The Demon Hunter’s Romance (无忧渡) completed its filming back in 2022. But the release date has been postponed due to the actress’ tax evasion scandal in 2023. Hence, she has been lying low for about 2 years as investigations took place. It is only recently that we get to see her dramas making an appearance again on screen and this title is one of them. So, I jumped into this one as it has been a few years since I last watched her drama. You can read my verdict on this drama in The Demon Hunter’s Romance review below.
My rating: 8/10
Episodes: 36
Type: Fantasy Romance
Aired: April 2025
Images credit: iQIYI Facebook
The Cast Of The Demon Hunter’s Romance
- Allen Ren Jia Lun as Jiu Xuan Ye
- Song Zu Er as Duan Ban Xia
- Xuan Yan as Chu You Huang
- Fan Shuai Qi as Sima Ling Ying
- Liu Ruo Gu as Chi Xue
- Liu Qi Qi as Ting Zhou
- Zhang Zheng Yang as Shen Tu Nan
- Cao Jun as Zi Kong
- Vinnie Yao as Wen Jian
- He Lei as Duan Yan Qiu
- Li Jin Rong as Duan Ying Heng
- Xu Bai Hui as Tang Ru Yun
- Zong Feng Yan as Jiu Cang Ming
Main Characters
Jiu Xuan Ye
Xuan Ye is a physician as well as a skilled demon hunter. He is calm and righteous but can also be cold and introverted. Xuan Ye’s family died 6 years ago and he now lives alone with a rabbit demon as his helper. He is a fair-minded man who knows how to differentiate between a good and evil demon.
Duan Ban Xia
Ban Xia is the daughter of a rich family. She is doted upon by her family members. However, her ability to see demons amidst the human population is treated as an illness by her family who don’t believe in their existence. Ban Xia is a gentle, kind and innocent young lady.
Supporting Characters
Chu You Huang
You Huang is the Chief Constable of Guangping City. He sees Xuan Ye as a murderer of his own family and doesn’t believe demons exist. He is a responsible law enforcer who takes his job seriously. You Huang can be stubborn and persistent in catching criminals.
Sima Ling Ying
Ling Ying is the Commissioner of Judicial Review and responsible for law and order in the capital. She comes from a noble family with some royal and government connections. Ling Ying is a serious and authoritative person but has feelings for You Huang who is her ex-fiancee.
Chi Xue
Chi Xue is a rabbit demon and Xuan Ye’s helper as well as companion. He can transform from a rabbit into human form and vice-versa. Choi Xue has a mischievous personality.
Ting Zhou
Ting Zhou is Ban Xia’s personal maid. She is a loyal servant as well as Ban Xia’s confidante.
Shen Tu Nan
Shen Tu Nan is Xuan Ye’s disciple uncle. He is the owner of Xiaodongtian which is a money changer in the underground city.
Zi Kong
Zi Kong is a prince of the ancient Black Panther Demon Clan.
Wen Jian
Wen Jian is a constable under You Huang. He is also a good friend of Xuan Ye and believes in the latter’s ability to catch demons.
Duan Yan Qiu
Yan Qiu is a County Commandant of Nanyang City and responsible for the city’s security. He is also Ban Xia’s elder cousin brother. He doesn’t believe in demons and has strong views that they don’t exist. Yan Qiu is in love with a performer and is adamant on marrying her.
Duan Ying Heng & Tang Ru Yun
Ying Heng and Ru Yun are Ban Xia’s parents. Ying Heng is a scholar and dotes on his daughter. His wife, Ru Yun, has passed away for a number of years. They were a close knit family.
Jiu Cang Ming
Jiu Cang Ming was Xuan Ye’s father. He was also a physician and demon catcher. He was a kind and upright man. Jiu Cang Ming was married to Hong Ning and they had a few sons between them. All of them had died except for Xuan Ye.
Synopsis
Ban Xia is an innocent and timid young lady of the wealthy Duan family. She possesses the ability to identify demons who take on a human form after a kidnapping incident when she was young. However, not many people believe in the existence of demons including her own family. Thus, she is deemed as sick and brainwashed into thinking that she needs medication.
This changes when her father is presumed dead from a fire. Ban Xia believes that her father is still alive and has been captured by demons. This leads her to seek the help of a demon hunter, Xuan Ye, to locate her father. Through Xuan Ye, Ban Xia learns that demons do exist and what she sees is real. She sticks close to him in an effort to get him to help her with her father’s case. Along the way, they encounter a few cases involving demons and work together to solve them.
As Ban Xia and Xuan Ye grow closer, they begin to develop feelings for each other. But their different social status and a secret involving Xuan Ye threaten to tear them apart.
The Demon Hunter’s Romance Ending & Recap (Spoilers Alert!)
The Demon Hunter’s Romance has a sad or open ending depending on how you look at it. The villain, Shen Tu Nan, hates demons because of a lover’s betrayal many years back. He knows of the existence of the secret realm where demons live because he saw Ban Xia being sucked up to the realm 12 years ago while she was running away from a child trafficker. But in order to destroy the secret realms and the demons, he will need to become a demon himself. 1,000 demons’ lives are needed for the transformation and he needs one more to complete the ritual. After killing Zi Kong, Shen Tu Nan becomes a powerful demon.
During the final battle, Xuan Ye manages to kill Shen Tu Nan. But You Huang and Sima Ling Ying have died together in a fight with Shen Tu Nan’s disciple. Zi Kong has been killed while Ban Xia lays dying from Shen Tu Nan’s explosive power. To save Ban Xia, Xuan Ye uses one of his swords to reverse the cause-and-effect and reset the timeline. But the consequence is no one would remember his existence in the new timeline.
New Timeline
After the reset, everyone is still alive including his family but none has any recollection of who he is. The time begins again from when they were kids. Knowing what he knows about the future, Xuan Ye could preempt certain events from recurring. He also quietly observes and protects Ban Xia in secret until they are adults. Although Ban Xia cannot remember him, she finds him familiar and keeps having vague dreams about her past life with him.
His adoptive father eventually knows about their connection when he realizes that the sword to reset the timeline has been used by Xuan Ye. But they agree to keep it between them as no one would remember him anyway. Xuan Ye has been traveling between the 2 realms through a special tool but he would not be able to do that anymore as the tool is disintegrating due to frequent usage. Hence, he would only be able to visit again when the passageway between the 2 realms opens up every 12 years.
Xuan Ye keeps denying to Ban Xia that they know each other until she recalls the past. Her memories with Xuan Ye has been trapped inside a conch which she had bought in the past. When the seller resurfaces with the conch, her memories come flooding back. They spend a day together before he has to leave to go back to his realm. Xuan Ye’s biological father has died and it is his responsibility to take care of his clan and the secret realm which is decaying. The drama ends with the couple parting ways and Xuan Ye back in his realm to nourish it back to health.
When Did The Leads Get Together?
Ban Xia and Xuan Ye gradually fall in love with each other after working on a few cases together. Her heart aches for him in Episode 16 when she learns that each time Xuan Ye uses his sword to fight off demons, it will shorten his lifespan. She also feels bad for dragging him into her father’s case. Ban Xia admits to herself that she has feelings for Xuan Ye in Episode 18.
Xuan Ye confesses his love to Ban Xia in Episode 20. This is when they are trapped in a demon’s painting which has a time loop. He explains that he has held back previously because of their different status. Furthermore, his role as a demon hunter is a dangerous one while she comes from a good and loving family. Ban Xia reciprocates with her own confession in Episode 22. They officially get together as a couple in Episode 24 after they have exited the painting and back to reality. Ban Xia asks Xuan Ye again if her really likes her and he kisses her in reply to confirm their relationship.
After Xuan Ye is exposed to be a demon in Episode 31, Ban Xia remains committed to him. She frees him after he was captured by demon hunters. They separated when the demon hunters pursue them and reunite in Episode 32. Ban Xia makes it clear to Xuan Ye that she will remain by his side and will always look for him if he abandons her. So, he promises Ban Xia that he will include her in any of his plans.
Is There Any Breakup?
Ban Xia’s father, Ying Heng, is not comfortable with his daughter’s relationship with Xuan Ye. He mentions about Ban Xia’s betrothal agreement with Li Xian to discourage Xuan Ye in Episode 24. In Episode 25, Ying Heng has pleaded with Xuan Ye to let Ban Xia go as he doesn’t want his daughter to be near demons anymore while Xuan Ye is a demon hunter. So, Xuan Ye decides to ask Ban Xia for a breakup as he knows his work is dangerous. Furthermore, what happened to his family has continued to haunt him.
Xuan Ye insists on breaking up in Episode 26. Ban Xia is angry and doesn’t agree with his one-sided decision. They reconcile in Episode 28 when Ban Xia is cursed by a spiritual white crow and Xuan Ye stays by her side to protect her. Xuan Ye then seeks Ying Heng’s blessings for their relationship. He explains to Ban Xia’s father that he has changed his mind because he feels Ban Xia is safer with him rather than the opposite due to her special constitution that makes her susceptible to demons.
A wedding date is set and news of their relationship becomes public in Episode 29. Xuan Ye proposes to Ban Xia after her initial anger of not being consulted. She happily agrees to his proposal but he then goes missing on their engagement day in Episode 30. This is because Zi Kong has found Xuan Ye who now knows he is actually a ferocious black panther demon. Xuan Ye avoids Ban Xia and writes to her father to break off their engagement. But she refuses to give up on him and they reunite in Episode 32.
Is There Any Love Triangle?
Ban Xia is actually betrothed to Li Xian. He shows up in Episode 25 for a visit. On the way, he meets Xuan Ye who saves him from some wolves. So, Li Xian has deep respect and admiration for Xuan Ye. However, Ban Xia has no feelings for Li Xian and tries to discourage him by exposing her ability to see demons in Episode 27. When that doesn’t work, she makes it clear that she wants to break off their engagement. Li Xian could then see that she loves Xuan Ye.
As a result, Li Xian decides to break off his engagement with Ban Xia in Episode 29. He would rather be Xuan Ye’s disciple instead. He pleaded with Xuan Ye to accept him as a disciple. Xuan Ye has no choice but to agree.
Xuan Ye’s Identity
Ban Xia has a gut feeling that Xuan Ye was the boy who saved her when she was young. This is after she saw his scars in Episode 7. However, she can’t get any confirmation from him as he reveals in Episode 11 that he has lost his childhood memory after a bout of high fever when he was 12.
Ban Xia sees Xuan Ye’s shadow that mirrors an animal during their fight with a demon in Episode 24. So, she knows he is a demon but keeps quiet about it. In Episode 30, Xuan Ye finally knows about his own identity. He hides from her and breaks off their relationship as a result. Ban Xia regrets not telling Xuan Ye what she knows then because of her fear that he would push her away if he realizes he is a demon.
Zi Kong, Xuan Ye’s elder brother, also starts looking for him in Episode 23 and finds him in Episode 30. He tells Xuan Ye that they are half-brothers and his real name is Man Ying. They come from a secret realm that is populated by demons. They are panther demons with a responsibility to protect the secret realm. Every 12 years, the realm will have an opening that connects to the human world. Now, Zi Kong wants Xuan Ye to return to the secret realm with him.
When Xuan Ye refuses, Zi Kong exposes him to be a demon in Episode 31. This results in Xuan Ye being hunted down and Chi Xue dies after shielding him from an attack. Zi Kong leaves in disappointment wen Xuan Ye is adamant about not following him back to their realm in Episode 32.
Xuan Ye’s Adoptive Father
According to Xuan Ye’s disciple uncle, Shen Tu Nan, Xuan Ye was found by Jiu Cang Ming by the river in the underground city. Xuan Ye was severely injured and had lost his memory. Jiu Cang Ming took him him and raised him for 4 years without realizing Xuan Ye is a demon. He only knew the truth during their first demon hunting trip together. But Jiu Cang Ming loved Xuan Ye too much to kill him. Instead, he created a special bracelet for Xuan Ye that prevents his real form from manifesting in order to protect him. This is revealed by Shen Tu Nan to Xuan Ye in Episode 31 and 32.
Second Couple
Sima Ling Ying and You Huang were fiancees at one point. But he saw it as a forced arrangement and a one-sided decision by Sima Ling Ying. Moreover, You Huang feels that his humble background is no match to her noble status. So, he broke it off and left the capital. They meet again in Episode 16 when You Huang returns to the capital for a visit.
Things get complicated when You Huang seems to have developed feelings for Ban Xia in Episode 24 after they have exited a painting that they were trapped in. In the painting, they were under the illusion that they are supposed to be married to each other. You Huang seems unable to shake off what happened in the painting which prompts Sima Ling Ying to give him a year to figure out what he wants.
Subsequently, You Huang learns from Wen Jian that Ban Xia actually likes Xuan Ye in Episode 25. Sima Ling Ying also pretends to be weak and in need of You Huang’s care in Episode 27 after escaping from a demon. He exposes her pretense in Episode 29 and says that he likes Ban Xia in retaliation. But news arrive that Ban Xia is preparing to marry Xuan Ye which embarrasses him.
You Huang begins to see Sima Ling Ying differently in Episode 33 after they spend more time together on Xuan Ye’s case. They die in each other’s arms in Episode 34 during a fight with Shen Tu Nan’s men when they go to the underground city to save Xuan Ye. In the new timeline, they are back to bickering with You Huang insisting that they are just friends.
The Demon Hunter’s Romance Review – Solving Cases
The Demon Hunter’s Romance is more than just romance. It actually reminds me of Strange Tales Of Tang Dynasty and its sequel with their mystery cases. The Demon Hunter’s Romance also involves solving cases and there are 5 in total. The difference is these cases are all concerning demons. It is not a whodunit but more about why the victims are killed and the demons’ motivation. I just find it refreshing to have a demon-centered drama for a change. As a result, it is also easy to sit through this without skipping or feeling bored.
Basically, the demons in the story could take a human form and move around in the human world without anyone realizing unless one is a skillful demon catcher like the male protagonist. As for the female protagonist, she has a special ability to see demons and discern them from humans following a past childhood incident. This also causes her to be timid because everyone is telling her that she is sick and hallucinating. To me, her character is an interesting one that adds novelty to the story. It also creates space for character growth when she starts to believe in what she is seeing.
What I value in this drama is the way the story is built up. With each case, the connection to a secret and the ending becomes stronger and stronger. When the lead characters are first introduced, you are given a certain impression that what you see is what you get. But as the plot moves on, it is not as straightforward. This is partly why it is easy to sustain the interest till the end. The other is, of course, the cases themselves.
Interesting Case Subplots
Compared to the usual mystery dramas, The Demon Hunter’s Romance explores the relationships between humans and demons. The overriding message is that there are good as well as evil demons just like there are good and evil humans. Thus, humans and demons could potentially co-exist although many humans automatically assume that demons are evil creatures and should be killed. The keyword here is ‘potentially’ because the ending doesn’t give us a clear answer to this question.
However, the cases are indeed unique and engaging. Just like humans, demons too experience emotions like love, jealousy, anger, and the yearning for acceptance. Rather than giving us superficial villains, there is depth to their stories. They may be ruthless killers, but their motivations may lead you to think that not everything is strictly black and white. For instance, if a demon kills a harasser to protect the woman who once saved him, is it right or wrong? Would that qualify him for some sympathy marks?
The Demon Hunter’s Romance may not be as complex as Joy Of Life type of dramas but it still takes into account the viewers’ intelligence to be able to make their own judgement. The mysteries are clearly laid out but their finale may leave you with some lingering emotions especially when it comes to the ending.
The ‘Controversial’ Ending (Spoilers Alert!)
My guess is many would not like the ending. So, it is controversial in that sense. I understand that the ending has been changed from a happy to the current sad one at some point during production. Some would also see it as an open-ending as there is a chance of a reunion for the couple although that would be 12 years down the line. I think the weakness of the ending as it is lies in the inconsistencies. The message of demons and humans co-existing is lost with the separation. In addition, the promise that the couple have made to be always together also goes down the drain when he returns to his realm while she stays where she belongs in the human world.
On the flip side, the sad ending is also a realistic and pragmatic one to me. Xuan Ye is the prince of his clan. So, it makes sense that he needs to go back to where he comes from as a matter of duty especially when his realm is not doing well. Moreover, after the timeline reset, Xuan Ye has never existed in the human world except for Ban Xia. To have her abandoning her family and friends to follow him back to his world when no one else knows who he is wouldn’t sound right either.
So, I’m okay with the sad ending although both the earlier parts and the ending could have been better aligned with more careful planning. I know viewers generally don’t like sad endings. So, do beware of this before you jump on board.
Acting & Chemistry
If you have watched enough of Allen Ren’s dramas, you would know that skinship is always kept to a minimum. Sometimes, it may even be non-existent! One And Only and Never Say Goodbye come to mind here. Therefore, don’t expect much skinship between him and his co-lead in The Demon Hunter’s Romance. But that doesn’t mean that the romance is boring. In fact, their chemistry is pretty good to me and you don’t need physical intimacy to bring out their romance. Their love is more about trust with a deep bond brought about by fate. So, skinship isn’t necessary to enjoy their romance.
In terms of acting, I think this is one of the better Allen Ren’s dramas. Sometimes, I do find him to be too wooden in his roles such as in Thousand Years For You. But at other times, he can be quite good and convincing like in The Demon Hunter’s Romance. Maybe the directing do make a difference. He did falter in the emotional scenes in the early part of the drama but by the time we reach the end, his silent tears have become very moving.
As for Song Zu Er, she nailed her role as Ban Xia. Her last drama that I watched is Legally Romance and her acting skills remain impressive in this current production. She has to play 3 different versions of herself in The Demon Hunter’s Romance and it is amazing to see her being different and yet, the same in all the roles. She controlled the nuances well and her emotional expressions are always on point to make you ride along with her story.
My Verdict – Watch!
While The Demon Hunter’s Romance has the word ‘romance’ in its title, don’t let it fool you that it is strictly a romance drama. It is not although the love story itself is worth watching for. My bet is if you like mysterious cases, then you should like this drama. It is a drama whereby the demons shine with impactful stories. Not all demons are evil and this is fleshed out in the plot. There may be parts whereby it seems to be a little slow-moving but generally, the story progresses at an even pace with just enough details to make you understand the cases and their conclusions. In other words, the drama is easy to follow and engaging overall.
The way the plot is written is also well set up. Everything happens for a reason and is neatly tied up towards the end. So, there is a logical reason why the female lead could see demons or why the male lead’s father warned him not to do certain things. Little details are all connected in a way to form the bigger picture as the story unfolds. Basically, you will hang on all the way to the end because the clues to a secret is revealed in stages. Your curiosity on the full picture and what will happen next will just continue to heighten which makes the drama pretty engrossing.
So, for this review of The Demon Hunter’s Romance, I would give it a score of 8/10. Watch it for the plot and as well as the acting. The romance is a slow burn one and don’t expect skinship. But it is a satisfying love story with emotional depth being the main selling point. A word of warning would be for the ending which may not be agreeable with many viewers. However, don’t let it deter you because the overall story is compelling and a change from the usual romance drama.
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