The Journey of Legend Review – Inside a Wuxia Novel

While adapting a legendary wuxia novel, a modern writer is thrust into its world as the hero. The Journey of Legend follows a worn-down wuxia author as he navigates a world of deadly martial arts and ruthless fate, struggling to change a tragic ending he never thought he’d face.

It is one of my most anticipated C-dramas of 2025 because of Cheng Yi. After being completely captivated by the Mysterious Lotus Casebook, I’m convinced that Cheng Yi was simply born for wuxia, so this was a must-watch for me.

What It’s About

The Journey of Legend follows Xiao Mingming, a wuxia author who uses AI software created by his company to write an adaptation of a famous novel, “Divine Land Heroes” (the very novel this drama is based on). Due to a system bug, he ends up transmigrated into the story as its protagonist, Xiao Quishui.

To return to his own world, he must complete a series of tasks assigned by the AI program. But when he remembers the tragic fate awaiting Xiao Quishui’s family, Xiao Mingming begins to interfere with the original storyline, attempting to change destiny while learning about the true meaning of chivalry and righteousness.

What Works

Cheng Yi and the Strength of the Wuxia Action

Cheng Yi is amazing as always. Honestly, he’s the main reason I stuck with this drama until the end. The way he moves in fight scenes is smooth and graceful, yet powerful. He’s easily one of the best actors when it comes to martial arts drama. He has excellent physical control and an expressive fighting style.

Cheng Yi also does an excellent job portraying two distinct characters. Xiao Quishui and Li Chenzhou don’t feel alike at all. But I’d say I prefer his portrayal of Li Chenzhou over Xiao Quishui.

The Power Gang

I love the Power Gang, especially the main trio—Li Chenzhou, Zhao Shirong, and Liu Sifeng. Li Chenzhou is a fascinating character who deserves far more screen time. He has such a mysterious and dignified presence that makes his character so interesting.

His chemistry with Zhao Shirong (played by Ding Xiaoying) is excellent (I love a good power couple!). They are both smart, cautious, and strategic. They don’t have many romantic scenes, and yet you can feel the love just by how they look at each other. The silent gazes, the subtle smiles… it’s so heart-fluttering. It makes me miss Cheng Yi in romantic dramas (Love and Redemption, Immortal Samsara).

Xu Zhenxuan as Liu Sifeng is a pleasant surprise. This is my first time watching him, and I genuinely enjoyed his performance. His early dynamic with Xiao Quishui is one of my favorite parts of the drama, second only to the fight scenes. Also, his assistant Song Mingzhu (played by Liu Mengrui) is a charming, loyal character, and I like their dynamic. They are so cute together.

And although not a part of the Power Gang, I also enjoyed Tang Fang‘s character (played by Eleanor Lee). I appreciate her strong will and determination. She loves her family and will do everything to save her father. I wish we got to see her more fighting side by side with the heroes. But this drama is male-centric after all.

What Doesn’t Work

Confusing Script

The biggest problem with The Journey of Legend is the script, it’s messy and unfocused. The transmigration plotline doesn’t need to exist at all. It only made the narrative more confusing. A straightforward adaptation of the original novel would have worked far better.

While Cheng Yi excels at emotional acting, Xiao Mingming becomes overly emotional far too quickly toward people he barely knows. These characters exist within a novel and we don’t really see how his relationship with other characters grows and develops over time. The intensity of his grief feels unearned most of the time. I felt detached and sometimes even annoyed during those emotional scenes.

Also, setting the action aside, Xiao Quishui as a character feels lacking to me. Wuxia is all about the hero’s journey of getting stronger, but many of his “power-ups” feel conveniently handed to him rather than earned through effort.

I also feel that Cheng Yi suits more mature roles better than teenage characters. I don’t quite feel the carefree recklessness or youthful vigor that Xiao Quishui is supposed to have early on. This might be more of a script or directing issue than an acting one, though, because I know Cheng Yi can do better than this.

No Romance

There is no romance in this drama. The hinted romance between Xiao Quishui and Tang Fang falls flat due to a complete lack of chemistry. There’s also a vague suggestion of a love triangle involving Liu Sifeng, but it goes nowhere like other plotlines in this drama. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded Tang Fang ending up with Liu Sifeng instead, since Xiao Quishui seems far more focused on martial arts and protecting his family than on romance.

Unsatisfying Character Arcs

Several character arcs start strong but lose momentum in the second half. Storylines that seem important early on end up feeling rushed or unresolved.

The relationship between Quishui and Sifeng is one of the most interesting parts in the drama for me, but it fizzles out completely in the second half to the point where Xiao Quishui barely acknowledges him anymore. Liu Sifeng’s storyline is easily one of the most unsatisfying in the entire drama.

And despite being promoted as the second lead, Gulnezer Bextiyar barely gets meaningful screen time. I thought she would have a bigger role to play in the story.

The final stretch of the drama is chaotic. Major events happen quickly, but the emotional weight doesn’t land properly. The ending feels rushed and fragmented, like pieces are missing. I later learned that several important scenes that would have given more context to what’s happening on the screen were cut, which is a shame.

Who Should Watch

Perfect for:

Skip if:

Have you watched “The Journey of Legend”? What did you think? Let me know in the comments! 💜