A drama that a must watch!
Mysterious Lotus Casebook is a calm and thoughtful wuxia mystery that values wisdom over force. Li Lianhua is a gentle, intelligent lead who solves cases with insight and compassion rather than power. The story focuses on human nature, quiet friendships, and acceptance of loss. Cheng Yi’s restrained performance gives the drama warmth and depth. It’s not loud or flashy, but it leaves a lasting impression.Was this review helpful to you?
a wuxia drama that EVERYONE HAS TO WATCH
You know that feeling after completing a show and one of your first thoughts are "Wow, it'll take a long time to find a drama like this again."? This was what I felt after watching MLC.As someone who loves whodunit shows, I liked how they incorporated about 8-10 different mysteries in these 39 episodes while linking all of them for the overall story. The chemistry between the 3 male leads were also great and their personalities were all so extremely different but ironically complemented each other well. The pacing of the story was also to my liking. I can't exactly point out how and why, but it reminded me of the drama "the Untamed" - the vibes at least. The story continuously moves, so there's no filler episodes and the drama had me SEATED. I think what made me rate this drama a 10 instead of a 9.5 was the final plot twists in the last few episodes which had me gasping.
Overall, this drama is easy to watch and very suitable for wuxia and bromance shows lovers to watch!
p.s. the women in this drama are all SOOOO GORGEOUS
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Three bros, one mission: solve crimes, argue over swordsmanship, and look dramatic doing it
When I picked up this drama, I did not know the hype surrounding it. I just clicked because Cheng Yi is in it, though I was somewhat disappointed at first because it took me about 10 episodes to get used to Cheng Yi’s real voice. After overcoming that hump, it didn’t take long for me to be engaged in this intricate story about the once-glorified martial arts master becoming Sigu’s Sherlock Holmes. With unlikely side-kicks, Li Lian Hua traverses the pugilistic world, solving mysterious cases.This is the third drama I’ve watched of Cheng Yi’s and he has proven again that he can definitely act. I loved how he portrayed Li Lian Hua’s brazenness with an ample amount of impertinence without coming across as arrogant. His comedic timing is impeccable without trying too hard. His facial micro-expressions were nuanced, but subtle. It was entertaining to watch him at work and the investigations were never dull.
For their part, both Joseph Zeng and Xiao Shun Yao delivered their roles respectively as Li Xiang Yi’s past rival and an ambitious wanna-be hero. It was funny to see how Di Fei Sheng stubbornly clings to their past conflict, to determine who is the best swordsman in the world, while begrudgingly admiring Lian Hua. Fang Duo Bing, on the other hand, is an over-eager neophyte trying to prove his mettle. Together, the three of them form an odd friendship that stands the test of time as they fight against the injustices of the world like the three musketeers.
The rest of the cast were not as memorable, but they were not one-dimensional and served their purpose. The major strength of this drama, aside from the trio, is the intricate plot. It’s thrilling but not too convoluted nor difficult to follow. Explanations brought forth by Lian Hua were plausible and not too farfetched. A drama that kept me on my toes and is not predictable is a plus in my books.
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This review may contain spoilers
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
In the beginning I was skeptical and per my my policy I watched a few more than all of a sudden I was half way through and than the end. I truly fell in love with the story and after watching "The Untamed" and " NIF 1" both of which I loved dearly. Only thing I wished I could have seen is the ML having a family of his own and teaching his kid martial art in a nice small house with beautiful scenery in the back. I hope a second season is produced where we see his child and Fang Duo Bing fighting together solving mystery and stuff.Was this review helpful to you?
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Cheng Yi nailed it again....
I swear to God, Cheng Yi perfectly suits wuxia and xanxia roles. He plays each character as if they were made for him and seemed like his other selves in another world.I rarely watch series without romance in it, but MLC was another exception. Instead of a fast-paced drama, they focused on solving each case, like a detective novel. My fave part was the Yipin Tomb. The martial arts scenes were on point. Was quite entertained everytime Fan Duo Bing got duped by Li Lian Hua, being the gullible and a kind-hearted guy that he is. Di Fei Sheng's character was a bit impressive as well, being the formidable leader of the Jinyuan Alliance but later on became friends with the two. Having highly skilled friends traveling along with you, LLH doesn't even have to lift a finger. They can wipe out any sect, honestly. If there's one thing I didn't like in this series, is Qiao Wan Mian. Her role may have been Li Xiang Yi's former lover, but she wasted a decade of her life pining for someone who might've been dead. She could've made use of the time to revive the Sigu Sect, as she was also considered a senior member and a master. I would've wanted her to become someone dependable, just like Shi Shui.
As for the open ending...Well, It would've been perfect if they just found a way where Styx flower grows and have Li Xiang Yi / Li Lian Hua take it. At least give him another couple decades to live and roam the martial arts world with his two buddies. Any maybe give Su Xiao Yong a chance to be LLH's end game? Haha.
Anyway, kudos to the staff and cast for a great show. Congratulations to MLC for bagging high spots in Weibo rankings as well.
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“Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.” ― John Lennon
This story is the perfect example for this because i was having a mini heat attack followed by a short deppression because of how the 40 th ep ended, and i have not been happy like that for years(well the time between untamed and this)to find that there was a special ep. the story is quite messed up unless you are interested in something less romantic and more thrilling if you are a sherlock homes fan i would ask you to have a go with this. it is indeed a mysterious story. the author talent is making things believable was what is to be mainly appreciated.there aren't may too unusual "coincidences" like other xianxia and wuxia drama i have watched lately.
casting cheng yi as li xiang yi and li lianhua was so stupendous and he did a great job bringing the character to life.
although li xiangyi and li lianjua are the same person there is vast diffrence in their attitudes and the way ot show the transition of the world famous li sect leader of sigu sect, li xianyi to a wandering physician(fake)who doent seem to care about anything but about how to die.
he meets a person fang duobing, who claims to be li xiang yi's one and only disciple and ends up teaming up with li lianhu(who is li xianyi)and solves a bunch of myserious cases togather and finally becomes friends and confidents.
they solve that that are related to a 100 year old conspiracy that is related to li xiang yi himself and about his lineage.
IT IS NOT A ROMANCE DRAMA AND HAS GOT A LOT OF MYSTRIES AND THRILLS AND IT IS NOT FOR SOME ONE WHO WANTS UNBELIVABLE STORY AND TWISTS.
YOU CAN GIVE IT A TRY BUT CANNOT GUARANTY ANYTHING TO EVERY ONE BUT IS THE SECOND MOST FAVORATE DRAMA IN MY LIST.
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! MUST WATCH !
the more people ask me to tell them more about this show, the more i can’t stop talking about how amazing and breathtaking it is. music, acting, plot and everything is just too perfect. the ending was really bitter but i loved every part of it because Li Xiangyi finally got what he wanted and needed for 10 years. i did kind of wished for him to stay alive and see him with Fang Duobing and Di Feisheng but after all, he didn’t want to be saved. the friendship between the trio, Fang Duobing, Li Lianhua and Di Feisheng was everything for me,the reason i watch this show over and over.
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Highly recommend for anyone tht like wuxia and friendship
This is one of the best wuxia's drama I've ever seen! the story line just amazing and also actor and actress in this drama are perfectly suited the role! I really like di feisheng and li lianhua love-hate relationship. I also like that this drama isn't boring at all and make me wanna watch it many many many times! Also I'd like to mention the OST that's so so so so fits the vibe of the drama! I'd like to mention cheng yi too, he's one of my favorite actor because of his acting that make me feel how he feel! I really really really like this drama!😍Was this review helpful to you?
Good Watch
One of the strongest points of this show is the plot itself. The pacing to me was great, the scenes would always feel important to the plot, and every case was related to the main story. The way it was all weaved together was amazing: the mystery reveals would take place at the perfect moment, the action scenes were very satisfying and the relationship development among the characters were well fleshed out. It is so refreshing to find a drama that let the plot naturally explore the relationships that would form among the characters rather than let the relationship (the romance, for example) drag the plot along. The action scenes were also all amazing - they really showed us how mighty these characters were, especially Li Xiang Yi/Li Lian Hua. The audience could truly feel that he was the best who was around! The choreography and execution really lived up to the hype that the scenes were trying to make us feel.However, what truly kept me glued to my screen was the acting. I have some gripes about the acting of some of the supporting characters BUT the main trio was amazing throughout the entire drama. Special shoutout to Cheng Yi, who was nothing but only brilliant in portraying Li Lian Hua. He truly brought the character to life. He weaved in certain mannerisms and behaviours that may have been subtle and even unnoticed but they filled in Li Lian Hua's personality tremendously, to the point where I could feel his emotions - his feelings of grief, regrets, affection and betrayal - very, very deeply. Joseph Zeng and Xiao Shun Yao also showed that they understood Fang Duo Bing and Di Fei Sheng greatly, and their performances allowed for the perfect chemistry among them three as they journeyed towards uncovering the mystery that had been haunting them for years now.
Overall, you should give this drama a chance! It was definitely worth watching.
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a masterpiece
Mysterious Lotus Casebook (also known as The Lotus House) follows the journey of Li Lianhua (played by Cheng Yi), a wandering healer who lives in his humble home—a serene, simple life reminiscent of a peaceful lifestyle. For a decade, he's been traveling around and he's also known as the "miracle doctor" for his rumored ability to bring the dead back to life. However, Li Lianhua’s tranquil existence hides a deeper mystery tied to his past, which unravels as he gets drawn into solving complex cases.The drama shines in its storytelling, particularly the clever handling of each case. From the beginning, the show pulls viewers in with intriguing mysteries that keep you guessing at the mastermind behind every twist. The cases start small but eventually grow into something much larger, all connecting back to Li Lianhua’s own history. The plot's biggest twist towards the end is especially jaw-dropping and well-executed, making it one of the drama’s strongest moments.
What sets Mysterious Lotus Casebook apart is its refreshing approach. While many dramas rely heavily on romance, this one focuses more on the action, investigation, and brotherhood. Romance may play a small role, but it doesn’t overshadow the story. The martial arts is top notch, and the story flows smoothly, keeping the audience engaged without dragging on for too long.
Overall, this drama is a great pick for fans of mystery, martial arts, and character-driven plots. The chemistry between the characters and the carefully crafted mysteries make it a thrilling watch from beginning to end!
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One the best Cdrama
Let me just say it: Mysterious Lotus Casebook is easily one of the best C-dramas I’ve watched in recent years. From the very first episode, it had that rare spark—the kind that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The execution, the storytelling, the characters—everything was just so tightly crafted and emotionally rich.The plot was layered, full of mystery and clever twists, but it never became too heavy or complicated. It was always grounded in relationships, loyalty, and inner conflict. The balance of investigation, martial arts, emotional depth, and camaraderie was perfect.
Let’s talk about the three male leads—what a treat! Their chemistry, banter, and loyalty were honestly heartwarming to watch. The dynamic between them was one of the best parts of the show. They felt like real people with real burdens, yet their connection made it all feel lighter. I only recognized the actor who played Fang Duobing from Ultimate Note (and yes, he’s still such a cutie and super talented). But the other two leads? Absolutely nailed it. Their performances were full of quiet strength and emotion.
Now, I HAVE to mention the two female characters—Jiao Liqiao and the ML’s love interest. Both of them were written so well. No side-lining, no reduction to just love angles. These women had purpose, spine, presence—and the actresses gave such mature, nuanced performances. Loved them both.
The fight scenes were beautifully choreographed—clean, elegant, and emotionally loaded. And the way each case was handled made me excited for every next episode. It gave me that Sherlock Holmes meets Wuxia feel, but softer, richer, and more heartfelt.
Verdict: Mysterious Lotus Casebook is a must-watch. It’s thrilling, tender, smart, and full of beautiful relationships. Whether it’s the mystery, the brotherhood, or the quiet emotional punches—you’ll find something to fall in love with. 10/10 without hesitation.
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A Wuxia Detective Bromance Story Done Right!
When I first heard about this drama and saw the cast lineup, I didn't have much expectations so I didn't try it immediately. I waited until more episodes were out before finally giving it a try. And I was shocked at the quality! I could tell from episode 1 that this drama put a lot of attention on the story, characters, and sets. I felt such high potential for this drama that I slowly watched the available episodes and waited to binge after it was done airing. I haven't felt this excited watching a wuxia drama since Untamed.There are so many good things to love about this drama. It may feel a bit slow-paced in the beginning but after going through their first case, the pace picks up.
1. Solving the Cases. I love watching a good crime story and this drama did a great job at telling interesting but not predictable cases throughout the drama. There were also some great plot twists that were unexpected as Li LianHua and Fang XiaoBao were solving the case. It was particularly interesting because of the cooperation between the 2 leads. Such great chemistry.
2. The Relationships/Characters. Every character was introduced nicely and I could see the motives behind their decisions. The main and supporting roles were built with a solid backstory which helped you see how they grew from the first episode. But Li LianHua would have to be the most interesting because it is not typical of a wuxia drama to show the strongest hero at such a low moment in their life. The bromance between Li LianHua and XiaoBao was done so well too. They have perfect balance of bickering and cute sweet moments. I slowly grew to love the two of them, as well as with Di Fei Sheng. There is not a boring moment when the 3 of them were on screen.
3. The Story. In the beginning, the drama felt a bit slow but each case was built so naturally to lead up to the climatic conflict at the end. There were no useless filler scenes to just add to the episode length because every moment was needed. Also, there were so many unexpected points in the story and it just pulled me deeper into this world. Ugh I'm so sad now that I finished this drama :(( It is also sad
4. The Fight Sequences. All the fight sequences were choreographed so amazing! It was thrilling to watch them fight and Cheng Yi is so great at pulling them off! It truly showed what makes wuxia dramas so fun to watch. I have to say that Li Xiang Yi is just so skilled though... all his fight sequences were so nice and that was only with 30% of his power. UGH THE TALENT.
Anyways, I recommend this drama to anyone who loves wuxia dramas with great crime-solving and bromance!
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