The Eternal Fragrance

Wasn't a total waste, but didn't really grow on me

I started this drama without any expectations, but along the way I developed some. However, in the end, none of them were delivered in a way that left me satisfied.

Firstly, the romance was mostly built on misunderstandings, stubbornness and bad communication, mixed with yearning, protectiveness and constant self-sacrifice. But it had its nice moments too, and those are the moments I cherish the most, because they were the ones that kept me watching.

Secondly, some of the characters deserved more screen time than they were given, and some were present way too often. The villains were quite predictable, yet somehow a little disappointing, and the supporting characters were always there to support, sometimes even stealing the spotlight. Some of the side plots were particularly interesting, and I would have loved it if they had developed them more than they did, but the screen time was given to the main plot, which felt quite repetitive at times, especially in the middle part.

Overall, the story wasn't a total waste, but it didn't really grow on me. It was often messy and chaotic, detaching me from the characters and leaving me wondering why they did what they did, and why the writers had to include this or that, because sometimes the plot choices really didn't make sense.

If anyone wants to watch this, my conclusion is this: don't expect too much. Enjoy the visuals, the actors, and the mess the plot offers, and you'll be fine. As for me — once bitten, twice shy. I will remember this as the first drama of Song Weilong I ever watched, but otherwise, I am shelving this and probably not returning to it again.

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Could've been much better, but it's still good

The main problem with this drama is the chopped editing that is very noticeable. Because 7 episodes were cut out, the transition between the early episodes is not very smooth.

I oftened asked myself, how are we already here? when did the relationship changed so suddenly?

I can overlook it, though. The plot itself isn't anything new, so if you think you found some unique xianxia, you're mistaken.

The first couple of episodes, I wasn't really sure by the ML acting. It felt like I didn't know what his true intentions were or what his personality is.

When we passed 10 episodes, it got better, and I do like his character. Do I think he's the best demon lord? No. He doesn't really give me that feeling, which makes sense because he doesn't even want to be the Demon Lord.

That's what surprised me the most.

The fact that he would give up his powers and people for Li Fei. The divine tree.

Lei Xiuyuan is very powerful, but so is Li Fei. The writers are just scared to show off her true potential. So she needs to be saved all the time.

Not even once she saved herself, which is honestly sad because I'd love to see her win at least once all by herself.

When friendship between the main characters and side characters is really great. They always come to help. No matter what is happening.

Now the positive things.

I absolutely love Li Fei masters. Both of them would sacrifice themselves for her. They love her too much. They are more like her father's she never had.

They're honestly my favorite masters.

Overall the drama is good. You'll like it if you're watching it for the plot. Even though there is chemistry between the leads, their romance is more like a subplot.

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Great Potential in the Beginning, Falls Flat near the End

I'm writing this review because a lot of the perceptions of the characters and story are bothering me. The Eternal Fragrance had great potential and worldbuilding, but falls flat sometimes and had a just okay last episode. I will start with the good and bad and then do a (short) rant.

THE GOOD AND GREAT:
- Strong worldbuilding: There were only a few things that I was confused about but otherwise it was not hard to follow
- The ML and FL: I thoroughly enjoyed these characters and their relationship. They each have their own motivations that they stick to but are plagued by their love for one another when it comes into conflict with what they want. I am always ready for a doomed lovers trope
- The styling: I love love love all the outfits and hair for the main six. Most especially the demon lord and the divine tree. Makeup could be better for the men. Styling for the old dudes was mostly pretty good too, couldn't stop staring at their eyebrows lol.
- (Most) side characters: I love a found family, the six friends were great when they were given screen time. I wish we saw more of them because according to the timeline they spent at least a year together. The side characters for demon clan weren't thoroughly explored but I did like how their arcs ended
- (Some) villains: I appreciate the commitment to making certain characters just full on assholes even if they have misplaced motivations caused by centuries of hatred. Some of the endings are very satisfying, some fall a little flat. I think Cuixuan was quite good, actually frustrating because we know his strength. It made me root for the ML and FL more.
- Brave choices (?): Basically this drama isn't afraid of doing unexpected things and killing characters. They aren't characters you get super attached to but it's still pretty shocking. It makes he story and relationships more intense.
- Song Weilong and Ju Jingyi!!! Started this drama for SWL, I love his expressions and he looks great as a demon lord. This was my first JJY work and it's a great first impression! She played Jiang Lifei really well.

THE SUBPAR:
- CGI: The low budget for CGI is immediately noticeable unfortunately. Thankfully the smaller battles look okay, but the flashback to the Sea Calamity and battle with the demon lord from 500 years back looks pretty awful and they show it a lot, so that's a bit distracting. I really think some creative lighting could have helped a lot.
- Editing: Choppy quite often though it doesn't take away too much from the story. The abrupt cuts sometimes are very annoying and can make some parts of the story difficult to piece together.
- Tongzhou: I hate a love triangle but I could tolerate his character in the beginning when everyone was in the academy. Unfortunately he devolved from there and got pretty annoying. His treatment of Lanya was very satisfying for me but what he was doing to Lifei in the end was unacceptable and he did not receive a satisfying punishment for it. His character arc wrap-up was incredibly disappointing to me because they almost had it right, but refused to punish him for all the awful shit he did for what felt like "old time's sake". It was more disappointing because the drama usually isn't afraid of hurting characters that were/are good people.
- Lack of love scenes: I felt the tension, it was great. I wish we got more lovey-dovey scenes. I know, I know, a story doesn't have to have love scenes to be good. But we spent so much time with them and their developing relationship, I think it would have been a satisfying wrap-up.
- The last episode: As someone that was enjoying the show pretty thoroughly, the last episode felt quite flat because of some character arcs (Miaoqing, Tongzhou) and lack of time with the ML and FL, instead spending time with side characters.
- Demon lord's eyeliner: Super specific but it was genuinely distracting, sad because he looks amazing otherwise

Lastly, I have to rant as someone that was seeing the comments while this was airing:
Jiang Lifei and Lei Xuiyuan were a lot of fun to watch when you ignore the dozens of people that believe Lifei should just ignore the people around her and just go along with Xiuyuan. I really don't understand people, he betrayed her trust in the beginning (which she forgives him for, mind you), and in the final arc it LOOKS like he has caused the deaths of multiple people close to her indirectly and directly (we as the audience know it wasn't him, but she doesn't!). It is so ridiculous to think she should just ignore all of this, things that make it look like they really are fated to cause doom, and follow along with everything he says. Her taking time to make her own plans and find out the truth is what makes her a good FL. In fact the relationship and trials between the ML and FL are what feel the strongest to me in this drama.

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It's among the top 10 dramas of 2026

The first drama I watched starring Ju Jingyi completely exceeded my expectations. It blends action, comedy, romance, and heartfelt emotions so naturally that every episode remains entertaining without feeling dragged out. The story moves at a fast pace, with each episode introducing meaningful developments, making it easy to stay invested from beginning to end.

One of the biggest strengths of the drama is its cast. Every actor fits their role perfectly, and the chemistry between the lead characters feels genuine and engaging. Ju Jingyi delivers a charming and emotional performance, balancing lighthearted moments with serious scenes beautifully. The supporting cast also deserves praise, as they add humor, depth, and personality to the story instead of simply existing in the background.

The action sequences are exciting and well-executed, while the comedic moments never feel forced. At the same time, the emotional scenes are touching and give the characters enough depth to make the audience care about their journey. This balance between different genres is what makes the drama stand out.

Another aspect I appreciated is how faithfully the drama appears to follow the original novel for most of its storyline. It retains the essence of the source material while adapting it smoothly for the screen, which is something fans of the novel are likely to enjoy. The pacing is another major highlight. There are very few slow moments, and the plot continues to move forward without unnecessary filler, making it easy to binge-watch.

Overall, this drama was a wonderful introduction to Ju Jingyi's work. With its engaging story, excellent performances, memorable characters, and perfect mix of action, comedy, and emotion, it offers an enjoyable experience from start to finish. If you're looking for a fast-paced costume drama with strong character dynamics and a faithful adaptation of its novel, this is definitely one worth watching. I highly recommend it..

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Beautiful story in my top favs for 2026

This drama was def worth the wait chemistry between song weilong and ju jing yi i can feel it through the screen i hope they do a 3rd one together i would like to see them in modern drama together. I also like seeing alot my fav short actors in this drama too. I liked how the drama touched on greed and obession can bring someones dark side. i was sad about ye ye and baili deaths 😢 . Seeing lan ya grow and find someone's like lu li who truly loved her was beautiful. I was upset at first when they shortened it to 33 episodes but they told the story prefectly from beginning to end no confusion plus had me getting emotional almost in tears when thought the leads died glad they didnt and we saw how everyone story ended. I def rewatch this drama i recommend giving it chance.

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don't drop drama by reading reviews..!!

those who watched and enjoyed xianxia(fantasy drama ) before ,this is a must watch drama for them...and its one of the best drama...im sure if you start watching, you are gonna love it ...dont drop drama judging reviews ,,not everyones thoughts are same ,you watch a few episode and choose yourself,,,,in either way ,cdrama basded on wuxia and xianxia needs a bit patience,,,if you can be patient and complete ,you wont never be dissapointed to any drama ,,,,for this drama you just watch 4 ep then you decide to continue or drop...! the drama is not for beginner of fantasy world!

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A romance fantasy with a yearning male lead and a determined female lead

The current reviews are harsh. I do agree, this show would have done better if it came out closer to its production and completion. I also do with we got those seven cut episodes because I do think it would have buffed out some more under explored aspects. That said…I loved it! If LBFAD can have an 8.7/10, I don't see why this show can't hit at least 8.

It gave me Love Between Fairy and Devil vibes not because of the demon lord vs fairy concept but the coloring and overall production — but with an arguably more satisfying ending.

The things about this show I loved:
- Though the romance was overall more lowkey because of Jiang Li Fei’s (rightful) distrust of Lei Xiu Yuan for much of the show, their chemistry and tension carried. Lei Xiu Yuan also did such a great job yearning so I was satisfied with that.
- The group friendship(s) were super cute and I loved them a lot
- I enjoyed the general side characters. I think the antagonists were a bit one dimensional but the various antagonists make up for that. I also liked the different masters than look out for the main leads, they were all so great with distinct personalities.
- I loved the costumes and overall production vibe – pretty pastels and fun energy
- Baili Ge Lin and Lu Li were very cute and I super enjoyed not just their romance but relationship and personalities.
- Ri Yan and Qing Cheng’s friendship was fun but I liked Qing Cheng’s background a lot.
- Some people said it was slow but the pacing felt perfect to me, it’s one the first shows in a long time that I DIDN’T watch at 2x speed. I actually watched 99% of the show at 1x speed which says a lot. While parts of the editing and story continuity were chopping, the plot was always moving forward in a way that made sense.

The things about this show I didn’t love:
- Ji Tong Zhou’s storyline wasn’t unexpected but I would have loved him not not have fallen into the cliche obsessed route
- Miao Qing was a great character but I’m not sure I liked her ending. She dies for a man that literally did not give 2 cents about her. Even before he becomes consumed with evil, he was pretty indifferent to her so I’m also a bit lost as to why her death made him grieve so much and why it’s what does him in. We could say it’s regret for not appreciating her but I just don’t feel like that was well insinuated or built up towards.
- I wish we got more substantial flashbacks of Ye Sha & the Divine Tree in the past.
- She always dies for him to help him but then the calamity is a curse due to the immortals killing her so I feel like there could have been a lot more provided her rather than only the make out and death scenes.
- I felt like I missed something in terms of the demon land and how they got stuck but finally went back but then started coming back again at the end 10 years later
- Someone pointed out that big reveals are glossed over.
- I watch a lot of romantic fantasy and they all follow pretty similar beats so I didn’t think much of it in the moment but I do think the fact that the main leads just casually remember their past without much fanfare holds that fates intertwined aspect back.
- I think they glossed over some pretty big deaths quickly. Si Mo is mentioned and mourned but his head was literally cut off??? Like excuse me?? And then even with the ending IDK if I feel like Ye Ye and Chang Yue’s deaths made sense. Like they did but also didn’t. It all happened so fast. Shao Min’s death was “fine” ig but I hated that she died fr.
- I loved Lei Xiu Yuan’s puppy sick love for Jiang Li Fei but it gets undercut by her stubbornness. She loves him and argued that fate could be changed only to be completely apathetic to his pleas for finding a middle ground and even now I still don’t understand why she doubted him? Like I get be betrayed her when they were younger but we already established his real reason was to save his brother and that he was more or less tricked and she forgave him eventually so I still don’t understand why she suddenly became so cold to him again…I think this links back to those missing 7 episodes.

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My thoughts so far (Ep. 12):

Okay First of all, the start was actually so good. I love fantasy dramas, and I loved all the fantasy elements they introduced. The world-building had me hooked from the first episode. SWL was so insanely powerful too... I was like yeah..😭

But then after he met her... idk, it just feels like he became a completely different person.

LXY(his character ) is actually testing my patience SO bad. Like why are you still begging and chasing someone just because of some old memories?? and when the hell you fell in love with her?? I get y'all have history, but that's not enough for me to understand why he's making these choices. At this point I'm more annoyed than sad for him. also remember his brother is dead(he killed him) still all he know is to asking for forgiveness?

And JLF(her character) girl, I'm so confused idk why her character is acting like that. Maybe I'm missing something that'll get explained later, but his brother literally just died and she barely seems affected?? I expected way more emotion. It's making it really hard for me to connect with her character. She's just annoying fr

One thing that ALWAYS annoys me in dramas is when a character has the power to change their situation but instead chooses to suffer because they're in love with someone who barely gives them the time of day. Like STAND UP PLEASE. 😭 That's exactly what's happening here and it's driving me insane.

After everything that happened with his brother, I genuinely thought LXY would be focused on grieving, getting revenge, or at least finding out the truth. But nope... he's still running after her. WHY?? 😭 And she's over here acting all cute like nothing even happened, which is making me even more frustrated.

I'm really hoping the later episodes change my mind because this drama genuinely has so much potential. The fantasy setup is interesting, and both leads are really good actors, so I know they can pull it off. I just hope the writing starts doing them justice.

But as of Ep. 12... these characters are stressing me out way more than they're making me emotional.

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a MESS of a production

do not watch this. it was so messy. it felt like I was watching someone skip/fast forward through a drama but I was watching it real time. thats how little this drama made sense. there was no cause effect half the time stuff just happened without any logic or a stated purpose. i didnt understand the character motivations of anyone who wasnt the leads and even they got murky at the end. the director and screenwriter should be ashamed tbh. this is a really pretty drama that they clearly didnt give a fuck about making. or maybe censors chopped this thing to hell? I dont know but i SLOGGED to finish this thing or get as far to the end as I can without paying anything. ew.

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Not special at all

This series - albeit its top-notch effects and acting - is over-rated for nothing. The story is not that intriguing nor special in any way and the romantic aspect is lacking in every aspect that is. I saw no real attachment between the two main heroes to be called romantic, effective or heart-wrenchingly moving! To be honest, I had to force myself to complete the drama simply because I hate starting something and not finishing it rather that being interested in the events. How could we be not bored when we see the heroes always wounded and in need of healing most of the scenes! Be real!

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