Veil of Shadows

Exquisite Visuals, Intricate Plotline and Unraveling Characters that Demand One's Full Attention

[Edited Final Review]
Finally finished watching, and Veil of Shadows is probably one of the best fantasy dramas I've ever watched. I’ve been looking forward to this drama for a long time and had high expectations, and somehow Veil of Shadows has managed to live up to every bit of it.

We already know GJM has an established and distinct style and while I very much appreciated his artistry before, it didn’t always quite resonate with me. But VoS has proven to be different. Personally, I think it has found that perfect balance. VoS has the beautiful cinematography, stellar cast, stunning visuals, top-notch CGI, epic soundtracks, grand entrances, outstanding fight scenes and layered writing but not the extreme slo-mo maneuver and never-ending conversations, awkward pauses, unnecessary small talks in serious fight scenes and the excessive tear-dropping every episode.

Veil of Shadows has a familiar Xuanhuan setting and inevitably gives us some Fangs of Fortune nostalgia with the initial world building, similar visuals and overlapping cast but compared to FoF, VoS has a more complex and intricate plotline, the world is vaster and more diverse and the characters more layered. In contrast to the slow storytelling of FoF, VoS requires viewers to pay attention to details, fast developing plot and ever-evolving characters.

The characters are interesting, complex and veiled, with every episode revealing something new about them. They are constantly developing and difficult to see through, but each has their own unique charm that pulls you in and eventually grows on you even if you didn’t like them initially. They have their own strengths, schemes and hidden agendas that keeps you interested and constantly on your toes. All the characters feel deliberate and purposeful; no one is just existing without reason. Everyone seems alive and important in their own way, no matter how big or small the role they play in the main story, which paired with strong chemistry between the cast members make every dynamic feel balanced and compelling.

The romance is also incredibly remarkable here. The two main couples, JL x LWY and WSW x WWY bring a different but equally captivating flavour to the drama. Despite having very different dynamics, both couples are alluring in their own way and have amazing chemistry that makes you fall in love with them. Compared to GJM’s previous dramas, VoS leans more heavily into romance and I’m really glad they took the time to authentically develop their relationship.

The cast of VoS is undoubtedly stellar. They’re a beautiful and talented bunch, and coupled with the gorgeous styling and stunning visuals, it is a delicious feast for the eyes.

I’m a little biased towards Yan’an and Rui but each and every one of them stood out to me in this drama. Their compelling presence and the way they embodied their characters are truly outstanding. Yan'an and Tian Jiarui both played multiple roles and portrayed their distinct personalities so palpably that you could feel the nuances even in the same frame (Special mention to the makeup and costume team for successfully pulling off so many stunning but strikingly different looks played by the same people). Chen Duling and Ju Jingyi captivated the seductive, cunning and manipulative nature of foxes impeccably and personally, it's one of the best depictions of foxes in dramas. They not only had amazing chemistry with their respective male leads but also with each other and their relationship dynamic is one of my most favourite parts of this drama. This is also my first drama with Joseph Zeng as a lead, and though I was a bit wary at first, he quickly grew on me, and I absolutely loved him here. Compared to others, his character was less flashy, but he thrived in the subtleties and quietness, and his stability kept the story grounded.

All that being said, I have to say that VoS is not for casual watching. It demands attention, critical thinking and trust that the story will get where it needs to go. The characters and plot are revealed in bits, and one needs to be patient to see it unfold and slowly piece the puzzle together. This drama walks a fine line, and its intricate plotline can come off as messy. Not to mention, VoS has the propensity to become very confusing at times with numerous characters, many similar names, characters having multiple names and same actors playing multiple characters – add different timelines and time loops to the mix, even a hundred percent of one’s attention might not be enough to grasp everything at once. So be sure to get those brain cells working and gear up for some strenuous mental exercise!

Lastly, I’d like to say, watch it for the story and characters, not for the actors. Watch this with an open mind, just enjoy the ride and this may very well be one of the best dramas you ever watched.

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A full review of Veil of Shadows because I have… a lot of thoughts ?

Firstly, I must give major credit to Ju Jingyi and Tian Jiarui. As Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling, they absolutely carried this show. And honestly… they kind of had to, because by the end it really felt like they were the only true main leads, despite Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang being billed the same. Now, in terms of performance? They delivered. Their story might not have been the strongest in terms of writing, but the portrayal was solid. They had chemistry, they looked amazing together, and they sold the emotional weight of their characters really well. Ji Ling, though… had WAY too many identities 😭 I genuinely lost track. And every single one came with tragic baggage, like please let this man rest. And then Wu Yi is equally tragic, if not worse. Her entire existence is just heartbreaking. Being created by Jiu Ying, not even having a “real” origin, her memories not being hers… It’s honestly one of the more tragic identity arcs I’ve seen. The only thing she can claim as real is her love for Ji Ling, and even that feels questionable because of how she was created to be "fated." It’s just pain layered on pain.

Now let’s talk about the plot… because wow. It was really plotting, but almost to its own detriment. The twists just kept coming nonstop to the point where it became overwhelming. My brain was genuinely overloading trying to keep up. It went from a fairly straightforward “find the Dragon Deity power” storyline to a full-on time loop, sacrifice-your-life-to-save-your-lover narrative. The shift was so drastic that by around episode 18, I’m not even gonna lie, I stopped watching for the plot. At that point, I was there for the visuals, OSTs, VFX, and CGI… which were actually really good. Like, yes, the slow-mo + dubstep background music combo was overused, but at the same time?? It gave us some really cool, cinematic moments.

But the writing… that’s where things fell apart for me. So much of the dialogue felt vague and non-committal. Characters would talk in circles, talk about how to execute the plan, hint at things, say cryptic lines that don’t actually move the plot forward. You don’t really understand what’s going on until much later, and even then, it’s messy. The only time the dialogue actually becomes clear is when it comes to emotions, confessions, sacrifices, “I did all this for you” type of lines. Those hit, but everything else just feels frustratingly unclear.

Also… I can’t not mention Li Jie 😭 he is so handsome it’s actually distracting. In the earlier episodes, his exposed arm had me looking away from his face like hello?? And then his second identity, Yuan Wuhou, so annoying, but also somehow even more attractive in that dark, dangerous way. I was fighting for my life every time he was on screen.

And now… my biggest disappointment: My Wuwu couple.

Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang started off so strong. Wangyan was this cunning, flirtatious, powerful nine-tailed fox, and Shiguang was this revenge-driven character with intense presence. Then we get the huge reveal...Shiguang is the 10th Dragon Deity, one of the most powerful beings, and Wangyan is tied to the massacre of his clan under Jiu Ying’s possession. That setup alone had insane potential.

But what did the show do with it…?

Shiguang, the actual 10th Dragon Deity, the key to defeating Jiu Ying in a story literally about finding that power, gets reduced to a background character. He should’ve been central to the conflict, a driving force that shifts the entire power balance. Instead, he’s sidelined, underutilized, and barely feels impactful when he should’ve been one of the most important characters in the entire narrative.

And Wangyan… don’t even get me started. She’s a thousand-year-old nine-tailed fox. From the first episode, she was sharp, capable, and clearly powerful. But as the story goes on, it feels like all she does is look, cry, and be sad. Where did her fighting skills go? Where did that presence and cunning from the beginning disappear to? You’d expect her to be actively involved in these major conflicts, especially with how connected she is to everything, but instead, she feels strangely passive.

And that’s what makes it so frustrating. Because their storyline had everything from enemies-to-lovers tension, moral conflict, deep lore connections, and emotional weight, and it just wasn’t explored the way it should’ve been.

They went from feeling like co-leads… to feeling like background characters in Wu Yi and Ji Ling’s story.

+ Acting (8.5/10): Ju Jingyi and Tian Jiarui really carried emotionally.
+ Visuals/OST/VFX (8/10): super immersive, even if a bit over-the-top sometimes.
– Plot (6/10): ambitious but messy, way too many twists thrown in without enough grounding.
– Writing/dialogue (5.5/10): too vague, too cryptic, not enough clarity.
– Character balance (5/10): wasted potential, especially for Wuwu.

So yeah, 6.5 feels fair. enjoyable to watch, especially for vibes and performances, but frustrating if you’re looking for tight storytelling and balanced character development.

It’s a drama with a lot of potential, a lot of style, and some really strong performances, but also one that kind of loses itself in its own complexity.

Still watched it through though 😭

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Only for visuals and vibes,nothing else!

Okay....lesson learned,never watch a GJM drama for plots...like never. Its always some pretty actors with some pretty cinematography and visuals with some pretty music in the background... But the main core of the drama,the story.... better not talk about that.

I didn’t start Veil of Shadows with lots of hope or anything. Already saw what happened with Fangs of Fortune which was such a eye pleasing yet one of the most frustrating dramas i've ever watched. Same with MJTY. Maybe there wasn’t anything else to watch at that time,so i started VOS...and yeah,same thing again.

The story is simple. There's a dragon deity who is actually not real,only pretending on behalf of the og dragon deities for centuries,for the real and last dragon deity to come and take the throne. Meanwhile there's millennia old nine tailed foxes, a very old villain who doesn’t have any form of body and some other characters. Interesting,right?? Yeah,it was....for the first couple of episodes. But my goodness the way everything got ruined,confusing and blundered in the midway..... Confusions after confusions, plot twists after plot twists...and those plot twists was'nt even some mind-blowing earth bending or anything, it was just wtf just happened???? They made this simple story so confusing, at some point it became head scratching level frustrating, like WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHY IS THIS HAPPENING????

If i talk about actors,all of them did really good. I have seen Tian Jia Rui in MJTY and FOF,this young boy has real talent and acting skill. He didn’t disappoint, both Ji Ling and Dragon deity was portrayed good and lively. His back story as the blind fox,how he became the false dragon deity and sacrificed his whole youth only to perform his duty and later made those puppets to live that little bit of youthfulness....okay this bit was sad and extremely touching and TJR did so well.
This is my first time seeing Ju JingYi... so i can't say much about her acting,but she was believable as the cunning shrew nine tailed fox who later fell in love with Ji Ling. But their love story was really rushed. The had chemistry but it couldn’t properly bloom cause of the absurdity that was happening around them.

About Joseph Zheng and Chen Duling...This was the couple I adored. But unfortunately, they didn’t get that much screentime as I expected. Joseph was supposed to be the hero of the story beside the dragon deity...but his becoming a real dragon deity was so underwhelming... He never got a real HERO scene in the whole drama. And Chen Duling....girl can act. She was beautiful, both as a fox or in human form. And their story in the star stone arc was my most favourite, both of them were like really living as an old couple who are in love. They played it beautifully. But its unfortunate, after that arc ended,we never got that love and affection back from them....they were just..there,almost used like a plot device.

The one that surprised me most was YanAn...i first saw him in FOF, but his screentime was short,but he showed the glimpse of his talent. But here as Li Jie and six eye butterfly demon,he was fantastic. His dilemma,his sadness,his protectiveness towards Ji Ling and his evil arc as butterfly demon and also his backstory everything he carried gracefully.

But the arc that made me almost bang my head against the wall was the star stone arc. Listen,time travel is one of the trickiest thing to ever execute on drama,if you miss one tiny little part,the whole story falls apart. So,if you dont know how to write it,just dont write it,and also dont try to be smart by making it overly complex.But here they used it multiple times,not only in star stone arc,but also later with Lu Wuyi...completely forgetting about any kind of consequences or butterfly effects. Plotholes were everwhere,frustrations and confusions were the only thing left.

And idk what this directors fetish with killing every possible character in the drama. And in VOS,he even outdid himself,almost every character died at least once and then even before you done mourning for them,they came back to life. Our lead couple was probably in a competition how many times each can die in the name of self sacrifice and then come back like nothing happened.

However,visually or musically it was not on the level of FoF,but still if you want to watch good cgi or pretty actors,watch it. Ending is bittersweet,so yeah,thats one way better than FOF.

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TIAN JIARUI IS NEPO BABY.

tian jiarui is nepo baby. he and gjm tried to cheat.

"veil of shadows." ❌
"veil of chiwen and ji ling." ✅

gjm to actors: "you all are just tools for chiwen and ji ling."

this is real.

this drama centers on chiwen and jiling no matter how much discussion there is, it will always focus on him. the bill is just a gjm scam. wuwu cp is not his favorite.

it's still unfair because of gjm's cunning, which highlights tjr.

I understand tjr fans will deny this, but they've never experienced their favorite characters having less screen time, being unclear, or being cut.

please, free my girl jjy from cpf.

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This is MESSY~

Dramatic. Funny. Romantic. And painfully tragic. All in one word: messy.

It starts off simple, with demons and hunters converging on a whodunit-style case. At first, it feels like it’s trying a little too hard to impress with visuals, from cinematography to costumes, but thankfully, it becomes much more than that.

Emotionally, this drama wrecked me. Mentally, it kept me hooked, constantly wanting to know what happens next.

The chemistry between the leads is one of its strongest points. It doesn’t just show one kind of love, it explores many: pure love, sibling love, mature love, and more. Each dynamic feels distinct.

But the heart of the drama is Ji Ling. His story is devastatingly well-written. Watching his journey from an innocent blind fox to the revered Dragon Deity is what truly defines the series. Every sacrifice, every loss, builds his character into something unforgettable. His story alone is enough to leave you in tears.

And then there’s Li Wuyi. Her love for him goes beyond expectations, and her emotional depth makes her just as heartbreaking to watch.

That said, the drama isn’t without flaws. It markets itself as having four main leads, but in reality, it centers on two. Characters played by Chen Duling and Joseph Zheng feel more like supporting roles, with their depth and importance fading as the story progresses. Compared to Ju Jingyi and Tian Jiarui, their presence feels limited.

There’s also a sense that the story is trying to juggle too many ideas. It aims for fluidity, but doesn’t fully succeed, which adds to the overall messiness.

Still, despite its flaws, Veil of Shadows leaves a strong emotional impact. It may not be perfectly structured, but it knows exactly how to make you feel.

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Initial review - up to ep 12
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All main leads have chemistry. Acting is okay but with the current tone of the story it is enough. This drama is full of aesthetics from the cinematography to choreography to makeup. It's definitely a pretty picture to watch. But it becomes a bit too distracting. There are scenes included just to promote "beauty" which I find to be off-beat. For choreography there is too much movement from the fight itself and camera that it doesn't give me a chance to appreciate it. I can appreciate usage of EDM style of bgm but again a bit overuse. Now, for the makeup...it is thick not to all just to some. Now, the story....it feels like their is a lot of blank spaces that needs to be filled, which is good, it's not as predictable.

SIDE NOTE: Also in episode 12 there is an actor(Fan Shiqi)that literally needs to be blacklisted, that actor is named as one of the many that was involved in the Chinese actor Yu Menglong's tragic death.

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"You need to write it yourself to get the ending you want"

Veil of Shadows was a rollercoaster of pain, death, pain, death, pain, death… Oops! Got caught up in a time loop! If you like for your characters to suffer and cry, be torn between love and duty, and question what is real and a replay, here you go!

What worked for me:
I enjoyed the cast, many of whom were new to me. I’d only seen Tian Jia Rui in Journey to You so the verdict was out on him. I thought he handled his roles well making each distinct, believable, and sympathetic. Yan An did admirably with his multiple roles, even as an evil butterfly. (One member of the family we don’t talk about at Butterfly reunions. lol) He and Tian had great chemistry. Ju Jing Yi and Chen Du Ling as the nine-tailed foxes were at their best when they were in scenes together as tactile and fierce “sisters.” Joseph Zeng did the best he could with what he was given. Honorable mention for Wu Han as the loyal and playful Weasel in his first credited role, at least on MDL.

The settings and costumes were beautiful.

There were arcs that I found compelling and emotionally engaging.

Cdrama characters did more than kiss!

What didn’t work as well for me:

There comes a point when people keep dying and coming back that the stakes and deaths become less impactful. The same with the pain porn dished out in this drama. After numerous suffering scenes, I was like, “Rub some dirt on it, spit up the blood, and you’ll feel better, honey.”

In the first story arc, it appeared that the mains were on equal footing narrative-wise. But that didn’t turn out to be the case. Much of the drama focused on Ji Ling and Lu Wu Yi’s tortured romance, as well as Ji Ling’s past. It gave the drama a lopsided feel, especially when it was revealed that Wu Shi Guang was a “Very Important Character.” He ended up being a VIC that got bumped down to a supporting character along with the 1000-year-old fox, Wu Wang Yan. And the little Weasel was often banished to WSG’s purse.

Much was made of Ji Ling’s man pain and loneliness, but I’d put the dragon speared to the ground for 100 years right up there with him. At least Ji had a bevy of handsome helpers and demons that called upon him often.

The fights were awful. Stunning, but much like the 10th dragon--useless. Lots of posing and CGI. There were also numerous slow-mo shots of pretty people with wind machines blowing their hair and clothing accompanied by overly dramatic music. Way too many hero walks with the team gearing up to face a challenge. Like death and torture, if they are overused, they become redundant and meaningless.

Speaking of overuse---time travel.

When I was enjoying this drama, I was really enjoying it and planned on rating it much higher. The drama was beautifully styled and featured beautiful people. I actually liked most of the characters and found myself invested in the secondary demons (Bai Ze!) and demon fighters. Then it hit a wall with repetitive deaths and agony which actually numbed me to the characters instead of ramping up my sympathy for them. When the pain porn began to feel sadistic, the ick factor started overwhelming my desire to finish the drama. The time travel issues didn’t help either. I’m not sorry I watched the drama, and it was a good average drama, at times more than that. Sometimes, less is more.

21 April 2026
Trigger warning: A snake was featured in one of the story arcs. : /

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Wasted potential

GJM has proven me again and again that he will f it up with his bad habit and favoritism to the point where he ruined the story and other characters. The very reason of my love and hate relationship with his tv shows. Anyways, it's nice to see Ju Jingyi with her improved acting (dare i say that this most likely her best role and acting so far in my opinion) + her being paired with Tian Jiarui. Love to see Chen Duling and Zeng Shunxi reunion as a cp again here, my personal favorite pairing.

This would've been one of his best work if GJM didn't f it up but it is what it is. On the bright side, I at least was happy because GJM gave us Chen Duling, Ju Jingyi, Zeng Shunxi and Tian Jiarui in the same project despite the favoritism & outcome. Other than that, there's almost nothing i can say plotwise cause he f it up halfway through 🙃 He really wasted the potential of this drama. And talking about favoritism, Chen Duling and Zeng Shunxi didn't deserve this treatment. So disappointed halfway through the drama until the end. Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang arc is a complete sh*t. They're pretty much just a figure and accessories of VoS that is almost useless cause they're only used for certain moments only and disappear from the face of the earth. Where tf is their power?? They are so nerfed by GJM and they're so weak for what they're supposed to be capable of.

This is why i have love and hate relationship with GJM projects. He's bad at long term execution and his favoritism is sickening and yet, i stupidly still look forward for his projects because his plot story and synopsis is always interesting to me and him casting someone i like is just a bonus, i'm always interested beacuse his work are pretty good and interesting at least at first before going downhill (mostly his drama series). The Yin Yang Master is my fav movie from him.

I've never felt this huge disappointment cause Veil of Shadows have such a good potential to be one of his best work if he didn't f it up, but he proved me again and again that he will always have this terrible habit of him to f it all up especially with his favoritism in his drama series that ruined the plot. GJM's favoritism is gonna backfire Tian Jiarui and i'm concerned about him. I like Tian Jiarui but GJM is ruining him with his way of favoritism. I too would boost my kid under my agency if they're capable and got what it takes, but what GJM is doing is so wrong and damaging because he ruined the overall story. He really ruined other characters just to make Ji Ling become the center and shine when there are 2 other characters that's also important for the plot. Thank goodness that Lu Wuyi character got the same amount of love and devotion from GJM unlike Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang based on how he wrote their arcs.

Wu Shiguang character is important to the plot (he's literally the 10th dragon son, the one that they all been waiting for to save the world from Jiuying) but Wu Shiguang character arc is just SO sh*tty, all that '10th dragon son' build up in beginning for nothing, no development at all. Wtf is GJM thinking? Should've not cast Zeng Shunxi and Chen Duling as the so called main leads if he's gonna do them dirty like this. I like all 4 main leads, and i'm disappointed with the heavy favoritism that is so obvious to the point he's ruining the whole story. I am not annoyed by Jiling or Wuyi, i like them too. I'm annoyed by GJM for his shitty writing for other characters. He gave his best on Jiling and Wuyi but clearly not for Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang.

Surprisingly the ending isn't blatant sad ending but a hopeful open ending, but sad to see that Wangyan and Wuyi will never know or remember each other. They truly lost each other ): Also GJM could 've at least add an extra episode to show their respective wedding and just a bit of their new life after all this nonsense but what do you expect from GJM lol 😒

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Exactly what I expected

So I think anyone watching a Guo Jing Ming drama needs to be prepared for what they're getting themselves into. I appreciate his dramas because the cinematic visuals, costumes, make-up, and ost are always incredible. The actual story on the other hand? .. not so much. And that is exactly what Veil of Shadows gave.

Let's start with the bad things first: cause what even was this story really? It was incredibly convoluted, I think it could have easily filled all 29 eps by focusing on 2 or 3 of the storylines, instead of what felt like 20. There is so much going on, so many characters are introduced with the impression that they are really important, but then forgotten about. Character connections, relationships, and backgrounds are super confusing, made more confusing by the fact that everyone plays so many characters (I think Yan An and Tian Jia Rui played 10 characters between the two of them, and then some of them ended up being the same character? I'm still confused...). So if you care about character development, give up, you will not be able to keep track of it here.
Second, GJM plays really fast and loose with the rules in his magical worlds, because huh? Don't even bother to remember power, rules, and hierarchies established in the first couple of eps, because they are completely disregarded later on (one example of this I really dislike is that GJM's female leads are always introduced as incredibly powerful, magical beings, yet halfway through the story he seems to forget about this fact... anyways). This makes the stakes of the story feel super low. Although usually GJM's dramas have a tragic ending, which I don't love cause it feels too extreme (i.e. half the characters dying), Veil of Shadows has the complete opposite extreme, where every character died at least once, came back to life (multiple times), got their happy ending, but it still did not feel satisfying. I think GJM's endings are usually quite weak, the solution to defeat the villain is somehow figured out at the last minute, in the most confusing way, and you're just there like ... sure I guess. Like, what do you mean Ji Ling has to go back in time to make sure Wuyi was never created and thus none of the bad things could have happened, yet he brings her out of the past, to the present, with him? Does that not defeat the purpose? And why is Wu Shi Guang the only one who remembers the past? So many questions.

But, I still finished the drama, and enjoyed it lol. What saved it for me is exactly what I mentioned before: everything and everyone looks beautiful, ost is great, and I am just a sucker for an ensemble drama. All the actors did a really good job with the crazy story; their chemistry (not just chemistry between FLs and MLs, but between ensemble as a whole) and acting skills still managed to suck me in and made me care about the characters. Loved the relationship between the sisters, loved Chen Du Ling and Ju Jing Yi together (wish we got a nice conclusion between them though..). GJM does funny, light-hearted, and tender moments really well, and you just end up falling for that. So, if you want to watch this unseriously and are okay with being confused most of the time, you'll have a good time!

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Very confusing but appealing

If there's one thing I can say about this show is that it's the opposite of what I was expecting. After watching FoF and MJTJ from the same director, I was sold almost immediately when I discovered he was making another one. When I saw that Yan An, Chen Du Ling and Tian Jia Rui were part of its cast, I was invested. I loved their performances before so surely they would create another masterpiece, right?

Nah...

The plot at the beginning of the show was very confusing. So much so that I lost interest in almost all of the characters. The pace was too quick, the storyline was all over the place and I felt like there was no emotional depth to it. Scenes that should be moving didn't touch me at all. Scenes that should have been epic fighting scenes didn't strike me as such due to an over-used OST. I was about to drop the entire thing when the story finally picked up around episode 10, when the party gets stuck in an illusion. Finally it felt as if the characters had some depth to them.
The only thing I truly missed during those episodes was the love story progression. I could understand the growing devotion between one pairing but the other one... most of the romantic growth between them happened off camera and was only used in flashbacks when one of them remembered their time together.
But then they broke out of the illusion and the story fell flat again. It swayed us back and forth between plotlines that didn't make much sense and then the whole timetravelling thing began and it all became so much worse.

Timetravel only works when it's done right. But when you mess with the lines of time, even in cinema, it can become messy really quickly. Unfortunately, VoS became an huge mess after they introduced a rewinding time element into a spiderweb of plotlines. It was hard to keep track of it all. I had difficulty keeping track of it without the timetravel thing and almost completely gave up again, wanting to drop the show, but stuck by it because of the amazing cast.

Positives:
- After I got used to the over-use of some of the OST songs, the songs grew on my and it's been on repeat ever since.
- Although I don't have much positive to say about the story, the cast truly made watching it worth it. I keep being blown away with how deep these actors are willing to go. I said before the story was lacking emotional depth and that's still true, but mainly due to the fast-paced script and character growth happening off screen. Not because the actors delivered a bland performance. I stuck by the show because of them. They all deserve every award out there. Especially Tian Jia Rui. He carried this show on his back.
- The visuals were breathtaking. I love the style and art form of the director's works and fell in love with them again.
- At one point I realised why things were so confusing at the beginning of the story. It felt like it was made to be like that due to the timetravel element. Things were supposed to be frayed and all over the place because so much had been changed in their timelines and I finally saw the brilliance of it all.

Negatives:
- The whole timetravel thing. Once it was introduced, it became an outright mess. Especially during the end. The story did not care for the butterfly effect of changing a major thing in the past. It did not care for timetravel rules by showing us what happened in the past and what was happening in the future at the same time. Removing that stone and killing the big bad should have been enough to reset the timeline, but it didn't. Only after they returned from the past did time reset. Unfortunately, the new timeline didn't make much sense. I didn't understand why some characters would remember all of it, while other didn't. Why the Formless Moon Sect still worked as if nothing ever happened. I just hoped it could have done more.
- It was too much, too fast. I felt like a tennisball being used in a tennis match. I was swatted back and forth between plotlines, storylines and trying to make sense of it all while keeping track of everyone.

Do I recommend this drama? Yes, I do. I might have some major problems with it but even considering those I would still want people to watch it and see for themselves. The cast did an amazing thing and gave us a performance more people should watch. BUT, that said, if you want to watch most of this cast perform you should consider watching Fangs of Fortune or My Journey to You.

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Veil of Mind Bending Twists + Love and Hardships. Best 2026 cdrama.

The drama follows the story of four characters whose destinies intertwine together. A story about love, hardships, sisterhood, bromance and saving the world. The drama is just as complex as it is uniquely presented - told in a non-linear way by weaving together many of the characters' arcs. Throughout the majority of the story, you feel confused but that confusion is deliberate. Watching the drama is like putting together a puzzle - you can only see the final picture when all the pieces click into place.

At its core, the main plot of the drama revolves around the threat of the evil nine-headed snake, Jiu Ying, taking over the world. To stop this, Chi Wen, the 9th Dragon Deity, must reclaim his divine power and destroy the remaining fragments of Jiu Ying.

CHARACTERS:
Ji Ling - a kindhearted and pure brown fox, who has taken the Dragon Deity’s mantle in order to fulfil his mission of saving the world. I instantly fell in love with Ji Ling in the early episodes. He exuded such innocence, such playfulness, it was almost like healing my inner child while watching him. Nonetheless, I also loved the authoritative and cold version he presented as a Dragon Deity, his flawless white hair (lightning look) will forever be ingrained in my brain (and not only). Tian Jiarui never ceases to amaze me. In this drama he played around 6 characters and all of them had unique and memorable personalities, mannerisms and looks. What pure talent!

Lu Wuyi - a sly nine-tailed fox, with pure beauty and softness but also the bravery and strength to love and protect those who she cherishes. Although skilled in killing, she despises it. In her life there has only been one person who she felt truly understood her, her sister Wu Wangyan. Until one night, she meets a sweet and innocent boy named Ji Ling, her fated one. Ju Jingyi shined bright in this drama, her performance was marvelous and this is hands down her best role. I loved everything about her character and of course her visuals were just as captivating.

Wu Shiguang - a skilled warrior who may not be the brightest in the head but certainly the most loyal, brave and resourceful. Born from the combined scales of the nine dragons, he is brought to this world in order to save and protect it. I love how calm but powerful his character was. Joseph Zeng did fantastic in this role!

Wu Wangyan - a cunning nine-tailed fox, she is someone who is used to taking charge and doing all the scheming, even if she doesn’t take any delight in it. She is independent and strong but behind that strength lies a soft girl who just wants to have a normal life, to live and be loved. I loved Chen Duling in this role, she was just as beautiful as her character was captivating to watch. I applaud.

Li Jie / Yuan Wu Huo - the most mysterious characters who could potentially give you brain damage with how complex and plot twisty their story was. I loved it though. Just like yin and yang, one was light, the other dark. An obsession split into 2, after being devoured by the six eyed butterfly. I loved watching the duality of Yan An’s characters, both equally sexy and fun to see. Li Jie’s intentionally missing left sleeve, and the full upper body naked scene, were both the best fan service a girl could ask for. Li Jie made me laugh while Yuan Wu Huo made me fangirl. I’m looking forward to seeing Yan An as a male lead in the future.

PLOT + TIMELINE:
Murder Mystery arc: episodes 1-9
Setting up the world, magic system, characters and their relationship with each other. The lead’s mission is to catch the runaway nine-tailed fox, Xiaowei.

Stone Illusion arc: episodes 10-16
The leads are stuck in an illusion world set in 3 different timelines of real past events. Someone from each timeline observes themselves from a 3rd person perspective.
- 1000 years ago: Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling (7 days in the illusion). Jiu Ying (her fragment inside Lu Wuyi’s body) observes herself as a snake by becoming Di Zhu.
- 150 years ago: Li Jie and Yuan Wu Huo (24 hours in the illusion) - Li Jie (who is also Yuan Wu Huo) observes himself by becoming his brother Yuan Xian.
- 100 years ago: Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang (50 years in the illusion) - Wu Shiguang observes himself as a child by becoming his father.

Formless Moon Sect arc + more: episodes 17-25
Lu Wuyi's origin and Jiu Ying’s manipulation explained.
Time loop (ep. 21-24).
Ji Ling and Yuan Xian’s past (ep. 24)
Ji Ling’s doll (ep. 25)

Saving the World arc: episodes 26-29
The final battle between good and evil.

WHAT I LOVED:
- Romance. As a romance girlie, I’m absolutely and forever going to be obsessed with Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi’s story. It was fated, it was romantic, it was innocent first love, it was sensual, it was angsty, it was brilliant. And not far behind, I very much also enjoyed the more mature and grounded love story between Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang.
- Plot twists that have your brain working on overload, in the best way possible.
- Storytelling - fascinating, intentionally misleading, confusing, twisty AND yet all making sense in the end.
- Cinematography. Do I even need to say it? Stunning, breathtaking and spectacular visuals, shots, fight scenes, costumes, everything.
- Hidden identities + double identities + triple identities + don’t even ask me haha.
- Sismas, hands down my favourite foxy duo.
- Bromance was bromancing.
- Top notch acting performance from the whole cast.
- Characters that you love, and that stay in your heart even after the drama finishes.

WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE:
Up until the last three episodes, I honestly had nothing bad to say, no complaints, no flaws. However in the finale, I didn’t like:
- My favourite foxy sister’s bond felt broken, or at least not as strong as in the start. It does make sense with the plot but I wish we would have gotten one final sisterly scene in the end.
- Wu Shiguang's character as a dragon wasn’t fully utilised. He felt quite weak, and kind of just there, not truly playing an active role in defeating the villain.
- Finally, as a general statement - I personally had no issue BUT from an outside perspective, this drama might be too confusing for someone who is a beginner in this genre. There are tons of concepts you have to already be familiar with. Also, if you are tired, your brain won’t understand anything that’s going on. And in most cases, to understand the story fully, you may have to analyse it, replay scenes or discuss with other watchers. It’s not an easy to digest story, that’s for sure.

OVERALL:
This drama is a uniquely told, complex xuanhuan story, with a marvelous spectacle of mind bending twists, and a visual feast for the eyes. An ensemble of fantastically presented characters, brilliantly crafted and touching love stories, and a gazillion hidden identities. Sismas + bromance are the cherry on top.

Watching this drama is like putting together a puzzle - you only see the final picture when all the pieces finally click into place. After crying an ocean of tears, I can safely say this story, for me, is like no other - I will forever love, remember, and recommend it.

More than anything, what stole my heart is the fated love story between the leads Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi. Such a romantic, soft, sensual, die-for-you couple that will forever stay in my heart.

“No matter how the universe changes,I will always be by your side.” #team Ji Ling + Lu Wuyi always and forever!

Hands down my Best 2026 cdrama and Top 5 in my all-time favourites.

FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“In this world, no one can see the new moon. Only I can. She is my moon alone” Ji Ling

EP 29 ENDING: I've written the full explanation of the ending in the link below:
https://kisskh.at/profile/justjacky/feeds/l0BblvtV

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Fashion Show or TV Drama?

Fashion show or Tv Drama is the question I was asking myself the entire time. "Veil of Shadows" is sister to "Fangs of Fortune" and cousin to "My Journey to you".
These Dramas have:
+Gorgeous, rich costumes.
+Beautiful actors, you would struggle to find someone normal looking. i really wanted to see one ugly side characters at least once :).
+Great fighting scenes.
+Flashy, well done special effects.
+Superb soundtrack.
-Weak story. Everyone dies but then you see them later making the impact of the sacrifice pointless. Both "Veil of Shadows" and "Fangs of Fortune" story telling consist of mini side plots, which look more like leveling quests to the 4 main characters where each quest ending with boss kill.
-Acting was flat, because of the way the drama is shot. You often see actors talking to camera ,making beautiful posing and shedding fake tears. Unfortunately you won't see ugly crying here, the tear drops fall in most beautiful way possible, like small crystals out of actors eyes.
-World is empty. You rarely see scenes where characters are walking on streets full with people living their lives and doing their business. Everything is too staged.

With all the fall backs this drama deserves good score and I understand why ppl would like it. I was a bit disappointed by the ending, but overall it is much better than other releases like "Blood River".

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VOS: Endless Meetings and Goodbyes, Countless People and Moments...

As always, dramas by Edward Guo are crafted with incredibly high standards. I’m the type who is quite stingy when it comes to giving a 10, because for me, it’s rare for a drama to truly balance all aspects. Sometimes the visuals are stunning but the story is just average, or the story is strong but the cinematography doesn’t fully satisfy me. But Veil of Shadows... this is what I call an all-in production. Cinematic visual, costumes, story, acting, emotion—everything feels top-tier. And honestly, this is already the third Edward Guo drama I’ve given a 💯 😌✨👏🏻

From the very beginning, Edward Guo’s signature atmosphere is immediately present—dark, poetic, and artistic with a strong dramatic touch. There’s a consistent melancholic tone from start to finish, making every conflict feel deeper rather than something that simply passes by. The CGI is not just CGI—it becomes an essential part of the storytelling. The fantasy world feels alive, immersive, and sometimes even hauntingly beautiful. Even small details like fog, lighting, and transitions between worlds are executed so smoothly that everything feels seamless. Every visual effect is not just for aesthetic appeal, but also to strengthen the emotions in each scene, especially during moments of loss and sacrifice.

As for the costumes, there’s no need to question them💅🏻 Huang Wei never fails in bringing a drama to life through costume design. They don’t just deliver luxury—they carry storytelling within them. Layer by layer, texture, color, and embroidery all reflect a world that is both grand and mysterious. There’s an elegance, but also a coldness that perfectly matches the tone of the story. Even subtle changes in costumes can reflect character development and their position within the narrative. Every character has a strong visual identity, making each scene feel like a living painting.

From the very first episode, I immediately loved the character Lu Wuyi❣️🦊 Especially the scene where she indirectly drives Wu Shiguang away hahaha—every word she says seems harmless, yet is actually full of intention and subtly makes others follow her lead. The way she plays with words is so refined—soft and gentle, but not in a “pure and kind” way. It’s alluring, yet still controlling. Uhhh it’s hard to describe, honestly😖 Her voice alone is incredibly captivating—Lu Wuyi is exactly the kind of fox spirit I’ve always imagined. Not just pretty and playful, but also calculating. Completely mesmerizing 😳♥️🦊🥀

Because of this drama, I became curious about Ju Jingyi. I do remember watching some of her previous dramas, but her performance there didn’t stand out as much as it does here, so it’s no surprise that my ratings for those were fairly standard 😂 Here, however, I was genuinely surprised by how skillfully she portrayed Lu Wuyi. Maybe her potential hadn’t fully shown before—whether due to script choices or other factors, I’m not sure. But one thing is clear: in this drama, Ju Jingyi truly shines✨

Then there’s Ji Ling… I was honestly amazed by the plot twist. At first, I thought Ji Ling was the ninth dragon who refused to give his power to the tenth dragon. But then… I cried during his arc. His story as a simple village fox who quietly carried such a heavy burden is deeply heartbreaking. And that’s exactly what makes his sacrifice feel even more profound. When everything is revealed, you realize—he has been fighting alone all this time, without many people truly understanding him… well, except Lu Wuyi 😌♥️🦊 Ji Ling fulfilled his duty, but at a great cost. He is the definition of a layered character, written with incredible depth and detail.

I also really love how the relationship between Wu Shiguang and Wu Wangyan develops while they live as Changhao and Qingyi in the illusion world. They don’t just pass through in search of the star stone—they truly live there. Decades spent together, sharing space, sharing life—and slowly, without realizing it, they become husband and wife in the truest sense. Their feelings grow naturally, never forced by the plot. Whether you are a fox spirit or a human, consistent interaction will eventually make you accept one another. I also appreciate how their emotions are written realistically. They don’t constantly deny their feelings just for the sake of conflict. There is struggle, there is hesitation, but it all feels human. Unlike some dramas where characters remain stubborn for too long, here they grow and learn to be honest with their emotions. That’s what makes their relationship feel more mature and meaningful.

Another strong element is the OST. Chinese drama OSTs are known for their meaningful and story-aligned lyrics 😌✨ and the OST in VOS truly feels like a natural extension of the narrative. It’s not just background music, but an emotional continuation of each scene. The lyrics align beautifully with the characters’ journeys, expressing what cannot always be conveyed through dialogue and adding even more emotional depth. Combined with its melancholic yet grand arrangement, enriched by traditional Chinese instruments, the OST deepens the atmosphere and makes every moment more impactful.

Lastly, one of the most distinctive elements that always appears in Edward Guo’s works—whether in MJTY, FOF, or VOS—is the strong theme of brotherhood and familial bonds 🤝🤝. Whether it’s comrades, brothers, or sisters, these relationships are always written with warmth and sincerity. Edward Guo consistently reminds us that family is not just about blood, but about those who support you, stand by you, and give you strength in both sorrow and happiness.

This is a drama that needs to be rewatched to fully grasp and appreciate all its details. There’s so much foreshadowing that only truly hits once you know the full story. Things that seemed simple at first turn out to carry significant meaning in the end.

Overall, Veil of Shadows is not just visually stunning, but also emotionally deep and rich in detail. This is not the kind of drama you can simply leave behind after finishing—it’s the kind that stays with you, making you want to return and uncover the small details you might have missed. Veil of Shadows feels like a perfect pink thunder in Ji Ling's ring that hits you at once—it strikes without warning and when you realize, it settles deep in your heart...💍🌑🌙⚡🦊🥀

Veil of Shadows makes you remember once again,
that life is probably just
endless meetings and goodbyes,
countless people and moments...🌬️🍃

Leaves you in silence after the end,
make your chest ache,
make silence feel louder,
make you miss something you never had...🧸🌑

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