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Hold onto your flying swords, because Dylan Wang Hedi is officially back in action – and this time, he’s done with saving the world. His next drama Live Long and Prosper (aka 咸鱼飞升 or literally, “Salted Fish Ascends”) kicked off filming on 30th April, and it’s shaping up to be a full-blown xianxia adventure with a twist.
This is no ordinary mystical journey.
Dylan Wang plays Song Qianji, a man who, in his past life, basically did everything right by cultivator standards – sacrificed everything, chased the ultimate power, saved humanity, yada yada… and still died miserable, betrayed, and burnt out.
Reborn with a fresh chance at life, Song Qianji wants nothing to do with destiny, power struggles or heavenly missions.
He just wants to be a carefree salted fish – the Chinese way of saying he wants to lie flat, enjoy the sun, and maybe pick a nice plot of land for his future tomb.
Goals.
But of course, the heavens have other plans.
.jpeg "Historical Fantasy ‘Live Long and Prosper’ Kicks Off Production with Star-Studded Cast") |
The “golden plot armour” he begged for in his past life now won’t leave him alone.
Old flames resurface, celestial bros won’t stop bothering him, and rare cultivation treasures keep falling into his lap like cosmic spam mail.
Try as he might, our anti-hero is stuck in a plot that wants him to be great. Tragic.
Starring opposite him is the always-elegant Li Qin, playing Miao Yan, a frosty, emotionally-detached immortal beauty – essentially a cultivation AI with baggage.
In her past life, she betrayed Song Qianji thanks to some dodgy sect politics.
But rebirth does funny things, and this time she starts to wake up… with her own path, not just the male lead’s appendage.
The cast is also stacked:
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Rong Zishan (aka child actor turned scene-stealer)
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Wang Duo (resident dark horse)
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Zhang Yaqin (known for her fierce fight scenes)
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Xia Meng (the next-gen it-girl with solid acting chops)
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Plus Wu Xize and Ye Shengjia in supporting roles
Why this might be the xianxia to watch:
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A male lead who actually makes sense – Dylan’s laid-back, roguish charm fits Song Qianji like a glove. He's got that “can’t be arsed” attitude but flips the switch when needed. Basically a vibe.
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Li Qin finally gets a complex role – No more one-dimensional flower vase roles. This time, she’s icy, morally grey, and potentially tragic. Delicious.
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The supporting cast isn’t just pretty faces – We’re getting depth, variety, and serious talent here. And a fair bit of on-screen chaos.
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The plot flips the usual script – Instead of "I must save the world", it’s "please leave me alone, I just want a nap". All told with sharp humour and emotional undercurrents.
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Top-tier production team – Director Ding Hei (known for nuanced ensemble dramas), writer Rao Jun (behind The Journey of Flower, Ancient Love Poetry), and the styling team from Love Between Fairy and Devil are all on board. Plus, they’re using real sets and a mash-up of Ming dynasty aesthetics with a dash of fantasy. Expect visual treats.
Still, not everyone's fully sold yet.
With xianxia dramas flooding the market lately, many viewers are cautious.
Will this one just be another love fest with long-winded sword fights and not much "xia" (chivalry) to balance the "xian" (immortality)? Or can it really serve up something fresh?
Fan camps are already buzzing – Dylan Wang stans are banking on this cementing his ‘male IP drama king’ title.
Li Qin’s fans are hoping she’ll level up in a role that demands range.
Meanwhile, the original novel’s readers just want to see the heart of the story – a salted fish's reluctant rise against fate – preserved.
The drama’s filming schedule is set for 150 days, with a likely premiere sometime next summer.
Until then, we’ll be watching closely (and probably quoting Song Qianji’s legendary lines like “Convince me to cultivate again and I’ll relocate your ancestors’ graves.” Savage).
2026 might just be the year of the salted fish. Stay tuned.
Dylan Wang fans support ceremony before start filming his new drama Live Long And Prosper, can't wait to see him in new role💜
— Dylanwang_superdidi (@Wanghedi_no1) April 30, 2025
.#DylanWang #王鹤棣 #WangHedi pic.twitter.com/LHG8Y8CzOl