When we think of legendary partnerships in Chinese animation, it’s easy for the mind to
instantly jump to iconic main couples. However, looking past the central pairing reveals that
some of the most complex, tragic, and entertaining dynamics are found in the supporting cast
and non-traditional storylines.
From bitter rivals tied by centuries of history to deep psychological battlegrounds, these side
partnerships often carry the emotional heavy lifting of their respective shows. Here is a
definitive listicle of the best supporting and non-obvious donghua bromances that absolutely
deserve your attention.
Top 4 Best Bromances in Donghua (Past the Main Couple)
Feng Xin & Mu Qing (Heaven Official’s Blessing)
If you are looking for an dynamic defined by constant bickering masking an unbreakable history,
these two supporting martial gods steal the spotlight. Formerly the loyal mortal subordinates of
the crown prince Xie Lian, they now spend their immortal days trading sharp barbs and
exasperated eye-rolls.
While they present themselves as mismatched enemies, their true bond is forged in shared
trauma, ancient guilt, and an unshakeable underlying loyalty to the same master. They might
complain through every single second of a battle, but their tactical synchronization is seamless
when the stakes are high.
Lan Xichen & Jin Guangyao (Mo Dao Zu Shi)
On the complete opposite end of the emotional spectrum lies this deeply tragic and intricate
relationship. Lan Xichen, the noble Sect Leader of Gusu Lan, was one of the few individuals who
treated Jin Guangyao with genuine respect when the rest of the cultivation world sneered at his
background.
In return, no matter how ruthless, manipulative, or villainous Jin Guangyao became to secure his
political power, he maintained an absolute, unwavering boundary: he would never harm Lan
Xichen. The blind trust Xichen placed in him, contrasted against the devastating eventual
revelation of Guangyao’s crimes, forms a masterfully written political tragedy .
Han Li & Li Feiyu (A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality)
Stepping completely outside the realm of romantic adaptations, this high-tier 3D cultivation
donghua provides a rare example of pure, uncorrupted camaraderie. The protagonist, Han Li, is
famously cautious, calculating, and fundamentally slow to trust anyone in a world defined by
cutthroat betrayal.
Yet, his early youth pact with the short-lived, fiercely determined Li Feiyu becomes a lifelong
anchor for his humanity. Even as Han Li leaves the mortal realm behind to ascend to
immortality, his loyalty to his first true friend remains absolute, proving that true brotherhood
can withstand the harsh realities of the cultivation world.
Xiao Se & Wu Jie (The Great Journey of Teenagers)
For fans craving a classic, high-energy wuxia brotherhood , this duo delivers an immaculate “brain and brawn” dynamic. Their journey begins purely out of financial obligation—the naive, hot-blooded young martial artist Wu Jie accidentally destroys a portion of a lazy, debt-collecting innkeeper’s property.
As they travel together to resolve the debt, their superficial squabbles quickly evolve into a deep,
mutual protection. Xiao Se brings the strategic brilliance and a hidden, royal past, while Wu Jie
brings absolute martial sincerity and unwavering loyalty, willing to face down entire armies to
protect his friend.