Qing Yun Zhi
Qing Yun Zhi
| Noble Aspirations | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Legend of Chusen Zhu Xian |
| Traditional | |
| Simplified | |
| Mandarin | Qīng Yún Zhì |
| Genre | Xianxia |
| Based on | Zhu Xian |
| Written by | Shao Xiaoyi Zhang Shaowei |
| Directed by | Zhu Ruibin Liu GuohuiZhou YuanzhouZhang Jian |
| Starring | Li Yifeng Zhao LiyingYang ZiCheng YiQin JunjieMao Zijun |
| Opening theme | "Floating Pearl" byJason Zhang |
| Ending theme | "Time and Words" byZhang Bichen |
| Composer(s) | Ikuro FujiwaraSeikou Nagaoka |
| Country of origin | China |
| Original | Mandarin |
| of seasons | 2 |
| of episodes | 55 (Season 1)18 (Season 2) |
| Production | |
| Executive | Deng Xibin |
| Production location(s) | Yunnan,Jiangxi,Guangxi,Hunan,Fujian,Zhejiang,Henan |
| Production | H&R Century Pictures Co.,Ltd |
| Release | |
| Original network | Hunan Television(Season 1)Tencent Video(Season 2) |
| First shown in | China |
| Original release | 31 July(Season 1)8 November 2016 (Season 2) –8 November 2016 (Season 1) |
Noble Aspirations (Chinese: 青云志; pinyin: Qīng Yún Zhì), also known as The Legend of Chusen, is a 2016 Chinese xianxia television series based on Xiao Ding (萧鼎)'s best-seller novel Zhu Xian. Produced by H&R Century Pictures Co.,Ltd, the series stars Li Yifeng, Zhao Liying and Yang Zi in the leading roles. It aired from 31 July to 8 November 2016 on Hunan TV.[1]
The second season of the drama premiered on 8 December 2016 on Tencent Video.[2]
| Noble Aspirations | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Legend of Chusen Zhu Xian |
| Traditional | |
| Simplified | |
| Mandarin | Qīng Yún Zhì |
| Genre | Xianxia |
| Based on | Zhu Xian |
| Written by | Shao Xiaoyi Zhang Shaowei |
| Directed by | Zhu Ruibin Liu GuohuiZhou YuanzhouZhang Jian |
| Starring | Li Yifeng Zhao LiyingYang ZiCheng YiQin JunjieMao Zijun |
| Opening theme | "Floating Pearl" byJason Zhang |
| Ending theme | "Time and Words" byZhang Bichen |
| Composer(s) | Ikuro FujiwaraSeikou Nagaoka |
| Country of origin | China |
| Original | Mandarin |
| of seasons | 2 |
| of episodes | 55 (Season 1)18 (Season 2) |
| Production | |
| Executive | Deng Xibin |
| Production location(s) | Yunnan,Jiangxi,Guangxi,Hunan,Fujian,Zhejiang,Henan |
| Production | H&R Century Pictures Co.,Ltd |
| Release | |
| Original network | Hunan Television(Season 1)Tencent Video(Season 2) |
| First shown in | China |
| Original release | 31 July(Season 1)8 November 2016 (Season 2) –8 November 2016 (Season 1) |
Synopsis
Season One
Zhang Xiaofan (Li Yifeng), and childhood friend Lin Jingyu (Cheng Yi), are the sole survivors of a village massacre. The two are accepted into the Qing Yun sect, where they learn the ways of the Immortal Sword. Although he is hardworking and determined, Xiaofan struggles to catch up to his peers due to his slow wit. One day, he acquires a "dementor sword" by chance when he was training in the mountains.
During the martial arts competition held within Qing Yun sect, Xiaofan enters the Top 4.
Together with Lu Xueqi (Yang Zi) and company, they head to the Bat Cave in Mt Kongsan to investigate the trails of the demonic sect. There, Xueqi encounters danger but is saved by Xiaofan, leading the two of them to become closer. Pivotal circumstances make Xiaofan grow and mature. Along the journey, he meets Bi Yao (Zhao Liying), daughter of the Ghost King. Their relationship slowly grows and takes a meaningful turn through these difficult times.
However, the villainous Ghost King attempts to overthrow the Qing Yun sect, and Xiaofan puts his life on the line.
Biyao sacrifices herself to save him, falling into an endless sleep.
Season Two
After Bi Yao sacrifices her life to protect Zhang Xiaofan, she falls into an endless sleep.
Devastated and vengeful, Xiaofan decides to devote his life to saving her.
He enters the Ghost King faction, and becomes his right-hand man Gui Li, also known as "Lord of Blood".
He embarks on a quest with former allies Lin Jingyu and Lu Xueqi, as well as former enemies such as Qin Wuyan (Mao Zijun) to revive Bi Yao.
Cast
Main
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Li YifengRoy Wang(young) | Zhang Xiaofan (张小凡) Gui Li (鬼厉) | Determined and loyal, Zhang Xiaofan is a hardworking man with average skills.Because of fate, he is able to learn the cultivation from Fu (Buddhist), Dao (Taoist), and Mo (Heretics), and becomes the world's number one swordsman.He even obtains the Striking Blood Pearl from Pu Zhi, one of four reverent masters of Tian Yin Pavilion, and a black stick object called She Hun from the Da Zhu Palace's lake in the back mountain.Both merges with his blood to become a blood magic object.Later, his soul is trapped by the He Huan bell, causing him to transform into Gui Li, also known as Master Blood.He thereafter wanders the world in search of a way to revive his dead lover, Bi Yao. |
| Zhao Liying | Bi Yao(碧瑶) | Daughter of the Ghost King and Xiao Chi.She is beautiful, elegant and bright.A noble girl who will do anything for love, she dies for Zhang Xiaofan under the Zhu Xian Sword, causing the transformation of his lifetime. |
| Yang Zi | Lu Xueqi (陆雪琪) | Said to be a "fairy from nine skies" for her beauty that can enchant the entire country, Lu Xueqi is one of the most skillful and talented disciples of the Qing Yun sect.She falls for Zhang Xiaofan after undergoing life and death situations with him. |
| Cheng YiKarry Wang(young) | Lin Jingyu (林惊羽) | Zhang Xiaofan's childhood friend.He possesses extraordinary skills and potential, and becomes the first disciple of Discipline Hall under Cangsong and Wan Jianyi; He likes Jin Ping'er. |
| Qin Junjie | Zeng Shushu (曾书书) | Zeng Shuchang's son and Zhang Xiaofan's good friend.He is an easygoing and peripatetic man who is loyal to his friends.He becomes the Chief of Yu Du City.He has a crush on Lu Xueqi. |
| Mao Zijun | Yan Lie (颜烈) Qin Wuyan (秦无炎) | Disciple of Hundred Poison sect, also known as Demon Faction's Third Young Master / Poison Master (毒公子).He disguises himself as a guard named Yan Lie to enter Yu Du City.Cold, cruel and calculative, he does not show his true emotions except when he is in front of his love, Bi Yao.He is unwilling to do the bidding of the Poison Deity, but has no choice as his body is controlled by him. |
Supporting
Qing Yun Sect
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Tang Yixin | Tian Ling'er (田灵儿) | Tian Buyi and Su Ru's daughter.She is Zhang Xiaofan's first love, and stands up for him when he is bullied.However, the one she loves is Qi Hao. |
| Liu Xueyi | Xiao Yicai (萧逸才) | Reverend Daoxuan's senior disciple.He drank the blood of the Heavenly Beast to infiltrate the Demon sect, causing him to turn into a beast every full moon.He was sent by the Ghost King to spy on the Qing Yun sect, but he actually hates the Ghost King and attempts many times to harm Bi Yao.Later, he becomes possessed due to his desire for power. |
| He Zhonghua | Reverend Daoxuan (道玄真人) | 18th chief of Qing Yun sect.He uses the Zhu Xian sword to kill Bi Yao, and eventually becomes possessed while trying to control the same sword. |
| Huang Haibing | Wan Jianyi (万剑一) | A mysterious old man residing at the Founder Shrine.He used to be in a relationship with You Ji, but they could not be together as they were from opposing sects.Later, he becomes Lin Jingyu's teacher. |
| Lu Xingyu | Reverend Cangsong (苍松道人) | Head of Mt. Longshou.His actual identity is a spy and assassin for Lian Xie Hall, trying to steal the Striking Blood Pearl from Zhang Xiaofan and attempts to kill him as well.Later, he is killed by Zhang Xiaofan and Lin Jingyu but before he dies, he destroys the last remaining magical rock that could revive Bi Yao. |
| Xie Ning | Tian Buyi (田不易) | Head of Mt. Dazhu. Zhang Xiaofan's teacher and Tian Ling'er's father.A strict but loving man. |
| Yang Mingna | Su Ru (蘇茹) | Tian Buyi's wife and Tian Ling'er's mother. |
| Jiang Hong | Shui Yue (水月) | Head of Mt. Xiaozhu. Lu Xueqi and Wen Min's teacher and Su Ru's senior sister. |
| Zong Fengyan | Zeng Shuchang (曾书常) | Head of Mt. Fenghui. Zeng Shushu's father. |
| Chen Zeyu | Qi Hao (齐昊) | Reverend Cangsong's senior disciple.Tian Ling'er's lover. |
| Zheng Guolin | Song Daren (宋大仁) | Tian Buyi's senior disciple.An honest and loyal man. |
| Ma Chengcheng | Wen Min (文敏) | Disciple of Mt. Xiaozhu. Song Daren's wife and Lu Xueqi's junior sister. |
| Ge Ziming | Shang Zhengliang (商正梁) | Head of Mt. Zhaoyang |
Ghost King Faction
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Fu Chengpeng | Archlord Ghost King (鬼王) | Head of the Ghost King faction.Bi Yao's father and Xiao Chi's husband. |
| Xiong Naijin | You Ji (幽姬) | One of the four great messengers, and biological aunt of Bi Yao.She used to be in a relationship with Wan Jianyi, but the rivalry between their sects forced them to separate. |
| Yang Xuwen | Qing Long (青龙) | One of the four great messengers.He is highly skilled and possesses the unique Qian Kun Green Light Ring.He is cruel and calculative toward his enemy, but fiercely loyal to the Ghost King.He is a long time friend of Qin Wuyan. |
| Liu Can | Mr Ghost (鬼先生) / Ghost Doctor (鬼医) | A mysterious figure who helped Zhang Xiaofan find the Heaven Book and defeat the Ghost King. |
Hundred Poison sect
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Wang Weihua | Poison Deity (毒神) | Chief of Hundred Poison sect.Bai Duzi and Qin Wuyan's teacher. |
| Liu Can | Bai Duzi (百毒子) | One of Poison Deity's disciples and senior brother of Qin Wuyan. |
| Guo Xin | Sucking Blood Old Demon (吸血老妖) | One of Poison Deity's disciples. |
He Huan sect
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Jiao Junyan | Jin Ping'er (金瓶儿) | Also known as Master Miao (妙公子).She was saved by Xiao Huan when she was young, and becomes part of her family.However, she was later framed and left Yu Du, and came under the Ghost King.After she met Lin Jingyu, she fell in love with him, and thereafter secretly assisted him and his friends to escape from the Ghost King. |
| Zeng Li | Lady Jinling (金铃夫人) | Chief of He Huan sect, and owner of the He Huan Bell.She later sacrifices herself for her lover by reciting an incarnation. |
Tian Yin Pavilion
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Li Chenghao | Ah Xiang (阿相) | Senior disciple of Tian Yin Pavilion.Zhang Xiaofan's good friend.He likes Ding Ling. |
| Wu Yue | Pu Zhi (普智) | One of the four great reverent.Under the influence of the Striking Blood Pearl, he killed Zhang Xiaofan's entire village.He later passed on Tian Yin sect's hidden skill to Zhang Xiaofan. |
| Guo Kaimin | Pu Hong (普泓) | Chief of Tian Yin Pavilion.One of the four great reverends.Ah Xiang's teacher. |
| Liu Bo | Pu Kong (普空) | One of the four great reverends. |
Lian Xie Hall
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Chen Chuang | Yegou Daoren (野狗道人) | Disciple of Lian Xie Hall, who is aligned with the Ghost King.He likes Zhou Xiaohuan. |
| Xiu Qing | Black Heart Old Man (黑心老人) | The former head of Lian Xie Hall, and owner of the Striking Blood Pearl.He shares a special relationship with Lady Jinling, whom he met at the Blood Drop Cave. |
| Zhang Fan | Elder Nian (年老大) | He went undercover near Qing Yun sect for five years in order to steal the Striking Blood Pearl, but was later defeated by Zhang Xiaofan and his friends. |
Fen Xiang Valley
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Qin Shuo | Li Xun (李洵) | Zeng Shushu's older cousin.He often goes against Zhao Xiaofan and his friends. |
| Liang Jingxian | Yan Hong (燕虹) | Li Xun's junior sister. |
| Chang Cheng | Shang Guan Ce (上官策) | The top 2 swordsman of Fen Xiang Valley.He later becomes possessed and was killed by Li Xun. |
| Yang Zihua | Yun Yilan (云易岚) | Chief of Fen Xiang Valley.Li Xun's teacher. |
Yu Du City
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Bai Xue | Xiao Huan (小环) | Zhou Yixian's granddaughter.She has a special gift to foresee the future called Heaven Eye, and uses this skill to assist the people of Yu Du City.She is good friends with Zhang Xiaofan, Lu Xueqi and often squabbles with Zeng Shushu. |
| Zhao Lixin | Zhou Yixian (周一仙) | Xiao Huan's grandfather.A mysterious man who possesses the long-lost skill of Qing Yun sect.He used to be bosom friends with the Ghost King. |
| Yang Guang | Wei Qiong (卫琼) | Zeng Shushu and Li Xun's grandfather.Chief of Yu Du City.He later sacrificed himself to ward off the Beast God, and turns into a stone. |
| Zhang Weina | Ding Ling (丁玲) | Ah Xiang's love interest.She has a sisterly bond with Jin Ping'er, and later inherits her position as the boss of the Embroidery Shop. |
| Zhao Chulun | Chief of Guan Xing Mt (观星崖崖主) | An immortal who saved Zhao Xiaofan when he was poisoned. |
Eastern Sea's Ding Hai Mountain Villa / Chang Sheng Hall
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Zhang Xin | Situ Xiao (司徒逍) | Young chief of Ding Hai Mountain Villa.He loves Yun Shu. |
| Hua Jiao | Yun Shu (云舒) | Daughter of the Sea Tribe.She becomes a servant at Ding Hai Mountain Villa, and falls in love with Situ Xiao.Later, she sacrificed herself to save Situ Xiao. |
| Qian Yongcheng | Yu Yangzi (玉阳子) | Former chief of Ding Hai Mountain Villa.Leader of Demon sect's Chang Sheng Hall.Meng Ji's teacher. |
| Yang Meichen | Meng Ji (孟骥) | Yu Yangzi's subordinate. |
| Jia Zhengyu | Zhou Yin (周隐) | A member of Chang Sheng Hall, who possesses the Li Ren Pyramid.Known as the Assassin, he secretly attacks the Qing Yun sect but was chased away by Wan Jianyi's attacks. |
Little River Town / Fox Mountain
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Yee | Xiao Qi (小七) | Liu Wei's little brother.A wild fox demon saved by Zhang Xiaofan, who later lives together with the Heavenly Fox Tribe. |
| Shu Chang | Xiao Bai (小白) | A nine-tailed heavenly fox.Liu Wei's mother and Xiao Chi's older sister.She was trapped at Fen Xiang Valley for three hundred years, but was later revived and helped Gui Li prevent the Heavenly Beast from reviving. |
| Wang Wanjuan | Xiao Chi (小痴) | The Ghost King's wife, Bi Yao's mother and Xiao Bai's little sister.She died in the Grass Temple Village's cave. |
| Allen Ren | Liu Wei (六尾) | A six-tailed fox demon.Xiao Bai's son and Xiao Qi's big brother.He later died together with his wife in the Black Stone Hole. |
| Tang Jingmei | San Wei (三尾) / San Niang (三娘) | A three-tailed fox demon.Liu Wei's wife. |
| Liu Chang | Bing Qiqi (冰琦琦) | Xiao Qi's good friend.Former identity of Lu Xueqi, the daughter of Heaven and Earth. |
| Tong Mengshi | Shi Tou (石头) | Disciple of Jin Gang sect.A half demon and half human. |
Production
The Golden Horse Award winner, Shirley Chan serves as the stylist and the Hong Kong Film Award laureate, Bill Lui, serves as the art director.[3][4] Fang Sizhe serves as the clothes designer.[5] Stunt director Chen Weitao helped designed the wushu stunts and fighting styles for each character.[6] The production of special effects is handled by South Korean company IOFX.
Casting
On September 24, 2015, singers Roy Wang, Wang Junkai, and Jackson Yi from TFBOYS were cast in the drama.[7] On December 5, actress Yang Zi attended the commencement ceremony, and the producers announced that she wase cast as Lu Xueqi, one of the two leading female leads.[8] On December 19, Wu Yue, Zhao Lixin and Chen Chuang joined the cast during filming.[9]
On January 12, 2016, the television series's official Sina Weibo announced that Li Yifeng had been signed on to star as Zhang Xiaofan, the protagonist of Noble Aspirations.[10] On January 25, it announced that Zhao Liying landed the female lead role of Bi Yao.[11]
Filming
Erhai Lake, Yunnan.
Hengdian World Studios, Dongyang, Zhejiang province
Shixinfeng of Huangshan, Anhui.
Principal photography started on 5 December 2015 at Hengdian Studios and wrapped up on 29 April 2016.[12][13][14] The scenes of the drama were shot in various parts of China, such as Yunnan, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Hunan, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Henan.[12] The total investment of the television series reaches ¥ 60 million, with majority of the budget going to special effects.[12]
The scenes set in Qing Yun Mountain (青雲山) were filmed in Laojun Mountain, in Luanchuan County, Henan province.[15] The monkey groups scenes in the Qing Yun Mountain were filmed in Huangshan, Anhui province. The scenes set in Heyang Castle (河陽城) were filmed in Hengdian World Studios, in Dongyang, Zhejiang province.[16] The Liuboshan scenes (流波山) were filmed in Erhai Lake, Yunnan.
Soundtrack
The television series's soundtrack is composed by Japanese composers Ikuro Fujiwara and Seikou Nagaoka, who have previously worked on the film Painted Skin (2008) and Dr. Jin respectively.[17]
| Track listing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singers | Length |
| "Floating Pearl(浮诛)"(Opening theme) | Liu Chang | Seikou Nagaoka, Tan Xuan | Jason Zhang | 01:40 | |
| "Time and Words(时光笔墨)"(Ending theme) | Dai Yuedong | Ikuro Fujiwara | Zhang Bichen | 03:10 | |
| "Thought of Renunciation(离思)"(Interlude) | Tian Chenming | Huo Zun | Henry Huo | 04:34 | |
| "Ballad of Green Cloth(青衣谣)"(Bi Yao's theme song) | Zhou Jieying | Tan Xuan | Yisa Yu | 04:50 | |
| "Have You Ever Loved(你有没有深爱过)"(Lu Xueqi's theme song) | Ge Dawei, Lv Zhijie | Lv Zhijie | Rene Liu | 04:15 | |
| "Hero's Path(英雄有路)"(Promotion song) | Zhou Jieying | Tan Xuan | Richie Ren | 04:42 | |
| "Noble Aspirations(青云志)"(Concept song) | Liu Chang | Tan Xuan | Wu Junyu andEleanor Lee | 03:10 | |
| "If We Never Met(如果我们不曾相遇)"(Zhang Xiaofan's theme song) | Ashin | Ashin | Mayday | 03:21 | |
| "A Crack in Time(时间裂缝)"(Gui Li's theme song) | Li Yifeng, Liu Sichen | Lu Hu | Li Yifeng | 04:26 | |
| "Just Like When We First Met (若只如初见)"(Lu Xueqi's theme song) | Dai Yuedong | Tan Xuan | Yang Zi | 04:45 | |
| "Zhu Xian (诛仙)"(Promotional song) | Liu Chang | Tan Xuan | Jam Hsiao | 04:30 | |
| "Sadness Flowers (伤心花)"(Promotional song) | Hai Lei | Ding Peifeng | Jason Hong | 03:12 | |
Reception
Critical response
Commercial reception
The drama was a commercial success.
It achieved a market share of 7.075 for its first two episodes, the highest record held by a Chinese drama for the year 2016.
In October 2016, it surpassed 20 billion views, becoming the third drama to do so after The Journey of Flower and The Legend of Mi Yue. In December 2016, it became one of the most viewed drama online with over 25 billion views.[22]
Ratings
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Tencent Video Star Awards[23] | VIP Drama of the year | Noble Aspirations | Won |
| VIP Star of the year | Li Yifeng | Won | ||
| Most Popular TV Actor | Won | |||
| Most Popular TV Actress | Zhao Liying | Won | ||
| Artist with the Most Potential | Qin Junjie | Won | ||
| 2017 | 22ndHuading Awards[24][25] | Best Actor | Li Yifeng | Won |
| Best Actress (Costume drama) | Yang Zi | Nominated | ||
| Best New Actor | Qin Junjie | Nominated | ||
| Top 10 Dramas | Noble Aspirations | Won |