Although opinions remain divided, Veil of Shadows has managed to attract a massive audience, largely due to the strong chemistry between its main cast, including Ju Jingyi, Tian Jiarui, Chen Duling, and Zeng Shunxi.
Upon its release, the historical fantasy drama faced mixed reactions. Some viewers criticized the slow pacing, unnecessary plot details, overly dramatic acting, and confusing editing that made the storyline feel chaotic.
However, despite the negative feedback, the drama quickly surpassed 10,000 heat index points on Youku in just three days, making it the fastest project to reach this milestone in 2026.
Many viewers admitted that while the storyline may not be exceptional, they continue watching for the drama’s stunning visuals, impressive action scenes, and engaging character dynamics. The two main couples—Lu Wuyi (Ju Jingyi) and Ji Ling (Tian Jiarui), as well as Wu Wangyan (Chen Duling) and Wu Shiguang (Zeng Shunxi)—offer contrasting personalities and relationship dynamics, catering to different audience preferences. Among them, Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling have become fan favorites, leaving viewers anxious after facing early conflicts just five episodes in.
Lu Wuyi is a fox spirit from Wu Xiang Yue, tasked with approaching Ji Ling, who is destined to be her fated connection. In reality, the two have shared multiple lifetimes of love, though neither remembers their past.
When they meet at the Fei family residence, Ji Ling quickly falls for Lu Wuyi. As a kind-hearted and cheerful young mage, Ji Ling’s bright personality naturally draws Lu Wuyi in. However, tragedy strikes when Ji Ling is killed by another fox spirit, Xiao Wei, revealing the truth about his identity.
In fact, Ji Ling is merely a puppet created by the Dragon Deity, who has lost his power and uses such vessels to observe the human world and carry out missions. After learning that Ji Ling has been taken by the Dragon Deity, Lu Wuyi ventures to the Dragon Temple, where she uncovers the hidden past between them.
In the early episodes, the “puppy couple” dynamic between Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling has been widely adored. His innocent, smiley demeanor paired with her playful, teasing personality creates a series of heart-fluttering and amusing interactions.
This is why viewers were devastated to learn that Ji Ling was only a disposable puppet, ultimately discarded into a lake by the Dragon Deity once he was no longer useful. Even though the Dragon Deity retains Ji Ling’s memories, treats Lu Wuyi kindly, and possesses immense power and authority, audiences still overwhelmingly root for the original couple. Many are now hoping for Ji Ling’s return so he can reunite with Lu Wuyi in the future.
Directed by Guo Jingming, Veil of Shadows is a high-profile historical project inspired by the story of Wen Xin, a disciple of Xiao Wei in Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. The drama follows the journey of four characters—Lu Wuyi, Wu Shiguang, Wu Wangyan, and Ji Ling—as they seek the power of the Dragon Deity and attempt to defeat the demon king Jiu Ying.
During their journey, Lu Wuyi and her sister Wu Wangyan encounter other key figures, including Wu Shiguang, a mage with a vengeful past, and Ji Ling, a seemingly innocent but mysterious mage. While all of them pursue the Dragon Deity’s power, their motives differ—some aim to protect, while others seek destruction.
As they cooperate and clash along the way, the characters develop friendships and romantic bonds, while facing conspiracies, destiny, and difficult sacrifices in their battle against Jiu Ying, the ruler of all demons, to protect the human world.
Sources: kenh14