LayarHijau – Zhao Liying has once again drawn public attention through an unexpected decision. On December 26, the fantasy costume drama The Unclouded Soul (逍遥) officially announced Zhao Liying’s appearance as a special guest star, portraying the character Suimeng Xianjun, also known as the Dream-Breaking Immortal Lord.
In an interview quoted by Chinese media, director Xu Jizhou revealed that Zhao Liying’s involvement stemmed from an old promise made around ten years ago. The two previously worked together in the spy drama Rookie Agent Rouge (Yanzhi) in 2015. After completing that project, they agreed that if the right opportunity ever arose, they would collaborate again.
That opportunity came when Xu Jizhou was entrusted for the first time to direct a xianxia costume drama through The Unclouded Soul. His decision to explore a new genre sparked public doubt, as he is better known for realistic and modern-themed works. Amid such circumstances, Zhao Liying chose to step in—both to support the project and to fulfill her long-standing promise—by accepting the role of a special guest star.
Although the filming schedule of The Unclouded Soul underwent several adjustments, Zhao Liying still made time and rearranged her personal agenda for the project. She was also said to be actively sharing her experience and providing input on acting and technical aspects of costume dramas, drawing on her extensive background in the genre.
Zhao Liying also responded to her participation through a social media post. In her message, she wrote, “The promise has been fulfilled, the dream is unbroken, and the friendship remains. Fly toward enlightenment, Immortal Lord. I am the best.” The post immediately drew attention and was widely seen as reflecting the closeness and mutual trust between her and the director.
Along with the announcement, photos of Zhao Liying completing her filming were also released. Dressed in the white costume of Suimeng Xianjun, her appearance received widespread praise. Her skin looked bright and fresh, her round face remained firm and full, while her smile and gaze were said to radiate a youthful charm, like a girl who had just descended from the mountains. Her almost ageless look quickly became a hot topic on social media.
The Unclouded Soul tells the story of a centuries-long conflict between humans and the demon race, both driven by desire and ambition to obtain the Jade Wine Divine Spring, a legendary source of power believed to grant any wish. Amid this never-ending war, a girl named Xiao Yao is drawn into the supernatural world after accidentally entering the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons. Her journey brings both chaos and new hope to the demon realm. Meanwhile, Hong Ye, the reincarnated King of Ten Thousand Demons, strives to protect his ancestral land while gradually coming to understand the true meaning of desire and power. As Xiao Yao and Hong Ye join forces to confront strange events and unexpected enemies, they begin to uncover the true meaning of sincerity amid an endless conflict.
The Unclouded Soul stars Hou Minghao as Hong Ye and Tan Songyun as Xiao Yao/Ning An. Consisting of 40 episodes, the drama began airing on December 27 on iQiyi, WeTV, Youku, and iFlix.
