His loneliness is his retribution. Sympathyzing him is equivalent to justifying his actions. We should not romanticize…
I get where you're coming from, but let me respectfully counter a few points :D
First off, sympathizing is not the same as justifying. TM’s actions were wrong, no argument there. But recognizing why he did them and feeling for his plight doesn’t mean I’m endorsing manipulation. It just means I’m appreciating the complexity of a character who isn’t purely evil. That’s what makes a well-written antagonist stand out imo.
Secondly, yes, fiction can influence people, but it’s also where we explore messy, morally gray areas without real-life consequences. Xianxia dramas, in particular, thrive on these dramatic, over-the-top storylines and we as viewers know it’s not a guide for real life. TM isn’t a role model, he’s a cautionary tale wrapped in heartbreak and tragedy.
Lastly, while karma is a powerful theme. Ironically "Book of Fate governs karma". He created his own suffering, but that doesn’t mean we can’t mourn the path he’s taken. It’s possible to acknowledge his flaws, condemn his choices and still feel sadness for his fate. Fiction lets us do that :)
You think the plot is stupid because of its genre. Fair, Xianxia isn’t for everyone. Funnily, Xianxia genre is not even kind of cup, but there are some gems out there, imo, like this one. At the end of the day, the beauty of fiction is that it sparks discussion like this one! 🫶
Kangaroo Logics Lmao..So because he don't have something, he have to go steal it or force it to be with him wether…
I think you missed the point I was trying to make. Let me clarify:
I’m not justifying TM’s actions... far from it. Manipulation and forcing someone into a relationship are absolutely wrong and I fully condemn those behaviors. What I’m saying is that his character is more complex than just being evil or selfish. His loneliness and desperation are key to understanding why he does what he does, not to excuse it, but to explore what makes him tick. Isn’t that what makes a compelling antagonist in the first place?
As for your point about the love triangle and screen time: the story might not be what you expected, but this isn’t about sidelining the ML. TM’s actions are why the main couple’s love story even has stakes. Without him, there’s no conflict to overcome. He’s not here to replace anyone, he’s here to push the plot forward, even if it pisses you off in the process. That’s what good writing does: it evokes strong emotions, whether love or hate.
I didn't read the novel nor will I. I'm here watching the drama and will judge accordingly.
At the end of the day, everyone’s entitled to their opinion (and rage, apparently 😅), but I just think TM’s character is worth looking at beyond a surface level. If that makes me a sucker for nuanced storytelling, so be it! 😄
So many hate comments about TM... Meanwhile, I can’t help but feel sorry for him 😅 If the story had been told from his perspective—from the time he and Pearl were created, showing their shared past—I’m sure people would feel differently. But, of course, it is mandatory to hate the second lead just because you're rooting for the main couple...
I don’t think so. In fact, I find his character incredibly intriguing and complex. Knowing he’s headed for a tragic ending makes him even more pitiful in my eyes.
And please don’t hit me with the “Would you pity someone like that in real life?” argument. We’re watching a freaking Xianxia drama! Also not everything is black and white, especially not TM lol I can condemn his actions, but still sympathize with him because, honestly, he’s the loneliest character in the story. I can’t even begin to comprehend the depth of his feelings. He doesn’t want to be alone for eternity. Can you imagine how lonely that would be? Worse than death imo.
As for everyone blaming him for turning Xue Chen/Zhao Ming into the demon lord... Let’s not forget: without TM, this love story wouldn’t even exist! He was the one who placed Pearl in the pond and ensured Zhao Ming would heal her. You can’t have one part of the story and disregard the rest. Just saying 😜
Few hours later and I’ve finally finished episode 30! 😅 Sh*t was SO good! I swear, I had almost every scene on repeat lol I’m sure you can tell from my flood of comments just what kind of wild ride this episode was hahaha
Woke up early to binge two episodes and now it's already midday in my country—time really flies when you're glued to a screen, repeating everything 😂 Gonna go fuel my human body now.
imho as of ep .30 this deserves nothing less than 9.0 haha
It’s such a deep-layered and complex story that could’ve easily turned chaotic if it wasn’t written so brilliantly. This alone deserves a much higher rating. But when you also factor in the production quality, the acting and everything else? This is leagues ahead of most dramas, especially the ones coming out recently.
It’s amazing how Zhao Ming and A Zhu have such a similar dynamic and vibe to Xue Chen and Xuan Ling. Honestly, Zhao Ming in the past feels exactly like Xue Chen lol
And A Zhu is still absolutely captivating, but in a more innocent, less cheeky way compared to Xuan Ling. Yet, there’s still that undeniable similarity between them. It’s such a clever way to mirror the characters while keeping them distinct :D
They couldn’t have cast a better actress for Xuan Ling and A Zhu! Sun Zhen Ni is both incredibly adorable and undeniably sexy. She has this pure, innocent vibe, yet she’s so alluring and irresistibly captivating at the same time.
It’s such a tricky balance to strike, but she absolutely nails it. She’s like a true femme fatale—effortlessly drawing you in while maintaining that angelic charm :D When Pearl became human, Zhao Ming seemed unfazed, but come on, you just know he was lowkey losing it over her beauty lol There’s no way he wasn’t internally dripping! haha
I'm only 15 minutes into episode 30... but you know that feeling when you're SO EXCITED that you have to pause every five seconds just to replay scenes or stop and bask in your excitement?! It will take hours for me to finish this ep, because I keep repeating scenes hahahaha Like, THIS DRAMA IS INSANE! I'm just so, so, so hyped and happy right now!! How is it possible that we're nearing the end and it's only getting better?! The writers must be literal geniuses—or deities!! XD
Even with all these new revelations and shifts in the characters, how is the dynamic still this thrilling? I usually hate when characters change because it messes with the overall vibe—relationships and past developments just end up feeling lost. But here? It’s SO well done. It doesn’t just work, it makes everything even more exciting! Like, how?! 😂
Tian Ming is on a completely different level of delusional. That nutcase lol Weirdly enough, I can't bring myself to hate either him or Nan Xu Yue. The actor’s performance is truly phenomenal, capturing the complexity of this multi-layered character. It’s as if every pain he inflicts on others simultaneously wounds himself.
There’s such loneliness in his eyes and smile. That reminds me of what young Xuan Ling said to him in the past, when they first met:
XL: "But it doesn't seem like you're very sad. (He wasn't, because he knew his "fate") You just seem lonely and bored." (<<--- this is so on point!! She described not just Xu Yue, but Tian Ming!)
It’s an incredibly challenging character to portray and I believe this character could have easily been hated if not executed perfectly. Kudos to Wang Duo for pulling it off!
This drama keeps surprising me with every episode! It's not just an outstanding Xianxia, but also includes an incredibly well-crafted and intricate time-travel plot.
Even the Xuanling Tree, which typically only grows in the Dark Abyss, managed to take root and thrive in the Human Realm, because Xue Chen went back in time and accidentally took a Xuanling seed with him and dropped it on the ground in Snow City. The time travel revelations are really we-written!
I absolutely loved the scenes where he traveled back in time and met young Xuan Ling. She was so adorable and their dynamic is kinda unchanged, cus Xuanling as a child is still just as strong-willed and sassy XD Watching her boss around and even manhandle Xue Chen had me laughing so hard. Despite all the tragic and serious events, there are even some small comedic moments, which is such an impressive balance to achieve. This show is truly a masterpiece!
Thank you to all the novel readers for the helpful information! I think I’ll rewatch eps. 25-26 tomorrow with my newfound knowledge. Everything should make much more sense now haha :D
After reading some helpful comments (thank you so much!), I feel like I have a better grasp of the past now. I really hope the drama explains it clearly as well.
It’s quite an ironic and hypocritical cycle, though. If I understood correctly: 10,000 years ago, the Divine Clan (immortals) oppressed humans, leading to a rebellion spearheaded by human Emperor Zhao Ming.
Fast forward to the present: Humans are doing the EXACT same thing to the Spirit Clan, oppressing and enslaving them.
It really highlights how humanity often fails to learn from history. It’s a harsh reflection of real life, honestly. There are no good or bad guys—just two opposing sides, much like in reality.
Especially the uraveled secret in the Devine realm by the Pavillion master(He Xian Wo), I'm still processing those…
Yes, it's way too much for just 40 episodes. I'm scared the last 10 episodes will be really rushed and not as good as the 1st half :'( I'm already feeling that they cramped too much in two episodes... oh man 😭
So... Zhao Ming was evil? I really didn't understand what happened between Divine Clan and Emperor Zhao Ming in the past.
Did the Divine Clan enslave humans just like the humans did it to Spirit Clan? Or why did he hate Divine Clan so much and wanted to destroy them? I don't understand his motive... Or did Zhao Ming just want to kill all Immortals, so everyone is "equal"? But Hun Du Zhu was an immortal too, right? And he loved her, right? Or she wasn't... she is the Chaos pearl.
Also I don't understand He Xian Wo's motive for sacrificing so many living beings to stay young for sooo long , just to climb up the celestial ladder... because he was a fanatic? lol Zhao Ming was his hero and he saw him get killed by divine clan. So he made it his mission to kill the Immortals? That's why he wanted to go to the heaven realm? To kill them?
I think I understood nothing of the past and I'm confused as hell. Please someone explain to me what happened the last two episodes lol
First off, sympathizing is not the same as justifying. TM’s actions were wrong, no argument there. But recognizing why he did them and feeling for his plight doesn’t mean I’m endorsing manipulation. It just means I’m appreciating the complexity of a character who isn’t purely evil. That’s what makes a well-written antagonist stand out imo.
Secondly, yes, fiction can influence people, but it’s also where we explore messy, morally gray areas without real-life consequences. Xianxia dramas, in particular, thrive on these dramatic, over-the-top storylines and we as viewers know it’s not a guide for real life. TM isn’t a role model, he’s a cautionary tale wrapped in heartbreak and tragedy.
Lastly, while karma is a powerful theme. Ironically "Book of Fate governs karma". He created his own suffering, but that doesn’t mean we can’t mourn the path he’s taken. It’s possible to acknowledge his flaws, condemn his choices and still feel sadness for his fate. Fiction lets us do that :)
You think the plot is stupid because of its genre. Fair, Xianxia isn’t for everyone. Funnily, Xianxia genre is not even kind of cup, but there are some gems out there, imo, like this one. At the end of the day, the beauty of fiction is that it sparks discussion like this one! 🫶
Also the story is far from over. I'm pretty sure his karma will come...
I’m not justifying TM’s actions... far from it. Manipulation and forcing someone into a relationship are absolutely wrong and I fully condemn those behaviors. What I’m saying is that his character is more complex than just being evil or selfish. His loneliness and desperation are key to understanding why he does what he does, not to excuse it, but to explore what makes him tick. Isn’t that what makes a compelling antagonist in the first place?
As for your point about the love triangle and screen time: the story might not be what you expected, but this isn’t about sidelining the ML. TM’s actions are why the main couple’s love story even has stakes. Without him, there’s no conflict to overcome. He’s not here to replace anyone, he’s here to push the plot forward, even if it pisses you off in the process. That’s what good writing does: it evokes strong emotions, whether love or hate.
I didn't read the novel nor will I. I'm here watching the drama and will judge accordingly.
At the end of the day, everyone’s entitled to their opinion (and rage, apparently 😅), but I just think TM’s character is worth looking at beyond a surface level. If that makes me a sucker for nuanced storytelling, so be it! 😄
I don’t think so. In fact, I find his character incredibly intriguing and complex. Knowing he’s headed for a tragic ending makes him even more pitiful in my eyes.
And please don’t hit me with the “Would you pity someone like that in real life?” argument. We’re watching a freaking Xianxia drama! Also not everything is black and white, especially not TM lol I can condemn his actions, but still sympathize with him because, honestly, he’s the loneliest character in the story. I can’t even begin to comprehend the depth of his feelings. He doesn’t want to be alone for eternity. Can you imagine how lonely that would be? Worse than death imo.
As for everyone blaming him for turning Xue Chen/Zhao Ming into the demon lord... Let’s not forget: without TM, this love story wouldn’t even exist! He was the one who placed Pearl in the pond and ensured Zhao Ming would heal her. You can’t have one part of the story and disregard the rest. Just saying 😜
Woke up early to binge two episodes and now it's already midday in my country—time really flies when you're glued to a screen, repeating everything 😂 Gonna go fuel my human body now.
Have a fun watch, latecomers! Kekekekeke 😏
It’s such a deep-layered and complex story that could’ve easily turned chaotic if it wasn’t written so brilliantly. This alone deserves a much higher rating. But when you also factor in the production quality, the acting and everything else? This is leagues ahead of most dramas, especially the ones coming out recently.
And A Zhu is still absolutely captivating, but in a more innocent, less cheeky way compared to Xuan Ling. Yet, there’s still that undeniable similarity between them. It’s such a clever way to mirror the characters while keeping them distinct :D
It’s such a tricky balance to strike, but she absolutely nails it. She’s like a true femme fatale—effortlessly drawing you in while maintaining that angelic charm :D When Pearl became human, Zhao Ming seemed unfazed, but come on, you just know he was lowkey losing it over her beauty lol There’s no way he wasn’t internally dripping! haha
Even with all these new revelations and shifts in the characters, how is the dynamic still this thrilling? I usually hate when characters change because it messes with the overall vibe—relationships and past developments just end up feeling lost. But here? It’s SO well done. It doesn’t just work, it makes everything even more exciting! Like, how?! 😂
There’s such loneliness in his eyes and smile. That reminds me of what young Xuan Ling said to him in the past, when they first met:
XL: "But it doesn't seem like you're very sad. (He wasn't, because he knew his "fate") You just seem lonely and bored." (<<--- this is so on point!! She described not just Xu Yue, but Tian Ming!)
It’s an incredibly challenging character to portray and I believe this character could have easily been hated if not executed perfectly. Kudos to Wang Duo for pulling it off!
Even the Xuanling Tree, which typically only grows in the Dark Abyss, managed to take root and thrive in the Human Realm, because Xue Chen went back in time and accidentally took a Xuanling seed with him and dropped it on the ground in Snow City. The time travel revelations are really we-written!
I absolutely loved the scenes where he traveled back in time and met young Xuan Ling. She was so adorable and their dynamic is kinda unchanged, cus Xuanling as a child is still just as strong-willed and sassy XD Watching her boss around and even manhandle Xue Chen had me laughing so hard. Despite all the tragic and serious events, there are even some small comedic moments, which is such an impressive balance to achieve. This show is truly a masterpiece!
I guess people are sleeping on it, because the cast is less popular, but they're definitely missing out on a great drama.
It’s quite an ironic and hypocritical cycle, though. If I understood correctly:
10,000 years ago, the Divine Clan (immortals) oppressed humans, leading to a rebellion spearheaded by human Emperor Zhao Ming.
Fast forward to the present: Humans are doing the EXACT same thing to the Spirit Clan, oppressing and enslaving them.
It really highlights how humanity often fails to learn from history. It’s a harsh reflection of real life, honestly. There are no good or bad guys—just two opposing sides, much like in reality.
Did the Divine Clan enslave humans just like the humans did it to Spirit Clan? Or why did he hate Divine Clan so much and wanted to destroy them? I don't understand his motive... Or did Zhao Ming just want to kill all Immortals, so everyone is "equal"? But Hun Du Zhu was an immortal too, right? And he loved her, right? Or she wasn't... she is the Chaos pearl.
Also I don't understand He Xian Wo's motive for sacrificing so many living beings to stay young for sooo long , just to climb up the celestial ladder... because he was a fanatic? lol Zhao Ming was his hero and he saw him get killed by divine clan. So he made it his mission to kill the Immortals? That's why he wanted to go to the heaven realm? To kill them?
I think I understood nothing of the past and I'm confused as hell. Please someone explain to me what happened the last two episodes lol