While we wait for season 2, here's a character analysis of Lord Xiang Liu. 👇👇🫡
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."— Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight
When I think about Xiang Liu, I think about this quote from Christopher Nolan’s "The Dark Knight." Xiang Liu maybe an antihero, but unlike Cang Xuan, all of his decisions and actions appear selfish on the surface, yet they actually stem from a place of heroic unselfishness, filial piety, and true love. Everything he does, has done, or will do results in him gaining nothing—no praise, no victory, no glory, and certainly no love. Somehow, he has portrayed heroic traits as well as antiheroic attitudes, transforming himself into a villain in the eyes of the people of Dahuang, and even to some audiences/readers.
Tong Hua put a lot of thought into Xiang Liu. The stream of maybes, I could imagine, as she sat in her place of comfort, sipping tea (or coffee) and pondering the what if’s.
What if a demon with a heart of gold falls in love? Will he become a hero? If so, to whom does he become a hero? Will he confess, hide his love, or demand her love in return? What if this young demon was greatly misunderstood, just learning to be human? Will love transform his demon heart into a human one?
Whatever was Tong Hua’s intention, in the end, she has written one of literature’s most complex antiheroes I’ve ever encountered. In Xiang Liu, we see a character who embodies Nolan's quote, walking the fine line between heroism and villainy, and challenging our understanding of morality and love.
Approaching Xiang Liu with a black and white understanding of Good and Evil, as well as clinging to Christian ideals of Gods and Demons, would hinder a nuanced understanding of his character, as he defies such simplistic categorizations and invites a more profound exploration of moral ambiguity and the depths of his persona. In the world of Dahuang, gods, demons, and humans are intermixed, characterized by the length of their lives and demons' inclination toward more primal, animalistic instincts. Yet, they all share the capacity for both good and evil, showcasing the complex moral spectrum that defines their existence.
Therefore, depending on the fence, and perhaps which side of history, you are standing on, you may see XL as a hero or a villain. He's regarded as a hero by the remnants of Chenrong and deemed worthy as an heroic rival by his opponents (CX even once tried to convince him to come to his aid), while others see him as a villain to be feared. The only person who truly understood this complicated persona was Xiao Yao.
Xiang Liu's character undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a cold-hearted and aloof general into a symbol of the principle of repaying kindness. His journey is a testament to the profound impact of relationships on his character development. Initially, he is driven by the need to repay the kindness of FFB, his adopted father, Jing and Xiao Yao. His heart, once distant and unyielding, gradually softens as he falls deeply in love with XY, an emotion he never expected to encounter.
As Xiang Liu's love for XY grows, so does his determination to honor his fallen soldiers and ensure her peaceful life. He lays intricate plans, demonstrating the lengths he's willing to go to protect her. His heroic journey isn't just one of physical courage on the battlefield but also a transformation of his inner self, driven by love and the desire to secure a future of peace and happiness for XY.
XL has nine lives: one for himself, one for his adoptive father, and six for Xiao Yao—two to save her life, three to last her a lifetime and one for the man she wants to marry. He is willing to die nine times, while continuously crushing his only heart. In a paradoxical blend of antiheroic self-destruction and heroic self-sacrifice, Xiang Liu's demise ultimately ushers in peace to the world of Dahuang, serving as the catalyst to fulfill Cang Xuan's mission for a world where XY can lead a tranquil life with the one who will never abondon her. As he departs this world, leaving behind nothing but the legacy of a villain, to XY, he becomes the irreplaceable loss she'll carry with her always, a poignant tragedy, as she may never come to know the extent of his sacrifice.
Delving into Xiang Liu's sacrifices will invariably prompt a discussion of XY's own battles with selfishness and her inability to overcome the trauma of loneliness and abandonment. These two intertwined narratives illuminate the profound complexities of their relationship and individual character development.
Time and time again, Xiang Liu has demonstrated an unwavering ability to summon strength from the depths of his being to protect Xiao Yao. Regardless of injuries, diminished spiritual power, or even facing formidable armies, he fearlessly charges into battle for what he holds dear, showcasing his profound commitment to what he believes in and loves.
Xiang Liu has impressively prioritized XY while simultaneously balancing his filial devotion to his adopted father and commanding thousands of soldiers on the battlefield. However, within this intricate web of emotions and unspoken affection, they discover themselves entangled in an intense and uncharted emotional terrain. Yet, their relationship bears the strain of unresolved tensions, stemming from XY's self-centered yearning for love and fear of abandonment, and Xiang Liu's ongoing battle with his multitude of responsibilities, all of which contribute to the friction between them.
Adding to the intricacy of their relationship, they are star-crossed lovers, trapped in the never-ending conflict between the remnants of Xiyan and Chenrong, a war that further complicates their already intricate bond. In their tumultuous journey, Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao have faced countless challenging encounters. Despite the hardships, XY harbors no blame toward XL; however, she finds it incredibly difficult to overcome the emotional scars left by their turbulent moments. Strangely, she manages to let go of the violence inflicted by Cang Xuan, the scars of which heal more readily than the wounds inflicted by the man she loves.
Her inability to let go of the trauma also serves as a barrier to Xiang Liu's approaches. He has faced rejection multiple times by XY and has been deemed unworthy to enter her dreams, a reflection of the lingering wounds in their relationship that both struggle to mend. XL, using these rejections as fuel, inadvertently pushes XY away, inflicting pain on his own heart, all while secretly laying plans for her to find happiness with Jing, despite the turmoil in his own emotions.
Yet, despite the pain, Xiang Liu served as Xiao Yao's mentor and protector, teaching her archery and life lessons during their dates. He encouraged her growth and offered fresh perspectives on life. As a poignant gesture, he gave her a map of the ocean, symbolizing his preparations for a future without him. These actions showcased his deep care for her well-being and left a lasting impact on her life.
"After decades of teaching you archery, you now have the ability to take care of yourself. You don't need your own body to shield someone you treasure when danger is around. You no longer have to endure solitude as your constant companion; you now have the right man to rely on. The sky is vast, and the oceans are deep. You now have a sanctuary to seek, free from the pursuit of others, and a place to call home. Xiao Yao, from now on, I can no longer stand watch to protect you. You have to take care of yourself. Wishing you a lifetime of worry-free happiness." — Xiang Liu
I'm the only one who does not want her to end up with either male lead? She has been tortured physically or mentally…
Many viewers like myself do feel that XY needed to be her own woman. The reason is because she never quite had the time and space to just be one. The moment she became a princess, aside from using herself as a shield for CX, she had no goals and ambition but to find a companion for a peaceful life without really thinking what that kind of life really meant, which is kind of pathetic. Maybe some people think the tiny character growth she experiences is admirable, but when compared to the majestic magnitude of the world building of Dahuang, where women could be anything, XY's actions or lack thereof, is a let down.
I think that CX and XL were both pretty abusive towards XY in different ways, while TJ always tried to put her…
XY and Jing are also abusive. If you've never been psychological or emotionally abused, it would be hard for you to see it . XY's abuse comes in her consistently needing validation, so she tests people in her life to see if they are worth her time. Whereas, Jing consistently uses emotional manipulation to keep XY by his side, gaslight FL and uses his kindness to hold people by thier heartstrings.
I have a question for those of you that read the novel.After watching and reading both the drama and novel, which…
XL was the reason I picked up the drama. The summary and trailer wasn't very interesting, but the clip where Lord XL appeared in his ice mask, smirked at XY, I was floored. I picked up the novel after episode 15.
XL is more suitable for XY in terms of compatibility. They really understand each other, have similar interests and values. XL is also emotionally and psychologically stronger than her, so he actually is the one who could help her heal.
The person she ended up with serves only one purpose: to fillfill her abandonment and attachment issues.
The wisest of women wouldn't want to be like Xiao Yao. We rather love and fight courageously like her mother or…
XY has been the most unfulfilling protagonist I've ever encountered. I am still extremely conflicted about her devolution as a character.
In Xiao Yao, Tong Hua had crafted a protagonist living in a fantasy world, resembling a woman of the 21st century—independent, pragmatic, pessimistic, and self-reliant. However, at the core of Xiao Yao lies codependency, low self-esteem, and insecurities stemming from abandonment and trust issues.
XY is not unique in her trauma, so it becomes unsatisfying to see a protagonist who is meandering as an empowered woman, consistently waiting for her knight in shining armor to give up all his possessions to roam the world with her without a care.
In the world of Dahuang, if a woman of XY's status desires it, she can play an important role in the making of a country. Her own mother is proof of it. Yet, she chooses to leave all those decisions for the men in her life. She wants none of it. However, has she never thought about what a peaceful life means and the sacrifices that will be needed for that to be achieved?
Not long ago, I chanced upon this psychological theory--the Dunning-Kruger Effect which refers to a concept in psychology that some people of low intelligence are the most likely to overestimate their own cognitive abilities. XY, who thinks she too cold, logical and wise for her own good, may actually be a character who overestimates her own brain power.
Before Xiang Liu's demise, he tells her, 'You can blame yourself for being useless...' And in the end, at least for me, she remains useless.
The only person worthy of the moon is Xiang Liu. Even after the production tried to change the meaning of the…
I think the the novel readers who are praising it, missed alot of details. lol. The first season actually didn't cut Jing as much as XL. so maybe second season?
2 
1 
When I think about Xiang Liu, I think about this quote from Christopher Nolan’s "The Dark Knight." Xiang Liu maybe an antihero, but unlike Cang Xuan, all of his decisions and actions appear selfish on the surface, yet they actually stem from a place of heroic unselfishness, filial piety, and true love. Everything he does, has done, or will do results in him gaining nothing—no praise, no victory, no glory, and certainly no love. Somehow, he has portrayed heroic traits as well as antiheroic attitudes, transforming himself into a villain in the eyes of the people of Dahuang, and even to some audiences/readers.
Tong Hua put a lot of thought into Xiang Liu. The stream of maybes, I could imagine, as she sat in her place of comfort, sipping tea (or coffee) and pondering the what if’s.
What if a demon with a heart of gold falls in love? Will he become a hero? If so, to whom does he become a hero? Will he confess, hide his love, or demand her love in return? What if this young demon was greatly misunderstood, just learning to be human? Will love transform his demon heart into a human one?
Whatever was Tong Hua’s intention, in the end, she has written one of literature’s most complex antiheroes I’ve ever encountered. In Xiang Liu, we see a character who embodies Nolan's quote, walking the fine line between heroism and villainy, and challenging our understanding of morality and love.
Approaching Xiang Liu with a black and white understanding of Good and Evil, as well as clinging to Christian ideals of Gods and Demons, would hinder a nuanced understanding of his character, as he defies such simplistic categorizations and invites a more profound exploration of moral ambiguity and the depths of his persona. In the world of Dahuang, gods, demons, and humans are intermixed, characterized by the length of their lives and demons' inclination toward more primal, animalistic instincts. Yet, they all share the capacity for both good and evil, showcasing the complex moral spectrum that defines their existence.
Therefore, depending on the fence, and perhaps which side of history, you are standing on, you may see XL as a hero or a villain. He's regarded as a hero by the remnants of Chenrong and deemed worthy as an heroic rival by his opponents (CX even once tried to convince him to come to his aid), while others see him as a villain to be feared. The only person who truly understood this complicated persona was Xiao Yao.
Xiang Liu's character undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a cold-hearted and aloof general into a symbol of the principle of repaying kindness. His journey is a testament to the profound impact of relationships on his character development. Initially, he is driven by the need to repay the kindness of FFB, his adopted father, Jing and Xiao Yao. His heart, once distant and unyielding, gradually softens as he falls deeply in love with XY, an emotion he never expected to encounter.
As Xiang Liu's love for XY grows, so does his determination to honor his fallen soldiers and ensure her peaceful life. He lays intricate plans, demonstrating the lengths he's willing to go to protect her. His heroic journey isn't just one of physical courage on the battlefield but also a transformation of his inner self, driven by love and the desire to secure a future of peace and happiness for XY.
XL has nine lives: one for himself, one for his adoptive father, and six for Xiao Yao—two to save her life, three to last her a lifetime and one for the man she wants to marry. He is willing to die nine times, while continuously crushing his only heart. In a paradoxical blend of antiheroic self-destruction and heroic self-sacrifice, Xiang Liu's demise ultimately ushers in peace to the world of Dahuang, serving as the catalyst to fulfill Cang Xuan's mission for a world where XY can lead a tranquil life with the one who will never abondon her. As he departs this world, leaving behind nothing but the legacy of a villain, to XY, he becomes the irreplaceable loss she'll carry with her always, a poignant tragedy, as she may never come to know the extent of his sacrifice.
Delving into Xiang Liu's sacrifices will invariably prompt a discussion of XY's own battles with selfishness and her inability to overcome the trauma of loneliness and abandonment. These two intertwined narratives illuminate the profound complexities of their relationship and individual character development.
Time and time again, Xiang Liu has demonstrated an unwavering ability to summon strength from the depths of his being to protect Xiao Yao. Regardless of injuries, diminished spiritual power, or even facing formidable armies, he fearlessly charges into battle for what he holds dear, showcasing his profound commitment to what he believes in and loves.
Xiang Liu has impressively prioritized XY while simultaneously balancing his filial devotion to his adopted father and commanding thousands of soldiers on the battlefield. However, within this intricate web of emotions and unspoken affection, they discover themselves entangled in an intense and uncharted emotional terrain. Yet, their relationship bears the strain of unresolved tensions, stemming from XY's self-centered yearning for love and fear of abandonment, and Xiang Liu's ongoing battle with his multitude of responsibilities, all of which contribute to the friction between them.
Adding to the intricacy of their relationship, they are star-crossed lovers, trapped in the never-ending conflict between the remnants of Xiyan and Chenrong, a war that further complicates their already intricate bond. In their tumultuous journey, Xiang Liu and Xiao Yao have faced countless challenging encounters. Despite the hardships, XY harbors no blame toward XL; however, she finds it incredibly difficult to overcome the emotional scars left by their turbulent moments. Strangely, she manages to let go of the violence inflicted by Cang Xuan, the scars of which heal more readily than the wounds inflicted by the man she loves.
Her inability to let go of the trauma also serves as a barrier to Xiang Liu's approaches. He has faced rejection multiple times by XY and has been deemed unworthy to enter her dreams, a reflection of the lingering wounds in their relationship that both struggle to mend. XL, using these rejections as fuel, inadvertently pushes XY away, inflicting pain on his own heart, all while secretly laying plans for her to find happiness with Jing, despite the turmoil in his own emotions.
Yet, despite the pain, Xiang Liu served as Xiao Yao's mentor and protector, teaching her archery and life lessons during their dates. He encouraged her growth and offered fresh perspectives on life. As a poignant gesture, he gave her a map of the ocean, symbolizing his preparations for a future without him. These actions showcased his deep care for her well-being and left a lasting impact on her life.
"After decades of teaching you archery, you now have the ability to take care of yourself. You don't need your own body to shield someone you treasure when danger is around. You no longer have to endure solitude as your constant companion; you now have the right man to rely on. The sky is vast, and the oceans are deep. You now have a sanctuary to seek, free from the pursuit of others, and a place to call home. Xiao Yao, from now on, I can no longer stand watch to protect you. You have to take care of yourself. Wishing you a lifetime of worry-free happiness." — Xiang Liu
XL is more suitable for XY in terms of compatibility. They really understand each other, have similar interests and values. XL is also emotionally and psychologically stronger than her, so he actually is the one who could help her heal.
The person she ended up with serves only one purpose: to fillfill her abandonment and attachment issues.
"But I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be"
In Xiao Yao, Tong Hua had crafted a protagonist living in a fantasy world, resembling a woman of the 21st century—independent, pragmatic, pessimistic, and self-reliant. However, at the core of Xiao Yao lies codependency, low self-esteem, and insecurities stemming from abandonment and trust issues.
XY is not unique in her trauma, so it becomes unsatisfying to see a protagonist who is meandering as an empowered woman, consistently waiting for her knight in shining armor to give up all his possessions to roam the world with her without a care.
In the world of Dahuang, if a woman of XY's status desires it, she can play an important role in the making of a country. Her own mother is proof of it. Yet, she chooses to leave all those decisions for the men in her life. She wants none of it. However, has she never thought about what a peaceful life means and the sacrifices that will be needed for that to be achieved?
Not long ago, I chanced upon this psychological theory--the Dunning-Kruger Effect which refers to a concept in psychology that some people of low intelligence are the most likely to overestimate their own cognitive abilities. XY, who thinks she too cold, logical and wise for her own good, may actually be a character who overestimates her own brain power.
Before Xiang Liu's demise, he tells her, 'You can blame yourself for being useless...' And in the end, at least for me, she remains useless.
What makes XY an unfulfilling protagonist?