Veil of Shadows

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

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, Ji Ling & Lu Wuyi and Wu Shiguang & Wu Wangyan 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 Veil of Shadows 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 with many plot twists, 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 to many. Not to mention, VoS also 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. But the confusion is deliberate and feels immensely rewarding when everything finally clicks. Just 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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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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Something wrong happened along the way

I know this will ruffle a few feathers among fans, but Veil of Shadows simply didn’t work for me and in more ways than one.

First, the storyline felt unnecessarily convoluted. Instead of building intrigue, it created confusion, with noticeable plot holes and repetitive scenes that added little value. I found myself trying to piece things together rather than being immersed in the narrative.

Second, the promotion of Joseph Zheng as a leading figure felt misleading. His role comes across more as supporting, which may leave viewers expecting a different kind of presence feeling disappointed.

Visually, the series leans heavily on CGI—so much so that it often distracts from the performances rather than enhancing them. Style seems to take precedence over substance, and not always to the show’s benefit.

And then there’s the cinematography choice: the constant close-ups paired with dramatically wind-swept, wavy hair. It’s a stylistic device that quickly becomes overused, losing its intended impact and turning almost into a visual cliché.

The stakes also feel diminished. Characters die, only to be revived through a recurring “magic stone” device and if all things fail there’s the qlubiquitous “everything-can-be-fix-with-time-travel”This cycle undercuts emotional weight so why invest in loss if it’s repeatedly undone?

It also raises a fundamental question: whose story is this, really? The narrative focus feels scattered, making it hard to connect deeply with any one character or relationship.

Finally, the inclusion of the “weasel demon” character while perhaps intended as quirky or compelling felt more distracting than engaging, especially as the role grew in prominence.

Overall, the show reminds me of the same issues I had with Fangs of Fortune: over-the-top dramatics, an overcrowded cast, and a storyline that struggles under its own ambition. There’s a distinct flair for spectacle, but without clarity and cohesion, it becomes difficult to stay invested.

Of course, this is just my perspective. If you enjoyed the series, that’s completely valid. But for me, it ultimately fell short of its potential.

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Waste of time type of ending

Was a 7.5 for me until the ending and they practically did one thing I hate in any series that doesn't focus on said concept. They pulled the old switcheroo and ended in a way I felt just makes the entire story building pointless.

So this deserves a 5.5 in my eyes.

I won't spoil it but I'll say Stein's Gate explores the concept throughout the series. This series doesn't do any of that it just happens and it happens in the most pathetic way possible to end the series in a good note.

This series peaks in the middle part where they explore the past vs present and you get to understand their motivations and backstory. It was appealing and I enjoyed it because it was good pacing.

Where it falls apart is the start of the "story writer" part of the ending and it's something if you watch you'll realise how weak it is because Stein's Gate did it better and which is why you don't ever throw it in a series as something that just happens. It's too weak like if the entire series was like that then I'll be more positive because at least you build around that concept and explore that concept not what they did here.

I feel the story weakened immensely due to this.

World building was good, visuals was good, acting was good and music was kind of not my thing but it was okay minus the dub dub dub wub wub wub sounds as I was never into that kind of stuff.

I would love a spin off just focused on more shounen anime style of becoming a demon hunter that be great. I think they have some concepts here but they didn't explore any of that like how do humans get powers, how do humans level up, and such so I would actually be down to watch something akin to that but obviously this series is more about the main leads and love, trials of love etc... not how to become a top demon hunter and impress a girl who is trying to assassinate you and is secretly a demon.

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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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Veil of Confusion

Veil of Shadow really cast a shadow in my mind. The story was so confusing and chaotic! I cannot ascertain if it was meant to be adventurous with many heroes or if it's about the last dragon to save the world or if it was a doomed love story between Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi or if if it was a sob story about Ji Ling the blind red fox.
I watched this for Joseph Zeng but he did not seem to be the main cast. He had much much lesser screen time compare to Tian Jiarui. And his chemistry with Chen Du Ling didn't work for me. It was non existent and forced.
The character development for everyone was so inconsistent throughout. The push and pull of dying for each other between Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi dragged for many episodes. Their flirting was endless and draggy and boring. The back story on Ji Ling's loneliness was so long I don't know where it was heading. The fight scenes that should matter in the story were so quick and easy rush. This is one drama I will not recommend.

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Visually Amazing but Storytelling Confusing!

There is no way to deny Veil of Shadows is one of the Chinese drama that has most beautiful cinematography. The characters' designs were all well made. The costumes are beautiful. The soundtracks are also very nice and fit into the mysterious gothic background cinematoghy.

The story is actually interesting. It has this vibe of Painted Skin which it is based on. In my opinion, it is not told well. The storytelling uses,"show first, reveal later! And oh twist!", so often that its really difficult to go in depth emotionally connecting with the story because for me, I just simply lost track both on story and characters'motivations (Because characters play cunning most of the time). There's just non stop feeding in that "cool make me lost track on the taste.

The fantasy themes such as demonic power themes are very nice. However, the show repeatedly use time looping, characters role playing others in other past timeline. Especially this role playing people in the past, is something new for me, and I am not so convinced into this fantasy element theory. Nevertheless, I do like how this theory was used to develop Wu Shiguang and Wu Wang Yang romance bonding. It's such a pity that their story was sidelined later.

Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi loved each other so much. They protected each other at all cost. The drama indeed has a lot of their scenes and some are quite repeated. The drama indeed is showing their deep love but I just cannot emotionally connected to their romance despite the fact that I was initially interested in them because I like this dynamic of him being innocent , naive and attracted to her, while she's a little cunning but also attracted to him. Their past of them meeting at the valley, with him bringing her flowers and her giving him rasberries was repeatedly shown as her memory. They do have cute scenes in that star stone time loop where they role play as other couple too. With all the scenes being shown I still feel there's skipping something to them being having such deep bond. Because this couple also has to hold having to destroy each other. Ji Ling was given the responsibility of the role of Chi Wen, ninth dragon, by Chi Wen to kill this evil force, 9 head snakes, Jiu Ying, or wait until the 10th dragon appeared who is of course Wu Shiguang. And Lu Wuyi was made by Jiu Ying to hold some of himself inside her, when got killed, he can use Wuyi's body. So she needed to be destroyed or else main villain, Jiu Ying will use her to destroy the world.

The ending is questionable. It is happy end but it skipped explaining things especially how Wu Shiguang did to time loop and bringing back Wu Wangyang and other 9 tail foxes back to life (after Wangyang and others sacrificed themselves to protect pillars of the world for not collapse), and also how did weasel demon, Youchi come back to life after sacrificing. Its like timeloop was changed and some happenings are deleted. But its not shown well. So Wu Shiguang was very powerful but why it took him too much strength to get rid of the villain, even Ji Ling spirit that came back was more powerful? The viewers really need to make up things on their own to the story.
As for Ji Ling, he was actually already dead but his soul can still come back after some theory add up and his soul go inside the time loop crystal to rid of Jiu Ying putting the thing inside that can permanently seal part of his in her. Ji Ling succeeded and get rid of villain in that time loop. The ending shows Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi in another timeloop of life that they are just normal people who met and fall in love again. So I take that as happy end because main characters reunited and happy at end of drama. As for why and how did that happen, the drama do not tell and left to viewers to just think on their own. (This kind of thing was done and twisted in drama that for some viewers this ending not something to be trusted) For myself, I think about a lot of symbolisms and theory use, i cannot really find strong substance in it. It just seem to go just randomly on whatever it wants to. Just like when the last timeloop, villain was slained and get rid of. Some dead characters such as Youchi come back to life but not others, I cannot really find substance on how and why that is. That left me with unserious confused impression 🤡🙄, which is my overall rating to the drama is not so high. I give it 6/10.
Even that so I will still recommend this one to anyone who enjoy Guo Jingming previous works (visual is guaranteed) and to fans of Ju Jing Yi and Tian Jia Rui. Maybe you will probably connect with it than I do.

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

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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Veil of Shadows: A Haunting Symphony of Love, Secrets, and Unforgettable Sacrifice

Veil of Shadows is the kind of drama that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go, layering intrigue, emotion, and visual elegance in a way that feels both deliberate and deeply immersive. What makes it stand out isn’t just its suspenseful storytelling, but how confidently it balances mystery with character depth every glance, every pause, and every line of dialogue seems to carry weight, hinting at secrets just beneath the surface. The cinematography is striking without being overwhelming, often using light and shadow to mirror the internal conflicts of the characters, which adds a poetic dimension to the narrative. The performances feel nuanced and restrained, avoiding melodrama and instead opting for a slow-burn intensity that makes the emotional moments hit harder when they finally land. There’s also a sophistication in how the plot unfolds rather than rushing to reveal its twists, it trusts the audience to sit with ambiguity, to question motives, and to piece things together gradually, which makes the experience far more rewarding. Even though the drama can feel confusing at times, packed with numerous twists and unexpected turns that constantly challenge your understanding of the story, it somehow never loses its grip instead, that complexity becomes part of its charm, making every revelation feel earned and impactful. It’s also an intensely emotional journey, with each episode carrying such raw, heartfelt moments that it leaves viewers deeply moved, often to the point of tears, as the characters' struggles and sacrifices resonate on a profoundly human level. Altogether, it’s a drama that feels carefully crafted rather than formulaic, offering not just entertainment but a lingering atmosphere that stays with you long after an episode ends.

The chemistry between Chen Duling and Joseph Zheng in Veil of Shadows brings a completely different yet equally captivating dynamic to the story, adding layers of emotional complexity that perfectly complement the main narrative. Their interactions carry a more restrained, almost bittersweet tone, where every exchange feels loaded with history, longing, and unresolved feelings. There’s a sense of quiet tension between them that never fully dissipates, making even their simplest moments together feel significant and emotionally charged. What stands out is how naturally they portray a relationship shaped by circumstances one that feels fragile yet deeply rooted, as if both characters are constantly torn between what they feel and what they must do. Their chemistry doesn’t rely on overt romance but instead thrives on subtle emotional undercurrents, creating a poignant connection that lingers in the background and gradually leaves a strong impact. It’s the kind of pairing that makes you reflect on missed chances and complicated love, adding depth to the overall drama and making their storyline just as memorable and affecting as any central romance.

The chemistry between Ju Jingyi and Tian Jia Rui in Veil of Shadows is nothing short of mesmerizing, built on a slow-burn romance that feels incredibly natural and deeply affecting. Rather than rushing into grand confessions or exaggerated displays of affection, their connection unfolds through subtle gestures, lingering eye contact, and unspoken understanding, which makes every small moment between them feel significant. There’s a quiet intensity in the way they look at each other, as if carrying layers of emotions that words can’t fully express, and that restraint only makes their bond more powerful. As the story progresses, their relationship grows through shared pain, trust, and sacrifice, making it feel earned rather than forced, and leaving viewers completely invested in their journey. It’s the kind of pairing that makes you root for them even in the most hopeless situations, hoping they’ll finally find peace and happiness together. Their dynamic is so compelling that it naturally leaves fans wishing to see them reunite in many more dramas, this time with a well-deserved happy ending where their love doesn’t have to struggle against fate but can finally flourish without tragedy.

This drama is the best drama in 2026 like it's so so so good everyone's acting is top notch it. Veil of Shadows is honestly a masterclass in casting, every role feels like it's made for the actor playing it. Tian Jia Rui and Ju Jingyi are absolutely magnetic together, delivering a pairing that’s both emotionally intense and irresistibly captivating, with chemistry that feels natural yet electrifying. At the same time, Chen Duling and Joseph Zheng bring their own charm and depth, balancing elegance with subtle tension, making both couples equally compelling to watch. The casting truly elevates the entire drama, making every interaction feel meaningful and unforgettable. Last but not least it's really recommendable to everyone please do give it a try the story can be confusing because it's original script not adopted from any novel, I love the way that how each episodes at the end create confusions, excitement and curious to the general public and even fans that what will happen next and how people start making their own theories regarding it and how they come true 😍❤️‍🔥

Ok I may sound biased but I feel like Tian Jia Rui's chemistry with Ju Jingyi is so insane like I don't think he had this much of chemistry with another actress unlike with ju jingyi it's so good like I keep seeing their edits everywhere on Twitter, my entire youtube fyp is filled with them, insta, etc. even in WhatsApp I have joined cdrama group everyone loves their chemistry I hope to see this couple in future projects and happy endings 😭💖 (not hating ofcourse please don't get mad it's just I feel)

The performance of Ju Jingyi in Veil of Shadows truly feels like a turning point in her career, showing just how much she has grown and refined her craft over time. There’s a noticeable maturity in the way she carries her character—her expressions feel more controlled yet more expressive at the same time, allowing her to convey complex emotions without overplaying them. She handles vulnerability, strength, and inner conflict with a balance that makes her performance feel authentic and deeply engaging, and it’s easy to see why many would consider this her best drama so far. Every emotional scene lands with greater impact because of how naturally she embodies the character, making the audience feel every bit of her pain, resilience, and quiet determination.

At the same time, Tian Jia Rui delivers an equally impressive performance that’s hard to ignore, especially with the sheer challenge of portraying multiple personas. Taking on six different roles is no small feat, yet he manages to give each one a distinct presence, personality, and emotional depth, never letting them blur into one another. From subtle shifts in expression to changes in body language and tone, he fully commits to each variation, making every character feel complete and believable in their own right. It’s the kind of performance that showcases both versatility and control, proving his range as an actor and leaving a strong impression throughout the drama. Together, their performances elevate the entire series, making it even more compelling and unforgettable.❤️❤️

The brilliance of Veil of Shadows isn’t just the result of standout performances it’s a testament to the immense hard work and dedication of the entire cast and crew who brought this story to life with such precision and care. From the directors who shaped its hauntingly beautiful tone, to the writers who crafted such an intricate and emotionally layered narrative, to every supporting actor who added depth and authenticity to the world, you can feel the collective effort in every frame. The attention to detail in the production from costume design to set aesthetics to the carefully chosen soundtrack creates an atmosphere that feels rich, immersive, and thoughtfully constructed, showing that this was truly a labor of passion rather than just another project.

What makes it even more special is how rewatchable it is this isn’t a drama you experience just once and move on from. With so many subtle hints, hidden meanings, and layered character motivations, each rewatch reveals something new, making the story feel even more rewarding the second or third time around. Scenes that once felt mysterious gain clarity, and emotional moments hit even harder when you understand the full context behind them. It’s also incredibly easy to recommend because it offers something for everyone mystery, romance, emotional depth, and strong performances all woven together in a way that feels cohesive and impactful. It’s the kind of drama you don’t just watch, but revisit and share, knowing others will be just as captivated by its depth and artistry.💖💖

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Where Fate Was Cruel but Love Refused to Yield

To start with, what can I even say about Veil of Shadows? I’m honestly at a loss for words. When it ended, I just sat there feeling… empty, like something inside me had quietly disappeared. Watching each episode the moment it dropped became my little ritual—refreshing the page, waiting, counting down. And now that it’s over, it feels like I’ve lost a part of my routine, a part of myself.

Still, what a journey it’s been. A brutal, emotional rollercoaster—and I loved every second of it.

This drama is heartbreakingly painful, yet undeniably brilliant. The plot twists had me questioning everything almost every episode, but somehow, GJM managed to tie everything together in a way that actually made sense. I don’t know how he did it—but I respect him for it, even after all the emotional damage he put me through.

When it comes to the characters, let me start with WWY. She’s the very definition of compassion and sincerity. I mean, what do you mean she’s a nine-tailed fox tasked with bloody missions, yet she still cries for every life she has to take? That contrast made her so human. I loved her decision to sever her tail—not just to preserve her memories with WSG, but because she refused to keep staining her hands with innocent blood. And her bond with LWY? That hit hard. Even after learning that their memories—and even her initial feelings—were fabricated, she still chose love, still chose to stand by LWY. She didn’t blame her. Instead, she comforted her. That kind of emotional maturity is rare.

As for WSG, I know some people see him as weaker compared to JL, but honestly, that makes sense. JL has had over a century to grow into his role, while WSG is still finding his footing. What I love about WSG is his thoughtfulness—he doesn’t rush into his mission blindly. He questions, he searches, especially during the Star Stone Illusion Arc. His understanding of JL’s burden and his quiet respect for him really stood out. And his unwavering trust? Even when everyone doubted JL, WSG didn’t. That says everything about his character. His relationships—whether it’s with You Chi or even Lie Jie—are handled with such humility and emotional intelligence.

Now, WuWu. Their love story may not be loud or overwhelming, but it’s deeply grounded. It wasn’t love at first sight—it grew slowly, naturally, from enemies to partners to something more. Their dynamic feels stable, mature, almost like they’ve lived countless lives together already. And their scenes in the illusion arc? So soft, so domestic—it was a quiet kind of happiness that lingered.

But my heart truly belongs to JL and LWY.

JL’s story broke me. He was never meant for any of this. He was just a carefree fox, picking raspberries, living peacefully—until fate forced him into a role that was never his. Becoming a “Dragon Deity,” carrying a century-long plan, preparing for his own death… all while living in isolation, hiding who he really is. What hurts the most is his loneliness. He had every right to resent YWH, yet he chose sacrifice instead. That says everything about his character.

He’s someone torn between duty and love—but instead of choosing one, he chose both, even if it meant losing his life. He couldn’t abandon LWY, but he also couldn’t abandon the world. So he chose the only path left—self-sacrifice.

What makes his relationship with LWY even more heartbreaking is this—he knew she was sent to make him fall in love with her, to trap him between his duty and his heart… and he still chose to love her anyway. Fully, knowingly, without hesitation. That choice alone says everything about who he is.

And LWY… where do I even begin? she's the definition of tragic in a human form.

She is, without a doubt, one of the most tragic characters I’ve ever seen. At first, she might come across as empty or manipulative—but once her story unfolds, everything changes. Imagine discovering that your entire existence is fabricated—that your body, your memories, even your identity were pieced together for someone else’s purpose. That kind of truth would destroy anyone.

But LWY didn’t break—she endured. Her emotions, her love, her choices—they were real, even if everything else wasn’t. And her resilience? Unmatched. Turning back time 49 times, failing every single time, and still choosing to try again… that’s not just strength—that’s something beyond human. Every rewind took something from her, yet she kept going, driven by love.

Her love for JL is overwhelming in the best—and most painful—way. Even when her body was falling apart, she still chose to go back, to understand him, to save him. And in the end, even when she lost him, she didn’t lose herself. She refused to let JY take over, even if it meant her own death. She chose the world. She chose what JL died to protect.

Now, JiLu… I don’t even have the right words for them.

Their love is pure, tragic, and inevitable. At first, it feels sudden—but when the truth is revealed, everything falls into place. They were always connected. Always meant to find each other. And that makes everything hurt even more.

They never hesitated to sacrifice themselves for each other. LWY rewound time over and over again for JL. JL gave up his life for LWY. They both wanted to live together—but fate refused to allow it. And yet, despite everything, they still found a way. JL chose to remember her, even when the world forgot. He chose a new universe—one where she could exist freely, where she could be happy. That choice alone defines their love. Not just tragic, but enduring. Even against the rules of existence itself.

The plot itself is another strength. It keeps you guessing constantly—nothing is predictable, and every reveal shifts your perspective. What starts as confusing and chaotic eventually becomes something incredibly well-structured. Everything connects. Nothing is wasted. And the theme of love—love in all its forms—is beautifully explored: brotherhood, sisterhood, loyalty, romance, and even love for the world itself.

And somehow, despite all the suffering, we still got a happy ending—one that actually makes sense. It’s not perfect, it’s not conventional, but it feels earned. Like a quiet reward after all the pain.

The acting? Absolutely top-tier. JJY completely became LWY. The way she conveyed pain, hope, desperation—it was all in her eyes. You could feel everything she was feeling. And TJR? His emotional scenes were insane. The way he cried—it didn’t feel acted, it felt real. And the contrast between his different personas? So distinct it felt like watching two different people.

And the OSTs? On another level entirely. With artists like Zhou Shen, Sa DingDing, Mao Buyi, Ren Suxi, and Liu Yuning, you already know the quality is unmatched. Every song felt perfectly placed, enhancing each scene and making it unforgettable. I’m still replaying the entire album—and I’m still waiting for that duet release.

I could go on forever, but I’ll stop here. If you’re still hesitant about watching Veil of Shadows, just give it 10 episodes. That’s all it takes. And if 10 is not the highest rating, I’d give this drama 1000. Every episode kept me hooked, every relationship made me feel something, and most importantly—everything mattered. Nothing was left unfinished.

This wasn’t just a drama. It was an experience.

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Love Surpasses and Overcomes All; "I Will Always Be By Your Side".

This was my most anticipated drama for this year, and I had no idea if they were going to drop it and when and it completely delivered. This is a drama that I never expected or anticipated to give a perfect score to but absolutely everything came together. All of the actors gave 150% and the storyline was solid as were the sub plots and always kept you guessing. There were so many twists and turns you never knew the outcome until the very end. Though GJM is allergic to happy endings, he finally gave us one or should I say two because there were two couples.

I have been in the comment section for this drama since they started filming last year or the year before last because I believe they started in late November early December. It was a very lively comment section with a lot of solo fans, multi fans like myself, drama fans, and people just wanting to talk and it definitely delivered. We loved watching the fan sites show us how the actors were acting the BTS and everything else. And now we got to see this amazing work of art with fantastic acting, cinematography was incredible. It had you laughing, it had you crying, it had you feeling with the characters were feeling and being along with them for each and every journey. I follow about four people but from the main cast it's TJR for me and he absolutely nailed his what we originally thought were going to be three or possibly four characters ended up being six and he conveyed every single one of them completely differently. I don't even know how that's possible in one series to do six completely different characters and nail each and every one of them. It's like he had six split personalities or something. Can't forget our characters with the two flowers on their forehead that helped out so much; the demon hunters three of which sacrificed, but then came back at the end. I know I'm probably going to forget so many other people that meant so much to our main five. And if I do, please remind me in the comments.

The only real negative was the fact that even though WSG was ultimately the 10th dragon and the real one and granted it took him to a while to get there, and JL was the fake dragon deity, he had lived as one, the longest and cultivated the power of the demons the longest, and it was him that did the last reversal of time that led for the amnesia and what not. But it was his ability to kill JY before she got her hands on the newly born LWY that allowed WSG to destroy LWY possessed body and last fragment of the demon. Because even though WSG was the dragon, he was fairly new at it and hadn't had the same amount of power and experience as JL did.

I am very glad we had a happy ending and my take on how that went was that JL created another entrance/rift with LWY's help and at first I thought they just went into a different timeline but watching it again, I think they returned to the same timeline just as mortals in some little village far away from the people or should I say one person that still remembered them. But the reason I think they return to the same timeline is because LJ seemed to be pulled toward JL like a voice was calling to him, and if he was in a separate timeline that wouldn't have happened, and he felt compelled to travel the world and find out who he was for real and so I think he will probably travel the world and maybe he will find JL and some sort of memory will spark, or they will just become friends who knows? Only WSG & JL retained their memories everyone else forgot everything. They all had new memories and one person even had a different personality altogether should I say the weasel guy I'm not even sure whether he was a weasel still or something else. But I'm glad that the four major demons and moon dude helped JL open the portal back to be able to destroy JY and save LWY and his makeup and hair with those demons powers was just amazing.

I think everyone's fights and sacrifices with their lives even though they came back at the end were amazing. The chemistry of both couples was phenomenal. I loved it in the illusion in the desert, which ironically was the very first scene they shot, but it ended up like toward the middle of the show. In the illusion, the chemistry between WSG and WWY was really awesome even though they were playing his adoptive parents. But hey, they did the deed in that one. Our other couple did the deed toward the end, but I was actually very proud of TJR since it was his first on screen kiss and more or less intimate scene so congratulations for getting that out of the way lol. I don't even remember when they shot JL and LWY's final scene because I don't remember watching it. What I do find amazing was that the very first arc in that house they spent so much time filming and it was literally the shortest arc other than maybe the tree demon guy; Han Ba.

I can praise the series to the moon and back it had so many over lying arcs and other things and special messages but the most important message and it's something that GJM had conveyed from the very beginning when he did an interview was that this particular series was about love and the type of love that you don't let go of. It’s not a passing phase type of thing; this was a love that you would walk-through time rifts and time travel a zillion times just to protect. You would go to the ends of the Earth and back for. But also there were friendships like JL and LJ that were just so strong or WSG and weasel dude or the sisterhood of WWY and LWY; or the two leaf demon hunters or JL and BZ. There were so many of those I can't even put them into this review because as you guys all know, my reviews are short now. But this show just literally had everything that you want to have in a good story. The story was amazing.

Every single character was necessary and needed for however long they were in the show for and even though you did get an introduction of zillion characters at once the ones that were the most important stayed and you got to know them. You got the back stories of all the leads and even some of the support plus a few of the guests so you really had a very layered experience. I think that's the best way to describe this; an experience for the soul, a feast for the eyes because the costumes, the sets, the cinematography, the CGI; it was all so amazing. The OST's and that tribal BGM I absolutely adore. I want that thing somewhere or maybe I can use it as a ringtone because it was so awesome and even if you heard it several times in one episode it fit every single time. Nothing was ever like out of place or made you scratch your head and go why. I must say that in the last episode when the four Great Demons plus moon dude came back to help JL open the rift. I really love that that was like so awesome and made you cheer like a cheerleader because these guys even though they were now gone, it was just their spirits they were there to help the man that they spent a century protecting or teaching or at least one of them did but all the others knew who he was. There were a zillion moments like that where people came together to help bring down some sort of evil, especially once the team had formed up and they knew who was who and what was really happening and who the big bad villain was. I think one of the funniest comments came out of CHS who played Han Ba, who after a particular night of filming as fans crowded around him, and he made his way back to his RV, shook his head and said "I am not a good person" in regards to his character, which was just so funny. They had so many moments like that and even on the set in between takes, they were just a bunch of goofballs even the ones that were introverts were pulled into the extroverted circle. Considering how heavy this drama is, having those funny moments on set with their fellow costars I think really got them out of that serious state. And who could forget that flipping inferno (the wind whipping the flames literally went at least 20 feet into the air and the fans that were standing on the mountain evacuated as well) that was so dangerous but thankfully nobody got hurt only two huts burned down and we all watched it on full as it was being filmed, but thankfully fire trucks and emergency personnel came quickly and all cast and crew were evacuated to safety. It was determined that wind blowing embers from the bonfire caused the inferno.

Would I recommend it? 150%! I always go as most of you know into shows without any expectations whatsoever even if they are my most anticipated and/or I follow actors or whatever the situation may be and like I said I follow at least four people here and all I can say is that this show has to be seen by people, especially who loved the fantasy genre because it is truly an experience. Think of it as you're going on an adventure, like your personal self not just you're watching a show and this is the experience. I think I can gush for hours about the show, but I'm just gonna leave it here. Please watch!

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