Must watch part 1 !!! :) aka chapter 1 also refers to as part 1 ... Politics, Historical fiction, and a sprinkle of romance. It is not something to miss out on. You will love it!!!!
I WATCHED THIS ONE SIDE BY SIDE WHILE WAITING FOR JOL EPISODES.
The ingenious one is a pretty good series to watch after JOL.
Ml has hidden identity
Ml is an expert in manipulation or instigating others..
He's revenge driven.
Basically it's A chess game for him the pieces are the people.
FL also is very smart, manipulative, one plus point she's an expert in poison nd martial arts.
A must watch for people who love mind games or battle of wits
The ingenious one is a pretty good series to watch after JOL.
Ml has hidden identity
Ml is an expert in manipulation or instigating others..
He's revenge driven.
Basically it's A chess game for him the pieces are the people.
FL also is very smart, manipulative, one plus point she's an expert in poison nd martial arts.
A must watch for people who love mind games or battle of wits
Male lead in both dramas are extremely smart and both shows are just full of surprising and shocking events. It's just that Joy Of Life has more comic and funny scenes where as Nirvana In Fire has a very serious and tight plot. If you wanna watch a perfect drama with almost no flaw regarding costume,set up,story or anything NIF is the defination of perfection. JOL might not be that perfect and accurate in terms of costumes and the seriousness but I must say both dramas are equally important to me and if you are really into c-dramas looking for something really good please please do miss any of these. The most important thing about both the dramas is that they have got the best actors of the industry and I mean it. It will not disappoint you.
Both Joy of Life and The Guardians of the Dafeng masterfully blend political intrigue, sharp wit, and unforgettable characters, making them standouts in the historical drama genre. Both feature intelligent, charismatic male leads — Fan Xian and Xu Qi’an — who navigate corrupt courts and dangerous hierarchies armed with brains, humor, and a knack for outsmarting those in power. Each story thrives on clever dialogue, layered worldbuilding, and that rare mix of intense political maneuvering and laugh-out-loud absurdity. You’ll find plenty of mystery-solving, moral dilemmas, and that satisfying “chess game” dynamic where every smile hides a strategy.
Where they differ lies in tone and emotional weight. Joy of Life leans darker and more cynical — it’s a biting reflection on how little human life matters in the pursuit of power, laced with tragedy beneath its humor. The Guardians of the Dafeng, on the other hand, keeps things lighter and more adventurous. It balances high-stakes politics with a playful energy, tight-knit teamwork, and bursts of comedy that make the heavy moments easier to bear. If Joy of Life makes you flinch and think, The Guardians of the Dafeng makes you grin and cheer — two sides of the same brilliant, politically charged coin.
Where they differ lies in tone and emotional weight. Joy of Life leans darker and more cynical — it’s a biting reflection on how little human life matters in the pursuit of power, laced with tragedy beneath its humor. The Guardians of the Dafeng, on the other hand, keeps things lighter and more adventurous. It balances high-stakes politics with a playful energy, tight-knit teamwork, and bursts of comedy that make the heavy moments easier to bear. If Joy of Life makes you flinch and think, The Guardians of the Dafeng makes you grin and cheer — two sides of the same brilliant, politically charged coin.
Deep Lurk has fast paced plot, everyone is smart and scheming, not to say most of them are secret agents and have double identity, haha..
Its also so trilling, so many strategies, traps and actions... little talk.
Chess game nicely done just like JOL, just in different era.
If you like brain burning drama, try it out, you will definitely love it.
Its also so trilling, so many strategies, traps and actions... little talk.
Chess game nicely done just like JOL, just in different era.
If you like brain burning drama, try it out, you will definitely love it.
Both MLs are Smart, Charismatic, and Witty
Both MLs go from Weak to Strong
Both contain elements of Romance, Political Intrigue, Wuxia, Adventure, Time Travel
In ASITP Hong Siu Long who is from 21st century-Hong Kong travels back into the past during the Warring States Period in China.
In JOL Fan Xian is born in the ancient empire of Southern Qing with memories of the 21st century.
ASITP is Darker than JOL
Overall ASITP is a fun and entertaining drama on par with JOL
Both MLs go from Weak to Strong
Both contain elements of Romance, Political Intrigue, Wuxia, Adventure, Time Travel
In ASITP Hong Siu Long who is from 21st century-Hong Kong travels back into the past during the Warring States Period in China.
In JOL Fan Xian is born in the ancient empire of Southern Qing with memories of the 21st century.
ASITP is Darker than JOL
Overall ASITP is a fun and entertaining drama on par with JOL
JOY OF LIFE AND SWORD SNOW STRIDE FALL INTO SAME GENRE (STORY / CHAR WISE / PLOT TYPE)
BOTH MLS PLAYED BYZHANG RUOYUN whose FAN XIAN(ML OF JOL) AND XU FENG NIAN (ML OF SSS) INCARNATE
BOTH MLS go from weak to strong, cunning, manipulative, eloquent, loyalty, witty, also have humor AND doesn't mind using their familial prestige with pride unlike many other mls.
Many badass fls in both Series. ( Both protagonist and antagonist side)
Morally Grey characters also present
Complex antagonists ( various)
Total new fantasy world building / kingdom
The storytelling of these Series is what's the main plus point
JOL WILL HAVE TOTAL 3 SEASONS ( 746 NOVEL CHAPTERS)
SSS WILL POSSIBLY HAVE 5+ SEASONS (2000 NOVEL CHAPTERS)
BOTH MLS PLAYED BYZHANG RUOYUN whose FAN XIAN(ML OF JOL) AND XU FENG NIAN (ML OF SSS) INCARNATE
BOTH MLS go from weak to strong, cunning, manipulative, eloquent, loyalty, witty, also have humor AND doesn't mind using their familial prestige with pride unlike many other mls.
Many badass fls in both Series. ( Both protagonist and antagonist side)
Morally Grey characters also present
Complex antagonists ( various)
Total new fantasy world building / kingdom
The storytelling of these Series is what's the main plus point
JOL WILL HAVE TOTAL 3 SEASONS ( 746 NOVEL CHAPTERS)
SSS WILL POSSIBLY HAVE 5+ SEASONS (2000 NOVEL CHAPTERS)
IF Y'ALL LOVED JOL YA WILL LOVE AOS TOO AND VICE VERSA
At first both MLS just wanted to live freely but eventually they had to take responsibilities.
Both mls have hidden identity.
Both MLS had to struggle and go through setbacks
Both MLS have a great sense of humour.
Both MLS go from weak to strongest.
Both MLS have many characters supporting them in their journey.
Both MLS have innate talent
Totally new fantasy World building
Unique storyline that are new and never made before.
At first both MLS just wanted to live freely but eventually they had to take responsibilities.
Both mls have hidden identity.
Both MLS had to struggle and go through setbacks
Both MLS have a great sense of humour.
Both MLS go from weak to strongest.
Both MLS have many characters supporting them in their journey.
Both MLS have innate talent
Totally new fantasy World building
Unique storyline that are new and never made before.
IF Y'ALL LOVED JOL YA WILL LOVE AOS TOO AND VICE VERSA
At first both MLS just wanted to live freely but eventually they had to take responsibilities.
Both mls have hidden identity.
Both MLS had to struggle and go through setbacks
Both MLS have a great sense of humour.
Both MLS go from weak to strongest.
Both MLS have many characters supporting them in their journey.
Both MLS have innate talent
Totally new fantasy World building
Unique storyline that are new and never made before.
At first both MLS just wanted to live freely but eventually they had to take responsibilities.
Both mls have hidden identity.
Both MLS had to struggle and go through setbacks
Both MLS have a great sense of humour.
Both MLS go from weak to strongest.
Both MLS have many characters supporting them in their journey.
Both MLS have innate talent
Totally new fantasy World building
Unique storyline that are new and never made before.
