This is the best adaptation ive watched so far. i have watched HSDS 2009 numerous times but this version is better. it presents better story and a clear timeline. the story exceeds my expectation.
Story: i thought the story will be all the same with the previous versions or worse(like the other adaptation of JY novel like Return of the condor heroes 2006 and 2014, Legend of condor heroes 2008 and 2017) but this one present slightly different story and more logical. The beginning doesnt take too much episode before the main story. The ending is great! the war scene and the struggle that Wuji and Zhao Min face potrayed beautifully(not like HSDS 2009 which seems rather forced to end so the ending quite confusing). I also love how the director tells the love story between Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu.
Acting: at first i was rather suprised to see the older Zhang Wuji(Joseph Zeng). i thought he cant play Zhang wuji that is innocent and naive but im wrong. Joseph Zeng did a great job playing Zhang wuji and i like it a lot. Bambi Zhu playing Zhou Zhiruo was kind of expected seeing how she did a great job playing 'xuan nu' in Ten Miles of Peach Blossom which has two faced character. I like how Chen Yuqi potrayed a naughty, bossy and 'bitch attitude' Zhao Min. Her charm doesnt lose with Bambi Zhu strong character. but i'm not satisfied with how the love story between Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min went. i think i could be better. I love how the romance between Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min potrayed in HSDS 2009 by (Deng Chao playing ZhangWuji and Ady An playing Zhao Min) it was really sweet(This is what makes me watch HSDS numerous time haha). The fighting scene in this version is great but i think it was better in 2009 versions. Zhang Wuji in 2009 seems more badass by taking down all other sects' master
But overall, this version is the best so far and i would love to watch it again some other time