I got a lot of spoilers from people who read the screenplay and read the book, but I’m not sure whether those…
The two assassins who attacked Tang Lici in episode 13 - This incident was pulled forward from the final few chapters of the novel, taking place in a different setting and the original controller of them wasn't Hong Gu.
Gui Mudan will bite the dust as a big villain, but I'm only aware of one key villain bigger than him. That's all from the novel. Since the drama is quite different from the novel, I look forward to whoever the second key villain is, based on what you're saying.
The Insect King was supposed to be absorbed by Puzhu in the novel. In the novel, Chi Yun dies. But not like that. Gui Mudan is supposed to die in the novel. But...
Looks like I better get ready a towel, when it comes to Chi Yun.
Tears of laughter or exasperation? Luo Yunxi has been marvellous to watch. For him to portray a scared weak Tang…
Glad to hear you are enjoying this drama! What do you mean by fundamental confusion? I had trouble getting used to Daniel Craig's accent as Benoit Blanc. And that blue pinstriped-
IQIyi English subs tend to be better than Mango English subs, but IQiyi English subs also tend to leave out certain details or context at times.
What genres do you usually watch? Crime-mystery thrillers such as dramas from IQiyi Light On series, wuxia, some fantastical mishmash?
For this drama, I'm enjoying the balance of skilled wirework and CGI and most importantly, the fights anchored by emotions. Over-simple wirework relying on CGI for camouflage isn't my cup of tea.
Whatever y'all say, but I'm here just for Ah Shui. I like her, her interaction with Tang Lici is so capitative,…
I'm glad you like A-Shui. There are so many likeable characters and aspects of this drama. Villain or not, everyone has to do well in their roles (which means being evil where applicable and being appreciated for executing that well). The production team and post-production team is as important as the cast, in ensuring what we are watching draws as many viewers as possible.
Fated Hearts MDL page is doing well because there are many new participants. Many of us who finished the episodes fastest simply maintained an environment for mature and fun discussions, without making snide potshots or implications about the intelligence of others. With so many details, it can be hard to keep up or notice little details that feed into the bigger plot. Everyone's participation is welcome, even when expressing why someone isn't connecting with a character. it's all about the approach.
Anyone here can and should ship whoever they like, and it's nice to respect the preferences of others. I greatly enjoy how everyone in the cast is delivering so far (except the actor for Yu Furen who needs to learn to emote with more nuancing). Team Tang Lici needs to be totally onboard with each other, when the enemies are very powerful and cunning.
I like how Zhong Chunji and A-Shui interact with each other. I also like how Shen Langhun and Chi Yun protect Tang Lici and each other, and how they deliberately prank or rib each other. I believe patience in seeing how things unfold is the key. Characters are written in a certain manner, and editing shapes what we see of that character in the final product. A-Shui has been calm and strong ever since episode 1, considering she has a right to have an inferiority complex when she can't fight like everybody else (and in the novel, feeling like she was unable to be of use in that way plays a part in her decisions, and not just her feelings for Tang Lici). Without Tang Lici being functional and alive in more than one situation, she wouldn't survive and she knows that.
Whether her final intentions are good or bad for Tang Lici in this drama is the key question.
She looks so much older than every other female in this drama..She even looks older then TLC character..
I didn't notice whether Xifang Tao looks older or not than Tang Lici. Xifang Tao clearly understands herself, and that's very attractive for anyone who likes strong confident intelligent women (although I don't agree with her ethics, such as what she advised Yu Furen). Hong Gu strikes me as someone still finding her identity and self, understandably so. "Never lose yourself for anyone" is something I'd like in men and women.
UPDATED ~ Nov 1st...I'll start a new one because the collection from the 27th grew so big...~ Reuters ~ 28.10.25…
Wow, mega wrap-up! Thank you for your consistently helpful efforts! Much appreciated. It'll take me a quite while to go through them, and then I'll help you as I mentioned.
Between SLY and SaB summaries right now, especially since SLY has many details and layers. I also shared the Fated Hearts OST (complete with theme songs, BGM and instrumentals).
3 episodes for today Oct 31st. Per the calendars here.https://kisskh.at/discussions/755725-shui-long-yin/145974-calendar-official-airing-schedule?pid=3417316&page=1#p3417316
Episode 18 ends on a cliffhanger that makes one groan at having to wait more than 2 days for episode 19.
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):
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Gui Mudan will bite the dust as a big villain, but I'm only aware of one key villain bigger than him. That's all from the novel. Since the drama is quite different from the novel, I look forward to whoever the second key villain is, based on what you're saying.
In the novel, Chi Yun dies. But not like that.
Gui Mudan is supposed to die in the novel. But...
Looks like I better get ready a towel, when it comes to Chi Yun.
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5227204380462168
But at least they can smile and relax between the scenes: https://so.douyin.com/video/detail?aweme_id=7567249265963306639
I hope it's not true for one of them.
IQIyi English subs tend to be better than Mango English subs, but IQiyi English subs also tend to leave out certain details or context at times.
What genres do you usually watch? Crime-mystery thrillers such as dramas from IQiyi Light On series, wuxia, some fantastical mishmash?
For this drama, I'm enjoying the balance of skilled wirework and CGI and most importantly, the fights anchored by emotions. Over-simple wirework relying on CGI for camouflage isn't my cup of tea.
Fated Hearts MDL page is doing well because there are many new participants. Many of us who finished the episodes fastest simply maintained an environment for mature and fun discussions, without making snide potshots or implications about the intelligence of others. With so many details, it can be hard to keep up or notice little details that feed into the bigger plot. Everyone's participation is welcome, even when expressing why someone isn't connecting with a character. it's all about the approach.
Anyone here can and should ship whoever they like, and it's nice to respect the preferences of others. I greatly enjoy how everyone in the cast is delivering so far (except the actor for Yu Furen who needs to learn to emote with more nuancing). Team Tang Lici needs to be totally onboard with each other, when the enemies are very powerful and cunning.
I like how Zhong Chunji and A-Shui interact with each other. I also like how Shen Langhun and Chi Yun protect Tang Lici and each other, and how they deliberately prank or rib each other. I believe patience in seeing how things unfold is the key. Characters are written in a certain manner, and editing shapes what we see of that character in the final product. A-Shui has been calm and strong ever since episode 1, considering she has a right to have an inferiority complex when she can't fight like everybody else (and in the novel, feeling like she was unable to be of use in that way plays a part in her decisions, and not just her feelings for Tang Lici). Without Tang Lici being functional and alive in more than one situation, she wouldn't survive and she knows that.
Whether her final intentions are good or bad for Tang Lici in this drama is the key question.
Between SLY and SaB summaries right now, especially since SLY has many details and layers. I also shared the Fated Hearts OST (complete with theme songs, BGM and instrumentals).
Tracklist C-and-Ped from the above source is as follows:
《一笑随歌》影视原声大碟
00:00 萨顶顶 - 一笑随歌 (宿命情缘片头曲)
03:43 黄子弘凡 - 狂澜 (无畏破局片尾曲)
07:44 周蕙 - 目光成河 (缱绻诉心曲/插曲)
11:54 何天韵 - 不要哭 (余韵溯忆曲/插曲)
——【配乐BGM】——
15:16 郭峻江/寇续博/桂子轩 - 开场,战争场面
16:57 寇续博 - 救人
18:42 萨顶顶/杨骐梦 - 回忆一笑悲伤过往
21:53 寇续博 - 一笑舞剑
22:53 郭峻江 - 夏静石惊悚回忆
23:51 郭峻江 - 追杀付一笑
25:11 寇续博 - 正念山庄秦伯劝架
26:03 马泽 - 夏静炎失意打鼓
27:22 萨顶顶/洛劫 - 兄妹分别
30:14 萨顶顶/洛劫 - 一笑水下救凤随歌
31:02 杨骐梦 - 热闹茶楼
31:44 寇续博 - 重振军心
34:56 郭峻江 - 追杀凤随歌
36:20 萨顶顶/杨骐梦 - 付一笑和萧未然决裂
39:13 寇续博 - 夏静炎宴会
40:14 寇续博 - 皇后刺杀皇帝
42:57 萨顶顶/杨骐梦 - 凤随歌同意凤戏阳出嫁
44:35 寇续博 - 安姑和庄主喝菌子汤
47:15 郭峻江/寇续博/桂子轩 - 一笑射杀凤随歌
48:31 寇续博 - 宫廷典礼
——【伴奏Ins.】——
50:37 萨顶顶 - 一笑随歌 (伴奏)
54:20 黄子弘凡 - 狂澜 (伴奏)
58:21 周蕙 - 目光成河 (伴奏)
01:02:31 何天韵 - 不要哭 (伴奏)
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.