Love in the Clouds

Amazing drama, absolutely loved it.

I adore this drama. Cast, acting, story, everything (except their 2 spirit animals’ looks in their animal form) was amazing.
It was literally a never ending cycle of sacrifice and it made me tear up so many times. I love how they changed everything and protected everybody. I do think that Situ Ling didn’t have to go down a bad hill (I’m kinda tired of second MlLs turning evil once the Fl rejects, it’s an overused plot line at this point) and Fuyue deserved better, an actual happy ending not one where she’s pining over her dead love.
Either ways, overall, this was genuinely so good, absolutely worth the watch.

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Poignant and engrossing

LOVE IN THE CLOUDS is the third fantasy in a row, starring Hou Ming Hao, that I’ve watched.

In each of the other two dramas, Hou Ming Hao played a demon of sorts, but neither of those characters was as dark, nor as multidimensional, as Ji Bozai. Both those dramas, while entertaining, had moments of gauzy meaninglessness.

The plot of this drama was solid and believable in a way the other two weren’t. Hou Ming Hao seemed more relaxed, more compelling, and altogether more likable as a human being in LOVE IN THE CLOUDS. The plot never deteriorated into terminal silliness, and the secondary characters were appealing and impressive.

I had a particular soft spot for Situ Ling, the FL’s rejected lover/villain–who pulled at my heartstrings, even as he descended into evil. (How did I know he was evil? His irises turned red, of course.)

The writers and director seemed to have a clear vision of where they wanted this story to go–and they took it there.

As usual, this wasn’t a perfect drama. Yes, it dragged a bit in places. And I found the FL’s lies and deceptions tiresome and not too convincing. The OST consisted of one particular melody, played over and over and OVER again. While it was a lovely piece of music, the repetition was annoying and tedious. Still, overall, a strong production.

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8/10, a review by characters and relationships.

To start, the leads Ming Yi and Ji Bo Zai:
I loved them at the start, them acting like a really annoying affectionate couple in public was taking me outtttt. As for when they really fell in love, that line that Bo Zai said to Ming Yi so that she'd stop lying to him will never leave my mind. "Being honest is actually not that hard." 😂😂😂 But they broke up and got back together too much for me, I think they take the cake for most breakups in a single historical C-Drama that I've ever seen.

Situ Ling and Fu Yue:
I really liked Situ Ling at first, he was actually my favorite character but then they gave him that Daenerys Targaryen storyline (which I did see coming) and he lost me there. As for Fu Yue, she was out of her mind staying beside him after he said "Her life is above mine." Who in they're right mind would stick beside a man that they like after he said that bs about another woman?!?!? I'm glad that she eventually left him though, even if it took 30 episodes.

Princess Tian Xi and Yan Xiao:
I LOVED Tian Xi, she was doing everything in her power to get things done, even though her power was limited. I think she would make a great protagonist, but her love interest would have to be literally anyone other than Yan Xiao. I hated him more than I hated the antagonists of this drama because of how he would talk to Tian Xi, oooooh was I satisfied when Yang Qiu punched him!! I wanted to beat his behind every time he even looked at Tian Xi, I can't curse on here but **** Yan Xiao! Tian Xi deserves better!!!

Bu Xiu and Er Shi Qi:
I seen the look in Bu Xiu's eyes when he looked at Er Shi Qi, and the face he made when he learned that Er Shi Qi was gone. 💔💔💔 They deserved a romantic storyline but we were robbed.

General comments:
1. Ji Bo Zai's life was deadass a series of unfortunate events like omg, I'm so shocked he didn't end up just tweaking and killing everyone.
2. I was very confused with the hierarchy of the realms, how is it that Yaoguang Mountain won the tournament for seven years straight but everybody and they mama was afraid of people from Zhushui Mountain...?
3. Empress of Yaoguang Mountain was dead wrong for that entire situation, she single handedly ruined everyone involved lives. That doesn't excuse Bo Yu Lan, because you have to be an actual psychopath to take your anger out on a newborn baby like that.

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Enjoyable, but the 2ML Just Made Everything Frustrating

This was a rollercoaster of emotions! My thoughts might come out a bit scattered, and remembering names isn't my strong suit, but here we go.

Pros:

The two main actors were incredible. Their chemistry was so smooth. If someone told me they weren't acting, I'd believe them without question. I watched the ML in Back from the Brink, and once again, the way his eyes make you feel every emotion is just masterful.

This is actually the first time a drama has made me genuinely fall in love with a character.

First, Situ Ling (the 2ML). In the beginning, he was so funny. He acted clueless but knew everything happening around him. Sadly, he became a victim of the writers' boring obsession with making him never get over the FL. Like, she does not care about you, bro! You have a whole fox down bad for you, committing crimes in your name! Personally, I will pretend he finally changed his mind, paid attention to Fox Lady, and they lived happily ever after. This plot reminded me of "In Blossom," where the 2ML also knew the FL's secret first, a trope I don't love, especially in how it's handled.

The first 11 episodes were a solid 10/10 in enjoyment. But halfway through, it started to feel frustrating, and I actually struggled to continue. Thankfully, it picked back up for me around episode 26.

Twenty-seven & Dragon: My favorite duo! I enjoyed their friendship way too much. I was heartbroken when Twenty-seven gave his power to the FL just so she could live longer (I don't remember exactly, but it was unexpected). I thought he was gone for good, so thank god he came back. Also, the way they styled this actor was so pleasing to the eye.

Favorite Characters:

Situ Ling: Before he got obsessed and annoying, he was fun.

Zhang Tai (FL's friend): Love her so much. My favorite arc was with the fox clan.

Princess of the Jixing Abyss: Annoying at first, but I came to love her as the drama progressed.

Chao An (I think? The fox guy who married Zhang Tai): Whoever styled him knew what they were doing! The makeup, everything looked ethereal. Sadly, he had to end up being a black-hearted red flag. Still love him, though.

The Funniest of All:
I can't remember his name, but the guy who was not sharp at all. He found the fake wedding invitation and spread it everywhere, one of the best moments! We don't get to see characters like him often. The time someone asked him what he'd do if the princess gave him poison, and he just replied, "She would never do that." So oblivious, but so funny!

It’s a shock to me how a show was able to grab my actual attention with so many characters. I don't get emotional easily, but this did it.

I also love that the FL was actually smart and could protect herself. In the big year of 2025, a capable FL still feels rare.

My Biggest Icks:

Situ Ling, Situ Ling. Did I mention Situ Ling?
He had Fox Lady yearning for him but never spared her a glance. I don't blame him; I blame the writers and their obsession with creating a 2ML the FL will never glance at, who exists only to save her when the ML cannot. That's the whole problem, he was just a plot device, nothing more. His decisions after a certain point felt wrong, as if he did them because the script said so, not because it felt natural for his character. In another life, he and Fox Lady are happily married...

The FL's Lying:
Girl, I get it. But Ji Bazoi, after a certain point, would have literally gotten on his knees for her, and she just kept digging her grave deeper. I was feeling the ML's pain through the screen! I understand dragging out the truth for plot, but the problem is it dragged out too long and became exhausting. I'm sure if the FL had just asked for the cure, he would have given it to her,(that's true, because at the end he did) he wouldn't want to see her in pain. But no, let's make everything worse in the name of stretching the story. There were so many points where the easiest solution was a simple conversation, but writers are always allergic to that.

These two issues were my biggest "hell no, when is this getting resolved?" moments. I ended up skipping all the continued Situ Ling pining scenes, as well as countless scenes of Lord Hanfeng's evil monologuing. Can we just resolve the damn thing already?

That’s the main reason I’d give the Story an 8/10. Those were my biggest icks.

Bonus:
That quote, "You are the morning sun that never sets," from Ji Bozai? Perfection.

The ending was pretty okay—no regrets. And I am never forgetting Chao An. If evil, why so hot?
My rating is 7/10 overall, mainly for the female lead character. Please, writers, write more female characters like Ming Yi!

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it sadly didn't live up to my expectations

I came across this drama in Tiktok where it was heavily hyped as “one of the best xianxia/xuanhuan" which caught my attention because it indeed shows potential. Also I just recently watched PoJ (which some claims that LITC is much better) so at this point I am really expecting a lot. After watching LITC tho, I have to admit that the bar is low lol. Nonetheless, I genuinely enjoyed parts of it as it does have its strengths.

First, the acting of the cast— especially the leads— truly saved this drama for me. However the script and overall character arc/development failed them significantly. If not for the undeniable chemistry between Lu Yuxiao and Hou Minghao, I wouldn't have been convinced by their love story, because what do you mean 25 episodes were spent with continuous lying and deception and unending miscommunication. Their relationship just felt stagnant rather than meaningful.

It frustrated me most that even at the last episodes, there's no depth and proper development with Ming Yi's character. I was waiting for a moment of realization or inner monologue where she understands that lying to Ji Bozai isn’t the solution when in fact he was clearly in love with her, enough to accept all of her. For me, that’s such a major turning point and would’ve added so much depth to their story. Ironically, this kind of development was actually seen between Tianji and Yan Xiao, which solidied their relationship a lot all while emphasizing how much MingZai was lacking. I just hate that MIngZai didn’t get the kind of development and growth they deserve.

And don’t get me started with Situ Ling/Chao Yuan’s character. I was really disappointed. I disliked how the writers forced him into the role of the “true villain” when he never felt like one. What should have been a powerful and emotionally layered plot twist turned out to be so underwhelming. Situ’s villain arc lacked depth and nuance, eventually reducing him to someone driven solely by obsession. Especially, I was expecting his father to be the grand villain after Qibai’s death but even him lacked depth. I honestly don’t know what went to the writers’ head and saw Situ, jumped right into making him as the “true villain” for plot twist, and just called it a day. I’ll forever mourn the wasted potential of Ming Yi and Situ’s bond which could have added so much more complexity of the story, especially with how their story started.

Overall, most of the characters just felt flat for me and I wasn’t able to connect and get attached with them. Despite the cast delivering convincing performances, the writing just failed to support them, making it hard for me to get truly emotionally invested. As much as I wanted to care for them, but with the way their characters were written made it difficult for me. The only moment that genuinely hit me hard was Ershiqi’s sacrifice, and even then, it only fully registered on me when Ming Yi reacted. Even major plot points at the end, where you’re supposed to be mind blown, like the baby-swapping revelation, felt more like a convenient plot devices rather than organic developments driven by characters themselves. While, the plot twist itself was convincing, it still lacked the emotional intensity it should have delivered.

I truly enjoyed the first few episodes, but it just felt dragging due to its pacing as well as the lack of depth of characters, which ultimately caused it to lose its grip on me midway. I wanted to love and grow attached to them but sadly, I couldn’t. That said, I still enjoyed certain parts of this drama, particularly the fight scenes- the one thing that the production did right— it was, if not, the strongest part of the drama. The cast truly performed exceptionally well the OST is genuinely moving.

In the end, I’d still rate this a solid 8, mainly because the casts ate and absolutely hard carried the drama despite its flawed script. For me, this drama definitely fits the description: "promising start, repetitive middle, and a mid ending" It had so much potential— how I just wish it was written and executed better. (If I were to rewatch this, it would definitely just be for the wholesome moments lol)

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Great Chemistry Between the Leads and Entertaining Premise . . .

This drama just drops you in right away. The world is thinly sketched out world and assumes you know the basic tropes of the genre.

What keeps you hooked is excellent chemistry between the leads and multiple stacked plot/mysteries:

1) When will it be revealed Ming Yi is actually the enemy?
2) How will both Ming Yi and Ji Bozai survive multiple poisonings and plots against them? Will they both be able to survive?
3) Who will confess their love first and how?

There's LOTS of angst, protectiveness, rescuing and a smattering of jealousy. Plus a good secondary romance as well. I also appreciated the theme that whatever trauma you suffered growing up, you still have a choice on your morals, ethics paths in life as an adult.

The costumes and settings are a bit more creative and unusual than other shows. I do wish they shot a bit more in the real world almost everything is CGI.

One of my favorite couples modeling an equal partnership, an entertaining watch even if it slows in the last 5-10 episodes. Highly recommend!

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Stayed for the men.

Seriously what a beautiful cast of men! Everyone from the ML, the evil obsessed general, the physician, the ADORABLE cat to even the SIFU are either good looking or lovable. A treat for the audiences for sure.

However, same can’t be said about the women with the exception of maybe Zhang Tai.

I was underwhelmed by Lu Yu Xiao as the FL. She didn’t sell it to me that she’s a once powerful warrior. She lacks the aura and martial arts (or dance) skills to pull it off and there’s something about her that doesn’t keep me engaged. I also fowarded most of the princess’ scenes unless she’s with the physician because her face acting is bad.

Story wise it’s not bad but I feel like it could’ve been so much more. Most of the time I felt like they’re just playing around while doing a skit.

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It Looks Repetitive But It Isn’t

After episode 20, it honestly feels like just another C-drama. The familiar setup appears: separation, sacrifice, misunderstandings that push the leads apart. For a moment, it seems like the same cycle we’ve seen countless times.

But stop — there’s more.

Unlike many earlier C-dramas where misunderstandings escalate into hurting each other, emotional damage or stubborn silence, this drama handles conflict differently. They don’t intentionally wound each other. Even when separated, they continue to protect and support one another.

The biggest shift is growth. The ML reflects. He allows others to point out that poor communication caused the misunderstanding — and instead of reacting with pride, he re-evaluates himself. That evolution is rare.

The distinction between love and toxic obsession is clearly drawn. When he asks her not to appear before him, she leaves immediately. Not out of weakness but respect and dignity. That moment defines mature love.

Their vulnerability arc is subtle but powerful. The ML initially sees the FL as noble and emotionally untouchable. She breaks that illusion by acknowledging she cannot live without him. While he sure takes his time and only was able to show his vulnerable side in his drunken confession it still will become the turning point that has unconcealed future emotional openness.

The supporting characters are thoughtfully written I can write a whole review for them and still my admiration for them won't be enough to put in the writing the FL’s father, Princess Tianyi, her loved one (this character lifts the drama alone), the comedic friend and the two male (whatever is it called). Each adds texture rather than filler.

The FL is emotionally more mature than the ML, and he recognizes it and grows.The villains work well, though slightly two-dimensional.

What seems predictable at first gradually reveals itself as an evolution of the genre — not by avoiding tropes, but by handling them with awareness and growth.

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Entertaining Start and then just…I Couldn’t Finish it bc it became too Sad and Frustrating.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first ~20 episodes even if there were times when the writing and magic aspects of the show seemed too convenient to the story’s development (like the scene about the marraige rock).

After the first ~20 episodes tho…the plot and characters make annoying decisions. I can even see where the writers mindsets could’ve been at when they wrote the following episodes but damn…it was so freaking frustrating to watch.

Then don’t even get me started on the revealment about Ji Bozai’s past. Guys…I love plots with tragic events and characters who overcome them but I just can’t with his life. I don’t know why they had to make this man suffer so so so much. I actually feel so bad for him that I can’t even bring myself to finish the show bc I just can’t stand to see how this perfectly innocent and most unlucky charcacter is still being dragged to deeper depths of despair. I have never dropped a show bc I felt too bad for a lead charcacter but yet here I am and it’s finally happened.

So yeah, thoroughly enjoyed the first half even with its flaws but I just can’t with the episodes after that. The combination of annoying choices and Ji Bozai’s past reveal is just too much.

First ~20 episodes, I’d rate as at least a solid 8/10.

The rest that I’ve seen…I honestly skipped so much just because I couldn’t stand what the leads were doing and then I dropped the show not long after the male leads past revelation. I’d give those episodes like a…2/10 (probably lower tbh) because it’s episodes of pure annoyance followed by despair for seeing a good guy, who despite a hellish past and managed to be a great person, be beaten down somehow even further as if his past wasnt already as bad as it could’ve been.

Dude…his character is SO hard to watch if you’re like me and get emotionally tied to characters.

I’m leaving a rewatch value of 1/10 bc it has to be between 1-10 according to the app but I’m probably never rewatching anything past the enjoyable episodes bc wow I’m already feeling so bad for him just thinking about it.

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Not perfect, but very enjoyable with a strong FL

I found the series overall quite enjoyable.

I must say, I really liked the FL's acting. In the first few episodes, her character felt a bit annoying, especially when she was quite obviously pretending to be interested in the ML. I even thought I might drop the drama if that continued. However, I'm glad her actual character turned out to be bold and mature, which is something I usually prefer in cdramas. The actress did a great job portraying her.

The relationships and bonding were soothing to watch. It was especially fun seeing the cat in human form and I loved how the dragon was a bit slow headed. Loved watching them bicker with each other. I must admit, the actor looked really handsome in that costume.

I was really hoping to see Situ Ling remain as Situ Ling rather than what he chose to become in the end. It was just saddening. The character came across as unnecessarily obsessed with the FL and his storyline could have developed better. I also felt like, the FL didn't show proper gratitude toward Situ Ling. They also lacked a proper communication thougout the whole series.

The villains were defeated too easily..... almost disappointedly so. The misunderstanding between the FL and the ML, it could have been resolved much earlier with proper communication, instead of dragging on for several episodes.

Overall, the story is good, enjoyable and fairly consistent, but not particularly unique or anything extraordinary.

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