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| A Decade in the Making: Zhao Liying’s Surprise Return Shakes Up The Unclouded Soul (Photo: China.com) |
Chinese actress Zanilia Zhao Liying has once again found herself at the centre of public discussion, this time not through a lead role, but via a carefully timed and deeply personal decision. On 26 December, fantasy costume drama The Unclouded Soul (逍遥) officially confirmed that Zhao Li Ying would appear as a special guest star, portraying Suimeng Xianjun — also known as the Dream-Breaking Immortal Lord — a character that has already left a strong first impression despite limited screen time.
According to director Xu Jizhou, Zhao Liying’s participation was never a last-minute publicity move.
Instead, it traces back to a promise the two made nearly a decade ago after working together on the 2015 spy drama Rookie Agent Rouge.
At the time, they agreed that if the right project ever came along, they would collaborate again — no matter the form or scale of the role.
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That moment arrived when Xu Jizhou took on The Unclouded Soul, his first full venture into the xianxia fantasy genre. Known primarily for grounded, realistic storytelling, his move into a world of immortals, demons and destiny was met with public curiosity and a fair share of doubt.
Against this backdrop, Zhao Liying’s decision to step in carried weight far beyond a standard cameo. It was both a gesture of trust and a quiet vote of confidence in a director choosing to challenge his own creative boundaries.
Despite multiple changes to the production schedule, Zhao reportedly rearranged her personal commitments to make time for filming.
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Beyond performing her scenes, she was also said to actively share insights from her years of experience in costume dramas, offering suggestions on performance rhythm, character movement and technical details unique to the genre. Her involvement, though brief in duration, left a clear imprint on the production atmosphere.
Zhao Liying later acknowledged the collaboration through a short but meaningful social media post, writing, “The promise has been fulfilled, the dream is unbroken, and the friendship remains.”
look at these two sui meng's fangirl lmao, can relate because she's that pretty😭#zhaoliying #赵丽颖 #theuncloudedsoul pic.twitter.com/YSgp8RWMxF
— 沈璃的枪🐦🔥 (@cdramaddict) December 29, 2025
The message quickly gained traction, with many viewers interpreting it as a rare glimpse into the long-term professional trust that still exists between actors and directors in an increasingly fast-paced industry.
Alongside the announcement, behind-the-scenes photos of Zhao Liying completing her scenes were released and rapidly circulated online.
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Dressed in flowing white robes, her portrayal of Suimeng Xianjun drew widespread praise. Fans highlighted her clear complexion, calm gaze and composed presence, noting how her appearance blended elegance with a youthful softness.
Discussions around her “almost ageless” look soon became a trending topic, adding further momentum to the drama’s online visibility.
The Unclouded Soul centres on a prolonged conflict between the human world and the demon race, both driven by desire and ambition in their search for the legendary Jade Wine Divine Spring — a mythical force said to grant any wish.
The story follows Xiao Yao, a young woman who stumbles into the supernatural realm after entering the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons by accident. Her arrival disrupts long-standing balances and introduces both chaos and unexpected hope.
Parallel to her journey is Hong Ye, the reincarnated King of Ten Thousand Demons, who struggles to protect his homeland while questioning the true cost of power and desire. As their paths intertwine, hidden truths and shifting loyalties gradually come to light.
#ZhaoLiying's cut in preview upcoming episode of #TheUncloudedSoul
— zhao liying updates (@zaniliazhao_) December 29, 2025
Who wouldn’t fall for a goddess as beautiful as Sui Meng?🙂↕️#赵丽颖 #逍遥 pic.twitter.com/S3eWCMDC0b
The drama stars Hou Minghao as Hong Ye and Tan Songyun as Xiao Yao, spans 40 episodes, and began airing on 27 December across multiple streaming platforms. While Zhao Liying’s appearance is limited, its impact has been anything but small, proving once again that meaningful casting choices can resonate more strongly than sheer screen time.
More broadly, Zhao Liying’s guest role has sparked renewed discussion around actor growth, genre evolution and the emotional pull of long-term audience memory. Her transition from youthful fantasy leads to more layered, symbolic roles mirrors the changing expectations of viewers, particularly those who have followed her career for over a decade.
Now, as The Unclouded Soul continues its run, many viewers are asking the same question: did this short appearance change how you see the story — or even Zhao Liying herself?