“Sword and Fairy 1” (2024), featuring He Yu and Yang Yutong, is a faithful live-action adaptation of the classic Taiwanese RPG “The Legend of Sword and Fairy” (XianJian QiXia Zhuan). It also weaves in elements from the 2005 drama “Chinese Paladin,” starring Hu Ge and Crystal Liu Yifei, resulting in a captivating blend of nostalgia that honours both the original game and the beloved series.
In this post, I’ll delve into the subtle references to its predecessor, as well as similar plot choices that deviate from the game.
Hidden gems / Easter eggs in Sword and Fairy 1
1. Madame Li – A familiar face!
Veteran actress Yang Kun reprises her role as Li Xiaoyao’s aunt in the latest remake! It’s been almost 20 years but I recognised her instantly :D
When comparing the two personalities, the latter definitely is a sweeter, more mature woman. This contrast is fitting, reflecting the notable differences between the two versions of Li Xiaoyao as well.
2. Xiaoyao taps Ling’er’s nose
In the 2005 drama, Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling’er, portrayed by Hu Ge and Crystal Liu Yifei, share a sweet gesture of affection by tapping each other’s noses with the back of their index finger. Xiaoyao mentions that he reserves this special move for someone he truly likes.
In the 2024 adaptation, He Yu mirrors this exact gesture in one particular scene, raising the question: is this a coincidence? I think not! ;)
3. Main cast shouting out their wishes
In both versions of the drama, there is a scene where the main characters gather together, passionately shouting out their wishes.
“Xiaoyao Sigh” (song from Chinese Paladin) is even played during this scene!
4. The jade pendant make an appearance
Okay… this one might be a bit of a stretch, but hear me out XD.
The jade pendants serves a vastly different purpose in the show, but it still made its way into the remake. They don’t look anything alike, but it’s still a decorative piece of jewelry with two matching pieces. I thought this was an interesting throw-back (though I might just be overanalyzing it! ;D)
5. All the main songs from Chinese Paladin is featured in the ending credits
‘Xiaoyao Sigh’, ‘Killing Broken Wolves‘, ‘Has Always Been Quiet’, ‘June Rain‘ are all songs featured in the ending credits with new covers. Some songs are even used in the show, most notably “Xiaoyao Sigh” and “Has Always Been Quiet” which is Yueru’s theme. ‘Finally Understood’ is a bonus track you can find in the ‘Recollection album’. You can download the full OST here.
Similar plot choices that deviate from the game
While remaining a faithful adaptation, the story does include some deviations from the original source, drawing inspiration from the 2005 drama.
Anu is paired up with Tangyu, instead of Li Xiaoyao
In the original game, Anu is introduced as the third main female character, developing romantic feelings for Xiaoyao. However, she appears late in the story—after the collapse of the Demon Locking Tower and Yueru’s death. Perhaps the writers felt that three women vying for Xiaoyao’s affection would be too much, leading them to pair her with another male character instead.
Tangyu is a minor NPC (non playable character) with just a single line of dialogue and no backstory in the original game. However, both dramas expand on his character, providing him with a backstory that establishes a relationship with Anu. This creative freedom is why the portrayals of Tangyu in both adaptations are so vastly different; the writers had the opportunity to shape him in unique ways.
While the dynamics of Anu and Tangyu’s relationship vary between the two drama adaptations, they ultimately end up paired together in both.
Liu Jinyuan becomes a central character
Like Tangyu, Liu Jinyuan is a minor character in the game, but both drama adaptations elevate his role, weaving him into the main plot and giving him ample screen time. In contrast to his portrayal in “Chinese Paladin,” where he came across as annoying and pretty useless, the 2024 adaptation takes a refreshing approach.
“Sword and Fairy 1” excels in this regard, transforming Jinyuan into a genuinely likeable character. The “Butterfly arc” unfolds seamlessly, as viewers actually care about his journey, adding even more depth to his character.
Li Chuan delivers a fantastic performance as Jinyuan, truly bringing the character to life.
Ling’er recognises Li Xiaoyao from 10 years ago
In both drama versions, Ling’er realises Xiaoyao was the hero who saved her a decade ago and brought her to Fairy Island. Ling’er is already deeply fond of Xiaoyao and she is overjoyed at his return.
Lao Lao acknowledges Li Xiaoyao as their saviour, and is not a scary snake demon
Both TV adaptations reimagined the events on Fairy Island. Instead of portraying Lao Lao as a fearsome snake demon intent on devouring Xiaoyao, she recalls him as the hero who saved them ten years prior. However, she still insists that he marry Ling’er! ;)
Anu and Ling’er knew each other from childhood
In the game, Anu is introduced late in the story and has no prior connection to Ling’er. However, in both drama adaptations, Anu and Ling’er are portrayed as childhood friends, creating an instant bond and shared history.
In both cases, Anu manages to find Ling’er in her true Nuwa form (half human, half snake) —during a particularly vulnerable moment.
This change feels perfectly fitting for a TV show. Introducing Anu late in the story would disrupt the narrative flow and undermine her character’s significance, don’t you think?
Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao have a nickname for each other
In the 2005 version, Li Xiaoyao and Lin Yueru frequently call each other “Evil woman” and “Rotten egg.”
The 2024 adaptation takes a similar approach with Yueru calling Xiaoyao “Silly rat,” while he refers to her as “Savage girl.” In contrast, the original game features no such nicknames, suggesting a more respectful dynamic between the two.
Xiaoyao and Yueru’s first meeting
In ‘Chinese Paladin’ during Xiaoyao’s first fight with Yueru, he accidentally grabs her leg, leaving her utterly flabbergasted. Noticing how thrown-off she was, he continues to use this strategy to gain an advantage in their battle. Aiyah.. this version of Xiaoyao is so naughty :P
In ‘Sword and Fairy 1’, Li Xiaoyao attempts to swipe her whip using the “Dragon Pick” technique, resulting in an embarrassingly awkward moment. Realizing his blunder, he quickly apologises.
In the original game, this doesn’t happen; instead, the battle involves Xiaoyao and Ling’er teaming up against Yueru (as you do in RPGs ;D)
Drunken Sword Immortal appears in the “Back to the past” arc
In both dramas, Drunken Sword Immortal makes an appearance in the “Back to the Past” arc in Nan Zhao, aiding Ling’er and Lao Lao’s escape.
In the 2005 version, Xiaoyao desperately asks Drunken Sword Immortal not to teach him martial arts, hoping to change the future. In contrast, the 2024 adaptation has him encouraging the opposite, having accepted that he cannot alter the past. I thought this was a really interesting parallel!
Lin Yueru is not revived in the end
Neither of the live-action adaptations chose to revive Yueru in the end, unlike the original story. Both dramas heavily favor the love between Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling’er, which likely influenced this decision.
In the poignant final scene, Li Xiaoyao walks alone, gently cradling Yiru in his arms, rather than encountering a resurrected Yueru in the distance. This choice underscores the series’ focus on his enduring connection with Ling’er.
That wraps up the ‘Chinese Paladin’ parallels and Easter eggs I’ve noticed in the new reboot! Did I miss anything? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to drop a comment! I hope you enjoyed the read!
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