Legend of Awakening (2020) | Nak Chombang Vinhean Mekhea : An Epic Wuxia Adventure of Destiny and Power
Adapted from Hu Dielan’s novel Tian Xing Zhi Lu (The Way of Awakening), this 48-episode series, directed by Huang Wei and Ma Huagan, stars Chen Feiyu as Lu Ping and Ancy Deng as Su Tang. Premiering on iQiyi and Tencent Video on April 23, 2020, it follows a gifted young martial artist’s journey to master his sealed powers and protect his loved ones in a world of rival clans and political intrigue. Despite pacing issues, its dynamic action and youthful energy make it a standout for wuxia fans.
Plot Overview
Lu Ping, an orphan raised in a remote village, possesses extraordinary martial arts potential but is unaware of his true power due to a mysterious seal placed on him as a child. Alongside his loyal foster sister Su Tang, he enrolls in the prestigious Fengyun Academy to hone his skills. There, he befriends a colorful group of students, including the fiery Yan Xifan (Xiong Ziqi) and cunning Ling Ziyan (Cheng Yanqiu), while clashing with powerful factions seeking to exploit his abilities. As Lu Ping uncovers his connection to the legendary Six-Star Awakening and battles the sinister Beidou Clan, he must balance friendship, love, and destiny in a high-stakes fight to save the martial world.
Why Legend of Awakening Stands Out
1. Dynamic Action and World-Building
The drama excels in its wuxia roots, with fluid fight choreography and creative use of “awakening” powers, which range from elemental attacks to enhanced senses. The concept of six-star cultivation levels adds depth to the martial arts system, drawing comparisons to Battle Through the Heavens. Fans on Reddit praise the “epic battles” and “cool power scaling,” though some note the CGI can feel inconsistent.
2. Youthful Cast and Chemistry
Chen Feiyu, in his breakout role, brings charisma and grit to Lu Ping, capturing his underdog spirit and growth from naive villager to formidable hero. Ancy Deng’s Su Tang is a fierce yet tender counterpart, their sibling-like bond anchoring the story. The ensemble cast, including Xiong Ziqi’s fiery Yan Xifan, shines in group scenes, with their camaraderie reminiscent of The Untamed’s sect dynamics. However, the romantic subplot between Lu Ping and Su Tang develops slowly, disappointing some fans craving more focus.
3. Vibrant Production
Filmed in scenic locations like Ningxia and Hengdian, Legend of Awakening boasts lush landscapes and detailed academy sets that immerse viewers in its fantasy world. The costume design, blending traditional wuxia robes with modern flair, earns praise, though budget constraints show in later episodes’ effects. The energetic soundtrack, featuring the opening theme “Awakening” by Zhou Shen, amplifies the drama’s adventurous tone.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Engaging Action: The martial arts sequences and power awakenings are a highlight, keeping viewers hooked.
Strong Ensemble: The young cast’s chemistry and diverse characters add charm and relatability.
Intriguing Premise: The sealed-power trope and clan rivalries offer a fresh spin on wuxia tropes.
Weaknesses:
Uneven Pacing: The middle episodes drag with repetitive training arcs and side plots, frustrating some viewers.
Underdeveloped Romance: The main romantic thread feels sidelined, lacking emotional payoff.
Rushed Ending: The finale crams major reveals and battles, leaving some plotlines unresolved, possibly due to budget or editing constraints.
Reception and Impact
Legend of Awakening garnered solid viewership, with over 1.5 billion streams on iQiyi, driven by Chen Feiyu’s rising fame post-Ever Night. It scored a 7.4/10 on MyDramaList and 7.6/10 on IMDb, reflecting mixed fan reactions. X posts laud its “hype fight scenes” and “badass MC,” but many criticize the “choppy” pacing and “weak romance.” Reddit threads note it appeals more to action fans than romance enthusiasts, with some calling it “underrated but flawed.” The drama sparked interest in the source novel and boosted its young cast’s profiles, though it didn’t reach the heights of bigger 2020 hits like The Untamed.
Should You Watch It?
Legend of Awakening is a must for wuxia fans who love action-packed dramas like Douluo Continent or Word of Honor, especially if you enjoy underdog heroes and ensemble casts. Its shorter 48-episode run (with 40-minute episodes) makes it a manageable binge, but be prepared for pacing hiccups and a less satisfying romance. If you prioritize tight storytelling or heavy romance, it may fall short. As one X user put it, “It’s a fun ride if you’re here for the fights and vibes!”
Where to Watch
Stream Legend of Awakening with English subtitles on iQiyi, Tencent Video, Viki, or YouTube. iQiyi VIP offers ad-free access to all episodes.
Final Thoughts
Legend of Awakening is a vibrant, if imperfect, wuxia adventure that shines with its action, youthful spirit, and intriguing cultivation system. While it stumbles with pacing and an abrupt ending, Lu Ping’s journey to unlock his destiny is a thrilling ride for fans of the genre. With its blend of heart, humor, and high-flying martial arts, it’s a worthy addition to any wuxia watchlist. As one Reddit fan summed up, “Not a masterpiece, but it’s got enough spark to keep you awake!”