LayarHijau – The fantasy romance drama Sword and Beloved (天地剑心), starring Cheng Yi, Li Yitong, and Guo Junchen, has been gaining attention for its emotional storyline and strong chemistry between the leads. In an interview with Sohu Entertainment, Li Yitong opened up about the cast’s behind-the-scenes fun, her most touching scenes, and the unique dynamics among the actors.
In the series, Cheng Yi plays Wang Quan Fu Gui, a nobleman raised to exterminate spirit creatures but later learns that the world isn’t simply good or evil. Li Yitong portrays Qing Tong, a spider spirit who enters the human realm on a mission but gradually develops emotions and compassion after meeting Fu Gui. Meanwhile, Guo Junchen plays Quan Ru Mu, Fu Gui’s lively friend and rival who brings warmth and humor to the story.
When asked who had the best sense of humor on set, Li Yitong couldn’t pick just one. “Both Cheng Yi and Guo Junchen deserve the title. Cheng Yi is the type who’s unintentionally funny—he’ll say something completely serious, but everyone bursts out laughing. Guo Junchen, on the other hand, talks endlessly, and suddenly he hits everyone’s funny bone,” she laughed.
Li Yitong described Cheng Yi’s humor as subtle but sharp. “He can be practicing sword moves and suddenly say something random that breaks the tension. That contrast makes him hilarious without trying,” she said.
Among all the emotional scenes, one that stood out most for her was the tragic moment when Wang Quan Fu Gui is struck by a thousand arrows. “It was freezing that day, and we were all wearing thin costumes. The arrows were added in post-production, but Cheng Yi still had to physically support my weight to make the reaction look real. The moment was heartbreaking, but honestly, I almost laughed because it felt so intense yet absurd,” she recalled.
Another unforgettable scene happened during the night-market sequence. “There was a performer breathing fire, and one burst accidentally came my way. Cheng Yi instinctively raised his arm to block it—it wasn’t in the script, but it looked so natural that it made the moment even better,” Li Yitong said.
She also revealed her curiosity about seeing her character’s spider form. “I kept asking the director and crew to show me. When I finally saw it, I thought it looked adorable,” she said with a grin. Responding to fan comments like “I already fell for her before she even turned human,” Li Yitong reflected, “That’s what sincerity does. Both Qing Tong and Fu Gui are pure-hearted and treat each other genuinely. That’s what truly moves the audience.”
On set, the cast shared playful nicknames. “I call Cheng Yi ‘Qi Qi,’ and he calls me ‘Tong Tong.’ He knows my real name is Li Xue, and I know his is Fu Shiqi. Sometimes we even jokingly call each other ‘Teacher Li’ and ‘Teacher Cheng,’” she said, laughing.
Outside of filming, Li Yitong’s pet dog Rou Rou became a familiar presence on set. “Rou Rou made a lot of friends in Hengdian. She even ‘swore brotherhood’ with Tan Jian Ci’s dog. He used to bring her snacks when she was still a puppy. Rou Rou also once played with Chang Huashen’s dog while we were filming a modern drama,” she recalled warmly.
“Everyone who meets Rou Rou says the same thing—‘she’s too cute!’—and ends up hugging her,” Li Yitong said with a smile.
Through her candid stories and humor, Li Yitong offered fans a glimpse of her cheerful personality and the strong bond she shares with her co-stars. From laughter between takes to deeply emotional moments, Sword and Beloved has clearly left a lasting impression on her.
