2
Trauma Bonding, Cliff Falls, and Questionable Immortal Life Choices
Let’s just say... FEUD is entertaining, but not for the reasons the production probably intended. This drama is a classic example of "big budget, high hype, chaotic execution."
The Good:
Visually stunning: The sets, costumes, and cinematography are gorgeous. The landscapes and ethereal quality of the xianxia world make for some pretty breathtaking moments. The drama is a feast for the eyes, even if it can’t always match the emotional depth.
Zhang Suan (played by Chen Xin Hai), is honestly the MVP — consistently reasonable and emotionally intelligent. Every time he appears, I exhale. A couple of episodes were highlights just because of him.
The antagonist Xiao Jing Shan (played by Hong Yao)? Surprisingly, the most grounded character in the entire show. When the antagonist has more brains than all the protagonists combined... it kind of makes you question who the real hero is. Low-key carrying the plot, high-key exposing everyone's emotional immaturity.
A few quotes and scenes hit surprisingly deep. "If there is no love, where does the hatred come from?" — yes, Shifu, preach.
Some of the BGM tracks are excellent, setting the right tone for those high-stakes moments. When the music hits right, it adds weight to the drama. However, let’s be honest: occasionally the background music sounds like it came from a budget synth machine, which kind of takes you out of the moment. Less cheap synthesizer, more grand orchestra, please.
The Mid:
It’s giving chaotic rom-com meets trauma drama. The first arc feels like a parody of xianxia, with editing so choppy you’d think scenes were being reassembled in real time. The romantic development often leans into limerence rather than genuine connection, and we're clearly meant to root for CP's with the emotional communication skills of a burnt-out office printer.
The "revenge for the lost child" angle had potential, but it’s wrapped in so much over-the-top drama that it loses its impact.
Tropes. So. Many. Tropes. If I had a jade bead for every time someone falls off a cliff, I’d be immortal by now.
The... Not-So-Good:
Let’s talk about the FL. I know she’s written this way for “tragic reasons,” but she’s emotionally stunted, full of repressed rage, and constantly projecting — to the point where I genuinely believe she needs therapy, not romance. Watching her feels uncomfortably familiar, like seeing unresolved family trauma play out on screen. It gets better in the second half.
And the ML? A walking red flag. The physical aggression, the emotionally unavailable brooding... at this point, their entire relationship screams trauma bond, not love.
Characters keep making irrational decisions and reacting violently before bothering to talk, "kill first, talk later" kind of interaction — even though, wisely, some characters do suggest "Just sit down and talk!" (Yes, Shifu, again. We hear you.)
The "romantic" interactions offer silent treatment, co-dependency and ultimatums. In terms of unhealthy communication, this drama delivers.
Conclusion:
I’m watching this more like a messy reality show than a sweeping fantasy romance. The production is expensive, but the storytelling doesn’t quite deliver — it leans too hard on old clichés and little genuine emotional growth.
Still, it’s oddly addictive in a “can’t look away from the car crash” kind of way. It’s a melodramatic, trope-filled chaos fest that might not be good, but is definitely memorable.
The Good:
Visually stunning: The sets, costumes, and cinematography are gorgeous. The landscapes and ethereal quality of the xianxia world make for some pretty breathtaking moments. The drama is a feast for the eyes, even if it can’t always match the emotional depth.
Zhang Suan (played by Chen Xin Hai), is honestly the MVP — consistently reasonable and emotionally intelligent. Every time he appears, I exhale. A couple of episodes were highlights just because of him.
The antagonist Xiao Jing Shan (played by Hong Yao)? Surprisingly, the most grounded character in the entire show. When the antagonist has more brains than all the protagonists combined... it kind of makes you question who the real hero is. Low-key carrying the plot, high-key exposing everyone's emotional immaturity.
A few quotes and scenes hit surprisingly deep. "If there is no love, where does the hatred come from?" — yes, Shifu, preach.
Some of the BGM tracks are excellent, setting the right tone for those high-stakes moments. When the music hits right, it adds weight to the drama. However, let’s be honest: occasionally the background music sounds like it came from a budget synth machine, which kind of takes you out of the moment. Less cheap synthesizer, more grand orchestra, please.
The Mid:
It’s giving chaotic rom-com meets trauma drama. The first arc feels like a parody of xianxia, with editing so choppy you’d think scenes were being reassembled in real time. The romantic development often leans into limerence rather than genuine connection, and we're clearly meant to root for CP's with the emotional communication skills of a burnt-out office printer.
The "revenge for the lost child" angle had potential, but it’s wrapped in so much over-the-top drama that it loses its impact.
Tropes. So. Many. Tropes. If I had a jade bead for every time someone falls off a cliff, I’d be immortal by now.
The... Not-So-Good:
Let’s talk about the FL. I know she’s written this way for “tragic reasons,” but she’s emotionally stunted, full of repressed rage, and constantly projecting — to the point where I genuinely believe she needs therapy, not romance. Watching her feels uncomfortably familiar, like seeing unresolved family trauma play out on screen. It gets better in the second half.
And the ML? A walking red flag. The physical aggression, the emotionally unavailable brooding... at this point, their entire relationship screams trauma bond, not love.
Characters keep making irrational decisions and reacting violently before bothering to talk, "kill first, talk later" kind of interaction — even though, wisely, some characters do suggest "Just sit down and talk!" (Yes, Shifu, again. We hear you.)
The "romantic" interactions offer silent treatment, co-dependency and ultimatums. In terms of unhealthy communication, this drama delivers.
Conclusion:
I’m watching this more like a messy reality show than a sweeping fantasy romance. The production is expensive, but the storytelling doesn’t quite deliver — it leans too hard on old clichés and little genuine emotional growth.
Still, it’s oddly addictive in a “can’t look away from the car crash” kind of way. It’s a melodramatic, trope-filled chaos fest that might not be good, but is definitely memorable.
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