A Grown-Up Romance in the Disguise of a Xianxia
I didn’t expect to love this drama this much, and yet here I am on my second rewatch. And not because it was loud or groundbreaking, but because it was quietly powerful in all the right ways. The Legend of Shen Li might not scream for your attention, but it earns your heart. Piece by piece.Let me walk you through why this is the xianxia drama that finally got so many things right.
💥 1. THE STORY: Slow Burn, High Reward
The setup seems familiar: two beings, each bearing immense history and power, meet again in the mortal world. One hides his identity beneath a calm, almost ordinary exterior. The other, battle-hardened and on the run, falls into his life by sheer twist of fate. But instead of delivering melodrama for the sake of it, this story lets things unfold with care.
This isn’t a whirlwind romance. It’s a slow build based on trust, healing, and emotional honesty. The plot respects your intelligence. There's no chaos for chaos' sake. There’s just a quiet, well-paced story about two people who’ve already endured enough and are finally allowed to want peace — and to find it in each other.
🎭 2. CHARACTERS: Strength in Stillness
Shen Li (Zhao Liying)
She is everything a lead in this genre should be. Fierce, funny, strategic, and emotionally layered. She’s a warrior through and through — commanding armies, standing her ground, sacrificing herself not out of self-pity but duty. And yet, she’s never cold. Zhao Liying plays her with sharp clarity and softness at once. You feel her fatigue, her love, her internal battles. And even when she falls, she does it on her terms.
Xing Zhi (Lin Gengxin)
I’ll say this: Lin Gengxin isn’t always the most expressive actor — but here? That exact restraint makes the character work. Xing Zhi is a powerful ancient being who’s tired of power, tired of bloodshed, and simply wants to live quietly. And yet he steps up the moment it counts. His stillness is never blank, it’s worn. You can tell he’s lived too long, lost too much. And when he finally chooses her, it means everything.
Their dynamic is everything I love in a pairing: mutual respect, steady trust, no toxic jealousy, and no power imbalance. And the chemistry? It isn’t firework-lusty, it’s emotional tension that builds, then simmers, then settles. You believe in them. You root for them. Not because they’re fated, but because they choose each other over and over again.
The romance is slow-burn and emotionally mature, unfolding in subtle gestures, quiet trust, and small emotional shifts. That restraint can be misread as "lack of chemistry", however, Xing Zhi’s character is deliberately restrained:
He’s ancient, emotionally fatigued, and not prone to impulsive passion. He doesn't act with typical romantic drama intensity.
Lin Gengxin played him with stoic control, as someone who carries a deep weariness and careful emotional distance, and that’s exactly what the role called for.
So yes, it’s supposed to feel calm and quiet. Their romance isn’t hot-and-heavy, it’s warm-and-healing.
Zhao Liying’s performance is more emotionally expressive:
Because Shen Li is bold, sharp, and reactive, she stands in contrast to his restraint. This contrast is intentional, it's what creates their dynamic.
For some viewers, that emotional imbalance can feel like a mismatch, when in fact it’s a design choice to show how they meet in the middle over time.
💬 3. DIALOGUE & THEMES: For the Soul, Not for the Clickbait
This drama doesn’t try to bait you with overused “I’ll die for you” lines. It gives you scenes where someone quietly turns the world upside down just to let the person they love live freely.
It’s about mutual respect, partnership, and emotional healing. There’s no jealousy arc, no dull misunderstandings stretched over 10 episodes. Just two people learning how to hold space for each other.
Themes like redemption, freedom, duty, and choosing peace over power are threaded throughout, gently, not forcefully.
🎨 4. VISUALS & WORLD-BUILDING: Grounded Elegance
While not as CGI-polished as some blockbusters, Legend of Shen Li shines in its set design and atmosphere. The mortal realm has this nostalgic, almost Studio Ghibli-style warmth. And the immortal realm? Regal, quiet, mournful.
Some might say the effects are “dated”, I say they’re charming in their restraint. They don’t try to overdo it. The focus is always on the characters, not spectacle.
⚠️ 5. THE "WEAKNESSES": Or Why the Flaws Aren’t Really Flaws
Yes, the pacing is slow at times. Yes, it’s more about healing than high-stakes battles. Yes, Lin Gengxin’s acting is restrained.
But here’s the twist: That’s exactly what makes this drama what it is.
Not every story needs to be a tragedy to be profound. Not every love needs to burn to be unforgettable. This drama whispers where others scream, and it lands harder because of it. It’s for viewers who want a slow, tender burn that leaves a permanent mark on your heart.
📉 6. WHY IT’S OVERLOOKED: And Why That’s a Shame
It might not be a household name like Eternal Love or Ashes of Love, and that’s largely because:
- It wasn’t aggressively marketed.
- It doesn’t cater to flashy expectations.
- It unfolds slowly and requires emotional investment.
But those who watched it to the end, most will tell you it’s one of the most fulfilling romance dramas in years. It delivers a complete emotional arc — not rushed, not tragic, and not insulting your intelligence.
🌟 FINAL THOUGHTS : Who Should Watch This?
If you’re looking for:
--A powerful, battle-scarred female lead who doesn’t need saving
-- A male lead who’s emotionally grounded and protective without being controlling
--A romance that builds on trust and healing, not just attraction
--A happy ending that feels earned
…then The Legend of Shen Li is your next favorite.
This isn’t just another fantasy romance. It’s a rare drama that trusts its characters and its audience to understand that love doesn’t have to be loud to be unforgettable.
More xianxias like this, please. Fewer love triangles. Fewer scream-fests. Just this kind of quiet power, emotional sincerity, and layered romance.
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Masterpiece
I've said it before and I'll say it again, this will forever be in my top 3 cdramas of all time. One of the things about this show, which I adore is the humour. The humour is perfect. And the acting is too. Not only that but the characters (Shen Li and Xing Zhi) are probably my favourite characters ever- their chemistry is amazing.From the very first episode I was hooked. This show is very unique - it's not your typical cdrama where the ml is always catching the fl after she trips, which I am relieved by.
And to top it all off, it also has a beautiful soundtrack.
I highly recommend the legend of shen-li.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Laidback & Entertaining Drama | A delightful show that exhibits how amazingly cozy retired life is
"How much courage would it take to cast aside one's life, accept another person, and even change one's way of living?" - Shen LiOh Gosh! I am so mad of myself. I was already counting the # of characters for my subject line but accidentally hit "Clear" on my phones notepad and in just a blink of an eye, everything was gone! ㅠㅠ
First of, I just wanna sincerely extend my gratitude to the entirety of the crew who worked hard to make this show possible. It has served as my salvation and redemption after watching such a horrible show that put me on a slump. So, thank you so much for being my getaway and saving me from that demise. <3
Before I proceed, I just want to share this line by XingZhi which I find funny and cute (Episode 36)
"I was beaten by my Father-in-law" - XingZhi 😂
I honestly don't have much things to say as I find this story extremely comfortable and easy to watch. I even failed to write commentaries while watching it because I was so engrossed on the show and don't wanna be bothered at all. I just seize the moment, took my time and suddenly I am already on the last 3 episode of this drama—that is how GOOD this show truly is. I was so lost, more so, doesn't care much about the time while watching it. Haha!
One thing, I eagerly wanted to mention is how 'Laidback" and "Cozy" this drama is overall. I appreciate how the show started with XingYun being chill at the same time playful towards the Phoenix Form" of Shen Li. + I find their earliest interactions as silly at the same time adorable. It felt lke, I am watching a couple enjoying their retired life on a rural paradise while being mischievous towards each other. It suddenly made me look forward to my retired life in the future. Lol!
Hilarious and Comical relief scenes are like the backbone of this drama—the main core element which made this show extra entertaining. I honestly think that all the funny moments combined have had contributed in making this the fantastic drama it is right now. Thanks to that, I was able to enjoy and appreciate each character and episodes.
Villains/Antagonists, Climax and Final battle - are something I think they've decided to go easy on. The antagonists, although are really infuriating but are somehow manageable because of Mofang. Man is totally uncommited. Hahaha! alAnd towards the end, it even feels like they were not given that much moment to shine as the final conflict/battle solely focuses on the fixing their hideous work but not about fighting them directly. I can say that they were utilized as a mere plot device to provide hurdles for the main leads and nothing more.
CGI, Colour and overall design - are good. I specifically love the animation of Shen Li's 'Phoenix Form' as it was so adorable. The execution of the special effects of the fight scenes are all done splendidly too. I am satisfied on this area overall.
Lastly, I want to express my grattitude to the director and writer for giving us Episode 39. I appreciate them a lot for giving us a whole episode dedicated to show how Jin Niang Zi & Mu Zi Chun's love story unfolds and also provides us more scenes of Xing Zhi & Shen Li's life after all the chaos they went through. I am very happy for this special fan service episode. <3
P.S. This drama made me imagine and fantasize how my retired life would be in the far future.
Story - 10, I was thinking of giving it a 9.5 but I watched Episode 39 and my reservation over this drama suddenly vanished as if it's the missing piece I have been looking for that completes this show for me. I need all production to be this generous when it comes to providing us fan service special episodes.
Acting/Cast - 10, Solid! The level of comfort and compatibility Lin Geng Xin and Zhao Li Ying is immeasurable—that even their kissing scenes exudes this playing-around vibe. I love how chill and playful they're that it inevitably shows on screen even if they don't mean to. Acting is really good too. I feel like the overall theme of the drama helped all the actors to act freely without inhibitions.
Music - 10, One of the very rare C-dramas which OSTs are all good. Everytime a new song plays, I always goes "Oh wow! Another good music!"
Rewatch Value - 10, Most definitely! I will re-watch it ONLY if I don't have a long list of dramas to watch.
Overall - 10, I wanted to thank the entire production again for creating such a wonderful drama. I healed myself through this show and had helped me get over that feeling of disappointment towards the terrible drama I watched before this. Highly recommend!!
IF you find my reviee helpful please let me know.
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If this were in America, it would sweep the Oscars!
This is the drama to beat of 2024! The acting is Oscar-worthy., the soundtrack is Oscar-worthy, the Production and plot and the CGI are all Oscar-worthy. Unfortunately there is nothing like this in America. But fortunately, we get to watch it on different platforms. I am glad we were given this opportunity to watch something so exciting and riveting and beautiful and tragic and of course the Ending being simply PERFECT!! The chemistry between Xingzhi and Shen Li was so palpable and sizzling, you just could feel them as Thee Romance of the history of the 3 Realms. And in real life, the drama couple of the year.It will be very hard to move on away from the 3 Realms and all the excellent characters. I hope there is something like the Oscars in China, that will hugely recognize Legend of Shen Li. Good bye, Lord Bicang and Your Excellency. You will be missed.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Historical Drama with Too Much Substance for Its Own Good—A Masterpiece of Chinese Culture
This drama is like a slow-brewing cup of tea that takes forever to steep, but when it’s ready, it slaps you with flavor. The opening music? Insanely good. It’s like an orchestra of ear-bending notes that left me wondering why other shows don’t even bother attempting something similar. I caught myself replaying the intro just to bask in the melody—that’s how mesmerizing it is.Female Lead: Carrying the Show Like a Boss
For once, the female lead pulls so much weight that I often forgot the male lead even existed (no offense, buddy). She’s in the title, so it makes sense, but the way she owns every scene feels like she’s not just playing the role—she is the role.
Finally, a Power System That Makes Sense
Here’s the thing—most Chinese dramas are guilty of throwing immortal powers around without any rhyme or reason. One moment the characters are peasants, and the next, they’re floating in the sky with no explanation. But this drama actually puts in the work to make the power systems feel logical and well-thought-out. I found myself appreciating how much thought went into every type of entity and how they came to be. It’s a nice change from the usual “let’s just say they’re powerful and call it a day” routine.
Action Scenes That Feel Earned
Action sequences are often just filler fluff in dramas, but not here. Every single fight felt telegraphed, deliberate, and essential. It was refreshing to see that weaker characters could outsmart stronger ones—it gave the battles more weight and made the power dynamics more believable. Honestly, I wish more shows took notes from this.
Songs That Are Too Good to Ignore
I normally ignore soundtracks and random garbage when reviewing a show, but in this case? Impossible. Every song creates such a surreal atmosphere that it’s like stepping into another world. It made me realize how much thought and heart Chinese culture puts into storytelling through music.
Final Thoughts: A Drama That Raises the Bar
This drama redefines what a historical/immortal series should be. The story is slow, yes, but it’s the kind of slow burn that stays with you. With music that transcends basic scenes, characters that feel real, and action that actually matters, it sets a new standard. Now I have a newfound appreciation for Chinese culture and a high bar for all future dramas to clear. Good luck to the next one—because this is going to be hard to beat.
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A Xianxia Masterpiece: Why 'The Legend of Shen Li' Deserves a Perfect 10
If you are looking for a drama that redefines the Xianxia genre, The Legend of Shen Li is an absolute masterpiece. I rarely give out a perfect 10/10, but this series earns every single point. The story hooks you immediately by subverting typical tropes: instead of a weak damsel, we meet Shen Li, a powerful general of the immortal realm who is fierce enough to reject a forced political marriage and fight for her own freedom.The dynamic between the leads is nothing short of spectacular. The premise of a mighty general injured and reverting to a phoenix form, only to be bought by the "sickly" Xing Yun in the human world, sets the stage for a relationship built on unexpected fate rather than clichés. Unlike many dramas where the romance feels rushed, their bond grows organically as they navigate the complexities of the three realms.
What truly elevates this drama is the emotional stakes. As they face revived ancient evils and shocking betrayals, their love becomes a "dangerous taboo" that forces them to defy Natural Law itself. It is rare to see a show balance humor, high-stakes fantasy action, and heart-wrenching angst so perfectly. The adaptation of Jiu Lu Fei Xiang’s novel is brilliant, delivering a satisfying conclusion to a story about revenge, truth, and a love strong enough to save the world. This is a must-watch for fantasy lovers.
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This saved me!!!!!!
I started watching cdramas in 2020. I have watched and seen many dramas. however during 2022 I had a hard time watching them since the plots felt repetitive. However this drama from the beginning to the end I never got bored. The FL Shen Li and ML Xing Zhi is… words can’t describe it. The love understanding and trust they have for each other is the best out of all the dramas I have seen. There were no unnecessary scenes and I absolutely love this cast. I wish to see them together again. Most Xianxia’s I have seen are good but this one is spectacular where as most xianxia’s would have the leading so into huge troublesome misunderstandings this shows the love and the trust they hold for each other. The Legend of Shen Li, thanks for saving me.Was this review helpful to you?
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Best Extreme Power Couple I have Seen So Far!
Thoughts:Holy Crap! This might be the best power couple of all time. They are both completely badass! From their first meet they are equals even though the FL is injured. I love how confident she is and what a perfect match she is for the ML's godhood. Their connection is off the charts.
Plot:
Epic action/romance story about a ML who is settled into a life without love, joy or the unexpected and a FL who is not a goddess but is every inch his equal in confidence and wisdom from day one. They are fantastic together and everyone around them can't help but see it whether they want to or not.
Action/Martial Arts: Moderate boarding on substantial
Fantasy/Supernatural: Yes
Romance: Main theme
Hidden/Unknown Identities: Yes
Past Connection: No
Time Skip: No
Separated: No
Amnesia: No
Love Triangle: Not really
LD Chemistry: No fish kisses. Connection feels real. You can feel the love.
Evil/Troubled Supporting LD's: No
Parents/Family: FL entire family and friend are supportive and devoted. ML friends are caught up in his status.
Misunderstandings: Not between LD's.
LD's
Power couple from the beginning though only the ML knows it. ML chases FL first. ML is supportive but jealous. Not in a creepy way. Loved the way the LD's grew into the perfect couple once the FL realized how perfect they where for each other.
Support LD's:
OST:
I am waiting for this OST to my playlist. One of the best I have heard.
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What it looks like with Perfect Yin Yang
Immortal God x Princess/Sky King of Spirit RealmCharacter Depth at its peak
Best showcase of Character Development
Ultimate Slow Burn
Down the lane, the epilogue is one of the best I have witnessed so far.
Beautiful Costumes
OST that makes you leave bits of it in your memory
Strong Mature Characters
Extremely strong Female Lead.
That one female Lead who bullies the bully. Talk about perfect flawless characters, making way into everyone's heart - Shen Li. She is the utmost centre and one of the four wheels that keep you attached to the drama. Personally, once I felt attached to her, there was no going back. With every decision, she exhibits knowledge and situational awareness appropriate for someone who has lived for 1000 years. Shen Li is such a well-written character, she will mark her presence in the minds of the ones who watch this. Her love for her realm and people in general is so tucking and foremost her love for Xing zhi. From the moment she knew there was no going back, her duties and his acceptance might have held her back but her feelings never changed. That in itself makes such a strong impact.
An extremely strong, non-serious funny male lead - Xing zhi. You will wonder how strong can characters be, coming across him. He will answer - Sky is the Limit. Some moments you just try to figure out what going on inside his head but can't. No worries, you will be engaged with all the questions in the first half and slowly decrypt them in the second half. decrypting him comes along with this... Talk about a well-built complex yet simple character. From the way he annoys her to the way he can showcase his love even without saying a word. That's what they say - Actions speak louder than words. Oh! you will love how verbal he will be about his love once he confesses.
The main story is eye-catching in the majority cases but imagine the side stories being equally engaging and heartwarming. The story of Qing Ye, Fl's parents and also their friends.
At most Kudos to Fu Rong's and You Lan's character development.
There are rarely such dramas where we can identify it from the set like their house, immortal realm, spirit realm, way oh heaven, west garden; things like her spear, few extremely catchy dialogues. This story is one of those.
A MUST WATCH.
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Loved it!
I just finished watched the last episode, 39 and it left me so satisfied and happy. For some reason a lot of Chinese dramas have a bitter end. Not this one.I loved the main leads. They were perfect for each other in every way, physically and emotionally. Some have said that Lin Gengxin looked too old and too muscular. I disagree completely. He is such a handsome, manly man and he played the role beautifully as did the beautiful Zhao Liying . They were a perfect Yin and Yang. How I wish they were a couple in reality.
Each and every episode kept me entertained and waiting anxiously for the next.
This drama is not one to miss.
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Amazing Cdrama, Watch Now!
Oh my God I loved this drama, the acting and chemistry were on point. When I say you will not regret watching this, I mean it. Sad moments were really sad and happy moments were the happiest. Honestly probably the best Cdrama I have ever watched. I'm used to sad endings so I was really scared to watch this drama but I was pleasantly surprised. The last episode was probably one of the most peaceful endings someone could imagine. From the first episode I knew I was gonna be attached to this Cdrama and surely enough i was. This Cdrama reels you in from their first encounter, the storyline is perfectly paced. There are no feet dragging misunderstandings that make you regret watching it. The music was excellent and was a perfect add to the drama. I will watch this again.Was this review helpful to you?
I thoroughly enjoyed watching it
This CDrama is my favorite show so far! The chemistry between the male and female leads is unreal! They are versatile actors who can perform both serious and comedic roles with ease. Additionally, the male lead is handsome and charismatic, which makes me giddy when he expresses his love for Shen Li. I also appreciate how well Shen Li portrays her fierce character and how she can soften up around the male lead. Their pairing is simply adorable! The soundtracks are also beautiful and always on point. The CGI effects are of high quality, making it a top-notch Cdrama. The actors are great and effective, and their chemistry is strong throughout the show. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and would rate it 10!!🔥Was this review helpful to you?
