Mango translation is bringing me to tears.Loved TLC's dance sequence.
Tears of laughter or exasperation?
Luo Yunxi has been marvellous to watch. For him to portray a scared weak Tang Lici saved by Zhoudi Tower versus the Tang Lici now having adventures throughout the pugilist world is like night and day.
I feel XiFang Tao’s wits gave TLC more challenges. I love her character, wondering will end up in a match with…
One could posit that in this day and age, almost every country of this world has people in covert work, such as spies. Basics would include blending in, not standing out, and getting people to lower their guard (gaining their trust is a bonus). Consistency is key to that. Whether posing as someone loud-mouthed and rash, or meekly inferior to almost everyone else, or some other type of front, exposing just enough about the self and never exposing one's extent of intelligence is also vital. That would also be true in ancient times, much less in a drama.
So we'll see. Xifang Tao is a bit too showy for my taste, although she is very attractive with her wits and strength.
I feel XiFang Tao’s wits gave TLC more challenges. I love her character, wondering will end up in a match with…
A-Shui is also very smart and very adaptable. IMHO across 18 episodes, the biggest difference between Xifang Tao and A-Shui is merely a matter of appearance and portrayal. Zhong Chunji is very forthright, and more careless with her words. In my experience, those who appear very docile yet are very observant and careful with words tend to be the most dangerous, because they are usually underestimated.
I look forward to seeing how things turn out. As to what kind of fate Xifang Tao and Puzhu have, that'll depend on whether they each maintain the paths they are on because when it comes to fundamentals, Xifang Tao and Puzhu are on completely different incompatible paths.
Strong smart women are very attractive. Xifang Tao is proving to be more than up to a game with Tang Lici. Young master Wanyu Yuedan must find the view very enjoyable, since he too plays weiqi. That said, I don't think he's factored in anyone with no sense of direction XD
Episode 17 appears to be quite fun while unveiling colours and stripes that matter. Curious how Fu Yuren and Bai Suche will turn out.
Thoughts/observations for episodes 8 to 12 below, including some relevant Buddhism and Tsui Hark's 1993 "Green…
Turns out Tang Lici isn’t the only one who knows how to make a grand entrance and steal the limelight, because Master Puzhu clearly has everyone’s attention after ruining the mood of a reunion dinner.
To catch a rat and a cat akin to a game of weiqi, Tang Lici and Shen Langhun have made countermoves in addition to initial moves. Master Puzhu ventures a statement about Ranqing Sect to probe what Tang Lici knows. Riposte from Tang Lici is direct about a certain organisation which Master Puzhu and Shao Yanping have been tracing but made no breakthrough, before this.
Being doubly-cautious since the onset of his visit ensuring no shadows can be cast until he leaves, Master Puzhu also cements his invitation to Tang Lici regarding the pavilion at the heart of the Lake of Sword King City, by leaving behind a meditation bead. After what Tang Lici and Shen Langhun revealed, he won’t have any fake foxes showing up to an interrogation at noon, which is likely to involve more than banter.
Meanwhile, Xue Xianzi is energetically making his way to a certain vessel, and throws off his pursuers. Almost breathtaking, his masterful swiftness interspersed against a sprawling mountain and trees of red leaves flanking verdant blue waterways of Sword King City. When he has soared to the highest perch, and is about to descend from his magnificent position- Bai Shu is obviously having a lot of fun as this character, especially when seated at the table for a meal with the other characters. He’s also cracking me up.
Tang Lici has A-Shui, Zhong Chunji, Gu Xitan and Chi Yun put on a skit for maximum attention at the docks, because they are after as many ledgers from the dock merchants as possible. To see them deliberately acting as if they are not acting well to put on an act is hilarious. They are successful, and as 19:31 of glorious scenery melts away into a different mood… 19:38 onwards captivates. Absolutely. Awash in heart-stealing hues, autumnal reds and dreamy sea-faring blues frame a tiny pavilion surrounded by so much natural beauty against a towering backdrop of nature.
It is during the backdrop of such scenes and landscapes (starting at 19:38) leading to shared moments between Tang Lici and Master Puzhu that I recall two of Tsui Hark’s films: The 1982 “Zu: Warriors of The Magic Mountain”, but much more strongly his iconic 1993 masterpiece “Green Snake” whereby the cinematography capturing landscapes and art direction for certain structures in that movie marvellously reflected the inspirations from paintings of the Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty.
Similarly, the dialogue is hugely meaningful between characters in that movie, be it simple or indirect. Tsui Hark is a marvellous storyteller combining certain details of Peking Opera with Taoism and Buddhism, to present the classic Madame White Snake retold from a different perspective of Lillian Lee’s novel. An arthouse dream of action-fantasy layered with many themes, whereby three martial arts directors, the music editor, art director and costume designer made their presences acutely felt in the solid unforgettable choreography and execution of many aspects.
No C-Drama has ever touched that chord in me about recalling such artistry from that masterpiece, until these scenes in this episode in this drama. Tang Lici answers Master Puzhu in the language that he understands best, pertaining to deaths and innocents.
At the time he crosses paths with Tang Lici in the novel, novel-Puzhu holds certain beliefs about issues such as killing, whereby his understanding of Chan Buddhism within the tradition of Mahāyāna Buddhism is supposed to be outstanding which is why at one point he eventually became the candidate as the future Abbot of Shaolin Temple (please note this may not happen in the drama). “Chan”(禪) is the sinification of the Sanskrit word “dhyāna” (禪那), whereby Bodhidharma is credited as being the first patriarch of this branch of Buddhism in China.
When Master Puzhu is telling off Tang Lici about his non-heroic choices of sacrificing innocent people to save innocent people, Tang Lici calmly explains what he sees as uselessness while pushing all buttons pertaining to concepts such as sati. Master Puzhu is possibly going to bust a gut as the conversation continues, given how Tang Lici is conveying how he views and decides on choices which Master Puzhu perceives as going against some fundamental concepts of his own belief.
At 23:17, Master Puzhu’s displeasure cannot be contained, and he slams a palm on the table to initiate an end. Glaring at Tang Lici, he sees Tang Lici as reprehensible and irredeemable, and makes it clear their paths differ (Or they are not compatible. Or the date is over. Or he wants Tang Lici to scram. Or he thinks they should break up, before his heart and mind become more than temporarily disturbed and not detached. Maybe all the above. Whatever it is, I must point out the table did nothing to deserve that blow which made me wince…)
Never breaking the eyeball challenge with a smile, Tang Lici answers with his own strength and gentle contact with the table, calming the other man’s displeasure. He’s also not letting Master Puzhu break up with him, because this individual is crucial to his current plans. Wow, those undercurrents are also gorgeously literal.
Will it be your fault or mine? (If I kill, I transgress. If others kill, they transgress. To advance is to kill. To retreat is not to kill. To Puzhu, murder is a major transgression with the most negative karmic consequences. Being willing to bear the major transgression of murder only to kill truly evil people is the only condition he places on himself, if he commits this action. He wants Tang Lici to leave Sword King City, because Tang Lici makes him believe Tang Lici does not possess sīla nor paññā and disregards sati, due to outwardly not giving a damn about consequences or innocents or sins.)
Tang Lici decides it is time to conduct a compatibility-check and also convince a stubborn short-sighted- The most breathtaking battle occurs. This is one majestically captivating fight of contrasts, colours and gloriously lush cinematography matched to a BGM betraying Tang Lici’s lack of emotions versus Master Puzhu discovering emotions in a fight. Where is the cool glacier of immovable compassion detached from worldly desires or concerns, playing weiqi with Xifang Tao?
Tang Lici has one specific point of a gift to impart.
As billowing red silk of the pavilion settles across several seconds to reach 26:24… That point is a blow of intentions in a palm directed away from a face. Master Puzhu knows Tang Lici has allowed him to touch his wrist and take his pulse, and understand his true physical state. I nearly fell off the sofa when that happened. That's being super-vulnerable. Tang Lici, I know you want to make Puzhu waver emotionally and help you achieve your goals in Sword King City, but what is this?
Elsewhere, Liu Yan heals a civilian with his needles. Everyone who sees this applauds and praises the very handsome young man with no name. I wonder when Liu Yan is going to come to terms with the fact that his perception of self-guilt which he rejects, thus leading to self-hatred while mixed with a tiny vein of doubt not going away regarding what he is doing to Tang Lici being so all-consuming that this emotional maelstrom is destroying him into doing anything to make Tang Lici go through the same emotional mess of agony (which he himself is feeling and cannot cope, except through cognitive dissonance).
Zhong Chunji’s sassy sisterhood with A-Shui is always heartening to witness. A shame there aren’t more moments of them together in these episodes. Zhong Chunji is our solid go-to girl for getting things done. Haven’t figured out drama-A-Shui yet.
Also, when are you going to release that wrist? Tang Lici now makes a second attempt to prevent a breakup. Master Puzhu is discovering challenges to his beliefs which also trouble his conscience. After a blunt humbling expression of truths which Master Puzhu cannot reject, a wager is suggested. The details of said wager seem one-sidedly advantageous to Master Puzhu, whereby to retreat appears to avoid harm or killing (as per Puzhu's beliefs) as per the condition on Master Puzhu not interfering with anything in Sword King City.
It is a wager Master Puzhu cannot refuse. It is also a ticking time-bomb of concepts with consequences imparting lessons destined to haunt Master Puzhu, but will the drama have enough space to go into those?
The battle in Episode 9 between Tang Lici and Liu Yan is for you to absorb and untangle. It takes place in an illusion by Liu Yan, and Tang Lici manages to injure Liu Yan outside the illusion because of how he won the duel. There are many moments of grand or humble ponderance, including episode 10 with the flashback of Tang Lici remembering why he continues to make wood carvings after Fang Zhou's input. An exchange of questions and brutal honesty between himself and Shen Langhun is a riveting bond to witness. Tang Lici believes he bears the consequences of a Bodhisattvā ie Liu Yan deviating from the active path and becoming a demon. Shen Langhun believes only by killing Liu Yan for Huiniang’s death can he forgive himself. Tang Lici disagrees with something very different and important, before they leave for the banquet which Tang Lici hosts.
*cracks up at 25:27 to 26:15*
Also, 30:02 – You already know he can tell lies. Tang Lici has explained how he is self-centred, how he has used you (but you can’t bring yourself to hurt him so a palm of energy not at his face and- Why are we mirroring each other now?)… Yet you still accept his invitation for a cruise on his vessel to admire the beauty and scenery of the city together, despite him claiming this is a gesture as an apology? Not willing to admit he can get things done where you can’t?
By this point, I’m not getting Master Puzhu’s logic. Oh wait. You will get a list. And then there’s the physical evidence you have yet to see before the end of the night… What is there to lose?
Understandably by the end of a certain exchange on Tang Lici’s ship, Master Puzhu is about to leave- And after another conversation too excruciating for Master Puzhu to bear regarding truths and Tang Lici, this is the third time Master Puzhu is trying to break up with Tang Lici at 37:00… Only to be interrupted by Xue Xianzi, whom Tang Lici publicly lied about not knowing.
Bai Shu, love your attitude at 37:32 XD
Not kill Yu Qifeng… Master Puzhu, are you concerned about Tang Lici committing the major transgression of murder?
Johnny Zhang as Fang Zhou is much better than him as Xiao Yiren in TJOL. As I pointed out in my review for that drama, bad directing and lazy screenwriting unfairly ruins the efforts of any actor.
In episode 11, that underling of Liu Yan’s is quite annoying, even if Hong Gu is playing a beautiful harp (thanks to @Mizuhira-san for identifying and explaining: https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-24000444). Thanks for being intentionally annoying, Hong-guniang.
After nearly being cut apart and killed by an apparently heartless maniac I would not want knowing anything important/vulnerable about me or others I care for, A-Shui does the only thing any intelligent gal would do in an urgently destructive situation bearing down on them: Save her only hope for survival by giving him blood from her lips.
I feel sorry for A-Shui. Tang Lici is unresponsive the entire time. I would feel sorry for anyone who falls for another person with a decent heart, but the person you have feelings for cannot reciprocate. Major thanks to A-Shui, because Tang Lici will be in time to save Shen Langhun and Chi Yun!
It is impossible to summarise everything in episode 12, as with the other episodes. Fight choreography between Tang Lici and Yu Qifeng at the Tianyuan Sword Wall until 11:48 is fierce and necessary. Also, that backdrop… 11:20 would make for an excellent desktop screensaver. That scene is also in a trailer.
At 16:12, a decision is made. That is a glorious light formation- I’m over-using the word “glorious” and I need a cup of tea. Armoured flying giant geese will never stop being awesome. 21:39 to 21:55 is totally hats-off to everyone working in the tech departments matching a certain theme song. Sublime- Um, who’s going to catch an exhausted Tang Lici starting to plummet through the clouds?
28:33 is finally quiet and serene, the day after everything blew up, inside a quiet simple house. Someone went up the mountain to find our hero. Nothing grows within a 500 zhang-radius of where Yu Qifeng died, and the toxic effects have also penetrated 10 zhang into the ground (1 zhang = 3.33 modern metres). Of course, nobody else knows about Tang Lici’s valiant efforts to protect them, and Tang Lici insists it’s only about maintaining the wager with Master Puzhu while Master Puzhu is infusing energy into him and healing him as best as possible. Master Puzhu already understands Tang Lici's entire state and motives including the heart crystal embedded in his abdomen. Via his tone, Master Puzhu is also calling bullshit on Tang Lici insisting it is only for the wager that Tang Lici over-exerted himself. How are y’all communicating without words?
Suddenly Tang Lici cannot maintain eye contact and turns away, once Master Puzhu somehow conveys a sense of hurt while stating a certain fact about being used in calculations from the start. But then Tang Lici remembers and repeats his question a second time wanting to know why Master Puzhu saved him, and now it’s Master Puzhu’s turn… To avoid answering the question.
31:38 is where Tang Lici got mad at what Master Puzhu said. Is there any other time in the drama at this point, where Tang Lici actually reveals a fundamental loss of composure at someone? 33:00 is where Tang Lici is possibly breaking up with Master Puzhu. That was a very quick “It’s not up to you” rejection of his suggestion at 33:10. Turns out Tang Lici simply doesn’t like the current timing and choice of location to continue their karmic entanglement with each other, so how about another wager- Master Puzhu, what happened to your previous resistance and skepticism and reproval of Tang Lici’s actions and words? What’s next, love letters?
It is time for farewell. But these two cannot farewell each other. It's all platonic, even if the connection is turning plutonic in more than one aspect. I don't get why Master Puzhu is telling Tang Lici about the four walls outside the house and being unable to protect him, when he knows Tang Lici must leave soon. Tang Lici has indeed managed to make Puzhu concerned for him. There are ripples in a heart. Also, whose house is this? Puzhu, how did you find this house? -> (ETA to add that I get an answer in episode 36 ).
Meanwhile, Liu Yan achieves what he wanted: Tang Lici being publicly hunted by the pugilistic world due to an OTT warrant!
But has Tang Lici also achieved what he wanted, in this situation?
Who is the hunter? Who is the hunted? Who is winning this game of Go?
I used certain words above, which you might not understand. For a summary about the generalities of certain concepts in Buddhism without being overly tedious (I have no affiliation with this website): https://buddho.org/buddhism-and-morality-the-five-precepts/
Chan Buddhism is quite different from how Western classifications have tried to understand religions. Puzhu told Tang Lici in episode 8 that he observes strict religious precepts. In the novel, Puzhu may not have been wholly observant of the five precepts of Buddhism but was eventually accepted for fulfilling the criteria to be the next Abbot of Shaolin Temple in Chan Buddhism and combat skills. This demonstrates that at the very least regardless of whatever the drama has changed about Puzhu (not black hair and black robes), in this drama despite being a lay disciple of Tianjing Pavilion, his claims to follow strict religious precepts means a certain extent of devotion and adherence to Buddhism concepts.
In the novel, Master Puzhu is aware of the rules governing monks of Chan Buddhism hence his adherence as a cultivator to Chan Buddhism would be fairly strict.
ETA on 2/11: Weibo has different viewers shipping Tang Lici with different characters in WoF. For those who ship Puzhu x Tang Lici, here's an interesting take of what happened after Puzhu went to find Tang Lici: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5226986974742960
As to where I stand -> I'm here for high fantasy in an innovative pioneering attempt at melding xuanhuan with xianxia elements and strong wuxia themes, and romance is not in my priorities for this drama. That said, with so many ambiguous relationships, there is a lot of fun in analysing.
Thoughts/observations for episodes 8 to 12 below, including some relevant Buddhism and Tsui Hark's 1993 "Green Snake" movie (I'm not the only one who had similar impression of those scenes in episode 8 between Master Puzhu and Tang Lici as Reverend Fat-hoi and Xiaoqing respectively, as seen in this FMV here: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1bAyaB2ECn/ )....
Please note the novel and drama are very different at this point. Who is the character you are referring to? Liu…
Shen Langhun eventually leaves them all, after Liu's Yan's face has been ripped off and realising Liu Yan alive with regrets and wanting to die is suffering worse than the mercy of death. This may not happen at all in the drama.
Liu Yan eventually self-immolates in public in front of many pugilists to try to clear Tang Lici's name and reputation as per the novel plot and reasons, not the drama plot and reasons.
I have to ask anyone and everyone who's seen rumors or read the novel; when and how does the BASKET CASE DIE,…
Please note the novel and drama are very different at this point. Who is the character you are referring to? Liu Yan? Answer pertaining only to novel-Liu Yan in my next reply (but under spoilers):
Episode 4 – Murong-bobo! You’re alive! Didn’t Feng Suige and Fi Yixiao- Oops, wrong drama. To open this…
The scores are great for majority of scenes, until we get to actual combat scenes and BGM of some sort is used. That's where I wish some restraint would be employed.
After TJOL, Fated Hearts, Dark River and Whispers of Fate, our Murong-Bobo has at least ten more unaired dramas coming up. I think he's the biggest winner of the current drama trends, followed by Chang Huasen XD
I wonder how A-Shui is going to turn out by the end of this drama. I want Shen Langhun to stay, rather than leave. Tang Lici has every right to be suspicious of A-Shui. The Tang Lici fanclub keeps growing, but he'll need them all for his future plans with bigger risks.
If you want to understand the full emotional impact of episode 1 (especially for the part between Cheng Yi as…
RMP isn't necessary. That one had massive issues.
LIP is valuable if you want to understand why Wangquan Fugui in Sword and Beloved makes certain decisions, whereby he is not just his mother's son, but also very much like his father at that age. To do so, you'd have to understand Dongfang Huaizhu and Wangquan Hongye in LIP, then the emotional resonance of the scenes in episodes 1 to 7 (and episode 11 onwards) of SaB becomes a lot stronger, including certain combat scenes of Wangquan Fugui. Storylines for LIP and SaB are very different. The acting for the cast in LIP is quite enjoyable, where relationships and individuals are fleshed out (such as Ding Yuxi's characters) before your heart gets ripped to shreds.
But understandably, such a plot involving so much people-focus is not everyone's cup of tea, if people expect action most of the time akin to the currently-airing Blood River.
Wangquan Fugui is also protected by his father being a capable leader of their clan plus also a solid leader of the Yiqi Alliance. Wangquan Hongye in LIP had to navigate stormy waters and wasn't in the same privileged position as Wangquan Fugui.
Put someone in a terrible position and when they must do the right thing, they must also weather the consequences. This far, Wangquan Fugui hasn't been put in such a position. He is much luckier than his father for now.
I'm not excusing anyone's behaviour in SaB. There are many angles to see. May you enjoy LIP!
Having watched episodes 1 to 13 this far, sentiments for this drama is akin to watching Herculean efforts of all…
Episode 4 – Murong-bobo! You’re alive! Didn’t Feng Suige and Fi Yixiao- Oops, wrong drama. To open this episode, Jiang Qingyu sets off nifty gadgetry with one move, hence the Floating Abyss (which clearly needs an oil tanker to ease all joints of tremendous creaking overworkage) is now sinking back into the sea. Adore the complexity and magnitude of the sets and the camerawork, especially when Tang Lici barges in, makes short work of a certain Jiang and then trusses up his selected turkey in pretty red ribbon, before having Jiang Qingyu flat as a sausage in a gloriously undignified manner on the ground.
This drama loves giving viewing clues about foreshadowing in the little details of an earlier episode, to link to a later episode. Because a certain Hua-Wuyan-pretending-to-be-Feng Chuanxiang couldn’t recognise the jade pendant in Tang Lici’s possession nor the poem, he was outed in one meeting with Tang Lici.
Flashback time, immersed in solitude on romantically desolate ruins recalling something more tragic and emotive than Wuthering Heights~ Liu Yan is not endearing himself with his mouth and initiative, even if he looks gloriously appealing. That song the entire time with the flashback is bittersweet fitting. Also, Fang Zhou doesn’t get enough screentime. All this ceases, when A-Shui shows up. Tang Lici obviously has massive trust issues with A-Shui. When he leaves A-Shui to herself, haunting slow notes of the pipa accompanies the beautifully forlorn landscape of loneliness, to segue to Liu Yan with his underlings.
Master Puzhu makes his entrance with his meditation beads! Stiff-lipped self-righteous follow-the-scriptures-only bore? I found myself very surprised at how quickly my opinion of this character changed over several episodes.
Tang Lici may know how to deftly manoeuvre Chi Yun to do things for him, but Chi Yun also knows which buttons to push, to get a certain fox to speedily protect his back and not retreat a single step. Yu Qifeng of the Sword King City gets more than what he has come for, in meeting Tang Lici and the Yanmen Sect.
Episode 5 has Tang Lici’s elaborate vessel transform more than window panels into a submersible. The CGI here is awesomely overflowing in water and waves and sequencing. Alas, Chi Yun is too seasick to appreciate it. At 16:02 my jaw may have dropped. Or was it 16:08? 16:24 to 16:27 was impressive, especially 26: 33 to 26:41. Shisan Lou is an amazing intricate construction of gadgetry and contraptions, and Tang Lici rejects a certain obsessed tower lord, before going to get Shen Langhun himself.
The music with the lasers somewhat ruined the moment. Zero music would have been better, merely the sounds of what is transpiring.
Goodbye, Murong-bobo. Bigger villain wants to maximise his flashy screentime as THE villain for the upcoming arc, so your time is done. This episode ends with Zhong Chunji understanding what a bunch of authoritative unattractive boors she is dealing with constituting the heads of the current Central Plains Sword Alliance, which her Shifu kindly sends her away from.
Episode 6 has evocative shots I enjoy very much, such as 03:55 to 03:57 after Zhong Chunji reminisces about her sad childhood, as it rains. Raindrops slowly drip off the ends of the parasol… Poignant. Her shifu Shao Yanping clearly adores her, and also sends her on her happy way with a new mission to Sword King City.
I hope Chi Yun and Tang Lici can continue exchanging teasing banter until the end of this drama, because their antics ribbing each other always brings a smile or a grin. Shen Langhun is excellent at more than catching fish, because his eyeliner is wonderfully drawn. Xiao Shunyao has very attractive eyes, and this drama happily emphasises that.
Then we get Shen Langhun using a certain special technique on Tang Lici, thereby understanding what happened in the past. We get kittens, a non-speaking Tang Lici clinging to wooden banister of the stairs, Liu Yan unsuccessfully tugging at more than heartstrings with Tang Lici, then Fang Zhou saves the day! How did Tang Lici change, from that non-verbose individual into the self-assured shrewd Tang Lici everybody else reacts towards today? Not expecting Tang Lici to flip the tables on him, Shen Langhun’s story is sweet and sad, whereby Liu Yan is at his creepy sadistic best accidentally doing face makeup for Shen Langhun followed by dropkicking him off a cliff. After that kind of attention, what a relief to see Chi Yun and Shen Langhun get along well without any undertones I might be missing.
I wonder if novel-Shen Langhun and drama-Shen Langhun will wind up doing the same thing to Liu Yan. But there are so many changes from the novel that I've simply decided to see where this drama takes me. It's also been a long time since I've decided to look at paintings again.
But it’s time to go into Sword King City and episode 7, where the main villain Yu Qifeng is going to show off. And who better than frosty impish Xue Xianzi charging in, to make him demonstrate his version of the Westwind Slashing Wildfire technique which everybody seems enthusiastic about? Not too hot on fire phoenix CGI at this point and the previous episode.
16:44 to 16:53 between Tang Lici and Shen-xiong is charming and quirky. A simple statement of a name results in cool shadowy entrance! That eyebrow! Very enjoyable to watch someone who understands the stage and commands a stage well. Also, his wirework is always very enjoyable.
It's a fantastical mesh of colours, stars and imagination colliding in a technicolour dream-like otherworldliness when Tang Lici enters a certain rift in the wall, where the golden fiery sword essence of Sword Phoenix Yu Xuanqing still awaits a successor.
As Shen Langhun fights Sword King Yu, Tang Lici succeeds and unleashes the true Westwind Slashing Wildfire for everyone to see.
30:40 is an exquisite palette of watercolours, as Master Puzhu walks alone and encounters someone to exchange blows with- Xifang Tao is late for their annual game of weiqi at Wenqi Pavilion. Petals are their pieces, hovering above a stone board with lines constructed of energy. Observations are succinct poetic sentiments as considered and diplomatic as each move laid down on the board. Windchimes tinkle with the leaves of nearby bamboo. Invisible fingers kiss fallen leaves and rustle petals into stumbling amongst dry wizened bodies, but do not disturb an open parasol resting on the ground.
Master Puzhu cedes the game to Xifang Tao because he is clearly too disturbed to concentrate. He is also likely to soon regret his words in this game.
Petals and stone do not meet, just as sky and sea are forever separated even when they appear to be harmonious on the horizon.
Master Puzhu meets Yu Qifeng at night. They go to the prison cell where Jiang Qingyu is held-
Zhong Chunji brings her senior Gu Xitan to meet her new friends aboard Tang Lici’s vessel. Shen Langhun is late for the meal, and he is not the only one. Candles are extinguished before they can start eating, and the episode ends on a fitting cliffhanger as Master Puzhu also arrives shortly after with a BGM that gives chills to match his entrance.
Ps. By this point, I'm wondering if A-Shui might be feeling morose because everyone has skills of a certain level but her.
Pps. This is the kind of drama whereby I have to rewatch episodes, to scratch more than the surface. Episodes 8 to 12 takes me back to the 80s and 90s with Director Tsui Hark, but that's for another comment summary.
Having watched episodes 1 to 13 this far, sentiments for this drama is akin to watching Herculean efforts of all involved creating a C-drama equivalent of the masterpiece《千里江山图》(One Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains) by Wang Ximeng of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Ooh hi! u r here😍 I am looking forward to this show! Altho no Francis Ng or Julian Cheung🤣🤣🤡
Of course I am! I'm hunting for a drama with a good plot and good acting, and this looks like a good combo of action and adventure. The two leads won't disappoint. I will have to figure out how this fits exactly into the DmBJ series...
Please tell me fugui character isnt going to be a crybaby like xiao qiushui had been in the journey of legend…
The directing and screenwriting for this drama (as of all seven released episodes) in terms of enabling Cheng Yi to fulfil the creative vision and enabling him to fully come into character as a strong balanced individual is much better here, compared to TJOL.
Wangquan Fugui is quiet, reserved, cautious, pragmatic, and quick-witted. Definitely better than the typical cold ML.
Cheng Yi cannot be faulted for TJOL. If you want to understand the screw-ups from the screenwriters, directors and post-production crew affecting how Xiao Qiushui came across in TJOL, my review can help:
Everyone hi, I have a question, and apologies if it’s already been answered but, I really want to start watching…
If you want to understand the full emotional impact of episode 1 (especially for the part between Cheng Yi as Wangquan Fugui and his father Wangquan Hongye), watching Love in Pavilion first would definitely help you register the full impact of the actions and acting of the actors for Wangquan Hongye and Wangquan Fugui across the first seven episodes of "Sword and Beloved", especially the lingering influence of Fugui's mother Dongfang Huaizhu. This drama's plot has a strong emotional core which is solidly anchored through relationships between Wangquan Fugui and others with him, and why Wangquan Fugui acts in certain ways definitely reminds me of his mother or father in the prequel. That said, Love in Pavilion is heart-wrenching closer to the end, and the style for the emotional core of that drama is different because of the storyline for that drama.
That said, the other two prequels are standalone series.
# From one pivotal point, the plot expands. Starting simple and leaving a strong impression, the opening sequence…
Thank you for informing me that this might indeed be the author's way of addressing personal father issues. I wouldn't be surprised. There is a lot of emphasis on the father-son relationship, which is crucial to that heart of the drama. Part of why this storyline works so well despite appearing simple when compared to say, Whispers of Fate? The relationships between ties of blood versus ties of non-blood are reflected accordingly across seven episodes, while bringing in the past. Easy to follow. Powerfully resonant without being overly schmaltzy or overdramatic.
It helps that Rumu and Cheng Yi are given time to react, the scenes for their reactions are well-controlled by the director and the actors know what they have to carry across, and their true emotions are revealed either in the voice and/or other poignant details. Voice actors here are crucial. The acting is also matching the VAs well. All that plus the final camerawork is edited in a manner such that their reactions feel personal to you, as if they are right in front of you and you are watching it happen. I am enjoying the camerawork, which lingers in certain ways on the scenery.
Wangquan Hongye in LIP was wonderfully idealistic and noble, yet pragmatic. He had to balance the finer trickier details of politics in his position, which Dongfan Huaizhu never had to contend with.
I have watched slasher fics and other movies with significantly higher body counts, and felt nothing. Those special individuals for the Mask Alliance were endearingly fleshed out, before they got wiped out. That is an episode I find very hard to revisit. And the music also haunts me. By the time a certain song came on near the end of episode 1 with that flashback, the waterworks were already unstoppable. It doesn't help that I am remembering the lyrics in Mandarin.
Wahaaa, my dear friend, you spoke me mind and heart about this refreshing drama! 😍 Every now and then, I inspect…
May you find cute baby birds hatching, since spiders might be much tougher and quicker where you are XD
I once saw a giant earthworm at least 30 cm long crawling across the cement while I was in Nepal. I thought it was adorable. My friend (male) thought it was very gross.
With that in mind, there are a significant number of people afraid of spiders and bugs, and the amount of consideration into finalising these bobble-headed cutesy animations acceptable and enjoyable to many children and adults definitely helps those who might be sitting on the fence because of this one detail. Some might want them to be less cutesy, but being too realistic in the appearance of the spider demon across two episodes would be too much for some viewers.
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Luo Yunxi has been marvellous to watch. For him to portray a scared weak Tang Lici saved by Zhoudi Tower versus the Tang Lici now having adventures throughout the pugilist world is like night and day.
So we'll see. Xifang Tao is a bit too showy for my taste, although she is very attractive with her wits and strength.
I look forward to seeing how things turn out. As to what kind of fate Xifang Tao and Puzhu have, that'll depend on whether they each maintain the paths they are on because when it comes to fundamentals, Xifang Tao and Puzhu are on completely different incompatible paths.
Episode 17 appears to be quite fun while unveiling colours and stripes that matter. Curious how Fu Yuren and Bai Suche will turn out.
To catch a rat and a cat akin to a game of weiqi, Tang Lici and Shen Langhun have made countermoves in addition to initial moves. Master Puzhu ventures a statement about Ranqing Sect to probe what Tang Lici knows. Riposte from Tang Lici is direct about a certain organisation which Master Puzhu and Shao Yanping have been tracing but made no breakthrough, before this.
Being doubly-cautious since the onset of his visit ensuring no shadows can be cast until he leaves, Master Puzhu also cements his invitation to Tang Lici regarding the pavilion at the heart of the Lake of Sword King City, by leaving behind a meditation bead. After what Tang Lici and Shen Langhun revealed, he won’t have any fake foxes showing up to an interrogation at noon, which is likely to involve more than banter.
Meanwhile, Xue Xianzi is energetically making his way to a certain vessel, and throws off his pursuers. Almost breathtaking, his masterful swiftness interspersed against a sprawling mountain and trees of red leaves flanking verdant blue waterways of Sword King City. When he has soared to the highest perch, and is about to descend from his magnificent position- Bai Shu is obviously having a lot of fun as this character, especially when seated at the table for a meal with the other characters. He’s also cracking me up.
Tang Lici has A-Shui, Zhong Chunji, Gu Xitan and Chi Yun put on a skit for maximum attention at the docks, because they are after as many ledgers from the dock merchants as possible. To see them deliberately acting as if they are not acting well to put on an act is hilarious. They are successful, and as 19:31 of glorious scenery melts away into a different mood… 19:38 onwards captivates. Absolutely. Awash in heart-stealing hues, autumnal reds and dreamy sea-faring blues frame a tiny pavilion surrounded by so much natural beauty against a towering backdrop of nature.
It is during the backdrop of such scenes and landscapes (starting at 19:38) leading to shared moments between Tang Lici and Master Puzhu that I recall two of Tsui Hark’s films: The 1982 “Zu: Warriors of The Magic Mountain”, but much more strongly his iconic 1993 masterpiece “Green Snake” whereby the cinematography capturing landscapes and art direction for certain structures in that movie marvellously reflected the inspirations from paintings of the Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty.
Similarly, the dialogue is hugely meaningful between characters in that movie, be it simple or indirect. Tsui Hark is a marvellous storyteller combining certain details of Peking Opera with Taoism and Buddhism, to present the classic Madame White Snake retold from a different perspective of Lillian Lee’s novel. An arthouse dream of action-fantasy layered with many themes, whereby three martial arts directors, the music editor, art director and costume designer made their presences acutely felt in the solid unforgettable choreography and execution of many aspects.
No C-Drama has ever touched that chord in me about recalling such artistry from that masterpiece, until these scenes in this episode in this drama. Tang Lici answers Master Puzhu in the language that he understands best, pertaining to deaths and innocents.
At the time he crosses paths with Tang Lici in the novel, novel-Puzhu holds certain beliefs about issues such as killing, whereby his understanding of Chan Buddhism within the tradition of Mahāyāna Buddhism is supposed to be outstanding which is why at one point he eventually became the candidate as the future Abbot of Shaolin Temple (please note this may not happen in the drama). “Chan”(禪) is the sinification of the Sanskrit word “dhyāna” (禪那), whereby Bodhidharma is credited as being the first patriarch of this branch of Buddhism in China.
When Master Puzhu is telling off Tang Lici about his non-heroic choices of sacrificing innocent people to save innocent people, Tang Lici calmly explains what he sees as uselessness while pushing all buttons pertaining to concepts such as sati. Master Puzhu is possibly going to bust a gut as the conversation continues, given how Tang Lici is conveying how he views and decides on choices which Master Puzhu perceives as going against some fundamental concepts of his own belief.
At 23:17, Master Puzhu’s displeasure cannot be contained, and he slams a palm on the table to initiate an end. Glaring at Tang Lici, he sees Tang Lici as reprehensible and irredeemable, and makes it clear their paths differ (Or they are not compatible. Or the date is over. Or he wants Tang Lici to scram. Or he thinks they should break up, before his heart and mind become more than temporarily disturbed and not detached. Maybe all the above. Whatever it is, I must point out the table did nothing to deserve that blow which made me wince…)
Never breaking the eyeball challenge with a smile, Tang Lici answers with his own strength and gentle contact with the table, calming the other man’s displeasure. He’s also not letting Master Puzhu break up with him, because this individual is crucial to his current plans. Wow, those undercurrents are also gorgeously literal.
Will it be your fault or mine? (If I kill, I transgress. If others kill, they transgress. To advance is to kill. To retreat is not to kill. To Puzhu, murder is a major transgression with the most negative karmic consequences. Being willing to bear the major transgression of murder only to kill truly evil people is the only condition he places on himself, if he commits this action. He wants Tang Lici to leave Sword King City, because Tang Lici makes him believe Tang Lici does not possess sīla nor paññā and disregards sati, due to outwardly not giving a damn about consequences or innocents or sins.)
Tang Lici decides it is time to conduct a compatibility-check and also convince a stubborn short-sighted- The most breathtaking battle occurs. This is one majestically captivating fight of contrasts, colours and gloriously lush cinematography matched to a BGM betraying Tang Lici’s lack of emotions versus Master Puzhu discovering emotions in a fight. Where is the cool glacier of immovable compassion detached from worldly desires or concerns, playing weiqi with Xifang Tao?
Tang Lici has one specific point of a gift to impart.
As billowing red silk of the pavilion settles across several seconds to reach 26:24… That point is a blow of intentions in a palm directed away from a face. Master Puzhu knows Tang Lici has allowed him to touch his wrist and take his pulse, and understand his true physical state. I nearly fell off the sofa when that happened. That's being super-vulnerable. Tang Lici, I know you want to make Puzhu waver emotionally and help you achieve your goals in Sword King City, but what is this?
Elsewhere, Liu Yan heals a civilian with his needles. Everyone who sees this applauds and praises the very handsome young man with no name. I wonder when Liu Yan is going to come to terms with the fact that his perception of self-guilt which he rejects, thus leading to self-hatred while mixed with a tiny vein of doubt not going away regarding what he is doing to Tang Lici being so all-consuming that this emotional maelstrom is destroying him into doing anything to make Tang Lici go through the same emotional mess of agony (which he himself is feeling and cannot cope, except through cognitive dissonance).
Zhong Chunji’s sassy sisterhood with A-Shui is always heartening to witness. A shame there aren’t more moments of them together in these episodes. Zhong Chunji is our solid go-to girl for getting things done. Haven’t figured out drama-A-Shui yet.
Also, when are you going to release that wrist? Tang Lici now makes a second attempt to prevent a breakup. Master Puzhu is discovering challenges to his beliefs which also trouble his conscience. After a blunt humbling expression of truths which Master Puzhu cannot reject, a wager is suggested. The details of said wager seem one-sidedly advantageous to Master Puzhu, whereby to retreat appears to avoid harm or killing (as per Puzhu's beliefs) as per the condition on Master Puzhu not interfering with anything in Sword King City.
It is a wager Master Puzhu cannot refuse. It is also a ticking time-bomb of concepts with consequences imparting lessons destined to haunt Master Puzhu, but will the drama have enough space to go into those?
The battle in Episode 9 between Tang Lici and Liu Yan is for you to absorb and untangle. It takes place in an illusion by Liu Yan, and Tang Lici manages to injure Liu Yan outside the illusion because of how he won the duel. There are many moments of grand or humble ponderance, including episode 10 with the flashback of Tang Lici remembering why he continues to make wood carvings after Fang Zhou's input. An exchange of questions and brutal honesty between himself and Shen Langhun is a riveting bond to witness. Tang Lici believes he bears the consequences of a Bodhisattvā ie Liu Yan deviating from the active path and becoming a demon. Shen Langhun believes only by killing Liu Yan for Huiniang’s death can he forgive himself. Tang Lici disagrees with something very different and important, before they leave for the banquet which Tang Lici hosts.
*cracks up at 25:27 to 26:15*
Also, 30:02 – You already know he can tell lies. Tang Lici has explained how he is self-centred, how he has used you (but you can’t bring yourself to hurt him so a palm of energy not at his face and- Why are we mirroring each other now?)… Yet you still accept his invitation for a cruise on his vessel to admire the beauty and scenery of the city together, despite him claiming this is a gesture as an apology? Not willing to admit he can get things done where you can’t?
By this point, I’m not getting Master Puzhu’s logic. Oh wait. You will get a list. And then there’s the physical evidence you have yet to see before the end of the night… What is there to lose?
Understandably by the end of a certain exchange on Tang Lici’s ship, Master Puzhu is about to leave- And after another conversation too excruciating for Master Puzhu to bear regarding truths and Tang Lici, this is the third time Master Puzhu is trying to break up with Tang Lici at 37:00… Only to be interrupted by Xue Xianzi, whom Tang Lici publicly lied about not knowing.
Bai Shu, love your attitude at 37:32 XD
Not kill Yu Qifeng… Master Puzhu, are you concerned about Tang Lici committing the major transgression of murder?
Johnny Zhang as Fang Zhou is much better than him as Xiao Yiren in TJOL. As I pointed out in my review for that drama, bad directing and lazy screenwriting unfairly ruins the efforts of any actor.
In episode 11, that underling of Liu Yan’s is quite annoying, even if Hong Gu is playing a beautiful harp (thanks to @Mizuhira-san for identifying and explaining: https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-24000444). Thanks for being intentionally annoying, Hong-guniang.
After nearly being cut apart and killed by an apparently heartless maniac I would not want knowing anything important/vulnerable about me or others I care for, A-Shui does the only thing any intelligent gal would do in an urgently destructive situation bearing down on them: Save her only hope for survival by giving him blood from her lips.
I feel sorry for A-Shui. Tang Lici is unresponsive the entire time. I would feel sorry for anyone who falls for another person with a decent heart, but the person you have feelings for cannot reciprocate. Major thanks to A-Shui, because Tang Lici will be in time to save Shen Langhun and Chi Yun!
It is impossible to summarise everything in episode 12, as with the other episodes. Fight choreography between Tang Lici and Yu Qifeng at the Tianyuan Sword Wall until 11:48 is fierce and necessary. Also, that backdrop… 11:20 would make for an excellent desktop screensaver. That scene is also in a trailer.
At 16:12, a decision is made. That is a glorious light formation- I’m over-using the word “glorious” and I need a cup of tea. Armoured flying giant geese will never stop being awesome. 21:39 to 21:55 is totally hats-off to everyone working in the tech departments matching a certain theme song. Sublime- Um, who’s going to catch an exhausted Tang Lici starting to plummet through the clouds?
28:33 is finally quiet and serene, the day after everything blew up, inside a quiet simple house. Someone went up the mountain to find our hero. Nothing grows within a 500 zhang-radius of where Yu Qifeng died, and the toxic effects have also penetrated 10 zhang into the ground (1 zhang = 3.33 modern metres). Of course, nobody else knows about Tang Lici’s valiant efforts to protect them, and Tang Lici insists it’s only about maintaining the wager with Master Puzhu while Master Puzhu is infusing energy into him and healing him as best as possible. Master Puzhu already understands Tang Lici's entire state and motives including the heart crystal embedded in his abdomen. Via his tone, Master Puzhu is also calling bullshit on Tang Lici insisting it is only for the wager that Tang Lici over-exerted himself. How are y’all communicating without words?
Suddenly Tang Lici cannot maintain eye contact and turns away, once Master Puzhu somehow conveys a sense of hurt while stating a certain fact about being used in calculations from the start. But then Tang Lici remembers and repeats his question a second time wanting to know why Master Puzhu saved him, and now it’s Master Puzhu’s turn… To avoid answering the question.
31:38 is where Tang Lici got mad at what Master Puzhu said. Is there any other time in the drama at this point, where Tang Lici actually reveals a fundamental loss of composure at someone? 33:00 is where Tang Lici is possibly breaking up with Master Puzhu. That was a very quick “It’s not up to you” rejection of his suggestion at 33:10. Turns out Tang Lici simply doesn’t like the current timing and choice of location to continue their karmic entanglement with each other, so how about another wager- Master Puzhu, what happened to your previous resistance and skepticism and reproval of Tang Lici’s actions and words? What’s next, love letters?
It is time for farewell. But these two cannot farewell each other. It's all platonic, even if the connection is turning plutonic in more than one aspect. I don't get why Master Puzhu is telling Tang Lici about the four walls outside the house and being unable to protect him, when he knows Tang Lici must leave soon. Tang Lici has indeed managed to make Puzhu concerned for him. There are ripples in a heart. Also, whose house is this? Puzhu, how did you find this house? -> (ETA to add that I get an answer in episode 36 ).
Meanwhile, Liu Yan achieves what he wanted: Tang Lici being publicly hunted by the pugilistic world due to an OTT warrant!
But has Tang Lici also achieved what he wanted, in this situation?
Who is the hunter? Who is the hunted? Who is winning this game of Go?
For my summary of episodes 4 to 7: https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-23990386
Thoughts about episodes 1 to 3: https://kisskh.at/755725-shui-long-yin#comment-23931840
I used certain words above, which you might not understand. For a summary about the generalities of certain concepts in Buddhism without being overly tedious (I have no affiliation with this website): https://buddho.org/buddhism-and-morality-the-five-precepts/
Chan Buddhism is quite different from how Western classifications have tried to understand religions. Puzhu told Tang Lici in episode 8 that he observes strict religious precepts. In the novel, Puzhu may not have been wholly observant of the five precepts of Buddhism but was eventually accepted for fulfilling the criteria to be the next Abbot of Shaolin Temple in Chan Buddhism and combat skills. This demonstrates that at the very least regardless of whatever the drama has changed about Puzhu (not black hair and black robes), in this drama despite being a lay disciple of Tianjing Pavilion, his claims to follow strict religious precepts means a certain extent of devotion and adherence to Buddhism concepts.
In the novel, Master Puzhu is aware of the rules governing monks of Chan Buddhism hence his adherence as a cultivator to Chan Buddhism would be fairly strict.
For the ethics and morality of Chan Buddhism, this paper is perfect for bridging the gaps of why Chan Buddhism in China is different from Buddhism outside China, and helping you understand certain beliefs of Master Puzhu: https://buddhistuniversity.net/content/booklets/nature-of-chan-ethics_zhai-yilun
ETA on 2/11: Weibo has different viewers shipping Tang Lici with different characters in WoF. For those who ship Puzhu x Tang Lici, here's an interesting take of what happened after Puzhu went to find Tang Lici: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5226986974742960
As to where I stand -> I'm here for high fantasy in an innovative pioneering attempt at melding xuanhuan with xianxia elements and strong wuxia themes, and romance is not in my priorities for this drama. That said, with so many ambiguous relationships, there is a lot of fun in analysing.
Liu Yan eventually self-immolates in public in front of many pugilists to try to clear Tang Lici's name and reputation as per the novel plot and reasons, not the drama plot and reasons.
After TJOL, Fated Hearts, Dark River and Whispers of Fate, our Murong-Bobo has at least ten more unaired dramas coming up. I think he's the biggest winner of the current drama trends, followed by Chang Huasen XD
I wonder how A-Shui is going to turn out by the end of this drama. I want Shen Langhun to stay, rather than leave. Tang Lici has every right to be suspicious of A-Shui. The Tang Lici fanclub keeps growing, but he'll need them all for his future plans with bigger risks.
LIP is valuable if you want to understand why Wangquan Fugui in Sword and Beloved makes certain decisions, whereby he is not just his mother's son, but also very much like his father at that age. To do so, you'd have to understand Dongfang Huaizhu and Wangquan Hongye in LIP, then the emotional resonance of the scenes in episodes 1 to 7 (and episode 11 onwards) of SaB becomes a lot stronger, including certain combat scenes of Wangquan Fugui. Storylines for LIP and SaB are very different. The acting for the cast in LIP is quite enjoyable, where relationships and individuals are fleshed out (such as Ding Yuxi's characters) before your heart gets ripped to shreds.
But understandably, such a plot involving so much people-focus is not everyone's cup of tea, if people expect action most of the time akin to the currently-airing Blood River.
Wangquan Fugui is also protected by his father being a capable leader of their clan plus also a solid leader of the Yiqi Alliance. Wangquan Hongye in LIP had to navigate stormy waters and wasn't in the same privileged position as Wangquan Fugui.
Put someone in a terrible position and when they must do the right thing, they must also weather the consequences. This far, Wangquan Fugui hasn't been put in such a position. He is much luckier than his father for now.
I'm not excusing anyone's behaviour in SaB. There are many angles to see. May you enjoy LIP!
This drama loves giving viewing clues about foreshadowing in the little details of an earlier episode, to link to a later episode. Because a certain Hua-Wuyan-pretending-to-be-Feng Chuanxiang couldn’t recognise the jade pendant in Tang Lici’s possession nor the poem, he was outed in one meeting with Tang Lici.
Flashback time, immersed in solitude on romantically desolate ruins recalling something more tragic and emotive than Wuthering Heights~ Liu Yan is not endearing himself with his mouth and initiative, even if he looks gloriously appealing. That song the entire time with the flashback is bittersweet fitting. Also, Fang Zhou doesn’t get enough screentime. All this ceases, when A-Shui shows up. Tang Lici obviously has massive trust issues with A-Shui. When he leaves A-Shui to herself, haunting slow notes of the pipa accompanies the beautifully forlorn landscape of loneliness, to segue to Liu Yan with his underlings.
Master Puzhu makes his entrance with his meditation beads! Stiff-lipped self-righteous follow-the-scriptures-only bore? I found myself very surprised at how quickly my opinion of this character changed over several episodes.
Tang Lici may know how to deftly manoeuvre Chi Yun to do things for him, but Chi Yun also knows which buttons to push, to get a certain fox to speedily protect his back and not retreat a single step. Yu Qifeng of the Sword King City gets more than what he has come for, in meeting Tang Lici and the Yanmen Sect.
Episode 5 has Tang Lici’s elaborate vessel transform more than window panels into a submersible. The CGI here is awesomely overflowing in water and waves and sequencing. Alas, Chi Yun is too seasick to appreciate it. At 16:02 my jaw may have dropped. Or was it 16:08? 16:24 to 16:27 was impressive, especially 26: 33 to 26:41. Shisan Lou is an amazing intricate construction of gadgetry and contraptions, and Tang Lici rejects a certain obsessed tower lord, before going to get Shen Langhun himself.
The music with the lasers somewhat ruined the moment. Zero music would have been better, merely the sounds of what is transpiring.
Goodbye, Murong-bobo. Bigger villain wants to maximise his flashy screentime as THE villain for the upcoming arc, so your time is done. This episode ends with Zhong Chunji understanding what a bunch of authoritative unattractive boors she is dealing with constituting the heads of the current Central Plains Sword Alliance, which her Shifu kindly sends her away from.
Episode 6 has evocative shots I enjoy very much, such as 03:55 to 03:57 after Zhong Chunji reminisces about her sad childhood, as it rains. Raindrops slowly drip off the ends of the parasol… Poignant. Her shifu Shao Yanping clearly adores her, and also sends her on her happy way with a new mission to Sword King City.
I hope Chi Yun and Tang Lici can continue exchanging teasing banter until the end of this drama, because their antics ribbing each other always brings a smile or a grin. Shen Langhun is excellent at more than catching fish, because his eyeliner is wonderfully drawn. Xiao Shunyao has very attractive eyes, and this drama happily emphasises that.
Then we get Shen Langhun using a certain special technique on Tang Lici, thereby understanding what happened in the past. We get kittens, a non-speaking Tang Lici clinging to wooden banister of the stairs, Liu Yan unsuccessfully tugging at more than heartstrings with Tang Lici, then Fang Zhou saves the day! How did Tang Lici change, from that non-verbose individual into the self-assured shrewd Tang Lici everybody else reacts towards today? Not expecting Tang Lici to flip the tables on him, Shen Langhun’s story is sweet and sad, whereby Liu Yan is at his creepy sadistic best accidentally doing face makeup for Shen Langhun followed by dropkicking him off a cliff. After that kind of attention, what a relief to see Chi Yun and Shen Langhun get along well without any undertones I might be missing.
I wonder if novel-Shen Langhun and drama-Shen Langhun will wind up doing the same thing to Liu Yan. But there are so many changes from the novel that I've simply decided to see where this drama takes me. It's also been a long time since I've decided to look at paintings again.
But it’s time to go into Sword King City and episode 7, where the main villain Yu Qifeng is going to show off. And who better than frosty impish Xue Xianzi charging in, to make him demonstrate his version of the Westwind Slashing Wildfire technique which everybody seems enthusiastic about? Not too hot on fire phoenix CGI at this point and the previous episode.
16:44 to 16:53 between Tang Lici and Shen-xiong is charming and quirky. A simple statement of a name results in cool shadowy entrance! That eyebrow! Very enjoyable to watch someone who understands the stage and commands a stage well. Also, his wirework is always very enjoyable.
It's a fantastical mesh of colours, stars and imagination colliding in a technicolour dream-like otherworldliness when Tang Lici enters a certain rift in the wall, where the golden fiery sword essence of Sword Phoenix Yu Xuanqing still awaits a successor.
As Shen Langhun fights Sword King Yu, Tang Lici succeeds and unleashes the true Westwind Slashing Wildfire for everyone to see.
30:40 is an exquisite palette of watercolours, as Master Puzhu walks alone and encounters someone to exchange blows with- Xifang Tao is late for their annual game of weiqi at Wenqi Pavilion. Petals are their pieces, hovering above a stone board with lines constructed of energy. Observations are succinct poetic sentiments as considered and diplomatic as each move laid down on the board. Windchimes tinkle with the leaves of nearby bamboo. Invisible fingers kiss fallen leaves and rustle petals into stumbling amongst dry wizened bodies, but do not disturb an open parasol resting on the ground.
Master Puzhu cedes the game to Xifang Tao because he is clearly too disturbed to concentrate. He is also likely to soon regret his words in this game.
Petals and stone do not meet, just as sky and sea are forever separated even when they appear to be harmonious on the horizon.
Master Puzhu meets Yu Qifeng at night. They go to the prison cell where Jiang Qingyu is held-
Zhong Chunji brings her senior Gu Xitan to meet her new friends aboard Tang Lici’s vessel. Shen Langhun is late for the meal, and he is not the only one. Candles are extinguished before they can start eating, and the episode ends on a fitting cliffhanger as Master Puzhu also arrives shortly after with a BGM that gives chills to match his entrance.
Ps. By this point, I'm wondering if A-Shui might be feeling morose because everyone has skills of a certain level but her.
Pps. This is the kind of drama whereby I have to rewatch episodes, to scratch more than the surface. Episodes 8 to 12 takes me back to the 80s and 90s with Director Tsui Hark, but that's for another comment summary.
Mandarin link about this painting: https://zhiyuan.sjtu.edu.cn/html/zhiyuan/yishuguan_view.php?id=1&category=shanshui
English link about this painting: https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/one-thousand-li-of-rivers-and-mountains/
Thoughts on Episodes 4 to 7 in spoilers below:
Wangquan Fugui is quiet, reserved, cautious, pragmatic, and quick-witted. Definitely better than the typical cold ML.
Cheng Yi cannot be faulted for TJOL. If you want to understand the screw-ups from the screenwriters, directors and post-production crew affecting how Xiao Qiushui came across in TJOL, my review can help:
https://kisskh.at/profile/Xiang83/review/497878
That said, the other two prequels are standalone series.
It helps that Rumu and Cheng Yi are given time to react, the scenes for their reactions are well-controlled by the director and the actors know what they have to carry across, and their true emotions are revealed either in the voice and/or other poignant details. Voice actors here are crucial. The acting is also matching the VAs well. All that plus the final camerawork is edited in a manner such that their reactions feel personal to you, as if they are right in front of you and you are watching it happen. I am enjoying the camerawork, which lingers in certain ways on the scenery.
Wangquan Hongye in LIP was wonderfully idealistic and noble, yet pragmatic. He had to balance the finer trickier details of politics in his position, which Dongfan Huaizhu never had to contend with.
I have watched slasher fics and other movies with significantly higher body counts, and felt nothing. Those special individuals for the Mask Alliance were endearingly fleshed out, before they got wiped out. That is an episode I find very hard to revisit. And the music also haunts me. By the time a certain song came on near the end of episode 1 with that flashback, the waterworks were already unstoppable. It doesn't help that I am remembering the lyrics in Mandarin.
I once saw a giant earthworm at least 30 cm long crawling across the cement while I was in Nepal. I thought it was adorable. My friend (male) thought it was very gross.
With that in mind, there are a significant number of people afraid of spiders and bugs, and the amount of consideration into finalising these bobble-headed cutesy animations acceptable and enjoyable to many children and adults definitely helps those who might be sitting on the fence because of this one detail. Some might want them to be less cutesy, but being too realistic in the appearance of the spider demon across two episodes would be too much for some viewers.