This was an epic drama. I avoided it for some time because of the "sad" ending, but after watching it I dont regret it. SPOILER ALERT: the ML dies in the end, but it is done in a very poetic way after the ML has achieved his goals, so it doesne leave you desperate crying under your pillow, but rather happy for the ML because he can finally be himself and rest in peace. Plus he does not die out of the blue. From the very first episode you are getting prepared emotionally for his death, so it is not a shock when it happens.

Another thing I would change is that I would add just a litlle bit more romance, like a marriage scene before he goes off to battle and dies. I think Nihuang deserved that, having waited for him for so long even though he was presumably dead. But this is a minor detail to the story.

Music fits the drama well but it was nothing memorable for me, hence the 8.

I will not go on to say how great it was cause others have said so already. For me this is a must watch.