Confusing at the beginning, but so emotional by the end

So, where to begin? I began watching drama after reading the manhua and the novel and, of course, needing more content :) This was also my first contact with c-dramas, so it was pretty confusing in the beginning. Tbh, if I haven't read the novel I am not sure I would be able to follow the plot at the beginning (and I am not talking about the time skip, that part was obvious, but about the whole demon hunting, cultivating world), but it geta better as it goes (or you just get used to it). What held me the most were beautiful costumes, amazing scenery and props done down to the smallest details and, I admit, the actors. I haven't seen better casting for the most of the characters for quite some time. Even those who weren't really what I imagined while reading it, compensated everything with their own charisma and being true to their characters, I ended up loving them all, even antagonists. But what left the biggest impression on me is the main actor, Xiao Zhan. This was the first time ever that living, breathing human looked better than I could have ever imagine. Not just his absolutely stunning looks, his natural behaviour, relaxed attitude, charming smile and knowing eyes, captivate me entirely, it was like he became Wei Wuxian irl. I never felt such a strong charisma befire and not again since, his own ability and efforts made every scene with him that much more powerful, whether he was playful, pridful, righteous, angry, devasted or numb, every feeling so well conveyed through plethora of face expressions and body movements. It was such a powerful performance of very complex character and it is what made me love this drama so much. The plot has been adapted from the novel in order to conform with the censorship, byt all the important points remain and the main storyline, together with it's message, is unchanged, so even though I didn't like all the changes, I liked it overall. And in the end, I have to praise the music, since this drama has the best ost I've ever heard. Beside the most beautiful love song which is the main theme, gorgeous songs for the twi main characters, ost is full with many other beautiful and note worthy song, many of which I still like to listen from time to time. I've watched this drama in September 2019, rewatched it twice and could do it again, cause each time it brings me the same feeling of fullfulment, devastation, anger, bitterness and happiness in the end.

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Not what I was hoping for

So, as a bl lover, I was left dissatisfied and disappointed by the story. Even though I understand it had to be more bromance, than romance, I felt like something was missing from the story in the sense of the relationship of the two male mcs and that left me hanging. On the other hand, the character of the wife of one of the mcs is better than I expected her to be, and I would feel guilty if something more developed between the two male mcs, so I guess this was for the better. The whole opera part of the story eluded me due to cultural differences, so I can't say I enjoyed that part. Aside from that, I have to commend the actors who did wonderful job in portaying their characters in very natural and relaxed way, I was very impressed by that. Also, as far production goes, every little scene was perfectly done down to the smallest details, so kudos for that as well. Costumes and props were beautiful and very period appropriate, which made the whole republican era very realistic and vivid. Overall, I can say that drama was very well done, with great quality and great actors, who all done great job, but the story itself left me feeling incomplete and dissatisfied, but it is very personal and subjective thing. Objectively speaking it is a good drama, but I am rating it with my subjective heart, not objective reasons.

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