This review may contain spoilers
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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This review may contain spoilers
Master She, Granny Xun, and the companion beast completely stole every scene they were in.
***** SPOILER ALERT (PERSONAL FEEDBACK) *****Personal Rating: ⭐️ 8.5/10
💕 How would you rate this drama?
Title: Love In The Clouds (2025)
Status: Completed – 36 Episodes
ML: Ji Bo Zai (a warrior of Jixing Abyss with a criminal past) – played by Hou Minghao
FL: Ming Yi / Ming Xian (the God of War from Yaoguang Mountain) – played by Lu Yuxiao
This is actually my first completed drama of Hou Minghao. I previously tried watching Back From the Brink but ended up dropping it. It's also my second drama of Lu Yuxiao after My Journey to You.
I can safely say this drama is worth finishing if you're looking for a light fantasy romance. I honestly planned to drop it in the beginning because of the cringe moments and the continuous lies. 😂 But the story really picked up around Episode 13, and that's when it became much more interesting and had some good twists.
The story revolves around the Qingyun Tournament, where the winner receives the Blessed Rain that brings prosperity to their realm. Ming Yi, who had won the tournament for seven consecutive years, is finally defeated by Ji Bo Zai. During the tournament, she is poisoned by Heavenly Grief, causing her spiritual vein to break. Believing Ji Bo Zai poisoned her, she disguises herself as a fairy attendant from Moonlit Blossoms to get close to him and find the antidote.
🖤 What fell short for me:
1. The first half of the drama was just okay—not bad, but not particularly engaging.
2 . The FL was cute and sweet, but at times she became a little annoying because of her fake persona. I know she was pretending for a reason, but I wish they had toned it down so we could have seen more genuine interactions and conversations between the leads.
3. Some episodes felt slow, especially the Nether Beast episodes which dragged on longer than necessary.
4. There were too many side characters that didn't really add much to the story.
5. Mu Qi Bai (the first main villain) had way too much screen time—it honestly became irritating.
6. It even felt like the supporting characters had more total screen time than the main couple.
7. The FL kept lying even after the ML had already been sincere with her, and that became frustrating to watch.
❤️ What I loved:
1. The chemistry between the leads was good.
2. Master She, Granny Xun, and the companion beast completely stole every scene they were in. They were funny, adorable, and made the drama much more enjoyable.
3. The drama has a satisfying happy ending.
4. Hou Minghao is so handsome. 😍
Overall: Love In The Clouds earns an 8.5/10 from me. It's a decent fantasy romance with a slow start, but it gets much better in the second half of the drama. I just wish the FL's performance had been more convincing and emotionally expressive, as stronger emotional delivery would have made the scenes more impactful. The ML also did well, but I wish he had shown a bit more intensity and anger in certain scenes. His naturally sweet and cute face sometimes made it difficult to fully convey the fiercer side of his character. 😅
Genre : Fantasy / Wuxia, Romance See less
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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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This review may contain spoilers
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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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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Endless Love
Love in the Clouds is a drama that truly comes alive because of Hou Minghao and Lu Yuxiao. While the story follows familiar xianxia tropes, their performances make every emotional beat feel fresh and memorable.Hou Minghao delivers one of his most captivating performances. He perfectly balances confidence, quiet vulnerability, and unwavering devotion, making his character both charismatic and emotionally compelling. His expressive eyes and subtle acting speak louder than dramatic dialogue ever could, especially in the quieter, more intimate scenes.
Lu Yuxiao is equally outstanding. She gives her character strength, warmth, and emotional depth without ever losing her natural charm. Whether she’s teasing, fighting, or breaking down emotionally, every scene feels sincere and effortless.
What impressed me the most was their chemistry. Hou Minghao and Lu Yuxiao don’t just look good together—they genuinely make you believe in their relationship. Their interactions are filled with natural tension, playful banter, and heartfelt emotions, making even simple conversations enjoyable to watch. The romantic scenes feel tender rather than exaggerated, while the emotional moments hit exactly where they should.
The beautiful cinematography, elegant costumes, and enchanting soundtrack create the perfect backdrop for their performances. Although the plot occasionally follows familiar fantasy-drama formulas, the outstanding acting from the leads keeps the drama engaging from start to finish.
If you’re someone who values believable chemistry and emotionally rich performances over complicated storytelling, Love in the Clouds is absolutely worth watching. Hou Minghao and Lu Yuxiao carry this drama beautifully and are, without a doubt, its greatest strength.
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