Maika

The writers just turned the story to waste tbh. There are plotholes. Some of the actors/characters kept the drama alive despite the story being a mess at times.
How can Xuan Ye control Asura blood without losing control, fall in love without going berserk, but YY can't? They're both father and son. I don't think it makes a difference if RQ was his mother. I remember that RQ or YY mentioned that the Asura clan wouldn't have gone near extinction if they weren't ambitious or try to prolong their short lifespan. So their bloodline is not an issue. That remnant LJ from Asura seem to be doing fine too.
Also the sword spirit RH could've been used on several occasions but how come YY never used him in those life-death situations?? For example, that scene where TY chases them in South Sea & uses some artifact where certain elements of spells don't work. He already learned Asura clan's technique he could've used that & YD wouldn't be captured?? They also could've casted the distance spell have her delay him and then YY teleport her backwards...just like they did with the sword later on...Idk I find it strange thinking they spent all that time planning which produced no results.

It's also weird how they let Tao ZQ roam freely even after suspecting her. They knew she was suspicious but took so long to understand that she loves HQ. It's also stupid how they never locked her up in some barrier. That whole part of sacrificing herself to neutralize the cold poison could've been avoided. But they just let her casually walk in and save the man who pimped her out. There were other ways to expose how she loved HQ??
Also TZQ never thought all those years HQ could've resurrected her but it was XX who brought her back. Xuan Xiang was so pitiful. I did not like how they wasted like 10-15 mins showing HQ & TZQ love story. I rather see more of XY & RQ's love story.

2nd to last episode was weird. YD asks YY all those questions that she should've had the answers to since a lot of people told her about what YY did for her.

Also the timeline of events was confusing. HQ didn't kill the Emperor immediately after the war? He killed the 3 emperors, hid their bodies, went into hiding, then when he heard from his spies YY is going to Mortal Realm, that's when he killed the Emperor? Cause the real Emperor was the one who punished YY with the love punishment.
It's also amusing how Ying Deng snitches on SX who she caught in love in Ep 1 & an ally of TZQ+HQ, but she didn't catch TZQ & HQ? And TZQ&HQ didn't even care enough to avenge their ally and get rid of her who was dragged out for entire part1

My favorite parts of this drama was YY& YD relationship in the beginning + Life under Horizon, TZ+ YD+YM along with the other demons in Mortal Realm, friendship with XX, RQ& XY's story, the Marshal HD & the turtle flipping!
I'm not even gonna mention the 2 special eps, it was for a HE but no explanations offered.

Ying deng should've died a long time ago. It was so stupid that they drag her out for so long. If they wanted to show the FL avenge herself, then they could've done it earlier.
It bothers me Yang Zi played a similar character in AOL as the FL. Both dense. In this one, she's not completely naive but still blinded by sisterly love and fails to understand a lot of things.
The ML is smart to figure things out but as always wants to be the silent protector and make decisions for everyone on his own without asking what others want. He doesn't bother explaining his thoughts either and doesn't mind the FL thinking badly of him.
They both also lack communication which creates dragged out misunderstandings
Common theme for xianxias it seems.

I know that's what I said. However, as I stated if she's going to continue to work in the same environment, it is more likely that she will encounter similar situations. They didn't show her character develop at all in that aspect which is weird. It was easier for her to speak up in the bus against that man she saw for the first time who was inappropriately touching a minor and speaking up to teachers is different because at the most you're just risking being punished for a few days not being expelled.

The first five episodes were frustrating, but I started liking it after ep 6. I was more into Gu Ran & Jiang Jia's story but sadly they didn't focus much on those two near the end. The main couple has their sweet moments too, no major conflicts. Despite the FL being "cute" and cringe, I did like how she spoke up in front of Ye Zhen Xin in high school and then telling Zhu Miao off for posting ZLR's pics. However, I felt that courage disappeared in ep 23 where that President Wei was harassing her. Perhaps she was scared, but her character always seemed to be the one that had no issues to talking to people in higher positions (like defending herself in school in front of the teachers and director). This issue she could continue to face and in the end she seems to be working in the same workplace. So she would need the courage to handle it well, but they don't show it all. It felt like just a scene needed to show how ZLR saves her day and comforts her. We also never get to see the improvement in ZLR's relationship with his family. We were only "told" that things were getting better. But no scene in the parents actually regretting and apologizing to their son for being harsh on him and causing their sons being distant from each other.
Overall, I think it's a nice drama that focuses on good friendships and love.

yeah I see what you mean. The beginning was terrible, but I'm liking it now.

That is the best ending it possibly could've had in that situation. May have been sad, but understandable.

I think so, I remember in Legend of Fei, Wang Yibo's character had no internal force but he still had his qing qong skill which they praised in that drama.
But as for this drama, I'm confused because they exactly showed him fighting as if his internal force wasn't affected in the end. He broke through prison and used his internal force to attack LTG on the wedding day. They didn't show him "coughing blood" or struggling in that scene or afterwards when he went to the battlefield. He was no longer grabbing his hand and was doing fine using his internal force. So I was wondering when he got better cause they didn't mention it. Perhaps it was a scene they cut off.

I hope it gets better cause so far this is not my cup of tea. While it may be endearing to some, it's excess cringe for me. They should've toned it down. I've seen cringe scenes in other dramas but it's not to this extent. Also, I'm tired of seeing how females with this type of behavior always seem to get away with it. I'm a female myself. I've seen males in high school with that same behavior and labeled as stalker, creepy, annoying, obsessive/controlling. So the same applies for the opposite sex too.
Okay so in episode 5, it gets slightly better.

I cannot like it either after watching 2 episodes. Idk if it'll get better after 2 episodes for me? But 2 episodes in and there is too many cringe scenes especially where the girl calls out the guy to sing with him publicly. imo Hidden Love was good too, but for those wanting a drama set in school like this one "Time and Him Are Just Right" was better.

I finished and I have so much to say. All the Liudao members + main couple were my favorite. I loved how Ruyi's character was written and I also loved the brotherhood. It was also nice seeing Yang Ying's character develop. Initially, I was worried I'd be annoyed with her character but no, she developed well. Li Tongguang wasn't that annoying for me (his obsessiveness has to be on same level as LYX's character in AOL to frustrate me). The only thing about his character was he kept going back and forth. I finally thought after he saw NYZ& Ruyi outside of the cave, he would stay stable since he said he has no right because he "killed her" to get his promotion. But then he forces her to marry him later on which is stupid. It is only in the end where he learned his lessons and called NYZ master.
I had a feeling the characters would die (and read a spoiler to confirm it). It made sense it was a suicide mission from the start. They also hinted how some would die. Like YL has heart disease and may die before 20, he also can't overwork himself. Then Shi san who said if he meets the one he loves, he'll end up dead. The comedy and light situations in between just made me forget about it.
The last two episodes with YSS&NYZ's deaths just made me grab more tissues. After QZ, SL & YZ's deaths, I thought it'd be better for all of them die. I can't imagine one of them surviving, it seemed like they all had to die in this war. YSS had the opportunity to make it back alive so did NYZ, but neither of them did. They fought till the end.
However, those last 5 minutes in final ep was unnecessary. There's no way NYZ & RRY survived to have kids (the names of the kids were touching though). NYZ has to be immortal to survive 2 stabs and having 8 spears pierce him simultaneously. Even if he was wearing a special armor that they showed Beipan people wearing in early episodes, it wouldn't be enough? They didn't show NYZ pass out dead to the ground like others (but they didn't show YSS's dead body or mention of being buried either when he was clearly dead). But also he says he broke his promise & Ruyi also says in the tent she can't imagine living a lonely life without him. So CY sees all 6 of them riding a horse and that kid is just her imagination?
I wished there was a clear explanation. I read some theories but it makes no sense. I think it's just better for all of them to be dead. Reunite in "another life". Unfortunately they won't have a S2 with the same characters. It would be nice to see YL marry YY as they promised to marry in their next life.
One thing that confused me was how did NYZ get better. The 10 day poison needed constant antidotes but then the poison was clashing with the all-purpose antidote Ruyi gave him making his internal force unstable..But near the end it seemed like his internal force wasn't unstable anymore?? And the minister Zhang Song told NYZ while handing him the antidote, that he probably doesn't need it.
Another thing that I don't understand is that in the drama when LTG was attacked by both Scarlet guards & Beipan people, they discovered Beipan people broke through. NYZ was known to be good at scheming but how could he be assured that the 2nd prince is not a threat? I know Ruyi didn't want to kill him because she considered him the Empress's child but eventually near the end she does slash him with her sword. SO she could've done it earlier. They thought it was okay with him to be near Tianmenguan? NYZ didn't even have his Liudao secret members who gather intelligence spy on the prince either cause they thought he's harmless. But a boy who harmed his mom at a younger age does not mean his personality will change as he gets older.
They have LTG as an example. He turns into a child in front of Ruyi.

One thing that also bothered me is that whenever NYZ would go out with RY the crew would suffer. One time, NYZ also got himself whipped. I don't understand why someone who is portrayed to have brains never understood that his squad cannot function without him. I understand why he wanted to go back to save Ying & Ruyi. But he should've made sure everyone would safely accomplish the mission, before going back for her. Or he could've told them to wait somewhere safe for him. They took a break at Tianmenguan so it seems they weren't being pursued. I felt like it would've been avoided if they grabbed YY together & left. More faster too. They also have those skin masks as disguises but they never utilize it when they need to.

Also Meiniang who was working in the Jinsha Pavillion. She seemed to disappear in the end. The last time she was shown was in that inn where YL passed by and NYZ&RRY stopped at. She didn't make any contributions in the war at all..she was forgotten.

Also I had no idea LYN sang most of my favorite OSTs including this drama. He has a great voice.

Midway I spoiled myself reading a comment not to expect a HE with all of the squad members alive. I even saw in the beginning OST a blindfolded man and saw the pictures so knew something bad would happen to Shi san eventually... I tried mentally preparing myself but watching ep 35 hits hard 😭with Qian zhao's & Sun lang's death and now ep 36 with YL's
I don't think I'll be able to watch the other members die in future episodes 😭
Side note - the squad always seem to struggle with NYZ gone. But they never learn. NYZ always leaves them behind also what I don't understand is why they had to risk their lives for the smoke signal in that beacon tower. The soldiers who saw the smoke signal didn't believe it anyways...The survivors had to verbally convince them..What was the point? It was better for them to send someone back to get NYZ in the An capital and plan from there rather than fighting near that beacon tower. Also don't the members know where their hidden outposts are?? They could've went to the nearest one to send a letter to NYZ. In the next episode, NYZ also said he hadn't gotten a letter from QZ so it means they could've communicated.
I know the writer just needs a reason to kill them off, but still...that part makes no sense.

You're not the only one. I disliked how her character was written in Part 1 too (ended up watching it 2x speed). She didn't have to be on the extreme side of a "flawed" character. It was less annoying when she was adapting to the war/situation, but as soon as it was over she went back to her usual self. If her character was a supporting role, then I would be less annoyed. But seeing a FL with that character constantly made it frustrating since they have the most screen time. What mainly bothered me was her pursuing her friend's fiance (whom I never liked either). Eun Ae genuinely considered her as a friend but YGC was so manipulative trying to prevent their marriage and then the poor boy whose feelings she used to protect her crush.
At least in Part 2, her character developed better than S1. Though, I had to watch some scenes in 2x speed here too.

Does the FL's character develop at all? If her childish behavior was toned down a little, perhaps I'd be able to withstand it. But another thing that bothers me is that she keeps trying to pursue her friend's fiance. I don't like the fiance Yeon jun either cause he fails to draw the line, either be harsh and make it clear to Gil chae or break off your engagement. But Gil Chae being obsessed and unable to move on is frustrating. He already said indirectly he cannot break the engagement but she still tries to pursue him. She's witnessed them hugging and kissing, yet she still doesn't give up. Instead, she knows that she can manipulate the men in the village and proceeds to ask one of them to marry her to make Yeon jun jealous. Then later asks him to protect Yeon jun. I'm not asking her to be selfless, but it's still messed up. Why do you like a man like that who has no backbone at all? If he's not willing to act for you, he was not worth your time. It's better to have him married to your friend...there's probably someone better for you. I understand why she'd be hesitant to like a character like LJH, but at least wake up to reality instead of living in that dream that Yeon Jun is the one for you. I'm only watching this for the ML cause I liked most of his dramas so far

This drama is so sweet. I'm surprised I ended up loving this one cause it's rare for me to binge romcoms, most of them end up being boring. This one gave butterflies in my stomach and it was beautiful from start to end. There were some scenes that gave a good laugh especially scenes with Sang Yan. I like how there's nothing dragged out or too frustrating. Especially Jiang Ying. I thought she'd ruin every good moment of the couple and make it frustrating. But I'm so glad there was a balance. Both lu si and zhe yuan did a great job in acting too.

Unless they release a S2, this drama by itself lacks a few things. There's so many unanswered questions and random things they threw at us near the end. The whole story about Dianzhu, Zhou Mei, Qingfeng sect, and the others is too confusing. What's interesting is that they knew Wufeng wasn't annihilated. Yet, YWS still goes back to her hometown. How did she or GZY not think that YWS could be recognized by Wufeng (she trained there for years. Even the 4 Wangs who were killed recognized her). They never showed the Liang assassin.
GZS's personality did bother me a little. There's no better way to describe it besides creepy and stalking. She peeked at shirtless guys and was so clingy to JF. At least it worked out for her.
Few things I liked about this drama:
- The development of GZY & how the Gong brothers reconcile. It was such a sweet moment.
- How realistic they tried to be with their losses. Not everyone would survive the battle. It was sad to see the Young master Hua die after his father. I'm assuming they have more family members to take over forging weapons? cause they said they hid the elders, kids, women in each family.
- Not everything was predictable. I already knew Wuji was suspicious & could be Anonymous from Wufeng. I also had a feeling that GHY killed GZY's father and went evil. But there were a couple of surprises as well.
- I loved all the back hill people.
- HYS. The relationship he had with YWS & YQ was like family. He seemed like a parent or older brother. His sacrifice near the end almost made me cry. It's sad that his letter was used as a trap by Wufeng for YWS?
- The couples. Yes, the drama didn't focus much on the romantic aspect and help build on it. But I liked both SQ+GSJ & YWS+GZY. I had a feeling SQ was going to tell GSJ that she's pregnant. I don't want to believe it. GSJ did fall for her but he was cautious. He really went all the way compared to GZY?! I thought YWS would be pregnant over SQ

Also can someone who read the novel summarize the story there along with ending?

That was a realistic end indeed. I couldn't help but pity JC's character in the end. He was willing to change, but it depended on EJ. LHR was also heartbroken but she still took the chance to start anew. EJ & JM's separation in the end was expected. They both went so far for this investigation that their relationship changed as well. I read a lot of people commenting that EJ cheated on her husband, but I don't think so. She had a gun ready when she was with JC and she was clenching her fists when being kissed. I think she definitely had a soft spot for him because of their past and she also felt guilty. I don't think it classifies as cheating. It's the same feeling JM has with LHR. He didn't want LHR to be caught in this mess. JM & EJ both didn't like seeing another with anyone else. Also, EJ witnessing the change in JM where he didn't hesitate to kill made me expect them drifting apart. JM's development was so well done. He went from a guy who would aim for non vital spots to someone who didn't care. He was also willing to threaten YB's family just to accomplish his task.

Not everyone was eating the flesh of the infected though?
Unless you're saying those zombies who eat infected flesh bite others, turning them into zombies.
That's an interesting theory. It's been awhile since I've seen this.
So the worm/parasite serves no purpose is what you're saying. It's not the cause of the zombie disease? It makes no sense though.
The baby didn't immediately become a zombie either though. I don't recall it turning to a zombie baby even though it was bit by people who weren't first chain made from flower. Yes, she treated the baby after some time.
It also had a lingering worm hanging out in its body and the child grew up fine all those years.

I put this on my watch list for a long time, but I can understand why it was so hyped after it was released. I understand in crisis situations like that, there are people who only care about themselves, but that old man (YS) was despicable. The way he manipulated the people around him and used them as zombie bait. I was hoping the worst for him. Seok woo was somewhat like that when he told his daughter that they need to care about themselves in order to survive, but we saw his character develop where he was helping others. Him sacrificing himself near the end was a tearjerker especially that scene of him remembering when he held his daughter for the first time. It's like how Sang Hwa said earlier in the movie. Some fathers get a lot of crap, but some of them are working hard for their family and trying to provide a better living for them. They don't get to spend much time with their family. Sang hwa's scene was just as sad. He never got the chance to meet his child. Jin Hee and Young Guk's scene was touching. I like how Young Guk still held Jin Hee in his arms, knowing she was infected and he would get bitten.
I really wished all the good people were alive, but that's too good to be true (if only those idiots opened the damn door and used their brains that the zombies don't talk they make monster noises. Their eyes and skin color would change too. There would be more survivors that way too). At least the daughter and pregnant lady survived and made it till the end.
The one thing I wished was that there were some answers to questions.
We know a biotech company was responsible and the leak there caused this "zombie" outbreak but it's still lacking details and how they weren't working on a solution to cure the people. I know the focus of the movie is the train, but it would still be nice to see another glimmer of hope that the people infected may be cured.

I'm glad that this show didn't have me annoyed at how the FL's character was written. I was so tired of seeing misleading "strong FL" tags in other dramas and ended up being disappointed. Although this drama had no strong FL tags, I liked the FL's character here (it felt more realistic in some ways?) and how her character was consistent with who she is overall.
I liked how misunderstandings were cleared with good timing (not dragged out or her holding a grudge to the point of vengeance or solved immediately. YH understood TY's reason but still needed time to get over her trauma and TY learned how to communicate from the incident.)
This is my first time seeing the actress who played YH & she did a good job. I could feel her emotions especially in ep 31 (where TY sacrifices himself to save her). It almost had me crying too.
Story wise, I do feel there's some issues with writing (like Suying was dragged for too long). But I do think they almost utilized everything that they showed. For example, I thought it could've ended earlier if YH told her Master or Zichen if they kill her & TY dies then no one can beat Dark Phantom. She would need to convince her Master since he was fooled, but perhaps all that tragedy afterwards would've been avoided. But then there may not have been a need to show how she cultivates dark aura with the book she acquired.
The ending also doesn't explain a few things and felt rushed (Where are the baby dragons at 🥺? )We all can imagine a better reunion, but there's something different about actually seeing it compared to imagination. It also sucks how these wuxia/xianxia dramas have the same themes of having someone die in main couple/sacrificing themselves, they reunite then same thing happens with the other. But no satisfying ending. Just a 10 second reunion where they just look at each other.
I also feel they repeated the same flashbacks too many times. It could've been cut down cause some of the scenes didn't require flashbacks especially in last episode when we knew YH is gonna dissipate. There was like 20 minutes left for a better explanation for ending but they wasted some of the time on flashbacks.
Also, I read other comments and found the novel that people linked. I do think the novel's ending would be a much better explanation. I don't understand why they had to make so many changes to the drama. Either ways I still loved this drama and probably would need time moving on fully from it.

agreed. It's all about preferences. Some people loved all of JR's performances, but for some of their performances, I didn't like it (not my type of thing). I didn't like their Mega Crew or battle mission performances (yes audrey slayed the dance battle). As for final, I felt bad for Mannequeen because unfortunately they're not popular. Honestly, I don't care about the rankings too much, but I feel like the hate towards some crews is too much. In the beginning of the show, they showed MQ in a negative way (also the drama created between Redlic & Latrice caused hate). I also saw a bunch of hate comments towards BEBE about them not deserving the win (not on MDL but other sites) and how only Bada stands out. I wonder if any of them said the same when Holy Bang won in S1 because tbh, I only remember Honey J standing out in that crew when they won. But that should not be a reason why people start hating these crews. If anything blame Mnet for not making it entirely up to judges to decide winners.