale dramas in that it abuses the male protagonist, not the female protagonist. Shi Ying has a deep affection for the heroine and always thinks of her. In the end, he went through hell and narrow escape to be with the heroine. He was always honest and sincere, and was killed by the heroine twice.
Moreover, the female characters in it are all very good, focused on their careers, motivated, and women can inherit the throne. For example, the heroine Zhu Yan is the heir to the throne of the Red Clan, Bai Xuelu finally becomes the White King, and Qinggang finally gives up the position of Qing Wang and chooses to be with Bai Xuelu.

Secondly, the purpose of the play is very high. There is love, but also the righteousness of family and country! Although Shi Ying died at the hands of the heroine, he actually sealed his soul with his body, died to save the common people, served the country and the people, and was a great chivalrous man. Shi Ying's self-sacrifice bought Kong Sang 70 years of peace.
Moreover, Shi Ying used his own death to teach the heroine what it means to be a Dharma student and what it means to take responsibility. In the face of great right and wrong, the love between men and woman can be put aside!

Thirdly, Xiao Zhan's character is very stunning. I have never seen him like this before. A tall and straight figure, and an extraordinary demeanor.

You will regret it if you don't watch it. The special effects, costumes, and scenery of the drama are also very good!

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