anhsn

I am grateful! It doesn't just follow the trope of xianxia drama.

After completing all episode...
I am so happy and satisfied with the ending! My hopes are answered in the two last episodes! All bad thoughts about the ending of this drama are melt away.

1# Why the love between fairy and devil matters? Yes, it matters a lot for the peace of the realm in the end. It gives warmth to our heart too, that this story is not a stupid romance. Self-less love is triumph here!

2# What love can do for "mankind" (the moon tribe, fairy, immortal being, and mortal being) is underexplored. No, no, no! It is very well explored in the end! Even though the sequence of events in the last episodes are a bit too fast (like without warning, the Moon tribe suddenly join troops), it is very okay. We still can follow the story.

3# The peace, the love, the unity, and the magic force. These should be the main ingredients to fight evil, right? Yes!

4# It is okay to tell about love among immortals, but it is funny to see the main purpose of their love is just to find the lost one! Finally, it is not! This drama teaches a lot about what love can do. Actually, what self-less love can do!

Watch this drama, people! Don't stop half way!

***

My review after watching until episode 32:

My hope is high when people praise the art department of this fantasy drama. I observe it well; the design of places, clothes, and the world of fairy, immortal being, devil, and mortal human are spectacular. The acting and music are good too. So, I won't talk about those things or it would be redundant. I will focus on the story.

1# Lack of background context: Why did the conflict happen from the first place?
What I like about the story is a different starting point from other xianxia dramas. The male lead (ML) is portrayed as the defeated villain. The way he met the female lead (FL) is so unexpected. So, it brought some fresh introduction that really attract my curiosity. I like how they brought also another issue to enjoy, a kind of social clash between fairy and moon tribe. The fairy is always depicted as "the hypocrites" by the moon tribe. However, something is missing. Until episode 32, it is never be explained why the hatred is so deep. What is the hypocrisy they talked about several times? A view to the past is limited to the personal family story of the ML, about his father and their sacrifice, and the conflict is already there. What triggers it? It is really a big hole for the story with many good potentials. It makes the story lack meaning, why the love between fairy and devil matters?

2# The most powerful to the weakest: Backward character development of Moon Supreme
I fall in love to the characterization of Dongfang Qingcang, Moon Supreme, who is introduced as the biggest villain in the beginning. He is cold, cool, ruthless, and fearsome. To some extents, he is admirable too, the day we learn his background story and how he choose to be humane with emotion. I think, the return of emotion (especially love) should add more strength to him. But unfortunately, in contrary, it become his Achilles heels. He becomes useless. It is very disappointing. He lost his brain to solve forthcoming challenges. I mean, how come they do battle by only relying on brute magic force? Is there no room for peace talk and diplomacy? Or at least, smart strategies and tactics to win the war?

I really want to see the Moon Supreme that turn to be a better person. They can portray him to be more benevolent and considerate, to be more open minded and have broad perspective to face his enemy, and gravitate to peace and the well-being of his people. In reality, that is the use of emotion, right? What is the use of love in him? Love has so many kinds. Eros (romance, passionate love), philia (love of friends), storge (love of parents for children), agape (love of mankind). Is his love tree limited only to Orchid, when we know he is a great person to his tribe and feared by his enemy? The meaning of love here is so shallow. What love can do for "mankind" (the moon tribe, fairy, immortal being, and mortal being) is underexplored.

3# Peace are restored so easily like it doesn't important.
The series has passed its climax, I think. It is in episode 31 where the war finally broke again, and ended by the sacrifice of Orchid. She released a power that can revive those who died in the battle and the 100.000 army of demon. It is later stated that demon and immortal being achieved a ceasefire for 100 years. This episode is so touching, but the impact is weak. The moment of Orchid released her power should reveal the true identity of Orchid as a goddess (if not, why those people kneel to her?) It should be a big good news for everybody in the realm. What we don't know is how they perceive this event and its meaning for them. This realization should be the bridge that explains the achieved peace.

I think, Dongfang Qingcang shouldn't fainted so early and easily after Orchid died. Love should produce perseverance in a person, not mental break down (as depicted in episode 32, ML turns out to be crazy). With his more benevolent and stronger heart now, he might have come back to his tribe with the last power he has, endure his own suffering, and offer peace to his enemy, reminding them Orchid's sacrifice. After that, he finally "take some rest", continuing his desire for Orchid in the dream realm. This story would be very different indeed! The 100 years peace would be his achievement and we would love him more, and understand why he indulged himself in the dream about Orchid. He is a tragic loving person! When this conflict beautifully ends, it is logical for the last arc of the story, to fight the greatest final enemy, Tai Sui. Dongfang Qingcang and friends has full power now. The peace, the love, the unity, and the magic force. These should be the main ingredients to fight evil, right?

4# The trap of xianxia love story trope
As an international viewer, it is easy to be bewildered by the worldbuilding of Chinese fantasy story. It is okay with rebirth and karma things. It is relatable because more or less it also exists in other cultures. The philosophy behind it is understandable. It is always about the rivalry of good and evil, white and black, fairy/ god-goddess/ immortal being and demon. However, we know from many series, that the lord of immortal being can be vile. God and goddess can be cunning and awful. If that possibility is exist, the similar possibility can be happen to the demon tribe, too. The tribe that is always depicted by black trait (evil, ugly, hideous, etc), actually have heart too and can be compassionate. This grey area is fantastic to be explored. Love between Fairy and Evil is promising that exploration, through a devil as the main character.

However, I don't agree with the story's over indulgence in romance in later episodes and forget the main premise, love should flourish people. It has a great metaphor already: the Love Tree of Dongfang Qingcang. In the beginning, it is deserted in a winter like place. Later, Orchid came and bring it to life. The bare tree finally sprouts and the spring is coming. Dongfang Qingcang sat below the tree and enjoyed flowers in that tree. It is a very satisfying moment! Unfortunately, after that beautiful depiction, the story change 180 degree to "a journey to find lost love one", "a quest to revive a died person". It happens in so many xianxia drama (e.g. Three Miles of Peach Blossom, Eternal Love of Dream, The Blue Whisper, etc). Come on! If you know that a person can always be born again, what is the point of grief, madness, sadness, depression, and sorrow of losing the love one? If it is to give a second chance, in this fantasy world, a person can reborn thousand times and live thousand years. They are immortal! Life is just a play for immortals. Why do they need to take it seriously? It is okay to tell about love among immortals, but it is funny to see the main purpose of their love is just to find the lost one, watch the hard work to revive him/her again, and to live forever happily ever after. For a mortal human, the most frightening thing for a lover is the loss of a loved one. Because, they only live once. But, for immortals love should be imagined differently as the most frightening thing for them should be different too.

So far, I never know any xianxia drama that goes beyond this trope. I do hope Love between Fairy and Devil would be the one. We still have four last episodes to go. Lets see!

Read More

A story full of meaning, even in its sorrow.

I came across this drama by chance through its trailer and free episodes on WeTV’s YouTube channel. Previously, I had watched several dramas starring Yang Mi (Eternal Love and Legend of Fuyao), so I was curious to see what kind of drama she was starring in this time. In those two earlier dramas, my impression was not particularly positive because I did not really like endings where the main character dies and then somehow comes back to life—a trope common in Chinese dramas. To me, that kind of trope feels illogical.

With Novoland: Pearl Eclipse, I was initially worried after reading various spoiler-filled audience comments and plot summaries online, many of which followed the novel’s storyline. I almost gave up early on because I read that Haishi, played by Yang Mi, would enter the palace, become a concubine, and eventually a queen, all while being trapped in a tragic love triangle.

As it turned out, many viewers’ predictions—and even the circulating synopses—were largely inaccurate and did not reflect the drama’s true direction. Although the series is adapted from a novel, its plot takes a dramatically different path, which I deeply appreciated. It was precisely because of this divergence that I fell in love with the drama. After finishing all the episodes, I rewatched it three times to better grasp its meaning and details. I also came to love its soundtrack and regularly listen to it while working.

Overall: 9.5/10

This drama tells the story of the loyalty, love, and life journeys of three couples—not a competitive love triangle. The first couple is Fang Jianming/Fang Zhu (William Chan) and Haishi (Yang Mi). The second is Emperor Dixu (Xu Kaicheng) and his consort Tilan (Chen Xiaoyun). The third is Haishi’s adoptive brother Fang Zhouying (Wang Sen) and Zhe Liu (Yuan Yuxuan).

Each of these couples has their own unique and emotionally resonant story, largely because of their character development. Among all six major characters, however, Fang Jianming stands out the most. His story is the most complete, clear, and complex. For me, this drama is not truly Haishi’s story (even though most viewers may see it that way), but Fang Jianming’s. His decisions are what shape the narrative and move it forward. Haishi is, in many ways, the person who enters his life midway and profoundly influences the latter half of it.

What if Fang Jianming had not been a patriot devoted to his country? He would never have sacrificed himself as Baixi for the emperor or saved the kingdom by suppressing rebellion. He would not have faked his death, donned a mask, and become Fang Zhu—the commander of a secret unit that eliminates the emperor’s enemies and protects peace. He would not have recognized young Haishi as someone destined to play an important role in Dazheng’s future, saved her life, and brought her to the capital as his disciple.

Fang Jianming is, in many ways, a blessing not only to Haishi, but also to Fang Zhouying, the emperor, Tilan, and Zhe Liu. He is self-sacrificing, resilient in suffering, farsighted, and deeply concerned with the well-being of those around him—even when his actions initially seem hurtful. Time and again, he becomes the victim of misunderstanding and pain without defending himself.

Haishi summarizes him perfectly in this line: “For all these years, you have done so much for the people, the Emperor, and Dazheng. Yet no one has truly done anything for you. This time, let me do something for you. Let me protect you.”

Haishi’s love for Fang Jianming becomes truly meaningful only when one understands his life journey. This is what makes the romance in this drama feel substantial rather than superficial. Her love is not arbitrary; it is born from deep understanding of his burdens, responsibilities, and character. Unlike many romance dramas where protagonists are simply “destined” to love each other without reason, this relationship is built on genuine emotional and moral foundation.

Although many viewers complained that their romance developed too slowly and that Fang Jianming and Haishi had relatively few romantic scenes, the director’s narrative choice is understandable. Love is not merely about passion between a man and a woman—it is also about understanding, commitment, companionship, and sacrifice.

In my opinion, Novoland: Pearl Eclipse could have been even stronger if it had consistently balanced Haishi’s and Fang Jianming’s perspectives from the very beginning, firmly establishing that this was their shared story: how they matured, moved from not understanding love to learning how to give and receive it, and ultimately chose to remain together even if physical togetherness was impossible.

From the start, the drama already feels almost like a literary romance in the classical sense—detailing characters’ lives from youth to adulthood, perhaps even to death. Unfortunately, it stops just short of fully completing that vision. As a result, many viewers are left relying on their own imagination to complete the story.

Perhaps that was intentional. Perhaps the drama chose this ending precisely to leave viewers with lasting afterthought and reflection.

Read More

A great story about self-growth and comradery

"A Date with the Future" is not usual romance drama. Many themes are packed into this one: self-growth, comradery, patriotism, humanity, and universal love. At first, I am interested to watch this drama because I am curious about the romance between ML and FL (it seems so cheesy). Later, what hooked me the most is the team dynamic in firefighter unit in which ML is the captain.

Among various aspects of drama, what I love the most is the character development of both main and supporting actors, especially regarding how they overcome their own respective trauma and grow themselves from that. They don't turned out to be toxic and selfish after experiencing tragedies in their life. They become more mature and wise persons. That is why relationships in this drama are healthy and enjoyable to see.

Other thing is, I love how realistic they try to tell the story about firefighter unit is. At first, I think the unit would be just the background for the romance to happen between ML and FL. I don't expect that they put the unit to be under the spot light. The fire brigade can have its own story. We follow its development from unnoticed unit in the city till they gain respect from citizens, how they build discipline, comradery and cohesiveness, how they take care each other and build strong brotherhood, how they do they daily duties from the most trivial to the most deadly, and how they overcome injury, trauma, and loses. It is humanely realistic and provide us some insights about the work of SAR. It grows more respect in my heart.

I also love the character of Capt. Jin (ML). His personal story is well rounded and how his fate is intertwined with Xu Lai (FL) is written so beautifully. I know, at the beginning it is so impossible and makes non sense, but after knowing the past, each person motivation, and the exchange of kindness, we understand that their repeated encounters are actually bound to happen. They deserve to meet and love to one each other.

However, there are things that I hope they could improve it. I don't like a typical love triangle which involves a rich young CEO. The story would be more nuanced if the SML (Huo) is just ordinary successful and struggling young entrepreneur. It would add more positive trait to his character and add more value to his relationship with Xu Lai who is a strong and hard working girl. Also, the villains in this drama is so one dimensional and easy to beat. That is why, for me, it is more interesting to watch how the fire brigade fights the fire, accidents, and disasters.

Overall, it is a good drama!

Read More

The best drama to think about war, family, and love. A compliment to humanity.

"Only bullet holes and shards of glass could be seen. Local health care systems are destroyed. Some clinics had to be closed. Fog and smoke pervade this place. I haven't seen the sun for a long time. Sometime I think, this might be another world."
"This people are brutal. They actually live on the same land. Why do they plunder and kill each other?"
"Because humans have desires."
~ Zhu Jiu and Gu Ruanruan

I beg to differ from most people in MDL. I love this drama so much. I don't believe what people said that this drama is not well written, not good directed, and deserved to be dropped. I have watched it without skipping a scene and it is proven worth my time. Released at this time (November 2023), this drama resonates so much with current global situation (Ukraina-Russia War, Hamas-Israel War) by showing us the experience of war and conflict from the point of view of medical personnel. War is horrible not only for civilians, but also the paramedics and doctors.

I landed at this drama after Mysterious Lotus Casebook (MLC; 2023) which I am very satisfied and Love is Panacea (LIP; 2023) which I hate. I enjoy Cheng Yi's performance in MLC and I want to explore more about his works. Meanwhile, LIP is such a waste because it didn't live up to its promise as a medical drama and in the end it is gravitated more on individuals romance. South Wind Knows (SWK) really fulfilled my longing for a quality medical drama. What I mean by "quality medical drama" is not a hardcore one like the US "The Good Doctor" which highlights more on medical skills and solving cases, but a soft one which leaves a deep emotional impression and contemplation.

Story (10/10)
If you read synopsis of SWK in MDL, I suggest you to not believe it because it mislead you. The story is greater than a mere romance (romantic love) between ML FL. Yes, it is true "the power of love conquer all", but it refers to a greater kind of love, including love for family and spouse as well as love for community and humanity. Most dramas themed with love commonly have various types of love in them. But, what makes SWK stands out is its comprehensiveness, balance, and detail.

The drama first takes us to a war torn country "M" to show us the basic kind of love, i.e. love that stems from sense of humanity (episode 1-11). Both ML FL have similarity in this aspect. They are young people with empathy, compassion, and same idealism. They are united by the desire to help disadvantaged and unfortunate people. FL wants to cure the new immune disease found there, whereas ML wants to support her by creating the medicine using the power of his family pharmaceutical company. This mission becomes the bridge that dissolves their differences. It is heart warming; from the beginning of the story we see a healthy and supportive relationship. Then, the story moves to Shanghai, to ML family story. It seems like an odd turning point for many viewers, but the purpose is to show that the making of the new medicine is not easy. The enemies (of love) are self-interest and profit orientation of pharmaceutical industry. The industry wants to monopolize the use of a very important herbal ingredient. ML tried his best to fulfill his promise to ML but to no avail. The worst, he was betrayed by his brother, the most trusted person he has, and involved in an accident. He lost his ability to walk, failed to recover, and sank into depression.

The second part of the drama starts in Germany after two years of separation and no communication. They meet again where ML turns to be different person from who he was. FL with her compassion and love, helps ML to be able to stand up and walk again (episode 12-17). When they come back to Shanghai again the situation has changed drastically. Driven by desire to revenge, ML's brother holds much power of the company and gives no room for ML to get what he wants. The worst, ML's mother turns out to be a despicable person who refuses to accept FL and harm her several times. The brother and the mother hate to each other and clash a lot. ML is caught in the middle while tries his best to defend FL and their wish to unite and continue their mission. The family hate and conflict might be not too interesting to watch, but it is just one besides several beautiful love and humanity stories/ subplots that keep the drama on the track. One, the story of FL family and granny, the granny lovely supports to the couple, her sickness, and the end of her life. Two, the story of Meng, a little girl with heart congenital condition, their work hard to keep her alive and console her and her family, until her inevitable death. ML FL become the source of support for granny and little Meng; they are like a family. Family should be the source of support and protection, but at the same time, ironically, can also be the source of hatred and harm. In the end, the innocent ML becomes the victim again amidst the clash of selfish people. Gravely injured, more handicapped, and seeing no future for family life, he broke his relationship with FL (episode 32).

The third part are the days ML FL parted. The Fu family internal conflict is resolved and the Brother revenged is failed. The truth is opened, justice is restored, and the rights of every family member are distributed equally. All conflicting parties learn their lesson and relationships are slowly repaired. In the last 3 episode, the story moves to country "M" again where now at war. Amidst war, the doctors' duties are getting difficult and life threatening. In the end, ML saved FL again, helped her with PTSD, and started a new relationship, now without enemies. FL now becomes a lecturer and ML serves the company. The last scene is their engagement.

***
What I like the most:

First, the characterization of ML and FL. They are very compatible in traits, interest, and life mission. They are good natured, kind-hearted, capable of empathy, wise, straightforward in communication, dutiful, and hard working. Importantly, they love one each other from the beginning, and their love comes from the shared concern for humanity. They don't become burden to each other, and use every means they have to care and support to each other. Their relationship is very healthy and they are able to trust even their third wheelers and maintain professional relationship well. Also, I like other supporting characters development towards the end of the story. All get redemption. Their stories are as full as the ML and FL, and so satisfying, even the mother and brother turned into good persons.

Second, this drama shows the process of love and hate so we get the full picture, how they start and how they end. Love starts with bonds, ends with ambitions. Hate starts with selfishness and ambitions, ends with justice and kindness. It makes us empathize to the antagonists (the brother, the mother) as they are not two dimensional when they are desiring power. The brother was once a good brother, but his mother was wronged, so he got angry and took revenge. The mother was once a good mother and wife, but she was wronged too by an unloving husband. Their dynamics as enemies are predictable. It is a bit cliché and tropey, but it doesn't matter and not disturb overall story line. Interestingly, the ML is able to maintain neutrality and level headedness to deal with his mother and brother.

Third, the compliment to doctor and medical professional. It is so poignant where death is showed as inevitable and a possible alternative every doctor must face during their career, especially when they are powerless. We see, doctors can't act alone. They are not powerful alone, but need helps from a bunch of people like nurses, families, researchers, journalist, and pharmaceutical industry as well as best friends. This drama shows their dedication, adaptation to harsh environment, loyalty to humanity, dedication to community, and sacrifice to fulfill their oath. In the end of the day, doctors are still human-being who can be hurt. Sometimes, the hero are also the victim of war.

Fourth, the balance and realistic portrayal of suffering. This drama is a rare gem because it is more than just a romance between man and woman. It holds high certain idealism we all agree, like the sense of humanity and community, family values, and that love should be the source of resilience as well as peace. It told multigenerational stories, from the grandmother/ father, the fathers and mothers, and their children (see how the social tradition and perspectives change). It has good balance on setting, too: from a big cities to remote villages with beautiful scenery of the jungle and the sea. Also, it is not afraid to depict the reality of suffering: refugees, the camp, the injured and the died, the cries, the devastation, the powerlessness, the weapon, the killing, the struggle to survive, the sacrifice. So, admittedly, the story is so grand and vast. And, the power of love outshines all adversity.

I have nothing to complain.

Read More

Strangely, this is a drama that spoils itself with a premonition of tragedy.

I love the casts for FL and ML. I love the visuals of this drama. I love the unique purple-dark theme. I love how the prologue is delivered in cartoonish style. But I can't stand how the story is told. Evaluating the story from the first five episodes alone may be unfair. But we have gotten these so far, and I am considering dropping this drama to save my sanity. These are my problems:

CONFUSION AND WORRY. I got the first impression of this drama from its trailer. I love the trailer. It looks fun and comedic. The love story seems promising, even though it involves cliches. But the real story is angsty and vengeful. The opening serves us with conflict and killing scenes, and I am like, "What?!" Is it just another drama with a sad, tragic ending? What is the point of spoiling us with such an opening? Watching this drama worries me so much. Will my emotional investment, time, and money pay off? I am afraid we will get a sad ending served tragically.

FL IS STUPID AND MAKES NO SENSE. I love Bai Lu, but not her character this time (Bai Shou). I love the child actress playing little Bai Shuo, but not how Bai Lu portrays the adult Bai Shuo. When little Bai Shuo aspired to practice immortality and to repay someone's kindness, I admired her for her maturity. This girl has a purpose. But as she grew up, this aspiration ironically became a childish obsession, making her a laughing stock. I don't know in what world she lives in. But why does it seem like the human species is clueless and doesn't believe in divine beings/ immortals? Is it a problem with the worldbuilding? Or is it the problem with the character building? After 10 years had passed, she did not even learn other things that were useful for daily life or to make her a more graceful and complex woman. She is too one-dimensional, lacks virtues, and her only power source comes accidentally from a stone, not a thing she acquires through work and hardship. And when her purpose changed into revenge and she blamed everyone but herself for the tragedy befallen her city and her father, it was like a decline, a negative development. This girl lacks insight into how everything started with her stupidity.

LACK OF CONNECTION BETWEEN FL AND ML. I don't like how this drama showed more physical violence between FL and ML in the opening episodes rather than a subtle, heartfelt connection and realization. The ML keeps threatening her, but it is merely words rather than actions. Watching this particular scene, I am like, "Go kill her if you're a ruthless demon, as your folks always talk about you!" And the FL keeps returning to him and bargaining things. "If you want the stone, just kill her and get the stone back. Why do you have to ask who she is?" It is a very unnecessary curiosity. And this curiosity is baseless. "Bai Shuo gives you nothing that moves your heart, and there is no meaningful interaction between you two so far, and you two were complete strangers. Why are you suddenly curious?" When the connection between two characters is missing, no need to ask about their chemistry.

IT IS SO DRAGGY. I don't know what is in the director's mind, dedicating 5 episodes (around 200 minutes!) just to set the foundation and introduce what the story will be. I wish this drama to have Blossom's (2024) effectiveness that can do the introduction neatly in just 2 episodes and quickly bring us to the main story without beating around the bush. The story is polluted with a lot of inner monologues, fillers, and not funny bickering. Too much telling, lacking meaningful actions. The transition of events is too slow, even when the city is attacked and the situation is so dire. When the story reaches its peak moment, the pace should keep up with the sense of urgency. But why does it turn out to be like an everyday event?

I respect fans of this drama. I share your love for certain things in this drama. But, in my eyes, there are more problems and they diminish my enjoyment. If you like this drama, I hope you have a good experience. It is just not my cup of tea.

Read More

Weird since episode 1

I am sorry. Maybe I am not patient enough, but it is just... wow. This drama has so many big holes in its first 30 minutes! Jaw-dropping. It is incoherent and illogical every minute and every scene.

1. The ML and FL have been practically comrades since childhood. How could ML not know that his friend had changed into another person? Males and females are physically very different in height, voice, and body shape! People should have shouted, "Who are you?!" in front of the emperor. "He is not General He!" The story is crumbling instantly.

2. I wish they had cast a more masculine actress (if any) to play the general role. But why, again, is the FL so beautiful and delicate, like a princess? She should play princess, and I would probably like it. Her face is so smooth. Her fingers are so thin. Her move is so elegant. Her hair is so long and straight. They should give us a more realistic description of "a man hardened by military lifestyle".

3. Got slayed in the abdomen and stabbed in the chest, falling off the cliff, drowned in the river, and yet survived by an unknown method, with the help of an unknown, powerful master from nowhere? Unbelievable. Even, she is still so beautiful, strong, and healthy after 30 days of unconsciousness. This scene is even worse than the one in Princess's Gambit (2025)! The plot armor is so thick. And, after almost dying, she still has the ambition to be a military man and immediately head to the front line again? Please, take more time to recuperate and learn about your situation first!

4. The villain is so disappointing. So evil since the beginning, without explanation why. They should explain more background. How could a scholarly family raise such an evil son? How could he hire a bodyguard assassin, like they never taught him morality and righteousness? Like, they are the treacherous ones in this drama.

I think they should stop promoting this drama by drawing a parallel line or associating it with Legendary Mulan. It is so different. Mulan told a story of a woman turning to a general. It is emancipating, showing the power of determination and having a noble purpose in life. In this drama, FL's general era is already in the past; we never know the process she went through to climb the ladder, and now, we are served the story of how she starts a new life (to be a general again), to avenge the world (and to love somebody, her first and only).

I am sorry if this review is full of rants. I am just unable to ignore the problems.

Read More

It is just another xianxia. All is predictable from episode 1.

Good versus evil? Check. Of course. Simple good versus evil. Just some people want for power and domination versus some people want for peace and love.
Decisive battle as prolog? Check. We can predict another decisive battle near or in the end.
The downfall of evil side? Check. Here we have team black fox versus good fox. We can predict a coming back.
A happy go lucky ML with sad childhood turned into a hero? Check. He is orphaned and predictably will grow to be a chosen one and do great sacrifice later near or in the end, I predict.
A heroic FL turned into a brainless lover? Check. She will be stupid somewhere in the story and lose her badass-ness out of love. Her ooold age won't make her wiser.
A peaceful like fantasy world where people idle and laugh and act like child everyday? Check. It will be destroyed.
An object with powerful magic that keep everything at place? Check. A powerful tree that needs to be protected? What else we got? It will be corrupted.

I drop this one. Finding that it will be 36 episode for a drama full of tropes is too much. It will be boring like hell. Either Yang Mi or Gong Jun won't save this one. If you like it, just go for its nice visual and maybe steamy romance (?), but if you have a bit more intelligence, the story will drought you down. The wardrobe is too beautiful for "fox" spirit clan. Looks too humane and too cute. The battle/ fight scene lack elaboration and complexity. They just shows "typical hand movements" (you know what I mean?) and the enemy is dead, turned into powder. Meanwhile, in other scene, other spirit is died with cut in his throat like a human. How bad is the internal consistency and worldbuilding. This drama celebrates love and romance too much and lacks exploration toward other underexplored themes like justice, self struggle, fight for destiny, compassion toward out-group/ fellow human/ other creatures, simple happy life, adventure and richness of life, etc. Just another xianxia. Watching or not watching this won't make your life better or worse. Sorry, if I am harsh. I'd be better re-watching "Till the End of the Moon" or "Love and Redemption" in the same genre instead of watching this one.

Read More