- Drama Title: Love Beyond the Grave
- Also Known As: 白日提灯, Bai Ri Ti Deng, Carrying a Lantern in Daylight, Mu Xu Ci
- Director: Zoe Qin
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
- Cast: Dilraba Dilmurat, Chen Fei Yu
- Number of Episodes: 40+1 extra
- Date of Release: March 28, 2026
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to watch: WeTV, Tencent Video, Viki
- Adapted from the web novel “Bai Ri Ti Deng” by Li Qing Ran
Dear readers, how are you today? Is the real world treating you well? I hope so. And if not, then maybe this is your chance to press pause. A short break to catch your breath before stepping back into it again. Either way, you’ve made it this far, and that counts for something. So sit back, get comfortable and let me keep you company with this Love Beyond the Grave drama review. Anyway, let’s get started. Happy reading!
Love Beyond the Grave Drama Review
The Synopsis
The ruler of the spirit world is an exceptional lady. He Si Mu, is the strongest among ten generations of sovereign. The throne is a lonely place and the only joy she has is wandering the mortal world.
One day, He Si Mu unexpectedly encounters a young general carrying a familiar sword. As she drawn to it, she approaches him and follow him, disguising herself as a young woman named He Xiao Xiao.
Duan Xu was in the middle of a war when he met a young woman and her brother. He took them in because they needed protection. But soon, he realized that the girl wasn’t like any other. She could see wind and predict weather. Yet she couldn’t distinguish colours, and her tongue couldn’t taste anything. Still, as strange as she was, she helped him win the war. So, he let her stay.
As they test each other through quiet exchanges, He Si Mu uncover the dark past and buried desire hidden deep inside Duan Xu’s heart. Meanwhile, he begins to see the crushing loneliness she has carried for centuries.
But when love blooms between a spirit who lives forever and a mortal whose life is like a fleeting dust, the question in no longer whether they can love each other. But how much they willing to sacrifice to defy destiny itself.
The Review
Okay, I must admit that I wasn’t prepared to watch a drama that made my eyes swollen like this. While Zhang Ling He’s Pursuit of Jade won me over in lightning speed, Love Beyond the Grave did the opposite.
It started quietly, almost too calm that I thought nothing would happen. I was wrong. Love Beyond the Grave didn’t rush, it just made sure the damage would last.
Love Beyond the Grave isn’t some kind of drama that instantly brightens your day or washes your fatigue away. Oh no, it has other plans. While your eyes feast on the insanely gorgeous visuals, the story quietly drags you into something much heavier. The tragedies, the plot twists… they don’t hit all at once. So beware, when you press the play button, you sign up for emotional damage. This is a warning.
At its core, this is a love story between two people who shouldn’t fall for each other. He Si Mu is a spirit who lived a very long life, and her power is immense. While Duan Xu is a mortal whose life spanned only a few decades.
His power is limited, and as a war general in a chaotic era, he could die anytime. He Si Mu and Duan Xu lived in a different world. But somehow fate brought them together, because Duan Xu is her spell bearer. The chosen one who could swap senses with her.
And why are these senses so important to He Si Mu? Because spirits lived in a black and white world. No colours, no music, no taste at all. Everything was dull, muted, and empty. He Si Mu wanted to know what it was like to be a human. She wanted to understand how something so fleeting could still be so vivid and meaningful.
I really enjoyed Love Beyond the Graves for multiple reasons. The first one is the insane visuals. Not because we get to see Dilireba and Chen Fei Yu’s gorgeous faces for a full 40 episodes, which is definitely a plus, by the way. But also because this drama itself is packed with beautiful scores and soundtrack, amazing sets and CGI, stunning costumes, a solid story, and top-notch acting.
The only issue I had was with the slow pace at the beginning. But as the story progressed, you could surely forget about the dull start. Once you find its rhythm, the story will pull you in and will not let go. And before you realize it, you’re already too attached to the characters to even think about dropping it.
But the thing that touched me the most is what He Si Mu felt for Duan Xu. How heartbroken it is to find someone you really love, but realize that he didn’t fit into your world. You want to protect your heart and walk away, but you can’t. And it’s dreadful to know that the person you love would eventually leave you, and there’s nothing you could do to stop it.
What moved me just as much is the bond between He Si Mu and Xue Chen Ying. What started as an obligation (Xue Chen Ying’s father begged for He Si Mu’s help), it turned into a mix of friendship and siblinghood. Although He Si Mu often teases him and acts indifferently towards Xue Chen Ying, it was clear that he slowly became a rare soft spot in He Si Mu’s heart.
Xue Chen Ying grew up with a father who loved him. But in a moment when he was left alone, it was He Si Mu who shielded him and gave him food. In a chaotic era, a simple gesture like that was enough to prove someone’s kindness, enough to be remembered, and enough to earn his loyalty.
Love Beyond the Grave’s story didn’t only about romance. No. It was more complicated. There were political struggles, not only in the mortal world, because apparently, the spirit world (or the Void) had the same problem. Everyone is chasing the throne, and they would do anything, ANYTHING, to claim it. Even if it meant destroying everything in their way.
I must admit that I was so invested in the story that it took me a long time to finish this drama. Not because I was lazy, but because I kept rewinding the episodes I really liked. And trust me, there were a lot of those.
And I also had way too many things in my head that I wanted to write. So I ended up taking a bit too much of my time with this article. Apologies for my indecisiveness. Because while my heart kept screaming about how dashing Chen Fei Yu looked when he swung his swords or when he comforts He Si Mu, my brain kept reminding me that this is a review, not a fangirl diary. 🥲
Now let’s go into the favourite part of my review. The cast. 😍
After the Blue Whisper, I finally got to see Dilireba in costume again. She has that ethereal look that fits the role of He Si Mu perfectly. There’s arrogance in her eyes, a hint of cruelty when her lips press into a straight line, and that lazy yet commanding aura when she sits on the throne.
And there was something eerie with her smile and gaze when she sat on the bloodied snow playing a tune for Duan Xu in episode 3. Dilireba has the kind of presence that doesn’t need to try hard yet still makes everyone else feel small.
In her 2025 drama, Love on Turquoise Land, Dilireba and Chen Xing Xu played a more mature couple. But this time, she gives off that older-woman-younger-man dynamic. He Si Mu isn’t just older than Duan Xu, she is four centuries older than him, practically making Duan Xu look like a toddler beside her.
That dynamic really shows in her scenes with Chen Fei Yu when Duan Xu followed her to the Void. He Si Mu often looks at him in a cold and commanding gaze of a queen, like she’s about to scold him any second, only to be met with his mischievous and innocent smile.
And every time, I feel an oddly familiar feeling. Honestly, it reminds me way too much of my daughter back in her toddler era. Of course, I am the queen that ready to snap at any moment. 🤪
And maybe that huge gap is exactly why Dilireba’s dual role feels even more striking.
It was cringe at first, seeing Dilireba intentionally act badly as He Xiao Xiao. The way she pouted and cried was soooo… painful to watch. But isn’t it a form of good acting? When a skilled actress can convincingly act as a bad one, to the point that we clearly see it and even feel secondhand embarrassment?
That cringey feeling didn’t come from lack of ability, but from how well she controlled it. And once I realized that the whole performance started to feel a lot cleverer than it first appeared. And as always, Dilireba once again showed a strong chemistry with her co-star, Chen Fei Yu.
Oh boy, I love Chen Fei Yu. He has that naughty boy aura around him. Those who know him probably still remember him in Lighter and Princess, where he did a great job as Li Xun, or in When Destiny Brings the Demon as Sima Jiao.
I also watched his urban romance Eat Run Love, but only halfway. Same with Love Story in the 1970s. They were good, but honestly, just put him in costume, and I promised I would stay until the end. 😁
Chen Fei Yu’s main attraction for me is his voice. It was deep, husky, but still sounds young. So my favourite part of his scenes is his monologue. In dramas or movies, voice matters more than people think. It shapes how we see the character before they even act.
Chen Fei Yu’s voice gives Duan Xu a mix of calm authority and a quiet vulnerability. You’ll understand that he is strong, but still a human underneath. Voice also sets the mood of the scene. During those emotional moments, you can feel Duan Xu’s emotions just from the way he speaks.
As a young general, only in his 20s, Duan Xu is stubborn and determined. But once he is out of his armor, he is just a man who loves to laugh and can be a little mischievous at times. Maybe because he holds such immense military power that he restrains himself so much.
But after he spends time with He Si Mu, you start to see how warm, affectionate, and understanding Duan Xu actually is. And Chen Fei Yu really brings that contrast to life. He makes Duan Xu feel convincing both as a commanding general and as a carefree young man, he did it so naturally. So, it was very easy to be drawn to his character, just like I was.
Have I ever said that Fu Bo Han is a good actor? This young man who played Xue Chen Ying is only 13, but he has already appeared in many high-budgeted dramas alongside Bai Lu (Unveil: Jadewind), Zhao Lu Si (The Story of Pearl Girl and Love’s Ambition), Gong Jun (Blood River), Wu Jin Yan (The Double), Zhang Jin Yi (Blossoms in Adversity) and of course, Dilireba (Who Rules the World). He has good chemistry with his co-stars, and his acting feels very natural.
Fu Bo Han is not the only child star in this drama. We got Li Zhen Zhen, who is also 13, and he plays the evil spirit Song Xing Yu. And just like Fu Bo Han, he has appeared in many popular dramas alongside well-known names such as Hou Ming Hao (Love in the Clouds), Bai Lu (Feud), Fang Yi Lun (Les Belles), Yang Zi (Flourished Peony), Zhang Wan Yi (Lost You Forever), and Zhang Zhe Han (Word of Honor).
I was quite surprised to see him take on the role of an evil spirit in this drama, because Song Xing Yu is truly a despicable creature. Both child actors really impressed me, and I am sure there’s a bright future waiting for them.
However, the one that surprised me the most is Wei Zhe Ming as Yan Ke. After playing the cunning and loathsome Liu Chang in Flourished Peony and In the Name of Blossom, he seemed to be getting more comfortable in villain roles.
He comes off even more intimidating in this drama, especially since Yan Ke is He Si Mu’s Right Hand. Her most trusted subordinate who carries out her orders and enforces the punishment of The Void without hesitation.
Initially, Wei Zhe Ming has this calm and gentle appearance that could easily make my heart melt whenever he smiles. But as Yan Ke, the moment he feels dissatisfied, angry, or jealous, he turns into something completely different.
I think what Mai Zi said about him is the best description. She once told Duan Xu, “Every time I see the Right Hand, it drains away ten years of joy I’ve saved up”. Yan Ke is basically a living, walking Chinese version of a Dementor. Thankfully, he is so gorgeous that I’m willing to lose a few years of joy too…😂
Let me talk about the ending. No spoilers, don’t worry. But be prepared. To get there isn’t an easy journey. This drama didn’t hesitate to wreck your heart. It takes you through heartbreak, loss, and devastation. You’ll reach for tissues again and again. But in the end, this drama will eventually give you something that feels worth every tear.
The Story – A Love Meant to be Lost
When people died, the pitiful one wasn’t the one who left. It was the one who was left behind.
He Si Mu and Duan Xu’s relationship began early. Duan Xu was drawn to her because He Si Mu was… strange. She piqued his curiosity. So, he tests, observes, and probes her again and again.
Meanwhile, He Si Mu initially only wanted to determine whether he was worthy to be the master of Deliverance. But everything changed when she learned that he was her spell bearer. From that moment on, their connection deepened.
What makes their relationship so captivating is not solely the fact that they come from two different worlds. But because of the way they reshape each other’s perspectives about life. Through one another, they begin to see their world in a different light.
You know, the best way to understand someone is to learn how to live in their world. He Si Mu has always tried to understand humans and protect them. She did it because of her mother and also because she is half-human herself.
She used to live among them and experience humans’ compassion and kindness. But when it comes to sacrifices, I think Duan Xu gave the most. By following her to the Void, he knew the consequences were dire, but he did it anyway.
He Si Mu is a very powerful sovereign. She doesn’t need any protection. Instead, she protects others. Still, it touches deeply when someone who is weaker than her is willing to stand in front of her. Duan Xu has a strong protective instinct. For him, protecting his loved one is not a choice, but something that comes as naturally as breathing.
He Si Mu knew very well that Duan Xu’s life was short. That’s why she was so hesitant to open her heart to him. Always keeping distance and refusing to let herself fall completely. Because she knew that once she did, she would face the inevitable: losing him. And for someone who had already lost everyone she loves, loving him is never just a blessing. It was also a tragedy.
He Si Mu and Duan Xu’s story wasn’t something warm, funny, or light-hearted. It was heavy, restrained, and filled with emotions they could never fully express.
The Story – A World Painted in Black and White
At the end of the East Sea stands the giant Fusang tree. Beneath it, lies the Void Spirit World. This is the world where He Si Mu governs. In this world, the spirit with the strongest power becomes the sovereign.
Spirits, though they looked similar to humans, absolutely weren’t classified under the Animal Kingdom in any known taxonomy. They were something else entirely. They weren’t born from flesh and blood, but from obsessions. They don’t age the way humans do, nor do they measure time in years.
Yet, for all their power and otherworldly nature, they weren’t free from desire, from longing, and from the quiet, dangerous pull of attachment. And perhaps, that was what made their world no less fragile than the human one.
He Si Mu and the other spirits looked like they belonged in a black and white tv show. Their world is monochrome. They didn’t have any senses. Blind to colours, deaf to music, numb to taste, unable to smell anything, and their skin couldn’t feel anything, including pain, cold, warmth, or softness. Still, they live in a magical world full of stunning buildings and their clothes and jewellery are truly works of art.
I always wondered, why the immortal, or spirits, or fairy in Chinese tales, stories, or dramas are often portrayed as such devoted creature. I only understood the reason while watching this drama. It’s because the spirit was born form obsession. 😮
When I was watching the part when He Si Mu return to the Void and brings Duan Xu with her, the drama suddenly feels like it shifts into a completely different genre. There’s a strong CEO trope here, with He Si Mu as the strict CEO. Jiang Ai, He Si Mu’s Left Hand, took the role as the CFO (Chief Financial Officer). She is responsible for all the financial activities of the Void.
You can see it because she always carries a small jade abacus, and her obsession is wealth. Meanwhile, Yan Ke took the role as the COO (Chief Operating Officer) of the Void. He is serving as He Si Mu’s second-in-command. He executes her order, monitoring the spirits, and oversees the Void.
His role is crucial because it allows He Si Mu to focus on her long-term goals which is the stability of the Void and the safety of the Mortal world. And Duan Xu? W ell… he basically the naïve and stubborn intern. 😂
He Si Mu’s love for the Mortal world was stemmed from her past. She was born to a spirit father and a mortal mother. But her parents weren’t ordinary. Her father was the late sovereign, while her mother was a powerful sorceress of Starhaven Clan. They once lived among mortals, which is why He Si Mu feels so connected to that world.
And as always, while the spirits knew about the mortal world, it was totally different with the humans. They don’t even know that this world existed. Everything they know about it come from the tales.
Watching Love Beyond the Grave made me realized why, in many stories (both Western and Eastern), people warn the children to be careful around fairies or spirits. They are cunning and tricky creatures. Everything is calculated, because when dealing with the, there is no such thing as free lunch.
The Visual-A Silent World, Loud Beauty
It’s been a long time since I was this mesmerized by a drama’s visuals. Everything in Love Beyond the Grave is like a feast for the eyes. From the detailed sets and CGI to the intricate costume designs, everything just made me happy.
Especially the way they show how He Si Mu sees the world. Everything in monochromatic hues: black, white, and grey. And then, when they add a touch of color, it instantly brings everything to life. And that’s when I understood what it feels like to be He Si Mu.
And you really have to see how they portray the Void. Yes, it’s full CGI, but wow… Can I just praise the creative minds behind it all? The made the buildings look so grand and those giant human figures? I’m not sure if they were meant to be ironic or symbolic, but they looked amazing.
And the jellyfish. Did your eyes keep drifting to them every time they appeared? The idea of portraying souls as a jellyfish is something I’ve never seen before.
You can find this two-worlds setup in many fantasy dramas, such as Moonlit Reunion or Love Between Fairy and Devil. Each has its own charm, but it still feels awe-inspiring every time you see it done right.
The best part of the visuals is the costumes. Yes. Especially the one worn by the spirits. You really need to zoom in to appreciate them. The embroideries and the beads are so beautiful and detailed.
You can almost feel how heavy the costume is just by looking at the length, the layers, the thickness, and all those embellishments. And on top of that, they complete everything with those fine-looking accessories, especially the headpieces. Absolutely stunning!
The Characters
He Si Mu / He Xiao Xiao (Played by Dilraba Dilmurat)
He Si Mu is the Sovereign of The Spirit World. She ruled the world since her father, the late sovereign He Yi Cheng, died 300 years ago. In her early days, He Si Mu quelled the rebellion by killing 30% of the existing lords. She was recognized by the Spirit Lantern, the symbol of the sovereignty and the power, and acknowledges by all spirits.
Born to a mortal mother, a powerful Starhaven sorcerer named Si Wei, He Si Mu’s compassion for the mortals comes naturally. As a ruler, she upholds the Golden Wall Decrees. It’s a set of restrictive law left behind by her predecessor. Many spirits hate these rules. But this very law existed to maintain the balance between the Spirit World and the Mortal World.
When she was young, He Si Mu used to be cheerful, warm, impulsive, and maybe a little naïve. But after losing her parents and become the sovereign, she changed completely. The sunny girl is faded away, replace by a ruler with a frozen heart. She hides all her emotions behind a composed and unreadable face.
At times, she would let a laugh or smile with Yan Ke or show a flicker of worry when she was with Jiang Ai. But only with Duan Xu she shed all pretence and return to who she truly is, soft, unguarded, vulnerable, like any human do.
Duan Xu / Duan Shun Xi (Played by Chen Fei Yu)
Duan Xu, courtesy name Duan Shun Xi, is the commander of Tabai Army. He is a young and formidable general. He wasn’t only a master of warfare but also a talented scholar. Duan Xu is a stubborn and determined, rarely swayed once he sets his mind on something. On the surface, he appears cold and distant. Yet beneath all that, there is a sunny, playful, and soft-hearted young man.
Duan Xu didn’t have an easy childhood. His parents were inharmonious, and his father’s obsession supressed his life. For years, Duan Xu constantly holding himself back. Only after leaving the capital did he gain a sliver of freedom. Duan Xu is a loyal general, not to the monarch but to the people. He wields his sword for the freedom of Great Liang and to protect the people.
Yan Ke (Played by Wei Zhe Ming)
Yan Ke is the second-in-command in the Void. He is He Si Mu’s Right Hand and the head of the Qiling temple. Yan Ke commands the force and was responsible for oversees the spirits in the Spirit World.
Although he looked gentle and amiable, Yan Ke is a strong, emotional, possessive, and cunning spirit. He is an important figure for the Void and He Si Mu because Yan Ke was the one who helped her put down the rebellion, enforce the law, and govern the Spirit World.
Jiang Ai (Played by Zhang Li)
Jiang Ai is He Si Mu’s Left Hand. She is the head of Xuling temple, which governs the largest pleasure den in the Void. Jiang Ai personally in charge of the casino. Her obsession is wealth, and she loved spirit stones the most.
Aside from her money-grubber nature, Jiang Ai is a cunning and calculative. But she is also smart and loyal. Among the spirits, Jiang Ai seemed to be the one who understands He Si Mu the most.
Fang Ji / Fang Xian Ye (Played by Gao He Yuan)
Fang Ji, courtesy name Fang Xian Ye, is Duan Xu’s sworn enemy. He is a court official and stationed in Nandu, the capital of Great Liang. Fang Ji is a straightforward man, ambitious, and calculative.
He used to be the Top Scholar of the Imperial Exam. Now working as the Censorial Counselor, he is held in high regard by the emperor.
Xue Chen Ying (Played by Fu Bo Han)
Xue Chen Ying was saved by He Si Mu after his father begged her for help. The old man was fatally wounded, yet he still said he would do everything if she would save his son. His love fore his child is reflected in Xue Chen Ying’s nature.
Although he can be timid at times, Xue Chen Ying is a cheerful and kind boy. He knows gratitude and remains loyal to those he believes in. He isn’t easily swayed by the enemy. Xue Chen Ying regarded He Si Mu as his elder sister Xiao Xiao while Duan Xu is his idol.
Hejia Feng Yi (Played by Ding Jia Wen)
Members of Hejia clan never lives long. They were plague with illness. Hejia Feng Yi, known as the Prophet Hejia, is the sorcerer of the Starhaven sect and possesses immense power.
Feng Yi can be recognized by his pale face and bloodless lips. He is considered He Si Mu’s kin form her maternal side. Although Hejia Feng Yi is a powerful sorcerer, when he is with He Si Mu, Feng Yi often acts like a child and can be careless with his words.
He is a soft-hearted person with unwavering loyalty, devoted only to his Great Ancestor, He Si Mu. Hejia Feng Yi always accompanied by a strict and quiet maid named Zi Ji.
The Conclusion
Love Beyond the Grave is such an entertaining drama because it was packed with beautiful scores and soundtrack, amazing visual, stunning costumes, a solid story, and top-notch acting.
Although my heart was aching, my bottom was sore, my eyes were swollen, and my sleep schedule was completely ruined, I didn’t regret it. All those hours were definitely well spent.
If my dear readers decided to watch this drama, beware of the “just one more episode” trap. It may have a slow start, but once it picks up its pace, you won’t stop for anything.
This drama is not your average feel-good series. It will wreck your heart, but at the same time, it will make you get emotionally invested in the story. And in the end, Love Beyond the Grave will linger in your mind far longer than you expect.
Thank you for staying with me on this long review, dear readers. I hope this article helped you see why Love Beyond the Grave is worth your time. And if you ended up with swollen eyes at the office or at school, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Anyway, I’ll see you again in another drama review or ending explained article. Until then, goodbye and happy watching!
