When Destiny Brings the Demon

A fate-bound love story with stunning visuals and unforgettable emotions.

I’ve finally finished When Destiny Brings the Demon, and honestly, it’s a 10/10 for me.
The production quality is excellent everything feels polished and intentional. The story blends romance, fate, and cultivation in a way that’s emotional and meaningful, not just dramatic for the sake of it. The acting is strong across the board, especially the leads, who bring real depth and emotion to their roles. The visual effects are beautifully done and enhance the world instead of distracting from it, and the OST perfectly matches the mood, making the emotional moments hit even harder. Overall, it’s a well-crafted drama that stays with you long after it ends. 10/10 absolutely worth watching.

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"My soul will always recorganize yours in every lifetime"

The background of the story, located in Sansheng Mountain where lived an elder of Sima Clan, Sima Jiao. He has been locked and sealed down by the Great Eight Clan for 500 Years. The mighty Sima Clan, known as clan with special bloodline that having a almighty power that able to being God. Sima Clan blood are used to nourish a True Fire, that is wanted by everyone for increasing the level of their cultivation quickly. Sima Jiao's parents which known as father Sima Shi and mother Sima E, back then forced to married each other in order to maintaining the longlive of their Sima Clan bloodline. Whole clan vanished for making sure that Sima Jiao being able to integrated as one with the True Fire. Therefore, since kid Sima Jiao already carrying on this heavy burden that grows up as his biggest pain and trauma.

Liao Ting Yan - Female Lead
Demon clan, the Cold Fish that only one existed in the world. A very cheerful and relax character that doesn't like conflict. Mature, brave, and romantic type of person.

Sima Jiao - Male Lead
Sima clan, the last descendant of the Sima clan that have a special bloodline. Introvert and hard to trust people, ever since he was a kid already tortured that making his character being so complicated. Very loyal person to his beloved one, he will sacrifice anything even himself.

After 500 years being sealed, Sima Jiao finally waken up a new body that he wanna use to threaten elder of the Great Eight Clan. Successfully, the Great Eight Clan feels that they need to making up plan to letting their descendant of clan may favor Sima Jiao to having bloodline with and kill Sima Jiao. Between this chaotic situation, there come a girl from a future that out of sudden waken up as Liao Ting Yuan. Unfortunately, Liao Ting Yuan also selected in between 100 Girl that sended by the Great Eight Clan to serve Sima Jiao as disciple. Not knowing the real identity of Liao Ting Yuan is demon clan, Sima Jue is the first one to find out.

Their first encounter very awkward that Sima Jiao thought that everyone sended is sharing a mutual motive that will only bring harm for him. But somehow, Liao Ting Yuan countlessly trying to avoid him, not wanted to be entangled either kill him. Sima Jiao noticed this difference between her and the others. By accident, when Sima Jiao being tortured with the burning feeling of True Fire, Liao Ting Yuan magically helped him to feel better and heal him just by skinship of their forehead. Knowing this as a chance, Sima Jiao choose to leave her by himside as a workers.

Through the plot of journey and problem, bond between Sima Jiao and Liao Ting Yan getting stronger. Without realizing both of them started growing a romantical feelings, they are teaming up to punish the villain Great Eight Clan with Shi Qian Lv as the leader. By the time when Sima Jiao successfully working on their plan, accident happens that separated Liao Ting Yuan with Sima Jiao. Second lifetime started right after they're being separated, from the origin cultivator banished into demon's realm.

Eighteen years separated, but destiny bringing them back together finding it's own way back. Sima Jiao knowing that the one he's been looking for right existed in demon realm. He searched the whole city, and unintentionally they are meet up. Sima Jiao trying to gain Liao Ting Yan trust since she has lost her memory because of Shi Qian Lv that deceived her as his daughter. It just feel that their soul belonging to each other and everything goes helping them back together again as one. After all the hardship, they need to face another great battle that once again make them separated and suffering great causes.

They never gave up on each other, in order to saving Liao Ting Yan from demon core that keep growing stronger after the last battle, Sima Jiao sacrificed himself making her getting the True Fire and Sima Jiao vanished. Liao Ting Yan refused to accept, she force to save Sima Jiao by sending it last spirit to find it way in human realm.

Sima Jiao was born as the king of human realms, meet up again with Liao Ting Yan. Finally this time they successfully stopped the chaos caused by You Yan (demon leader). The fighting scene was iconic, and ending just perfectly written. In love with the story and character

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Meeting Your Soulmate On Comatose State

This has always been the usual plot in the Xian xia world. Merging reality into fantasy and vice versa. It really caught my interest as I usually see this kind of plot in Kdramas. Reminds me of the drama The Rooftop Prince. And yes, this is definitely comparable with LBFAD. Almost same plot, yet, LBFAD still excels in most aspect.
It's my first time to watch Arthur Chen play a lead role for a Xian Xia drama. I think the last fantasy drama I saw him as ML was Ever Night. Yes, he's dashing as ever. His portrayal was okay but the character as powerful cultivator seem lacking. I guess, I was looking for more angst in his character. As for FL, Wang Ying Lu. My first time to watch her in a drama. Her portrayal was okay as well. Still, Yan's character seem lacking too. Specially her character in the modern world. It felt short. Like, what she is like as a novel writer. And that ending....just felt rushed and nothing more to it after the MC have met again.

The entire journey in the fantasy world seem stretched too long. This drama could have been squeezed in to 24 eps only. Too many fillers in between. The amnesia arc for both MC was stretched too long. And yes, am not a fan of amnesia by the MC. The supporting characters too could have been given their own limelight. Yet, it felt short as well in that aspect. The third wheel for the MC, not sure of the character name if its Yuan Shang felt very weak. I mean compairing to LBFAD, having Zhang Ling He as the third wheel is such a bias breaker for the ML.

As for the romance, chemistry was definitely there. Lots of kisses, yes. But, how it was delivered was not as satisfying as how ZLH, or DGZ does kisses in a drama.

Oh yes, the music kept ringing to my ears as everytime the MC would kiss, it felt like a warning sign that a kiss is coming up once you hear that music. But, it's a good one. Like, it had been played a dozen times that you could almost memorize the lyrics if only I could speak mandarin well enough.

Overall, for me this is a lighter version of LBFAD. It lacks in most aspect. Good thing, this drama was generous to kisses given that high rating here in MDL. I'll give this a fair 8 rating.

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Refreshing xianxia drama among cliché xianxia dramas.

The characters are so funny, lovable and relatable especially FL’s laziness at least for me.
ML is not a good person to sacrifice himself to save the world just because he received kindness from FL nor FL is not trying to persuade him to be a good person when she saw he killed other people. FL believes ml has his reasons to kill even tho she kind of hates killing. That’s is one of the refreshing points from other dramas as they didn’t make FL as Virgin Mary.
The plot has full of unexpected funny scenes, lines and relatable povs.
The acting of lead actor and actress is sooo good. Chen fei yu and wang ying lu became my fav bias that I will catch their upcoming dramas from now on.
They have explosive chemistry (and of course off screen CP Candy is more sweet) and there are so many kiss scenes which are not lusty and greasy like other dramas. Their kisses are full of romantic and sensual that good to watch.
The pace is fast but a bad point is the arc of demon realm because it’s unnecessary too long and some characters are not needed for plot wise while the final human realm arc and ending is rush.
But overall, it’s a good drama which has unexpected refreshing scenes which makes it different from cliche xianxia dramas.

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Most romantic Xianxia ever

Where do I even start with When Destiny Brings the Demon? I honestly went in with no expectations because there wasn’t much hype when it was released, but it completely blew me away. It’s easily one of my favorite releases this year. This was my first time watching such a romantic xianxia, and wow, it delivered. The amount of intimacy and PDA was out of this world — something we rarely see in historical or fantasy dramas. Usually, we might get one kiss at the end, but here the chemistry was constant and electric from the very first episode. It was funny, sweet, and had me hooked immediately.

I especially loved the female lead. Some people criticized her for not being the typical strong, independent “modern woman,” but I found her incredibly relatable. She perfectly represents those of us tired from the corporate grind — all she wanted was to eat, sleep, and relax, and honestly, same. I loved how genuine and down-to-earth she was. If I ever got pulled into a fantasy world, that would be me too.

The male lead, CFY, was amazing as always. I already liked him from Lighter & Princess, but I think he really shined here — more expressive, more talkative, and much more romantic. His dark character had depth and reason, which made him even more compelling. The chemistry between the leads was impeccable. Their banter, emotional connection, and love scenes felt real and passionate. The supporting cast was solid too — though their storylines were smaller, they added nice balance to the main plot.

Visually, the costumes were stunning, especially CFY’s outfits. The designs suited him perfectly. The female lead’s looks and performance also deserve praise — she was gorgeous, expressive, and handled multiple personalities effortlessly. She brought each version of her character to life beautifully. The ending was another highlight. I was worried it would be sad, since time travel or reincarnation plots often end that way, but it wrapped up perfectly. I just wish we had seen a bit more of them in the modern world. Still, the way their love spanned across the three realms — immortal, demon, and mortal — then modern was brilliant.

Not everything was perfect, though. Episodes 23 to 29 were a complete mess — chaotic, confusing, and repetitive. I honestly stopped caring what was happening during those episodes. The drama repeated certain tropes too often, like amnesia and multiple deaths. It made me feel a bit exhausted by the end, even though the final explanation tied it all together. The CGI and cinematography could’ve been better — not terrible, but below the level of the story and acting. I also wish the second couple had a stronger arc or appeared again in another lifetime. Some viewers criticized the female lead for not being “strong enough,” but I think they missed the point — still, it shows the writing could’ve better balanced her growth in the fantasy world.

When Destiny Brings the Demon is a romantic, funny, and emotionally satisfying xianxia that gives you everything — mortal, modern, immortal, and demon worlds — all in one drama. It’s not perfect, but the chemistry, humor, and heart make it unforgettable. If you love romantic fantasy with strong leads and deep emotion, this is absolutely worth watching.

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We need season 2 right away!

The story is really good and I can’t wait for season 2. There’s a S2, right?? There has to be. Producers, get on that right away! Even if the original novel continues the story or not (I don’t know), find a good screenwriter to write the script!! 🙏🏼

I really enjoyed the ML & FL’s chemistry although it was really slow at first. Although I enjoyed ML Chen Fei Yu’s performance, his emotional expressions are somewhat limited so I think he needs to work on that in future projects. I understand the ML’s character is pained and cynical but he always has the same expression. His smile sometimes looks very forced as well. I felt the same in Lighter & Princess. I agree that he has a great voice.

My first drama with Wang Ying Lu as FL. She was a little annoying at first but definitely grew on me. I feel like she’s always gulping before she says her lines. I guess she’s still young and new. But, I got over it. I enjoyed her performance and was invested in the story and their characters.

The storyline was full of tropes but well executed. The supporting characters were all really good—with their faults and all. As others mentioned, many of the supporting male characters are foolish and dense. It was frustrating at times but I guess the writers could not find a better solution to progress the story.

I felt like the latter half was a little slower but hoping for a season 2 to extend their “lifetimes”. Otherwise, the ending was such a tease and not satisfying.

As others mentioned, there was a LOT of kissing. In the beginning, it was really awkward but they definitely got better at it. 😂 I guess practice makes perfect. I felt this was more risqué than the other (non-soapy) c-dramas I’ve seen thus far without being explicit.

The name Sima Jiao is emblazoned in my mind like spirit fire. It keeps ringing in my head.

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Profound Drama

I havn't reviewd anything for a long while but this one grabbed me and review it shall have. An exceptional piece of drama-making this was with exception to some ofthe episodes over-talking about irrelevant stuff....performance by FL&ML exceptional too...:
1. Arthur Chen's delivery exceptional especially as a romantic leader/grandmaster - never seen him like this before and he carried it very well
2. Wang Ling Yu - provided great support and complimented the arrogance of her ML with simplicity and no bullshit charm...tell it like it is responsiveness, honesty.
3. The continued nature of Arthur's power and influence in the drama remaining untouched compared to others who lose theirs and then go out of control....loved that his was constant even when there were changes in the environment for him
4.Costumery - excellent
5. Supporting cast well chosent too and played their roles well

Overall a great drama worth a watch till the end...bring on another one like this....perhaps the Unclouded Soul might be like this?

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My Honest Take (Should You Watch It?)

"When Destiny Brings the Demon," right? Here's the thing – I actually kinda dug it! If you're into those Chinese fantasy dramas, you know, the ones with the pretty costumes and the whole good-versus-evil thing, then you might like this one.

The story's pretty good, keeps you hooked. And the actors? They do a decent job, especially the main couple. They have this chemistry that builds up slowly, which I liked. Plus, the music is really nice, sets the mood perfectly.

Okay, yeah, it's got some of those overused tropes, but honestly, they're done well enough that it didn't bother me too much. Some of the side characters can get on your nerves a bit, I'm not gonna lie, but they do move the plot along, so you gotta deal with it.

Now, the second half does drag a little, just a heads up. And the ending? Ugh, it's one of those endings that leaves you hanging, you know? Like, I'm seriously hoping they do a second season because I need to know what happens next!

But overall, if you're looking for something fun and a little bit romantic, "When Destiny Brings the Demon" is worth checking out. Oh, and there are some good kissing scenes, just sayin'. 😉

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the best drama I’ve watched this year.

this drama was amazing. it really pulled at my heart strings. their interactions were so cute and heartfelt. I thought the story line/plot were well thought out. sometimes things didn’t make sense but then it was explained later on. I love that they didn’t really have any misunderstandings and worked together to solve the problems they faced. Sima Jiao experienced so much pain and heartbreak during this life and he finally found the one that would Change all of that. Tian Yan was amazing. her character was so cute and you could see her grow through out the series. she just wanted to take a vacation from life and wound up being with the most powerful immortal of all time and saving everyone. both actors did a wonderful job and I hope they get to work together again.

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Emotional, romantic, and beautifully acted — though a bit repetitive in plot.

When Destiny Brings the Demon completely swept me away with its romance and Arthur Chen’s performance. Because of this drama, I started watching all of the earlier works by Arthur Chen and became a fan! He brought Sima Jiao to life with such tenderness and emotional range — from the fierce protectiveness to the quiet vulnerability, every expression of love felt genuine and deeply human. He portrayed all shades of being in love — the yearning, the teasing, the heartbreak — and it made the entire fantasy setting feel alive and real.
The chemistry between the leads was adorable and moving; their interactions had that perfect balance of playfulness and sincerity that keeps you emotionally hooked. But as the series went on, the storyline started to feel a little repetitive — the same cycles of villains trying to capture Sima Jiao, the lovers sacrificing themselves for each other and being revived again. It lessened the emotional impact toward the end, even though the core relationship stayed strong throughout.
Still, despite the narrative loops, I loved the world-building, the heartfelt romance, and Arthur Chen’s layered performance. It’s one of those dramas where the emotions outshine the plot — and if you’re watching for the chemistry and the feels, you’ll walk away completely satisfied.

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