This xianxia drama offers a refreshing departure from the usual tropes, immediately hooking viewers with its mysterious atmosphere and secretive leads. The central characters, particularly the mature and nuanced male lead Yuan Zhong (Liu Xue Yi) and the seemingly kind yet sharp-witted female lead Ji Tanyin (Tang Yan), are captivating. Yuan Zhong is cunning yet possesses a certain simplicity, while Ji Tanyin, though empathetic, is no pushover, possessing a beautiful heart and keen intellect, capable of holding her own. Their portrayals require the actors to convey much through subtle expressions, which both Tang Yan and Liu Xue Yi execute masterfully, proving their experience is invaluable for these layered roles. The drama wisely focuses on their gradual development of trust and empathy, rather than aggressive passion, exploring themes of self-discovery, living, and loving – a maturity that extends beyond just the main couple to even the supporting cast.
Initially, the production and CGI might seem basic, and the visual presentation just “okay” in the first few episodes. However, those who persevere beyond the initial episodes will discover a truly unique world. The human realm, thanks to the innovations of the engineer goddess Wushuang (who is later revealed to be Ji Tanyin), boasts a fascinating steampunk vibe where traditional culture and clothing coexist with advanced mechanical inventions, creating a compelling backdrop where magic and technology intertwine and significantly impact the plot.
The heart of the drama lies in the exceptional main couple. Yuan Zhong, initially detached and skeptical due to his past, undergoes a significant and understandable arc, influenced by Ji Tanyin. Ji Tanyin, who descends to the mortal realm to retrieve an item, chooses to stay by Yuan Zhong’s side, her maturity, logic, and strong sense of justice gradually warming his cold heart. Their relationship is a highlight, characterized by philosophical discussions and mutual growth. Ji Tanyin teaches him to embrace the world, while he grounds her in life’s realities. Their connection is built on trust, understanding, and unwavering support, a mature love that prioritizes stability over intense passion. The strong performances of Liu Xue Yi and Tiffany Tang truly carry the show, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
The drama also features several fun and lovable supporting characters who contribute significantly to the overall journey. One standout is the complex war demon Qian Lin, whose early portrayal and potential were particularly engaging. The OST is another strong point, with background music and original songs perfectly complementing each scene.
However, the drama isn’t without its flaws. Some recurring supporting characters, despite initial promise, unfortunately lack interesting arcs and eventually feel like they are merely going through the motions. The potential of the second couple, Zhi Dai and Tanghua, is also largely wasted after a fascinating initial setup. Furthermore, the character arc of Qian Lin disappointingly plateaus, and even the pacing of the villain’s storyline feels uneven.
Overall, despite a potentially slow start and some underdeveloped supporting narratives, this drama is a worthwhile watch for its unique world-building, thought-provoking philosophical questions, and, most importantly, the compelling and mature relationship between the leads, brought to life by the exceptional performances of Liu Xue Yi and Tiffany Tang. It offers a layered viewing experience that, while it may feel like a “slice-of-life” xianxia at times with its initial mysteries and comedic moments, ultimately delivers on emotional depth and forces its characters to confront serious realities and consequences, culminating in a romance that prioritizes steadfastness and mutual understanding.
Original Network: iQiyi, Youku
Cast & Credits: Tiffany Tang, Liu Xue Yi, Cristy Guo, Wang Hong Yi, Daniel Zhou, Zhang Li
Episodes: 36
Plot: In order to retrieve Heavenly Realm’s treasure, Goddess Wu Shuang descends to earth to assassinate Yuan Zhong, the high priest of Youhu Clan. In the process, Wu Shuang discovers other secrets, and the two fall in love and join hands to save the world. In the war between gods and demons, the artifact “God’s Left Hand” that Heavenly God Taihe uses to seal the demon, is cut off and falls to Mortal Realm. Taihe and the other gods fall into an eternal slumber and Mortal Realm hasn’t had a miracle ever since.
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