Although there is nothing unique about the story, it is a good show. I enjoyed the interaction between Fang Jian Ming and the Emperor. I also enjoyed Hai Shi and the Emperor's interaction. There are some great action scenes. There's a lot of the usual things like evil plots, backstabbing, unrequited love, fighting, heartbreak, etc. All great for a c-drama.

My biggest issue with this show is the main couple. I don't like the idea of it. Fang Jian Ming kind of raised Hai Shi. He was a father figure of sorts, her mentor, her master. He treated her as a family member. For them to end up as a couple is just creepy for my personal taste. Another thing is that because he's fighting his feelings for her, he treats her like crap at least half of the time. He also plays with her emotions by acting hot and cold all the time. He's doing it to protect her, but it doesn't really excuse some of his actions. He also tends to keep her caged up in the guise of protection. He doesn't want her to get hurt so instead he constantly tries to restrict her from doing things. And the worst part is how pathetic she acts with him. It's also slightly obsessive. I feel like a strong female lead shouldn't turn into a pining schoolgirl constantly seeking attention. She's strong, clever, brave, honorable, and does what she feels is right, but the moment her Shifu is mad at her or hurts her feelings, she becomes pitiful. I honestly would have liked her love interest to be anyone else. There's only a few more episodes left, but I keep hoping he dies and she moves on with someone else.

One other thing to point out is the Emperor and Tilan's relationship is also incredibly messed up. He treats her like shit for a long time before he starts to change his ways. He's actually incredibly cruel towards her just because she looks like her dead sister, who happened to be the love of his life. Some of her health issues later on is due to how bad he treated her. I honestly don't know how she could still love him. Doesn't matter that he realized how awful he's been and begins to love her. It's all very toxic.