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| Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved Renamed Heaven and Earth Sword Heart, Passes iQIYI Review |
After months of anticipation, iQIYI’s fantasy romance drama Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved — now officially renamed Heaven and Earth Sword Heart (天地剑心) — has officially passed review and secured its distribution licence on 9 October 2025.
The 36-episode drama, starring Cheng Yi and Li Yitong, is based on the hit manhua Hu Yao Xiao Hong Niang (狐妖小红娘) by Tuo Xiao Xin, known for its poetic blend of martial arts, love, and destiny.
The title change from Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved to Heaven and Earth Sword Heart wasn’t just cosmetic.
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According to production notes, the new name symbolises the male lead’s spiritual awakening — “Heaven and Earth” representing the vastness of the world he seeks to protect, while “Sword Heart” mirrors his inner conviction and growth from a mere weapon to a protector of all beings.
Cheng Yi plays Wangquan Fu Gui, a disciplined Taoist warrior raised to suppress all emotion and trained to slay demons without hesitation.
His fate changes after meeting Qing Tong (Li Yitong), a compassionate fox spirit who teaches him that the world isn’t black and white.
Their bond pushes Fu Gui to question his family’s ruthless doctrine, leading him on a journey of rebellion, love, and self-discovery.
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Once a cold, obedient “Taoist weapon”, Fu Gui’s encounters with Qing Tong slowly awaken his sense of justice and empathy.
As the story unfolds, he defies his noble lineage to protect innocent spirits, sparking conflict within his clan.
His evolution from tool to sentient warrior underpins the show’s main theme — breaking fate and staying true to one’s heart.
Beyond the central romance, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved promises a visually rich world of mysticism, sword fights, and emotional drama.
Fans of iQIYI’s Fox Spirit Matchmaker franchise can expect both the fantasy allure and heartfelt storytelling the series is known for.
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Alongside Cheng Yi and Li Yitong, the star-studded lineup includes Guo Junchen, Chang Huasen, He Ruixian, and Deng Enxi.
The ensemble breathes life into the universe of Fox Spirit Matchmaker, where mortals and spirits intertwine in tales of loyalty, sacrifice, and unspoken love.
Interestingly, despite earlier chatter about potential competition between Heaven and Earth Sword Heart (iQIYI) and Water Dragon Chant (Mango TV), insiders hint both platforms will likely stagger their releases to maximise audience interest rather than clash head-to-head.
Even before the licence approval, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved had already topped iQIYI’s reservation chart with over 3.97 million pre-orders, proving Cheng Yi’s strong pull among wuxia fans.
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Viewers are especially hyped to see his portrayal of Wangquan Fu Gui’s emotional transformation — from cold-blooded killer to resolute guardian who dares to love beyond rules.
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Drama Name: Heaven and Earth Sword Heart (formerly Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved)
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Main Cast: Cheng Yi, Li Yitong, Guo Junchen, He Ruixian
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Platform: iQIYI
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Episodes: 36
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Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Wuxia
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Release date see: October 2025 Dramas
Fans are calling this Cheng Yi’s next big wuxia moment — a sweeping mix of swords, fate, and forbidden love.