The second volume of Legend of Exorcism by Fei Tian Ye Xiang is a smooth and immersive read. Once again, Fei Tian Ye Xiang excels at crafting vivid scenes that transport the reader effortlessly into the world of the story. The writing style is lush without being burdensome, allowing the reader to stay grounded in both the plot and the characters.
[book spoilers ahead]
Volume two opens with Li Jinglong taking the Exorcist team to a brothel to celebrate a successful mission. In this scene, we witness the growing intimacy between Hongjun and Li Jinglong, which also introduces a troubling dynamic. Hongjun shows no reservations with his commander, while Li Jinglong exerts his authority as both an elder and a superior to maintain control over their interactions. He goes so far as to manipulate Hongjun with food to encourage certain behaviors, diverting his attention away from the women and festivities happening around them.
Hongjun’s narrative echoes that of his biological father—a divine being who falls in love with a mortal, leading to the loss of both spiritual power and immortality. When Hongjun begins to follow this same path, his adoptive father, Chong Ming, recognizes the parallel and, in a moment of cold logic and disappointment, abandons him. Chong Ming’s abandonment stems from Hongjun’s hesitation to leave Li Jinglong—not for any reason of principle, but simply because he doesn’t want Li Jinglong to be lonely. That moment underscores the emotional entanglement Hongjun is trapped in, and how little protection he’s received from the adults around him.
What originally drew me (and @artbyarlo) to this story was the story of the celestial deer and the gentle wolf—Lu Xi and Mergen. We’ve eagerly waited to read about them, and this volume finally delivers. While their appearances are brief, given that they aren’t the main protagonists, their presence is powerful and memorable.
As with many relationships in the series, Mergen and Lu Xu’s dynamic mirrors that of Li Jinglong and Hongjun—but in a much healthier, more mature, and emotionally balanced way. Mergen embodies the traits Li Jinglong lacks: gentle masculinity, emotional security, and, most importantly, a respect for boundaries. He is the kind of love interest that feels truly earned—supportive, self-assured, and free of manipulation.
Lu Xu and Hongjun are both empathetic and morally grounded characters. Despite his tragic past, Lu Xu is not reduced to a passive victim. He and Mergen support each other as equals, and their relationship feels deeply deserved and mutually affirming. I’m genuinely excited to see where their story leads.
As for Li Jinglong and Hongjun… it’s difficult to watch their relationship unfold without concern. Every adult in Hongjun’s life, despite many showing discomfort with this relationship, have done nothing substantial to intervene. Li Jinglong presents himself as a well-meaning leader, yet he repeatedly uses Hongjun’s loyalty and innocence to advance his own aims. It’s very unsettling, and it becomes even more apparent when contrasted with Mergen’s unwavering integrity.
Legend of Exorcism Vol. 2 deepens the emotional and thematic layers of the story while continuing to develop its characters in compelling ways. Despite the discomforting elements of certain relationships, the book invites important discussions around power dynamics, emotional maturity, and the complexity of love. A beautifully written and thought-provoking continuation of the series.
