Da feng da geng ren

This drama is top entertainment. It has comedy, mystery, action, romance, politics, fantasy, spiritual cultivation, brotherhood and family love. All of these elements are fused together in a delightful story of a young, intelligent, hard-working and high-EQ sales manager Yang Ling (Dylan Wang), who finds himself in the ancient kingdom of Dafeng, inhabiting the persona of an orphan named Xu Qi An. Using his modern knowledge to solve cases, he rises from a lowly constable job to a position in a prestigious group called the Guardians. He even gains the fancy of a royal princess played by Tian Xi Wei.

Weeks before this drama aired, black marketing accounts and paid trolls on Chinese social media started maligning it and the main lead. Why? Because in the dirty and corrupt Chinese Entertainment industry, bullies don't want a grassroots-backed actor like Dylan Wang, who didn't come from money and doesn't have powerful backers, taking projects away from power-backed actors, especially the highly coveted role of the main character of a hugely popular novel on which the drama was based.

Due to the popularity of Dylan and the novel, GOTD still topped domestic viewership charts despite the smear campaign. However, some charts susceptible to black marketing and shadow-banning could not escape the multi-million rmb worth of smear campaign. Nevertheless, the drama gained solid footing after more and more viewers realized its first-rate quality. What impressed many viewers most was the phenomenal acting Dylan Wang brought to the table. This drama proved his acting talent that his bullies keep trying hard to undermine.

It is hoped that cdrama viewers have been made aware of the prevalence of black marketing in social media and will not be so easily swayed by negative press about artists and dramas in the future.

I loved it so much. The way I went from laughing to crying within seconds was definitely shocking but worth it. I finished it in a week, but honestly, I probably would have finished all 40 chapters in less than half if it weren't for uni work. The friendship was everything, the loyalty was honestly so inspiring and satisfying, and the acting delivery from absolutely everyone was insane, in a very obvious great way. I absolutely loved how Xu QiAn wouldn't stop at anything to get justice. The amount of plot twists honestly just constantly made my jaw drop, and I loved it. I honestly just loved it and am eagerly waiting for season two, as there are clearly some things left unexplained (which I guess were done on purpose to allow a second season to happen).

A little PSA for those who either just came, or mainly came, for the romance: Romance is probably the last thing the writers considered as it is not truly relevant to the story (so don't be fooled by the cover in Viki if you're watching it there!), still, you should definitely give it a chance, it'll blow your mind in the same way it did mine.

This tv show left me absolutely stunned. Initially, I started watching because Wang Hedi was in it, but by the time I finished, my appreciation had far surpassed just the cast. I was completely drawn in by the story, performances, style, and underlying themes.

A Unique and Refreshing Narrative

This show isn't just another martial arts or fantasy drama. It seamlessly blends philosophy, ethics, family, politics, and the underworld, creating something that feels both profound and highly entertaining. What really impressed me is how it handles dark, complex, and often taboo topics-such as political corruption and the struggles of those at the bottom of society-through a humorous and engaging lens. It manages to be sharp and thought-provoking, yet never feels heavy or depressing. Instead, it delivers an experience that is thrilling, satisfying, and even exhilarating.

Outstanding Performances

The cast, filled with seasoned actors, brings incredible depth to every character. But Wang Hedi's performance truly amazed me. He doesn't just act-he becomes the character. His expressions, tone, and body language make him utterly convincing as someone who keeps calling himself "just a mere warrior" yet proves to be far more than that. He is a man with a deep sense of justice, driven by his own beliefs and a desire for freedom. He's not just a reckless brute but a true embodiment of righteousness, and his journey is incredibly compelling.

A Show That Leaves You Wanting More

Unlike many Chinese dramas that wrap up in a single season, this one feels more like a Western-style serialized show, gradually expanding its world and keeping the audience eagerly waiting for what's next. I'm already desperate for a second season, and I sincerely hope this kind of storytelling becomes more common in Chinese dramas-offering both depth and entertainment, making viewers laugh while also giving them something meaningful to reflect on.

If you haven't watched it yet, I highly recommend it!

Guardians of the Dafeng takes a frequently used plot device of a modern day person being transported to a fantasy world and really embraces the absurdity of the situation and uses it to showcase how the main character is able to adapt and leverage his modern education and experience to his advantage. If you are looking for a serious drama you should move along but similar to shows like Avatar the Last Air Bender the goofy humor is balanced with some intense drama and enjoyable action. You begin to see that the main character uses humor, smarts, and a very high EQ as a tool for survival and that he seems to approach his situation as you would play a video game - sometimes over the top and sometimes very subtle but always working towards a goal of somehow figuring out how to "win" the game or at least make the best of it. Wang HeDi (Dylan Wang) is the perfect person to bring this character to life - his charisma and sincerity is a joy to watch and the supporting cast is fantastic. I love it and can't wait for the rest of the episodes.

This is one the the first c-drama I've watched so far and damn.. it didn't disappoint. Reading novels and manhwa/manhua is one of my hobby and seeing the getting adaptations is really awesome. It's understandable that some plot may have not been included but It's still lit🔥. Having watched this series, it kinda gave me a higher expectations. I really hope they'll continue to make series like this. Princess Lin'an, remember Xu Qi'an. Now, I want to see what he will do in the modern world. With his return, will he see his modern Lin'an, what strategies will he prepare, how will this series continue. I'm really curious now. Waiting for season 2.