The Legend of Shen Li (2024)

A Historical Drama with Too Much Substance for Its Own Good—A Masterpiece of Chinese Culture

This drama is like a slow-brewing cup of tea that takes forever to steep, but when it’s ready, it slaps you with flavor. The opening music? Insanely good. It’s like an orchestra of ear-bending notes that left me wondering why other shows don’t even bother attempting something similar. I caught myself replaying the intro just to bask in the melody—that’s how mesmerizing it is.

Female Lead: Carrying the Show Like a Boss
For once, the female lead pulls so much weight that I often forgot the male lead even existed (no offense, buddy). She’s in the title, so it makes sense, but the way she owns every scene feels like she’s not just playing the role—she is the role.

Finally, a Power System That Makes Sense
Here’s the thing—most Chinese dramas are guilty of throwing immortal powers around without any rhyme or reason. One moment the characters are peasants, and the next, they’re floating in the sky with no explanation. But this drama actually puts in the work to make the power systems feel logical and well-thought-out. I found myself appreciating how much thought went into every type of entity and how they came to be. It’s a nice change from the usual “let’s just say they’re powerful and call it a day” routine.

Action Scenes That Feel Earned
Action sequences are often just filler fluff in dramas, but not here. Every single fight felt telegraphed, deliberate, and essential. It was refreshing to see that weaker characters could outsmart stronger ones—it gave the battles more weight and made the power dynamics more believable. Honestly, I wish more shows took notes from this.

Songs That Are Too Good to Ignore
I normally ignore soundtracks and random garbage when reviewing a show, but in this case? Impossible. Every song creates such a surreal atmosphere that it’s like stepping into another world. It made me realize how much thought and heart Chinese culture puts into storytelling through music.

Final Thoughts: A Drama That Raises the Bar
This drama redefines what a historical/immortal series should be. The story is slow, yes, but it’s the kind of slow burn that stays with you. With music that transcends basic scenes, characters that feel real, and action that actually matters, it sets a new standard. Now I have a newfound appreciation for Chinese culture and a high bar for all future dramas to clear. Good luck to the next one—because this is going to be hard to beat.

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This saved me!!!!!!

I started watching cdramas in 2020. I have watched and seen many dramas. however during 2022 I had a hard time watching them since the plots felt repetitive. However this drama from the beginning to the end I never got bored. The FL Shen Li and ML Xing Zhi is… words can’t describe it. The love understanding and trust they have for each other is the best out of all the dramas I have seen. There were no unnecessary scenes and I absolutely love this cast. I wish to see them together again. Most Xianxia’s I have seen are good but this one is spectacular where as most xianxia’s would have the leading so into huge troublesome misunderstandings this shows the love and the trust they hold for each other. The Legend of Shen Li, thanks for saving me.

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Best Extreme Power Couple I have Seen So Far!

Thoughts:
Holy Crap! This might be the best power couple of all time. They are both completely badass! From their first meet they are equals even though the FL is injured. I love how confident she is and what a perfect match she is for the ML's godhood. Their connection is off the charts.

Plot:
Epic action/romance story about a ML who is settled into a life without love, joy or the unexpected and a FL who is not a goddess but is every inch his equal in confidence and wisdom from day one. They are fantastic together and everyone around them can't help but see it whether they want to or not.

Action/Martial Arts: Moderate boarding on substantial
Fantasy/Supernatural: Yes
Romance: Main theme
Hidden/Unknown Identities: Yes
Past Connection: No
Time Skip: No
Separated: No
Amnesia: No
Love Triangle: Not really
LD Chemistry: No fish kisses. Connection feels real. You can feel the love.
Evil/Troubled Supporting LD's: No
Parents/Family: FL entire family and friend are supportive and devoted. ML friends are caught up in his status.
Misunderstandings: Not between LD's.

LD's
Power couple from the beginning though only the ML knows it. ML chases FL first. ML is supportive but jealous. Not in a creepy way. Loved the way the LD's grew into the perfect couple once the FL realized how perfect they where for each other.

Support LD's:


OST:
I am waiting for this OST to my playlist. One of the best I have heard.

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What it looks like with Perfect Yin Yang

Immortal God x Princess/Sky King of Spirit Realm
Character Depth at its peak
Best showcase of Character Development
Ultimate Slow Burn
Down the lane, the epilogue is one of the best I have witnessed so far.
Beautiful Costumes
OST that makes you leave bits of it in your memory
Strong Mature Characters
Extremely strong Female Lead.

That one female Lead who bullies the bully. Talk about perfect flawless characters, making way into everyone's heart - Shen Li. She is the utmost centre and one of the four wheels that keep you attached to the drama. Personally, once I felt attached to her, there was no going back. With every decision, she exhibits knowledge and situational awareness appropriate for someone who has lived for 1000 years. Shen Li is such a well-written character, she will mark her presence in the minds of the ones who watch this. Her love for her realm and people in general is so tucking and foremost her love for Xing zhi. From the moment she knew there was no going back, her duties and his acceptance might have held her back but her feelings never changed. That in itself makes such a strong impact.

An extremely strong, non-serious funny male lead - Xing zhi. You will wonder how strong can characters be, coming across him. He will answer - Sky is the Limit. Some moments you just try to figure out what going on inside his head but can't. No worries, you will be engaged with all the questions in the first half and slowly decrypt them in the second half. decrypting him comes along with this... Talk about a well-built complex yet simple character. From the way he annoys her to the way he can showcase his love even without saying a word. That's what they say - Actions speak louder than words. Oh! you will love how verbal he will be about his love once he confesses.

The main story is eye-catching in the majority cases but imagine the side stories being equally engaging and heartwarming. The story of Qing Ye, Fl's parents and also their friends.
At most Kudos to Fu Rong's and You Lan's character development.

There are rarely such dramas where we can identify it from the set like their house, immortal realm, spirit realm, way oh heaven, west garden; things like her spear, few extremely catchy dialogues. This story is one of those.
A MUST WATCH.

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One of the best!

One of the best Wuxia dramas I’ve seen! To begin with, I love strong female leads and Shen Li, our FL, is the most formidable, brave and courageous person in the show. She is simply awe-inspiring! As for our ML, he is an epitome of straight faced humour, and despite of his status as the last living God, he is patient, emotional, contradicted by his own emotions, and burdened by responsibilities, but even with all this, he is so much fun when he is with the FL. As for the actors, I’d seen both leads before, though in separate shows and I must say their chemistry was over the roof, right from the start. All in all, the show was very very entertaining, with light hearted moments in each episode, even during very serious situations. It was interesting to see the growth of Lord Furong into what he became towards the end of the show, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Mofang, no matter whatever evil he did. I can go on and on about other characters, there were so many I loved, but seriously, every Chinese drama lover should watch and appreciate this show. Last but definitely not the least, the music and background score of this show was simply superb! I wish I could give more than 10 stars :)

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Loved it!

I just finished watched the last episode, 39 and it left me so satisfied and happy. For some reason a lot of Chinese dramas have a bitter end. Not this one.
I loved the main leads. They were perfect for each other in every way, physically and emotionally. Some have said that Lin Gengxin looked too old and too muscular. I disagree completely. He is such a handsome, manly man and he played the role beautifully as did the beautiful Zhao Liying . They were a perfect Yin and Yang. How I wish they were a couple in reality.
Each and every episode kept me entertained and waiting anxiously for the next.
This drama is not one to miss.

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I thoroughly enjoyed watching it

This CDrama is my favorite show so far! The chemistry between the male and female leads is unreal! They are versatile actors who can perform both serious and comedic roles with ease. Additionally, the male lead is handsome and charismatic, which makes me giddy when he expresses his love for Shen Li. I also appreciate how well Shen Li portrays her fierce character and how she can soften up around the male lead. Their pairing is simply adorable! The soundtracks are also beautiful and always on point. The CGI effects are of high quality, making it a top-notch Cdrama. The actors are great and effective, and their chemistry is strong throughout the show. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and would rate it 10!!🔥

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Fascinating, Enchanting, Magnetic

Zhao Liying & Lin Gengxin share an undeniable charisma whenever they grace the screen together. Their dynamic performances weave a spellbinding tale, leaving viewers utterly captivated by their innocent yet alluring chemistry. Every moment they share on screen is infused with a seductive allure that keeps audiences hooked. Their on-screen rapport brings the drama to life, ensuring there's never a dull moment in their presence.

While the entire cast delivers commendable performances, it's the palpable chemistry between Lin and Zhao that steals the show. Their on and off-screen synergy infuses the narrative with authenticity, making it easy for viewers to immerse themselves in the story. Witnessing their natural and joyous collaboration, one can't help but wish for more opportunities to see them together on screen.

From the outset, it was evident that their partnership would elevate the drama to great heights, and they certainly did not disappoint. Their seamless harmony on screen is a testament to their mutual talent, leaving audiences yearning for more of their on-screen magic. Like a mesmerizing drug, their combined presence is utterly addictive, leaving viewers craving more of their enchanting performances.

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Awesome story of the Legend of shen li

One of my favorite actress Zhao Liying. The Chinese Ancient fantasy drama is amazing. I love the ost. The costumes and casts are great. Awesome fighting scene I love how they perform the effects of every episodes. I love the chemistry of the main lead. They act very well. Every episodes was very nice. I love the scenery in the mortal worlds. Shen li was so cute when become a colorful little Phoenix. I love how her master treat her when she was weak. I laugh a lot in some scene when they were together. It so nice when Shen li protect by Xing Yun in human world. I love their tandem when protecting the world. One of my favorite scene for both leads was when they perform a music through leaves I love how Shen li can't perform music using leaf but later she can perform it. I love the ending because it was happy ending.

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Cast Carries yet again!!! Beautiful Zhao Li ying and Lin Gen Xing - UPDATE

(REVIEW UPDATED)

From Princess Agents to Legend of Shen Li, ZLY and LGX did it again!

Although the storyline took a bit to pick up, hands down CAST creates everything. The atmosphere, the heartwarming and dissonance scenes, everything, love and chaos, altogether meshed in one big pot of STORY. Absolutely in love with how the cast just carries through and through! You just can't help but follow through each character's (even side characters) story and their development, even if you hate them, the scenes worth grabbing attention.

(Will add more once finished!)

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UPDATE:

Finally done!!! OMG very very heartwarming ending, loved it. Yes I love that one of my fav characters got their own little 'special' at the end.

One thing I love about this storyline, although it had a very slow start and action only picked up around ep 19, everything flowed accordingly and nothing went amiss, no background storyline or even side characters were left out. The story was extremely coherent which is just so so great. A very satisfied ending and revival.

Each character showed their own display of strengths and weaknesses and IMPROVEMENT. There wasn't a single character left behind just because they were unimportant or side characters, even the back stories had me gripped like velcro. I'm especially invested in the backstory of Shen Li's parents.

Hands down to the cast, casting all amazing people and (Shen Li's parents actually fits ZLY, like I see the resemblance hahaha)

All in all, amazingness from ep 19 onwards, with a cherry on top. <3 ONTO THE NOVEL NOW

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How to live a simple and fun life! Love this drama message!

The content itself may not be that of an interest to many Xian Xia followers as it is quite a common storyline. But I appreciate the efforts of seeing things in a lighter easier perspective. Shen Li and Xing Zhi carry so much burden, realms to be protected, but somehow they are not absorbed and stressed by these heavy duties. They live their life quite meaningfully and in a fun way. Xiang Zhi's simple way of living is what impresses me most. One can be the highest in the world but it is hard to use his/ her power at a necessary time only like Xing Zhi is hard to do. He is quite of a character: powerful, simple, humorous and responsible. I like his character development. For Shen Li, she carries her duties quite seriously and she is nurtured by her master well even though she holds demon blood in her body. Until she meets Xing Zhi, Shen Li's life on her own is not worth to be told. Xing Zhi changes her perspectives about many things whilst both characters consciously and seriously take their responsibilities well regardless of their emotions. Shen Li's love towards Xing Zhi is shown subtly in her harsh and masculine manner. Xing Zhi's love towards Shen Li is quite simple and childlike. This is what I like most about this drama: simple, honest, and uplifting love like two kids in their first love.

As a downside, I find Lin Gengxin a bit short of his portrayal on Xing Zhi but being not overdramatic may be the whole point of his character development. Hence, I have no complaint about this. For Liying, her eyes still lack a bit of caring and loving manner but again it may be deliberate to portray Shen Li, a macho in a feminine form. So yes as some critics say, this drama needs some hypes and more emotions but I enjoy watching this drama as it is:a lighter, funnier version. We don't need overdramatic videos but those who teaches how life can be framed in a different perspective to live a happy, healthy life.

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This deserves to be in the top 10 ratings

I normally don't give any reviews but I think this drama deserves to be in the 10 ratings. Story line was great. Strong female lead. Pace and character development were steady. Felt like I went on a journey with them.

I was in love, felt pain of a losing a loved one, reunited with a loved one, felt a longing of a love, loneliness, desperation, cried of joy and separation, and fell in love all over again. I absolutely enjoyed everything about this drama. It is going to be a very long time until I get to watch something like this again. Every character was wonderful. Great cast.

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