When Destiny Brings the Demon (2025)

What am I even supposed to say after this?? Am I really expected to write a coherent review with all the key points on why this drama was amazing?? That would turn into a whole essay.. Forget about the story, I could literally write pages just about why I liked the FL, Liao Ting Yan or about her relationship with the ML, Sima Jiao..

The world this drama created is rich, dark and gloomy but also hopeful and full of light.. The plot and world building go far beyond what a lot of other dramas have given us.. There are countless vivid moments, beautifully painted scenes.. Sure there were some VFX issues but honestly I would overlook them because of how stunning most of the scenes were.. The world building is done so well but of course, even exemplary world building and background mean nothing if the characters don’t measure up.. There is a huge array of characters throughout the drama.. They were impressive and didn't feel wasted..

Arthur Chen as Sima Jiao was just perfect.. Grandmaster, beautiful, brutal and powerful.. He appears to be cold and arrogant with rough edges that will make you love him even more.. He endured so much.. Tortured, drained of blood and locked away for 500 years since childhood.. He is as dangerous and ferocious as he is subtle and generous.. He hides behind a mask of cold blooded killer but beneath the mask he is kind.. And it only took the FL to reveal that side of him.. He is such a complex, multilayered character..

Wang Ying Lu as Liao Ting Yan was nothing short of amazing.. She is like the most unbothered person alive.. Thrown into a fantasy world, she adapts so quickly that she literally compares working for a murderous immortal to her everyday 9 to 5 struggles.. She starts off as an oblivious protagonist.. Someone who needed to be protected and who only cared about food, rest, and sleep but eventually grows into one of the most powerful individuals in the WDBTD universe.. I absolutely loved her character development..

" You are the only one who can make me yield without a fight..
That makes you the strongest of all.. "

Now to the juicy stuff, the romance.. Romance was chef's kiss.. Absolutely amazing.. The intimacy felt sensual and delightful.. You can take that however you want.. Anyone who has watched this would agree that the leads would look just as good in a modern drama.. So casting directors, you know what to do..

" The most frightening thing isn't death itself.. But the parting it brings.. "

I am not going to lie.. There were moments when I just needed something to happen.. At times, it felt like the drama was dragging things out.. But on the other hand, everything was narrated so well that I couldn’t really complain.. Ultimately every scene felt measured, filled with meaning and significance..

Overall, it was a really good drama even though I wasn’t completely happy with the ending.. Her death and the return to the present were expected, it was obvious that’s how it would go.. I just wish they had spent more time in the present with the characters instead of wrapping it up with a simple ‘ I found you again ’ and a smile.. But honestly who cares after 33 episodes of brilliance in storytelling, performances, visuals and chemistry that led up to that final compromise?? I absolutely loved it..

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