- Drama Title: Feud
- Also Known As: 临江仙, Heng Men You Hu, Lament of the River Immortal, Lin Jiang Xian, There Is a Fox in Hengmen, Плач бессмертной реки
- Director: Guo Hao, Zhi Lei
- Cast: Bai Lu, Joseph Zeng, He Rui Xian, Chen Xin Hai, Zhao Yi Qin
- Screenwriter: Xiao Xiang Dong Er
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Date of Release: June 6, 2025
- Original Network: iQiyi
- Where to Watch: iQiyi, Netflix, Viki
Dear readers… how’s everyone doing today? I hope you’re all feeling healthy and happy, because over here, I’ve been coughing like an old engine, while I watching Chinese drama and writing review. It’s been almost a week now, and I’ve tried every traditional Asian remedy I know, ginger, lemongrass, honey, even a herbal drink that smells like teen spirit. Nothing worked.
Getting sick is already no fun, but becoming the virus distributor for your loved ones? That’s a whole new level of guilt. Now my family finally getting better. And I’m still stuck in coughing limbo, surviving on fruits, vitamins, and sheer stubbornness. So dear readers… please take care of your health. Seriously. We only realize it’s one of life’s greatest blessings when our bodies start staging a rebellion.
Now, onto brighter things! The drama I’m reviewing today is Feud. And oh boy, this one gave me a lot of feelings. Let me walk you through them in this post. Happy reading and don’t forget your vitamin C!
Feud Chinese Drama Synopsis
Li Qing Yue was a low-ranking disciple of the Jingyun Sect. For years, she worked as a gatekeeper. A slow and uneventful job suited to someone with limited cultivation skills. But one day, fate intervened. She crossed paths with Bai Jiu Si, the Heavenly Lord of Dacheng, who unexpectedly declared her as his cultivation partner and wife.
However, their story was far from a blissful fairytale. Even though Li Qing Yue’s love was sincere, Bai Jiu Si saw her as nothing more than the mirror image of his greatest enemy, Divine Lord Siling or Hua Ru Yue.
Li Qing Yue and Bai Jiu Si union ended in tragedy, with Li Qing Yue’s death. This setting off a new phase in the divine conflict between Bai Jiu Si and the Divine Lord Siling. Because Li Qing Yue turned out to be Hua Ru Yue.
Despite the deep, tangled bond they once shared, Hua Ru Yue and Bai Jiu Si are now locked in a bitter feud. Hua Ru Yue believes that Bai Jiu Si was responsible for her death three hundred years ago. Now reborn and fueled by vengeance, she’s determined to make him pay for everything. But the question remains. Has she truly found the right culprit?
Feud Chinese Drama Review
Dear readers, if you watch this drama, be prepared to frown a little in the beginning. Li Qing Yue, a weak disciple from the Jingyun Sect, accidentally becomes the wife of the most powerful being in the Nine Heavens sounds familiar? That’s right! This is your classic weak girl × supreme power trope.
You’ve probably seen it in Love Between Fairy and Devil drama, Legend of Fuyao, or Immortal Samsara. And yes, there’s even a scene where Li Qing Yue accidentally kisses Bai Jiu Si, then takes full responsibility by marrying him. Honestly, if I hadn’t been sick and too lazy to look for another drama, I would have dropped it right there. 😂
But thank the drama gods I stayed.
Feud is a layered story. It weaves past and present seamlessly, and you really need to pay attention to the timeline. Bai Jiu Si and Hua Ru Yue also exist in two realms.
The Nine Heavens and the mortal world. They keep their real names in both realms, but with different identities. For example, Bai Jiu Si lived as a successful businessman in the mortal realm, while Hua Ru Yue played the role of a housewife.
In this drama, you can’t simply label the characters as good or bad either. Everyone has secrets, and their backstories explain their present behavior.
Take Fan Ling Er as a perfect example. She seems like a bold, rebellious girl who disrespects her father, Fan Jiao Jiao. But the truth is, she despises him for mistreating her mother. Fan Jiao Jiao had multiple wives and treated them terribly, so Fan Ling Er’s attitude is a reflection of that resentment.
The story depth doesn’t fully reveal itself in just five episodes. You need to keep going, because the real story unfolds after you watch two-thirds of the whole episodes. And even then, there are more plot twists waiting near the end. This is a friendly warning, you’ll be glued to your screen.
I’ll be honest, the only two reasons I stuck around were the story and Joseph Zeng. While Bai Lu’s performance was strong and emotional, she’s played similar roles before in dramas like Moonlight Mystique, Story of Kunning Palace, and Till the End of the Moon.
I actually appreciated her turn in Northward drama. That was something different! But I didn’t like Northward storyline, so I dropped it after eight episodes. So as the cold and vengeful Hua Ru Yue, Bai Lu didn’t surprise me.
Joseph Zeng, though? A completely different story. I was skeptical when I saw him as the Heavenly Lord Dacheng. Usually, these celestial ruler roles go to slightly older actors. Take Jiang Kai in Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peach Blossom (who was 45 back then) or Huang Hai Bing in Love and Redemption.
But Joseph Zeng? He just turned 27, with a face that screams charming boy-next-door rather than ruler-of-heaven. Handsome, yes. Heavenly Emperor material? I wasn’t sure.
Then again, this drama was produced by Yu Zheng, the mind behind famous dramas like Perfect Match, The Double, Scent of Time, and Winter Begonia. The directors, Zhi Lei and Guo Hao, also have impressive track records. So clearly, there had to be a reason Joseph Zeng got the role. And let me tell you. I found it near the end. I laughed out loud and thought, “Aaaahhh… so THAT’S the real reason he was cast!” 😆
Like any drama, Feud has its strengths and weaknesses. The story is undoubtedly the highlight, while the visual effects, especially the CGI, leave much to be desired. Still, I truly enjoyed watching this. The plot is layered but doesn’t feel heavy.
Unlike The Legend of Zang Hai or Nirvana in Fire drama, which demand your full mental focus, Feud is about vengeance too. But with a lighter tone and just enough romance and angst to keep a romance junkie like me hooked. So Feud is officially on my rewatch list.
The Story – Celestial Hearts, Mortal Wounds
In many Chinese dramas, gods and immortals may reign from above, but their lives are far from divine bliss. As I’ve mentioned in my review, these celestial beings are some of the most pitiful creatures in all of Cdramaland. They carry the burdens of the world while also facing intense emotional struggles.
In The Legend of Shen Li, gods lead solemn, repetitive lives. Or if I said in a mundane word, boring life. They guard the world, and in their downtime (which lasts hundreds of years), all they do is play chess and make small talk. In Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, immortals suffer through countless tribulations just to ascend.
And in A Moment but Forever drama, we’re reminded that not even gods are immune to heartbreak and loss. Ancient Love Poetry even depicts gods who are willing to sacrifice their eternal existence to protect mortals.
These gods may have divine powers, but emotionally, they are as vulnerable and human as the rest of us. Sometimes, they were so emotionally absorbed in their own inner conflicts, they act like the world is ending… when in fact, they’re immortal. Humans are simpler. If your partner doesn’t make you happy? Move on. First love didn’t work out? Try again. But in Cdramaland? One heartbreak lasts for centuries.
Let me tell you a little more about Bai Jiu Si and Hua Ru Yue’s backstory.
Bai Jiu Si and Hua Ru Yue were created by the Primordial God, born from two strands of true energy. They represent yin and yang. Bai Jiu Si embodies water, and Siling is fire. They are complete opposites, destined to be rivals rather than lovers. They were born with the universe and are meant to live as long as the sun and moon.
In the Nine Heavens, immortals are not the highest beings. Above them is the Empyrean. Bai Jiu Si rules Danxia Land, the most important place in the Nine Heavens. Why? First, it connects directly to the Empyrean.
Second, it houses the Infinite Stele, which seals the entrance to the demon realm. Danxia is also the gateway between the mortal, demon, and divine realms. The Heavenly Lord Dacheng is tasked with maintaining peace across all three. Only Siling rivals his power.
Before their fallout, Bai Jiu Si and Hua Ru Yue lived a beautiful life. They fell in love, married in a quiet ceremony, and then descended to the mortal world to undergo a love tribulation. But things went terribly wrong. And by the way, it was Bai Jiu Si’s own idea to undergo the tribulation, hoping it would help them reach a cultivation breakthrough.
These backstory scenes are told through flashbacks scattered across many episodes. You can tell when they’re in the past based on the costumes and Bai Lu’s hairstyles. The earlier the timeline, the simpler the look. 😁
They married, yes. But they also separated. Not because of a great betrayal, but because of differing life principles. I found this surprisingly grounded and relatable. In real life, couples also part ways over incompatible values. For us mortals, divorce is the solution. For these powerful immortals, separation comes with much more drama… and destruction.
In short, Feud is the story of a failed marriage between two powerful immortals. It’s a love story so epic, it threatens to bring down the world and the heavens.
So… did I describe that right? 😆
They say there’s a fine line between love and hate. Psychologically, hate often stems from love that’s gone wrong. Especially when there’s betrayal, disappointment, or lingering emotional ties. The pain cuts where it hurts most: the heart.
Hua Ru Yue loved children. She once healed a sick girl and took care of young Meng Chi. As a wife, she also wanted to have a child, but Bai Jiu Si refused. He said he wasn’t interested, but the real reason? He was afraid having a child would weaken Hua Ru Yue and make her love tribulation even harder. This was the first major misunderstanding.
Things escalated when Hua Ru Yue helped Meng Chang Qin. She began to believe that Bai Jiu Si has a stone heart. In her eyes, the immortals had long underestimated mortals. But Bai Jiu Si didn’t understand her empathy. To him, mortals were no different from birds or ants. So when Hua Ru Yue went so far as to slay the drought dragon to save the people, he was furious.
Their conflict reached a peak when Bai Jiu Si sealed Hua Ru Yue’s spiritual power. They were separated for ten years. By the time they met again, the damage was done, and the feud has started. Bai Jiu Si didn’t even understand why Hua Ru Yue wanted to kill him so badly. And yet, you could see that he still loved her.
Watching Feud is like riding a very long roller coaster. It takes time to climb that first hill. You’ll need a bit of patience as the story slowly sets up the world, the past, and the many layered characters. But once the heart of Hua Ru Yue and Bai Jiu Si’s relationship is revealed, gravity kicks in and whoosh! That’s when the real thrill begins.
The Story – How Mortals Made It Fun
Feud is a well-written story, and we have Xiao Xiang Dong Er to thank for that. She’s the original creator of Princess Agents and Rebirth and also write the scripts for The Demon Hunter’s Romance, A Moment but Forever, and Love and Destiny. With her signature layered storytelling, it’s no wonder Feud delivers a compelling plot and complex characters.
Aside from the emotionally tangled Bai Jiu Si and Hua Ru Yue, there’s another pair worth watching, Fan Ling Er and Zhang Su An. At first glance, they seem like simple, secondary leads. But like an onion, their personalities peel back over time, revealing impressive depth.
Both are admirable for their devotion and persistence. There’s even a possibility of a second romance. I loved He Rui Xian’s portrayal of Fan Ling Er. From her arrogant glares to her heartbroken silence, every emotion hits just right. She deserves all the praise!
Bai Jiu Si has several disciples: the kind-hearted healer Li Mo, the devoted and thoughtful Cang Tu, the hot-headed and impulsive Long Yuan, and the amorous Fan Jiao Jiao. Honestly, I didn’t like any of them, especially Long Yuan and Fan Jiao Jiao. Long Yuan is a walking disaster, always stirring up trouble.
I constantly felt the urge to smack his head every time he appeared. As for Fan Jiao Jiao, his selfishness and obsession with collecting wives were more than enough to make me dislike him.
Li Mo is as stiff and rule-bound as his master, and while Cang Tu seems considerate, I couldn’t stand the long hair on his face. These disciples may be Bai Jiu Si’s subordinates, but they’re also the closest thing Bai Jiu Si has to friends.
But my favorite characters in this story are actually the mortals. Bai Jiu Si and Hua Ru Yue entered the mortal world twice. The first was when they undergo their love tribulation, and later when the Heavenly Seal spiraled out of control and sent them back to Songhe County. These were the moments when Bai Jiu Si and Hua Ru Yue meet people who change them.
One of the best arcs is when Hua Ru Yue accepts her first disciple, Meng Chang Qin, not out of willingness, but because he tricked her. You can catch this hilarious moment in episode 14, when Meng Chang Qin cleverly tricks Hua Ru Yue into drinking a ceremonial water during her meditation.
The moment she hears him call her “Master,” her stunned expression is absolutely priceless. Meng Chang Qin is a smooth talker. He throws out so much nonsense that Hua Ru Yue is practically speechless.
All she manages to say is, “You don’t look like an official to me. More like some street punk.” To which Meng Chang Qin cheekily replies, “I don’t care. The moment you drank that water, you took me in. No take backs.” 😂
Bai Jiu Si found his first real mortal friend the second time he returned to the human world. Even though he had agreed to experience mortal hardships, he came fully prepared with a stash of silver, ready to enjoy life in comfort.
So, when Hua Ru Yue refused to cook for him, he simply went to a restaurant to eat. That was also when he met Mr. Kong, a poor but wise scholar, and Lin Fan, their next door neighbor.
Lin Fan’s description of Bai Jiu Si is absolutely hilarious. He calls him a spoiled rich kid who can’t tell rice from wheat, has a nasty temper, and a mouth with zero filter. 😂😂
Honestly, these mortal characters brought so much color to the drama. Because let’s face it… immortal life looks pretty boring. No food, no drink, just endless chess matches, meditation, and deep philosophical chats. I don’t think I could’ve made it through all 32 episodes without the vibrant scenes from the mortal world.
As for the ending of Feud, it’s bittersweet. There’s no ultimate happiness waiting for any of them. Perhaps that’s the cost of divine power and eternal life: an endless cycle of sacrifice, sorrow, and struggle.
The Visual – Hairpins On Point, CGI Off Track
Feud has its share of strengths and weaknesses. The story isn’t without flaws, and the visuals also have their ups and downs. The CGI, in particular, is digitally jarring. Especially when it comes to the magical animals. Just take one look at the giant white snake and you’ll know exactly what I mean.😉
The flying scenes feel artificial. You can practically see the actors being hoisted by slings, and their movements often lack natural fluidity. Watching them fight and fly sometimes feels more like enduring a clunky stage performance than watching an epic fantasy. I really wish the production had invested more in this area. It would have elevated the entire viewing experience.
However, I do appreciate the styling. The hairstyles, accessories, and costumes are visually pleasing. The intricate headpieces are nicely balanced by simpler clothing designs that play with colors. My personal favorite is Fan Ling Er’s purple gown. It looks stunning on her.
The costumes were designed by Song Xiao Tao, the creative force behind Perfect Match, The Double, The Ingenious One, and Winter Begonia. (P.S. You can also find reviews of those dramas here on this site!)
The Characters
Li Qing Yue / Hua Ru Yue / Divine Lord Siling (Played by Bai Lu)
Li Qing Yue has different personality compared to Hua Ru Yue. Li Qing Yue is a kind-hearted, helpful, lively, and optimistic mortal, with a hint of naivety. In contrast, Hua Ru Yue is indifferent, unyielding, ruthless, and fiercely determined.
Yet unlike many other immortals, she possesses deep compassion for mortals. She sees them as precious beings and empathizes with their struggles. Living among them softens her edges, making her far more humane than Bai Jiu Si.
Before their separation in the mortal realm, Hua Ru Yue was a woman deeply in love. She gave Bai Jiu Si her heart and placed complete trust in him. Her love was idealistic. It’s sacred, unwavering, and rooted in the belief that fate had bound them together forever.
But that faith was shattered. The pain Bai Jiu Si left behind flipped Hua Ru Yue’s world upside down. She shed her soft-hearted self and fully embraced her identity as the indomitable Siling. From then on, every step she took was part of a slow-burning plan for revenge: cold, calculated, and without mercy.
Hua Ru Yue is a charismatic leader. Her disciples and subordinates are unwavering in their loyalty. They would follow her to the ends of the world, even if it means facing the mighty forces of Canglei Palace.
Bai Jiu Si (Played by Joseph Zeng)
Bai Jiu Si is the Heavenly Lord Dacheng who rules Danxia Land. As the most powerful being in the Nine Heavens, Bai Jiu Si bears immense responsibility as the guardian of peace across the Three Realms. He is renowned for his detached and unreadable demeanor.
Reserved, composed, and emotionally guarded. Bai Jiu Si also tenacious and intimidating at first glance, he doesn’t trust easily, especially towards Hua Ru Yue.
Yet beneath the cold and stoic exterior lies a heart full of unwavering loyalty. Hua Ru Yue is his first and only love, and that devotion doesn’t falter, even as they become enemies. His actions reveal how deeply rooted their bond is.
In private, Bai Jiu Si is quietly romantic. His lingering gazes toward Hua Ru Yue in the mortal realm, and the times he secretly visited Li Qing Yue to tend to her wounds, speak volumes of his love.
Fan Ling Er (Played by He Rui Xian)
Fan Ling Er is the daughter of Fan Jiao Jiao. She harbors deep resentment toward her father due to the way he mistreated her mother. As one of the immortals residing in the Nine Heavens, Fan Ling Er is highly skilled in forging magical artifacts.
Bold and straightforward by nature, she never hesitates to speak her mind. As a friend, she is considerate and supportive. As a subordinate, her loyalty runs deep. So much so that she is willing to go against the entire world to see her master’s plans succeed.
Zhang Su An (Played by Chen Xin Hai)
Zhang Su An is Li Qing Yue’s senior in the Jingyun Sect. Once the most talented disciple of the sect, his cultivation was completely destroyed after he was seriously injuries while battling a phoenix. The damage was so severe it ruined his spiritual foundation.
From rising star to the sect’s most powerless member, Zhang Su An’s pride was hurted. Everything changed when he met Li Qing Yue. Unlike the others, she treated him with kindness and respect. He volunteered to guard the gate for three years just to be close to her. And to him, those years were the happiest of his life.
Zhang Su An is a bit stubborn but deeply attentive. He is kind, warm-hearted, and always ready to help others, especially Li Qing Yue. His love for her is unwavering, and his loyalty beyond question. With a strong sense of justice and a righteous spirit, Zhang Su An possesses a character that hints at a bright and meaningful future.
Meng Chang Qin (Played by Zhao Yi Qin)
A former sheriff of Huai’an County, Meng Chang Qin is the grandson of Meng Chi. Meng Chi’s father once worked at Qichi Hall during the time when Hua Ru Yue and Bai Jiu Si descended to the mortal realm for their love tribulation.
Hua Ru Yue taught the colorblind young Meng Chi to perceive colors through feeling, and even saved his life. From that moment on, Meng Chi dedicated his life to her, eventually becoming the steward of Qichi Hall until his death.
Meng Chang Qin inherited his grandfather’s devotion. A reckless yet courageous young man with a strong sense of justice, he may be an ordinary mortal, but his righteousness left a lasting impact on Hua Ru Yue. Though not particularly clever, his bravery stands out. He later became her first disciple.
The Conclusion
Despite the digitally jarring visuals and the slow beginning, Feud drama managed to steal my heart. This Chinese drama gave me a surprisingly enjoyable experience. While the story might start off dull, it quickly becomes anything but boring. The actors delivered solid performances, and the chemistry between our main leads was strong and convincing.
The layered storytelling made every episode feel like a puzzle worth solving. More than once, I found myself whispering, “There must be something more behind this.” And there usually was. You can feel that the script was written carefully, keeping just enough hidden to preserve the viewer’s excitement. And I really appreciate that.
So, dear readers… put Feud Chinese drama on your watchlist. It’s perfect for a weekend binge. This isn’t just another average fantasy drama. Feus is complex without being confusing, emotional without being overwhelming. Anyway, I truly hope this Feud drama review can describe just how good it is. Just keep an open mind and look past the CGI. If you do, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride. Happy watching!
