The Legend of Shen Li (2024)

One of the best cdramas I have ever watched

"The Legend of Shen Li" follows the forbidden love story of Shen Li and Xing Zhi.
Shen Li is an immortal general who gets hurt and falls into the Mortal Realm in her animal form. She is rescued by Xing Yun, a human who takes care of her and helps her recover from her injuries. With time, Shen Li falls in love with him but she already has an arranged marriage, she comes back home and thinks Xing Yun is dead.
Xing Yun is actually the ancient god Xing Zhi, the last of his kind. They reunite again, but can't be together, since Xing Zhi can't fall in love, always putting the world's needs first.

This was one of the things that really upset me. They are a beautiful couple, but it takes a long time for them to really be together. Xing Zhi always controlled his feelings for her, because he had responsibilities, but in the moment that Xing Zhi thought Shen Li was gone, he couldn't control himself anymore, he goes enraged and freezes the entire sea looking for her.
After that, the two have a sweet time together, like in the beginning when they first met.

The chemistry between Xing Zhi and Shen Li is amazing and I'm not only talking about the romance, but the action scenes and the funny moments, the characters ares really in sinc. It was really fantastic to be able to see Zhao Li Ying and Lin Geng Xin working together again after "Princess Agents" and finally being a real couple, with a happy ending <3

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Xianxia love story done right!

Xianxia dramas are very hit and miss and for me, this was a hit! There is a lot to be admired in this one, especially if you have a little patience for the story to build after the first arc or take a moment to look a little deeper and appreciate the ways this drama balances the usual Xianxia tropes and also flips them around.

Things to admire:

*Main leads chemistry: Look, I watched Princess Agents when it came out and like many hated the ending. But I moved on and wasn’t waiting for a season two redemption on bated breath. So I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this couple regardless. And if you were waiting, this drama would definitely heal those wounds. They knew what the fans wanted and delivered it in spades.
* Mature pairing: We need more romantic fantasy dramas with “older” couples.
* Gender stereotypes reversed: So much to love here and too much to list. Shen Li is unlike most female leads. She’s beyond strong physically and mentally. And our ML is more than the cold, emotionless heavenly deity. He’s funny, playful, and nurturing. We still get swoony moments when our ML saves the FL, but it’s a situation of Girl, you protect the world and I’ll protect you. Also, ML is the best househusband a girl could dream for. Take care of all my needs and feed me delicious food? Yes please.
* Slice of life in a Xianxia: We don’t usually see this played out in these genres. Underneath all the big end of the world drama, TLOSL is really about our couple getting to the joy of appreciating the pleasures of being alive and living a simple life with the one you love. Eat good food, sit out in nature, spend time together, care for each other, and live in the moment without burdens of responsibility. If that isn’t the fantasy many of us long for, I don’t know what is. I’ll admit, first arc of the drama felt a bit slow with this focus, but when I realized what was building up here and then how it all ended, it’s beautiful and fulfilling.
* Satisfying Ending: In a year of Chinese dramas with disappointing endings or lacking in closure, TLOSL does not let down. We get spoiled with a whole episode and half of happy ending!

Really, this is a love story first and foremost. If you’ve bought into the couple, enjoy Chinese fantasy drama tropes, and appreciate the thoughtful ways this drama flips some of them around, you’ll find this really is better than most coming out these days.

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The romance, please keep it simple.

Idk, in the beginning I and the end, I kinda like when romance between Xing Zhi and Shen Li keep simple. I mean, not too much unnecessary thing like jealousy or posesive thing when Xing Zhi decide to put Shen Li in his palace in the sky, to keep Shen Li alive.
I love the battle but I think some battle should have more highlight. I also think Mrs.Jin could easily beat Mo Fang in her mountain with her power, more trick or something. It kinda wasting her power of tens thousand years.
I personally think that this drama is 40:40% romcom and the rest is battle bcs I found this drama is always made me laugh with the way Xing Zhi act and treat Shen Li.
I love the end, but I really think they should cut the backflash bcs it's too much and we can shrink over the 31-37, 7 eps to 3-4 eps, I think it's better

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A Great Fantasy C-Drama with a Satisfying Ending

I decided to watch this series based on its high rating, and overall, I'm glad I did. The first five episodes were engaging, although the romance felt a bit rushed. As I progressed, I predicted a long, and somehow boring journey, which unfortunately came true. The action scenes were okay, but the romance was dragged. They could have done better

Despite this, I appreciated the well-crafted ending, a rare find in fantasy C-dramas. Most series in this genre leave viewers with unanswered questions, but this one provided a perfect conclusion.

While I enjoyed the show, I felt that some scenes were unnecessary and only added to the length. Hence, I'm giving it a 9.0/10 rating.

Overall, I loved and enjoyed this series, and I'm happy to have watched it. If you're a fan of fantasy C-dramas, I recommend giving it a try!

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It met all my expectations and more!

When I got to know the main leads were of the ones from princess agent, it sparked my interest more. I loved the ml demure character from PA. I'll give a detailed explanation for almost everything I loved about in this drama, beginning with the story.

At first, the beginning of the plot was very direct and one could not tell how much powerful the ml was. The development of the plot was very tricky I'd say, for they hid so many secrets that those who supposed to unravel them weren't the ones, so I'll put it as, they left the unravelling for the wrong people. I'm not a fan of knowing the exact episode at which some things happened buh I can remember that scene where fu rong elder sister entered the extra natural heaven... if left to me, it should have had remained unknown to everyone except the gods no matter what come may.
Another instance, the origin of our heroine should have been told by her Holiness... because it all started from the master of her Holiness creating a creature he knows not how to tame and channel it's usefulness for the purpose of creating it.
Well, it is beginning to sound like I don't like the story buh I do...a lot. The case of that other god who was punished for misusing his divine power seemed like it was never understood nor explained well to us whereas xiangzi has told us how it will end. He will keep missing her not as longing buh accidentally not seeing or being together. This was the result of his actions. Another of the story I liked was the costumes...to me, the costumes seem like stories untold...yet they unfold seemingly.
The make up, clothings, foods, buildings and ancient artifacts all told stories. And I loved everything abt them all. I was even more attracted to the styling more than the fight scenes. A beautiful fantasy drama can't be completed without fighting scenes of course. The fighting scenes were professionally choreographed. From the female lead to the very least mortal cultivator. The battlefield was always lively and interesting to watch.

we go to the second, acting. I don't know why someone would hate on the male lead that I find the most attractive, like why?!...now that I'm writing this, a realization jst dawn on me that his role was the hardest and most difficult to play. I've watched if not that many many buh enough for me to judge those who solidly are against things I find as reasons why they were like that. He had to act very sickly as a mortal. now this role can't be given to anyhow somebody in my view for it wasn't easy to stay alive without power knowing fully well that he is of divine being. as a god, he shouldn't make rashly decisions which we saw how hard he concealed his intentions when he realized his feelings for the fl. if he has cancelled the engagement, it wouldn't have been easy either for him to have married her immediately or for them to live happily when it's against the natural law. He was very calm enough to have his calculations drafted before he takes actions, very caring even when the fl was being sassy, enduring enough to wait for her...to me, he scored the boyfriend standards and even higher!

the FL, can't be blamed for her behavior...at first tho, I find her too commanding even as a general, very blunt and funny. along the way, she was known to only have been in battlefields... what a yin indeed!...she was the husband and ml was the wife 😂.
for someone who only recognizes comrades, it shone surprising or annoying that when she cried abt loosing the two persons she shouldn't have, with us knowing fully well that Mofang was excluded. she might not really feel for her dad buh the fact that he's been there all along and now he had to sacrifice himself again...she isn't tht heartless not to feel sad...so she expressing her grief was just the amount of affection we needed there.
my casting are sole based on the main leads...so sorry that I couldn't touch the rest ...
before I moved to the next, I want to touch on furong, our said to be husband thanks to the nirvana of our FL on the water battle.
I was quite amused how fast he changed after the death of our heroine...(she didn't die buh no one knows where she was). He grew up very fast in maturity and it made me feel for him during the last battle that claimed our ml life. he was very annoying at first, a funny play boy that tried all he could to break out from the engagement... because of his fears of her ruthless dealings whilst on battlefield.
Mofang's death was the sacrifice we needed. I said so, not that I hated him, he was jst too somewhat stupid for allowing fu sheng to use him, when he knows that he can't avenge a father he knows not. his love for the fl to me was meaningless if she suffered torturously resulting to loosing her tube senses because of his pettiness. the actor carried the role to another level to having him constantly talking and fighting himself. he played that part well.


I can't end this without including the kissing scene that was ignited more passionately by the luring desires of the heart by the demon serpent. I enjoyed that scene ad kept replaying it ...I like it when main leads know what they want even though the FL became a lil bit annoying afterwards... before that scene, I knew she was going to be like that, given her personality that is so difficult to please. well at last, they gave us a fruit of their hard labour 😂.
someone said that the last episode kissing scene was not necessary, so this is my question, you watch up to that moment and you still find it unnecessary, what then should they do at the end that might produce an offspring? 😂
my dear it was necessary. A very typical real life kissing scene as such is very necessary okay. a kissing scene so mature, real and cheesy to watch is what I always looked towards to in ancient costume drama that have romance.
both leads are of same age in real life...so whatever makes you feel uncomfortable watching them act out that scene must be because you lack good sense of judging from inexperienced kissers.


my rewatch value says, it's highly recommendable.
go watch it and enjoy it...never has there been a good drama this type.

I'm a big fan of music in dramas and so far, this drama has good recognized singers in it adding to making this drama a blast!.

thanks for reading.

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Some of my favorite side characters ever

Whether you like the main plot/couple/romance is so up to your taste that I'm not going into it. In the end it worked for me.

A real standout for me: A+ side characters. This drama could have been 2 episodes shorter if they'd cut the repetitive insert songs (seriously, it's WAY over the top) but I would've wanted them to spend the time with Fu Rong (He Yu) and You Lan (Jackie Li), the Heavenly Emperor's grandson and granddaughter, instead. At first they were hilariously irritating: Fu Rong is the ultimate do-nothing playboy; You Lan is both arrogant and one of those really obsessive fan types. I thought they'd just be minor antagonists continuing these gags, but it's not that simple! Other secondary and minor characters were memorable as well. Really entertaining writing.

The final episode is more like an epilogue but it's full length. If you're always sad that you don't get time with the characters after the big moment, you'll be happy.

Aside from the repetitive insert songs, there's some epic music on this soundtrack (the whole album is on YT Music legitimately under its Chinese name). The opening theme gives me absolute chills when the suona comes in.

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A Genuinely Delightful, Engaging and Captivating Drama

A rather fun start, this is a long awaited drama and so far has not disappoint, It is engaging and captivating, and colourful (especially the CGI chicken) as well as mesmerising. Just wish it has both English and Chinese Subtitles so that I can watch at the same time as my sister who only understands English whereas I prefer subtitles in Chinese.

Each episode gets better as the story develops, this has certainly been worth the wait. I wasn't expecting to like this drama as much as I have, but thought I would give it a try, however, 4 episodes in, it has certainly surpassed expectation, I am amazed at how captivating and mesmerising this is, it is a delight to watch Zhao Liying at her very best, she embodies and personifies extra edge that extraordinary natural talent brings is something that cannot be taught and is what makes great actors stand out … know what is required at a given moment by their viewers; to immerse in the drama. Both Zhao Liying and Lin Geng Xin have brilliant chemistry together. I have now watched 12 episodes and I can't wait to watch the next and upcoming episodes to see how the story unfolds ...

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This drama is a breath of fresh air

I had to go through the exhausting sign up process just to write this review. I've always love Zanilia Zhao Liying but I couldn't even finish legend of fei because I found it kinda boring but you see this Legend of shenli is the most amazing xiaxia drama ever.

The emotions, the non-verbal cues, the OST, the characters... Everything was on point 😭❤️

Zanilia Zhao really outdid herself with this drama... She's the queen of costume dramas no 🧢

I love Lingenxin 's expressions... My guy was so calm but you'll also tell how he's feeling from his expressions.

This drama deserves all the love❤️

Love you Zanilia 😭❤️

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Surprisingly watchable

Things I found annoying: Some of the dubbing is cringy.
-CGI is obvious and repetitious.
-by far the most annoying thing is how slow some of the episodes are but still contain enough events
that I have to go back and watch bits that I skipped...grrr!

Things I found not annoying: Everything else.

I'm annoyed that I didn't wait for the entire production to be added to Viki, now I have to wait to watch the last four episodes...said me, never... regarding a C-drama, yet here we are. I can't give a higher rating for a show than, 'I can't wait for more episodes' or 'I'll watch this again, on purpose' and this series gets both.

You don't have to think a lot while watching but it's still intelligent enough that it will suit a wide range of demographics.

Time well wasted, give it a go.

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IT WAS SOOOO GOOD I DIDN'T EXPECT MUCH AT FIRST

This drama is such a hidden gem! I went in with zero expectations and ended up completely obsessed. The chemistry between the FL and ML is insane
I’m literally on my knees every time they start flirting. The way they tease each other, the tension, the longing stares…
I LOVE IT. The story has just the right balance of fantasy, romance, and emotional depth. Highly recommend if you want something that surprises you in the best way!

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Slow pacing and a boring storyline.

This is my Honest Review.

This drama has impressive CGI, with fight scenes surpassing those of many Xianxia dramas. The scenery resembles something out of a painting, and I can't praise the background music enough. It's pretty clear that they have put a good amount of money into the production. However, does this all truly matter if there's no clear plot? I've watched up to episode 14, and so far, not much has happened. This drama is really slow. The first 5 episodes were really good and engaging, especially the interaction between the CGI chicken/phoenix and the main lead.

I thought they were starting slow and that the plot would pick up, but no. I can't even understand what the main objective of this drama is, what they're trying to accomplish. This drama feels so unserious, especially the male lead; he's really boring. Yes, I can understand why he's like that, but maybe because of the lack of depth in the plot or an unattractive main lead, I can't take him seriously.

The plot centers around the main lead not being allowed to be with the female lead because it goes against the rules or would be dangerous to the three realms or something like that. I've already seen this kind of plot in Immortal Samsara, but the difference is, there, it has enough depth in the plot and angst which is quite convincing. It has its own faults and pacing issues, but there's always something going on enough to keep me hooked, which is not the same case with Legend of Shenli.

If I want to talk about the story, really nothing has happened until episode 14. All I can say is it's a story of one woman and three boys. I really can't understand what's really attractive about the main lead which made the female lead fall for him twice. Their interactions are funny, but I can't feel any chemistry between them. This show doesn't do a good job of making me care for the side characters.

Someone said in the comments that the real story starts from episode 22. It's too long for me to wait; until then, what we got is unnecessary filler, comedy, immature side characters, a tug of war between the male and female leads, and not much else.

Okay, I'm dropping this. I want to see Zhao Liying in another historical drama which has a strong buildup in the plot.

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Weak worldbuilding and story structure; a slow-burn that doesn't work

CGI, cinematography, and OST are fairly decent.

I got hooked with the first episode and thought the first arc was well-paced, with things running pretty much smoothly.

However, during the second arc, everything started feeling draggy and the push and pull of ML isn’t really working for me for some reasons, considering I’ve had a lot of this in the past.

Maybe it’s been dragged out for too long, or maybe the worldbuilding remained weak and lacked overall direction. Maybe even a combination of both.

I noticed that the series is character-driven. Still, the way they’re written also lacked depth.

I also don’t like how the ML’s character is written out. In the second arc, the second ML stood out better for me, which made me root for him instead.

When I was fast-forwarding a lot of scenes, I knew it was time to quit.

It’s such a shame, because they did a good work in writing the FL’s character: strong, smart, and beautiful.

And when I say smart, this is also in congruent with her view on self-worth. She set boundaries when the ML drew a line. She put more value on herself and the greater good rather than chasing a man who denied sharing any relationship with her. Maybe this will change, and the chase will start after the episode where I stopped.

Maybe even the plot will start picking up.

Unfortunately, at this point, even these possibilities couldn’t make me continue watching.

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