I don't like harem or anything with polygamy so I usually skip them. Most martial arts donghua don't focus on romance but there are some whose original source have good romance. Aside from Xue Ying Ling Zhu, try: Wu Geng Ji, Douluo Dalu, Ze Tian Ji, and Da Zhu Zai. Tunshi Xingkong is also by IET but it is set in the future.
as a fellow writer, there was ZERO reason for that ending. None
I am also a writer and I also didn't think that the ending was justified. I think that the screenwriter was going for shock value but it wasn't necessary.
The synopsis reminds me of HIStory: make our days count. I am still traumatised by that ending which makes me fear this story which sounds very similar.
My eyes hurt so badly from crying and my nose is so itchy. I feel that the last part of the last episode was a trap. XHT said everything was over and he seemed to be moving on but it also feels like the decision to go to the Himalayan to meet XG isn't figurative but literal. It's like he has decided that there is no longer any need to be sad because he is moving towards an exit.
TGCF can be easily adapted without the romance. The relationship between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng don't need to…
I understand your reasoning but when an author writes a story, each and every aspect serves a purpose. Worship is one aspect and romantic love is another. Completely ignoring the aspect of romantic love removes some depth from the characters and cripples their development. I think it is better to delay the release rather than deviate from the author's original intention and the readers' expectations.