It's LEGENDARY. Best of all xianxia I have watched or best of all dramas.
My top 1 wuxia, xianxia drama. (This is my first review after watching 250+ Chinese dramas and so you can imagine how much I like this one)It's amazingly perfect.
The way the leads are flirting is so cute.
The fights are good.
The emotions are perfectly portrayed or shown. I even cried for some scenes.
There is some comedy. Mostly ML made some fun. It's good.
The OST is amazing. Every background music and all songs are superb.
The VFX is good.
Everyone's acting is good.
For me there is negative in this drama.
My rating 10/10 ❤️❤️❤️
I also gave rating to each episode separately with 10 points.
If it is possible I would give more than 10 rating, that's how much I liked this drama.
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I want to beat the director or writer of this drama. They are so cruel. How can they do this to us.
How can they end this so amazingly perfect drama. I want this drama with 60 episodes or more than 60.
😭😭😭😭😭😭I'm missing this drama. I don't want this to end.
Also, Zhao Li Ying (FL) is amazing and so cute as usual. She is 36 but she still looks like a teenager for me. Her acting is amazing. Also, she is the executive producer to this drama. I want more of her dramas same as this. ❤️❤️💖💖❤️🔥❤️🔥
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This review may contain spoilers
I can't help but speak up.
I've seen a few comments about how slow, predictable and imbalanced the show was (some even from seasoned reviewers).Here is my take:
The pacing was indeed quite slow, but it was for the best. The story was told in a way that rarely leaves the audience wondering about backstories or how things came to be. It also gave me the chance to get to know the main characters, smile at their bickering and feel their sorrows and moral dilemmas. I even got to soak in the emotions from the actors' minimal gestures and microexpressions...kudos to ML and FL's amazing performances.
Others claimed that the story was predictable. Well, of course! This is a live adaptation of a novel, and it was praised for being able to follow the source material to a tee. Many (if not all) shows follow a certain pattern in telling a story. What matters most is if it is being told in the most engaging and visually appealing manner. No expense was spared in its production.
It was indeed a little off balance in the sense that most of the screen time was focused on the CP and I think it's fine. For one, the show really does revolve around the ML & FL so it's normal. Another is that telling too much about supporting characters without any significant contribution to the main story will be too overwhelming for many viewers. It was an easy watch and I loved it!
This show truly did the Princess Agents viewers a great service! Seeing Lin GengXin & Zhao LiYing on screen together again somehow tied the loose ends left by the aforementioned drama's cliffhanger ending. They still have an awesome chemistry and I would gladly watch them again in the future.
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Excellent story and amazing main leads.
Excellent story, superb acting, ML and FL amazing chemistry, good visual effects, story line that advances and does not gets stuck. One of the best Wuxia I have seen. The Romance is so good. I love the main characters and also the secondary charaters are good and funny. The ending is worth watching too.I think this story has everything: Great romance, a very good story, well written script, great actors, very good visual effects, they did a good job filming it, great scenes, the music was very good too. You could not stop watching it, expecting the next episode to come.
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This review may contain spoilers
The premise of the drama is both captivating and intriguing, introducing viewers to Shen Li, a character torn between her celestial responsibilities and her own desires. Forced into an alliance marriage with a notorious playboy Fu Rong Jun from the Divine Clan, Shen Li's defiance sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery, sacrifice, and unexpected alliances.What sets "The Legend of Shen Li" apart is its nuanced portrayal of its characters, particularly Shen Li and Xing Yun. Shen Li's transformation from a powerful celestial being to a vulnerable red phoenix stripped of her powers is a metaphorical journey of loss and rediscovery. Actress Zhao Li Ying brings depth and emotion to the role, capturing the complexities of Shen Li's inner turmoil and her evolving relationship with Xing Yun. Opposite Shen Li, Xing Yun emerges as a compelling counterpart, his aloof demeanor masking a tender heart and a penchant for secrets. Actor Lin Geng Xin delivers a nuanced performance, infusing Xing Yun with a mixture of mystery and vulnerability that draws viewers into his enigmatic world.
The dynamic between Shen Li and Xing Yun forms the emotional core of the drama. What start as a random encounter turned into a lifetime of love. As Shen Li grapples with her newfound mortality, Xing Yun becomes her unlikely ally, offering solace and companionship. They fought for one another, protecting their love, fighting for peace.
Furthermore, "The Legend of Shen Li" is elevated by its breathtaking cinematography and immersive world-building. From the celestial palaces adorned with intricate details to the bustling streets of the mortal realm, each setting is brought to life with stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail. In addition to this the background music deserve their recognition. From the oriental melodies that Shen Li fought to the heartfelt ballads that underscore moments of love and sacrifice, the background music and original soundtrack elevate every scene, immersing audiences in an auditory journey that lingers long after the credits roll.
In summary, "The Legend of Shen Li" is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure, brought to life by its compelling storyline, endearing characters, and enchanting melodies. So, surrender to the magic of this celestial tale and let yourself be swept away on a journey of love, redemption, and unforgettable melodies.
This has cured my PA heart.
Re watch Value: 10/10
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A Strong Woman makes a Strong Man sigh
I was not sure what to expect of this drama that started out with grown man pampering and teasing a magical chicken (Phoenix), but I certainly was not expecting another 10/10 drama. I mean maybe it’s not perfect but I enjoyed every single episode and didn’t hit the fast forward button even once.The female lead is a strong warrior and leader of her people. She’s very much caught up in the current dramas and politics of her time with the urgency of a leader who knows the outcomes are not guaranteed.
The male lead is also strong but he’s absolutely abandoned the majorities of his responsibilities, let’s things run their natural course with both good and bad outcomes, and is overall a chill dude milling about in his garden like a grandpa until our domineering phoenix drags him back into the drama of the realms.
And like yin and yang they are a perfect balance with their matching cores.
This story will take you to heaven and earth, demon realms and magical worlds, wastelands and paradises. It’s gorgeous, too. The costumes, the locations, the sets - all marvelous.
There are also some very memorable second lead characters. A brother and sister duo that I adored who both got solid stories and character arcs as well as unique and funny personalities. A pining but not pathetic second male lead (well he was kinda pitiful but the circumstances demanded it). And there was a slew of other great side characters that really added depth and realism to this fantastical story (sexy snake lady, I’m looking at you).
Most of all the two leads had great chemistry. They played off each other so well - with humor and teasing and sweetness and snarkiness, they frustrated each other, they admired each other, they just seemed so natural side by side I was rooting for their love story even when she was a chicken (which is only the first two eps or so).
My Xianxia Fantasy Lovers, you will love it. Definitely fire it up and enjoy the ride. It’s epic.
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A fun, warm-hearted drama
I think a lot of love was poured into this drama, and it leans into comedy more than tragedy. I don’t think you’re supposed to take this drama too seriously, although moral lessons abound. it reminds me of The Starry Love, but the humor is dry, rather than slapstick.The chemistry between the leads is electrifying, and you feel the adoration between them. The sub-plots also add to the fun.
It’s like if Meet Yourself was a Xianxia, very scenic and fun. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to relax while watching a Xianxia, since most Xianxia’s threaten to raise blood pressures.
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A treat for the eyes, if you like Lin Gengxin and Zhao Liying
This is the first Xianxia I ever finished and I mean finished without using the FF button. I have no such interest in this genre so when I heard ZLY and LGX were returning with this genre, I didn't have too much hope. Boy! Did they prove me wrong! The story was quite engaging. I was completely sucked in after 4 episodes and didn't stop until the end. A popular fact now: LGX and ZLY was AMAZING together. They literally set our screens on fire with the chemistry they have. It is rare to star together in a new project and hit jackpot twice for previous onscreen couples, but I think LGX and ZLY just proved they did with Shen Li. I will not spoil the story for anyone, all I can say is, believe in the chemistry LGX and ZLY holds, you will experience the three celestial realms and you will be mesmerized. :)Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The Legend of Sheng Li
The Legend of Sheng Li- Yes... Well, I don’t know where to start. I apologize in advance if this post is long. However, I will say now that I could say a lot more about this drama than what I wrote.
The drama is amazing; I haven’t received so many emotions from a Chinese drama for a long time. From the first second when the music starts, you feel your veins filling with oxygen. A drama in which there is nothing superfluous.
The best actors, the best production, script, and special effects. The chef uses the best ingredients. It will mix in perfect proportions, and you will get something delicious. Mmm, so finger-lickin' good.
Xing Ji is God in every sense; he walks with his quiet, majestic steps. Its greatness can be felt even behind the scenes. This is his character! He is over a thousand years old, he has seen everything, and he is bored with this world, so he descends into the mortal world. He is the most powerful of the High Immortals, and apparently he is so bored and uninterested in everything around him.
Shen Li, the Princess, is a strong, independent, rebellious soul who is fair and kind. Always near. You look at their couple and feel how much they love each other.
But besides all this, there is another very big plus in this drama: humor, which balances the sense of greatness and war in this drama.
Shinji, the whole drama was on Phoenix's nerves. Although he doesn't seem to know anything about it, he didn't seem to see anything and didn't even think anything about it. Hehe
There are so many incomparable characters here that I can endlessly talk about anyone...
Ultimately, this is the best drama I've watched in this genre. Beautiful and a sea of emotions, the chemistry is amazing. For me, there has not been such chemistry anywhere for a long time. The actors played very well. The story is not new; it is as old as time, but it is beautifully presented. Every frame was a masterpiece, and every second was unique and so beautiful. I have never seen such beauty anywhere else. God, I loved this, and translators, thank you so much.
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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 is 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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Best Xianxia of some years now
This drama is so amazing I don't even know how to describe.It's going to be in my heart right next to Ashes of Lovea and Lost you forever regarding the xianxias.
What's so good?
I love the cast, such good actors.
The pace of the story is great, sometimes very slow and beautiful, sometimes very fast and trilling.
The photography is amazing, the way the cameras capture every scene is beautiful.
The CGI it's one of the best I have seen.
The OST is so good, you are gonna remember the show only for it's music.
The story is very interesting, something new, keeps you wondering what is gonna happen next.
Of course, there are some things I wish could be better, like explore more Mofang and the King of Chimeis. But I will turn a blind eye on that.
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Definitely One of the Best XianXia Drama
I love everthing about this drama.Even though i come here because of the fact that this drama is the comeback reunion drama for both ZLY & LGX after Princess Agent, this drama itself is perfect on its own and it has won me over completely for its plots, casts, and production quality. The Visual FX is also great enough for Xianxia dramas and the OSTs, even though not all are great, there are some that got me addicted and has kept me listening to it for days.
Overall it is 10/10 for me!
The casts and the plot/story that is most commendable, i found the casts are perfect for the story characters, and the story itself is rich in contents. It has both funny and serious sides, it gave us quite a number of questions and puzzles to keep us thinking and let the viewers guess what is coming next. It doesn't leave us hanging as they answer all the mysteries in the end and even gives us extra one episode to clearly show the extension of the leads' ending.
I'm glad i spend my time on a good XianXia drama and i don't regret buying VIP & Express package on WeTV to see all the episodes first and their exclusive BTS!
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Well written characters
It depends on everyone's taste. All of the characters of drama are well written. I am thankful for ep 39. The ending is satisfying. I loved the humor But there were no plot twist. May be it's because I watched too many dramas. Someone who is starting in this genre will definitely love it. I liked it, but it's not memorable for me.Was this review helpful to you?
