Guo Jing Ming’s projects are always fraught with homoerotic tones; starting from Painted Skin: The Guo Jingming Edition, Wuliang, L.O.R.D 1, L.O.R.D 2, The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity and the recently concluded Fangs of Fortune, all stand testament to his amazing prowess to pass Chinese censorship.

Some stories leave you exasperated whilst others leave you with a ray of hope and earnest longing; that someday, you might be able to meet these characters again. “Fangs of Fortune” was one such drama for me. It taught me valuable life lessons- you can redeem yourself once you accept you were in wrong; love should set you free, not imprison you. Also, you can love someone despite hating them in the past. Adapted from the classic text and the mythology and geography collection “Classic of Mountains and Seas” (山海经), the show has the most endearing characters that slowly become a family. The best part is that they aren’t all human- we have a makeshift family made of a Great Demon, two powerful Demon Hunters, a Half God and a Mountain God. The only thing that connects them is their yearning for familial ties and bonds. They become each other’s solace and peace of mind; they evolve and mature together, drawing inspiration and courage from one another. Another important aspect of Guo Jing Ming’s shows is the magnanimity of the settings and the mesmerizing locales. The costumes are posh, keeping in line with the stature/position of the characters. We bring you the evergreen queer romance that is characteristic of most Guo Jing Ming’s stories.

The Great Demon and his Strict Demon Hunter

Zhou Yi Chen- I will search for his last shred of soul in the mountains and seas and the 28 mountains in the Wilderness!

One of the best romantic connotations I have heard in long time was from someone I least expected. Zhu Yan (Neo Hou) and Zhou Yi Chen (Tian Jia Rui) are mortal enemies, Zhu Yan murdered his father & brother. Their journey begins when Zhu Yan strikes a deal with Yi Chen, he will teach Yi Chen how to use his legendary Cloud Light Sword in return for killing him. Yi Chen hates Zhu Yan but as they grow closer, he begins to understand his loneliness. Zhu Yan becomes Yi Chen’s comfort zone as they solve mysteries and become soulmates. Neo Huo and Tian Jia Rui have an undeniable chemistry that was never seen before. Their flirtations are humorous and even though, Yi Chen acts annoyed; he slowly falls in love with his Great Demon. Going through life and death together, they protect each other, even going to the extent of sacrificing their lives to safeguard the other. Neo Hou embodies the bisexual undertones that his character betrays, because Zhu Yan is shown simultaneously flirting with the Baize Goddess, Wen Xiao (Chen Du Ling). The trio form a somber relationship where they exist in peace knowing that they love and care about each other.

The Lonely Tree Pagoda

Li Lun- I can’t stand seeing him so useless!

The true definition of an antagonistic queer villain, Li Lun (Yan An) had a magnetic presence. You know he is a villain and yet you can’t hate him. His obsession with Zhu Yan is legendary and it leads him to cast spells that mostly target Zhu Yan’s new family. He can’t stand seeing anyone else get close to Zhu Yan and ultimately this hatred causes his downfall. Zhu Yan on the other hand tries his level best to protect Li Lun, even though he is in the wrong; even going to the extent of requesting Yi Chen to spare him. Yi Chen accepts his request and as such, he saves the last shred of Li Lun’s consciousness. As his final act of kindness and redemption, Li Lun shares his demonic powers with Yi Chen & Zhu Yan; sacrificing his life to safeguard the Wilderness. Yan An portrays this character with a vulnerability that will tug at your heartstrings. His chemistry with Neo Huo is equally exemplary and enticing.

The Sismance that Never Went Overboard

Pei Sijing to Wen Xiao- Thank you for turning my dark night into dawn!

Keeping in mind the strict rules for censorship, the show managed to keep the “Zhu Yan- Wen Xiao” romance at the forefront. However, that doesn’t diminish the brewing romance between Pei Sijing (Cheng Xiao) and Wen Xiao. Being a reserved character, Sijing doesn’t talk much. She is an excellent martial artist and very few can win against her in a one-to-one battle. But she has been carrying a lot of guilt since she executed her own brother for turning into a Demon. Wen Xiao on the other hand, might be the Baize Goddess, but she is weak, frail and unable to access her powers. As they accompany each other on missions, Sijing becomes Wen Xiao’s staunch supporter and her protector. They were mostly inseparable and Wen Xiao loves flirting with her Sister Pei. Cheng Xiao and Cheng Du Ling have an admirable chemistry, they stuck gold with this pairing.

The Doomed Romance Between the Mountain God and his Physician

Ying Lei- Behind every favorite dish, there is someone who loves you the most!

People have varied ways to show their love, for Ying Lei (Xu Zhen Xuan), he shows his affection and care by cooking sumptuous meals for the Demon Hunting Crew. Apart from this, his bromance with Bai Jiu (Lester Lin) is loud and preposterous. Ying Lei can’t stand seeing his Bai Jiu levy attention over his Brother Zhou. He is overprotective and also possessive by nature. But above all, he loves Bai Jiu in a way no else did, going to the extent of sacrificing his life to protect both Bai Jiu and Zhou Yi Chen. Bai Jiu is left heartbroken after Ying Lei’s death. They were an endearing couple, wish they didn’t have such a dreaded destiny.

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

It is Guo Jing Ming’s love for unabashed queerness that always draw me towards his stories!

He is absolutely unapologetic and unrepentant about portraying queer characters under the disguise of subtle bromance/sismance. His characters slowly gain your love and attention, leaving you craving for more. “Fangs of Fortune” was a beautiful retelling of the found family concept; families aren’t always the one you born into. Sometimes they can be ones which help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses; and fight beside you against all odds.

Rating- 4.5 out of 5

Streaming on- IQIYI