LayarHijau – The Chinese fantasy drama Veil of Shadows (月鳞绮纪), directed by Guo Jingming, stars Ju Jingyi, Zeng Shunxi, Chen Duling, and Tian Jiarui. Streaming on Youku, the series explores the collision between the human world and realms of demons, dragon deities, and ancient forces that threaten the balance of existence.
The story follows Lu Wuyi, a nine-tailed fox spirit who infiltrates the human world to carry out a secret mission. Along the way, she becomes entangled in a major conflict involving hidden identities, a struggle over the power of the Dragon God, and the emergence of ancient mythological creatures. One key element is identity deception, when Chi Wen orders Ji Ling to impersonate him for a specific purpose.
Chi Wen
In the drama, Chi Wen is portrayed by Wang Duo and is closely tied to the power of the Dragon God. He becomes central to the identity conflict by ordering Ji Ling to disguise himself as Chi Wen, adding another layer of deception to the story.
In mythology, Chi Wen is one of the Nine Dragon Sons (龙生九子). He is often described as the most “feral” in appearance, with a form resembling a hybrid of a dragon and a fish. His wide-open mouth gives the impression that he is ready to swallow anything in front of him. He is strongly associated with the element of water.
The exact birth order of the Nine Dragon Sons varies across different traditions and historical texts. However, Chi Wen is almost always included among them, alongside figures such as Bixi and Pulao. He is commonly depicted as an ornament on rooftops due to his “devouring” nature and his association with controlling water.
The Nine Dragon Sons are believed to be descendants of Long, the Chinese dragon symbolizing power and natural forces. The identity of their mother is not specified, as these stories function more as symbolic folklore than detailed family narratives. Chi Wen is traditionally seen as a protector against fire, which is why his figure is often placed on the edges of palace and temple roofs.
Han Ba
In the drama, Han Ba is played by Chang Huasen and is portrayed as a dangerous destructive force within the central conflict.
In mythology, Han Ba is known as a being that brings extreme drought. She is often described as having a terrifying appearance—her body is dry and radiates heat, creating an aura that causes water to vanish from her surroundings. Wherever she appears, the land cracks, rivers dry up, and life slowly withers.
Han Ba’s origin is unique. In some legends, she was not originally evil but had ties to the heavens. She once helped the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) in battle, but afterward, she could not return to the sky and eventually became a bringer of disaster.
Because of this, Han Ba is often seen as a symbol of natural imbalance. In many folk tales, she must be driven away or appeased for rain to return. Modern adaptations, including dramas, often emphasize her tragic nature—not just as a monster, but as a figure trapped by fate.
Bai Ze
Bai Ze, portrayed by Wu Zhengrong, is one of the key figures involved in the conflict among powerful beings.
In mythology, Bai Ze is a sacred creature known for its extraordinary intelligence. It is usually depicted as a white animal resembling a lion or a goat, carrying a calm and majestic presence. Unlike many other mythological beings, Bai Ze is not associated with destruction but with knowledge.
According to legend, Bai Ze once met the Yellow Emperor and explained thousands of types of spirits, demons, and supernatural beings, along with ways to deal with them. This knowledge was later believed to be recorded in a legendary text called the “Bai Ze Tu.”
Unlike Chi Wen, who is tied to the dragon lineage, Bai Ze is seen as a unique being without a clear family lineage. It represents wisdom and protection and is often regarded as a guardian of supernatural knowledge.
Jiu Ying
In the drama, Jiu Ying serves as a major threat connected to ancient demonic power.
In mythology, Jiu Ying is a monster with nine heads, each capable of attacking independently. It is associated with both fire and water, making it an especially difficult creature to defeat.
It is typically described as having a massive body with nine necks stretching in different directions, creating an image of living chaos. Each head can unleash different forms of power, reinforcing its role as a symbol of uncontrollable disaster.
In legend, Jiu Ying was eventually defeated by Hou Yi, the legendary archer. His defeat represents the triumph of order over chaos.
Jiu Ying has no clearly defined lineage, as it is often viewed as a manifestation of destructive natural forces. In modern interpretations, including dramas, it is frequently portrayed as a high-level antagonist representing the greatest threat to the world.
