Lush

I Entered with Zero Expectations and Left Enchanted — A Love Story Etched in Stardust

💫 First Impressions

Oof! Just finished this, and I haven’t felt such a strong urge to rewatch something immediately in ages! I’m simply thankful that Lu Yuxiao and Hou Minghao accepted this project because their visuals and chemistry are chef’s kiss! 👏

I entered this realm with zero expectations but came out completely enchanted. I’m now emotionally attached to the MingZai couple—it’s honestly going to be hard to move on! 🥺

🌟 What I Loved (Pluses)

(+) The visuals are insane.
Neither overshadows the other—both LYX and HMH totally slay their looks. From the intricate hairstyles and soft yet alluring makeup to the beautifully designed costumes, everything screams perfection. I also appreciate how newer Xianxia dramas have evolved: gone are the stiff wigs and plastic accessories. This is elegance done right. ✨

(+) The chemistry is top-tier.
From their very first interaction, their connection feels natural and magnetic. The love scenes are hot, romantic, and beautifully shot. It even gives short-drama vibes with how intense and passionate their kisses are! 🔥

(+) The color grading, set design, and CGI are breathtaking.
Every frame feels painterly, every landscape a work of art. The use of light, color, and movement makes the entire show a visual feast. I found myself pausing just to admire the details! 🎨

(+) The story handles misunderstandings maturely.
Miscommunication is kept minimal (thank heavens 🙏). When conflicts do arise, the characters handle them logically—especially Ji Bozai. Both leads are mature, emotionally intelligent, and genuinely care for each other. Their willingness to sacrifice themselves for love is heartbreaking yet beautiful.

(+) Both characters are equally powerful.
This is rare in romance-centered fantasy dramas! I love how both MY and JBZ stand on equal ground—strength-wise and emotionally. They complement rather than overshadow each other. 💪

(+) No unnecessary deaths.
None of the characters actually die—except those who truly deserve it. And thank goodness they didn’t kill off the companion beast! 🐉 A small but meaningful win in the Xianxia world where tragedy is often overused.

(+) Every side character matters.
Even though I wasn’t too invested in Tianji and Yan Xiao, I love that each side couple gets closure. Every character, good or bad, plays a meaningful role in the narrative. No one feels wasted or purposeless—a rare feat! 🌱

⚡ What Could Be Better (Minuses)

(-) The directing of fight scenes feels weak.
While the love scenes are beautifully executed, the fight sequences often fall flat. Some are too short, too stiff, or end abruptly—leaving me thinking, “Wait, that’s it?” The choreography deserved more fluidity and intensity.

(-) The music in the final episode is... rough.
The soundtrack overlaps awkwardly, killing the emotional tone of several scenes. The moment when JBZ talks to Bo Yulan’s portrait should’ve been moving, but instead it feels jarringly comedic due to mismatched background music. 🎵

(-) Ming Yi’s power deserved more spotlight.
She has amazing moments—especially in emergencies—but I wish the finale showcased her full potential. The first episode doesn’t count since she was weakened by Heavenly Grief. Toward the end, she becomes slightly sidelined, which underplays her incredible strength and character.

💭 Final Thoughts

Overall, this drama is a visual masterpiece with incredible chemistry and high rewatch value. You just can’t get enough of JBZ and MY together. 💕

If you’re looking for a Xianxia drama with strong romance, emotional depth, and stunning visuals, this is the one. It’s going straight to my favorites list.

🌌 Fairy Ming Yi is just sooooo beautiful—it’s such a shame we don’t get to see that divine styling again until the very end.

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Amazing, A Must Watch!

I think the most pitiful person in this story is Jiang Ci. She is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. She has numerous chances to gain her freedom right in front of her, but she constantly turns back just to save those who are dear to her. She is always one of Xie Che's victims but she never realizes it until latter part in the story. She has every right to exert revenge as Wei Zhao, but even that sense of revenge is denied from her for all her life.

If you think about it, the characters' backstory is amazing. I love how Wei Zhao/Xiao Wuxia is neither Liang nor Wei, while Jiang Ci is both Liang and Wei. Just like Yueluo that is trapped between both countries, Jiang Ci is constantly trapped between both male leads who are similarly smart, cunning and manipulative.

Had Pei Yan not have mommy issues and such twisted idea of love (which he realized too late), I would swooned over him so hard I wouldn't even think of Wei Zhao. Unfortunately, no one is perfect, huh. Sadly both male leads carried to much baggage to properly love and care for Jiang Ci. Wei Zhao with his identity as Xiao Wuxia and his mission to get a revenge on his family's killer, Pei Yan with his sense of responsibility towards his clan and his ambition to bring his clan to even higher grounds.

This story is laced with layers of personal grudges, conflicts, and missions of each character, and Jiang Ci is truly the only character who doesn't really have any motive or mission. She is simply trapped in the whirlpool of palace politics and schemes, and unfortunately got splashed by the sewer water called Liang State. Thus, the most miserable character of all. Thus, heed your elders' advice kids. If they warn you not to go down the mountains, do not do it. Otherwise, Jiang Ci could've lived happily ever after with her Master in bliss of ignorance.

I love how this story revolves around parental love and attention as the main plot point. Pei Yan becomes like this because he has received no love from his Rong Yudie. Xie Che becomes like this because his father, the former emperor, favored Xie Chun/Qi Wang more than him. Something small that triggered a domino effect of misery for all its characters. Thus I think the real villain of this story is the former emperor. Had he not have favorite son, Xie Che wouldn't have inferiority complex that fueled his greed and abandoned Rong Yudie and who knows, maybe Xie Che would've married her and Pei Yan became the crown prince. Rong Yudie then wouldn't have such greed and hatred that led her to abandon Pei Yan, and Pei Yan wouldn't have such twisted view of love that tried to chain Jiang Ci. Jiang Ci's father wouldn't have died and she could be the catalyst of peace between Liang and Wei. Her aunt/master wouldn't have died. She could've had a happy family. Xiao Haitian wouldn't have died and Xiao Wuxia wouldn't have had to infiltrate the palace under the identity of 'Wei Zhao'. None of the characters would've met too. Maybe this is the story in another life. Another side of Love of Nirvana.

Another thing I want to praise from this drama is its cinematography. It's just beautifully shot, the scenes are breathtaking! The color grading is also amazing and eye-pleasing. Unfortunately I think the budget for their clothing is limited and makes me feel bored of their same clothes for episodes. Jiang Ci and Pei Yan's closure scene where both finally eat their mutton noodle is really sad and sweet at the same time.

The ending is just too cruel for Wei Zhao / Xiao Wuxia. His death is heartbreaking, that not even his remains are intact. The scene where Jiang Ci is taking what could've been his hair is heart-wrenching. The ending somehow leaves a really bittersweet aftertaste. It's sad that no one will ever know the true details of the death of Prince Qi, as the fact is dead with both the Emperor and Wei Zhao.

I personally think he may have a chance of survival in the end. But he didn't fight for it or ran to the door. I think deep down, Wei Zhao is eaten away with guilt and exhaustion that not even his love for Jiang Ci could save him. He just simply tired of fighting for his life. I think at the last moments he just.. kinda gave up. And I totally understand his reasoning, tracing back his miserable life and fate.

Overall, it's been an amazing drama and I love every second of it. I adore each character, and I love the plotting and scheming.

P.S. I love how An Cheng has calmly accompanied Pei Yan through his delulu puberty self.

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