On Thursday (Sept 11), the much-awaited “The Journey of Legend,” starring Cheng Yi and Gulnezer, premiered on iQIYI.
Inspired by classic stories from writer Wen Ruian, the series gives the martial‑arts hero genre a contemporary twist: a present‑day office worker is swept into the martial world and, choice by choice, grows from an impulsive swordsman into a principled protector of people and homeland.
Since the date announcement, the series has drawn strong interest. Cheng Yi inhabits three distinct identities—Xiao Mingming, Xiao Qiushui, and Li Chenzhou—with crisp physical shifts and layered emotional beats, demonstrating assured range and control.
Using a “pulled‑into‑a‑book” premise to refresh the genre, the series follows a present‑day office worker who enters the martial world and grows into a principled protector.
Cheng Yi delivers a standout triple performance as Xiao Mingming, Xiao Qiushui, and Li Chenzhou, with crisp physical shifts and layered emotional beats.
“The Journey of Legend” also pairs real‑world problem‑solving with the codes of the martial world to sidestep routine tropes.
As Xiao Qiushui navigates loyalty, power, and consequence, his path shifts from hot‑blooded youth to steady knight‑errant, blending personal growth with a clear sense of duty. Themes of resilience and doing the right thing under pressure are designed to resonate with younger audiences.
To deliver scale and texture, the production built 327 practical sets and filmed on location across China, including Yunnan’s bamboo forests and the Hukou Waterfall. The action design favors clean lines, credible movement, and rhythm—balancing visual grace with impact.
This summer, iQIYI has kept audiences engaged with a steady slate—from “FEUD” and “A Dream Within A Dream” to “Coroner’s Diary” and “This Thriving Land”. “The Journey of Legend” continues that momentum with a fresh, emotionally charged journey into the heart of the martial‑arts hero tradition.
