Chang Sheng Gu (长生骨), also known as Longing For My Beloved (unconfirmed English title), is an upcoming Chinese xianxia (immortal cultivation fantasy) romance drama.
It is adapted from the web novel Shen Xian Rou (神仙肉, Immortal Flesh or Fairy Meat), later published/renamed as Yi Nian Zhi Zhu, Yi Nian Xiang Si (一念执着，一念相思 / One Thought of Persistence, One Thought of Longing) by author Yi Du Jun Hua (一度君华).
Plot Summary (Novel-Based)
The story centers on He Pan (何盼), a thousand-year-old river clam spirit who cultivates soul-stealing arts. To help her childhood friend/acquaintance Chunyu Lin survive a heavenly tribulation, she schemes to approach the aloof and noble Rong Chenzi (容尘子), abbot of Qingxu Temple and a powerful Taoist cultivator (reincarnation of a star lord with “immortal flesh” or potent heart blood).
He Pan goes to great lengths—including spending a night with him—to obtain his heart blood. She later uses herself as bait to lure him into the sea and extract it. What begins as manipulation and betrayal evolves into genuine affection, misunderstanding, jealousy, sacrifice, redemption, and deep love amid larger conflicts involving ancient divine beasts, sea clan secrets, human greed, and hidden truths from the past.
Key themes include longing, obsession, the nature of love versus utility, growth from selfishness to selfless devotion, and the tension between immortality/longevity and human (or spirit) emotions. The title Chang Sheng Gu (“Longevity Bone” or “Everlasting Bone”) carries layered symbolism tied to the heroine’s clam shell origin/bone, the pursuit of longevity, and sacrificial “bones” in love.
The drama is expected to have around 36 episodes.
Cast and Production
Yu Shuxin (Esther Yu / 虞书欣) as He Pan (or related role like a sea/clam spirit figure; described as evolving from playful/survivor to powerful through love and trials).
Hou Minghao (侯明昊) as the male lead, likely Rong Chenzi (Taoist master / cold cultivator).
The project is an iQIYI S+ level production, co-produced with partners like Straw Bear and Jinhe Film and Television. It features notable creatives, including director Zhong Qing (known for Hua Jian Ling) and styling from the Cang Lan Jue team.
As of mid-to-late June 2026, costume fittings, makeup tests, and preparations (including in Hengdian) are underway, with filming reportedly set to begin around late June (e.g., June 30) or early July 2026. There were earlier casting rumors (including involving He Yu) and title changes, but Yu Shuxin and Hou Minghao are now confirmed as the leads.
Background and Reception
The novel has an English translation available on some fan sites. The drama has generated significant buzz in C-drama communities due to the popular xianxia genre pairing of a spirit heroine and cultivator hero, strong visual chemistry expectations for the leads, and the “female lead first” project approval process.
Fan support activities are active, and it is positioned as one of the anticipated 2026–2027 xianxia releases. Note that details like exact episode count, final English title, and full supporting cast may evolve as production advances.
This adaptation blends romance, fantasy action, emotional growth, and mythological elements typical of high-profile Chinese xianxia dramas. Keep an eye on official iQIYI announcements for trailers and premiere details.
