I'm going to say this first. Comparing Nirvana in Fire 2 to the first Nirvana in Fire drama is pretty useless because their stories are entirely different. Nirvana in Fire 2 is a story of about family, morals and loyalty while Nirvana in Fire 1 was a revenge and redemption story with lots of twists and complex palace schemes. Both dramas are great in their own way, and they both have their pros and cons. Nirvana in Fire 2 is about the story about the family of the general of the Changlin Army. The drama follows the family through the ups and downs that they face.

The cast in this drama was great. I loved the familial bonds that the Changlin family had; they loved, respected and protected each other. I loved the brotherly bond between the main character Xiao Pingjing and his older brother Xiao Pingzhang. Although they never really kissed on screen, the chemistry between Pingzhang and his wife Qianxue was beautiful (I totally shipped them). Xiao Tingsheng was a kind but strict father to both his sons.

Personally, I liked the soundtrack in Nirvana in Fire 1 more but the soundtrack in Nirvana in Fire 2 is great as well and it fit the drama.

You can watch Nirvana in Fire 2 by itself but I would recommend you watch Nirvana in Fire 1 first so you can understand the little details in Nirvana in Fire 2. I love both Nirvana in Fire 1 and Nirvana in Fire 2. I really can't say more about the story of Nirvana in Fire 2 or else I will spoil it.