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| Luo Yunxi and Song Zuer rumoured to replace Zhang Ruoyun and Li Gengxi |
The long-awaited Sword Snow Stride (雪中悍刀行) Season 2 has officially been confirmed to start filming soon — but what should’ve been exciting news for drama fans has instead turned into a full-blown online debate.
Chinese social media went buzzing this week after rumours surfaced that the production might replace the original leads Zhang Ruoyun and Li Gengxi with Luo Yunxi (Whispers of Fate / 水龍吟) and Lareina Song Zuer (The Prisoner of Beauty / 折腰).
The moment the speculation hit Weibo, fans were quick to react — and not all were thrilled.
Some long-time viewers said they couldn’t imagine anyone else as Xu Fengnian and Jiang Ni, while others cautiously admitted they were curious about how Luo Yunxi and Song Zu’er would handle the chemistry.
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| Sword Snow Stride Season 2 Faces Fan Backlash Over Rumours of Luo Yunxi & Song Zu’er Replacing Zhang Ruoyun and Li Gengxi |
Unresolved Mysteries from Season One
Season one ended with plenty of loose ends: the mystery surrounding Xu Fengnian’s mother’s death, his upcoming responsibility to protect and inherit Beiliang amid growing political threats, and the delicate, unfinished bond between Xu Fengnian (Zhang Ruoyun) and the fallen princess Jiang Ni (Li Gengxi).
Although Zhang Ruoyun’s performance initially received mixed reactions, he eventually won over most of the audience — turning Xu Fengnian into one of his signature roles alongside Joy of Life (庆余年).
Li Gengxi, meanwhile, had a rockier reception, with some viewers feeling her portrayal lacked emotional depth, even if her character’s backstory was compelling.
Fans Split Over Possible Cast Replacement
Now, with rumours of a total lead replacement, the fanbase is divided.
Luo Yunxi is currently enjoying renewed popularity after his role in Whispers of Fate, while Song Zu’er has been on a roll with The Prisoner of Beauty and The Demon Hunter’s Romance (无忧渡) — proving her versatility.
The idea of pairing these two rising stars is tempting for many viewers, but the thought of Zhang Ruoyun stepping away from a role he helped define is sparking resistance online.
Some fans argue that the production shouldn’t risk breaking the continuity that made Season 1 memorable.
“Zhang Ruoyun is Xu Fengnian,” one Weibo user commented, “it wouldn’t feel like Sword Snow Stride without him.”
Possible Misdirection or Promo Strategy?
Despite the buzz, industry insiders have hinted that this might just be a marketing ploy.
Many suspect the Luo Yunxi casting rumours are linked to promoting Whispers of Fate, which recently gained attention for its similar martial-arts vibe.
As for the female lead, there’s also talk that only Jiang Ni might be recast, not the entire leading duo.
Actress Chen Yao, also from Whispers of Fate, was previously rumoured to take over the main female role but is now reportedly cast as Qing Niao — a loyal companion character played by Ding Xiaoying (The Journey of Legend / 赴山海) in the first season.
Fans of Chen Yao are still happy to see her name attached to the sequel, even in a supporting role.
What’s Next for Sword Snow Stride Season 2?
For now, the production team has yet to officially confirm or deny the casting shake-up.
The only certainty is that filming is on the horizon, and expectations are sky-high. Whether Zhang Ruoyun returns or the drama takes a new creative direction, Sword Snow Stride 2 is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about wuxia sequels of 2025.
Source: Weibo