This is the series that elevates Chen Yuqi to a superstar status in the highly competitive and unforgiving Chinese drama circles. She may not be at the level of the Four Dan Actresses yet, but her portrayal of Zhao Min and the scores of ravishing reviews that she got from HSDSS mean she will never play second fiddle to any other actresses anymore. It does not hurt that this is a screen adaption of the final instalment of a highly popular Condor trilogy penned by Jin Long – a classical wuxia novel which every fan of this genre should be aware of.

There are plenty of gorgeous ladies in this drama, if that is your main reason for watching C-drama. Zhao Min, Zhou Zhirou, Xiao Zhao, Yin Li, Yin Su-su, Yang Buhui, Ji Xiaofu, etc are all beauties in their own rights. A feast for the eyes. Chen Yuqi’s portrayal of Zhao Min was the strength of the whole series, with his myriad of expressions ranging from her time as a mischievous and pampered princess until the end when she a helpless wanderer who lost her father due to a treachery by his lover’s hencemen. No two ways about it. She was the only reason why I would rewatch selected episode of HSDSS again. I don’t like Zhou Zhirou’s acting because she was basically wear a sad expression on her face throughout – maybe that was what was required of her by the Director.

To be honest, I can’t stand Zhang Wuji’s character and portrayal in this version. His acting was a bit stiff during the early part, but he gradually improved as the series progressed. His character was easily manipulated by his subordinates, and the pinnacle of this manipulation was the death of Zhao Min’s father and the ascension of Zhu Yuanzhang to be the 1st Ming Emperor. A very weak leading man - one who was invincible when dealing with enemies but extremely pliant and indecisive when dealing with his legion armies and supporters.

The ending was disappointing. Yes, it was a happy ending but it felt rushed. There were plenty of things occurring between the victory scene when Ming Cult entered the palace to the heart-breaking reunion between Wuji and Zhaomin, but all of these were covered within the last 20mins of ep50. The closing scene was beautiful with the two of them riding into the sunset.

The OSTs were great – love them. The opening track by Wakin Chau was lively, upbeat and set the tone for the series. Ci Sheng Wei Ni sung by Zhou Shen was hauntingly beautiful yet depressing, and the scene where Zhao Min and Zhang Wuji were at the beach on Divine Snake Island was very poignant. My favourite scene throughout the series, and the one where I would not get tired of re-watching – thanks to the song. It perfectly summed up the struggles and inner conflicts within Zhao Min and her willingness to sacrifice everything for her love with Wuji.

This is not a perfect television series, but one nearly at the very top of my list. I would rate Evernight and Evernight 2 as better series for overall enjoyment, but this one has a dejavu and nostalgic sense because I have seen the TV series before (albeit with slightly different ending) and read the magazines during my younger days.

I give this series 9.5/10.00 for overall enjoyment and Chen Yuqi’s performance was a perfect 10/10.