Asian dramas like
The Investiture Of The Gods

Throughout history, China has been ruled by various tyrants who were known for their aggression and immorality. One infamous tyrant was King Zhou of the Shang dynasty, whose oppressive rule led to the legendary overthrow by King Wu of the Zhou dynasty. This epic battle between good and evil caused great turmoil and sorrow in ancient China, resulting in the sacrifice of numerous brave warriors. To comfort the grieving people, the Celestial Realm established the Rostrum of Gods of Honour. The tale also highlights the importance of filial piety, featuring prominent figures like Nezha and Daji.

During King Zhou of Shang's reign, the absence of Gods left the human world plagued by demons. The Primeval Lord of Heaven seizes the opportunity presented by the war between the Zhou and Shang dynasties to identify new Gods to join the celestial realm. To accomplish this, his apprentices are tasked with seeking out individuals of high moral standing: Jiang Zi Ya aids Ji Fa in ruling the Zhou dynasty, ShenGong Bao infiltrates the Shang dynasty alongside Su Da Ji to wreak havoc, and Yu Ding Zhen Ren guides Yang Jian, a human gifted with a third eye, in realizing his true potential. The fate of humanity hinges on the outcome of this selection process.

The narrative follows Huo Xiao Xie, a market orphan thrust into a tumultuous world. To safeguard those dear to him during crises, he faced death multiple times and battled against malevolent forces. Ultimately, he became a legendary figure of resilience and righteousness within the market community. Set in the early Republic of China era marked by warlord domination and widespread turmoil, the quest for the mystical jade beads, pursued by countless individuals, unfolded in the rivers and lakes. Rumors swirled about the sealed clues pointing to the "five elements holy kings" emblematic of the throne. Encircling the jade beads and the "Holy King Ding," revolutionaries and progressive students initiated a mission to safeguard the national treasures. The Central Plains martial arts, led by the Five Elements clan, rallied against Zhang Si Ye and Zhang Si Ye, proponents of restoration and regression. Amidst the Japanese Black Dragon Association's theft of China's national treasure, Huo Xiao Xie found himself inadvertently embroiled in the conflict, steadfastly protecting the national heritage through a series of trials, risks, and perils. Employing his compassion, integrity, wit, and vigilance, he surmounted obstacles and united the Five Elements clan, transforming them into a formidable ally in the revolutionary cause to expel foreign invaders and reclaim China's sovereignty.

During the fourth year of the Tian Qi Emperor's rule in Ming Dynasty China, the people of Guang Yuan are struggling with crop failures and famine. Zhuo Ji Xian, a Ministry of Revenue official, is sent by the crown prince to provide aid to the affected area. While traveling through the Jade Dragon Mountains, Zhuo Ji Xian and his companions, along with the supplies, are captured by Lian Ni Chang, a female vigilante. Zhuo Ji Xian's son, Zhuo Yi Hang, a top disciple of Wu Dang, steps in to rescue his father, getting entangled in the power struggle between the crown prince, the infamous eunuch Wei Zhong Xian, and Lian Ni Chang. Despite a rocky start, Zhuo Yi Hang and Lian Ni Chang develop feelings for each other and fall in love. However, misunderstandings arise, leading to a rift in their relationship and causing Lian Ni Chang's hair to turn white overnight due to her belief that Zhuo Yi Hang has betrayed her. In order to restore Lian Ni Chang's beauty and be reunited with his beloved, Zhuo Yi Hang embarks on a journey to Mount Heaven in search of a rare flower that blooms only once every 60 years.

The play showcases the impact of Wu Cheng En's personal life, hobbies, social circle, and family on his creation of one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature.

Ning Chu Sheng, a scholar, found himself in the company of some questionable characters. One day, while out admiring the scenery, he happened to meet Xiaoqian. Xiaoqian soon realized that Ning Chu Sheng was not malicious, but rather inexperienced, leading her to betray Xue Hou. As they faced numerous challenges together, their bond grew stronger. However, the arrival of Ning Mu created obstacles for their relationship. The true identity of Ning Chu Sheng became a puzzle to be solved, leaving their future uncertain.

The Legend of the Jade Sword series is set in the era of the Xia Dynasty, which marks the beginning of ancient China's history. During this time, the land was plagued by numerous conflicts that threatened to tear the world apart. To ensure peace and prosperity, the Xia dynasty managed to unite various tribes and groups. Among them was a frail boy named Ji Ning Tian, who defied expectations of an early death due to illness. Despite the harsh and violent environment he lived in, Ning Tian aspired to bring about harmony and unity in the country. Along his journey, he encountered challenges such as cruelty and betrayal, but also found loyal allies who believed in his potential as the rightful leader of the nation.

A young man is confronted with a difficult decision. After surviving the massacre at Grass Village which claimed the lives of their families, Zhang Xiao Fan and his childhood friend Lin Jing Yu were taken in by the Qing Yun Sect and trained in the art of the Immortal Sword. Xiao Fan develops feelings for Bi Yao, the Ghost King's daughter. However, when the Ghost King threatens to attack the Qing Yun Sect to increase his power, Xiao Fan is forced to decide between protecting his people and betraying the woman he loves. What will be his ultimate choice? (Viki)

Born from a stone and nourished by the Five Elements, a monkey learns the ways of the Tao, mastering 72 transformations, combat skills, and secrets of immortality. Through cunning and strength, he becomes known as Qitian Dasheng, or the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. His powers eventually rival those of all Eastern deities, leading to a rebellion against Heaven and a post in the celestial bureaucracy. However, his arrogance leads to his downfall when he is trapped under a mountain by the Buddha for five hundred years. Disheartened by the corruption in the South, the Buddha sends the bodhisattva Guanyin to find someone in Tang China to bring Buddhist sutras back to the East. Guanyin chooses Chen Xuan Zang, who is granted the name San Zang by Emperor Taizong. San Zang rescues Sun Wu Kong from the mountain, and they are joined by Bai Long, Zhu Ba Jie (also known as Greedy Pig), and Sha Wu Jing as apprentices on their journey to the west in search of the Buddhist sutras.

A sorrowful tune can be heard emanating from a lake where a boat is gently gliding through the water. The melody appears to be recounting a tragic event from 16 years ago. To obtain the "sinister lute", six well-known factions besieged Xue Mei's residence. Witnessing her parents' brutal murder and her younger brother Xiao Lin's disappearance during the chaos, Xue Mei fled with the "sinister lute" towards a remote valley.

Three millennia ago, a prophecy predicted the looming apocalypse and the rise of a Taoist grandmaster destined to rescue humanity. In order to increase the odds of survival, a group of immortals has assembled a team of talented individuals to locate the holy shield.

The epic follows the adventures of Qiao Feng, Duan Yu, and Xu Zhu, whose individual tales eventually converge at the climax of the story. Qiao Feng is on a journey to uncover his true identity and solve the mystery of his orphanhood from 30 years ago. Duan Yu discovers multiple half-sisters he never knew existed, thanks to his father's adventurous past, and faces off against Duan Yuan Qing for control of Dali. Xu Zhu, a humble Shaolin Monk, becomes entangled in the internal conflicts of the powerful Care Free Sect. Set against the backdrop of the Northern Song Dynasty, their stories unfold across the warring kingdoms of Song, Liao, Dali, and Western Xia.

The narrative follows the tales of the renowned figures Su Da Ji and Jiang Zi Ya during the era of the Shang dynasty.

Following the defeat of the enemy by Lin Dong and Zhou Tong, the threat of evil remains with Yi Mo Huang surviving. The search for the final two talismans continues as Lin Dong witnesses Ying Huan Huan making a sacrifice to become the Ice Master. This leads Lin Dong to embrace his role as the successor of the Zu talisman. He assists his younger sister Qing Tan in becoming the Master of Darkness before embarking on a journey to the Demon Realm to retrieve the Life and Death Talisman. The ultimate showdown awaits as Lin Dong faces off against his once-friend Lin Lang Tian, who has been consumed by a thirst for power.

During ancient times, chaos spread throughout the world due to the demon Jiu Ying. To seal Jiu Ying, the five deity lords - Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth - united their powers but ended up sacrificing themselves in the process. Their spirits scattered into the mortal realm and vanished. Fast forward thousands of years later, the You Kingdom, founded by the Baili family, is in a constant state of war with the Wolf Tribe. Following the consecutive deaths of the Emperor and Crown Prince, young Emperor Baili Hao He takes the throne. However, his maternal relatives exploit his youth and gradually seize control of the Imperial Court. The two sons of the late Crown Prince, Baili Hong Xuan and Baili Hong Shuo, are constantly met with suspicion and oppression despite their loyalty to the throne. Meanwhile, Ming Ye Feng, the new leader of the Wolf Tribe, uncovers the true identity of Baili Hong Yi, the daughter of the Prince of Pingyuan, plunging the Baili family into turmoil. As Jiu Ying begins to break free from the seal, the deities gradually awaken one by one. Reclaiming their elemental powers, the five deities reunite to fulfill their age-old promise of safeguarding the world and maintaining its peace.

Fu, Lu, and Shou are three divine beings who serve as protectors of the people. However, they violated celestial laws and their pride offended the other deities. In response, the Jade Emperor banished them to the human realm and stripped them of wealth, success, and long life. They were reincarnated as Wu Fu Qi, Wei De Lu, and Mei Shou Quan. These three stars must endure trials, perform acts of kindness, and benefit humanity before reaching the age of 30 in order to be allowed back into heaven, or else face being abandoned forever.

When the Queen Mother of the West urges her daughter Luo to marry the uncouth immortal He Bo, Luo escapes to the human realm. There, she meets Hou Yi and they fall in love. However, another goddess named Chang Er also harbors feelings for Hou. Angered by this love triangle, the Queen Mother decides to demonstrate the superiority of immortals by causing ten suns to appear in the sky simultaneously. Chang Er and Luo Shen must now work together to save humanity and convince Hou Yi to join them in the immortal realm. This story is inspired by the legend of Chang Er, also known as the Moon Fairy.

The Mei fruit of Qing Qiu, known for its magical properties, has long been safeguarded by the fox clan through generations. However, when the valuable fruit is stolen, Fei Yue becomes the only witness and, along with her family, embarks on a series of adventures to retrieve the fruit. Facing numerous challenges, including interactions with humans and conflicts with powerful entities, the fox clan must use their cunning to overcome obstacles and bring the Mei fruit back home. As they navigate through a world filled with dangers, the fox clan is determined to succeed, despite facing opposition from both Heaven and Earth.

Based on Wu Cheng En's classic novel "Journey to the West," there are three different versions available: 45 episodes (Hong Kong version), 60 episodes (Satellite TV), and 66 episodes (Terrestrial TV).

Since the day he was born, Wen Tian, the adopted son of the Qin family, faced numerous challenges. Due to his fragile health, his family decided it would be best for him to reside at Bai Manor. At a young age, he was betrothed to Bai Qiu Xue to strengthen the bond between the two families. Little did the Qin elders know, the Bais had different plans for Qiu Xue's future. In an attempt to secure a more advantageous match, the Bais plotted to eliminate Wen Tian. However, Wen Tian managed to escape their assassination attempt and sought refuge with the Jiuhua Sect, renowned for their martial arts skills. Alongside Mo Quing Chen, his new master's niece, and Crown Prince Yi Wu Wei, who was in hiding after a challenge to his crown, Wen Tian decided to put aside his own vendetta to help Wu Wei reclaim his rightful position. Their journey to the Imperial City was fraught with challenges as they faced not only the power-hungry prince but also the forces backing Tian Jiao. Will their courage and determination be enough to thwart their enemies and rid the land of the darkness that had plagued them? (Viki)

If a Naga mermaid is made to cry, her tears will transform into valuable radiant pearls. Hai Shi is a young resident of a seaside village where inhabitants pretend to sacrifice their children to elicit tears from mermaids, which are then collected to pay taxes. During a fishing expedition, Hai Shi's father was tragically killed. Subsequently, her town was pillaged by soldiers, leading her to harbor animosity towards the emperor for the calamitous events and swear vengeance. Fate brings her across Fang Zhu, a high-ranking official in the imperial court and the emperor's most trusted advisor. Fang Zhu proposes to take Hai Shi under his wing as a disciple under the condition that she conceals her true identity and masquerades as a boy, to which she agrees. The realm faces imminent danger due to a negligent ruler, court discord, and ongoing conflicts with neighboring kingdoms, with Fang Zhu being the only force holding it all together. As time passes, Hai Shi enlists in the royal military. Tensions arise between her and her mentor over their conflicting feelings towards the emperor, while clandestine plots and intrigues jeopardize the kingdom's stability.

Following the brutal massacre of his family by a merciless general, young Ning Que survives in the wilderness, sharpening his intellect and combat abilities. He saves a baby girl from a heap of bodies, giving her the name Sang Sang, and the two form an unbreakable bond. Ning Que enlists in the military and later accompanies Princess Li Yu to the capital, where he stumbles upon the secretive Upper Storey school, setting off a chain of remarkable escapades. As sinister forces draw near, Ning Que must confront his enigmatic heritage and challenge destiny to safeguard Sang Sang and seek retribution.

Xiang Yun, originally a cloud, was transformed into a fairy by the Red Thread Master and began working in the Marriage Pavilion. She willingly assisted her master in finding a marriage partner for Immortal Chu Kong, the God of War, but ended up causing trouble by auctioning off his marriage. This led to a disagreement between the two, resulting in a mix-up with the red thread of fate and an entanglement that spanned multiple lifetimes. Their intertwined destiny actually began long before, in a forgotten memory shared by both.

Xia Xun, a regular man who witnessed the harsh actions of Jinyiwei, a secret police force serving the Ming dynasty emperors in China, decided to advocate for the ordinary people. Along the way, he met his future wife, sworn brother, a prince, and the prince's wife. His skills caught the attention of Jinyiwei leaders, who recruited him into the organization and trained him to become an elite member. Meanwhile, the new emperor ruled with a firm hand and zero tolerance for dissent. Moved by the suffering of the people, Xia Xun secretly supported the prince's efforts to claim the throne and bring peace to the nation. (DramaWiki)

"Liao Zhai Zhi Yi", also known as "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio", is a compilation of around five hundred mostly supernatural stories that were published in the early Qing Dynasty. In the selection "Liao Zhai Qi Nv Zi", four stories are featured, narrating the lives of some exquisite and extraordinary women. In "Lian Cheng", two rival families in a town had daughters named Lian Cheng and Bin Niang, who took their rivalry to the extreme when they both fell in love with the same man, Qiao Sheng. They fought fiercely for his affections, even beyond death. Yet, they eventually realized that true love was not about possession and were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for each other. In "Xin Shi Si Niang", a beautiful fox demon named Xin Shi Si Niang found joy in aiding others and sought spiritual enlightenment to escape the typical fate of fox demons. However, her encounter with Feng Sheng changed her destiny. "Huan Niang" tells the story of upper-class lady Zhao Huan Niang and talented stage actor Wen Ru Chun, who believed the only way to be together was through a joint suicide. Only Huan Niang perished, returning as a ghost to discover the truth. Lastly, in "Xia Nv", Xu Mu E disguises herself as a boy to learn martial arts secretly, despite her mother's wishes. After getting injured during an adventure, she meets young doctor Gu Xiang Ru, with whom she starts developing feelings. However, Xiang Ru's heart belongs to Lin Yue Fu, the governor's ailing daughter.

The Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre is set in 14th Century China under the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty, a century following the events of Return of the Condor Heroes. In the midst of struggles, famine, and resentment blamed on the Yuan Dynasty's poor governance, the Martial Arts sects initiated a rebellion. Seeking a solution, Prince Ruyang seeks advice from Cheng Kun, a Shaolin monk with hidden motives. According to a well-known legend in the Martial Arts world, "The one who possesses the Heavenly Sword and/or Dragon Sabre will rule the world." This legend sets the stage for the story of Zhang Wuji, starting with his parents' meeting, following his challenges as a young person, depicting his ascension to fame, uncovering the mystery behind the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre, and concluding with the intertwining of Wuji's romantic life, the ongoing feuds among the Martial Arts sects, and destiny.

Based on the book "Tian Long Ba Bu" by Jin Yong, this adaptation...

The cunning leader of the Manchurian constable is plotting to thwart any uprising by martial artists against the Qing government. Kam, a rogue with exceptional martial arts skills in secret, is the only one aware of the constable's scheme. He joins forces with fellow fighters and pledges to topple the Manchurians. (ovguide.com)

The chief of the Flying Tiger Mountain faction, Dou Ling Kan, along with his godson, Tie Mo Le, were passing through a small town when they heard a commotion at a popular spot. They discovered that the establishment had been taken over by Wang Long Ke, a follower of An Lu Shan. Wang Long Ke's goal was to steal a confidential letter from GuoZi Yi intended for Emperor Xuan Zong, revealing An Lu Shan's plan to rebel against the Tang dynasty. Tie Mo Le, seeking vengeance for his parents' death at the hands of An Lu Shan, saw an opportunity to finally take action.

Sun Wu Kong, a mischievous character born from a magical stone, was imprisoned beneath a mountain for five hundred years as punishment for his actions in the heavens. Eventually, Guanyin informed Monkey that a monk named Tang San Zang would release him and they would embark on a pilgrimage from China to India. True to her words, the following day Tripitaka arrived and freed Monkey, leading to their journey to the west. Along the way, they were joined by two companions, Zhu Ba Jie and Sha Wu Jing, as they encountered various dangers, evil beings, and sorcerers, all while learning to cooperate and work together.

The show depicts the conflict between the Qing Dynasty and its Manchu emperor Chen Long, and a Han-led group known as 'The Red Flower Society' that aims to restore power to the Han Chinese. Interestingly, it is revealed that the leader of the society is, in fact, the Emperor's brother, a fact unknown to many.

Taking place at the conclusion of the Sui Dynasty, a period marked by various factions vying for control, this tale introduces two young orphans, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. Through a series of fortunate events, they come into possession of "The Secret to Long Life", granting them exceptional martial skills and an opportunity to ascend to prominence in a tumultuous era. Inspired by the work of Wong Yee.

The tale revolves around a princess from a kingdom that has crumbled, sacrificing her life to demonstrate her allegiance and being brought back to life through the Aqua Tear Pearl's magic. With the Pearl's power, she creates vivid dreams for those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, using melodies to shape the illusions. Throughout her journey, she gains insights into different types of love and the challenges that come with it. Taken from the book "Hua Xu Yin" by Tang Qi Gong Zi.

The narrative takes place during the late Yuan Dynasty and centers around two valuable and powerful weapons - the Heaven Reliant Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber. These weapons are coveted by many martial artists in the jianghu, as they are believed to grant their wielder dominance over the wulin. The protagonist, Cheung Mo Gei, embarks on various adventures and becomes entangled in intricate romantic relationships with four women. The first is Yan Sit, his disfigured maternal cousin. The second is Siu Chiu, a Chinese-Persian servant who understands him deeply. The third is Chow Chi Yeuk, a childhood friend with whom he shares a strong connection. The fourth is Chiu Mun, a Mongol princess who was once his rival. The series consists of 37 episodes for TV and 42 episodes for international audiences.

Based on the book "Outlaws of the Marsh".

Three millennia in the past, the ancestors of Ning Cai Chen were rescued by the former Fox Nie Xiao Qian. There was a misconception that Ning Cai Chen's forebears had used the renowned sword Excalibur to kill 100 foxes. In the Tang Dynasty, three thousand years later, Xiao Qian transformed into a fox spirit and met Ning Cai Chen. With the assistance of Xiao Qian and the minister of mining, Taoist Yan Chi Xia traveled back in time to unveil the truth behind the misunderstanding. As Ning Cai Chen discovers his ancestor's foe, who has been plotting to eradicate his entire lineage, he seeks vengeance using Excalibur. However, as he and Nie Xiao Qian grow closer, their love blossoms amidst the turmoil. The question remains - where will Ning Cai Chen's heart ultimately guide him?

The defiant Crimson Blossom Alliance, headed by the captivating Chan Gar Lok, endeavors to eliminate Emperor Qian Lung of the Ching Dynasty. Despite preparations by Chan and his comrades to fulfill their mission, an unexpected revelation results in a intense confrontation, leading to Chan's banishment to the western border where he meets the renowned Princess Fragrance. Collaborating with the nomads, Chan orchestrates a bold comeback to the imperial city and devises a daring scheme to finally seize control of Qian Lung.

Based on the book Sword Stained with Royal Blood written by Louis Cha.

In a twist of fate, a human man is transported back in time and transforms into the legendary Monkey King. Refusing to succumb to his newfound destiny, he sets out on an adventure filled with encounters with gods and demons. This story is inspired by the novel written by Jia Yu Bu Shi Gui.

A romantic tale unfolds in ancient China during the Qing Dynasty. The general's daughter crosses paths with a bandit from the desert, while the bodyguard's daughter encounters a future Daoist. Amidst the love stories, a larger scheme is in motion involving a discontented prince plotting to overthrow the current Emperor. He seeks assistance from a remarkable sword belonging to the renowned Wu Dang clan, capable of slicing through metal effortlessly, and a formidable set of martial arts techniques. This narrative is based on the novel "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" by Wang Du Lu, with two versions available: 20 episodes lasting 48 minutes (China) and 34 episodes lasting 65 minutes (Taiwan).

Following the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition, Tang San says goodbye to his friends and promises to meet again in five years. He then undergoes intense training with his father, Tang Hao, becoming even stronger and more composed. At the same time, Dai Mu Bai and Zhu Zhu Qing receive royal recognition, Oscar and Ning Rong Rong train diligently, and Ma Hong Jun sets off on a new adventure. With Bibi Dong from the Spirit Hall aiming to control the Douluo Continent, Tang San gathers his friends to establish the Tang Sect. Together, they travel to Sea God Island to confront the Spirit Hall and defend justice and the continent.

The narrative focuses on Wang Ying and his involvement in a romantic entanglement with Tang princess Li Jing and fox spirit Xiao Wei. After Princess Jing's face is marred, she makes the decision to swap her human heart with Xiao Wei, naively hoping that Wang Ying will resume loving her once she is restored to her former beauty. Despite its supernatural elements, the primary theme of the story revolves around love and the compromises it demands.

Based on the literary work "Feng Shen Yan Yi" written by Xu Zhong Lin and Lu Xi Xing.

The plot of this play revolves around the complex relationship between Yun Lei, who harbors a longstanding family grudge, and Zhang Dan Feng

In the story of Legend of the Ancient Sword, set in the Tang Dynasty, young warrior Bai Li Tu Su senses a mysterious energy within him that can only be calmed by using the Sword of Burning Solitude. While battling thieves, he encounters Ouyang Shao Gong and Fang Lan Sheng, who are searching for a jade trinket that can help them concoct a potion for resurrection. Tu Su decides to accompany them on their journey, hoping that the potion will awaken his sleeping mother. Along the way, he crosses paths with Feng Qing Xue, an immortal seeking her brother on Earth. When Shao Gong's potion proves successful, Tu Su learns that his mother is in peril and he must confront the power-hungry Shao Gong to protect the world.

Zhao Tan Tan's older brother possesses a mystical flower on his forehead that blossoms when he becomes emotional. However, when the flower blooms, it is at risk of falling into the hands of evil forces. Consequently, Zhao Tan Tan embarks on a challenging journey to encourage her brother to recite more scriptures and control his emotions.

The Cangyun Goddess Jiang Zhi Yu and the young tanuki from the Li clan, Jiang Jing Huai, developed feelings for each other despite their social differences. However, Nan Gong Xiao, the head of the Cangyun clan, disapproved of their relationship and schemed to turn their love into animosity. As they became more involved with each other, they began to uncover the reality behind the situation.

The male members of the Yang family have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is now up to the female members of the family to continue the legacy of defending their nation.