1. It is really unnecessary to shade others' opinions, feelings, or reviews just because theirs is not polished.…
I specifically said it was from a 'weibo user' which means is a translated version, and am sharing cause the review resonated with what I thought about the drama and maybe share insight for some that might have questions.
For you to needlessly lecture what my intent was and thinking you're so above it shows your lack of comprehension. And if you had paid attention to all the slander of this drama, a lot of reviews are bogus and I'm trying to balance it out with what I thought was a well written piece about this drama.
Below is a well thought out written review by a Weibo user, this is how a fair review and understanding of the show should be:
"The TV adaptation, reimagined through a modern lens, unfolds the grappling of fate and choice amidst the shimmering swordplay, allowing the struggles and perseverance of each Jianghu hero to become a footnote to the question of "what it means to be a hero." Rather than reveling in the thrill of a "cheat comeback," the show uses the shattered fates and complexities of human nature to deconstruct the true essence of the Jianghu. It also allows Xiao Mingming to fulfill a historical regret by rescuing the people's hero, General Wu.
A sense of destiny permeates the entire play. A modern-day teenager named Xiao Mingming enters the "Demon Code" and becomes Xiao Qiushui. He believes he can control the plot's "script," but discovers that every attempt to change his fate triggers a more brutal chain reaction. The Xiao family is wiped out, brothers fall out, and a close friend is sacrificed—these "predicted" tragedies roll in like the gears of fate, demonstrating the frustration of "those within the game can't understand what's happening within it."
But the deeper meaning of the play lies in the fact that fate is never a shackle. Ultimately, Xiao Qiushui doesn't just conform to the plot; instead, recognizing the fickleness of fate, he chooses to uphold morality, a powerful act of defiance.
Fate's outcome is not predetermined, but determined by choice. Even among the three brothers who grew up in the same family, their different personalities and choices shape their lives.
Xiao Yiren, the eldest son of the Xiao family, is obsessed with his position as the "Head of the Huanhua Sect," prioritizing his status as eldest son and cherishing family honor as the only truth. However, his narrow-mindedness and stubbornness make him a pawn of power, ultimately leading to his death in regret. His tragedy lies in surrendering his fate to the shackles of his status, unable to accept or withstand its turbulent ups and downs.
Second son Xiao Kaiyan, driven by years of resentment at being ignored, repressed jealousy, and inflated ambition, unwilling to be inferior, leads his life to destruction. From sowing discord to patriarchal treason, each choice magnifies his inner darkness, ultimately leading to bitter consequences amidst the illusion of family warmth. Shortcuts always harm both others and oneself.
Xiao Qiushui's transformation from a "meager existence" to a "chivalrous spirit" demonstrates that the underlying color of fate is always shaped by one's own convictions. "Live to the fullest, die without regrets, and seek to do what is right, so that this life is not in vain." China is invincible, united by righteousness, embodying his values.
#ChengYi# plays three roles, accurately capturing the temperament and core of each character: Xiao Mingming, ordinary yet defiant; Xiao Qiushui, brave, rallying friends through righteousness; Li Chenzhou, noble and untouchable.
The complexity of human nature is fully revealed through the arcs of these characters.
Despite their resemblance, Li Chenzhou and Xiao Qiushui have led vastly different lives. As the leader of the Power Gang, Li Chenzhou believes that "fist is power," unifying the martial arts world with an iron fist. While seemingly a profit-seeking tyrant, he harbors a deep sense of patriotism, determined to resist the Northern Wilderness. Ultimately,
he and Xiao Qiushui are slain by the emperor's suspicion and the schemes of villains. Their similarities lie in their shared mission to protect. However, Li Chenzhou wields power as a sword, while Xiao Qiushui wields morality. Liu
Suifeng, the cold-blooded mastermind of the Power Gang, misidentifies his enemies in his quest for revenge, yet remains fiercely loyal to Li Chenzhou and harbors a subtle tenderness for Song Mingzhu, ultimately completing the cycle of his humanity through redemption.
In the bet, "Does the Jianghu unite for righteousness, or for profit?" Ultimately, Liu Suifeng acknowledges Xiao Qiushui's victory.
The drama offers a more dialectical answer: The Power Gang was initially bound together by profit, with the Eight Heavenly Kings and the Five Phoenixes all motivated by profit, only to fall apart in times of crisis. However, Xiao Qiushui's "Shenzhou Brotherhood" broke down sectarian barriers, uniting people with the conviction to "speak out for injustice," and remained steadfast despite repeated setbacks.
However, the drama avoids pitting righteousness against profit: Li Chenzhou later uses the power of the Power Gang to fight the enemy, while Liu Suifeng sacrifices his life for friendship, proving that profit can bring people together, but only righteousness can unite hearts.
The clash between the ways of the martial arts and the art of the emperor is even more profound.
Xiao Qiushui's martial arts embodies the responsibility of "knowing it's impossible" and the sincerity of "wielding the sword for the weak." Meanwhile, the art of the emperor, embodied in the emperor's suspicion of Li Chenzhou and his efforts to control the power of the underworld, is cold and utilitarian. Li Chenzhou attempts to fulfill his imperial duties through the power of the martial arts world, only to become a victim of the power struggle between the two. This poignant commentary on the saying, "The Jianghu cannot tolerate pure chivalry, and the imperial court cannot accept true heroes."
Loneliness and heroism intertwine in each character. Behind Li Chenzhou's heroic "ruling the world" lies the loneliness of being suspected by his closest relatives and having no one understand his ambitions. Xiao Qiushui's heroic spirit of leading the "Shenzhou Brotherhood" to thwart a conspiracy hides the loneliness of a broken family and a life of solitude. Even Liu Suifeng's dashing and unrestrained demeanor cannot conceal the weight of his obsession with revenge and repressed emotions.
"Chivalrous spirit" is not about taking revenge, but the courage to move forward despite pain. "Mountains and seas" are not geographical boundaries, but battlefields of the human heart.
Li Chenzhou and his wife, killed while saving General Wu, die in each other's arms in the snow, a scene that is both the most romantic and the most tragic in the film.
Xiao Qiushui rescues General Wu and then defeats the Northern Wilderness, quietly closing his eyes on the grass during the celebration banquet. This is the most heartbreaking and heartbreaking moment. Fortunately, the ending brings him back to the story of traversing the world with his sword, rekindling a sense of warmth.
The moving essence of "Going to the Mountains and Seas" lies in its ability to elevate chivalry beyond myth, embodying the courage of ordinary people to persevere in their choices in the face of fate. Xiao Qiushui sacrifices his life for justice, Li Chenzhou protects his country with his heroic spirit... Their
gains and losses transcend success and failure. These glimmers of righteousness, as brilliant as fireworks, even if fleeting, illuminate the underbelly of the martial arts world, ensuring that the spirit of chivalry still resonates today!"
At this rate, CY can play all the characters in a drama and I wouldn't even mind. 😌 When he talks about wanting to play as many different characters as possible, I don't even think it matters if it's the same genre over and over again. He's been playing all these costume dramas, either historical or fantasy/wuxia, and every one of the characters you can tell apart from which drama it's in. So for all the naysayers that complain about him only acting in one genre, it don't matter because it's the molding of the character that's important and not the theme of it. And if he wants to continue doing costume, go for it! ✊
I'm watching him in "Immortal Samsara" rn for the first time and I absolutely love him!!! 💖Is there…
Mysterious Lotus Casebook he does his own dubbing for Li Lianhua's character. Li Xiangyi (his younger character) was dubbed by someone else, but that character doesn't have a lot of scene.
No, that's why I've been hunting for answers and clues. I've been reading about how the plot of this series isn't as straight forward as what it seems and been looking for what it is, so as I'm discovering what it is, I'm relaying it here to help other viewers understand this better, or at least help me fill in the blanks if I'm missing something.
Omg! I finally found the answer to why XMM/XQS character acting was so weird in the beginning. It turns out when…
Now I'm starting to think LCZ is XQS in the future. This would fit in with the 'reverse time' that was mentioned. The first seven minutes showed XQS finally achieving the title of head alliance leader and he said, 'I'm the strongest in Shenzhou yet lonely as snow'. Isn't this LCZ's quote??
And was XMM supposed to be in XQS' body to experience the pain and growth to becoming the Alliance leader so he can understand what it takes to being a wuxia hero, and all the people we think are bad are actually the good guys?
Omg! I finally found the answer to why XMM/XQS character acting was so weird in the beginning. It turns out when he transmigrated into the system, XQS' memory was 'transferred' into XMM. So when we see his weird back and forth behavior from kiddish and mature, it was because both of their characters were switching. And it explains why at certain times his martial arts kicked in! Those first 6 episodes really had clues hidden if we didn't know what to look for. No wonder they said hints and easter eggs were in them.
A LOT of viewers really hate the brothers in the recent episodes huh? Should I skip eps. 14-16/17/18 ?? 😆
Btw, in ep 1, both older brothers were already condoning punishing XQS when he was kneeling in front of the dad. Xueyu was the only one trying to help. They did not like XQS back then. So it's not surprising for their actions now.
More hints for the series: -Turns out there is 'double travel' and 'reverse travel' (ep 1 might hint of reverse travel after XMM 'reset' ?) -It's not a straight forward storyline, seems like we have to 'think back and forth to connect the details' ? -Who is good and evil is not what it seems. -The relationship line is also not so simple. Looks like a lot of brain power is needed to watch this. 😅 So for anyone who thinks there's more and think you're going crazy, you're not. Apparently it's more complex than what is in front of us.
ANOTHER CLUE: After the Xiao's sect massacre, the story is now on track. Not sure if this makes sense to anyone. Have yet to catch up to make all these clues I'm getting make sense.
Someone commented on weibo that this is an ancient version of Deep Dive, and it's like Kunwu v. 2, guessing who the mastermind is. 😆 It's like a mashup of MLC with the wuxia fighting and suspense from Deep Dive.
that is bold! I would say MLC is still my #1 fav cdrama. but this comes very close! I enjoy the calm episodes…
Luckily I've read the comments and am avoiding these latest episodes so that's why I'm not feeling the frustrations. 😅 I am going back to episode 1 though after finding out these new information and watching it with a new perspective to see if I can find any clues as to where this is going.
Why are the ratings low? Can someone share? Was planning on watching this week…
The first 6 episodes are going to come of as weird and nonsensical, there's a reason for it. There are details that will give clues to the later episodes. CY's acting of the character will feel stiff and awkward, there's a reason for that too. I gave a little more info down below if you don't mind a slight spoiler. As to what all of it is, we will find out as more episodes air. Up until the recent episodes, everyone is still guessing what's happening.
For you to needlessly lecture what my intent was and thinking you're so above it shows your lack of comprehension. And if you had paid attention to all the slander of this drama, a lot of reviews are bogus and I'm trying to balance it out with what I thought was a well written piece about this drama.
'Xiao Qiushui, how have your roaming the jianghua and spreading chivalry and righteousness gone?'
We will always ponder in an alternate reality how these two are doing. 🥲
"The TV adaptation, reimagined through a modern lens, unfolds the grappling of fate and choice amidst the shimmering swordplay, allowing the struggles and perseverance of each Jianghu hero to become a footnote to the question of "what it means to be a hero." Rather than reveling in the thrill of a "cheat comeback," the show uses the shattered fates and complexities of human nature to deconstruct the true essence of the Jianghu. It also allows Xiao Mingming to fulfill a historical regret by rescuing the people's hero, General Wu.
A sense of destiny permeates the entire play. A modern-day teenager named Xiao Mingming enters the "Demon Code" and becomes Xiao Qiushui. He believes he can control the plot's "script," but discovers that every attempt to change his fate triggers a more brutal chain reaction. The Xiao family is wiped out, brothers fall out, and a close friend is sacrificed—these "predicted" tragedies roll in like the gears of fate, demonstrating the frustration of "those within the game can't understand what's happening within it."
But the deeper meaning of the play lies in the fact that fate is never a shackle. Ultimately, Xiao Qiushui doesn't just conform to the plot; instead, recognizing the fickleness of fate, he chooses to uphold morality, a powerful act of defiance.
Fate's outcome is not predetermined, but determined by choice.
Even among the three brothers who grew up in the same family, their different personalities and choices shape their lives.
Xiao Yiren, the eldest son of the Xiao family, is obsessed with his position as the "Head of the Huanhua Sect," prioritizing his status as eldest son and cherishing family honor as the only truth. However, his narrow-mindedness and stubbornness make him a pawn of power, ultimately leading to his death in regret. His tragedy lies in surrendering his fate to the shackles of his status, unable to accept or withstand its turbulent ups and downs.
Second son Xiao Kaiyan, driven by years of resentment at being ignored, repressed jealousy, and inflated ambition, unwilling to be inferior, leads his life to destruction. From sowing discord to patriarchal treason, each choice magnifies his inner darkness, ultimately leading to bitter consequences amidst the illusion of family warmth. Shortcuts always harm both others and oneself.
Xiao Qiushui's transformation from a "meager existence" to a "chivalrous spirit" demonstrates that the underlying color of fate is always shaped by one's own convictions. "Live to the fullest, die without regrets, and seek to do what is right, so that this life is not in vain." China is invincible, united by righteousness, embodying his values.
#ChengYi# plays three roles, accurately capturing the temperament and core of each character: Xiao Mingming, ordinary yet defiant; Xiao Qiushui, brave, rallying friends through righteousness; Li Chenzhou, noble and untouchable.
The complexity of human nature is fully revealed through the arcs of these characters.
Despite their resemblance, Li Chenzhou and Xiao Qiushui have led vastly different lives. As the leader of the Power Gang, Li Chenzhou believes that "fist is power," unifying the martial arts world with an iron fist. While seemingly a profit-seeking tyrant, he harbors a deep sense of patriotism, determined to resist the Northern Wilderness. Ultimately,
he and Xiao Qiushui are slain by the emperor's suspicion and the schemes of villains. Their similarities lie in their shared mission to protect. However, Li Chenzhou wields power as a sword, while Xiao Qiushui wields morality. Liu
Suifeng, the cold-blooded mastermind of the Power Gang, misidentifies his enemies in his quest for revenge, yet remains fiercely loyal to Li Chenzhou and harbors a subtle tenderness for Song Mingzhu, ultimately completing the cycle of his humanity through redemption.
In the bet, "Does the Jianghu unite for righteousness, or for profit?" Ultimately, Liu Suifeng acknowledges Xiao Qiushui's victory.
The drama offers a more dialectical answer:
The Power Gang was initially bound together by profit, with the Eight Heavenly Kings and the Five Phoenixes all motivated by profit, only to fall apart in times of crisis. However, Xiao Qiushui's "Shenzhou Brotherhood" broke down sectarian barriers, uniting people with the conviction to "speak out for injustice," and remained steadfast despite repeated setbacks.
However, the drama avoids pitting righteousness against profit: Li Chenzhou later uses the power of the Power Gang to fight the enemy, while Liu Suifeng sacrifices his life for friendship, proving that profit can bring people together, but only righteousness can unite hearts.
The clash between the ways of the martial arts and the art of the emperor is even more profound.
Xiao Qiushui's martial arts embodies the responsibility of "knowing it's impossible" and the sincerity of "wielding the sword for the weak." Meanwhile, the art of the emperor, embodied in the emperor's suspicion of Li Chenzhou and his efforts to control the power of the underworld, is cold and utilitarian. Li Chenzhou attempts to fulfill his imperial duties through the power of the martial arts world, only to become a victim of the power struggle between the two. This poignant commentary on the saying, "The Jianghu cannot tolerate pure chivalry, and the imperial court cannot accept true heroes."
Loneliness and heroism intertwine in each character. Behind Li Chenzhou's heroic "ruling the world" lies the loneliness of being suspected by his closest relatives and having no one understand his ambitions. Xiao Qiushui's heroic spirit of leading the "Shenzhou Brotherhood" to thwart a conspiracy hides the loneliness of a broken family and a life of solitude. Even Liu Suifeng's dashing and unrestrained demeanor cannot conceal the weight of his obsession with revenge and repressed emotions.
"Chivalrous spirit" is not about taking revenge, but the courage to move forward despite pain. "Mountains and seas" are not geographical boundaries, but battlefields of the human heart.
Li Chenzhou and his wife, killed while saving General Wu, die in each other's arms in the snow, a scene that is both the most romantic and the most tragic in the film.
Xiao Qiushui rescues General Wu and then defeats the Northern Wilderness, quietly closing his eyes on the grass during the celebration banquet. This is the most heartbreaking and heartbreaking moment. Fortunately, the ending brings him back to the story of traversing the world with his sword, rekindling a sense of warmth.
The moving essence of "Going to the Mountains and Seas" lies in its ability to elevate chivalry beyond myth, embodying the courage of ordinary people to persevere in their choices in the face of fate. Xiao Qiushui sacrifices his life for justice, Li Chenzhou protects his country with his heroic spirit... Their
gains and losses transcend success and failure. These glimmers of righteousness, as brilliant as fireworks, even if fleeting, illuminate the underbelly of the martial arts world, ensuring that the spirit of chivalry still resonates today!"
And was XMM supposed to be in XQS' body to experience the pain and growth to becoming the Alliance leader so he can understand what it takes to being a wuxia hero, and all the people we think are bad are actually the good guys?
Btw, in ep 1, both older brothers were already condoning punishing XQS when he was kneeling in front of the dad. Xueyu was the only one trying to help. They did not like XQS back then. So it's not surprising for their actions now.
-Turns out there is 'double travel' and 'reverse travel' (ep 1 might
hint of reverse travel after XMM 'reset' ?)
-It's not a straight forward storyline, seems like we have to 'think
back and forth to connect the details' ?
-Who is good and evil is not what it seems.
-The relationship line is also not so simple.
Looks like a lot of brain power is needed to watch this. 😅
So for anyone who thinks there's more and think you're going crazy, you're not. Apparently it's more complex than what is in front of us.
ANOTHER CLUE: After the Xiao's sect massacre, the story is now on track. Not sure if this makes sense to anyone. Have yet to catch up to make all these clues I'm getting make sense.