Mizuhira-san

To protect what you hold dear

I see this episode not as a rebellion arc, but more like different factions going to great lengths to protect what they hold most dear: status, family, and future. In such times when d8@th would always knock on one's door at the most unexpected times, people take huge measures to protect their beloved, sometimes to the point of no return. Humans are such fragile beings that a small stain can make them waver, and it's hard to keep tiptoeing on the thin line of good and evil. As of the latest episodes, we see that the villains weren't purely villains from the start; they were made to become one. These people fell victim to the deadly sins of human beings, be it due to revenge or led by desperation to count on the last remaining silver lining they have to survive...

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Is it fate, or is it a choice?

This is one chilling episode. When a parent decides, it's absolute, and nothing can stop them from protecting their children. No matter how good a person was, their morals and principles get tested when confronted with huge dilemmas that revolve around their beloved people. For the Zhuangs, it was Zhuang Shen (to avenge his son), then it was the Empress (to avenge her father and to protect her son, and their rightful status). For the Murongs, it started as a grudge by the son, Murong Yao, which led to the father Murong Zhong choosing the bloody path to cover for his son... The Fengs' harsh past pushed the Emperor on to a twisted road, which eventually broke the relationships not only within the family, but also with his close aides, who once served the country and fought on the battlefields together during their younger years. So what exactly went wrong? Was it simply one's fate, or was it the choices these people made? It's such a dilemma....

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A wistful dream

A safe haven built for both demons and humans crumbled in just one night due to a certain demon blinded by greed. Qing Li, known as a butterfly demon, appeared humble and kind, yet she betrayed the trust of those who believed in her and let down Zhang Qi's sincere love for her. In truth, she was a Ghost-faced Moth that preferred the familiar darkness to the brightness her partner represented. Her foolish envy and obsessions drove Qing Li to cultivate the 'Chakuwa' flower for ten long years by luring innocent humans and demons to the Peach Blossom Village, all under the guise of helping them find a place to call home. Zhang Qi remained unaware of her schemes until he himself fell victim to them. Sometimes, love isn't everything, but it is also love that can transform us into someone unrecognisable, whether good or bad.

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Siblings; old and new

As a favoured child, Qiao Yan wouldn't truly understand the hardships Xu Yan had faced, and all the unfair treatment she got from her parents. However, it's heart-warming to watch them walk side by side like they did when they were young, talking freely without any masks or concealed secrets. I'm glad Xu Yan is opening up to her elder sister slowly. On the other hand, we can see another sibling relationship between Xu Yan and Shen Hao Chen, her young brother-in-law. The poor boy is like the black sheep of the family, always causing trouble at school. However, that's just because he wanted the love and attention of his mom, dad and older brother. I think Xu Yan sees that, because she was the same. Xu Yan saw her past self in this young boy and wanted to help mend the relationship he has with his family members, but they are all 'too busy' to listen. The child is not an asset, and Xu Yan needs to knock some sense into the Shens' heads...

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Like a beautiful tragic poem

Wangquan Fugui is the young master of the Wangquan clan who's burdened with the responsibility of being the most powerful member of the family and a 'Soldier' who hunts down demons. His father, Wangquan Hongye, is a poor man who carries old scars from his past of losing his friends and loved ones. Buried in guilt, he vowed to never let his son walk the same path as him, which turned him into a cold, distant person who would push his only heir to his limits, to be able to master and wield the 'Heaven and earth' sword technique. The way Wangquan Hongye treats Fugui was unacceptable as a parent, but in my humble opinion, Hongye's actions and decisions stemmed not only from the burdens of both his past experiences, but also from a sense of foreboding from his dreams. He didn't want to break the promise he made with his late wife, Dongfang Huaizhu, and to avoid his wife's sacrifice from becoming all for naught. Although I haven't watched the prequel, [Love in Pavilion], it breaks my heart to watch these broken people consumed in their own anguish. A father who can't forgive himself for his past actions and mindsets which dragged the people close to him to their demise, and a son who want nothing but the love and acknowledgement from his father; both of whom are suffering from their inner demons... As long as their inner demons run wild, we won't be seeing any redemption arc especially for the father, who had long thrown his heart to the abyss. He would just be headstrong about fulfilling the last wishes of his late wife and taking on the responsibilities of protecting mankind in his new, strict and heartless ways, in contrast to his kind-hearted younger self...The opening episode is just like a sad poem, a requiem of sorts, that bring us back to the past which shaped the lives of the Wangquang father and son of present time... The BGMs and the hums in these songs were laced with nostalgia, heartbreak, regret, and most importantly,... hope...

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Where faith lies is what defines a person

"A-Li.., one can take control of one's own destiny. You'll understand one day, that some things are far more important than life and death. Like Yi Que Ying Yang, you're endowed with the power to do great good deeds. Imagine what will become of the world, if you direct such power to benevolent causes... The more capable individuals, such as yourself, should bring greater benefits to all people. What defines you is not your golden eyes and forehead mark, but your thought and beliefs. Spring comes again when snow melts. In this world, not a second of effort is wasted. Although sometimes hope may be shattered, new hope would always rise from destruction... New hope and new people are right by your side..." Fang Zhou's lesson for Tang Li Ci is both heart-wrenchingly realistic, but conveyed a beautiful message. It is 'The art of letting go', and providing love and care, if not other beneficial deeds within one's reach and/or capabilities. It was his way of showing his love for his 'younger brother' he cared for when he was still alive... (And by now I've used up several tissues.. 🥺🤧) To this, Tang Li Ci replied, "Fang Zhou.., I understand now... This heart crystal has accompanied me for a long time. As it turns out, this is the moment it's been waiting for..." That is, for him to let go of his obsessions concerning Fang Zhou, to forgive himself and move forward by paving a new path...🥺😭

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Confrontation

The confrontation between Liu Yan and Tang Li Ci was a notable moment, but it lacked a certain intensity. Liu Yan came across more like a confused child, blaming others for his mistakes and misfortunes. Although he is the master of Fengliudian with many loyal subordinates, his face-off with his former friend revealed that he cannot be truly evil. His cruelty stems from his hatred for Tang Li Ci and his desire for revenge. I see him as a petty person who cannot accept what he has become due to his blind faith, as if to say, "I became the monster I am because of you! It's YOUR fault that I've turned into something so vile." In other words, he is a delusional hypocrite. Initially, he appeared to be someone straight out of 'The Arabian Nights' (as seen in Episode 2 attire), but later transformed into a two-faced physician who "treats" patients in times of dire need—a devil in disguise (Episode 12). I don't care; I just want to abduct him and toss him into the middle of the ocean or something. (≖_≖ 💢)

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