Absolutely love it!
● Both leads are such a treat to watch because aside from looking stunning, they have acting range and versatility. Lu Yuxiao does it so well, from tears glimmering in Ming Yi’s eyes to pretending to be clueless, greedy, and broke so Ji Bozai lets his guard down. I love how Hou Minghao does the hedonistic character so well, then slides into a commanding warrior.● That said, I’m easy to please. The humor lands, especially when Ming Yi’s spiritual beast, a cat, delivers lines like “So Ji Bozai needs a shield like I need a scratching board,” or when Ming Yi calls him over with a “pss, pss” and bribes him with dried fish.
● It’s been a while since I’ve watched a drama that uses doodles. I think the last one was Royal Rumors, so seeing the doodles at the end of each episode is really neat.
● No one escapes the wind machine in this drama either. 😂 Those who are watching Fated Hearts can relate.
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A Xianxia That Stole My Heart
This is the first xianxia drama I’ve ever watched, and I immediately fell in love with every aspect of it. The cast, cinematography, and plot are all beautiful and captivating. I even activated early access on Youku because I didn’t want to miss a single episode. Everything—from the visuals and cast to the costumes—completely stole my heart.Was this review helpful to you?
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Sigh,,, this is why I can't do xianxia cdramas
For some reason I can never find myself finishing a xianxia cdrama, and Love in the Clouds was the furthest along I've ever gotten before dropping the ball and searching up the ending/spoilers. What can I say? I guess I'm an impatient viewer.The scenes are gorgeous, the music is enticing, the acting is off-the-roof, the leads look dazzling together, and the clothing/stages are rich and stylish. I ADORED the first 20-ish episodes and was literally staying up all the night because of the characters' chemistry, the fast-paced plot, and stunning cinematography to tie it all together. The separation around ep 23 was the last straw for me though. After that I sped through the next couple of episodes and called it quits before checking the ending out.
While I WANT to love xianxia dramas (and I enjoy reading them!), there are too many exasperating romantic tropes for me to follow as a viewer. I love the worlds that they build, the magic systems, the complex plots and hidden identities, but for some reason all of this intricacy HAS to get tagged onto amnesia plots, betrayals left and right, and characters making dumb decisions for the sake of storyline progression. And while I do admit, Love in the Clouds didn't necessarily have those components, they still dragged out the romance and angst for longer than needed, and to the point where I just wasn't enjoying the couples' dynamics knowing there were so many lies/secrets between them.
But anyway, here's what I loved in the beginning:
❀ Powerful main leads!! | The beginning fight between the main leads was exciting and fresh. The different leads are quite powerful and I was excited to see the FL rise back up to power after damaging her spiritual vein... until I couldn't wait that long. Like bruh. I was anticipating some epic fight scenes but unfortunately her character did not deliver. The actors themselves are spectacular, my heart definitely felt some sort of way when they cried lol. But then they started crying too much and I stopped caring.
❀ Bedazzling cinematography | God I loveee the world-building in xianxia stories and how immense they can be. The background music matched the action and plotting schemes so well and in general it was just so immersive. The bad fox guy (Xun Ming) arc around ep 11 was just epic. The tension between the leads was SO well-done and Xun Ming's whole background being unraveled was executed perfectly.
❀ Cute dialogue | The show definitely had its comedic moments whether through sound effects or light-hearted dialogue and I really did enjoy the characters' interactions - special shout-out to the companion beasts and side couples who were all so cute.
And then it falls off after ep 20-ish:
✕ Cycling plots | Bad guys carry out their scheme -> FL suffering to save ML -> ML saves the day -> rinse and repeat. Although I guess you can argue the "FL is saving the ML through her suffering" although I would counter why is one executed with pain and torture while the other is executed with magical fights. And again I would counter to that to be fair, the ML does get his own dose of suffering. But xianxia, oh xianxia, WHYYY do y'all love suffering main leads. I get having angst, but at some point you're doing the characters a disservice by using their actions as a driver for these tedious storylines. Like come on it took the ML 25 episodes to realize the FL's true identity? It's 2025 pleaseeee. I do like his character but his brain must be a rock. And the FL taking so long to clarify her identity was just... ugh, maybe I'm an impatient viewer. I don't need to read paragraphs of analyses on the characters' trauma to justify their decisions. Noble idiocy is just what the name implies - the character is noble, and they're an idiot. We love them as leads because they like to self-sacrifice for the greater good, but that doesn't make them a smart cookie. And honestly maybe that points to lazy writing but that's a rant for another day.
✕ The push-pull of me and the leads | I really wanted to like them - and I did, in the beginning. But the writing truly did them a disservice and while the actors did an amazing job in conveying the characters' emotions and actions, I was constantly in a tug-of-war between really cheering them on and rolling my eyes at them. And the eye-rolling won.
✕ Romance logic just out the window | It was sooo good in the beginning. I loved their kiss scenes, and I think the leads had pretty good chemistry (they certainly looked great together, especially the rare moments when they fought/plotted together). But bruh none of this angst in ep 20+ makes sense when SUCH a good foundation for their relationship was already made. The ML was even like "I trust you" -> proceeds to dump her because of lack of trust. They LITERALLY know their feelings for one another because of plot requirements (like walking through the marriage road or the soul severing device that forced the truth) and they STILL engaged in mutual suffering and pining afterwards. Like HUH???? All of this and for WAT.
(I know, it's for the plot) BUT -
Such a strong romantic foundation was established and it just felt, idk, gimmicky and shallow to go through that cycle of self-sacrifice and unwillingness to reveal the truth afterwards. Like give me back the emotional energy I used up in the first half, damn it!
OVERALL
This was a good reminder that xianxia cdramas are just not for me. And of course this is a case of "it's you, not me," because if I was a more patient viewer I think I could have sat through 12 more episodes of pining and lying and self-inflicted suffering and silence (when there should have been a confession), but unfortunately I am not, and I won't be trying a xianxia again until they figure out a new and improved way to introduce tension into a story.
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I remember at one point MingYi said her master has researched the Bo clan for years.And Hanfeng wants to get his hands on the Golden Millet Dream.But since he was failing so,MingYi's master poisoned her and sent her by Ji Bozai's side to seek the Golden Millet dream for him.Once she get her hands on it,he would get rid of her.
I don’t know if it’s my wild imagination,but the dramas I have seen till date with this type of complex stories often take such unexpected turn.Dear novel readers,if you think I am wrong,do correct me and give a bit hint🙂🫰
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Cut the Filler, Keep Ming Yi and Ji Bozai
Even though the beginning didn’t convince me, I have to admit that the way the story slowly developed between Ming Yi and Ji Bozai completely won me over. Their relationship turned out to be incredibly wholesome and genuinely adorable, to the point that they became the real reason I kept watching. I only wish they had cut some unnecessary filler scenes, especially the ones about the villain and his mistress, because they didn’t add much to the main plot and sometimes broke the rhythm. Despite that, the evolution of the two protagonists made the whole experience really enjoyable for meWas this review helpful to you?
The acting deserves all the praise. The leads deliver layered performances, expressing so much even in silence. Supporting characters aren’t just background; each contributes meaningfully to the world of the story.
I was especially moved by the way the drama explores human emotions — loneliness, hope, and the desire to connect — without relying on clichés. The writing feels mature and sincere, showing that small, quiet moments can be just as powerful as grand gestures.
Combined with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and impeccable production design, this series becomes more than entertainment. It’s an experience — poetic, cinematic, and unforgettable. I’d recommend it to anyone who appreciates storytelling that touches both the heart and the eyes.
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Misleading Trailer but Decent Show Nonetheless
"Love in the Clouds" is advertised as a dark, angsty enemies-to-lovers romance in the trailer.However, the drama itself is much more a fluffy, light-hearted fantasy romance than anything angsty. While there is a healthy dose of both trauma and lies in the leads' interactions, the love story itself is incredibly pure; there is no true hatred or vengeance despite the hurt both characters experience. For those who enjoy watching intimacy, there's a surprising amount of those scenes that somehow passed the CCP's censorship. The chemistry between the ML and FL elevated the romance significantly and may have "carried" the show a little.
Regardless, I would say, overall, that this show was enjoyable. The abundance of comedic sound effects and one liners (cue 27) combined with the beautiful visuals give the show a distinct, charming quality. This lighthearted charm helps the show balance poignancy, reality (well, as much as a fantasy can afford), and romance without spiraling into the C-drama "tragedy and angst" rabbit-holes where emotion is singlehandedly delivered through crying scenes, betrayals, and blood-vomiting.
Additionally, I found the use of "strong FL" tropes to be well-executed in this show. Both the FL and the 2FL are imperfect but resilient in different ways, and they genuinely have personalities that are likable and extend beyond being symbols for the feminist empowerment movement (this year, many C-dramas seem to be set on the strong FL trend and as a result create characters that are a little too obviously manufactured to fit a certain mold).
My only and main gripe with the show is its one-dimensional antagonists. While the protagonists all undergo reasonable character development and have mostly flushed out character arcs, the villains are underdeveloped and carry underwhelming/simple motivations. The lack of complexity in the antagonists sadly flattens a lot of otherwise dramatic climaxes in the show and makes some episodes/arcs feel slower pacing-wise.
All in all, I found "Love in the Clouds" to be a cute show that's honestly worth a watch!
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GOOD DIRECTOR AND GOOD PERFORMANCES MAKE THE DRAMA WATCHABLE
EDIT 16 JAN 26 : I already watching the fully. This drama is saved by good directing and and some good performances from the actor.This drama is too centered around romances and multiples misunderstanding about female lead identity so they abandoned some plot point that more interesting. Political family conflict they arise might be more interesting and engaging if handled by more competent writing, but here we are. Even enemy to lovers trope because different realms handled haphazardly with chip tricks. While some character has layer (mostly thanks the actor interpreting the roles whith more depth), there is nothing special in the writing. I enjoyed it due to performances and how the director told the story. It's obvious they run out of budget at the third of the drama, but it's always solid in terms of acting and how the director handled the scene and performances. Though many scene are unwatchable in the theird act because the writing problem the actor can't save it. They also make each villain scene unwatchable. It's weird since they have so much screen times and back stories for the villain but none of them are watchable.
Overall despite trust conflict they arise in romances departement, it's just has this undercurrent romances touched from the director like passionated eyes, intimacy, and romance scene handled just give warm and passionated feeling between the character, despite many misunderstanding conflict, I still swepted by the romances.
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crying by episode 19
okay i had to take a break from my binge to write this. i rarely ever leave reviews but I have to for this. most cdramas carry similar elements, but this one stands out because of the INTENSE chemistry that started out right from the start !! 😮💨 but it’s more than that, the love story unfolds so beautifully and paces perfectly with the plot. ofc you have your typical sacrificing, life/death situations, but you really FEEL their love. amazing job to these main leads. it makes me want to watch more of Neo’s work. I tried fangs of fortune but the plot wasn’t there for me. I really love this drama tho I might have to go back to watch Neo’s work since im about to catch up and I’ll have to wait for the rest of the episodes 😭 if you’re thinking about it, DONT. just watch and episode 1 will pull you RIGHT in.edit: the only reason I gave some parts a lower score is bc I feel that there are some holes in the plot and some of the supporting actors are cringe, I now understand what ppl meant with the casting issue. the leads are absolutely perfect tho!!! ughhh obsessed im definitely in love with our ML
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Good overall slightly annoyed because of Situ Ling
Situ Ling idolizes the female lead to the point of an unhealthy obsession.To give you an analogy. He is like that one super fan who has an overly excessive passion towards the person he idolizes to the point that he is willing to do anything and everything to get that person’s attention . It feels more obsessive and creepy instead of selfless and caring . He doesn’t respect female’s leads decisions and actively goes against her will despite rejections.
It put the female lead in an uncomfortable situation where she has to feel bad for him, because he constantly puts himself in harms way for the female lead. He constantly shoves himself to her. He is just— in my subjective opinion very annoying and insufferable.
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✨ Promising start — great chemistry, stunning visuals, and a story worth watching unfold.
🌥️ Love in the Clouds — A Promising Start with Genuine Chemistry⭐ My Rating: 8.0/10
Tags: #Xianxia #FantasyRomance #StrongFemaleLead #DisguisedIdentity #MartialArts #BeautifulCinematography
I’ve only watched eleven episode, but Love in the Clouds already feels quite promising. The story draws you in from the start — mysterious, emotional, and visually stunning. You can tell there’s something deeper waiting to unfold beneath the surface.
Neo Hou Minghao portrays Ji Bozai incredibly well. The character fits him perfectly — his calm yet intense presence gives life to every scene he’s in. Lu Yunxiao also plays her role with grace and strength, even though I personally think the name Ming Yi doesn’t quite suit her. Still, she embodies the character beautifully and complements Neo Hou’s energy in a natural way.
What makes this drama stand out so far is the believable chemistry between the leads. Even when the supporting actors’ performances aren’t as strong, the connection between Ji Bozai and Ming Yi carries the entire episode. It feels sincere and emotionally grounded — something many fantasy romances struggle to achieve in just the first episode.
If the series continues to build on this foundation, it has the potential to become something truly phenomenal. The visuals are breathtaking, the tone feels balanced between action and emotion, and the leads are perfectly cast. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how their story unfolds in the coming episodes. 🌸
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Gracefully Bowing Out
I started this drama on 10th Oct 2025. It's now 5th Jan 2026, and I've only managed to watch a whopping....11 episodes😭. I had 2 main reasons to start this drama1. The obscenely high ratings
2. The utter shamelessness of this couple
5 episodes later, I put the drama on hold as it wasn't pulling me in yet. Then I started watching the currently ongoing drama Glory. I rather like Hou Ming Hao's character in that story - so much so that it revived my interest in this show. I wanted to see him in a different setting.
However, after an extra 6 episodes, I'm throwing in the towel. This time, for good.
My biggest issue with this show is that nothing is holding this story together. I like how shameless they are (for their time period), and they flirt beautifully - but this is largely because they are both beautiful humans.
However, the main plot, the whole thing about the golden millet dream, we've had no progress so far. His revenge..., truthfully, they haven't done enough to make me care for it or be invested. It's a sad backstory, but like.. meh🤷🏾♀️
I find myself bored, and I no longer care to see how the rest of this story will pan out.
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