Veil of Shadows

The heaviest Chains that bind have little to no weight, like a Veil made of satin and silk, of Fate

A flood demon, blind and broken, once said: "Love can make one seek the bright light... but it can also sink you deep into an abyss."

What stands there that makes a fool of you, blinds you, soft like a veil and heavy in meaning is what this series is about. The things you cannot run from.

Behind it, shadows who will gladly destroy themselves to bear its weight. And every one of them would walk into the dark to reach it. In every timeline, in every choice.


Story:

An intriguing premise right from the start: A fox demon carves hearts from living bodies or so the rumor goes. Everyone is chasing the culprit. But the truth? The real horror doesn't need claws. It lives in the space between a promise and a betrayal.

You will see a world painted in silk and blood, beautiful enough to hurt, with characters who carry a second skin, soft enough to hide. Behind every glance is the quiet dread of the knowledge that no beauty lasts.

Horror, wuxia, rofan, obsession, they are all here, woven together like the chains you cannot see. This is not chaos for the sake of chaos. but the weight you bear by choosing, again and again, to embrace even when you cannot save.


Characters:

(I feel like introducing everyone is a spoiler, so skip this or read at your own discretion.)

They are all shadows behind the same veil—each carrying a chain they cannot see. Some were born into it. Some walked in willingly. None of them will leave unchanged.

Tons of characters, yes. Yet you'll be shocked that everyone gets a good climax, resolution, and a couple. Even the man made of muscles, Li Jie, is so loyal he becomes a GPS; he hasn't got time to even feel alone (jokes aside). And yes, there is even a slice of abs and biceps thrown in here and there.

The Female Leads
Wu Wang Yan (WWY) and Lu Wu Yi (LWY) are siblings to seven others, sharing a very strong bond and one memory. Born as immortal foxes, they are obliged to follow only the orders of their oracles and queen.

WWY always shows her seductive side, but is actually empathetic. Deep within, she has always despised how her loyalty brought her many regrets. She had nowhere to pour her own overflowing feelings and always tries to hide it even from her own little sister.

LWY comes across as hard to understand as she is often vague in her words, decisions, and thoughts. You will feel like you'll never know or understand her fully as a unique person. That's intentional. Her origin, revealed later in the series, explains why.

But beneath the surface, both are deeply sensitive to emotions the very thing that makes them aggressive and broken, until they meet their equal person. Both sisters hide their emotions well but will do anything for the people around them.

The Male Leads
Some wear their hearts like open wounds. Others hide theirs behind lies, muscles, or revenge. All of them are reaching for something they cannot name.

Ji Ling shows many sides throughout the series, each surprising without fail. A disciple of the Shiling sect and a pharmaceutical genius (think Gong Yuan Zhi from MJTY, but the silly, hopeless romantic version). He's empathetic to the point of foolishness and shows his affection like there's no tomorrow.

Wu Shi Guang is a man haunted by a gruesome past, full of misty hours. Blood never leaves his side wherever he goes but neither does his sweet and sour personality perfect with the spiciness of his partner and the cuteness of You Chi, his best man whose a feisty and fiery lad.

Chi Wen is pragmatic and deceitful, a piece-of-something smarty-pants. Everyone looked up to him, and that obsession became his cage. He's hard to reach… until one person sticks to him like glue.

Li Jie is the man who never skipped pec day. His position as commander probably made him want to rip the sleeves off his clothes to show off his biceps, especially when his master gets depressed.

Others Behind the Veil
The Old Master - He likes mushrooms in his meals, otherwise he won't bother eating what you serve. Very kind, but will turn you to stone once angered.

Bai Ze – The all-knowing encyclopedia / kind / loyal secretary / gorgeous fae. You will absolutely admire him.

Xiao Wei – Who can command the day to turn to night instantly, yet cannot even speak the truth behind chestnut cakes.

Wu Zhi Qi – A man whose guilt chains him to the past and drowns his dunes.

Han Ba – Someone whose identity makes the words he can't say hurt everyone. Him and Wu Zhi Qi are like sand and the scorching sun: overwhelming and heavy.

All of them were part of a journey that stays with them and with you long after the screen goes dark.


Music:

The music does not sit beside the story. It lives inside it. Every time a character stands at the edge of a choice they cannot undo, a track rises: part traditional, part something else. Unforgettable.

But here is the strange thing. Almost every cast member sings an OST for this drama. And my favorites? None of them came from the artists I already know and expected.

There is 雾时光 (Misty Hours) by Xin Liu. There is that unreleased BGM that still lives rent-free in my head. And then there is 不苦 (Not Suffering) sung by both Ju Jing Yi and Tian Jia Rui. There is a duet version that I (and others) am still waiting for. The other is 赤子如狐(Innocent as a Fox) of which TJR sings the opera part of the song. I am continuously stunned by his talent. My favorite line from that song is "The moon accompanies me as I walk this world and as it looks at me it says: You're not alone."

Funny, isn't it? I got in expecting my favorites. Yet I leave enchanted for the ones I never saw coming. (So yes, the series pulled Mao Bu Yi, Zhou Shen, Sa Ding Ding and Liu Yu Ning. I'm ecstatic. But they are not the ones haunting my playlist.)


The Flaws:

The pacing sometimes drifts. You will watch characters circle the same wound for longer than necessary, and you may find yourself willing the screen to move faster. Though if you're like me that finds unpredictability very interesting, the pacing is no bother.

The cast is vast. Some faces will blur together on first watch, and you might not remember their names until their third appearance. Yet if you can handle them, and are attentive enough to remember things even after a long day, this is not a problem.

And the sorrow? It is not shy. If you need your pain whispered, this series shouts. Every glance, every pause, every silk sleeve carries the weight of impending heartbreak. It can feel like too much. Unless you're used to or prefer the angst and heartbreaks.

The ending? Somebody must have rushed writing it. Otherwise I won't feel dissapointed that there were this two bonds I wish were not broken. I'm sure if you finished this drama or read other reviews, you'll know whom this unfinished bonds belong to. If you really want to know (Spoiler) Lu Wu Yi &Wu Wang Yan, and Ji Ling & Li Jie. I said earlier that everyone gets a good resolution though it wasn't enough in my eyes. Its hopeless to wait for a 'Director's Cut' with a GJM directed drama, because it was a HE, but clearly not for everyone.

I deducted the .5 for these flaws. Though it didn't affect my appreciation for this gem of a drama.


Overall: ♡

This series will not hold your hand. It will blind you, slowly, like the flood demon who spoke its first truth. You will watch shadows destroy themselves for something you cannot see, and you will understand why.

Do not watch this for comfort. Watch it to feel the weight of chains made of silk. For the music that knows your heart will break before you do. Watch it for the characters who smile like they haven't lost everything even as they lose everything.

And when it ends, you will sit in the dark, reach for something you cannot name, and realize: you have been behind the veil all along.

Come for MJTY's angst, TTEOTM moral chaos, or just the beautiful faces. Stay because you already know what the characters you'll watch are about to learn: the heaviest chains have no weight at all. It could be a veil made of silk and satin, of chestnut cakes, of flowers, of knowledge, of your memories, of fate. And even if the veil is not flawless.

PS: Loved reading all the post, theories and comments for this series. It made visiting MDL this month enjoyable for me. If there is a Season 2, though improbable, I'd be happy to see the same people on the page.

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Really Impressive!!! ?

Watching Veil of Shadows as a first-time C-drama experience feels surprisingly immersive, largely because of how elegantly it balances atmosphere with performance. The drama pulls you into its layered world of intrigue and quiet tension, where every glance and pause seems intentional, and the actors truly carry that weight. The leads, in particular, deliver nuanced performances that make even restrained emotions feel powerful there’s a subtlety in their expressions that speaks louder than dramatic outbursts. What stands out most is how natural the acting feels despite the stylized setting; it never comes across as exaggerated, which can often be a concern for newcomers to the genre. Instead, it creates a compelling emotional rhythm that keeps you invested, making the whole experience feel both fresh and deeply engaging.

This drama is really interesting and re-watchable those who are new like me might like this drama 😊💗

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THE MOST TOP TIER OF MASTERPIECES I HAVE EVER HAD THE FORTUNE TO WITNESS

I.... I have no words.
I started watching this because it looked pretty cool on Netflix and I quite like Ju Jingyi, didn't really have much expectations or thoughts. But HOLY MOLY. I don't actually remember the last time I cried so hard watching a drama. But this show- this show has it all (and then some).

On no planet or timeline could I ever have been prepared for this show. The story, the plot twists, the characters, the music. I have absolutely zero notes.

Don't get me wrong, there were many moments that I thought to myself "wtf is going on" but HOLY SHIT who thought of this story?? Who's the creative genius?? (I know who it is). The show is just one of those that you just bare with, because absolutely everything will be explained. I loved that watching this drama felt like reading a great book where not everything is directly handed to you on a platter but trusts the audience to understand and interpret it.

I can't even begin to describe the beauty that was this story and these characters- I'm gonna be thinking about Ji Ling for a very, VERY long time. And Tian Jiarui... the BEAUTY that you are!! I've never seen TJR in anything before but Jesus. First of all, I didn't know an actor could cry so much (and I've seen that as a criticism for the show, but if you understand the character of Ji Ling and his story, it's really not that hard to fathom just why he's so sad) but I think TJR did an incredible job here. I love his smile, I love his more puppy playful side, I love his serious yet sad 'dragon god' stare, and most of all I love the way he looks at his 'A Wu', the new moon that only he can see.

Extra special mention here for the A Wu the fox plushy. Thank you because I will always cry every time I think about how she has been his A Wu this whole time.

I've only ever seen Ju Jingyi in one other show before and I didn't think her acting was all that. Nonetheless she is beyond gorgeous, and my WORD was Lu Wuyi THE character for her. JJY absolutely thrived in this role and you can really tell. She was casted perfectly, and in many shots, you truly can picture and believe that she is genuinely a fox. And it is definitely believable that Wuyi loves Ji Ling as much as he loves her. I think many dramas I've seen, typically the guy ends up paying heavier prices to show how much he loves the girl, but rarely have I seen the girl paying the price just as hard. The time-travel arc absolutely broke me. No words.

And honestly, all the other side characters were perfection too. I really enjoyed Wangyan & Shiguang's love story, loved that they had to play a married couple which paved the way to them becoming a real couple. And lord I was most confused about Li jie/Yuan Wuwuo's storyline the most - but it was also really satisfying when I finally understood! Loved loved loved him. The brotherly love he had for Ji Ling was so beautiful, and when he said "Thousands of years? I can't wait that long." when the heart stone disappeared? *DEEP BREATH SO THE TEARS WOULD STOP*

Lastly, I will never shut up about the OST & BGM of this show. 100000/10! The BGM, goodness me. SO COOL. So fitting for this show. The OST, made even better if you can understand Chinese, is a million chefs kisses. Every single lead singing their own character song? AURA. I have also NEVER seen both the male and female lead sing the same song on separate recordings. But it is so perfect. You can tell a lot of thought has been put into the lyrics. I can also never just go and listen to the slow song that Yan A sings. Because I will just cry. The two songs sung by TJR... I'm just gonna leave some of my favourite lyrics here.

"The moon stays by my side"
"Moonlight is my most treasured scale"
"Don't be sad, don't cry, I will always be with you"

This show definitely has an incredibly high rewatch value, because you'll understand SO MUCH MORE, and things will be interpreted so differently. Like when LWY first goes into the Shilin temple to get her moon jade back and one of the things she says to the dragon deity is “Are you lonely?”

OR the moment when LWY wanted to kill him in the dungeon for ‘killing’ JL, he says to her “What if I have your blood, soul, veins and bones imprisoned here forever?” AND THEN he looks around because HE REMEMBERS that HE was the one who was imprisoned there before. Once again, I’m lost for words.

There's so much more I want to say, and I know many have found this show too confusing to put up with. But if you happen to be a fortunate kindred spirit where this show has claimed a part of your heart because you understand the true depth of love, loneliness, sacrifice and friendship - welcome home.

Side note: I got so hungover from this show that I’ve crocheted my very own ‘Ah Wu’ plushy. It is and forever will be my prize possession.

Extra side note: pls leave me a comment if there’s something you don’t understand about this show. I’m way too happy to be talking about it forever.

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The best storyline lots of mysteries and the visuals were amazing

One of the best drama that I have ever watched from the episode one. It was like really hooking.There were a lot of mystery.And when they ended into the starstone illusion, there were also surprising facts about the background. He might look confusing at first but You will get it as the stories go on there were also a pleasing beautiful ending as well. The last 3 episode was really hooking and amazing. There were emotional scenes.I was crying when watching episode twenty eight and twenty nine. But after all the mess, everything will be said. The time will be rewinder, and every characters come back to life ❤️

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I LOVEEEEE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DRAMA SO MUCH ?❤️

Completed 29/29 ; my personal rating (100/10)

no regrets watching it while it was ongoing! It’s so goooooooddd!!! There’s a plot twist in almost every episode, which keeps it exciting, fast-paced, and never boring. It’s a total emotional rollercoaster, and you honestly won’t be able to guess the plot unless you watch it all the way to the end.
The plot can be confusing at first, and you really have to think it through, but just keep watching and it’ll start to make sense. Stressful, but in the best way possible and seriously addictive!

I was bawling my eyes out from episode 22 all the way to 29 😭 The cinematography, CGI, OSTs, chemistry and visuals were all so good too. The CGI was beautifully done, the OST hits so hard, and the visuals are just stunning!!

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From Confusing Start to Addictive Masterpiece: A Visually stunning Drama with Emotional Ride

I am not a reviewer person, but for this drama I can't not review.

This started out confusing with many different sides coming together and fighting each other, no clear protagonist and antagonist, no background introduction for each character, but it hooks you in with it's plotline. The 'secret' is not unnecessarily dragged and does not cause the cliche misunderstanding that was usually seen in c-dramas and as a visual creature, I also must admit the awesomeness of the cinematography in every scenes and striking visual. The plotline is unfolding like peeling onions, you need to remember previous subtle hints to understand what the scenes meant. It becomes clearer with each hints added. Though I admint the time jump can sometimes be so abrupt, you need to rewind to catch up.

I personally binge watched this series in less than 24 hours, what started with 'we'll see' soon turned into 'NO I must watch this till the end'. But a little warning, you'll need to prepare tissues if you feel hardly for the chars in the stories...

Well, that's from me, you can have your own opinion after watching it. Rewatch value: 8/10 (crying takes a lot of energy.. +.+)

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A Beautiful, Chaotic Masterpiece

I started A Veil of Shadows with almost no expectations. The main reason I picked it up was because of Joseph Zeng, but by the end, I stayed for the entire cast. This drama completely surprised me. It’s honestly one of the most visually stunning fantasy dramas I’ve watched in a long time. The production, cinematography, casting, costumes, OST, and overall atmosphere were incredible.
At the same time, this drama is also extremely complicated. That’s both its biggest strength and biggest weakness.
This is not an easy watch at all. You cannot casually put this drama on in the background and expect to understand what’s happening. You genuinely have to sit down, focus, analyze details, and constantly question every character. Nobody feels trustworthy until the very end, and that unpredictability is what made the show so addictive.
The plot twists were insane. Every episode had me on edge trying to figure out who was manipulating who and what the actual truth was. The mystery aspect was done incredibly well, but honestly, the confusion became overkill at times. That’s probably the drama’s biggest downfall for me. The story became too layered and complicated.
The time travel storyline especially gave me a headache. Add in the fact that multiple actors were playing different identities or versions of characters, and it became really difficult to keep track of who was who. The butterfly demon storyline completely confused me at times, and there were moments where I genuinely needed outside analyses just to fully understand everything happening beneath the surface.
I honestly think the show could have benefited from more episodes to flesh things out properly instead of rushing some arcs while dragging others. The first half was phenomenal and completely addictive, but the second half became more nerve-racking and harder to follow.
Visually, this drama is a masterpiece.
The fantasy elements were breathtaking. The foxes, demons, dragons, butterflies, transformations, and fight scenes all looked stunning. Every scene felt cinematic, and the directing elevated the entire experience. This drama genuinely feels made for edits and reels because every frame looks gorgeous.
The costumes and hairstyles were unbelievable, especially for the fantasy characters. Everything felt elaborate and immersive.
And the OST? Absolutely incredible.
I’ve rarely seen a drama with such a huge variety of memorable songs. Every emotional or action scene hit ten times harder because of the soundtrack, especially whenever the song by Liu Yuning started playing. The music added so much emotion and tension to the story.
The Biggest Problem: Unbalanced Screen Time
One of my biggest frustrations with the show was how uneven the screen time became.
The drama initially felt like it was introducing multiple important leads equally, but by the second half, the focus shifted heavily toward Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling. Personally, I felt their romance moved a little too fast. They went from having crushes on each other to literally dying for each other almost immediately. Then the repeated death-and-return cycle started becoming repetitive, and after a while, the emotional impact disappeared because it kept happening over and over.
Meanwhile, Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang’s relationship completely stole my heart. Compared to Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling, their relationship felt far more mature, layered, and emotionally developed. They literally spent years growing old together, and that kind of bond felt much deeper and more meaningful to me. I also loved how funny and entertaining their dynamic was at the beginning, and honestly, I wish that side of them lasted longer into the drama.
I really wish the show had balanced both couples more evenly instead of overwhelmingly focusing on one.
Another character who suffered from this imbalance was Shi Guang. He was introduced as such an important figure in the beginning, but later he started feeling more like a supporting character, which genuinely disappointed me because the build-up for him was so strong.
The cast absolutely carried this drama.
Ju Jingyi completely surprised me. I had watched her before and was never particularly impressed, but here she genuinely nailed her role. She perfectly captured the manipulative, elegant, fox-like nature of her character while also delivering the emotional scenes beautifully. Her crying scenes were amazing, she changed my opinion of her.
Chen Duling brought a calm maturity to her role, but I honestly wish she had been given more screen time because I wanted to see more of her dynamic with Joseph.
As for Joseph Zeng, I genuinely feel like he was underused. It felt like the drama initially built him up to be incredibly important only to reduce him into more of a supporting role later on. He did the best with what he was given, but I wish the writing gave him more. I loved his crying at the end when he saw she sacrificed herself. Visually, I also think he suffered a bit because his character was human while everyone else had these elaborate fantasy costumes and transformations. The other characters naturally looked more visually striking, while he looked comparatively plain throughout most of the drama. It suited the character, but it also made him stand out less. I did enjoy his styling towards the end though.
Tian Jiarui, however, was phenomenal.
Even though I was frustrated that his character received more focus than Joseph’s, I can’t deny how incredible his performance was. He portrayed multiple identities and personalities throughout the show—fox, demon, dragon, Lonescale—and managed to make each version feel distinct.
His Lonescale storyline was honestly one of the most heartbreaking parts of the entire drama. You could really see the evolution from a playful and lovable character into someone broken and serious by the end.
His styling was also insane. The costumes, hair, and overall visual design were some of the best in the show.
My only issue was the fake tears. Every time he cried, the tears looked overly thick and artificial, which pulled me out of emotional scenes sometimes. But overall, his acting was still fantastic.
And then there’s Yan An, who completely mesmerized me. This was my first time watching him, and he absolutely stole my attention. Whether as Yan An, Li Jie, or all the other versions of his character, I was fascinated every time he appeared on screen. His storyline was confusing but incredibly intriguing, and his chemistry with Tian Jiarui was honestly one of my favorite dynamics in the entire drama. I loved the friendships and bromance in this show even more than the actual romances. Their dynamic genuinely carried a huge emotional weight in the show. Also his styling was chef’s kiss.
One thing this drama did exceptionally well was the chemistry between the entire cast—not just the couples.
The friendships, betrayals, alliances, sisterhoods, and especially the bromances all felt strong and believable. The cast genuinely felt connected, and that made the fantasy world feel alive. Special mention to the weasel because he brought so much charm and entertainment to the story.
Honestly, I think the friendships and emotional bonds between the characters impacted me more than most of the romance.
A Veil of Shadows is honestly a beautiful mess.
It’s visually stunning, ambitious, chaotic, addictive, emotionally exhausting, and sometimes unbelievably confusing. The production quality is incredible, the cast is fantastic, the OST is unforgettable, and the story constantly keeps you guessing.
At the same time, the mystery and confusion sometimes became too excessive, which made the second half harder to enjoy emotionally because I was so focused on trying to understand everything.
The ending also left me with mixed feelings. Seeing Wu Shiguang only one to remember everything was heartbreaking, but overall the ending felt underwhelming to me. I understand that restarting everything was supposed to be salvation for the characters, but it also erased so many shared experiences, hardships, friendships, and relationships that made those bonds meaningful in the first place. Love becomes meaningful because of everything people go through together, so resetting everything emotionally hurt more than it healed.
Despite all my frustrations, though, I would still absolutely recommend this drama. It’s flawed, messy, overcomplicated, and sometimes exhausting—but it’s also captivating and unforgettable. One of the best fantasy dramas I’ve watched in terms of visuals, atmosphere, and production alone.

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Worth the wait!!

I have been waiting for this drama cuz of Jiarui, Yan-an, and Duling after FOF, but everyone was just so good with their characters that I feel in love with it. I really enjoyed every bit of it, and it was worth all the wait!! It's literally a masterpiece for me like pls everything was mind-blowing, and just literally wow!! "Ruirui" had me giggling as "Ji Ling", but he made me cry too like please I love his tiny face, and adorable smile so much!!

(ps: recently lost interest in costume dramas, so I was literally skipping all new ones no matter how much I looked forward to it earlier, but this one brought my Xianxia and Wuxia heart back to life, keke)

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Skillful Storytelling. Mesmerizing Visuals. But Logic Breaks in the Final Episode.

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My score journey

∘ after 15 ep = 8.5
∘ nearing toward ep 20 = 9
∘ ep 22-28 = 9.5
∘ after ep 29 = 9

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I’m completely hooked for the first 24 episodes before the fast campaign was released. At that point, I couldn’t wait any longer, so I went all in in one go.

I am mind-blown at every turn of events. Every episode surprises me. I can’t guess ahead. It’s the only Chinese drama in a long time that I almost never fast-forward. Instead, I keep rewinding again and again. The story is solid, most of the logic is tight, the story unfolding is skillful, the acting is mesmerizing, all the dialogues are worth listening to, and the visuals are breathtaking!

But what a pity, the director disappointed me a bit right at the very end. This already happened once when I watched "The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity" from the same director/writer, where something fell apart at the end. And with this drama, he repeats it again (full complaint with spoiler alert at the bottom).

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🍅 Visualization - Cinematography

The composition in each frame is beautiful - real food for the eyes. The camera work is well designed. There are so many camera techniques used to drive the story’s dynamics. I can see how everything is well thought, well designed before execution.

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🍅 Visualization - Choreography

The characters’ movements are heavily choreographed and executed with visionary eyes. This shows how thoughtful the behind-the-scenes team is. They maximize every technique, even the beauty of the actors’ movements, to deliver each scene with maximum impact.

The choreography of the nine-tailed fox sisters is especially alluring. Both of the sisters feel totally out of this world. They’re captivating to watch, and just by watching them, I was pulled into their demonic spell.

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🍅 Story

The story keeps surprising me. Just when I think there’s nothing new left, it goes beyond what I could think of - again and again.

There’s always something new to discover. Things keep moving forward. Nothing feels repetitive. The pacing is tight - nothing drags, nothing slows down.

I can clearly see the writer/director’s complex mind and his ability to keep up with it. He doesn’t miss most of the points he sets up and comes back to resolve them.

But it’s a pity - he drops that momentum right at the last episode (more complaints at the bottom).

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🍅 Character Design

There are many interesting characters being introduced throughout the story. While their roles vary in weight, no one feels like filler.

Even small roles are introduced at the right time, with clear identity and purpose. Every character feels fully realized, which strengthens the whole story.

Another strong point is that this story doesn’t follow the typical two-lead structure. Most dramas stick to one main couple, making it easier for the audience to invest emotionally.

But this breaks that pattern. It presents two equally weighted couples - and it works! I’m fully drawn into all of them without feeling overwhelmed or diluted.

However, one character feels a bit off. When Su Jian / Mu Long appears, her character breaks the tone of the story. I get that the actress became popular for how her character in "My Journey to You" broke conventions, but here it feels like a copy-paste. It feels repetitive, uncreative and out of place.

I can understand the intention to add some color to the last demon subplot (there are 4 background stories for 4 demons, and this is the last one, so I get that the writer might be running out of ideas at this point), but since she only appears briefly, it lacks consistency and ends up being the only hole in an elegant cloth. Nonetheless, this is still considered a minor hole that I’m ok overlooking.

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🍅 Casting - or maybe Directing

The two nine-tailed fox sisters are perfectly cast. Their presence carries strong emotional and visual weight. They really sell the otherworldly feeling.

The voice of the younger fox sister also sounds very surreal to me. It's suitable for her nine-tailed fox demon role. I didn’t think it was her original voice at first and thought they sought out a voice actress to make the character sound like that, but it’s actually her own voice.

I also like Ji Ling / Chi Wen a lot. The actor still has room to improve, but he fits the naive, child-like nature well without going overboard.

Even the supporting cast is strong. The first supporting character who appears deserves special praise. The male nine-tailed fox makes a strong first impression. He sets the audience’s high expectations for side characters' role and performance right from the start. As a result, it sets the tone for the drama and the standard for all the side characters that follow.

I’m not sure if this is great casting or strong directing - probably both.

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🍅 Acting

The romantic vibes between the older fox sister and her partner don’t feel authentic, though. I don’t feel any romantic love there. In their love scenes, it feels like they’re just following basic acting techniques rather than acting from inner feeling.

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🍅 Music

I’m especially fond of their instrumental background music. It’s very well designed and composed - not just there to fill silence. The music fits the meaning of the scenes and enhances the intended atmosphere making emotions clearer and stronger.

And there are so many soundtrack pieces - both instrumental and lyrical. They have enough choices to not feel repetitive like "Pursuit of Jade", which relies heavily on one main song.

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🍅 Director/Writer

He has a very distinct signature style. His storytelling is layered and complex but not messy.

His vision is on another level, and he can turn his imagination into something tangible on screen. His stories unfold in unexpected ways, constantly pulling viewers deeper into his carefully constructed world.


╔════════════════════════════╗
ㅤㅤㅤㅤComplaint for the Last Episode
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ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ * Spoiler Section *
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🍋 Core Issue: The ending breaks too many established rules.

🍋 Questions from the last episode (based on the remarks mentioned along the events in the new time/space, as shown below this question section) :

▶ Question #1
Why the hell Li Jie doesn't seem to know Ji Ling?? So Ji Ling doesn’t exist in Shilin Sect in the new time/space or what? Then who the hell is the dragon deity from 100 years ago when Wu Shiguang hadn’t even been born yet? Chi Wen? Then who the hell suppressed the original body of Jiu Ying with his spine?? Nobody??

▶ Question #2
If there is no Ji Ling at Shilin Sect, Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) wouldn’t have that obsession after death to set Ji Ling free and protect him. Then how the hell was Li Jie born??

▶ Question #3
Li Jie doesn’t seem to know Ji Ling, but there seems to be a Ji Ling somewhere in the world since he hears a voice in his heart telling him to go find someone whose name or whereabouts he doesn’t even know. So what the hell could the background story be here that aligns with Li Jie’s origin if it isn’t tied to Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother)’s obsession after death?? I think there’s none!

▶ Question #4
How the hell do Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi turn into humans with no past memories? They haven’t died. They basically just travel through time and even seem to handpick the time/space they want to live in at the end, so they haven’t died or reincarnated from being demons. So how?? Like, how the hell?? And why?? Why no memories??

▶ Question #5
And why, why Wu Shiguang still has his memory from the original time/space when Li Jie and the demon hunter don't? In the new time/space, Ji Ling is supposed to be the only one who has the whole memory from the original time/space.

▶ Question #6
In the new time/space, Wu Shiguang doesn’t earn the six petals on his forehead, which means he doesn’t turn into a true dragon. So how does he become a dragon deity?

▶ Question #7
And to become a true dragon, he has to earn four dragon powers to activate his scales, horns, claws and eyes. If there’s no Ji Ling at Shilin Sect to prepare these dragon powers for Wu Shiguang, then it’s natural that Wu Shiguang can’t become a true dragon.

▶ Question #8
Why the hell did the writer let Jiu Ying’s spirit energy fragments go into the time travel with no follow-up story??? WHY THE HELL??? They could’ve just let Jiu Ying completely die with no trace, but WHY THIS?!! Are they going to make a sequel to this drama or what??


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🍋 Sequence of Events in the New Time/Space

(1) 150 years ago
- Yuan Xizai died
- Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) met and imprisoned Ji Ling the fox
- Ji Ling swallowed dragon scale
- Ji Ling became the Dragon Deity
- Chi Wen left to press down the original body of Jiu Ying

(2) 100 years ago
- Wu Shiguang was born
- Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) supposedly died around this time according to human life span
- Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) was devoured by the Butterfly Twin Demons
- Born Yuan Wuhuo, the Butterfly Demon
- Born Li Jie who went to stay at Shilin Sect
▶ Li Jie supposedly met Ji Ling ─── (Question #1 & 2 & 3)

(3) 50 years ago
- the Flood Dragon's Massacre happened
- Wu Shiguang thought Shilin Sect killed his tribe and hated dragons
- Formless Moon Sect's members reborned
▶ Lu Wuyi was born ─── (Question #4)
▶ Ji Ling from the future killed Jiu Ying, the Fox Queen ─── (Question #4)
▶ Ji Ling brough Lu Wuyi away - no one in the world of this new time/space got to know her ─── (Question #4)
- at Shilin Sect, Ji Ling was still the dragon deity developing Ji Can, the Loneliness Demon, in his heart
- Li Jie was the commander at Shilin Sect

(4) Present
- Wu Shiguang supposedly went to Shilin Sect and found out the truth about who actually killed his tribe
- Wu Shiguang doesn't have to kill Jiu Ying (the Fox Queen) anymore
- Wu Shiguang still had to kill Chi Wen to kill the original body of Jiu Ying
▶ Wu Shiguang had to become a true dragon to kill Chi Wen ─── (Question #6 & 7)
▶ Wu Shiguang had no petal on his forehead ─── (Question #6 & 7)
- Wu Shiguang went to meet Wu Wangyan at Formless Moon Sect
- Wu Wangyan had no memory about Wu Shiguang
- Ji Ling was supposed to died from being devoured by Ji Can from extreme loneliness
- You Chi became the commander at Shilin Sect
- Yuan Wuhuo (the Butterfly Demon) supposedly died since the reason for his existence (obsession to kill and set Ji Ling free) vanished
- Li Jie actually supposedly died since the reason for his existence (obsession to protect Ji Ling) vanished
▶ Li Jie, instead, didn't seem to ever know Ji Ling. He said he always heard a voice in his mind to find a person whom he didn't know the name or his whereabout ─── (Question #1 & 2 & 3)
- Li Jie reached three-petal level
- Li Jie wanted to set off on a journey to find the reason for his existence.
▶ in the parallel time/space Ji Ling and Lu Wuyi were humans living in the same village, but didn't have memory about each other when they were demons ─── (Question #4)


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🍋 Other Remaining Questions Condensed around the End:

▶ Q8 ▶ How does the dragon ring that is supposed to be with Wu Shiguang end up back with Ji Ling when Ji Ling comes back to life???

▶ Q9 ▶ Who’s the owner of the 2nd Ji Can? Since the person has to have a dragon scale in their body, Yuan Wuhuo (the big brother) wouldn’t be the one. Chi Wen is on a supreme, real god tier, not a weak demon pretending to be a deity like Ji Ling, so he doesn’t seem to have one either.
≫≫ I think it's unnecessary to mention the 2nd Ji Can. In the whole drama, if we just focus on the only Ji Can in Ji Ling's heart, there wouldn’t be this loophole.

▶ Q10 ▶ Why does Lu Wuyi have to look exactly like Di Zhu?
≫≫ Again, I think it’s unnecessary to mention that Lu Wuyi’s appearance is exactly the same as Di Zhu’s. There’s no need to mention this at all.

▶ Q11 ▶ Jiu Ying seems to be the owner of the illusion between Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling in the star stone. The logic is that it’s an illusion drawn from the memory of someone who has also entered the star stone, but that person can’t be his own past self. Then who is the person Jiu Ying becomes in the illusion? Not the snake, right? Since the snake was Jiu Ying’s past self.

▶ Q12 ▶ Is the owner of Li Jie’s illusion in the star stone Yuan Wuhuo (the Butterfly Demon version)? But the owner of the illusion can’t be the past self and has to be someone else as an observer. So why does the butterfly demon become himself in the big brother version in the illusion? Or are they considered different people? But then there wouldn’t be an owner of the memory in the illusion, and that illusion couldn’t be shown.

▶ Q13 ▶ The male nine-tailed fox demon’s original form is female. In his male form, does that count as using a spell? But if he uses a spell, the frozen curse should follow to kill him. So how can he remain in male form without the curse chasing him?

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I ate this up: The fox outdid a dragon

Jiling needs to teach a class on how underdogs win and Wuguang needs to teach another on how to be a loser disguising as a glory taker 😭😭😭
As expected of a GJM drama, I am left conflicted, but one thing I'm sure about is Wuguang's character, the writers did Wuguang's character dirty, kinda feel bad for him;
because what do you mean after a hundred years of waiting for Wuguang to show up and save the world, he shows and delivers this lackluster, underwhelming and absolutely weakass performance? Even the squirrel out-hero'd him, ha!
If it wasn't for teamwork, he'd be one short reigned Dragon Lord 👀
The Fox was a better Dragon than the real thing 😭

Anyways, it was a good show while it aired. Ju Jingyi peaked in this drama, I didn't know she had range like this, surprise surprise!
And Tian Jiarui? I normally take the passerby seat when it comes to actors but if he keeps up performing like this, I might just join a fanclub for the first time 🤔

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