Mysterious Lotus Casebook

Best drama of 2023

Just completed it. Cheng yi looks extra handsome here. i loved this trio. They played their roles very very well. Story and every episodes case solving they nailed it. I really love this kind of wuxia drama where are enough fighting, comedy, pain everything is well combined and entertaining. Surely going to rewatch this again after a few weeks. Don't miss this drama if you like to watch wuxia dramas like me.

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EDIT: BRILLIANT

EDIT AFTER FINISHING THE DRAMA:
I certainly don't regret the subscription fee in the app. My points in the first version of this review still stand (read below). Everything had it's logic, no gut punching turning tides events for the sake of dramatisation, very nicely paced, keeps you glued to the screen. I especially appreciate Wanmian's character, you go girl!!! The character and actor of Di Fei Sheng (thank you so much to casting directors, I LOVE to see Xiao Shun Yao like this). There's an extra small episode in iqiyi app, but you don't really need to watch it, it doesn't add much to the ending. Although I would've appreciated a happy happy ending, the ending they wrote was understandable. Personally, this drama is up there on my list with the best ones on my list. I hope this writers team will do more dramas like this in the future.

Original review I wrote after watching 10 EPs, unedited:
I've watched 10 episodes so far and boy, I'd binge this in one day if I could but I don't have the time for that lol.
Storyline is catchy so far, great cliff hangers which make you want to watch another episode. Some cliff hangers spread even through two episodes which I like, it's a smart move.
I've watched many series and dramas from many countries, so some mysteries are a little see-through for me but it's fine. It's good that the writers put the storyline logically.
I like that there aren't crazy fast movements from one location to another, no big storyline jumps, just a normal pace for when you want to chill while watching.
The only annoying thing so far is the immense amount of Fang Duobing's lines, like he's talking TOO much in some places, but I guess it's part of the charm of his character.
Two of my favourite things so far - Xiao Shun Yao is one of the main characters and he finally has screen time!
And most importantly THERE'S A DOG AND HE SHOWED UP REGULARLY IN THE SERIES.

I'll let you know my final rating once I'm finished :-)

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Absolutely amazing story with one major issue

The best Cdrama I've ever seen. The story is really complex, you have to pay a lot of attention even on the little details so it can be a little bit hard for the first time, but it's very interesting, filled with lot of emotions. And even though there is a major plot twist, you can watch it multiple times.

Some people are angry about Li Xiangyi basically giving up on his life, but I think he wanted to erase the selfishness he suffered from. Even though he talks about his past self being arrogant, and selfish in reality he wasn't. But he is feeling that so he chose his path to be like this. I really liked how Li Xiangyi's and Li Lianhua's character was very different but still really similar to each other.
Forgiving the person who ruined his life by poisoning him was a little bit annoying but it's his life, his choice.

Fang Doubing was a little bit arrogantat the beginning but he wasn't full of himself at all. He always wanted to help others and his character development showed how much he doesn't resembles to his father.

Even though I gave 10 points to everything I had only 1 big problem with the story: Bicha poison.
It's so annoying we only know one thing about this poison: it's uncurable. But still we know nothing about how did the Demon lord made it. It seems to be a little bit stupid to make a poison without an antidote but still, it could have been used much more. Except for Li Xiangyi we never heard about anyone else who was poisoned with it. If it's the deadliest poison why didn't they use it more? Instead they are using Nanyin's poison wuxin huai which can be cured (for example De Feisheng). It would be much better to talk more about why is this poison so deadly, and to be honest why is it so rare they never made it again. For example they could have said it can be made only once bc it needs something so rare to make it. We didn't get answer for this.

Except this this series is really the best I've seen so far.

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THE MOST INCREDIBLE WUXIA DRAMA I'VE EVER WATCHED

This is really good! I'm lost for words!! Usually I really skip scenes but this one, I didn't skip anything and sometimes I repeat scenes coz I want more!! (Specially the dance LXY had!! It was soooo mesmerizing ugh!!) EVERYTHING IS REALLY GOOD HERE! The actors, actings, osts, storyline, the plot and settings! It was perfect (well atleast imo hehe)

If you are hesitating to start coz there's no romance, you better start it nowwwww!! You don't really need romance to make the drama incredible (imo hehe) And I love the friendship here!!! It was beautiful and tbh I want someone like xiaobao in my lifetoo coz he is a keeper!!! I wanna keep him!! TT

I LOVE IT!! THAT'S IT! AND I WANNA REWATCH IT!! ❤️❤️

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Can we release our inner Li Xiangyi and embrace the Li Lianhua within us?

I haven't written any reviews before, so please forgive me if this one comes across as a bit "sentimental." But I can't help it; my feelings for this incredible drama are overflowing, and I truly hope that everyone else can experience the same joy I have.

This is a wuxia drama that's packed with action and filled with intriguing mystery-solving cases. These cases gradually unravel the profound mysteries of Li Lianhua/Li Xiangyi's world, on life, friendship, and the struggle he face. The story is an enjoyable ride, largely thanks to the laid-back and charismatic character of Li Lianhua. His perspective on the world, his values, and his journey towards redemption are truly captivating.

In between, there's the pursuit of youthful spirit, Fang Dou Bing and the rivalry spirit, Di Fei Sheng. It's Li Lianhua who remains the central focus. Their interactions build a beautiful foundation of friendship, understanding, loyalty and unwavering support.

Ultimately, what this story conveys to me is the importance of letting go of things that are beyond our control. It encourages us to find the courage to forgive and forget. It emphasizes the value of friendship and loyalty. It delves into the internal struggles that all humans face in their daily lives. The question it poses is profound: Can we release our inner Li Xiangyi and embrace the Li Lianhua within us?

I ended my review with the quote below.

" The battle at the East Sea ten years ago was on this day. 27th of the twelfth month. It is today. I didn't expect after fighting to the death ten years ago, ten years later, we'd be drinking together like this. That day...That year... The moon that year was not as bright as today. The moon that year was just like today. It was just like today. Li Xiangyi is dead. But his sword is not dead." - LLH and DFS (in the wedding room of JLQ)

" Everyone in this world only wanted a divine god Li Xiangyi who could do anything, but at least there was someone who treated me as ordinary person Li Lianhua, persistently without fail. Then, that is enough." - LLH to FDB (off-screen - script excerpt, not in the drama)

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MLC - Mystery filled with Legendary Characters.

An Epic series my current no.1 non romantic drama. I dont usually write reviews but this one forced me to write. This is an underrated gem i feel, it deserves hype and popularity among more international audience so tht they can savour and appreciate this beauty cause i myself had no clue and just stumbled into this legit great wuxia adventure that just brings on addiction from the get go till the last episode. Those who dont watch spoilers it just has right amount of twists. The Mystery cases also has a good no. of clues but requires lot of guesswork but it is explained in detail and those are legit and believable ones.
Before going into the actors lets take a moment to appreciate the production. So many tiny tiny details i literally had to go through so many comments and rewatch for those. The color textures, accessories, scenery all are simple and classic and top notch. Its a diff world tht wants us to dive into it.
Next the OST chefs kiss, so smooth and relatable to the storyline and my fav liu yuning opening theme is just fab. The songs all contribute to the feeling of belonging and connection to the storyline.

Thn the actors and acting
Sorry but xiao rijin was not only an irritating annoying character but the actors acting was also not very appealing.

Qiao mian lxys ex lover atleast she had conscience atlast the only episode i appreciated her was her breakup with the lead and taking back leadership, its just tteotm her character left so stinky taste in my mouth i am not able to see her as an acter and again her crying face here just reminds her bitch face thr in tteotm i thnk the actress shd try modern drama for a while till people forget her stint in tteotm or else the influence will srill be there.

Sxy - she was a breath of fresh air in the nerve cracking serious mystery though it wad one sided crush , she respected lxy boundaries and helped him when ever necessary, it was a cute character

Fo bi bai shi - the elders of the sigu sect are just stupid people i guess being detectives they couldnt find lxy and they forgave bique for poisoning their leader later made a scene of executing him, though they all loved lxy its just the storyline msde me wary towards them.

Jiao liqao - sick poisonous beauty honestly she is the kind of third person i want in any drama , instead of a dumb not beautiful actress just to seperate the mainleads ,rather someone who truly loves and ml in a sick way her acting is so perfect tht we can hate her or love her no in between. Somewhr i wouldnt have minded her marrying dfs and having llh as side concubine, just kiddin. But her ambition to control the top 2 powerful man in history in applaud worthy.

Di fei sheng or my cutie A fei - no words just the right amount of gray in the black and white world. The anti hero kind. His backstory was nice tht it had a continuation and ending in the present time. That swag after he recovered fro weeping guyanin . And his true respect for lxy and extended fdb is appreciated. My voice chocked whn his emotions bubbled over him killing jiao liqao the first woman he slew. He is a decent guy and the middle stint without his memories as A fei even tht time he was praiseworthy cunning and demanding favor for a secret. Want to see more of this masculine actor as a male lead soon and hope this character becomes an inspiration to future drama writers.

Fang doubing - or xiaobao as I and llh likes it , joseph zheng played this character really well and xiaobao's character is the one that had max character growth, from a spoiled rich kind hearted curious irresponsible and shifu's child to a man full of responsibilities, determination, hope and experience filled wanderer each teaching him a lesson and fondness to those who deserve it. From being stubborn and stupid to becoming LLH's confident and first friend having that understanding and supporting when ever needed that brotherhood is something more thn just master disciple. Even after getting to know llh is lxy he still called him llh which just shows tht he is true to their present relationship nothing of the past matters. And his calmness and the villainous reveal of sgd was not really surprising but pleasantly welcomed Tianji manor with his mom and aunt both were really good characters and his bonding towards them also showed. I loved tht kid fangxiao bao but at the end i admired fdb who had bested lxy's shifu ,created his own swordplay, stood up against his dad after knowtowing, and also not running away from the princess instead understanding responsibility and her affection. He is one of a kind.

Li lian hua or li xiangyi - i fall short of words describing him , please watch the series and you will understand this guy is nothing short, truly majestic who made us all fall in love with his character and the one tht made me crave cheng yi's acting. Both actor and character deserve 100% standing ovation so freaking good.

I just want to delete the whole series and rewatch it without knowing the ending.

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A MUST WATCH (It's a masterpiece)

After being in a drama slump for a while, I picked up this drama due to the comments saying it was worth watching. Now, I usually prefer romance in dramas, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a drama without it. This drama is amazing from beginning to end.

I do admit that I had to push through some episodes in the beginning, but I later realized that they were necessary for build-up and development of the plot. After episode 20, I was on my toes and invested the whole time. Even in the last episodes, I got goosebumps from the plot twists during the denouement.

Li Xiang Yi/Li Lian Hua is a thoroughly fleshed out character. His selflessness made him neither pitiful nor foolish. He had his own reasons and goals. He is smart and powerful, but also so so kind. He has had a very hard life, so it is not surprising he doesn't want to return to his old life. Whether he ultimately passed away or lived on a little more in the end, I'm sure he was at his own peace of mind.

Fang Xiao Bao might be my favorite character (to be fair, I think LXY, FXB, and DFS are all my favorites). He grew so much since the beginning of the drama until the end. I know he's going to become a martial arts legend. I saw some people in the comments saying he was annoying, but I never thought so. He is young and new to the martial world. He's the ray of sunshine and hope in the trio. I'm also happy with how things went with the princess... my romance-loving heart was rooting for them!

Di Fei Sheng was never the villain. But I think that is obvious to all viewers. Our A-fei is righteous and has a clear understanding of right and wrong. I would think that he was the pure/cute one in the friend group, if anything. If there's one thing I can understand about Jiao Li Qiao, is her feelings for DFS. I mean, he's really a good guy at heart (and handsome), I would've fallen for him too.

Their friendship was everything to me. I wish hugging was more of a thing in wuxias, because damn, I need a group hug from them so bad. Li Lian Hua, Fang Duo Bing, Di Fei Sheng... in another life, I hope you guys can become friends and roam the world together happily and healthily!!!

Truly a beautiful drama, and a must-watch. It is a soul-crushing and soul-healing experience ;,)

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One of the best 2023 drama

I started watching this because of Cheng Yi and I never regreted starting this! Such an amazing cast and they acting skills was really good too. Loved the 3 main role actors chemistry. The beginning of the drama was exciting and I couldn't wait for LLH and FDB to meet.

They worked then together on the cases. Loved to see each cases they solved and then another mystery is uncovered. For me it was just the perfect drama to watch after I get home from work. The ending was not the best for LLH but then in the extra episodes LLH wasn't dead.

Seeing JZ for the first time I'm in love with him. He is just such an amazing actor! CY as expected nailed this drama too with his amazing acting skills. I've never seen XSY before too but he played his role with full heart.

Will reach this drama many many times and will be my number 1 2023 drama this year!

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A perfect mix of Martial Arts, Emotions, Mystery and Suspense

The friendship between Li Lianhua, Fang Duobing and Di Feisheng is truly special, as three people who would otherwise never meet work together due to circumstances, becoming the most unlikely trio in this story.
Watching them embark on their journey together, grow to love each other and be there for each other in every situation is truly an eye-opener. We as humans can learn so much from these three - because nothing is as it seems.

Each episode was so thrilling and exciting that you could hardly wait to see the next episodes. The story had so many twists and turns that even normal situations turned out to be different than we would have expected.
This story has the perfect mix of martial arts, emotions, friendship, mystery and suspense.

Cheng Yi delivered as he always does. When he plays a role, he plays it to the very bitter end and makes sure that we can feel the emotions of the character himself. If you know his dramas, you will immediately understand what is being referred to. No one else is capable of playing such a tragic role.

I have seen Zeng Shunxi in many other dramas and I must admit that his portrayal of the young hero Fang Duobing is on point and he portrays the young, naive, rich character who doesn't have that much life experience yet very well.

Xiao Shunyao did an excellent job of bringing Di Feisheng to life and making us realise that for Di Feisheng, Li Xiang Xi/Li Lianhua is his absolute number one and he is determined to keep him alive, at any possible cost. Even if he doesn't admit it and instead always puts forward the reason to fight with him or against him one last time to find out who is the better martial artist.

The actors worked hard for the action scenes, and you can tell. The behind-the-scenes footage shows us exactly how much everyone has trained in advance to prepare for their roles in order to deliver an ultimate martial arts experience.

The staging, production design and costume designers have gone to great lengths to show the difference between the ruling dynasty and the Nanyin Empire. It is obvious at first glance who belongs where.
They have also given the characters from the Blood Empire characteristics that distinguish them from the ruling dynasty.
They have brought Lianhua's house to life with great attention to detail, which he travels around in. The house is somewhat reminiscent of ‘Howl's Moving Castle’, even though Li Lianhua's house is pulled by horses.
Each sword is different from the other, which also hides clues to the different characters and their behaviour - the formerly arrogant Li Xiangyi (the hilt of his sword is elaborately crafted, the second sword should go unmentioned as it hides a very tragic story), the simple-minded Di Feisheng (single-edged sabre) and the rich Fang Duobing (his sword is elaborate, with a very expensive jade pendant and marked with the family name).
The more Li Lianhua's illness progresses, the more his clothes and especially his hair sticks change. These show that his health is deteriorating. Where vibrant colours once played an important role, they are gradually replaced by calmer colours. The fabrics used for the hanfu are also changing. Where once light and supple fabric was used, over time it becomes less elegant and much simpler - sometimes it could even be described as a little rough. His hair sticks were once lotus flowers, which were gradually replaced by the lotus root or by the leaves, which were slowly dying off. On the one hand, it could mean going back closer to the origin (ashes to ashes), but it could also mean that he has shed his former arrogance and prefers simpler hair sticks.
In Fang Duobing's case, his clothes are designed to suit the noble, rich gentlemen and he carries an extremely expensive jade stone attached to his belt, which he inherited from his mother when he was a baby. His clothing also reflects the high status of his family and, above all, the fact that he is in no way inferior to his fiancée, the princess, in financial terms.
Di Feisheng's clothing is adapted to his combative nature so that he can move quickly at all times and show off his superior qigong skills.

As for the OST, I have to say that whenever Liu Yuning and Modeng Xiongdi have provided the soundtrack, I've always been absolutely thrilled by the story and, of course, by their music

In general, I really liked the OST in the drama, which is why the drama is perfectly rounded off by the OST for me.

Of course, the storyline isn't perfect, but it's the characters and the twists and turns in the story that captivate us. Rarely have I watched a drama in which it was so difficult to tell what was right and what was wrong - are we perhaps completely misjudging? We only really knew what was true and what wasn't at the end - in the end I was absolutely wrong, because everything turned out differently than I had initially assumed.

The Impossible Trio shows that friendships are always possible, no matter who you are: whether you were once foes, whether you've met someone new, whether you're rich or poor - a person's background is absolutely irrelevant and we should give everyone a chance. This story conveys the idea of never being too quick to judge a person, but to get to know them first, because sometimes people can surprise one another.

I hope that everyone will enjoy this drama as much as I did.

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A drama worth your while.

Despite knowing how actor Cheng Yi's dramas typically end, I still hoped he would not die here. The ending was open, but it implied something. This drama gave me a different feeling. He was always misunderstood. He was betrayed but, he kept going. He served justice. He forgave. He let go. Li Lianhua's character was sincerely amazing. A very well written character, I must say. He didn't seem to have flaws. He was matured, understanding and forgiving. His former self, Li Xiangyi, was proud but firm. Li Lianhua's main strength was mental, Li Xiangyi's was physical. Fang Doubing/Xiaobao was also a charming character. His sense of justice was astounding. Di Feisheng was pretty interesting. No wonder Jiao Liaqiao was so obsessed.🤣🤣🤣

Anyway, the three faces of this story, Li Lianhua/Xiangyi, Fang Xiaobao/Doubing and Di Feisheng/Fei are all great characters. The author seemed to have carefully thought how the characters would grasp the heart of the audience. Another thing worth mentioning is the twist towards the end (ep 39). That had me taken aback! Just wow! I also love to watch how people repent and work together for a peaceful future. Although many characters have little screentime, the plot of the story was still flawless. Great work! Congratulations!

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