Chinese dramas have long mastered the art of blending romance, fantasy, and humor, but When Destiny Brings the Demon takes it one step further. Adapted from a popular novel, this series brings together breathtaking visuals, heartfelt romance, and a touch of modern comedy, making it one of the most talked-about xianxia dramas of 2025.
Streaming on YOUKU
The drama, officially titled When Destiny Brings the Demon (献鱼 / Xian Yu / Long for Fish), is a fantasy romance series with 33 episodes, streaming on Youku since August 2025. It stars Arthur Chen and Wang Ying Lu in the lead roles and quickly became a trending favorite among viewers who enjoy stories that mix mythical battles with witty, relatable characters.
At the heart of the story is Liao Tingyan, an ordinary modern-day office worker who calls herself a “salted fish” — someone with no big ambitions and a love for a simple, lazy life. Fate, however, has other plans. She suddenly wakes up in the mystical realm of cultivation, where she becomes the disciple of Sima Jiao, a legendary cultivator who has been sealed away for hundreds of years. Sima Jiao is powerful, feared, and burdened by vengeance. His world is dark and cold, yet Tingyan’s easygoing, indifferent personality slowly begins to melt his frozen heart. What starts as an unwilling master-disciple relationship grows into a romance that defies destiny.
Together, they travel through three realms — the fairy palace, the demonic world, and the human world. Their journey is not just about love but also about finding balance, overcoming betrayal, and protecting all that they hold dear. The drama beautifully blends the grandeur of immortal battles with the lighthearted humor of a modern woman trying to navigate a world that makes no sense to her.
Arthur Chen plays Sima Jiao with a quiet intensity, a man whose life of isolation and betrayal has shaped him into a cold recluse. His gradual transformation into someone who learns to love and protect makes his arc particularly moving. Wang Ying Lu, on the other hand, steals the spotlight as Liao Tingyan. Her sarcastic wit, lack of ambition, and humorous outlook on life make her one of the most refreshing xianxia heroines in recent years. She’s not the self-sacrificing type, but rather a relatable modern character who somehow fits right into the chaos of the immortal world. The supporting cast adds further depth, portraying disciples, rulers, and mystical beings that enrich the story’s three-realm universe.
Audiences have praised the drama for its unique female lead. Many viewers find her “salted fish” personality hilarious and relatable, especially those who see themselves in her as tired workers suddenly dropped into a fantastical world. Fans also love the witty banter between the leads, which balances perfectly with the serious stakes of their mission. While some have found Arthur Chen’s performance a little too stoic, others argue that it reflects the trauma his character has endured. Either way, his chemistry with Wang Ying Lu has become a major draw, making their slow-burn romance both entertaining and emotional.
The fantasy setting itself is another reason why this drama is worth watching. From the grand celestial palaces to the eerie landscapes of the demon realm, the visuals are stunning. The production succeeds in creating an immersive world that feels magical yet grounded in its characters’ emotions. Beyond the romance and comedy, the story also explores deeper themes of destiny, healing, and redemption, giving it an emotional weight that resonates with viewers.
In a landscape filled with xianxia series, When Destiny Brings the Demon manages to stand out. It combines myth and fantasy with a modern sense of humor, carried by a heroine who feels relatable and a hero whose journey is filled with pain, growth, and ultimate redemption. For fans of shows like Love Between Fairy and Devil, this drama offers something equally magical but with its own witty and refreshing twist. Whether you’re watching for the dazzling visuals, the heartfelt romance, or the comedic take on a classic genre, this is one drama that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
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