Xiang83

Daoism has some fundamental differences with Buddhism.

For a xianxia or xuanhuan drama, I haven't been as interested in such a drama since "Love and Destiny" in 2019. This drama makes me feel like a kid in a candy store.

Azure made a post about Buddhism relative to Tang Lici. I added my take of simplification: https://kisskh.at/discussions/755725-shui-long-yin/146562-whispers-of-fate-what-is-the-meaning-of-life?pid=3434138&page=1#p3434138

I hope this helps you grasp the Buddhism aspects (at least on a basic level) that underlines this drama for Tang Lici.

You're almost funny! You came here purposely to this fan page trying to get attention from people who didn't know you exist, until you baselessly insulted an actress. Now you have attention, because that's what you came for. If you're that desperate to be acknowledged by strangers and want to be useful, there are plenty of charities and homeless people you can help out with.

FYI, viewers who keep insisting on fanservice such as kisses in idol dramas contribute to the lower-quality output of dramas. More often than not, they also end up contributing to actors and actresses having to do kisses or more that make these artists very uncomfortable. Every actor and actress should have the right to choose not to kiss in a drama, and I admire Ren Jialun for insisting on not doing so after marriage. The likes of Hollywood threw away the Hays Code, so they have almost zero standards in their entertainment industry guidelines which previously prohibited profanity, suggestive nudity, graphic or realistic violence, sexual persuasions and rape.

Luckily China's C-Ent has necessary standards due to censorship and other guidelines, although there are issues too because of how strongly these are enforced at times.

I hope you have a good day, and get the help you need. Because frankly, you sound like you need help.

Ps. If you don't care, don't emphasise your not-caring by posting two comments at me such as "chill, she doesn't even know u exist." and "u go support this nepotism, i dont care. not me tho.." 🤣🤣🤣

[ A pot with everything in it will taste like garbage.] - Congratulations, you've managed to totally discredit yourself in one sentence! You should be proud of such an achievement, since you manage to continue that by referencing Douban for WoF! FYI, between the bot attacks driving down the score and of course, Douban not being paid what was expected, no one would reference Douban at this point for this drama except ignorant people or trolls.

This drama currently stands at 1.575+ billion views on Maoyan and counting, which makes it MangoTV's highest-viewed exclusive drama ever. Is it the number 1 drama of 2025?

Oh yes, there will be three drama concerts within China with some of the cast and artists: 14 December - Shanghai
27 December - Chengdu
9 January 2026 - Shenzhen

Well done to Otter Studios, Luo Yunxi and everyone who made this such a resounding success!

And thank you for contributing to it too :)

The screenwriters stayed true to certain elements and characters of the novel. When the novel was adapted for the drama, it was unfinished. Teng Ping took a rest in 2019, before returning to it in 2022. As a result, when the screenplay was finished and only has some basis in the novel but is not based primarily on the novel, the script differed significantly from later chapters of the novel whereby the ending of the novel matches what was previously written by Teng Ping.

I have claimed there is no CP for this drama and I have also claimed that Tang Lici must fully understand the seven emotions after what happened at Zhoudi Lou, of which he only grasped the foundations in his time at Zhoudi Lou.

For where the screenplay stays true to the novel, I quote from a certain chapter of the novel here. It will provide illumination to Tang Lici's perspective about the most important woman in his life, which is part of why the ending makes complete sense including Tang Lici's behaviour throughout 40 episodes:

https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-24268676

Thank you!

Thank you for your efforts to share all this here! Would you happen to have links to the clips on other mediums, since I have had people telling me they cannot access xhs or bilibili?

I'm glad I was able to help you. I didn't want to mention anything about this, until the drama had finished airing.

When A-Shui leaves, it is a reminder for Tang Lici that meeting people and time spent with them can be ephemeral. Given how strong he was about having a sense of self, he naturally wished her well in living a life for herself after remembering her actual name.

A-Shui's role could have been made iconic, but it isn't through her key scenes that kept being shown with Tang Lici. In her efforts of concern, family, understanding literature, etc (hence why I suggested certain changes)- I want her to be strongly making an impact and not just beautiful.

Points 1.2 and 3 are correct. Point 4... Not so much about justice, but what it means to break the cycle of rebirth and also changing one's pre-determined fate. The justice angle sounds too "western" here for me.

Fang Zhou said nobody is born evil. Isn't that a beautiful theme Tang Lici fulfilled, showing how strongly Tang Lici's mother and Fang Zhou impacted Tang Lici until the end? To prove nobody is truly born evil can be seen in the reset of second chances.

As to point 4, I was discussing it with another viewer here: https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-24184294

There is a new review posted by one of my MDL friends. I recommend you read it too :)
I quoted part of it on this page, for people to see:

https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-24271760

This recent review by Taraverde is outstanding, and I'd encourage everyone to read the entire review including the reddit expansions (if you can access Reddit), especially viewers who may be wondering about the extent of Chinese culture and history behind the art, aesthetics and philosophy driving "Whispers" of Fate" and why this xuanxia C-Drama is unique compared to other idol dramas in the xianxia or xuanhuan genres:

I quote from part of it:

[ Shui Long Yin (The Dragon Chant) is a high-fantasy drama with detailed world-building that feels distinctly Chinese while also pushing toward future aesthetics and drawing inspiration from outside China — but always through its own artistic language. Because of this, I thought it worthwhile to highlight the meaningful creative decisions behind it, focusing mainly on aesthetics and philosophy.

ACT 1 — ARTS: HISTORICAL & CULTURAL REFERENCES (SPOILER-FREE)
General thoughts

The drama blends high fantasy with elements of xianxia, wuxia, anime, theatre, sci-fi, and even video games. This fusion results in a bold, innovative visual identity.

Theatre stage & conscious illusion

Beyond its CGI and anime-style action, the drama frequently adopts theatrical mise-en-scène: deep, layered frames, strong lighting choices, and movement reminiscent of stage performance. This isn't accidental — it blurs genres, honors Chinese theatre traditions, and sets up the philosophical undertone explored later.

Beijing & Sichuan Opera in the villains

The villains embrace over-the-top stylization: voices, acting, makeup, masks, and costumes. Their theatricality draws from Beijing Opera’s rigidity and Sichuan Opera’s flexibility and special effects (like chaging masks). Puppets also nod to shadow puppetry, another pillar of Chinese performance arts.

Tang Li Ci’s costume symbolism

His ostentatious attire goes far beyond wealth. It draws from older periods than the usual drama inspirations, referencing mother-of-pearl lacquered jade, gold embroidery, celestial motifs, Taoist/Buddhist imagery, the Yongle Gong murals, the Mogao Caves, traditional dragon´s dance attires the Four Heavenly Kings from Buddhist iconography. His headpieces also echo traditional Buddha depictions

Artifacts and ancient cultures

The drama incorporates motifs from Shu and Sanxingdui bronzes (ca. 3000 years old), Shang and Western Zhou bronzes, Qin dynasty imagery, and classical paintings. Tang Li Ci’s boat references Ode to the Nymph of the Luo River.

Cinematic references

Villain archetypes evoke 90s–2000s Chinese and Hong Kong dramas. The overall design shows influence from the Ne Zha films. Several shots strongly echo Zhang Yimou’s Hero (2002): falling leaves, water surface breaks, floating robes, and color palettes.

NOTE: I specific mention the references for you to search them, if you want. ]

For the rest of this review, please click here: https://kisskh.at/profile/TiaraBella/review/513772

What is your point of coming to her fanpage to say all this? Do you want to drive away all of Ai Mi's fans or any people who appreciate her filmography on this MDL drama page? Do you object to her being one of three young actors to win Rising Young Actor of 2025 at the recent Wenrong Awards less than one month ago, after slogging for more than ten years through many support roles and working her way up to finally being FL in a movie that aired in November 2024 plus her upcoming not-yet-aired 2026 Youku drama as FL?

I hope you work through whatever personal problems you seem to be having, instead of taking it out on a young lady who has been working hard on her career.

You should! The Director and main actors plus actresses will definitely make this a drama to watch.

If someone actually read the novel, they would be aware of this and not go on about the chapters which Teng Ping chose to write only after the novel was adapted for the drama. That's taking things way out of context, because the final chapter also doesn't lend itself to the conclusion as Tang Lici definitely being in love with A-Shui. If they read the novel and still do so knowing what I do about the drama adaptation and how the novel was incomplete, then they are being blatantly dishonest.

This should make Tang Lici's "obsession" and the premise for drama-A-Shui's characterisation crystal-clear.

Chapter 51 has details including how Zhong Chunji impersonated being a princess, etc.

The drama ending matches the screenplay in terms of Tang Lici's greatest wish fulfilled, and improves upon the novel to create the greatest achievement of fulfilment enabling himself to emulate his mother for sake of Shenzhou ie the world. The novel was not yet finished when the screenwriters picked it up, and the significance of Tang Lici's mother is important to novel-Tang Lici who doesn't understand a certain type of love but craves one other specific type of love. To novel-Liu Yan, A-Shui is a woman that Liu Yan raped. Yes, A-Shui is beautiful, etc. But what is A-Shui to Tang Lici?

Remember Wanyu Yuedan? I will now quote from Book 4, Chapter 40 (part 3):

[ “Be at ease. Master Tang has already gone.” Wanyu Yuedan bent low, clasping her hand with a steady, reassuring smile.

Ah Shui froze. At those words, the world seemed to reel around her. “He… he’s already gone?”

Wanyu Yuedan inclined his head. “As soon as he awoke and learned you had led Brother Shen and Zhu Yan to storm Wangting Manor, he set out at once. Do not fear. With Master Tang there, none will come to harm.”

She stared at him.

“But… his health…” Her voice trembled.

Wanyu Yuedan raised a finger and traced a small circle beside his temple, still smiling gently. “It was merely agitation. I gave him a calming draught, and he drank the rice soup you made. Already he is better than before. Rest assured, when Master Tang is present, he will never allow anyone to be hurt. He is the kind of man who will stake his very life for others. And with his ability… tell me, what can he not achieve, once he throws his life into it?”

Ah Shui gazed at Wanyu Yuedan in a daze. How could he speak with such certainty—so matter-of-factly—when he said that Tang Lici was the kind of man who will stake his life for others?

“He…”

Wanyu Yuedan drew out a handkerchief and slowly wiped the mud and melted snow from her face. His voice was gentle as he went on,”I once knew another man who would risk his life for those who had nothing to do with him. He did so out of compassion. He was kind to everyone, wished happiness for all, and for that ideal he was willing to stake his life. A man like that is easy to love, easy to praise.

“But Young Master Tang is not like that. He risks his life for others not because of compassion, but because he is fragile.”

Ah Shui blinked slowly. Meltwater pooled at the corners of her eyes, turning everything into a blur. She heard Wanyu Yuedan’s voice, gentle as falling snow:

“He is too lonely, too starved for care. That is why he throws himself into saving others. Through saving them… he gains a sliver of fulfillment, a sense that he matters. He could not let go of Fang Zhou, nor of Liu Yan, and he fought desperately to save Chi Yun—because so few have ever truly cared for him. The ones who do, he engraves upon his heart, and he cannot bear to let them slip away.

“But few truly understand him. His emotions flare too fiercely, and most people are afraid of him. He always seems as though he alone can shoulder the work of dozens, even hundreds. As though if he exists, others need not. Yet the truth is otherwise. He is only too lonely. He needs that lofty posture… because he longs so desperately to be cared for, to be valued. He cannot live as ordinary men do.”

I… I have been so foolish all along. Tears slid down Ah Shui’s cheeks. “Yes…”

Wanyu Yuedan sighed softly. “I will say something I perhaps should not. Miss Ah Shui, you cannot go on without truly understanding Master Tang. I believe the reason he clings to you is not for any other cause, but because you… you carry within you something of a mother’s presence.”

Once again, tears spilled from Ah Shui’s eyes. She could no longer tell whether they were caused by snowmelt or sadness.

“I understand now.”

This gentle young man, seeing her for the first time, seemed able to pierce through every veil of mist. At last she understood what Tang Lici sought from her. At last she understood why he yearned for a love that would “die for him.” At last she understood why, though he treated her so well, she had never felt he loved her—and why did it always left her so disappointed.

So…

So that was it.

Only that, and nothing more.

She broke down and wept, collapsing to the ground in anguish. He had wanted only a mother who would die for him. And she—she had mistaken it all along.

She could never be his mother. And though she had cared for him with all her heart, still… still… what he longed for was only a mother, nothing else, nothing beyond.

And she… she could never be his mother. ]

Here are two sites: https://qianjiemei.wordpress.com/2025/09/05/chapter-40-brokenhearted-unto-despair-part-3/

https://mydramanovel.com/shui-long-yin/chapter-40-heartbroken-to-the-point-of-death-03/

I also share the mandarin link: https://www.kanunu8.com/book5/1000jiemei/17467.html

Tang Lici is aware many people died due to how things progressed and choices were made by many people beyond his control, which resulted in him having a final battle with Ye Mo, and is shown by him becoming upset throughout the drama whenever he raised the fact that innocent people died due to taking the Nine-Hearts Ape Ghoul pills without knowing what it would do, or when Puzhu tells him he cannot afford the price to pay if his calculations go wrong. He also wants everyone to have a second chance.

Ye Mo, who became his student. His mother, who would die without ever seeing him. She is the final memory that cements his decision. Using Ye Mo's power and the power of the Bronze Tree combined with his power in the Sea of Reincarnation, he goes back thousands of years in time and makes it such that there was no Celestial Realm that happened because of being able to leave Shenzhou into the Void, no Five Declines of the Celestial realm, etc. Everyone is mortal when they re born, including Ye Mo and his mother. That is what enables Tang Lici to defy his destiny and break the cycle of rebirth.

Also, the drama has some basis in the novel but is vastly different because when the novel was adapted, the novel was incomplete. If you're not a novel reader who paid attention to the entire novel, you would not have known Teng Ping dropped the novel for more than ten years and did not return. She continued resuming writing for the novel, only after the novel was adapted for the drama.

By the time the screenplay was likely finished, the novel was at chapter 51 (near the end of book 5). A chapter when translated is broken into several parts, as per what Teng Ping released. 313 chapters in total without the actual adherence to numbering (or is correctly divided into books of several chapters, with several parts for each chapter). Shooting for the drama started on 2 December 2023, and ended on 24 April 2024.

Since I doubt you read mandarin, I will share the link to a site that has the books of the novel numbered in a certain manner so you can see for yourself. You want to know A-Shui's significance to Tang Lici in the novel, before Teng Ping resumed writing for the incomplete novel? And the significance of Tang Lici's mother? Spoiler tag for the next comment:

With Rising Young Actor of 2025 from the Wenrong Awards less than a month ago under her belt, this recognition plus greater exposure will enable her to reject bad scripts. "Whispers Of Fate" is a domestic hit and has already widened the audience base for her, given her micro-emoting and comedic timing with Luo Yunxi, Bai Shu, Yang Shize and as a group across multiple episodes. A VA is supposed to enhance a good or great performance, not save someone's bad or mediocre acting. You'll never have to worry about that with her. She's finally closing the gap on Zhang Zi Feng, although there is a long way to go.

As long as she stays classy and smart with her career choices as always, she'll be fine. By and large, the domestic audience knows her record of filmography choices for more than ten years speaks for itself. She is also a smart networker, with a wide body of work when it comes to different fields such as fashion collaborations. Just like Li Landi and Li Landi's agency, her agency is also smart at managing her career. Minders on set, being careful about scripts, clauses to protect her, etc.

Getting good scripts with a good director and main screenwriter will mean she can safely concentrate on acting in well-written roles and doesn't have to resort to kisses or baring of skin to sustain an audience. Kisses should be iconic, not cheapened. I'm of the opinion that an actress should not have to kiss in a drama unless it is iconic. I'll be happy for Ai Mi to be able to avoid kissing in dramas or movies for at least ten years, since she carries herself with a lot of class at the red carpet of the Wenrong awards plus the GRAZIA magazine cover that somehow reminds me of the poise of Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn's first screen kiss happened when she was 22, in 1951. Now that was a kiss (tame by today's standards, but the scene was memorable).

That was when Hollywood still had admirable standards due to the Hays Code, a set of entertainment industry guidelines which prohibited profanity, suggestive nudity, graphic or realistic violence, sexual persuasions and rape. Fortunately in the matter of such standards, China's C-Ent industry of censorship and prohibitions can maintain something relatively similar unlike Hollywood wrongly tossing its compass decades ago. That's why you'll see C-Dramas and movies on average being significantly better than the average Hollywood movie.

Tian Xiwei and Yan An remain. A second ML name has been added, and shooting is supposed to commence on 12 December. All other details unchanged. The weibo post I first saw on 5 November has added these details: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5229614021741377

An international viewer is also sharing this on X: https://x.com/uttarandhrabo/status/1992761195737333783

Another little nugget for you: This drama is supposed to start filming on 12 December, and the name of a second ML has been added. Tian Xiwei and Yan An remain. All other details unchanged. The weibo post I first saw on 5 November has added these details: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5229614021741377

An international viewer is also sharing this on X: https://x.com/uttarandhrabo/status/1992761195737333783

This officially cements Yunhe as a joke for metrics, including anyone who pushed it/wants to push Yunhe as reliable for "Whispers of Fate" 😂😂😂😂😂

I recently created a post in the forum titled [ Group Collective Contributions: Details, trivia, insights across 40 episodes of "Whispers of Fate" ] at:

https://kisskh.at/discussions/755725-shui-long-yin/146454-group-collective-contributions-details-trivia-insights-across-40-episodes-of-whispers-of-fate

The collection of details is at least 90% from viewers who speak mandarin and some to an extent, understand the novel and/or script for the drama.

The first post I added at the top is a 2023 post by RBF, and it's a crucial post explaining the symbolism with specific literary reference of what Tang Lici represents in the official poster used on this MDL page.

You can add that to the symbolism of what a dragon represents in Buddhism and also in Taoism, and you will get a partial answer.

I didn't add those to my comment yet, when I was talking about the ending with another viewer more than 4 days ago:

https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-24184294

I have added this comment of yours for the insights, to the forum topic "Group Collective Contributions: Details, trivia, insights across 40 episodes of "Whispers of Fate" at: https://kisskh.at/discussions/755725-shui-long-yin/146454-group-collective-contributions-details-trivia-insights-across-40-episodes-of-whispers-of-fate

If you have any suggestions for improvements, let me know :)

I will get to your review soon, thanks for the heads-up.

I must also add that those of us who have been honest from the beginning before this drama aired (or throughout this drama) about romance being minimal to the point that the no-romance faction is satisfied throughout the ENTIRE drama are being honest with new viewers, to the point that watching another drama is strongly advised if you primarily want romance.

But people who have watched this drama yet insist on misleading new viewers asking on this page about the extent of romance in the drama on this page contribute to the problem of international viewers misunderstanding and then downrating the drama.

I remember kwanto once said the producers in December 2023 have alluded to this drama as heroism-focused. The drama bears out this claim.