The Journey of Legend - A Modern Wuxia Masterpiece
The Journey of Legend is a breath of fresh air in the wuxia genre, skillfully blending emotional depth, a compelling mystery, intense action, and a unique transmigration premise.The story starts deliberately slow, dedicating time to the internal journey of Ming Ming as he's thrust into the life and body of Qui Shui. This foundational pace is crucial, allowing us to witness his raw emotional resistance, his gradual, reluctant acceptance, and his eventual awakening into his new identity.
The heart of the drama lies in a mature exploration of morality: the battle between personal survival and the ideals of true chivalry. Our protagonist is far from a perfect hero; he is deeply flawed and human, constantly struggling between vengeance, self-preservation, and the pursuit of justice. The narrative successfully asks a powerful question: What does it truly mean to remain righteous when integrity is punished by the world?
Dual Roles and Masterful Tension
A gripping mystery thread runs through the entire series, complete with shifting loyalties and hidden agendas. This is amplified by a brilliant narrative choice: Cheng Yi delivers a masterclass in a dual role performance. He not only plays the deeply conflicted Qui Shui but also the cold, calculating antagonist, Li Chen Zhou. The contrast between these two characters is stunning yet grounded, and Cheng Yi's seamless transition between them dramatically elevates the entire tension of the show.
Production and Polish
The production values are elegant and focused rather than flashy. The fight scenes are notably tight, fast, and purposeful—every move serves the plot without being over-choreographed. The Original Soundtrack (OST) is perfectly selected, enhancing both the emotional beats and the action sequences. Strong cinematography, precise editing, and tasteful costume design round out a high-quality production.
A Victim of Malice, A True Success
It's necessary to address the fact that this high-quality drama has been the target of malicious review bombing and coordinated online hate, largely aimed at the male lead. Many of the low scores circulating ignore the actual narrative and driven instead by external fan agendas.
Despite this, "The Journey of Legend" is a certified success in China. It has consistently topped daily streaming charts and earned open praise from industry veterans for Cheng Yi’s dedication—accolades that are not easily given.
The Verdict
Forget the fast-burn idol dramas. The Journey of Legend is a slow-burn, emotionally rich wuxia tale that richly rewards viewers who appreciate nuance, character growth, and mature themes. If you’re looking for a sincere, intelligent, and heartfelt story that stands apart from the typical hype, make this your next watch.
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Can we release our inner Li Xiangyi and embrace the Li Lianhua within us?
I haven't written any reviews before, so please forgive me if this one comes across as a bit "sentimental." But I can't help it; my feelings for this incredible drama are overflowing, and I truly hope that everyone else can experience the same joy I have.This is a wuxia drama that's packed with action and filled with intriguing mystery-solving cases. These cases gradually unravel the profound mysteries of Li Lianhua/Li Xiangyi's world, on life, friendship, and the struggle he face. The story is an enjoyable ride, largely thanks to the laid-back and charismatic character of Li Lianhua. His perspective on the world, his values, and his journey towards redemption are truly captivating.
In between, there's the pursuit of youthful spirit, Fang Dou Bing and the rivalry spirit, Di Fei Sheng. It's Li Lianhua who remains the central focus. Their interactions build a beautiful foundation of friendship, understanding, loyalty and unwavering support.
Ultimately, what this story conveys to me is the importance of letting go of things that are beyond our control. It encourages us to find the courage to forgive and forget. It emphasizes the value of friendship and loyalty. It delves into the internal struggles that all humans face in their daily lives. The question it poses is profound: Can we release our inner Li Xiangyi and embrace the Li Lianhua within us?
I ended my review with the quote below.
" The battle at the East Sea ten years ago was on this day. 27th of the twelfth month. It is today. I didn't expect after fighting to the death ten years ago, ten years later, we'd be drinking together like this. That day...That year... The moon that year was not as bright as today. The moon that year was just like today. It was just like today. Li Xiangyi is dead. But his sword is not dead." - LLH and DFS (in the wedding room of JLQ)
" Everyone in this world only wanted a divine god Li Xiangyi who could do anything, but at least there was someone who treated me as ordinary person Li Lianhua, persistently without fail. Then, that is enough." - LLH to FDB (off-screen - script excerpt, not in the drama)
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Great Chemistry Between Leads
The main couple of this drama is one of the most natural and having great chemistry between them. They have a clear vision of their feeling and matured in their actions. All their interactions here are sweet and amazing to watch. You will fall in love with them.As for the story plot. It is melodrama close to soup opera of rich family saga. Complicated older generation relationships and all the backstabbing, jealousy and selfishness. The ML and FL are entagle in the web of drama while being true to themselves.
I really recommend you all to watch this if you are okay with melodrama genre. Personally, I'm not into melodrama much but the main leads are enough to make me stay. And eventually leads me to liking the story as well. There are so much we can discuss, debate or comments.
I personally love all of the OST of this drama. They are beautiful.
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Emperor, I feel you.. It's an emotional ride..
The loneliness of the throne, the solitary struggle when everyone misunderstands you. It's all for a cause, no matter the cost, even if it means sacrificing one's own life. It's deemed worthwhile, for that's how he perceives the world. There's no battle without casualties. However, when one person sees the real you, it shakes their world. It weakens them but also makes them stronger. This is how I view the emperor: a man with a grand purpose, and a heart filled with righteousness.My comments after completing the drama:
1. Cheng yi is amazing here, I come to truly love him. I like him a bit when I watched Legend of Chusan (he was 2nd lead) long ago. Then I really like him a lot and becomes true fans in Love & Redemption. But now, I am totally in love with him. I think his acting that really finally got me to put him into my top list of the actors I love. And he is super good looking and handsome too. ^^
2. The story is great until... ep 40? (around that) it really getting draggy and really push my patient. I really hate some of the plot esp the aunty decision at the end, the naivety close to stupidity FL and when ML keeps pushing FL away instead of discussing with her, they (ML, SFL and others) keeping secret from her is for me shows that they also feel that FL is immature and not trustworthy. The blame is on the writer. But they get it back on track at last 2 episodes.
3. FL is on and off imo. Sometimes I feel her character sometimes I lost. Though the chemistry with ML is good. But SFL is more outstanding than her. She, imo, outshines the FL.
4. I really love the OST of this drama.
Overall, if we ignore dragging plot, I think this is really a good drama. I don't regret spending my time watching this. As the ending, I take is as a happy ending. I am satisfied with the ending.
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