When I first started watching Guardian of the Dafeng, my immediate reaction was, “What the heck is going on?” The drama is an eclectic mix of genres—modern-day elements, wuxia, xianxia, dark magic, mythical creatures, palace politics, and even a kind of cell phone system. It’s a potpourri of ideas thrown together. However, once I got the hang of it, I became hooked. The sheer craziness and humor made it an enjoyable watch. Dylan Wang is hilariously over-the-top, and even his cringiest moments are amusing.

The story follows Yang Ling, a modern real estate agent who time-travels to a fictional ancient dynasty called Dafeng. He finds himself inhabiting the body of Xu Qi’an, the nephew of a low-ranking government official. Xu Qi’an regains consciousness in prison and soon learns the dire circumstances surrounding his incarceration. His uncle, responsible for escorting government funds, has lost the money, resulting in his imprisonment and impending execution. Meanwhile, Xu Qi’an faces exile, and the female members of his family are condemned to a brothel.

Determined to change his fate, Xu Qi’an leverages his modern scientific and technological knowledge to uncover the mystery behind the missing funds. His ability to think critically and adapt to his new environment helps him navigate the challenges ahead. Additionally, his partial knowledge of ancient poetry—highly revered in that era—becomes a powerful tool in gaining recognition. His quick wit and ingenuity propel him through the ranks, ultimately leading him to become the Da Geng Ren—the Guardian—charged with protecting the kingdom from dark forces and crimes.

Xu Qi’an’s journey is akin to Forrest Gump, where misfortunes turn into opportunities, and luck seems to follow him at every turn. As he rises in status, he gains supernatural abilities, mastering dark and celestial forces, and accumulates immense wealth for his family. His adventure is wildly entertaining and filled with comedic moments.

Characters and Acting
Dylan Wang’s performance is outstanding. He effortlessly transitions from looking silly and exaggerated with pouting lips to delivering intense, piercing stares in serious moments. The entire cast, including the antagonists, is well-developed and humorous, with each character possessing distinct strengths and weaknesses.

What I Liked
One of the highlights of the drama is the way Xu Qi’an strategizes through situations. His thought process is audibly represented in thought bubbles, showing viewers the best course of action in any given moment.

The drama’s blend of the impossible and the possible, the insane and the logical, the outrageous and the acceptable, is what makes it so uniquely entertaining. I also enjoyed Xu Qi’an’s relationships—his bond with his cousin, who is righteous yet stubborn, his loyalty to his two best friends, and his dynamic with his superior, who always watches out for him.

Furthermore, Xu Qi’an’s approach to justice resonates deeply. When the proper channels fail to serve justice, he takes matters into his own hands. This aspect of the drama connects with real-world frustrations over injustice, making it even more engaging.

Final Thoughts
The ending is unexpected and somewhat abrupt. Xu Qi’an seemingly disappears, which makes sense since he originates from the future. However, at the same time, he exists as a member of the Xu family, leading to a puzzling contradiction. The identity of the mysterious figure, which remained a mystery throughout the series, is finally revealed in a surprising twist. However, the convoluted nature of the ending leaves several questions unanswered. Notably, Xu Qi’an doesn’t return to the future as Yang Ling, leaving an open-ended feeling, as if a continuation might be in the works.

Overall, Guardian of the Dafeng is a wild, entertaining ride filled with humor, action, and unexpected twists. Despite some narrative inconsistencies, it remains a highly enjoyable watch.