Epic love story in a well built fantasy universe despite some little shortcomings in the making
The drama depicts the love story between two characters diametrically opposite and that are brought together unexpectedly. It explores many narrative arc through its 36 episodes, allowing some much needed character growth for both the heroine and the hero. Annoying at first, with some real childish and quite frustrating / stupid behaviours, they both improve drastically over the run of the TV show.Even though some arcs were stronger than others, the story was well-paced and never boring as the romance develops with some heart-warming and heart-wrenching scenes, as well as a lot of epicness and cool fights scenes. It provides a feeling almost reminiscent to the one you have when reading some fantasy mangas.
In addition to the romance, the fantasy universe portrayed here is really well-built with 3 very different realms with factions with various goals, as well as multiple heterogenous secondary characters with each their own motivation and backstory. Some are quite one-dimensional and may lack nuance but they make it up by being key in driving the plot and increasing the stakes.
The acting was good overall. It was really an ensemble cast with no obvious weak link. The stand-out for me were the actors Xu Hai Qiao and Zhang Chen Xiao playing respectively the best friend of the second male led and the brother of the hero. Those two had the most interesting secondary characters storylines and I would have loved to see them even more.
One of the strongest point of the show is its music. I found the OST simply beautiful, each one of the songs were complementing amazingly well the story. They were very present but I never got tired of them. Overall, all the sound effects were nicely done and brought added value to many scenes.
Contrary to the soundtrack, the quality of the visual FX felt a bit unequal to me: some were suitable while some were clearly lacking and looked a bit too cheap. Similarly, some of the props looked a bit plastic as well as some of the scenery conveying an uncanny impression.
Despite these little shortcomings in the making, I found that the overall vision and directing was full of great artistry. All the drawings shown in the opening and ending generics were magnificent. The production of the series was not able to match totally the quality of the concept art but still managed to approach it enough to allow the viewers to properly immerse themselves in the universe.
I would recommend this to people looking for a fantasy romance with some epic scenes in a well-built universe. If you love manga such as "Yona of the Dawn" or drama such as "Alchemy of Souls", this show is likely for you!
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This review may contain spoilers
Pretty good
Love Between Fairy And DevilDongfang Qing Cang - Wang Hedi
Orchid - Yu Shuxin
Well, I have to say…the set of this drama and OST are both perfect. All of the colors, the nature, the flowers, and just the environment is so pretty. I love Xianxia dramas partly because of the beauty of the set and environment. I also don’t think I have to mention how iconic the OST is for this drama. I recognzied the OST before I did the drama. The cinematography and CGI in this drama is just amazing. Everything around the characters is so mesmerizing. At the end, this drama really sucked me in. However, it did take a while to get started and there were some parts where I thought the dramatics were a bit much. Like, they didn’t have to be THAT dramatic. It almost got to a point where it was cringey. So, there were a couple flaws, but overall, pretty interesting and pretty easy to follow.
I think after this drama, I realized something about the actors. A lot of people hate on Yu Shuxin’s acting style and acting voice, but I actually quite enjoy it. I think she can fit so many different character roles really well and her acting is really emotional and powerful. On the other hand, I think I realized that I don’t like Wang Hedi’s acting that much. I have never rated one of his dramas super high and I think his acting just falls flat for me. There’s something about it that I can’t quite pinpoint. It just falls flat every time, I get bored.
After about 5 episodes being in, first off, they “kiss” so early on. In like the first couple episodes…however, it didn’t really count. This drama isn’t too hard to follow yet in terms of plot. However, I do find myself getting a little bored between the voice actor for Dongfang Qing Cang and the high-pitched voice of Yu Shuxin. Before, I didn’t really mind her voice, but in this drama, I don’t know what it is. (I lied, I lied, I lied….their voices fit their characters perfectly after watching about another 10 episodes…it just takes some time to understand the story, but after I did, their voices don’t bother me at all…in fact, I feel like they fit the role pretty well)
I found it pretty funny at the start where Dongfang Qing Cang is connected, body-wise, to orchid so he has to protect her in order to protect himself. Orchid keeps on thinking that everything Dongfang is doing is out of the goodness of his heart, when we know that he is doing it to try to nurse her back to health, so he can get his solo life back. However, I did like that scene where Dongfang took her to see the sunrise, as it was the first time that I felt he did something for Orchid instead of himself.
Around episodes 8-9, I finally started to get invested in this story. I love the character development or start of it at least with Dongfang Qing Cang and Orchid. Orchid is teaching Dongfang Qing Cang how to be in tune with his emotions and how it’s ok for humans and everyone to have those emotions. “Emotions are what saves us. Love. Hate. We should feel all of these emotions because that’s what makes us, us.” Dongfang Qing Cang was taught from an extremely young age that in order to be powerful, you can’t let your emotions contorl you. But, through his time with Orchid, he is subconsciously starting to feel more emotions, even if it’s forced as they were connected from mind and body. I also feel so so bad for Orchid especially when Lord Changheng erased her name from being able to enter the fountain palace. Orchid didn’t know that this decision was made out of his love and care to protect Orchid, so she thought that Lord Changheng also thought she was a useless small fairy. Everyone around her has put forward this notion that she is useless and has no powers and will never get anywhere in life, so the fact that Lord Changheng appeared this way too really broke her. However, I loved the scene that resulted as an effect of these emotions with her and Dongfang Qing Cang. Dongfang Qing Cang telling her that she doesn’t have to hide her emotions around him and that “you are as precious as my life” reinforces that belief that not everyone things Orchid is useless. I love how Dongfang Qing Cang is magically good at comforting people even though he is supposed to have no emotions. Furthermore, with the end of episode 8 leading into Orchid letting Dongfang Qing Cang leave, this really shows the genuine bond that they have created. Dongfang is a part of the Moon Tribe, who the fairy government is hunting down right now and Orchid realizes that it’s not safe for him. She also realizes that not everyone in the Moon Tribe is evil like the fairies say, as she really got to know Dongfang Qing Cang. The fact that she sacrificed that companionship for Dongfang’s safety really shows you how genuine, kind, and honest Orchid is as a person and character. The small orchid/flower cakes she left as a final reminder really just shows her kindness. It hits even more when I think back to that conversation between the 2 of them when Orchid is saying that Dongfang should leave soon, so that she doesn’t get attached. She didn’t want to get used to life with him, because she knows it’s not going to last. I really feel for her in this moment because she’s so used to everyone abandoning her and her being lonely, so now that has happened again as Dongfang’s safety is more important to Orchid than his company.
I’m really confused about how Dongfang Qing Cang is truly feeling. Although I don’t think he even knows what his true feelings are. On one hand, i want to think that he only said those hurtful words about how his kindness was all fake since they were connected because he was hurt as he tried to remake Arbitrer Hall, but Orchid still didn’t like it. However, on the other hand, it’s really early in the drama. So, he could truly not have any emotion connected to her yet. I’m more leaning towards the first option though. I really think he only said those words as a defense mechanism because he doesn’t know how to process his emotions yet.
Wow, I knew that Dongfang Qing Cang had it hard as a child to get rid of his emotions, but until Orchid took them both back to see his father and ask him questions, I didn’t truly connect the dots. After that, I truly truly have this big feeling of just empathy and pity almost for QingCang. He went through so much as a kid and his final like rite of passage was killing his own father. After all these years though, I’m really glad that Orchid brought them to talk. I think it was a different perspective for both him and his father to see eachother in a different light. I don’t think QingCang’s father is a bad man, he just has to protect the tribe and the only way to do it was to make his son the best ruler. I actually started feeling sympathy for the dad when he rolled that wooden ball and QingCang didn’t roll it back. I genuinely feel like he had emotions, it was just for power reasons he couldn’t show them. I also love how we can see QingCang’s growth in character when talking to his dad. The fact that he chose to live with the pain and regret of emotions and love rather than to cancel them out again and kill his father again shows his true growth. At the beginning he was all “emotions suck”, but now he recognizes the importance of holding memories and emotions, both good and bad. Orchid is truly such a good partner though, I love how genuine she is for QingCang and how much she genuinely cares for him. QingCang is also that character that appears bad, but is always there to support Orchid, no matter what. He doesn’t realize it yet, but he’s started to rely on Orchid emotionally. I love when they were kneeling together in the grass field with Dongfang Qing Cang breaking down and realizing he doesn’t blame his father anymore. Honestly, in episode 18, I really like Qing Cang’s attitude and decisions when it comes to his brother and I’m so glad his brother came to his senses and realized that QingCang wasn’t the enemy…you could tell he felt guilty that he has been turning against QingCang when he in fact suffered the most out of everyone. I’m glad that they now seem like they are working together and QingCang gave him a second chance. (although, I sort of already knew when QingCang took those lightning hits for his brother that he still has soft spots for certain people)
Yes, Orchid isn’t just the flower plant fairy that everyone thinks she is. The aura when she harnessed her seal and revealed that she was the Goddess of Qishan. I loved the way Yu Shuxin acted with her eyes during that moment, it just gave off a powerful mood. Not only that, but the confession finally came in episode 26. Orchid sacrificed her ability to return home for good in order to protect QingCang. Then, when he asked why she did that, their kiss that they shared definitely locked in the fact that they like each other. No words were said yet, but actions speak louder than words. Orchid has always stood up for QingCang and defended his characters against those that try to speak bad, so her saving him and sacrificing her own home just shows how much she cares. When Orchid went into that cave for Dongfang QingCang to prove that she can be the Moon Queen, that was really moving. Qingcang’s own actions of suffering through the pain with her was also really moving. I also liked how we got to see Qingcang’s brother show his caring side in that he never wanted Orchid to suffer in the first place, it was just a threat for her not to become the queen.
Changheng deserves better too. God of War being able to give up that position because he doesn’t want violence anymore. If he was in love with any other girl than Orchid, they would instantly be at his feet. I really like him and Danyin together, I hope they get a happy ending. Danyin was ready to give up her life in exchange for Changheng’s. But, for Orchid, QingCang is the right man for her. She has romantic feelings for him, so that’s all that’s needed. I loved the scene with QingCang giving his speech to his people of the Moon Tribe expressing how important Orchid is to him. But he also took responsibility for failing to bring back those soldiers. QingCang is rlly a good leader.
Orchid literally saving everyone in episode 31. I knew this scene was coming, so that could be a reason, but I wasnt as sad as I thought. I did shed a few tears, but maybe it’s bc I know this story is a HE, I was honestly more proud. Orchid sacrificed herself, but saved all those soldiers and stopped the battle and gave the primordial spirit of that lady master back. The only part I got really sad at was when Changheng had tears and that last scene with Qingcang holding her in his arms. But, there’s still like 5 episodes to go, so I know she’s going to come back.
Changheng and Goddess Xiyun’s conversation where she revealed that she’s going to die in the end and she’s okay with that and asking Changheng to help her. It reveals that she is still in love with Dongfang Qingcang, but she just has to pretend to protect him. To protect him from Taisui, she is ready to sacrifice herself and keep up this act. This would be the second time now. Now, when that theme song pops up, I know something big is about to happen. Qingcang is going to sacrifice himself for her this time. Anytime that song pops up, they are showing their love for each other in some tragic and powerful way.
The ending was okay. It was a good ending, powerful ending. But, it’s nothing special. Like, I didn’t feel any strong emotions for or against any characters in the final episode. Honestly, I was rooting for and applauding the side characters’ growth the most. I liked the scene when Lord Yunfeng and the Black Dragon came to help Shuiyuntian fight against Tai Sui. I thought that character growth was really nice as it shows the changed mindset of the Moon Tribe when it comes to the fairies. I was also wanting more of the Black Dragon and Jieli’s relationship because I really like the Black Dragon’s character. And then Dongfang Qing Cang comes back within the last 5 seconds magically and the drama ends. Like, no close up with their relationship so a little bit disappointing on that end. Just felt rushed.
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He is a cold, emotionless being who knows only destruction. His very gaze can strike fear, but Orchid’s gentle spirit begins to melt his icy heart. What starts as a reluctant bond evolves into a profound connection, proving that true love can break curses, heal wounds, and transcend any divide—no matter the status or background.
Visually, the series is a feast for the eyes. The costumes and hairstyles are stunning, from the shimmering beads in Xiao Lanhua’s hair to DongFang Qing Cang’s regal golden crown. Every element feels rich and meticulously crafted.
The lead actors elevate the entire story. Dylan Wang embodies DongFang Qing Cang with magnetic presence, balancing strength and vulnerability. Esther Yu brings charm and warmth to Orchid, making her both lovable and radiant. Together, their chemistry builds an epic, emotional, and unforgettable romance.
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Good story, annoying FL
Dylan did an amazing job with his acting. Loved his character.Only thing I found annoying was the FL. She was dumb and naive and caused lot of problems and back and forth issues.
I wonder what ML saw in her.
The actress was clearly a voice actress. Lot of sounds she made you can hear them back in Chinese games.
Also, the body switch was fine 1 one time. But FL made the continue body switches stupid..
The devil could’ve finished many enemies and calamities and issues long ago if not for the fairy.
It’s also hard to watch she wants to do everything to change him and stop him.
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The only drama i have rewatched not just once but so many times
Thats how good it is. The chemistry is superb i thought i wont like the FL at first but the maturity of their character evolved so fast and deeply. Kudos to Dylan Wang for acting so well as Dfqc. His facial expressions are so on point.The storyline is great. Love, Loyalty, compassion thats what guys should learn from this evil guy 🤭.
Supporting roles are also really good , i like the friendship between dfqc and shang que, frienemies bet. Dfqc and cheng heng. All of them are really pretty and handsome.
The soundtracks are all so good especially Jue Ai and everytime dfqc will appear in a fight.
Just watch it and u will not know what im talking about lols
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Audio Visual feast! Best MV!
XunFeng and Shengyue are the best characters for me, one for logic and other for pure heart.Many times I was chuckling and giggling for DFQC, not at Xiao Lan hua, Orchid is blindly devoted whether to Chenghang or to DFQC, it was hard for me to get an understanding of her thinking process.
Don't know why, from the beginning, I was with DFQC, seriously believing he should be the ruler of all three realms, maybe that's why I liked XunFeng so much always resonating with XunFeng
Didn't like the parts where she calls him Wooden head!! Really, everytime i heart that i want to kill her just like XunFeng
it was plot written that she is the saviour, and she saves and gets saved, all for DFQC.
Music choices were really an art, the sad and the happy, those decision making moments, everyday with music is an amazing MV
Jilin is too annoying for me, Didn't like this character at all
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GRUMPY X SUNSHINE
Overall 8/10🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved the dynamic between the main leads, it is so fun to watch!
Grumpy X Sunshine trope, Forbidden Love trope along with swapped bodies! haha
The drama is visually gorgeous and the characters are all so special to me (those directly to do with Orchid and Dongfang Qingcang).
Be prepared to cry nearing the end as it gets really intense and emotional. Esther Yu, my girl does not disappoint and I really enjoyed seeing Dylan act alongside her! Chinese OSTs never cease to amaze me, honestly it just leaves me in awe every time. There is a moment at the end of episode 18 that is unforgettably cute!
Overall very enjoyable however the ending felt a bit washed out? It just felt like sacrifices happened for no reason and honestly I prefer a well written sad ending over a nonsensical happy ending for the sake of a happy ending.
(Shangque my cutie 🐉 also the hanfu are so incredibly pretty here, every piece Esther wears is just absolutely stunning on her.)🤍
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This review may contain spoilers
good story and romance!
I liked this! I was craving anything remotely similar to Alchemy of Souls, and I found this. I think this is the first CDrama I’ve ever watched lol. But what a great introduction!The first thing that really drew me in was the production and visual aesthetics of the set. The imagery is so so beautiful. I also reallly enjoyed the acting here! Especially Esther Yu and Dylan Wang. Their chemistry was amazing and I loved orchid and dongfang qiangcang together.
The plot felt somewhat predictable, but there were still a few twists and turns that made things enjoyable to watch. Like I did not expect Jieli’s betrayal lol. But I think the way characters acted made sense and there weren’t any glaring loose threads that still needed to be tied up by the end.
I also enjoyed Danyin’s character/the actress’s performance— at first was giving mean girl but I liked her arc overall. I wish her being half moon tribe half fairy tribe and being sisters with Jieli would’ve been explored more but ig after the truce and also wrapping up the story in 36 eps it makes sense they didn’t do that.
I went into this thinking 36 episodes was so long but once I started I literally could not stop and now I wish there were more episodes lol.
But yeah back to Orchid/DFQC their progression and love story is one I won’t forget. It lived up to the hype for sure
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This review may contain spoilers
"hero will sacrifice their lover to save world but villain will sacrifice world to save their lover"
This series was highly anticipated, but it didn’t fully deliver for me. Xiao Lan Hua’s character grew on me, and I appreciated seeing her develop beyond her childish antics, but her transformation into a stoic, mature goddess felt sudden and somewhat forced. DongFang Qing Cang was compelling, with a complex, morally grey character arc. The supporting cast was excellent, and their stories—including the villain’s—often felt more engaging than the main OTP imo. It was refreshing to see characters who were multi-dimensional, and I’m glad the supporting cast wasn’t unnecessarily killed off.The special effects were impressive and wonderfully done! However, the plot was fairly predictable and relied on familiar tropes, albeit used reasonably to advance the story. Overall, I enjoyed the series, but I don’t see myself rewatching it. I would have liked to see a mature, self-aware, and cunning female lead paired with the typical xianxia male lead.
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que final foi esse???
Na minha visão, a série começou bem, apesar da protagonista feminina ser MUITO burra e fofa de forma extremamente exagerada.De verdade eu achei o romance extremamente lento, eu não sabia qual era a relação deles o tempo todo, e não senti avanço nenhum mesmo quando eles estavam quase se casando, e esse problema do avanço da relação não foi só com o casal protagonista, mas senti isso com o casal secundario também, de verdade eu não pude dizer quando que eles começaram a amar um ao outro.
O final foi extremamente decepcionante e acho que para todos, o que diabos fez o donfang qincang ressuscitar? Ele simplesmente apareceu das cinzas DO NADA e disse "voltei", como diabos eles voltou? O casal secundario também não foi lá muito diferente, no final mais parece que eles só aparecem de enfeite para ocupar tempo de tela.
De verdade, todos o cdramas que eu vi eu posso falar quando que os protas começaram a se amar, e quando que eles ressuscitaram, exceto essa.
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It was an interesting foray into the world of Wuxia
I don't remember watching any series of this kind before, but thanks to a user who loves this genre, and also Dylan Wang, I started watching Chinese series, especially those with actor Dylan Wang.It took me a while to understand the "language" of this type of series, but I have to admit that it caught me and I unexpectedly enjoyed it a lot.
I hope what I write doesn't interfere with what others have written, as I haven't read any other reviews.
What I particularly liked were the metaphors used and actually transposed into fantastical things, such as the fact that he could sense when she was depressed, happy, or afraid, which led him to do everything possible to improve her condition, by all possible means and to protect her. Her changing emotions, which he could feel just as she did, were something that particularly disturbed him. When she cried, his tears flowed too. I really liked the idea.
Now I think I'll be able to watch Wuxia series with one of my favorite actors, Deng Lun.
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Movies that are on the list of recommendations for re-watching
I really like this drama, especially in the music section, but I don't really like it when too many scenes are played with music, there are some scenes that don't need music,and the whole of this drama in my opinion is almost perfect, one of the best dramas I've ever watched, but I'm still looking for the title of the flute played by Runghao hahaha, thank you so much for making this drama,If you know the title of the flute played by Runghao, please tell me, I really want to listen to it and include it in my music collection, I think the strains make me feel calm when I hear itWas this review helpful to you?
