When Destiny Brings the Demon

Great for the romance lover

If you only LOVE a sweet devoted romance, this is for you.

This is a very romantic drama focused on the strong bond between two individuals. That’s it. Yes, there’s evil and obstacles they must overcome but this really is just about their devotion. There’s lots of kissing and sacrificing for each other.

The main lead’s relationship is the main focus. Everything else fades in the background and does not develop much. This includes the plot which feels kind of surface level. There’s lots of sugary sweetness.

The visuals and costuming were rich and beautiful. The scenery in the mortal world was a feast for the eyes. I especially loved the palace scenery when they’re were on the bridge and the camera was angling upwards towards them.

This drama is perfect for those who love romance.

For those who may want a more engaging plot and development of other characters, this may leave you unsatisfied.

Pros:
Visuals: Scenery, backdrop. Props, costuming. They did a good job to make is visually delightful. The cgi was also quality. There’s a little animated creature that she turns into and it was pretty cute.

Lots of affection between the main leads. Their actions aren’t silly either. Two grounded individuals.

Cons:
Other then the main couple’s love, everything and everyone else feels left behind, under developed, or neglected.

Neutral:
Music - it’s very melodramatic. Some may like it because it feeds into the romantic vibe of this drama.

Acting - overall, it’s decent but at times, I just don’t feel the depth. For example, the angst they display after a tragic loss is deep but the plot moves along like clockwork. It feels like acting. Hoping this makes sense.

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A Rare Xianxia Treasure

I want to share my review of my favorite C-drama. The story is very much character-driven. For example, Sima Jiao transforms from someone who doesn’t care about others—who even thinks about killing and wishes to die—into someone who finally wants to live, all because of her. On the other hand, the female lead, who never wanted to harm anyone, learns to stand her ground and defend herself.

Some say the plot isn’t that strong, but I completely disagree. To me, the storyline is powerful because it shows how love can transcend timelines. The so-called “minor plots” actually make the main romance even stronger. What I loved most is how the couple actually talked through their misunderstandings—something rare in xianxia dramas. As a xianxia fan, I’m used to endless angst, blood vomiting, and miscommunications. But this drama gave me something different: pure, genuine love.

Both leads fully embodied their roles and delivered romance so beautifully. It was the main couple that captured my heart the most. It’s rare to see this kind of love in xianxia, and I adored how the male lead was always one step ahead, never easily manipulated. He truly chose the girl over the world—a refreshing change compared to many others.

This drama will always hold a very special place in my heart.

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A very strong ROMCOM in Xianxia after a while

I think every drama needs something that pulls you in. Most of the time, it is a plot or some fancy effects or fighting, but for this series: it's a strong ML & FL character setup, it's their individual character development and their relationship development. The chemistry is over the roof that at some points, I forget and forgive the series for everything else. It is truly an enjoyable Romcom.

ML: very solid. He is charming, OP and intelligent, has both IQ & EQ, he is loyal, once he falls, he falls hard, and he has a dark humor at times.
FL: a refreshing character who just likes to be lazy and enjoy lifes. She is relatable; she is cute and she is funny.
The dialogue is full of humor, yet touching at times. Both ML & FL deliver relatively great acting.

Their relationship is developed so well that you can see and FEEL how they fall in love and how deeply in love they are with each other. Best communication skills between a couple that I've seen in a while. Intimacy scenes are uncountable and beautifully done. Dual cultivation? Finally, we know what it means XD.

The storylines are a bump at times related to pacing; it feels like they try to achieve a bit too much within their frame of 33 episodes. But at the same time, out of this flawed plot, they deliver many refreshing viewpoints and challenge many typical storylines that we frequently see in xianxia like the idea a modern girl getting to xianxia world and can suddenly turning into a badass killing machine, or how easily one can be misled easily when they lose their memories. At times, the story resolves things a bit rush but at the same time, they deliver some very logical plots with IQ.

Overall, this is probably the best rom-com I've seen this year or even in recent years. Hope to see the cast in future projects.

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May our love last every lifetime

When destiny brings the demon 2025 (16.08.2025-01.09.2025)
Review

When destiny brings the demon appears to be a classic transmigration drama but there are several reasons that it stands out from the rest. At first, this drama was not my priority because I had many other plans like “Legend on the female general” and “Shadow love”. Surprisingly, I only watched this one because it was the only story that could captivate me. Just like that it moved to my top priority drama.

The drama is about a girl who is a regular office worker. The fate is unpredictable and she transmigrates into a fantasy land filled with immortals just before a car crash. While she is learning new things about the world surrounding her, she comes across the Grandmaster, Sima Jiao who has been in seclusion for 500 years. In reality, Sima Jiao is a victim of 8 palace heads, who sealed him away to use his blood for cultivation. Everyone hopes to kill him or use him. In the time where everyone wants to harm him, why is she an exception? These questions make him wonder about her ulterior motives. Female lead, Liao Ting Yan on the other hand has no wish to kill anyone and just sees transmigration as an opportunity to go on “vacation” or a chance to slack off, “salted fish” in terms of Chinese.

The story is introduced with amazing CGI. It actually reflects something you would call a fantasy. Just like the main character, you feel like you have also fallen into this strange world. The plot is very balanced both romance and angst wise. Witty dialogues, although don’t last long, leave a memorable impression. I remember each comedic scene by heart.

The drama is divided into 3 eras: Immortal realm, demon realm and mortal realm. There the main characters go through different obstacles but one thing remains the same, they will fall in love with each other over and over again!

Not to say other eras were bad (They were all amazing), but among them all, immortal realm is easily the best. Angst, romance, comedy and discovery of soul bond. All together happens there and perhaps this completes it as the best episodes of the drama. Besides that, we get to see Ting Yan helping her Master Sima Jiao. However, at a times I wonder who the true master is because Jiao Jiao let’s her slack off often times. I need to also talk about truth spells, it is not for getting the truth out of people but to hear Ting Yan’s unpredictable thoughts. This scene is especially my fav:

- Look at them all. Each one would be a figure to be feared outside. But look at them now. How pathetic. What are your thoughts on this? *Truth spell*
- Your waist is so slim.
- What?
- I think you must have been locked away too long and starved into this shape
- You are not wrong. The pain I have endured will be repaid.

Another favorite scene of Ting Yan’s unpredictable thoughts:

- So you don’t want to come with me?
- It’s not that I don’t want to.
*Truth spell*
- Why don’t you want to?
- I’m afraid I might see dead people.
- A person from the Demon Domain is afraid of dead bodies?

Little does he know that she is from modern world.

The amount of truth spells used is quite a lot but Ting Yan pulls the UNO reverse card on him.
Honestly speaking, I’m glad that he has a truth spell. He is a very wary of his surroundings and suspects everyone. Not only that, the spell also adds a comedic sense so why not?

And the soul bond? They already mention it within the drama that it is the most intimate bond and I could not agree more. It is beautiful.

The second arc happens after all the angst and during that time Ting Yan loses her memories unfortunately and sees the villain as her father. Yet something inside her believes that it is all fake. Although, she doesn’t restore her memories even after trusting him, she knows that he only wishes the best for her and simply melts my heart:

- But I have lost all of my memories. Surely you have ways to help me recover them, don’t you? So why haven’t you done it? Wouldn’t that get you what you want much faster?
- True. But you deserve to move at your own pace.
- What if I can never recover my memories?
- It doesn’t matter. We have plenty of time. We can start anew.

The second arc is just not a memory loss but also a plan of their beautiful wedding.

- What is there to celebrate?
- How about a marriage between an immortal and a demon?
- Are you proposing to me?
- If you think of it that way, I cannot deny it.

Unfortunately, Sima Jiao’s life wasn’t meant to last long and Ting Yan’s life was in danger. Sima Jiao gave up his life to her.

He had a chance to live, but did she choose to save him at the cost of suffering the pain of spirit fire?
Yes, she did.

In this arc, Ting Yan had a character improvement especially after gaining power.
Then the story moves on the mortal realm arc where Sima Jiao is a crown prince without any of his memories. And now it was her turn to revive his memories. This arc could have had the best ending but on their wedding day Ting Yan gives up her life. To eliminate all the evil for him, just so he could live carefree without any worry just like how he protected her in the past.

She wakes up in the hospital room, confused whether all of it was a dream or a reality. Nevertheless, her job doesn’t wait but the person she was assigned to meet is Sima Jiao?

- I found you again.
- Do you know me?
- Of course I do

They say those lines with the brightest smile ever
This is meant to say that, in all lifetimes they will find each other once again and their heart belong to one another in every life.

This is the best ending they could give us since the censorship and I don’t complain because it leaves a little room for imagination. The favorite scenes I wrote above don’t sound touching but when you really see their acting, expressions, you will realize how deep it is.

Characters:

Liao Ting Yan

Definitely a sunshine characters. A Female lead who is very comedic and it is not forced at all. She is such a foodie. Her character is pretty unique to me because she is simply a salted fish. The actress did an impressive job considering it is her first xianxia/costume drama. Her longing expressions will stick with me for a long time.

Sima Jiao

Overpowered character but the plot balances it out. However, the superior power is what makes him the bloodthirsty and cold character. As Ting Yan said “cool king” as he is, he is also a major sacrificer.
“If I don’t let you die, you won’t die”

This man proved his point three times and he would do thousandths of times if needed. He is a very smart character and I noticed it from the start. He always plans ahead. He has suffered a lot, in the past in present yet he was able to contain it all to himself. Concealing his injuries. He appears to be a villainous character who kills for no reason but he had every rights to kill those people. Knowing his backstory, I would join “The dark side” too. The actor who played as Jiao Jiao is the first time I saw him and I’m looking forward to his next show. This should explain it all.

Eight palace heads

The real despicable people. These people are ruthless. They have been using the Sima clan, sealing them away for years, drinking their blood. Lucky for us, the first 10 episodes already contain some of their death which was satisfying but Shi Qianlv deserved much more worse death than just a simple quick death because he started it all, he was the one plotting behind all the time. He never truly cared about people’s sacrifices at all. This pathetic only thought of surviving and getting revenge was just a part of his plan. He was blinded by power.

Love story

I don’t have comment anything about it. It is simply done perfect and I myself watched it for this aspect. Every single interaction, kissing scenes are done to perfection. The way they both had wedding rings and how Sima Jiao learned to use her modern words!!?? Simply sweet!

Plot

Yes, expect a lot of potholes if you observe too much. For me personally, it was enjoyable without skipping a second. It wrapped up beautifully as well. I love xianxia with a good romance and I enjoyed it to the fullest

Costumes, CGI, make up, every single details is awesome

The song? Amazing. Love the fact that they put the same song in their first meeting and during their first meeting in mortal world. Same song different feelings and it was portrayed beautifully. It is my 2nd ever time loving the intro song. Something about this song is beautiful.

Ending- the best outcome for them. There is a little hope that Sima Jiao has his memories and it ends just like and the rest for our imagination. 10/10

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“Every lonely journey ends with a fated encounter.” ✨

Story:
Let’s be honest: the plot here isn’t groundbreaking. It’s your standard xianxia-transmigration setup with uneven pacing and arcs that sometimes feel like three different dramas stitched together. The cultivation lore is interesting, but the real magic lies elsewhere. Despite censorship and the typical rushed/open-for-interpretation-ending issues, I found myself enjoying the ride more than I expected — mostly because of the romance.

Acting/Cast:
Liao Tingyan (Wang Ying Lu): Relatable FL and easy to root for. Her character may come off as “ambitionless” to some, but that’s how her salted fish character is written. What really matters is her subtle growth and resilience, which sneak up on you as the story progresses.

Sima Jiao (Chen Feiyu): His portrayal of a trauma-heavy character was refreshing. Instead of the usual stoic, emotionally unavailable xianxia ML, here we get someone who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, to communicate, and to wear his heart on his sleeve. More MLs like him, please.

Romance & Chemistry: ❤️‍🔥
This is where When Destiny Brings the Demon absolutely shines. It nails that rare trifecta of angst, romance, and comedy in a way that feels fresh for the genre. The romance is swoony, passionate, and refreshingly healthy. No endless misunderstandings, no cold-shoulder tropes. Just two people who talk, connect, and sweep you right along with them. Their chemistry carries this drama on its shoulders, with just the right amount of humorious moments. If I’m rating this one high, it’s not because of a brilliant plot or innovative storytelling; it’s because the romance made me grin, swoon, and root for them every step of the way.

Production:

CGI: sometimes “so-so,” but never immersion-breaking.

Visuals: strong overall, with a few odd shots that you’ll quickly forgive once the leads start interacting.

Tone: uneven across arcs, which can feel distracting, but with a limited episode count, it’s forgivable.

Overall:
If you want a swoon-worthy romance with a male lead who breaks the usual mold, When Destiny Brings the Demon is worth your time. Just don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling or a fully satisfying ending. For me, the passionate romance, healthy communication, and Sima Jiao’s unforgettable character more than made up for the flaws.

Bottom line: A familiar xianxia path, yet the emotional beats and love story make every episode worth it.

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A Phenomenal Dream Lasting Three Life Times!

"When Destiny Brings the Demon" was quite an unexpected drama to say the least. There was two other dramas i began to watch simultaneously, but only WDBTD was able to enthrall me into this universe. The concept of this drama isn't new, but I usually do no gravitate towards it, however, because i was a fan of Chen Feiyu's acting aka Arthur Chen I gave it a shot and was hooked from episode one onwards!

WDBTD focuses on Sima Jiao, a powerful cultivator, and his fated love aka cultivation partner - Liao Tingyan.

Sima Jiao, played by Chen Fei Yu, was initially a cold-blooded murderer, but he is actually a very misunderstood grandmaster. He doesn't kill for the sake of killing, he kills because he can't trust anyone outside of his circle. Too many people are literally out to get his blood because of how powerful his bloodline is. His blood helps cultivators level up in their powers hence it's very sought after to the point that they won't even let him die. He was trapped and suffered for 500 years until Liao Tingyan came into the picture. Despite his tendency to murder anyone who did him wrong, in the end, Sima Jiao learned to cherish and love Tingyan and will only care about her rather than those around him. He is both a red flag and green flag, but more thge latter than former as he learned from what he has done wrong. He's willing to change, and protect Tingyan even if it means sacrificing himself. Chen Feiyu did an amazing job as Sima Jiao, I really enjoyed his microexpressions, cheeky smiles to snarky smiles, the murderous glares, ugh you can differentiate each and every expression- it's just a chef's kiss. Someone mentioned he also acts with the way he moves as well, and I do agree that the movement he portrays ties everything together! I've been a fan of CFY since Evernight S1, and I have to say his acting has improved a lot since then! ^^

Liao Ting Yan is from the modern timeline who was thrust into this xianxia world while unconscious. And boy, this dream of hers was amazing to watch! I quite liked her character because of the way she's very nonchalant about this xianxia world. For exmaple, she doesn't care about gaining power, she just want sto live life without bothering too many people, and she talks about being overworked a lot, and needing a vacation - Her little monologues makes it quite hilarious imo. It's more funny when she uses modern vocabulary and SIma Jiao would be like, "What?" But he soaks it up with judgemental comments. With the help of Sima Jiao, Tingyan eventually grew to be quite strong and became Sima Jiao's cultivation partner. And of course, his fated love through three lifetimes. Despite her nonchalant personality, she is very sweet, and caring towards Sima Jiao. She has a strong love for Sima Jiao and it shows when she's able to pull through despite losing control of her mind and body at times. Love trumps all! I think Wang Yinglu did a great job portraying Liao Ting Yan through each lifetime. This is somewhat my first time watching her. I did saw "I Am Nobody" briefly with her acting as Feng Bao Bao - she was amazing there - and here she's a total different person. It shows she has range, and I love when actors or actresses play roles of different personalities and traits because it showcases their acting ability and what they can or cannot do. I am looking forward to more of her dramas from now on!

The drama would've been flawless in my book if it weren't for Bao Jian Feng's acting. It just seemed like the actor did not embrace his character very well - it felt like he was in a play rather than the actual character himself. I was more irritated by his acting more than the villain itself. LOOL It was very much like a typical old school xianxia villain type acting.

Overall, I quite enjoy the story, and the love story between Sima Jiao and Liao Tingyan. It would be amazing if they continue another lifetime in the modern timeline and finally settle down and have children. ><

Happy ending? Yes and no, more so of an open ending since they met up in real life but one doesn't know the other so it's like they're starting over again.
Would I recommend? Definitely if you enjoy watching romance, fated love, xianxia dramas, and transmigration - go for it! :]

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Lighthearted fantasy and adorable drama.

I really enjoyed When Destiny Brings the Demon much more than I expected.
The female lead is so relatable and absolutely adorable, she brings such a natural charm that makes the whole story fun and easy to follow.
She’s witty, warm and full of little quirks that make her feel refreshing as a xianxia heroine.
The chemistry between the leads is definitely one of the biggest highlights, they’re super cute together and their dynamic really carries the drama.
I also liked how the show balanced humor with romance while wrapping it all in beautiful visuals and an OST that perfectly fits the fantasy atmosphere.
As for Chen Feiyu, he does come across a little stiff at times but I feel it has more to do with his character’s personality and background than his acting, so I was able to accept it as part of the role.
If you’re someone who enjoys romance-driven xianxia, transmigration plots and fated love stories with a mix of sweetness and comedy, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.

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Love, so great, they'll always end up together.

[ when destiny brought to Sima Jiao the demon who will save him ]

I was wondering how to talk about this drama, after finishing it, I felt empty.. like something was missing..
Until I came across the final message, and it all made sense!

But still, is there any words worth of describing this unforgettable love?

Sima Jiao, and Liao Tingyan.. two people who aren't supposed to exist in that world, one is a powerful lord and the other is a demon sent to kill him, but together they are just lovers tending to each other's wounds and trying to live comfortably..
[ and no, it wasn't a dream, she just remembered her past life, and now reunited with him again in the modern world ]

tbh, I wasn't a fan of the novel before the first 10 episodes, and I tuned in just for the female lead Wang Yinglu, so I dived in without any high expectations, just satisfied with the cast.. but I got curious, so I read the og source, and I have to say that every change they made was right, enriching the plot and making their love story more special as "eternal soulmates who'll always find each other in seas of people and worlds", considering the side stories of them in different universes (ABO, vampire, ..).

On a side note, I've never seen a freakier couple than them XD completely unable of keeping their hands to themselves, kissing every two breaths, holding hands like it's their survival quest ~ and it felt so natural like there was no cameras and we're just insects in the room lol..

I love Tingyan, she so effortlessly funny and so relatable, no wonder a man like Sima Jiao is smitten by her in every timeline and universe.. no wonder she is as well..

ah.. I really don't want say goodbye to them, it's been a day already but I can't stop thinking about this silly sunshine and her childish OP suicidal sunshine protector who gave up dying just to provide her the lazy people heaven.. but goodbyes are a must, and I am mature enough to not demand a second season (that's a lie), so I'll just leave a short message for future viewers..

Live Laugh Love When Destiny Brings The Demon.

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I am currently mo yu-ing at work writing this review.

My colleague told me this would be a hilarious watch. After the demon arc I scolded her for introducing me to this kind of heartache. You must understand, as someone who also aspires to be FL level of xianyu, I am very emotionally delicate. I also like to laze about and be happy and eat good food. The first part of this show promised that but later on I was seriously cheated. The life of a highflier is really difficult. You have a rich husband but the rich husband's problems also become your problems and because you're nothing but a salted fish, you have no choice but to be dragged around by the whims of others. I thought I could live vicariously through this FL but I was mistaken. A rich husband seems to give more problems than working a slack 9-5 job.

The romance was steamy and the amount of times I saw them kissing is even more than the times I see my parents kissing. I'm not complaining. I was eating popcorn while they were going at it and was very satisfied by this bit of entertainment. Their romance was built well and I relate to her initial unbothered attitude. Progression was not too fast or too slow and I liked how they had no misunderstandings between them. The truth spell is really very useful. Both characters were believable and sincere with each other even when she lost her memory.

For something that started so unseriously, it suddenly got too serious in the 2nd half. I stopped laughing after around episode 20. And i was crying buckets of tears during THAT episode. I hate crying it's so tiring and uncomfortable. I didn't sign up for this. It's like when you see advertising for free ice cream but when after you get the ice cream they tell you to exercise on the spot if not you have to pay the full price. You already ate the ice cream so you have to commit for the sake of your wallet. But once it's over, they give you free ice cream again and at this point you're too afraid to accept it. Once bitten twice shy. Our FL was bitten a lot of times but never shy. I cannot relate.

The addition of the irritating 2ML ruined my good feelings. In a way, as a xianyu myself, I would have liked the show to follow the same light-hearted manner of the first arc. I understand it would not be as much of an emotional rollercoaster, but it felt like their dynamic changed in the demon realm. In the novel, there was no 2ML to plot against them and no evil demon lord. They tried to make the show more exciting with twists and turns compared to the novel but to be honest, I don't think it was necessary, maybe too many twists were added. I read the novel after watching the full 33 episodes. Nianjiu was fine as a character but after reading the novel, I think I liked the pet snake who became their 'son' more.

Overall, will rewatch for the sweet romance and the first 19 episodes but not for the plot.

TLDR: I expected a light-hearted show but what I got was pain and some dog food to ease it.

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Good one

*"When Destiny Brings the Demon - Long For Fish" is a romantic drama. It doesn’t have the flavor of demons and their magic, even though the male and female protagonists are demons.

After watching two or three episodes, I felt the drama was boring and wondered why the protagonist had chosen to act in it. However, after watching more episodes, I became intrigued by their chemistry. The love story they portrayed was so emotional that I was completely captivated by their performance, and I continued watching.

I liked the other characters and their performances too, especially the male protagonist’s bodyguard, the serpent, and his love story. However, I felt a little disappointed that the drama didn’t have a satisfying ending. They didn’t include many plots toward the end; the drama only focused on the leads and their story. I still felt that the leads should have had some dialogues before the ending."*

One more thing I want to say about the drama that is it has mesmerising musics and songs.

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