Im looking for live action drama that totally uses martial art, talisman,ki moves,like the one we see in Chinese novels.i frefer a MC that goes from weak to strong.being a rascal like yi yun or jun moxie is a plus.the last time i watch this kind of drama is 2007-ish love of the condor heroes.so i bet i missed a lot of good ones.please only recommend the ones with English subtitles.
Chinese Paladin 5 is horrible. Return of the Condor Heroes I prefer the 2006 version the latest version not to bad. Plus the MC is a rascal. This is the 2nd story out the trilogy and is a direct sequel to Legend of the Condor Heroes. You dont need to watch it but it helps. MC in that one is dumb as hell. The last one is called Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber I think its like 100 years later. Sword Stained with Royal Blood Laughing in the Wind (I saw 2 versions of this seems like the older version focuses more on fights than special effects) TBH there is actually quite a few wuxia/xianxia type shows being translated on viki.com I just think most of them are bad compared to older series.
A step into the past has had a tv drama for a VERY LONG TIME now....I think its about 14 years old I think. It's not too bad but the story is altered a bit so if you didn't like the author's harem killing tendencies then you might find the drama more tolerable to watch than the novel. Another one might be the Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre. It's not be completely what you're looking for but it's worth watching.
Try The Classic of Mountains and Seas which I'm currently watching atm. It's got wuxia action, war, some political intrigue, a bit cheesiness with all the romantic drama which is a main part of the story but not too terrible in my opinion. It has all the Chinese mythology in it (Pangu, Four Divine Beasts, etc.) and the story's a bit like Fushigi Yuugi which is shoujo-oriented so I'm not sure if you'll like it but I recommend that you try it anyway.
I only watched ROTCH as well, first 4 episodes epic and then childhood Yan Guo happened even after he grew up it became way too repetitive, unkillable villains and all... isn't there something better since it's ranked 4th of all wuxia series and Yan Guo stars in them all XD I also noticed A step into the past which is my fav novel but the trailer sucked, I wonder if I can watch it at all with eng subs since it's kinda old.
Language:Cantonese Subs:English if you can find them. Mandarin is hardsubbed I believe. TVB Dramas to watch Journey to the West <-- lots of Yao/Mo/Bhuddist/Dao references as well as chinese legends and background info. Watch the 90's version. All the other are shiet. Seriously. Too much fake CG shit in the 2000. Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre(2006) <- Lots of Chi/Yaun Energy/Cultivation/Meridans/Jianghu. <-- besy non immortal warrior cultivator.
ze tian ji, zhu xian and several other xuanhuan novels are adapted into tv dramas already. I heard that they're not good, though.
I will always suggest Heaven Dragon 8th Episode aka Demi Gods and Semi-devils (2003). Many people said that it's the prequel to the Condor trilogy. As for which Condor trilogy I would suggest, I'd suggest Return of Condor Heroes, one with Crystal Liu Yi Fei. It's wuxia but there's plenty of martial arts moves to sate your thirst.
I recommend Royal Tramp (tv series) and it's wuxia. Good harem drama, MC is weak but sly with good comedy.
DUDE CHeck out http://forum.novelupdates.com/threads/legend-of-the-condor-heroes-new-2017-射雕英雄传).26020/ There is a new Condor Heroes remake!