When Destiny Brings the Demon: A Salted Fish Romance Worth Your Time

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to fall for When Destiny Brings the Demon, but here I am, completely hooked. It’s a xianxia romance, yes—but it’s also got this clever, playful twist that makes it feel totally original.

The story kicks off with Liao Tingyan, a burnout office worker with zero ambition—so much so she calls herself a “salted fish.” One day she’s sucked into a world of immortals, and ends up waking a brooding master named Sima Jiao, who’s been sealed away for 500 years. Their dynamics are fun—her casual attitude slowly thaws his icy bitterness—and pretty soon you realize this is a love story with actual emotional depth. They’re fighting across immortal, demon, and human realms, but it never feels distant. It’s always grounded in who they are as people.

What surprised me most? How the pacing and tone move from lighthearted banter (“boss,” “offer,” “vacation” appear out of place in a fantasy—but they fit perfectly) to sincere, tender moments without missing a beat. That modern humor makes everything feel more relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt like a “salted fish” yourself.

On top of that, the production is lush. There are scenes across three worlds—each with its own vibe—and the costumes, sets, and CG monsters like otters and serpents actually look thoughtful and engaging, not cheesy. There’s texture to the visuals that makes the fantasy feel real.

Let’s talk acting chemistry—Chen Feiyu as Sima Jiao and Wang Yinglu as Liao Tingyan are the heart of this show. You feel intent behind their expressions—even though some dialogue is dubbed, the emotions are all there. Fans have noted how her humor and freshness balance his reserved but evolving demeanor. One review said the production has “stunning mise-en-scène” and the female lead “brings a lively and relatable energy.”

Of course, it’s not perfect. There are occasional CGI and pacing hiccups here or there. But the story moves fast enough you hardly notice. And honestly? I don’t mind a little rough edge if everything else is pulling me in.

So should you watch it? If you like xianxia, fantasy romance, or even just clever TV with heart—yes. It’s not a polished blockbuster, but it’s honest, surprising, and quietly beautiful. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.