I really wanted to write this review without spoilers at first, but I cannot. I want to rant, I want to point out stuff, so let's go. First, my review:
If you like happy endings, this is not for you, don't waste your time. Even though the first 20ish episodes are very good and not too dramatic and heart wrenching, the closer we get to the end, the more heart breaks there are. I originally wanted to write a review after episode 24 but something in me told me to watch until the end and then write a review and I'm glad I did, because this is now a different review.
The positive things I have to say about this drama: exceptionally well written characters. Especially Huo Zhanbai, such empathetic, righteous, kind, able to read the room, will confront you about the problem (I might be biased towards Joseph Zeng, but he's really a good actor). I liked that there were no misunderstandings. Dramas built on medical/poisons are usually well written. This story was quite unusual and refreshing. I also liked that half of the mystery and investigation was resolved by the half of the drama and we did not have a gut punching drama packed last episode with everything being resolved at once. The storyline was paced out quite evenly. I originally wanted to give a 9/10, but the episodes 24 and up made me lower it to 7.5. Which is getting us to my semi rant.
The negative things I have to say about this drama: Huo Zhanbai almost died getting the rare herbs and they did not get used at all???? In my opinion, they should have been used to save Ziye. This would have closed up a loop and make the herbs and Huo Zhanbai's and Ziye's sacrifice to find them fruitful at least. Mo's death was unnecessary for the plot, sixth brother was already evil and this would not have tipped him over the edge since he was already on the evil side. The last episode.... Boy, was it a train wreck. Extending it into the 45 minutes was unnecessary, it should've been 10 minutes maximum - Huo Zhanbai seeing the cenotaph, fainting, waking up, throwing an emotional fit (finally, that was the one thing i was missing in his character). Miao Feng revealed to be the new valley chief. Mingjie, Miao Feng and Huo Zhanbai reconciling over the wine. Mingjie eventually becoming a member of the sword sect. The end. Instead, we had a very tragic final episode with two minutes of jolly music? Unfitting, almost rude. The last nail in the coffin was old Huo Zhanbai. Why. Just why.
I think I got everything out and I feel better. So, long story short: if you have time to waste and don't mind a tragic ending, do watch. It's on the better note. But if you like happy endings, definitely stay away. I love Joseph Zeng, I really do. I prefer happy ending and he was the main reason I watched until the end.