Fangs of Fortune

About this drama

Set during the Zhenyuan era, the balance between humans and demons is shattered after the death of the governing goddess. Zhao Yuanzhou, a powerful ancient demon seeking his own end, surrenders to the imperial court to lead a specialized demon-hunting bureau. Alongside a wary investigator, a skilled swordsman, and a talented archer, he tracks down supernatural threats inspired by ancient myths while navigating secrets involving his own dark past.

Who this is for

Viewers who like dark, mythology-based fantasy built on a found-family team, bromance and a quiet, mostly unspoken romance, and who are prepared for a tragic finish. It suits people who enjoy monster-of-the-week cases drawn from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, lavish costumes and LED-stage visuals. Skip it if you want an overt, kiss-filled romance, a guaranteed happy ending, or brisk plotting with little dialogue.

Our take

Fans praise Hou Minghao's dual-sided demon lead, the slow-built friendship and rivalry between Zhao Yuanzhou and Tian Jiarui's Zhuo Yichen, a well-rounded supporting team (Cheng Xiao's archer is often singled out), and the lavish costumes, LED-stage cinematography, and OST. The romance between the demon and Wen Xiao is understated and expressed mostly through loyalty and small gestures rather than overt scenes. The most common complaints are a slow, talky pace, fewer big fight scenes than some wanted, and a tragic ending that divided viewers even as it won iQIYI and Weibo drama-of-the-year honours.

Pacing & content notes

Often described as slow and dialogue-heavy, though fans counter that the measured pace lets the emotional and atmospheric beats land.

Where to watch

• iQIYI · Official title pageAvailability varies by region; check the platform.

Cast

Directed by Edward Guo, Luo Luo, Wei Nan

• Neo Hou as Zhao Yuanzhou / Zhu Yan
• Chen Duling as Wen Xiao
• Tian Jiarui as Zhuo Yichen
• Cheng Xiao as Pei Sijing

Your Watchlist

Should I watch?

• Assessed as having a strong female lead
• Assessed as having no love triangle
• Fantasy setting

• May not suit you if you prefer low angst

Story traits

Romance

6 / 10

Angst

9 / 10

Comedy

4 / 10

Pacing

4 / 10

Traits and editorial notes are researched from published sources with AI assistance and editorially checked (how we review).

Tags

• Action
• Drama
• Mystery
• Romance
• Xianxia
• Enemies to lovers
• Hidden identity
• Revenge
• Slow burn

Ending

The leads do not get a happy ending in the main 34 episodes (some call it sad-and-open or bittersweet); a separate Special episode adds a gentler coda.

Frequently compared with

• Mysterious Lotus Casebook
• The Blood of Youth

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Ranked by traits in common with Fangs of Fortune: setting, genres, tropes and editorial dimensions. A fit index, not a quality score, and the same for everyone.