I actually wasn't planning to watch this until a friend highly recommended it and I was like okay, I'll try a few eps first and see whether I like it, and if worst comes to worst, I'll just drop it (even though I hate dropping series halfway).

Well... turns out I ended up loving it, and is definitely up there as one of the best cdramas I've seen so far. The pacing for this was great - I know I've said this in other reviews before, but for fantasy dramas, it usually takes me around 10 or so eps before I become interested and the plot even becomes interesting, but right off the bat for this drama, I was pulled in.

The acting was top notch for the most part, especially for the two main leads, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. In fact, I didn't expect to, but I grew attached to almost all characters and couples on the show, which is surprising for me because usually it's one or the other. However, there were times when the misunderstandings between the characters made me want to rip my hair out from frustration (hello... episode 42 which took me forever and a half to finish) but the payoff in the end was worth it.

I didn't have many issues with this show, but maybe with the character and acting for Ruo Yu which was uh... not great and not believable. Luohou Jidu acting as Xuanji also completely took me out (as in it gave me major LOLs) and made that whole last arc maybe a bit unintentionally funny for me.

All in all, this show is definitely worth a watch, and the hype is well deserved.