Out of context, this could easily be mistaken for one of the most toxic Xianxia relationships ever. LMAO! MXL has been something else throughout the first half of this drama. She’s spent so much time both seducing and beating up XXC. First, she kissed him to free and manipulate him. Then she pinned him to the bed, effectively holding him captive. Let’s not forget the forest scene where she kicked his ass just because he stopped her from killing GQM. Oh, and more unsolicited kisses—only to top it all off with a stab when SQ showed up to drag her back. I just watched the preview for episode 18 and MXL is still beating XXC's ass!
Actually, My Chinese friend said to me based on her understanding in the actual novel, (NOT IN TRANSLATION ONLINE)…
Yeah, I read the last few chapters of the Novel and it's hardcore. MXL is essentially the God of time and her love for XXC runs deep. I hope the drama does this story justice.
"That day I told you I came from chaos, and that the life and death of all beings meant nothing to me. So you hid it from me, went to the Celestial Palace alone, facing death alone, thinking you were no different from other beings in my heart.”
“But Zhao Ming, I didn’t understand then. You’re different from all other beings in this world. I don’t care about others, I only care about you.”
“I waited for you for ten thousand years, searched for you for ten thousand years, just to find you and tell you this in person.”
“Whether as Ah Zhu or Ling’er, for thousands of years, I want to be with you, never parting in life or death.”
Episode 16: Ok, the bro vibes are immaculate between XXC and NXY. While NXY will be tempted, I don't think he'll break the bro code and pursue MXL while she in this state. He knows that this version of NXY can never give him the "affection" (aka buddy love in the friend zone) she promised.
I have not read the novel. But here are my predictions.
Prediction 1: That journal is a massive Chekhov's gun. It’s bound to give our loveless NXY a glimpse into her lost love. She’ll start questioning—why would she pour all that into her private journal if her ultimate goal was to deceive XXC?
Prediction 2: XXC will make the ultimate sacrifice and screw humanity over for NXY the second time around (think of the Michael Jordan meme: "fuck them kids"). We are witnessing a villain origin story akin to Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader.
Episode 15 stands out as a rare masterpiece in this often trope-heavy genre. The emotional crescendo feels organic and well-earned. XXC wrestles with the agonizing choice between letting the world burn for love or fulfilling his duty. Meanwhile, MXL demonstrates that her love for XXC remains unwavering, even when he prioritizes saving humanity over their relationship. Her decision to stab him to save his life is one of the most compelling and well-executed uses of the noble idiocy trope I've ever seen. Then there's NYX, who struggles to redefine his understanding of love, finally coming to terms that being friend-zoned is an inexplicable prison. MXL was willing to die for her buddy NYX while she stabbed her lover XXC. lol Now, for the love of all that is holy, please, can we stick the landing on this one? lol
I’ve seen comments claiming it was wrong for XXC to prioritize saving the humans over fighting for MLX, and some are using this as a reason to root for NXY instead. You're wrong.
First, XXC didn’t abandon MLX. He made a rational decision to address the most urgent issue—saving humans in immediate danger—knowing full well that SQ wouldn’t harm MLX.
(Edit: Ep 15: He went back for her, as he promised, despite his injuries and knowing about her deception. And he was willing to fight a losing battle, risking death, to get her back. Wow, the beginning of ep 15 is peak drama. That moment is earned.)
Second, XXC was raised with a strong sense of duty. It would be both unrealistic and poor writing to have him throw that away for a fleeting experience of puppy love. Keep in mind that MLX has been the one pursuing this romance, while XXC is still navigating his feelings for her and balancing them against his responsibilities.
Third, MLX’s love for XXC is unconditional. She understands why he chose to prioritize the humans first because she respects his integrity and sense of duty. I bet deep down, she wasn't disappointed in him. She was proud.
As for those shipping MLX and NXY: you’re setting yourselves up for disappointment. And frankly, that pairing is boring. The trope of the handsome guy pining endlessly for a girl who neither reciprocates nor ever will is one of the most tired and uninspired clichés in Cdramas. And if NXY breaks the bro code, he'll be as bad as the worst villain.
Oh. My. GOD. These last two episodes. *kiss the earth, the sky, the air* So. GOOD. I'm a picky bitch when it comes…
By modern western standards, it is sexual harassment, especially at the beginning when there was real power imbalance. By reality is often more complicated since human relationships are innately messy. But make no mistake about it, if the roles were reversed, some of the same people praising the FL for her boldness would call the ML a rapist.
"That day I told you I came from chaos, and that the life and death of all beings meant nothing to me. So you hid it from me, went to the Celestial Palace alone, facing death alone, thinking you were no different from other beings in my heart.”
“But Zhao Ming, I didn’t understand then. You’re different from all other beings in this world. I don’t care about others, I only care about you.”
“I waited for you for ten thousand years, searched for you for ten thousand years, just to find you and tell you this in person.”
“Whether as Ah Zhu or Ling’er, for thousands of years, I want to be with you, never parting in life or death.”
“Do you understand now?”
Ok, the bro vibes are immaculate between XXC and NXY. While NXY will be tempted, I don't think he'll break the bro code and pursue MXL while she in this state. He knows that this version of NXY can never give him the "affection" (aka buddy love in the friend zone) she promised.
I have not read the novel. But here are my predictions.
Prediction 1: That journal is a massive Chekhov's gun. It’s bound to give our loveless NXY a glimpse into her lost love. She’ll start questioning—why would she pour all that into her private journal if her ultimate goal was to deceive XXC?
Prediction 2: XXC will make the ultimate sacrifice and screw humanity over for NXY the second time around (think of the Michael Jordan meme: "fuck them kids"). We are witnessing a villain origin story akin to Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader.
I’ve seen comments claiming it was wrong for XXC to prioritize saving the humans over fighting for MLX, and some are using this as a reason to root for NXY instead. You're wrong.
First, XXC didn’t abandon MLX. He made a rational decision to address the most urgent issue—saving humans in immediate danger—knowing full well that SQ wouldn’t harm MLX.
(Edit: Ep 15: He went back for her, as he promised, despite his injuries and knowing about her deception. And he was willing to fight a losing battle, risking death, to get her back. Wow, the beginning of ep 15 is peak drama. That moment is earned.)
Second, XXC was raised with a strong sense of duty. It would be both unrealistic and poor writing to have him throw that away for a fleeting experience of puppy love. Keep in mind that MLX has been the one pursuing this romance, while XXC is still navigating his feelings for her and balancing them against his responsibilities.
Third, MLX’s love for XXC is unconditional. She understands why he chose to prioritize the humans first because she respects his integrity and sense of duty. I bet deep down, she wasn't disappointed in him. She was proud.
As for those shipping MLX and NXY: you’re setting yourselves up for disappointment. And frankly, that pairing is boring. The trope of the handsome guy pining endlessly for a girl who neither reciprocates nor ever will is one of the most tired and uninspired clichés in Cdramas. And if NXY breaks the bro code, he'll be as bad as the worst villain.
She develops feelings for him?