Threads of Passion, Sparks of Frustration

Final Thoughts

First, I apologies, this is very long 🙇‍♀️. 

Cheng Yi as Fugui’s character left such a profound mark on me that I cannot capture it in just a few words. I don’t regret starting this journey — I only regret that it ended the way it did, starting from episode 14 onward.

Episodes 1–13: Absolutely Emotionally Epic. Must watch! 

I don’t know how many times I rewatched it — the rewatch value is 10/10. Even if the later episodes faltered, these early episodes alone are worth your time.

CHENG YI as Fugui: Absolutely Stunning!

He carried the true essence of our beloved Fugui all the way through — a presence that lingers far beyond the final episode, echoing in the hearts of everyone who witnessed him. Every glance, every smile, every quiet moment was true to the character we fell in love with.

“I, Wangquan Fugui, will always be me. We cultivate not to compromise with this chaotic world!”

Fugui lived this line. And Cheng Yi became Fugui in the way he held steadfast to his convictions, his compassion, his unwavering heart — even when the story around him faltered.

Fugui — as portrayed by Cheng Yi — is more than a character. He is a quiet force, a testament to loyalty, love, and integrity. And for that, he will remain unforgettable.

If by chance Cheng Yi went against the odds, against the whims of directors+writers, just to stay true to Fugui’s character.....

Then My Respect For Him Knows No Bounds!

In a world where shortcuts and compromises dominate, he remained authentic, refusing to let Fugui’s spirit bend or break. That alone is worth remembering, celebrating, and cherishing. 

Lastly, I am convinced that the rest of the world is not as blind as the director+writers of this series. If ever there were a moment to give them a figurative slap in the face, it is this:

Cheng Yi deserves recognition beyond words. He needs to win an award — not just for his flawless portrayal of Fugui, but for preserving the heart and soul of such a uniquely heartwarming character, one who began imprisoned by his father, cold and unloved, encouraged to become void of emotions and thought, but in the end gave more love to all living things.

Best Actor. Best Character. Simply unforgettable.

RUMU, portrayed by Guo Jun Chen: Brotherhood Shines 

I had no clue I had actually seen him in other dramas before 🤣. He shines his best as Rumu — free, playful, and light.

His portrayal of Rumu brought life into Fugui’s harsh childhood. Without him, I honestly think Fugui may have turned into a white doll, just holding a sword. Can you imagine having a father that taught you to be and feel nothing? Rumu was truly everyone’s light at the end of a dark tunnel. Their friendship, their brotherhood, was beyond touching.

Fugui: “I won’t let you die as long as I am alive.”

Rumu: “I will protect you.”

Their chemistry was beyond the scenes. You can see it when they call each other Ge and Didi in interviews and in their dance show in the BTS — their scenes together were so natural I believe Guo Jun Chen and Cheng Yi were just being themselves in the desert arc.

Watch this fun behind-the-scenes https://youtu.be/kn-qJju9eo8?si=pAsoLo7afhQMrDyJ

YUNFEI , portrayed by Chang Hua Sen: 

Absolutely adorable and pure. Is he up for adoption 🤣? 

This one truly surprised me — the characters Chang Hua Sen played were always kind of ehh to me… I even disliked him in Moonlight Mystique 😅 — sorry, poor fox dog.

Yet here, he completely stole the show. The bond between YunFei and Fugui was something special — more like father and son, true master and student… Probably, ultimately, owner and pet 🤣.

That mix of respect, innocence, and unspoken care brought such warmth to the story.

YunFei: “I will protect master.”

Fugui: “Sure…” ends up the other way around😂

And when you combine the trio — Fugui, Rumu, and YunFei — it’s pure, hilarious chaos that somehow makes perfect sense 🤣.

Even though I know most actors outside of the screen will show a certain personality that they want the audience to view them as… you can’t keep it up 100% of the time. Their true personality will slip out, and here it shined beautifully.

QINGTONG, portrayed by Li YiTong

This one is hard for me.

Episode 13 was probably the best ending for the Fugui x QingTong love story — lovely, calm, and happy.

QingTong’s adorable, innocent, pure “spider” personality is gone by the end. Honestly, her character was completely done dirty by the script after Episode 17. So much potential — so much emotion — simply lost in the shuffle.

Yet the quiet love and trust (true QT in Episodes 1–16) that had begun to bloom between Fugui (Cheng Yi) and QingTong (Li YiTong) was something rare and precious. It wasn’t loud or dramatic — it was tender, patient, and real. Too bad it never got the continuation it deserved. The writers+director must hate this pairing to mess it up this much, sadly. I truly regret it because this pairing deserved the most growth but ended up having the least.

BTS https://youtube.com/shorts/7dMbNEfVloA?si=1wn0RcgkRQLXMwxC. Cheng Yi is truly kind. 

Together, the 4 were balance itself — strength, laughter, and light.

Fugui, the heart. Rumu, the warmth. YunFei, the innocence. QingTing, the subtle love and trust (true QT in Episodes 1–16) that could have bloomed further.

Four souls who found each other amid chaos, carrying fragments of love, loyalty, laughter, and warmth that will stay with us long after the final credits fade.

RATING 

Actors/Actresses: 10/10 — Absolutely phenomenal. Every performance, every glance, every nuance brought the characters to life.

Negative -10/10 — The evil characters were poorly, poorly written. The fathers were just… ehh. Even the attempted redemption of Fugui’s father felt a little ehh, given the overall portrayal of his character. Emotional, yes, but it could have been so much better. The unnecessary arc — about a bonker (I shall not name) villain that took up one-third of the series — was also overkill. It KO’d a ton of fans and scared them off. Memories of him haunt like shadows, and one might need therapy just to reclaim peace. I need compensation for therapy treatment.

Music/OST: 10/10 — At first, it felt strange, almost like something out of an 80s video game, but it grows on you. Eventually, it became unforgettable, perfectly complementing the story’s highs and lows.

CGI & Martial Arts: 10/10 — Beautifully executed. The visuals and choreography elevated every scene, making the world feel alive and breathtaking. BTW I believe this department received a Best Asian Work nomination, and Cheng Yi’s snowy battle scene earned a Best Fight Design nod — the first technical international recognition for a wuxia action scene in ten years.

Scriptwriter & Director: Negative -100/10 — They owe an apology, not just to the fans, but to the actors and actresses who poured their hearts into this story. Every stolen scene, every mishandled arc, every careless twist was a blade against the work of those who gave it life. Talent wasted, potential betrayed — it hurts to see brilliance boxed into chaos by thoughtless hands. Whoever conceived QC character and the aftermath, may they never forget the masterpiece they fractured.

WHAT WENT WRONG:

The story has finally found its way back onto the right track — but at what cost? So many essential scenes that should’ve happened simply vanished. It’s like entire chapters of meaning were ripped out. Episodes 17–30 became a void, a long stretch of what could have been.

If I could pinpoint the exact moment the train disappeared —

Fugui receiving that butterfly message in Episode 18. That entire separation arc felt misplaced — it had already taken place beautifully after the butterfly arc, which carried real emotional weight. That was the moment Fugui taught QingTong the final move — a scene that captured trust and quiet devotion. Separation made sense then — it wasn’t about losing each other, but about finding a better version of themselves, while knowing they would find each other again, no doubt.

The train suddenly reappeared on the other side of the world when —

Fugui and QingTong saved the small bird. That was the first time it felt like our story again. But at the same time, anything with QT now feels awkward, because we’re missing what should have been her romantic arc with Fugui. It didn’t need to be touchy or full of kissing — just the emotional connection that defined them.

It’s almost poetic — four major arcs, all connected to Fugui, each one unlocking a different kind of power born from his compassion, sacrifice, and love.

Wangquan Sword / Sword Meridian — Power of Faith.

Rumu. Fugui saving him with the Sword Meridian — not out of dominance, but belief. It was faith in Rumu’s heart, in his ability to bear strength with honor. A power born from trust and unwavering will between friends and family.

Purest Sun Flame — Power of Hope.

His mother’s legacy, his blood itself. The flame symbolized endurance — carrying light through suffering and loss. Fugui became the living vessel of hope, burning yet unbroken.

Seed of Grief — Power of Love.

This should have been the most romantic and emotionally charged arc of the entire Fox Spirit Matchmaker series. The Power of Love should have surpassed every other — a love strong enough to purify the Tree of Hatred and heal centuries of sorrow. This was meant to be QingTong’s awakening — the moment where love itself became salvation. But that story was never told.

Water Control Orb — Power of Purity.

YunFei, the student. Fugui refined the orb within him, granting not only strength but clarity — a heart unclouded by greed or anger. The calm within the storm, the stillness that allows compassion to guide true power.

And that’s why I believe Sword and Beloved went wrong. It wasn’t the cast. It wasn’t the concept. It was the heart — the emotional bridge — that got lost somewhere between Episodes 17 and 30. The essence of love, sacrifice, and growth was buried under rushed pacing and misplaced arcs.

The story had everything it needed to be legendary. But instead of letting love be the ultimate power — as it has always been in Fox Spirit Matchmaker — they cut out the very heartbeat of the tale.

FANGIRL Moment Finale

Finally, the fangirl in me cannot help but SHOUT:

Fugui — aka Cheng Yi — you are absolutely, jaw-droppingly handsome, so stunning it’s almost unreal. Every look, every moment, was a heart-stopper.

Episode 12’s dominating Evil Dark Gold Dragon style

https://i.mydramalist.com/yWl5vR_3f.jpg

Episode 13 Calm , hair loose , young gentleman, light blue outfit

https://i.mydramalist.com/yWlbQ4_3f.jpg

Li YiTong teasing Cheng Yi

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16xAGL3PaS/

Episode 14 Bamboo, Dark Blue, Husband aesthetic outfit 

https://i.mydramalist.com/g0Qrzo_3f.jpg

Finally, the three exotic, swoon-worthy Arabian Prince looks — complete with perfectly matched hair accessories — I am officially staring.

https://youtu.be/cumGz9KCf1E?si=N7v9DF91mk77bxrw

I fell in love with Cheng Yi all over again 🤤😍🥰. Cheng Yi's Fugui will forever live in my heart. I have never seen Cheng Yi pull off such variety — each outfit, each hairstyle, perfectly tailored, never overdone, and always in complete harmony with Fugui’s spirit. The sheer gorgeousness of it all is shocking, breathtaking, and unforgettable.

Yes, I am drooling over him 😋😍☺️🥰. Who can resist?

Any hope of a rewritten script or a refilm is probably dashed, but I did come across some deleted scenes of our lovely couple, Fugui and QingTong — a missing arc right after Episode 13, the Fish Lantern / Water God arc. I had hoped they might one day restore all the deleted Fugui scenes into a special release. 

I wonder if that was suppose to be our couples blooming romantic arc 😔😢

https://i.mydramalist.com/YYXVjo_3f.jpg

https://i.mydramalist.com/g0QAwO_3f.jpg

We fell, unwillingly and completely, for Cheng Yi’s Fugui — a soul so rare, so achingly sincere, that when his story faltered, it felt like our own hearts were betrayed. He broke free from one cage — shedding the cold armor of a soldier to rediscover his heart — only to be bound once more by the hands that scripted his fate. That’s why it hurts all the more — because he deserved to soar, yet was caged by those who never understood his light.

Absolutely — his love for all things is incredible. It’s tragic on so many levels how it ended: fulfilling his parents’ wish, fulfilling the script’s wish, but never his own wish. 

I believe he carried his mother’s kindness — gentle yet unyielding — and a mind unafraid to ask the question: WHY?

Why do we kill demons who are kind?
Why must I strike without reason?
Why must I yield to a world that feels so wrong?

Those questions — simple yet profound — were the quiet rebellion of his soul. They were not born of defiance, but of clarity, of a heart that still saw light where others saw only darkness.

Yet, I can’t help but feel his mother’s spirit was always beside him — a silent warmth guiding his steps. I only wish they had shown it more, especially when her voice echoed through that breathtaking moment in Episode 12, as he awakened the pure flame in his blood.

There were so many ways this drama could have reached even greater heights. The flashbacks were moving, but imagine if his mother (Liu Shi Shi, as a guest appearance) had appeared as a spirit when his flame awakened — whispering that she has always been there. And in the finale, how heart-wrenching would it have been if the masked black fox was revealed as a younger Hongye (guest appearance by Zhang Yun Long) — fate coming full circle, fire meeting shadow, son meeting destiny.

I actually write so much so I can get over the frustration I feel for this drama 😅.