Quelith

Happy ending as the characters that sacrifice their lives die in peace, no regrets.

Yes, it's considered a standalone, not related to ALP.

While I'm truly sold on almost every pair's romance in this drama and love the unique color themes of the drama, I agree about the emotional immersion with perfect and elaborate hairdo and makeup. This is probably the same case for almost period idol drama I've watched. In bts, the makeup artists touch up all the hairdo and makeup after every single take to make sure it's perfect; it's a pity as some disheveled looks do make intense scenes more believable. Such elaborate styling on Bai Shuo during her travel is a constant pullout from immersing myself in their world, and in the back of my mind I cannot help wondering the number of hours spent on hairdo and makeup before the shooting. Still, as with other period idol drama, I've closed one eye for this styling believability aspect and I do get invested in each character's story.

CZ has let go of BS. He was about to return her sachet right? That's how he knew it was BX not BS that he should have kept in his heart.

For FY, he would still go because he wouldn't leave QF alone again.

I was wondering too on these small details. It's too easy to unlock lol and by the Tiger Clan girl who's been living among humans. And although it's possible for FY to come alone to Cold Spring Palace, how is it BS able to go there on her own so fast too? She grew up in human realm. It will make more sense to have TH going with her.

Let me try to provide my view based on my enjoyment - hope not too biased. This drama seems to be getting more interesting as it's progressed. The plot of the first arc in Ning An City is probably a bit of everywhere, but it's an introduction in a way; subsequent arcs have tighter plots that interest me more and the pace throughout is good for me too. Probably what I love most is the characters and their interactions. Some relationships to me is a bit difficult to imagine, but overall all relationship is possible (real life has weirder ones). I often dropped xianxia dramas halfway because the plot is getting lengthy and too draggy, and I couldn't stand a jealous 2FL/2ML that has no other purpose but possessing someone, luckily I haven't felt this way about this drama. Also, it has provided enough background and world building that let me understand, for example why the Cold Spring Palace demons beahve that way. If you find you couldn't enjoy it, it may not be your cup of tea. You should watch what you enjoy.

Didn't expect anything less from the demons from Cold Spring Palace, given the environment she is in.

Agreed it's different. Seems it started to highlight deeper social issue by end of Ep 3. But let's see how it goes.

You can see in the Related Content etc information.

He doesn't remember his past life.

Wasn't Chu Qiao about 17 years old in the novel? If so, seems the cast matches the age in the novel. I didn't really read the novel, just bits and pieces.

I like the settings of this story. For the first few episodes, the pace was fast and indeed a bit confusing. The back story was revealed slowly, albeit in bits and pieces. At the middle, the plot became repetitive and lackluster, and only picked up again towards the end. I enjoy the short heartwarming moments. The drama has a good conclusion too at the end. Actingwise, no complaints from me for the actors! ML and FL did a decent job and I enjoy their interaction.

A unique ending! I can imagine it's not easy to put an ending to this type of story, so to me this is as good as it gets! Although somewhat curious about the demon catching world ending, I'm glad the drama moved the focus back to the author and the real world. I hope there will be more clips to the ending, I still want to see more of them lol. It couldn't be just him calling her name!

Agreed the capital arc was a bit sloppy and took a bit to understand what's happening - probably more because it's just the surface, and there is still mystery unanswered. However for RS and ZQ last conversation, to me ZQ just looked indifferent; he didn't want to bother about his identity. Yes, RS knew ZQ is a demon - he remembered ZQ hairband on the night boy ZQ came to Zhao mansion for the assassination attempt (was in flashback when he was kidnapped by adult ZQ). Drunk RS also removed ZQ hairband and ZQ transformed. RS 'kinda' saw it before passing out but didn't pursue this subsequently upon MM's request. For MY, the rest knew her too well ZQ and FY didn't buy her lie so they stayed. Once MY saw they all stayed, she made them all part of the plan. Also imo it's fine to just imply this as it's unnecessary to spell it out.

If I were him, at the beginning, I would take the FL hostage, keep her tendon severed, and announce to Mount Yang to surrender or she dies. That seems to get the results faster.

If he has told her everything since the beginning, for example that she is Lu Wen's concubine, I wonder what she would have done.

I did wonder a bit when Xijun said that; I couldn't remember she ever mentioned about leaving him whenever they're in disagreements, but Xijun is always compassionate and strong willed, an artist in touch with her emotions. This just shows how strongly she felt about the whole situation. She loves LLF but it doesn't change who she is.

My thought is the spear was damaged considering all the commotion caused by the rhino and Taiyin soldiers. I miss him and the spear too. Fed needs to make one more for him.

Don't read the book either. To me, he always is fond of her, but those are moments that force him to realize more.