TRULY UNEXPECTED MASTERPIECE
loved this one soo much! started watching it bc of edits on tt xD and didn’t think much about it, but woahh. Everything is truly perfect. Every episode was filled with mystery and action and there were no skips!! every character had a unique storyline and their squad was soo cool. The lore & everything adds up so well and you will feel satisfied watching it unravel until the end. Don’t even get me started on the side of romance between Mu Dai and Luo Ren bc it WAS PERFECT (need them in a drama together again!!) Also loved that it had a happy ending altogether true masterpiece & should have a higher general rating!!😍😍Was this review helpful to you?
Technology and mythology at its peak. Must watch. Trust your magic heart to watch it
Let's start with the music, it so demanding with the story,the song narration is exactly a fit to each scence.I usually skip the intro but this has me catchy. The narration and detailing inthe intro with the cluster of pheonix, the 'feng-huang-luan buckle', the vibrant colors of the intro just puts me there.
I completed the series not a single second was needed to be skipped. Each detailing from the first episode it was af if I was playing the role in 4D.
The performace from each actor amazed me,not a flaw or out of place . I liked MuDai's subtle acting and Lou Ren's preference to family, HongSha's respected ethics ,chubby's and thirteen -thousand free spirit personality.
Mr. Kun also also a major role in uplifting the theoretical and scientific advancements.
Overall it got together to bring an spiritual and mythological genre to a different level
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Great Sci-fi drama
This drama left me with a good impression more than expected.. The story and script were well written. The cast did a great job in portraying their characters! Especially, I impressed with Ao Rui Peng’s acting the most. I have known other aspects of him beyond his two popular dramas The Blood Of Youth and Moonlight Mystique. Although romance is not a focus in this drama, it is balanced enough to make the viewers happy for all main characters. 🥰 Highly recommended for those who like Sci-fi and adventure dramas!Was this review helpful to you?
Great Acting and Team chemistry, but Writing and Execution could have been better
It doesn’t seem like “The Seven Relics of Ill Omen” has attracted too much attention from viewers. Maybe the novel is not as popular as the other tomb raider series. This is usually not my usual genre and after watching “The Unwanted Detective” with an excellent investigative plot, this drama does fail in comparison.What I Like about this drama:
1. Acting - The acting is great and it translates to excellent chemistry between the main cast. I’ve seen a few of Song Wei Long’s dramas before and this is his best so far for me. Also, after seeing Ao Rui Peng in a few recent costume dramas, it’s great to see him in a modern one and a very different character. Liu Hao Cun is cute as a button and her eyes can fill with tears whenever she wants it. She’s so much better here than in the disappointing “Derailment”. Wang Yi Ting and Zhang Yi Chi round up the five-some who are just as capable as the others.
2. Friendship/Phoenix Squad - For a drama such as this, the team chemistry is important and you come in expecting a great friendship. I’m happy to say that these guys are different yet complement each other. There’s no misunderstanding, jealousy or hidden agendas. The bromance between Jiang Zhao and Cao Yan Hua is especially fun, and they play off each other so well. Oh, let’s not forget about the chicken and the weird historian. They are a fun addition to the squad!
3. Main romance - The leads might not have a sexy or fluffy/sugary romance, but they are sweet and comfortable. Seeing them together makes me feel warm inside. With all that they go through, a relationship that feels safe, comfortable and grounded seems to be perfect for the pair. I won’t deny I want to see more romantic scenes, but I am only satisfied with what’s given me.
4. Fight scenes - Excellent fight choreography and action scenes by Song Wei Long and Liu Hao Cun. I didn’t know Song Wei Long actually studied martial arts. What was he doing in all those boring costume idol dramas? He needs to be in a wuxia to show us his athleticism. Liu Hao Cun is so petite, yet she’s nimble and quick with her moves. She was beautiful to watch. I wish there were more fight scenes throughout the drama and not just concentrated in the beginning and the end.
What I have Mixed feelings or dislike:
1. CGI/Production - After watching getting used to great CGI and green screen scenes, this drama disappoints. It reminded me of another recent drama that I watched, “The Immortal Ascension”. The sets look fake, the green screens are so noticeable and it’s overall very below average. I was a little confused about the set design. It's a modern drama with all the technology in the world, yet it has a very old school feel to it.
2. Dubbing - Even though I appreciate the actors dubbing their own voices, the actual dubbing is not done well. The movement of the mouths are not matching the lines. And gosh, that annoying Leopard and her English? Every time she speaks, my ears bleed. What is the point of her speaking in weird accented English when she could also speak in weird accented Chinese? If everyone understands her and responds in Chinese, what is the point?
3. Plot (esp ending) - I like how each member of the Phoenix Squad gets their time to shine through the investigation of the relics. We get to understand their backstory and see how far they have come. However, the ending arcs about the 6th and 7th relics, the past and the big villain, are a little confusing. I am not sure if it's my comprehension problem, or the writing seems choppy. Maybe some parts are edited out due to censorship. There’s a lot of explaining instead of showing. And even if they’re showing, it’s not done in a way that’s easy to follow. Of course, this could be a “me” problem.
4. Leopard - In addition to not liking her English, the writing of her character is over-the-top. Yes, she could have been just a psycho, but the way she moves, talks and enlarges her eyes make her seem like a cartoon character. If I am watching a Japanese anime adaptation, I can understand such overacting, but this is not it.
5. Secondary romance - is there a secondary romance? If so, the drama is doing a very poor job in showing that except for that one scene. It could have been developed more to contrast the dynamics of the main couple
I was enjoying the formation of the squad and the mystery of the first 5 relics. But towards the end, the drama lost my attention. “The Seven Relics of Ill Omen” might not have the tightest writing, but the acting and chemistry are good. It offers great fight scenes and very likable characters. It’s not a must watch but maybe for those who are fans of the leads.
Completed: 9/4/2025 Review #620
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This review may contain spoilers
Plot which called me here, Acting?!! Maybe. Romance?!! Oh, GOD NO....
First of all I'am gonna declare I have no beef with Song Weilong and Liu Haochun. I think Song Weilong should stick in action theme drama because he is un-stable when doing a cultivate acting; like acting with a detail which require a full control of his face not only the muscles but eyes, nose flare, mouth and simple breathing pose. A raw expression that come out when doing action stunt it captivating. Meanwhile for Liu Haochun; if I can describe it just when you cook a dish, you know it has good presentation, taste great but you feel something miss in that dish, I try to watch w/o any discrimination despite the war between her fans and Bai Lu's. We hooked because adrenaline rush because the plot but her acting disengaged from it like a water douse on fire. The one who keepkeeping the plot a float are Ao Ruipeng, Wang Yiting, Zhang Yichi, the actor who played as Shen Kun even the Young Mu Dai. She has more expression than Liu Haochun. Cameo Clara eonni is scene stealer, I miss her so much since her exile from k-entertainment.
As the one who read the novel they tried to stick with the book but "you know you know" they censor it by science based theme. Each volume in the book being describe as close as possible to the book. I just worried for the end because for them to ceased chain of relic ill omen they chose to become a vessel and die trying if the relic took them over. The reason to be living vessel because their blood could contain the relic so their descendants will pass them on until the "evil" thought of the relic ceased to exist. Mu Dai's 2nd peronality is a present Mu Dai occupied past Mu Dai bcause she meet the 7th relic which show her a time travel device; sun dial kind a thing like FoF. Hope they keep them and show us the Happy Ending (I'm kind a tired of SE drama).
The action choreographer need a pay raise it so damn good. Most of them based on actual combat routine like Song Weilong's mercenary one and Mu Dai's shaolin.
Yuning gege on fire. He is everywhere in 2025. The ost he sings rock the situation.
For the camera work, just one work Oh, PLEASE GOD, NO!!!!! Not gonna talk about the set because it will blown up production budget if I want it good. The cable blunders at few eps, lighting, even the failed mixed of cyberpunk and adventure history science type theme scene. The "business district" oh, my oh how they are so clean, FAKE!!! Heisha scene more believable because I know a place like that minus the rings.
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WOAH DID NOT EXPECT TO BE THIS GOOD!
this is so good the cover looks a bit challenging to make you wanna watch it but I recommend to watch! it's so good the plot chemistry everything is just perfect! main leads are very good at acting! this is so underrated one of the best cdramas I watched this year so far! really recommend to watch I never expected myself to watch this because I thought it was a dark type of cdrama but it kinda has a dark plot and stuff but I mostly see happy energetic moments the middle of the cdrama has a insane plot twist also!Was this review helpful to you?
Unique and Interesting
I am really hoping chinese cinemator to add more this kind of series genre. Nowadays, chinese series is usually xianxia with heavily magic cgi and AI filter. To see modern adventure alien things is such freshness. ML as usual did a good job whether it is ancient comedy series or modern detective suspense series. Cgi is lacking but story is goodWas this review helpful to you?
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Too Draggy Towards The End
Episodes were good until Lepoard came into the scene. Leopard scene was too boring and dull as the character was voice over in English. Sound so computer-like-robot, acting more like annoying person, not villian. Among five friends, Chubby seems like no use at all, like a burden to the team.Overall, watchable for few episode, another episodes just fast forward until it ends. Watchable but not recommended.
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Exceeded my Expectations!!!
Swl is so great,absolutely impressive ❤Every other person did great in this movie,I absolutely enjoyed the Hummer strides,the clamp fights and ARP village discovery relics,its impressive. Although the CGI isn't perfect and The leopard villain was a bit annoying,every other character and the environment was amazing! definitely different from the usual Cdramas.The Fl tried ,but no kiss? I felt a little off,but despite that I gave the Dram a 10!! cause that's what it is. I encourage everyone to watch this drama,you won't regret it at all,very logical and concise and also very funny sometimes 😂
The chicken was more than impressive, A great squad yall! you'll find out more when you watch,its by far the most underrated Good Cdrama this year,its near perfection indeed❤
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Binge worthy
This is damn cool series I have ever watched in my cdrama,kdrama,jdrama history..I'm hooked throughout the series absolutely masterpiece, so addictive very interesting unique screen plot, I can't tell spoilers i don't know where to start those who love genre of mystry thriller, treasure hunt will definitely like this series..the only thing I feel negative is FL seems don't have facial expression, she's like chenduling no expressions at all .I love their bromance please don't expect romance chemistry in thriller series,I'll say this is hidden jem, i hate youthful glory for story line but thisss oh my heaven..Good i recommend this ,Must watch ..Happy Watching..
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YOU NEED THIS
IT was not what i wanted but needed. You can see immense improvement in SWL he really gave it his all while being himself.ARP is a must. He made me fall in love with him all over again
This is my first time watching the FL i can say I'm motivated to watch all her works. And the rest of the main role where amazing. Thank you to the supporting roles too
Did i say liu yuning was not helping matters. At the point my adrenaline was rising that OST rose it further. I cannot wait to finish this. Trust me its not a disappointment
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This review may contain spoilers
The Omen Odyssey
In an era dominated by rom-coms and censorship, horror-thriller dramas are a dying breed. So when The Seven Relics of Ill Omen—adapted from Weiyu’s novel Qi Gen Xin Jian—finally aired on Youku, I knew I had to give it a try. Despite knowing it wouldn’t rake in high ratings, my love for suspense and supernatural thrillers won out.Long ago, demons invaded the mortal realm, triggering mass bloodshed. A righteous official, Bo Yangzi, sealed them using a scroll of imperishable wood—split into seven bamboo slips—while three phoenixes sacrificed themselves to form the seal. These slips became known as the “relics of ill omen.”
Centuries later, the relics began stirring again, unleashing chaos across time periods—from ancient Fengzi Ridge to the republican era. Enter five unlikely heroes—Mu Dai (an adorable martial arts prodigy), Luo Ren (a brooding mercenary), Yi Wan San (a sharp-tongued barista), Yan Hongsha (a fearless treasure hunter), and Cao Yanhua (a reformed pickpocket). Together, they form the “Phoenix Squad” to confront the seven relics and their dark histories.
Fishing Line Doll – Luoma Lake (Relic of Blade)
Centers on Mu Dai’s adoptive mother, her tragic love, and a parasitic relic haunting Luo Ren’s family. Powerful themes of identity and revenge.
Fairy’s Guidance – Wuzhu Village (Relic of Water)
Yi Wan San returns to his cursed hometown and confronts family grief, survivor’s guilt, and a giant clam harboring the relic.
Rouge Amber – Yueliang Mountain (Relic of Hang)
Yan Hongsha’s past unravels, revealing an eerie tale involving a savage child, betrayal, and jewel greed. Mu Dai also develops a split persona here.
Wind-Blown Dust – Nantian (Relic of Mouth)
Mu Dai’s painful backstory surfaces—an abandoned child, a friend’s tragic death, and repressed trauma culminating in a gripping mental battle.
Cao Village in the Mist (Relic of Earth)
Cao Yanhua’s cousin gets possessed. Deep caves, eerie coffins, and star-related legends make this one suspenseful and myth-heavy.
Hunting Shadow and Leopard – Old Heisha Island (Relic of Human)
Luo Ren’s past resurfaces in the form of Leopard—a villainess with a dark ritual past. It’s intense, and yes, their chicken sidekick steals the spotlight.
Phoenix Reborn – Fengzi Ridge (Relic of Heart)
A powerful finale. The Phoenix Squad confronts their deepest fears in an illusion realm. No death ritual this time—just growth, unity, and healing.
Weiyu has once again delivered a fantasy-mystery marvel. The script, though slightly adjusted for censorship, retains her signature otherworldly vibe. Each relic arc is compelling, and the backstories—especially of the antagonists—are nuanced and emotionally gripping (Leopard excluded, but she’s a fun villain).
Liu Haocun is phenomenal, seamlessly switching between the cheerful Mu Dai and her darker persona. Despite past backlash (notably in Be Passionately in Love), her performance here is a revelation. Song Weilong perfectly balances mystery and tenderness as Luo Ren. Ao Ruipeng (Yi Wan San) is hilarious as ever and forms a fun duo with Cao Yanhua. Wang Yiting also impresses in her first major role I’ve seen.
From visuals to OSTs, everything is top-notch. Despite its supernatural setting, the production feels grounded and atmospheric. Massive credit to the crew for pulling off a genre this hard to air under strict censorship.
Is it worth watching? Absolutely—if you’re into well-written fantasy thrillers with emotional depth and a touch of horror. It does drag in parts, and Leopard’s strange accent can be jarring, but the overall experience is a rare gem. A well-earned applause to the creators for making this happen in today’s industry climate.
If you want to read the full-length review, you can click on this link yes...
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8126149196342022378/6038927938275854787
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