Completed
Daichelle
0 people found this review helpful
May 11, 2020
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
It took 2-3 attempts before I actually watched the drama. At first it wasn't my cup of tea. If it wasn't for Zu Kai and boredom. I probably would have dropped it.

it takes jabs at everything and most times you get confused and lost but then it pulls you back in.

There really isn't any significant arc, its a light story about growth and friendship and itsy bitsy about love. Nonetheless its funny and entertaining.

One thing is for sure, Xu Kai's amber eyes can draw you in. That is probably enough to make you watch the drama.
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Completed
wintersweet
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 5, 2024
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

mostly goofy fun with some heartfelt moments, but then it just ... stops

Honestly, I can't forgive it for just stopping so abruptly at the end. I admit that's affected by watching it in 2024 when it seems pretty clear that there will never be a second season. (I guess I'll be visiting AO3 for some resolution.)

It's mostly a silly show with a lot of meta-humor. If you don't enjoy the gaming jokes, trope references, and so on, it won't be your thing. I know there were a lot of jokes I didn't catch, but there were still plenty that I did, and a few times I was howling with laughter. There were some cringey jokes at the expense of some of the characters that I didn't love.

It has some surprisingly effective emotional subplots and relationships! Don't expect them all to have happy endings because it's a goofy comedy, though. There might have been a few tears shed in the audience at my house. Unfortunately the subplot I was most invested in is one that would only have been resolved with a second season, so. (muffled screaming)

I think the cast did a good job with their characters. It's broad comedy, no need to be super subtle about it. Part of the joke, I think, is that some characters know they're in a wuxia novel/game/show and some...do not.

The thing that drove up me up the wall the most (other than the final episode!) was actually the costuming. It's like their budget was distributed randomly. There are some great and totally OK costumes! But also there are a truly couple of the worst costumes ever (see Wang Wu's lavender single-cold-shoulder dress, which fits absolutely no part of her body--I could do better in 5 minutes on Shein). And there's just a lot of visible poor quality.

I could see the raw edges of materials more than once. I'm pretty certain multiple characters are wearing a visible underlayer with their robes that's just some loose tulle or cheap chiffon wrapped around their necks and tucked under, not even flattened/stitched down. It looks terrible! A lot of the hair accessories and other things look like I made them from the jewelry findings section of Joann's. I imagine the costuming staff were doing the best with what they had but wow, I feel bad for the time and/or money crunch that forced them into those choices!

(Maybe this is normal for lower-budget shows. I've only seen a handful of post-2010 shows and the others must have all had bigger budgets.)

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Completed
Mema sam
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 9, 2021
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

It's a light drama

The drama is not a serious one. Most of the time comedic.You can give it a try if you like rom-com. I gave it a try because of xu kai.
But i found it interesting .
If yau want to drop at least watch two episodes before dropping. It got me some time to get into the phase of this drama.
Since the show is comedic acting is ok. But i don't say it's excellent .
Plot wise it has a kind a deep plot but made it light hearted by inserting several laughable parts.
Music did not get my attention . This is good if you really don't have anything to watch..I might not watch it again.

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Completed
PriscillaW
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 22, 2020
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

It throws you off but pulls you back in

The quirkiness and a bit of confusion in the beginning can throw you off. So I just focused on the actors/characters that immediately caught my eye... Xu Kai, Gao Yu Er and Zhu Yuan Bing were the ones. Though, I must admit my focus ended up being on XiaoHai/Hai Yun Fan (played by Zhu Yuan Bing) for the majority of it and his buddy, Wang Lu (played by Xu Kai). As their characters grew together by facing hardships, dealing with love interests, and doing ridiculous/silly things together, you got to feel that closeness through them as well. Even though there were some areas of the story/script seemed rushed or choppy, there were others that got you through and were just too funny! There are especially a lot references to or mentioning of things specific to the Naruto series (Pokemon too - was there another series it resembled?), and I did enjoy it. Seeing them form a boy band, haha, priceless! XiaoHai being a spiritual pet... oh my heart! Haha, he can be mine any day! So cutting through the confusion, there's quality, feels with suspense, action, drama, friendship/comradery, cuteness and a lot of fun to be enjoyed. I do hope for a season 2 with stronger story content, and more on XiaoHai!! :)

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Completed
timotey
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 29, 2022
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
I started watching it and then dropped it once, many moons ago. But this time when I tried it, it gripped me so fast I couldn't believe it. Hm, I guess you really need to be in the right mood for this one.

And, holy smokes, was I in the right mood this time. I admit, there're several dull moments around the middle but overall? It's ah-mazing! Especially the relationship between Wang Lu and Hai Yunfan. And I say a relationship and not a friendship for a good reason. Because if them two were just best friends, I will eat my hat. Because Wang Lu and Hai Yunfan went through a good half of your usual het romance tropes together, incl. falling down onto each other, taking a bath together, fake betrayals...

And then their last scene together, when Hai Yunfan decided to leave because, paraphrasing here, "You go through cultivation out of love, to save people. I do it out of hate, to get revenge. If I stay with you, I know it will make me vulnerable and weak and it will change me and that's why I need to go. But one day, when I do get my revenge, I will come back and find you." And then - the most epic of all hugs and Wang Lu remembering all their adventures together, crying.

Wow . I mean, the main het romance here felt like an afterthought, I mean Wang Lu didn't go all out with Wang Wu till Hai Yunfan left him. And though I had no doubt that Wang Lu and Wang Wu liked each other a lot, Wang Wu's heart still belonged to Ouyang Shang and Wang Lu couldn't get Hai Yunfan out of his head. The fact that their fighting styles - Wang Wu & Ouyang Shang's and Wang Lu & Hai Yunfan's - mirrored each other was, well, pretty telling.

But then the twist with the Sky Demon King at the end! And no season 2... Pah, humbug :(

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Completed
Mstwinser
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 12, 2021
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Xinxia drama that makes me laughing so hard

Binge watch it on 5 days and it worth the time. I don't expect too much but it's satisfying me eventually.
I have watched many wuxia and xinxia drama but rarely have comic relief scene, even in very first episode - it's successfully makes me burst out laughing like reference to 'Naruto' nine tail fox and F4 from Meteor Garden.
I found the most hilarious scene that remind me of Stephen Chow's comedic scene "Bao Bao ?" hahaha.
Though most of episode had funny scenes, the main story itself is really good !
Wait until the end....the biggest plot twist is there ! tho i still can figure this out in early episode :D.
What makes me little bit disappointed - i don't like the romance relationship between Wang Lu and Wang Wu.
From ep 1~36 we have watched teacher and disciple behave silly together , it's kinda weird to see them as a couple in the end.
Music? overall is good. There is one part (fighting scene) that sound like anime backsound :D *it's fine, i like it.
Acting ? everyone seems doing their job well -especially Sandrine aka Wang Wu. I never imagine beautiful lady can make lots of funny expression face XD. Xu Kai ? well he is the reason i watch this drama :p of course his acting is good.
Rewatch ? i think i'll rewatch it in some comedic parts only that entertain me so much.
Finally...i really wish there will be a sequel about fight between Wang Lu vs Hai Yun Fan as demon king.

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Completed
PeachBae
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 29, 2021
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.5

Is it just me or is this show really not as popular as it should be?

At first I avoided this one because of some reviews but thankfully i came back to it.
Let's start with how funny this show was. There were times when i couldn't catch my breath laughing. Many people think there are lame jokes but i liked them. The comic relief of this drama was really amazing. Well it gave off real bl vibes and comedy upto episode 17 after which it started changing to a serious crime mystery kinda plot. The comedy and bl part were toned down a lot but there were still lots of scenes that gave a good laugh. Also this show had a way of turning things around by 180 degree staright. There was more bromance than romance but it was still good.
About the fl, i loved her eccentric character and i got nothing to say about her acting because i think she fit the role of being an age old teacher. Xu kai was amazing as usual (and yeah i love him) and i loved his intelligent character too. The other important characters were mostly complex.
The music was okay, effects and cgi was okay, costumes sure were of different style from other shows of this genre.
And that ending dance god XD. I am gonna wait for the 2nd season, coz this wasn't over yet.
Overall i liked it a lot. And i might rewatch it again.

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Completed
Icelina Argent Silver
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 23, 2021
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

So is Xu Kai's performance good or not?????

This drama may not be for everyone. This is a cute, funny drama based in the future. Remember its in the 4000's not the 2000's so yes tho its based on historical terms, if you pay attention, most of the terms or phrases they use in this drama is modern. I love this drama just because of the humor, fantasy and the slow romance. This is my first drama with foreigners included. If you look at the cast list there is more than one foreigner. Its kinda exciting. Though many part of the drama was either too slow or wasn't explained enough, I guarantee this show is at least 65% worth watching . I especially loved Xu Kai's (Wan Lu) performance. I've watched his other drama "The legend" twice and I loved his performance there. His acting in this drama was a total turn around and I could see his acting skills. In many dramas actors tend to act the same in all of their dramas, that you can compare with them. But in this drama Xu Kai's role was so loose, conceited, playful, flirty and mischievous. Another challenge was that he and Sandrine Pinna (Wan Wu) had to match some of their acting. Like their behavior and the way they talked and their attitude. If you watch the drama, you see that Wan Wu and Wan Lu both love money, are mischievous, outcasts in their sects and loooove to seek trouble. That can be a tricky skill when it comes to acting. So i applaud these two for their fantastic acting. My favorite bit was Hai Yunfan. From the beginning he had a suspicious vibe around him. And my suspicous was proven in the last episode. You should watch it to know. I won' t spoil. Yeah some people may not like this drama because there are some points in this drama where the details don' t add up with the historical genre, but remember what year is it; Its year 4223. I hope the rest of you can enjoy this drama as well. Also there has been no confirmation that there will be a Season 2 so don' t go listening to rumors. But if you watch the whole drama, you can probably predict within your own self if there will be a season 2. Thank you for being my first audiences to my FIRST REVIEW EVERRRRR!!!!! :)

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Completed
OSOUVERAINE
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 29, 2020
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Great parodic and moquery moments make this drama a "must watch" one !

This is quite a good drama where you can find a very interesting plot with mystery, derision, love, brotherhood, demons, and everything you are looking for in a fantasy costume drama.
The different plots are never boring and we laugh all way through mainly because of the main characters themselves, the way they are or let's say the way they want us to think they are... Xu Kai and Sandrine Pinna are terrific and show good chemistry. Xu Kai is so cute and sincere in emotional scenes. Xu Kai and Ryan Zhu are very sweet together and act perfectly.
What else ? Very good dialogues, the OST is phenomenal (maybe not the opening theme...), nice sceneries, good visual effects and good rhythm all way through.
A drama that makes you feel good, don't hesitate to watch it if you are looking for fun, good actors and different interesting plots.
Hope for season 2.

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Completed
Yuze
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2024
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

An honest review

It was good. It was very funny , my favorite is xiao liuli she is so cute and funny. BUT I like the dramas where they are powerful and this one isn’t, xu kais character was smart and funny but he was weak. And the ending … I so knew it was xiao haiii but then leaving us with a cliffhanger like that and with no season 2 coming is not good.
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Completed
dengyideng
0 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2023
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10

Fun to watch

A little camp, a little satire, but overall fun. One of the few dramas that I re-watched only a month after my first watch to cheer myself up and it definitely did the job. Good performances by everyone - some play it pretty broad and slapstick and others go for a little more subtle. Was pleasantly surprised by Xu Kai, I think this was the first drama I watched him in and he can be a little uneven acting-wise, but this suited him well. If they had skipped the teacher/student romance angle I think it would have been even better - that's the only bit that felt forced and neither hilariously funny nor sweetly touching, but that's partially my personal preference.

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Completed
Rainelogan21
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 6, 2021
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

this drama was a lot of fun

it was whacky, funny, gay as get out and seemed to be taking the p**s out of everything from religion to the drama itself.

it did drag in parts but few dramas don't. Xu Kai's acting range is really good and top notch. i think he made this series and will be on the lookout for more of his work.

if you're looking for a laugh and something light; this drama ticks those boxes. furthermore it did have a conclusive ending; it can be a bit of a crap-shoot finding those these days. it's been a while since i've regretted coming to the end of a series and missed the characters. i really hope to see more dramas like this that don't take themselves too seriously.

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Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain (2019) poster

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