SchnickelFritz

That isn't to say that the fan translations don't have their own annoyances. As it's not the same translator throughout, they vary widely in quality. They're still perfectly readable for the most part, but some of them don't have the best grasp of English (awkward phrasings and mixing tenses, mostly). This isn't as much an issue with LotCH though, iirc (the sequels, especially HSDS, are a little rough in parts). Anyhow, they obviously aren't professional, so I don't want to be overly critical. Their efforts are certainly much appreciated.

Of course, this is something you just become accustomed to as a consumer of Asian media in general, with little to no knowledge of the languages.

It can be found on wuxiasociety.com, along with a bunch of other classic wuxia novels.

There's also an official translation now (two volumes of four have been published thus far). Two things really annoy me, however...

The name changes are puzzling -- the most notable being Lotus Huang in place of Huang Rong. Character names should never be translated, imo (nicknames sure, and there are quite a few in these novels, but not actual names).

The fact that they're marketing it as the Chinese "Lord of the Rings" is silly and misleading, to say the least. Outside of very broad terms, both being popular fantasy epics, they are nothing at all alike.

It's heavily implied. The ending is rather open, which is why some weren't satisfied with it. I, however, absolutely love a well-done open ending, and so thought this one was brilliant, one of the best final drama episodes I've seen (had to up my rating a point).

This is the only LotCH adaptation I've seen -- I read the fan translated novel last year, but I was quite impressed. It stays largely faithful, only changing or omitting a few minor scenes and details, while expanding on certain story lines, especially Yang Kang's and Miu Nianci's relationship, which is mostly told anecdotally in the novel, because, apart from the beginning, naturally, it follows Guo Jing's perspective throughout. There were a few cheesy parts and somewhat implausible plot points, a deus ex machina or two, but they were there in the novel as well, and you just have to suspend your disbelief. It's fantasy, after all.

I'm currently reading the sequel. Looking forward to its upcoming adaptation, as well.

Yeah, there are two other main couples.

A few frustrating plot lines and annoying characters (who eventually redeem themselves, for the most part), but good chemistry between the leads and a satisfying conclusion. Overall, quite an enjoyable daily.

The 122 episodes available online are the full series, btw. It was edited for Chinese broadcast, hence the subs, and someone redubbed the Korean voices (you can hear snippets of the Chinese dub leak through every now and then). Whoever uploaded it did a poor job, especially with some of the middle episodes. I had to use multiple sites to watch the whole thing (dramacool and dailymotion, mainly). You get used to the low quality video.

This was a lot darker than I expected, but I still loved it. Unfortunately, it's too short, which is not something that can be said for most kdramas. Would have been an easy 10 if it didn't leave so many plot threads unresolved.

No hesitation in giving this a 10 and a spot among my favorites. The writing and characters especially are just superb. This drama really is something special and, well.. beautiful.