Sssnoopyyy

Just WOW - the hype is real

I'm quite late to the bandwagon, but am so glad that I gave this masterpiece a chance! I've watched many dramas over the years and I have to say this is probably one of the most well written dramas I've seen. The acting and storyline are amazing! I'm very pleased with the cast because they really brought the characters to life.

Mei Chang Su is the most beautiful tragic hero, and is a someone who I could not stop admiring episode after episode. His wit and intelligence never failed to amaze me. Despite the mental, physical and emotional pains he had to endure, he is blessed to have loyal and loving friends and comrades. The highlight of this drama is definitely the relationship between Mei Chang Su and the rest of the main characters. The BROMANCE is real yall. I love his bond with Fei Liu, Meng Zhi, Jingyan, Li Chen, etc. There is a bit of romance, but that was not the focal point of the drama (which I very much appreciated). Honestly, the story would have done well even if they decided to forego the romance.

I will say that this drama will require time and patience to watch because it is a slow burn with lots of details, so your full attention is required to really appreciate the story. The rewatch value would be high because I'm sure I missed a few details the first time watching. My only complaint was the way the last episode played out, as there were some things I would have changed (e.g. the filler scenes). Otherwise, I really enjoyed it.

Nirvana in Fire will definitely go down in history as a classic. Thank you to the writer, cast and crew for such a beautiful series.

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Promising start with the aesthetics but not what I expected

I'm late to the bandwagon and finally decided to watch MJTY to see if it lived up to the hype. Unfortunately, it was not what I had expected. Given the production and actors, the drama was very promising at the start but lacked depth and focus.

Highlights:
- Aesthetics. I can see that this was a high budget series. Everything from the cast to the backdrop were gorgeous. It felt like I was watching a film. And of course Cheng Lei's swoonworthy gaze - I think he was the strongest actor in this series. Not surprised he was a fan favourite.
- Bromance and sismance game were strong (imo stronger than the romance between both CPs). I also really liked the supporting characters, and a lot of the times, found them even more intriguing than the main cast. Loved Jin Fan, Gong Zi Shang and Xue Chong Zi.
- Action scenes! I would like to see more of this in dramas

Lows:
- The lack of plot and character/relationship development bothered me most. Majority of the drama was spent circling around the same topic with the characters spending too much time being gloomy and passive, then having the story get wrapped up with a longwinded explanation in the end. I also did NOT feel anything for both couples, it was awkward to watch most of the time. The attraction came out of nowhere and was unrealistic given how they were suspicious of each other from the start. Yes, the second leads had some tension but I think a lot of it had to do with their more complex roles and motives. Although, I blame this more on the writing than the actors. If they had spent more time developing the plot and relationship between the characters, it would have been really good.

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It’s the journey, not the destination

What a journey it has been for our main characters! It was one full of laughter, tears, love and friendship. The main cast did a spectacular job portraying characters whom I loved so much. You have equally strong male and female leads who stand strong on their own, but together, are unstoppable. The supporting leads were the cherry on top that made the story extra vibrant with their individual quirks and growth.

As much I was invested in the series, there were definitely parts that were lacking. Considering the strong introduction and plot development in the beginning, it fell short towards the latter third of the series. I was disappointed with the slow pacing of some scenes, anti-climatic showdowns, and lack of character development (i.e. Li Tong Guang). They could’ve scrapped some filler scenes and used that time to focus on what was more important.

After watching the last ep in full, I can accept the outcome for what it was. I interpreted it as RY and the fab 5 dying for the greater good with their heroic sacrifices, and reuniting in paradise. They all achieved what they set out to do and died without regrets, and so, it was a HE in its own way. However, they could’ve done a much better job wrapping up the series. They completely glossed over clearing NYZ’s brothers’/friends’ names, which was the main reason NYZ accepted the task in the first place. This deserved a whole scene where the names are cleared publicly.

I have my gripes about the show, but overall, still love the series very much. The mature love story, brotherhood, beautiful martial arts choreography and acting made this journey memorable.

Shoutout to the lovable characters:
Ru Yi - LSS never disappoints with the action scenes, love a badass FL who is strong and intelligent, defying the expectations of women in the era
NYZ - LYN did a great job in his first leading wuxia role. His character really set the bar too high for men, he is the dream man, almost too perfect. I love the mutual understanding and bond he shared with RY and the bros.
Shi San - Prob my fave character in the series. He made me laugh so hard and I always looked forward to his scenes. Definitely way better than the actor’s other role in The Long Ballad, which allowed him to showcase his potential. This is a great example of a secondary role that shines despite not being the main lead.
Yuan Lu - The happy vitamin of the group. It’s not hard to see why everyone adores him. His positive outlook in life and wisdom beyond his years was what made his character so wonderful.
QZ - The master of the RBF and side eye. Despite his stoic nature, his eyes really speak. He also seems to know all the gossip. The stark contrast between him and Shi San made it even more humorous.
Sun Lang - Fluffy and cute just like the animals he adores. A bit dense in certain matters, but his pure nature is what makes him adorable.
YY - The character with the most wonderful character development. She was a diamond in the rough who really shined. This is my first time watching this actress, and she did an amazing job! I can only see her continuing to amaze viewers with her range in acting.
LTG - The character who had the most potential yet fell to the back burner. I did not mind him being fixated on RY, in fact, his unwavering love/obsession was quite impressive. However, I wished they had fleshed out his character more as he could have had a bigger role in the main plot. Very unfortunate.

To conclude, I recommend this series if you want a good wuxia drama packed with action and romance/bromance. A great drama to end the year of 2023.

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Life is but a Dream

I still can't believe this drama is over! I'm still processing everything that happened, and I’m finding it hard to put my thoughts into words.

First and foremost, this was such a refreshing story—it felt like a mix between a Disney-like fairytale and Inception, with a touch of satire and intentional absurdity. It was so nice to watch something with an original script—not adapted from a novel or webtoon—because you truly never knew what to expect. I was surprised by how unserious and playful it felt at first, but over time, I genuinely fell for the characters and became invested in their journeys. It started off strong, and it ended just as powerfully.

Highlights:
- The actors did a great job portraying their roles! Li Yi Tong was perfect as SXY/SYM—her cuteness never felt forced, and her comedic timing was spot-on. I hadn’t seen her in a while, so it’s exciting to know she has more dramas lined up. Liu Yu Ning’s acting has noticeably improved—he did an excellent job portraying NH and expressing a range of complex emotions. At first, his character felt similar to roles he’s played before (he often plays the tragic hero/tsundere type, which he does well), but NH gave him a chance to show more depth and range.
- The supporting leads were also amazing, each standing out in their own right. I especially loved NH’s brothers and comrades—because let’s be honest, what’s a Liu Yu Ning drama without some solid bromance? I appreciated the secondary female lead, SYT, especially because she wasn’t just a plot device to push the main couple's love story forward. She could be obnoxious at times, but I admired how she stuck to her beliefs, even if they were unconventional for that era. Her idea of men carrying and giving birth had me laughing out loud. Seeing Wang Yan again after so many years (from Huan Zhu Ge Ge!) was a nostalgic bonus.
- The humor and satire had me on the floor—I’m sure the cast and crew had fun parodying common drama tropes and throwing in references to the entertainment industry.
- Action scenes were well done. Liu Yu Ning continues to prove himself in fight scenes, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn this was directed by the same person behind Mysterious Lotus Casebook (one of my favorites for martial arts choreography).
- Despite having many cliché moments (intentionally so), the pacing was solid, and I appreciated how the plot could shift between comedy and seriousness without feeling jarring.
- The fact that it wasn’t adapted from a novel made it feel liberating—there was no source material to constantly compare it to, which made it a truly enjoyable and unpredictable watch.
- The ending (and that post-credits scene!) threw me for a loop in the best, most Inception-like way. It completely lived up to the title, and I loved seeing all the theories people came up with. The writer clearly left clues throughout the story, allowing for multiple interpretations.
- The aesthetics and OST were the cherry on top.

Not So Great:
- I know SYM received a lot of flack for how she treated NH for a chunk of the story. Personally, I could understand both leads’ perspectives. SYM’s actions didn’t seem unreasonable—she feared for her safety and well-being based on what she knew about the original NH and how her life was supposed to play out. That said, this arc could’ve been tightened—it dragged a bit longer than necessary.
- The Emperor’s treatment of NH felt inconsistent and underdeveloped. Even if he was projecting his wariness of Gao Chang Yin onto NH, his deep hatred—especially since it started even before the Empress died—didn’t make much sense. I kept waiting for a meaningful apology or reconciliation, or at least a clear explanation. Instead, we got a sudden and unconvincing 180 into “caring father” mode.

Final Thought:
So… is life but a dream?
There’s only one way to find out.

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A journey led by choices and fate

After a year of waiting in anticipation, we finally get to see the result of the choices (or perhaps lack thereof) made by our beloved characters. Will they achieve their ultimate wish/goal, or will fate lead them to a different path? Or perhaps, will fate lead them to a path where they will always be destined to make the same choices?

From S1 to S2, we follow XY and CX’s journey together along with TSJ, XL, FL, AN, etc who accompany them along the way. We come to understand how they are shaped by their experiences, their traumas/struggles, their expectations and goals. 

My personal thoughts:

The lows:
As someone who has read the novel, I will say that S2 (technically part 2) had several disappointing changes that ultimately left me wondering how they could possibly undermine the strong plot and character development from S1 (which was pretty faithful to the original). While it is understandable for adaptations to have some tweaks due to a variety of factors, the inconsistencies and choppy editing left things feeling lacklustre. Whether you’ve read the novel or not and no matter who your favourite character (or ship) was, the changes downplayed the complexities of each character and their relationships, and the meaning behind the entire theme of lovesickness/losing someone forever. I think it is fair to say that all the characters were impacted and got the short end of the stick. It is unfortunate that LYF was one of the many victims of such changes (due to censorship or other reasons). It would have faired better by being a bit more faithful to be main events and the essence of characters in the original. I think a good 30 eps would have given viewers more context to follow along with a conclusive storyline.

The highs: 
The actors really carried the show, and I thank them because they really did their best with the script they were given, which helped me pull through in S2. They have a good grasp of their characters and executed the array of emotions beautifully. ZWY and YZ (also TJC) absolutely SHINED this season - their acting range and calibre are some of the best I have seen in a while. I am so happy they were casted and can only hope they collaborate again in the near future. That level of chemistry should definitely be utilized again. In fact, all the cast members did an amazing job! They pulled my heartstrings and are the heart of the series.

Although there were some questionable and illogical changes, they did include some scenes that were not part of the novel, which added onto the storyline and the characters’ POV.

Also, shoutout to the supporting cast: Grandpa, Haoling Emperor, Lao Sang, Ru Shou, Mao Qiu (Chubby) who made the drama that much more vibrant.

Overall, the drama as a whole was still very memorable with many meaningful life lessons touching on life, love, and loss. The detailed discussions and analyses you see in MDL reflect just that - the deep impression the characters have left on the viewers. I still recommend this series and highly recommend the novel if you haven’t already checked it out. 

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A lotus in full bloom

This is a story about a hero who once stood at the top of the world, before his whole life changed overnight. Through his journey as a wandering physician solving mysteries and closing the lose ends of his past, he forges everlasting friendships with two if the most unexpected people. This drama was a meaningful one as it illustrated various life lessons stemming from human desires, resentment, loss and letting go.

Although the first chunk of the series is relatively slow paced (and a bit dry), the story unfolds to reveal events that are intertwined allowing the viewer to appreciate the first few cases that set the stage and tone for the main plot.

From the amusing bromance/friendship between the main leads to the beautifully choreographed martial arts scenes, this drama leaves a deep impression that was only strengthened by Cheng Yi’s elegance and good grasp of his characters. Not all heroes wear capes and wield swords. Some carry a heart of the lotus in full bloom.

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My thoughts

My thoughts on the ending…(from watching 46 episodes and peaking through the last two)


POTENTIAL SPOILERS YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
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Things I loved:
- The brotherhood between the characters from FJM&DX, ZY&HS which were one of the standouts in the show, even above the romance
- Action and cinematography = amazing, it’s been a while since I’ve seen action scenes that don’t just rely on special effects
- The talented and intelligent main leads, and their teamwork (which is refreshing because I’ve watched a lot of dramas where the Emperor/Crown Prince are not the smartest people)
- MVPs: Lang Huan, Mu De Qing, Yuran, Aunt Su, Shaozi, Youdu, Jifeng crew (giving some love to the supporting characters), definitely pillars of the main leads’ success
- Chemistry between the leads (I personally liked Yang Mi and William Chan’s chemistry)
- BTS VIDEOS = the actors are hilarious
- Previews that sometimes tricked us and were not fully predictable
- OSTs (Zhang Bi Chen and Zhou Shen —> cannot go wrong here)
- This FORUM and discussions!

Things I wasn’t crazy about:
- The weak one-sided villains —> very anti-climatic. I would have appreciated a more layered villain (one big bad guy, no need for two villains here) since all the characters are relatively intelligent and wise. A more complex scheme/battle would have been more suspenseful (and honestly they had the time to do that in the series)
- Tilan’s love line (I like her and DX individually, but am not crazy for their romance. The time spent on them could have been used to develop other parts of the story and lack of ZYxZL)
- DX's expressions were sometimes a bit exaggerated, still gave me a good laugh though as the character is endearing at times
- I feel like there were a few minor loopholes that could’ve been flushed out more by removing some filler scenes or flashbacks

No story is perfect as everyone has their own vision of how they wish the events of the story would take place. But enjoyed this journey!!! I will miss them all.

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A drama that would have benefitted from 40+ episodes

This is a review from someone who has read the novel, knowing that there would be changes given censorship and some unfortunate events that rendered editing.

Highlights:
* Main Leads and Their Chemistry: Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei absolutely nailed their roles. Their chemistry was the driving force that kept me watching. Despite some criticism toward Zhou Ye for not fitting the "masculine" image of a general, she embodied the character as described in the novel. She played He Yan with depth and grace, staying true to her arc. I really hope the two actors collaborate again in the near future!
* Casting: From the leads to the supporting cast, the casting was spot-on. Characters like Xiao Mai, Wang Ba, Jiang Jiao, Huang Xiong, Song Tao Tao, Liu Bu Wang, and Yan He were all portrayed perfectly. Even the villains, particularly Xu Jing Fu, were well-cast. The actor had the perfect aura for his role, and his performance in Lost You Forever only added to the credibility here.
* Action and Martial Arts Choreography: Zhou Ye's hard work definitely paid off. Her weapon-wielding skills were on full display and added a raw intensity to the action scenes. I’m excited to see her take on more roles in action-packed dramas moving forward.
* Zhou Shen's OST
* Faithful Adaptation: I appreciated how the show stayed true to many iconic moments and quotes from the novel. Fans of the book will recognize and appreciate these little details.
* Romantic Dynamics: The slow-burn romance between XJ and HY in the novel was one of my favorites, and while the drama took a much more romantic, overt approach, it still worked. The chemistry between the leads made up for the shift in tone.

Changes That Still Worked:
* He Yan’s Journey: The inclusion of He Yan reclaiming her identity as General Fei Hong and the emotional conversation with her mother (even if brief) added a layer of depth that the novel regretfully didn’t have. It felt like a moment of closure for the character.
* Cheng Li Su and Song Tao Tao: Their dynamic as a cute medical duo was a surprising highlight. Even though Cheng Li Su’s development was hindered by some cut scenes, their relationship still brought some light-hearted moments to balance the darker themes.
* Yan He and Xiao Jue’s Friendship: Seeing Yan He and Xiao Jue become genuine friends (instead of constant rivals) was a nice twist. It was a bit unusual, but their camaraderie added a new layer to their characters. I found their friendship unexpectedly heartwarming.
* Li Kuang’s Redemption: Li Kuang’s character arc was a pleasant surprise. Watching him redeem himself under General Fei Hong’s guidance brought a satisfying conclusion to his storyline.

Lows:
* Pacing and Editing: The execution of the plots left a lot to be desired. The choppy editing and excessive use of flashbacks to explain events felt rushed. Character and plot development took a backseat to squeezing in every event or character, which made the pacing jarring. It often felt like things were happening for the sake of it, without enough room to breathe. Although the romance was good, HY's journey as a powerful and strategic general was downplayed (which should have been the point of the story)
* Underutilized Villains: The villains had plenty of screen time but were ultimately underdeveloped.
* He Ru Fei: A one-dimensional character who threw tantrums every five seconds. There was so much potential here, but the writing failed to give him the complexity he needed.
* Chu Zhao: This was a missed opportunity. What started as a morally grey character turned into little more than a romantic plot device, obsessed with his love for HY. The show should have either followed the novel or given him a proper redemption arc to elevate his character.
* Unnecessary Plot Lines: Several subplots felt like distractions when more time could’ve been spent developing the main story. For example:
*The misunderstanding between HY and XJ over his father’s death and the connection to the Qing Lang sword took away from HY’s independence. It also detracted from the emotional weight the sword could’ve held as a symbol of her heritage.
* The forced conflict where Chu Zhao tries to break up the leads for a last-minute drama subplot felt weak. XJ’s response was completely out of character. In the novel, he was far too sharp to be manipulated in such a naïve, mopey noble idiot. The dramatic angst just didn’t land, leaving the actors' performances as the only redeeming factor of that storyline.

Although there were regrets on what could've been given the potential and promising storyline, I still enjoyed it for what it was. If you're simply in for romance and overlook the plot holes and editing, you will love this. For those who didn't read the novel, I recommend checking it out to help fill in the gaps.

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Decent watch for those looking for a revenge plot with political intrigue

Highlights:
- Great start from ep 1 with nice pacing (despite being a slow burn) that kept me engaged for the first 20-ish episodes.
- I had a lot of love for the actors who played Gao Ming and the Marquis - they were probably my favourite characters. The actor who play Cao Jing Xian did a great job too
- The chemistry between the actors were great, especially the interesting dynamic that was shown between Zang Hai and the Marquis (heck they had more chemistry than the main couple), the back and forth schemes and wondering who would outsmart the other was fun. Even though the Marquis was the bad guy, I couldn't hate him.
- Following Zang Hai's journey and just feeling for the poor guy. He was imperfect but that is what made him real and human.

Lows:
- I felt the show lost some momentum after the Marquis died (maybe I'm just biased but I feel that he was a big asset to the story). It was also due to what felt like a forced love line between Zang Hai and Antu. I have no issue with romance being added to this type of plot, in fact, I'm a fan of watching romcoms/romance dramas, but there was not enough emotional development between the couple to make me believe in their relationship. It lacked substance - they went from 0 to 100 too quickly. They should have omitted the romance or at least give it proper development.
- The writing wasn't very consistent throughout the drama and the reveal of the third person felt anti-climatic. I wish it was someone we wouldn't suspect (I mean of course everyone would be suspicious of a masked man ep 1 lol - it should've been someone else).
- Like many dramas, the ending wasn't the best. I felt like they just wrapped everything up way too easily after dragging things on for 10+ episodes. This could've been shortened to 30 eps.

Overall, a decent watch compared to many of the releases lately. It definitely got my attention (especially because it reminded me so much of Nirvana, but it's definitely not on part with the classic series). Was it the most well written story? No. But was it good enough? Yes. Therefore, an 8/10.

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A suspenseful revenge plot!

WOW! It's been some time since I've watched a TVB series, and this 25-episode drama had me invested from the get go. I will start off by saying that although there are elements that make Dark Side of the Moon similar to the Kdrama, The Glory, I still enjoyed watching this.

Highlights:
- The main characters. They were all intelligent people with their own motives and stories, and they were steadfast in achieving their goals. Because they were all capable of strategizing, it made things even more interesting. It felt like a suspenseful game of chess to see who would be able to take down the other player. The actors did a wonderful job portraying their characters - notably Tavia, Rosina and Edward. They really brought the characters and emotions to life.
- The great pacing and suspense. This is what kept me engaged, wanting to see what would happen next. Just when you think things couldn't get anymore chaotic, it does. We're all here for the drama right?
- I'm not a fan of dramas that use too many flashbacks, but it was well utilized in this series (compared to other dramas) for the storytelling, and to illustrate how the past events shaped each of the characters and their relationships. Some of the things I questioned were answered through these scenes.

The lows:
- The ending. Considering the build of the story and all the efforts in plotting the revenge, I was fairly disappointed with how it played out in ep 25. It was like a deflated balloon. I'm curious as to why so many great dramas get butchered in such a way - they feel like a cop out/rushed. Having the FL give a lengthy explanation at how she took her enemy down was not what I had anticipated. This is the reason why I gave this drama an 8.5.
- The plot holes which I overlooked due to the suspense, but they were definitely there.
- Vincent's role. Look, I love a devoted ML, but I found myself just baffled at times because of how unrealistic (for the lack of better term) his unwavering love and actions were. His deep affection almost came out of no where (perhaps due to the lack of development in the beginning). Yes, he had a crush on her for some time, but to just jump right into the FL's life and be willing to whatever it took to help her was a little too good to be true. As much as I wanted the FL to get justice she deserves, I felt bad for his sacrifices. Great character but he definitely could've had more of a story/role due to his potential.

With a revenge plot full of twists and turns and Tavia playing the lead, it made the journey even more worthwhile. Despite the plot holes and the predictable scenes, the drama kept me on my toes. Definitely recommend!

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A beautiful love story - The Yin to her Yang

For a xianxia, this was quite an easy watch due to the simple plot that did not involve too much angst or unnecessary misunderstandings. I loved our amazing female lead Shen Li, a strong, courageous woman who never wavers in sticking to her beliefs, principles, and always fighting for her people. I loved the dynamic she has with XZ, who was the yin to her yang.

There were definitely moments in the drama that felt a bit slow, with too many flashbacks - I think they could've easily made this drama to 30-35 eps. But overall the acting, chemistry, solid soundtrack, cinematography and special effects made this a memorable series.

When it comes to ZLY and LGX's acting and chemistry - you just cannot go wrong. It was nice to see them work together again as more mature and seasoned actors, bringing their characters to life, and bringing out the best in each other as actors. I can only hope they work together again in the future!

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A hit fantasy drama series of 2023!

WOW, I'm so glad I gave this drama a chance. I typically avoid fantasy/xianxia genres because they follow a similar storyline, and are usually a miss imo. However, the plot and characters were very refreshing. I know that adaptations never follow the original stories 100%, but I'm glad that this drama follows closely to the novel (so far from what I've seen), from the main plot to the essence of the characters.

The actors truly brought the characters to life - Yang Zi, Zhang Wan Yi, Deng Wei, Tan Jian Ci - they did superb! Besides YZ, the actors were all new to me and I was very impressed with their ability to convey emotions and micro expressions. The chemistry is great and they are the reason behind the drama's success. The cinematography and special effects were superb - definitely a high budget series. The OST soundtrack also complements the different scenes and characters' POV.

I am hoping that season 2 delivers well. I've heard rumours about scenes/episodes being cut due to regulations, and am praying that is not the case as this would really ruin the drama's success. Looking forward to season 2 and the rest of the story. Definitely going to finish reading the novel - highly recommend!

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Sword Snow Stride - worth the watch!

I just finished the series and have to say, wow, I was pleasantly surprised. At first I thought this would be a hardcore wuxia series packed with action and fierce martial art techniques because of the title. However, it involves more intellect and wit.

If you're looking for complex/amazing action scenes or romance, this may not be the drama for you. However, I highly recommend it to those who enjoy seeing intelligent characters outsmarting each other with their tactics. The plot was a slow burn, but was well written for the most part (minus some of the action scenes, which relied a lot on special effects). I was in awe with how intelligent and witty the characters were - smart yet quirky. The highlights of the drama definitely include the tactics, loyalty of the people in Beiliang, brotherhood and family. I personally think they did a good job with the cast - they suited their roles and had great chemistry.

Although it's only season 1, they wrapped it up nicely without leaving a terrible cliffhanger. Not sure if/when they'll film the subsequent seasons but hopefully soon with the same main cast (please don't change any of them)!!!

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A truly happily ever after

This drama was a nice and engaging series that touches on complex family dynamics/drama and politics. It was a slow burn type of story, but wasn’t one that dragged on due to the steady flow of events. I really appreciated the way the main leads were written - they were both extremely bright and talented and made the perfect team. Through supporting each other when no one had their backs, you get to see their relationship blossom into love with a strong foundation of trust and respect.

Highlights:
- The acting by the main leads especially the ML and 2ML, they were so good and natural. I became a fan of Ci Sha who played Lu Jia Xue, the change between his his micro expressions was done really well. He really pulled off the obsessive and slightly unhinged character.
- The bond between the family members was touching, whether it was between Yining and her grandma or her father. I love Yining’s dad, he was so funny and endearing. His facial expressions aware on point.
- Action scenes - It’s a shame we didn’t get many of these but the ones that were shown really impressed me (especially ep 6 when the two MLs fought).

The lows:
- I feel the 2ML was under utilized as he was just a romantic plot device, which is a shame because he had so much potential. He is supposed to be a formidable character but we didn’t get to see much of the complex scheming or political intrigue. I didn’t understand Yining’s attitude towards him a lot of the time, it seemed a bit out of character for her. I get how she would be traumatized but knowing her curious and logical personality, you would expect that she would at least hear him out to clear up the past before moving on. She always ran away so there was never real closure which they both needed. Even at the part when he died. As crazy as he was, I pitied him because of that.
- The filler scenes (including the very long wedding episode). Even though it was nicely paced for the most part, I still think they could have condensed some things or used that time for the plot (ie more political intrigue)
- The perfect ending. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have a HE for once especially after seeing what the main leads had to go through. But it was a bit too perfect for the some members of the Lou family (looking at you papa Luo). Considering everything that happened, it was a bit odd seeing everything living so harmoniously.

I knew I would enjoy this one after watching the trailers, probably because we get to see Zhang Wan Yi playing a role similar to that in Lost You Forever (I was a fan of huge him there). However, unlike in LYF, he gets a perfect ending here. I also got to meet some new actors through this series. Overall, a nice easy watch. I recommend.

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Finding the light in darkness

This is a story about a Dragon King who was cruelly betrayed and dismembered by his love and a girl who was expelled from her cultivation sect. Unknown to them, their fates have been intertwined from long ago. Their fateful meeting leads them on a journey searching for his lost body parts, while maintaining the light in a world that has been clouded by evil and darkness.

Highlights:
- The main leads: I watched this drama mainly because of HMH and ZY. They literally look like they walked straight out of a manhua with beautiful aesthetics and chemistry. Those who are like me may find themselves shipping the two like Bai Xiao Sheng (haha). The actors were perfect for their roles, and the characters they portrayed were endearing. Among the many xian xia's I've watched, Yan Hui is one of the few female leads I admire - for her courage, compassion, and for being true to herself from the beginning to end. It was refreshing to see a female lead who plays the protector. The development and love story between the two was what kept me engaged in the series. I appreciated the more 'mature' relationship illustrated by Yan Hui and Tian Yao, especially with the way they navigated the trauma Tian Yao carried. They were each other's pillars of strength in their most vulnerable moments. Their relationship is a great example of how two people can bring out the best in each other. I hope to see HMH and ZY in another series one day!
- The OST: This drama had a solid soundtrack. You just CANNOT go wrong with Zhou Shen and Liu Yu Ning. I also really liked HMH's OST, he has a beautiful voice.
- The themes and lessons in the story: This drama touches on how each person has both light and darkness in their hearts, and which parts we nurture is ultimately our choice. We get to see this theme illustrated through each character's journey, as well as, through their relationships with others. It was touching and meaningful.

The 'meh':
- The storyline: As much as I love the main leads and their love story, the plot was not anything unique. The plot fillers, cheesy scenes, and flashbacks were sometimes a little too much. Some parts felt draggy and uneventful. After reading snippets of the novel, I can see why some people commented that they had watered down the characters and the storyline. It's unfortunate because I would love to see the darker and more complex story come to life, but can understand the limitations due to censorship and other reasons (simplified for the viewing experience). However, I did not want to be too nit picky this time around because I watched it mainly because of the actors - just to have a simple 'easy' watch. If you don't focus on the details and just come for the love story between the leads, then it is still enjoyable.

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