I'm so glad this had a happily ever after with only a few heartbreaking (but necessary) ends for some characters.

Zhang Ya Qin is now my third favourite Chinese actress. She is beyond amazing. I haven't watched a more convincing "man", dedicated disciple and strong female lead in one drama in FOREVER. There is usually one drawback about costume drama FLs, but not with Su Yun Luo (ZYQ). I LOVE HER.

This drama is one of the best of all of my favourite costume dramas. The brilliantly choreographed fight scenes found in Listening Snow Tower and Legend of Fu Yao. The physically weak, but psychologically strong ML from LST. The addictive MUSIC like "Love and Redemption" and "Novoland:Pearl Eclipse". Everything about this drama was so good.

I just can't give it full stars, because it made me cry a little too much. So much heartbreak. So much sadness. Watch with tissues.








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SPOILERS









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- Zhu Yan's death was so sad, but necessary
- Chang Ge and Jian Er's deaths were sad, but unnecessary. She had a terminal illness! Why not wait for her inevitable death and his death of a broken heart or su*c*de. (*i*i)
- I reeaaallllllyyyy though Chang Ge was Emperor Ai. It would have been a much better plot twist.
- Before the final battle (in the palace) when Qing Ci said he had a surprise (the fireworks) for Yun Luo and she said she had one too (also fireworks) for him, I thought she meant she would tell him that she was preggers. I mean, they had a kid around the same age as the years that passed after the final battle. So....
- Whhhhyyyy did they introduce Jiang Er as Chang Ge's love interest. I felt ZERO chemistry between them. He was better off having a platonic relationship with Ah'Yan. (They had a stronger bong. Soulmates).