- Drama Title: The Demon’s Hunter Romance
- Also Known As: 无忧渡, Worry Free Ferry , Wu You Du
- Director: Lin Yu Fen, Leung Sing Kuen, Cao Hua
- Screenwriter: Xiao Xiang Dong Er
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
- Cast: Ren Jia Lun, Song Zu Er
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Date of Release: April 12, 2025
- Original Network: iQiyi
- Where to Watch: iQiyi, WeTV
- Adapted from the novel “Ban Xia” by Ban Ming Ban Mei
Dear readers, have you ever experienced a pleasant surprise in your life? That feeling when you find unexpected cash in your pocket, stumble upon a huge discount on something you’ve been eyeing for months, or when someone you’ve been missing suddenly shows up at your door. That’s exactly the kind of joy I felt during my binge-watching session of The Demon Hunter’s Romance. It is one the Chinese dramas premiered in April 2025. In this review post, I’ll share why I fell in love with this drama despite the flaws and all. Happy reading!
The Demon Hunter’s Romance Synopsis
Eighteen-year-old Duan Ban Xia came from a wealthy family. She could have lived a normal and happy life if only she did not possess a peculiar eye that could see through demons’ illusions. Her family believed everything she saw was a hallucination, a symptom of hysteria. They took her to a physician, and from that day on, Duan Ban Xia obediently took her prescribed medicine. Still, she continued to see the demons.
On her cousin’s wedding day, Duan Ban Xia discovered that the bride was actually a demon. Realizing someone had uncovered her true identity, the demon began to target Duan Ban Xia.
It was during this dangerous time that she crossed paths with Jiu Xuan Ye, a demon hunter who revealed to her a hidden world where humans and demons live side by side. Duan Ban Xia had never believed such a world could exist.
Fate brought them together once more when Duan Ban Xia suspected that her father had been taken by a demon. She travelled to his hometown and sought the help of Jiu Xuan Ye. From that moment on, she remained by his side. With him, Duan Ban Xia learned much about the demon realm.
Along their journey, they encountered mysterious cases and faced powerful demons. As time went on, their bond grew stronger. They helped heal each other’s wounds and became inseparable. But will their connection survive if Jiu Xuan Ye is a demon himself?
The Demon Hunter’s Romance Drama Review
Okay… I loved the story. I hated the ending. I admired the actor’s makeup but disdain the special effect makeup. I wasn’t a fan of the CGI, but visually, the drama still looked beautiful. The Demon Hunter’s Romance gave me a mix of emotions. But despite everything, I enjoyed every single episode.
The Demon Hunter’s Romance was airdropped on April 12th, 2025, with no promotion whatsoever. If I didn’t have the habit of randomly scrolling through streaming platforms, I might have missed it. Which would’ve been a big loss for me.
While browsing online, I discovered that this drama was actually filmed a few years ago. However, it was shelved for three years due to Song Zu Er’s tax evasion controversy. Now that the issue seems to be resolved, it’s great to see her back on screen.
I’ve been a fan of Chinese fantasy dramas for years. I still vividly remember Ren Jia Lun’s performance in The Blue Whisper drama. He did an excellent job portraying the dual sides of Chang Yi the merman. But this time, I really enjoyed seeing him paired with Song Zu Er. Their acting felt so natural, and they had undeniable chemistry.
That said, in my opinion, the real star of the drama is Song Zu Er. I was immediately drawn to her character. Duan Ban Xia may not have a complicated personality and her emotions were always written clearly on her face. Despite that openness, she carried a heavy mental burden that shaped how she interacted with the world.
Over the course of the 36 episodes, I watched her grow from a timid, anxious woman into a confident and courageous one. And let me tell you, Song Zu Er absolutely nailed it. She didn’t just play Duan Ban Xia; she became her. 😍
The Story – A Chemistry You Could Feel
I fell in love with this drama from the very first episode. Watching Duan Ban Xia desperately try to avoid Jiu Xuan Ye was honestly hilarious. The way she looked so frightened every time she saw him, while he stood there helpless because she kept running away before he could explain himself, was incredibly entertaining. It was definitely not love at first sight for them. In fact, love at first sight was completely off the table. 😂
But then, the story took a more emotional turn, and I felt a pang in my heart. Duan Ban Xia could see demons, sometimes even recognizing them by their shadows. But no one believed her. Not even her own parents. They took her to a doctor, who diagnosed her with a mental illness and prescribed her medication.
Duan Ban Xia obediently drank her medicine and also carried a calming balm with her at all times. Whenever she got scared after seeing a demon, her maid Ting Zhou would immediately rush to offer her the balm. Ting Zhou would only breathe a sigh of relief after Duan Ban Xia insisted that what she saw was nothing. Meanwhile, Duan Ban Xia would feel guilty for having to lie.
Duan Ban Xia constantly questioned her sanity. That thought made her look tense, anxious, and full of self-doubt. She was never truly at ease. Wherever she went, she seemed nervous. Her eyes constantly scanned her surroundings, as if she were second-guessing everything she saw.
Duan Ban Xia speech was often hesitant, as if she wasn’t sure anyone would believe her. Sometimes, she whispered to herself, trying to make sense of what she had seen. People’s judgment wore her down. The more overwhelmed she became, the more her parents worried.
As a young lady who grew up in a loving family, Duan Ban Xia didn’t want to trouble her parents. And this is only made her anxiety worse.
Duan Ban had lived like this ever since being kidnapped by a human trafficker years ago. I could not help but feel sorry for her. Her life was heartbreaking, even though she lacked nothing in terms of comfort or wealth. Deep down, all she wanted was someone who believed her.
Then Jiu Xuan Ye appeared. For the first time, someone acknowledged her pain and understood her struggles. Of course, she did not trust him right away. She thought he might be a liar or a creep. I do not blame her. If someone suddenly showed up in my bedroom, I’m pretty sure the first thing I’d do is call the police. 😂
Still, Jiu Xuan Ye’s presence had an impact on her. Duan Ban Xia became noticeably braver. She marched straight into her sister-in-law’s room, determined to prove that her suspicions about the woman’s true identity were right. But the wildest part? She followed a rabbit demon she had only seen once, all the way into a dark forest. Bold move, Ban Xia. Bold move. 🤯
What touched me the most was her emotional shift. The relief and gratitude showed clearly on her face. For the first time, Duan Ban Xia truly believed she was not crazy. She simply had a rare ability. The heavy burden of being doubted all her life began to lift. Duan Ban Xia could finally move forward with hope, believing that maybe things would get better and that she was no longer alone in the world.
My eyes filled with tears when I realized she was no longer the timid, anxious girl from the start. Duan Ban Xia became lively, talkative, and completely lovable. I never expected her to be the kind of girl who would run off to another town and ask for help from a stranger. But she did, and she was happy.
And she was not the only one who changed.
Jiu Xuan Ye had always been a lonely man. He had no friends, only a rabbit demon named Chi Xue following him around. His past was tragic. He lost his entire family to demons and carried the stigma of being the murderer. Even though he was a skilled doctor, his clinic was often empty because people avoided him.
Honestly, I still don’t know how he made a living. I mean, demon hunting didn’t exactly seem like a lucrative profession.😉
Duan Ban Xia’s presence brought light into Jiu Xuan Ye’s life. He no longer felt lost or alone. Her persistence and energy gave him something to hold on to. She became the small spark that lit up his world.
It was not easy for Jiu Xuan Ye to open his heart, but the truth is, it had already started to soften from the moment they met. Initially, he saw her as fragile and in need of protection, but soon, their relationship became a mutual support system. They helped each other grow, emotionally and personally.”
Their love story is a slow burn, the kind that fantasy dramas do so well. The romance is subtle but full of longing. The lingering stares, the quiet touches, the accidental hugs, all of it kept my heart fluttering. But what truly moved me was the way their love grew from vulnerability. They were like two abandoned kittens, fragile and scarred by the past, yet slowly finding warmth and safety in each other’s presence.
This beautiful connection came to life because of the amazing performances of Ren Jia Lun and Song Zu Er. Their chemistry felt so natural. I truly cannot imagine anyone else playing Duan Ban Xia. The way Song Zu Er widened her eyes in fear or pouted in frustration felt incredibly real. She even hunched her back in the early episodes. That small gesture perfectly showed the insecurity and anxiety that kept overwhelming her.
The Story – The One Man Show
The Demon Hunter’s Romance does a great job in storytelling. It’s not a complicated drama, but the plot development is strong, and the character growth is clear. From start to finish, I was invested in Duan Ban Xia and Jiu Xuan Ye’s struggles in both love and life.
I felt connected to them, sharing in their emotions. Whenever they laughed, I laughed; when they cried, I wept. The message behind the drama is clear: it’s about embracing who you are and fully accepting yourself.
The mystery was well-written, with a good flow and solid connections between the cases. It’s the type of drama that’s perfect to wind down with after a long day at work or school. Sure, there were a few scenes that made me frown, but they were manageable.
There were also some plot twists and problem-solving moments that caught me off guard. However, be prepared for an unexpected open ending. It’s bittersweet, and I really wish they had gone with a different direction.
However, the mystery-solving aspect did feel like a one-man show. In the end, it’s always Jiu Xuan Ye who emerges as the winner. Altough Duan Ban Xia offered to be his partner early on, believing her special vision could help, her involvement in solving the mystery remained minimal. And she wasn’t the only one.
Other supporting characters, like Chi Xue, Chu You Huang, and Sima Ling Ying, also didn’t have much of an impact. They seemed more like fillers in the story. But hey, nothing’s perfect, especially in Cdramaland.
Still, I have to mention my favorite part of the drama: the Painting Demon case. Duan Ban Xia and Jiu Xuan Ye were investigating her father’s disappearance and found themselves trapped inside a painting in the Underground City.
Jiu Xuan Ye retained his memory, but Duan Ban Xia forgot her true identity. The painting only depicted one day in the summer, causing time to loop endlessly. It was only through Jiu Xuan Ye’s persistence that they managed to defeat the demon.
What made this plot point even more interesting was that in the painting, Jiu Xuan Ye lost his powers, while Duan Ban Xia became a lady from a martial arts family. Watching her beat him in a few scenes was refreshing, and seeing them switch roles like that added an unexpected twist to their dynamic.
The Visuals – Brilliance with a Flaw
There are some well-known names behind the success of The Demon Hunter’s Romance. The drama was directed by Lin Yu Fen, Cao Hua, and Leung Sing Kuen. This isn’t their first collaboration. Lin Yu Fen and Leung Sing Kuen previously worked together on Love and Destiny and Lost Love in Time.
Some of Lin Yu Fen’s works are among my favorite dramas, including Eternal Love, Love O2O, and Scarlet Heart. Leung Sing Kuen is also known for directing popular series such as The Flame’s Daughter, The Legend of Flying Daggers, The Mystic Nine, and The Journey of Flower.
Meanwhile, Cao Hua has fewer on his filmography. But I noticed he was the martial arts director for Side Story of Fox Volant, The Wind Blows from Longxi, and Lost Love in Time. No wonder the fight scenes in The Demon Hunter’s Romance were so captivating. In my opinion, it’s one of those dramas that truly delivers when it comes to action choreography.
This drama was adapted from the novel Ban Xia by Ban Ming Ban Mei. I haven’t read the novel yet, but it’s only a matter of time. The screenplay was written by Xiao Xiang Dong Er, who also created Princess Agents and worked on A Moment but Forever, Arsenal Military Academy, and Love and Destiny. She did an excellent job with this drama, and I’m already looking forward to her next project, Rebirth.
With such a strong team behind it, it’s no surprise this drama has become a fan favorite. 😉
I’ve always loved the costumes in period dramas and often pay close attention to the intricate details in their designs and accessories. However, the costumes in The Demon Hunter’s Romance were simpler than I expected and, honestly, a bit underwhelming especially for Ren Jia Lun.
What stood out more to me was the makeup. This time, the actors and actresses wore very minimal makeup, and I actually liked the natural look on Ren Jia Lun and the rest of the male cast. Can we normalize this kind of approach for male actors? Sometimes, heavy makeup doesn’t necessarily make them look better.
The one thing I didn’t enjoy in this drama was the depiction of demons. Since this is a fantasy story with many different kinds of demons, I expected elaborate costume design and convincing CGI. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
I was especially disappointed by the appearance of the mountain demons in episode 2. They looked far too fake. So, don’t set your expectations too high when it comes to visual effects. Just focus on the acting and the storytelling, and you’ll find the drama enjoyable.
The Characters
Jiu Xuan Ye (Played by Ren Jia Lun)
Jiu Xuan Ye comes from a family of demon hunters who also ran a clinic and pharmacy. He is the youngest member of the Jiu family and the one suspected of being their murderer. Jiu Xuan Ye is a quiet, reserved individual who rarely speaks to anyone except Chi Xue and Duan Ban Xia.
Before meeting Duan Ban Xia, he was cold and emotionally detached. His loneliness ran so deep that he often drank a special wine that allowed him to see visions of his deceased family. His heart had been empty for years—until Duan Ban Xia appeared and slowly began to fill that void.
Before the tragedy that claimed his family, Jiu Xuan Ye was like any other teenager: cheerful, carefree, arrogant, easygoing, and a little mischievous. After the loss, he became distant and cold.
His father once opposed his decision to become a demon hunter, but Jiu Xuan Ye ultimately chose the path for himself. He proved to be highly skilled, with sharp instincts and keen observation abilities. In addition to his natural talent, he is also well-versed in martial arts. His special sword was passed down from his father, a seasoned demon hunter.
Duan Ban Xia (Played by Song Zu Er)
Duan Ban Xia was born into a wealthy family and grew up in luxury. She was well-educated, curious, and smart. However, her timid nature came from her ability to see demons, which set her apart from others. Despite this, she always showed a strong sense of self-awareness. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she remained resilient and compassionate.
Though she seemed gentle, Duan Ban Xia was determined, brave, and sometimes impulsive. Her strength surprised those around her. For a woman in ancient times, she was open-minded and didn’t let rigid moral rules define her. She treated everyone equally, including her maidservant, Ting Zhou, who she saw more as a younger sister than a servant.
With her sharp observations, Duan Ban Xia could see things others missed. Her strong intuition and awareness helped her understand the world around her better than most.
The Conclusion
I like this drama because the story was easy to follow and the pacing felt just right. It may not be a high-budget production with intricate costumes, grand sets, or top-quality CGI.
In fact, the costumes were very simple, the sets were neatly arranged even though some looked clearly artificial or green screened, and the CGI was just average. But the heart of this drama lies in its well-crafted story and the way it is told.
The Demon Hunter’s Romance is a mystery-romance drama that works perfectly as daily entertainment. You could watch it all in one go, but I believe good things are best enjoyed slowly.
So, after reading this review, have you decided to watch The Demon Hunter’s Romance? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks for spending some time with me. More drama reviews coming soon. So, stay tuned. Happy watching!
