A Masterclass Performance Trapped in Sabotaged Production
The first 12 episodes are a flawless 10/10, easily ranking among the best fantasy dramas in C-ent. Having watched favorites like The Double, The Untamed, Love You Seven Times, Love in the Clouds, and Fated Hearts, I was blown away by the initial execution. The early episodes deliver a tight script, amazing fight choreography, high production value, and stunning cinematography. Even the quieter, simple interactions between the ML and FL feel incredibly natural and deeply woven into the narrative, moving the story forward without needing loud, forced tropes. Unfortunately, after episode 18, the production completely loses its grip. By episode 20, the narrative dissolves into heavy bloat, and the Male Lead—who is undeniably the star of the show—suddenly feels like a guest in his own drama.
The Mid-Section Breakdown (Episodes 19–32):
The plot becomes highly fragmented, but recovers from episode 33 onward, episode 34 showing a glimpse of his acting genius which we all saw in Vendetta of An, without the camera or make-up flaws of that series. If you want to bypass the heavy padding and stick strictly to the main plot, fast-forward and only watch episodes 19, 24, 25, 26, parts of 29, 30, 31 and 32. Note that many of these scenes were frantic, late-stage additions; the editing is noticeably choppy, and Cheng Yi looks visibly exhausted due to the chaotic filming conditions.
The Behind-the-Scenes Reality:
This narrative collapse wasn't the actors' fault. Industry news confirms that Cheng Yi was approaching the end of his contract with Huanrui Century (H&R) with no intention to renew. In response, the production house purposefully diluted his character to launch or elevate other actors. When Cheng Yi openly fought back against these illogical script and character changes, management retaliated by cutting his scenes and creating immense on-site friction. Industry veterans like Tan Kai have openly defended Cheng Yi, proving that the drama’s flaws lie entirely on a vindictive production crew and incompetent management.
Watch it for Cheng Yi's spectacular acting and the phenomenal first half, but keep your fast-forward button ready for the middle.
The Mid-Section Breakdown (Episodes 19–32):
The plot becomes highly fragmented, but recovers from episode 33 onward, episode 34 showing a glimpse of his acting genius which we all saw in Vendetta of An, without the camera or make-up flaws of that series. If you want to bypass the heavy padding and stick strictly to the main plot, fast-forward and only watch episodes 19, 24, 25, 26, parts of 29, 30, 31 and 32. Note that many of these scenes were frantic, late-stage additions; the editing is noticeably choppy, and Cheng Yi looks visibly exhausted due to the chaotic filming conditions.
The Behind-the-Scenes Reality:
This narrative collapse wasn't the actors' fault. Industry news confirms that Cheng Yi was approaching the end of his contract with Huanrui Century (H&R) with no intention to renew. In response, the production house purposefully diluted his character to launch or elevate other actors. When Cheng Yi openly fought back against these illogical script and character changes, management retaliated by cutting his scenes and creating immense on-site friction. Industry veterans like Tan Kai have openly defended Cheng Yi, proving that the drama’s flaws lie entirely on a vindictive production crew and incompetent management.
Watch it for Cheng Yi's spectacular acting and the phenomenal first half, but keep your fast-forward button ready for the middle.
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