Unexpected Cute Xian Xia with ... Probable Plot Crash Ahead - Back From the Brink [CC]

[@AvenueX123]

And it kind of crashed for real, so now let's see if it can.... reincarnate before it ends? lol, I'm asking a friend of mine to watch it FOR ME, I told her until the male second is out of the picture, I'm not clicking back on the drama page~

[@angelxxsin]

oh no oops. You prediction is coming true.

[@sashawang5242]

SML chasing after FL, but there are a lot of fun and hilarious scenes🤣 I prefer him as CP fan, but I can't say it's ruined drama

[@onceinamemory]

Haha good to know im not the only disappointed one! The author really butchered this story with the drama re-write that watered down the brains and rs of both main leads. Sad. Totally destroyed. Waited so long for the drama only to see this kind of crashing just made me so upset i went to read the novel again. There is NO 2nd male lead in the novel and it focuses on just both MLs rs without all this stupid extra try-too-hard nonsense.

[@melodiemclellan5245]

Well, here we are having breakfast together and sharing tea again. I agree that second male lead is a catalyst to big mess, and I hope the show doesn't turn into a rotting compost heap of decent story telling. The charm of this show is quirky and unique (Gramma!) I don't know anything else except 'The Princess Bride' that is so marinated in charm.

[@Xettefication]

I just finished Ep 20 and based on trailers, 2ML should be out of the running by Ep 23. Agreed that Ep 18-20 have been a bit of a slog. The misunderstanding is a bit annoying but looks like it’s resolving quickly.

[@nhaan4178]

Our standard is so low that we only need good logic 😂😂😂

[@gennie591]

😅😅 or may be the standard is not so high to enjoy Youku dramas. Possible,isn't it ? Too bad for Iqiyi. Atleast air the drama so that others can watch & review. Youku alteast is airing dramas as per schedule 😊

[@ChongLorVidz]

The most important thing for me is....the absence of an annoying non-logical decision making female. I appreciated it very much, yan hui was very smart with all her decisions and realistic.

[@auntjade5354]

Avenue X's review/comment came out 9 days ago. I didn't think the drama series has crashed or going to crash. Actually the script writings seemed to have turned around somewhat. First the annoying 2nd ML had turned around and became adorable again. He actually helped and saved the lives of the ML & FL (not spoilers because we paid members had already watched Episode 30 as of today (3/4 of the drama series had officially been released already) And then we big fans of the ML & FL would be very happy because they had returned to their loving relationships again and there were so many romantic and sweet scenes released or to come. Also it appeared to me that they had picked up a lot of viewers (or returning ones) at the international platform (I don't know about the local networks in Mainland China because I have no access to the information) and their popularity seemed to have increased muchly. Today I have learned that this drama series have passed the 10,000 point, so happy for them....

[@franchellemarshman4867]

Lolol...I do agree with you about the scene you mentioned. At that point he would have told her. I'm so glad you said that. And no. They didn't have a lot of money for costuming but I actually LIKE the costumes. Instead of expensivd materials whoever designed them used texture and color. They used beaded macrame for gauntlets for the female lead. large sequins on the male lead to remind you of scales. They used ombre. Weaving materials like ribbon into the costume. There is a black costume that the male lead wears that is heavily beaded, but it just adds to his aura of majesty rather thsn making him seem like he's "sparkling" that's because all the beading is black. I like the hair pieces of both men and women. Subtle but besutiful. I do agree with you about the second lead. Not enough explanation at all as to why he fell in love. They made the mistake of using the same special effect they had before to show you he had fallen in love and I thought someone had bespelled him and he would be ok in a bit. Lolol i'm still hoping for that actually...

[@karenoshea8214]

I am enjoying it. At episode 26 now. I like that Yan Hua did not instantly forgive the Dragon. The trauma of him killing her was real. He has to earn back her trust and also face he did things wrong. Even if for a good reason. I am enjoying this series.

[@amandatinnin1506]

This drama feels like a whimsical Sci-Fi, a cross between Thor: Ragnorak, Novoland: Castle in the Sky, and Pokemon - gotta catch 'em all. I like that I can watch it for fan and not get obsessed. It's unexpectedly good I'd say and both leads are lovely.

[@missykim9136]

That is a very serious description 😄

[@amandatinnin1506]

@@missykim9136 it fit eps 1-15; now 😭

[@Oo2k10]

This was a perfect palette cleanser after watching till the en of the moon.

[@gennie591]

Too delusional to think that some jealous comments will affect a master success like TTEOM. On the contrary TTEOM cleansed the cdrama landscape ,those who are affected & going to get affected because of thier mediocre dramas in store are behind this rant. Anyways Love over hate anyday ❤ Absolutely delighted with TTEOM success ❤

[@maimee2angel]

I’m watching this drama and really enjoy it so far. It has the right amount of warm, romantic and comedy. I won’t be too hard on Tianyao on episode 16. He’s at that moment blinded by anger and hatred. About 2nd male lead I understand where everyone opinion come from. I was surprised too but I’m still hoping it’s going to resolve well.

[@ToTheDark_]

I love Hu Xin and there is no point in comparing it to any other drama. I especially agree with that unreasonable, all of a sudden affection by the 2nd ML. Like that affected me, but it's okay to push the plot And, the most important. I literally danced on my bed when Tianyao gave her the reason for why she should not choose that rich boy. It's like a part of him sympathizes with that man because he had been used in the name of love too and he understands that feeling. Overall I really really like how this drama is going and yes, the spirits are cute 🥰 ❤❤

[@MissMaiaa]

Funny you brought up the point that it’s nice to have regular characters who aren’t some type of god or royalty. I agree. It’s definitely an overdone character trope. By the way, you look really nice with your hair up like that 🙂

[@eerye70]

I am really glad you reviewed this drama and i agree with everything you said. I mean, i am enjoying it. There isn't the annoying female who is in love with the dragon, but can't get the dragon therefore she is sabotaging the female lead and the ml is an idiot and buying it. and it doesn't have the all powerful master who is actually evil and does everything possible to kill the girl. i really appreciate that. I found the second love story to be weird and i think it is funny how the FL seems to feel the same way we do. Second ML did everything to get them together and she is really sticking to that. it is refreshing. i am not frustrated with this series and speeding forward all the time.

[@elizabethlee1017]

I found this Drama cute too. The female is cute to watch. The storyline is interesting too with lots humor. Fun to watch

[@storona3999]

What I also love about this drama is that romance and falling in love/finding a partner wasn’t the goal, if anything MLs were actively avoiding it! Even before she learned she was under a love spell, she was like “yeah, I love you, but no, I don’t want that!”

[@EloiseInParis]

I actually thought the twist fit his character. He was caught up in trauma. The very thing she just told him wasn't his fault happened again. And then she appears. He didn't think he reacted. Knowing it would hurt but not kill her, and when he came to his senses she was gone. I also liked her reaction to the events especially after she knew the whole truth. I agree with the second male lead suddenly liking her. She's cute and fun, but he had no interest in her at all and then goes to see the evil dude controlling him and comes back in love. It's dumb. And he still could've protected her as a friend/brother figure.

[@phyllisjen6578]

First 15 EPs pretty good. Quite funny and no cheesy nonsense. Very refreshing take to xianxia drama.

[@panamakira]

I'm enjoying this drama too. It's lighthearted enough and I like all the characters so far. It feels a lot lower stakes than the "previous drama" and I hope it ends better too lol

[@kimmyw0322]

I dont know, i didnt really find it weird that the 2nd ML started randomly liking the FL 🤣 maybe because his character is already weird so I'm not surprised from his random actions haha. he suffered from past trauma of being abandoned so when the FL cane to save him, he saw a new light so got attached to her. So far, i am very much enjoying this drama. I think it's an interesting plot and cute like the points you've made. Nothing was cheesy or cringey.

[@nicoleraheem1195]

I'm not surprised either. He has abandonment Issues and sometimes people who have abandonment issues and live a lonely life cling to the first sign of affection. He doesn't have his true body, and she was the ONLY one who knew how to find him by understanding him and not judging him. Who wouldn't fall for her ?

[@anata110]

I like the story in the original novel more than the adaptation of the drama, especially the FL character.

[@gingermintrose]

I love this Xian Xia. I love the Millinial Dragon King, Tian Yeo. There is something about him that makes my heart sing.hehehe

[@angelxxsin]

Neo Hou's face? That's basically what's making a lot of people stick with it.

[@TherealKhena]

@@angelxxsinlol! It truly is! I’m also guilt for that reason! 😂😂

[@ugonnechikezie835]

The only problem I have had with this drama so far was when they were in Yongzhou and she had a very rich guy in love with her, but rather than asking him to find a doctor that could help her heart defect she asked for money. I was flabbergasted, truly. However, I am on ep 20 and I could not even make it to episode 5 of TTEOTM, I even bought a Youku subscription n to watch, if that tells anyone how much I am enjoying this, I don't mind the 2ML because it is so obvious that he is no competition for the ML and the FL does not like him in that way at all. I still think it has a better plot than a lot of xianxia dramas especially coming from Youku

[@auntjade5354]

Yes, it's not a perfect drama series script but then what the hack, I would still stick to the end because I like the ML & FL so much. They made an impressive on-screen couple with their magical chemistry together. Just looked at the way the ML looked at the FL. I believed he really liked her in person (at least during the filming period and even nowadays when they were doing all the promotional stuff)..... lol... (just like Dylan Wang and Esther Yu at their last very popular drama series....lol)

[@mayestorque-vailoces9433]

I watched this and there's a lot twist and turns. It's a rollercoaster ride.

[@LeviAkerman-pf3qj]

I am sold into this drama , the plot looks promising, I love the actress , she is really talented. I also love actor after watching "I'm nobody" , their chemistry is good and even off screen they are really funny.

[@moonmissy]

I really enjoyed HuXin so far, it's not making as much sense in last few episodes from 16 onwards but still holding it together with the cuteness and actors doing a fine job. It's just pure light hearted entertainment that makes some sense without being pretentious.

[@auntjade5354]

Absolutely agreed....

[@teezeinoun8070]

The snake fighting scene in ep 1 is so unhinged 😂 i love this drama

[@alfonsinaobonomutuynchama7979]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@auntjade5354]

me2

[@plor3573]

Loved this drama. Strong FL and ML with compassion and understanding.

[@c3lros]

I still continued watching this cuz I think the new characters from the nine tail fox clan kinda interesting. And i think there's another CP between the prince from the fox clan with the illusion demon girl. They're so funny specially when they're arguing 😂😂😂

[@LinDana-m6h]

Stumbled into this 3 weeks ago.very cute and watchable, plotholes notwithstanding. Very nice couples, the main one, the normal one, the spirit one. Females not looking like carps! Lone male second toooo pretty! CUTE ALARM : the baby dragon, kudos to Neo Hou for pulling that one off! He has got tons of natural charm and charisma, we had never heard of him before.also great the FL! Attractive, no head like a duck egg and no carp button hole mouth! Thanks.

[@tonydeluna8095]

Man Avenue X keeps looking very beautiful in every video! So exquisite

[@vespertyne2169]

I am up to episode 17, and while I agree that the 2nd ML’s “love” seemed to come out of nowhere, and is annoying, I do think the way it was set up makes perfect sense. He is coming out of a hallucinatory spell in which he is reliving his traumatic childhood experience of being vilified by his entire village, and abandoned by his heartless mother, who cruelly tricked him into playing a game where he was left waiting for her in the forest, while she ran away with no intention of ever coming back for him. Poor baby!😢 And when the spell is broken by FL, he opens his eyes to see a smiling woman who “finds” him, which is like a happy alternative outcome of his his sad childhood memory; in this version, he is not abandoned. It’s still annoying, though, to have a sudden “love triangle” set up pop up after we’re used to 2nd ML being a major shipper of our adorable lead couple. But I think of it as a type of post-hallucination Oedipal fixation, which should resolve itself without too much real pain to our cute-but-ethically-compromised 2nd lead. This drama is, indeed, unexpectedly charming, and quite funny. I love the playful humor it’s using to tell the story of these two fated lovers! It worries me, though, to read that the author of the novel, who is involved in the screenplay, tends to tank screen adaptations of her novels. 😢There is already an inherent issue that is obviously present from the start, which is that the FL requires the dragon’s heart scale to live, and the ML needs his heart scale to complete his body’s restoration and to resume his full power, which he needs to protect himself and the elves and other creatures from the humans and taoist sects. The two leads are adorable, as are the supporting characters. The ML is new to me, but he’s gorgeous on screen, and I think he makes a stunning and very credible dragon! The message of hatred for and discrimination against those who are different is a classic theme, and this drama is using it in a charming manner that I find delightful. Keeping my fingers crossed that the show maintains its current level of charm and humor, and has a satisfying (happy) ending!

[@auntjade5354]

My sticking around was also the ML & FL had this magical chemistry together to create this wonderful cp pair. Oh, the way he looked at her made me believed that he really her in person (at least when they were filming this drama series one and half years ago and until nowadays when they were doing all kinds of promotional stufff)....lol Don't worry, they would have a happy ending and not those open-end stuff which I dislike.... lol

[@lydiafel9566]

I absolutely loved this series. There haven't been many Chinese dramas that have touched me in a long while. As with most Cdramas this one could have been more compact, but I watched every episode, which is saying a lot, because with many cdramas I end up skipping or fastforwarding quite a bit. I loved that the characters that were good, stayed pretty much good and the evil ones were evil. I'm a bit weary of the overcomplicated plots and this light and heartwarming series was just what I needed. I loved the actors, they managed to draw me in and even if there were some faults in the production it didn't bother me too much. Watching this left me with a good lingering feeling.

[@dassah6934]

This drama had me hooked couldn't get my eyes off

[@pattybranchess6655]

Thanks for this review. Your last good point about the drama at 9:00 is the exact thing I've been wanting to watch =) It is a great excuse to give it a chance.

[@estheryang9904]

Back from the brink is the second xian xia drama i get into so much after the starry love in 2023 . I dropped TTEOTM before 20 ep lol . For me back from the brink is much more better than TTEOTM eventhough i like bai lu

[@patotinaaah7447]

*Weirdly Cute* is spot on!

[@hppyprcptte6346]

I''ve been waiting your review about this drama. What I like the most about this drama is the child actors playing the fairy living in the male lead's mountain

[@Mushroom_moon_stirfry]

Yea the stabbing made no sense at all. He would def take like 2 minutes to tell her and she would 100% sacrifice herself

[@CrysJReed]

I’m enjoying the drama for its simplicity but I wish they would have forego the second ML falling for her. He could have cared and wanted to protect her for a friend standpoint. I also agree that the rationality of Tianyao not telling her before he needed to get the scale out of her heart wasn’t done well. So many other ways they could have spun that but we know how this works, they need it for dramatic effect.

[@ToTheDark_]

I was waiting for your review actually!

[@maskyVODs]

I agree with everything you've said! Around episode 15 it started making me worried, and I even think the whole triangle with the 2nd ML could have been interesting if it was built up properly or had better reasons for happening, but it felt really jarring. I also think the antagonist made things a bit more of a slog for me and usually watched those scenes on 2x cause I really don't think her motivations were in proportion to how she acted lol but I haven't chased a drama in years until this one so I feel like I'm in for the ride until the end at this point, so I can only hope it can make a comeback or at least be entertaining while going down lol

[@RoseNZieg]

the sunflower spirits are so cute

[@wishfulkelly3669]

Agree with your review. This xianxia is refreshing for me too, it’s very human and normal and relatable. I understand that this review was made based on the first half of the drama. I enjoyed the CP and supporting characters very much. Unfortunately, as what you said, it did crashed towards the end. I am a bit disappointed because it has a very typical xianxia ending. The female lead has developed very unworldly power to defeat the villain, and like all xianxia ending, someone has to sacrifice to save the world. And a typical happy xianxia ending, the person who sacrificed will magically reappear and reunite with their other half with no explanation. Like they just throw the ‘happy ending’ at your face. But I love the CP a lot, so it’s still a good watch for me.

[@RabidBunny420]

The ending was good! Worth the watch ❤

[@laurah7337]

The casting in this was to notch and the initial plot was interesting, but it did become tropey. That said I'm totally invested, and I especially like how the leading characters' relationship developed. Even the side couple too.🥰

[@auntjade5354]

I will stick to the end no matter what because I loved the ML & FL. Their on-screen chemistry was so strong that they created a magical cp pair. Just love them....

[@sereni5]

7:00 = I like so much, dear AvenueX, this part of your reasoning about this drama. It fit to my value and passion, it is a really good point to regard this drama as remarkable... The production of dramas in China is huge (even if its populuation is over billions) and quite abnormally growing, so that of course a lot of them have no really committed ideal, no value to be shared, no other reason to be produced than for the only sake of "entertain" people... that is so very sad... If this drama, as you pointed out, has instead "human values" to show and share with us, reasonable human reactions, logic developing, I welcome it with great happyness and hope...

[@francisnopantses1108]

Well said, I cosign all of your judgements on this series so far.

[@fresia8888]

Don't quit because of the stab, the miscommunication is very short.....it get clears up but i think her having PTSD with him it's also reasonable.

[@nitaa6748]

I am not sure why it needs to be 40 episodes. Can they make it sweet and short? I am still liking it but not sure what is there to tell with that many episodes.

[@rlmccalpin]

Just started watching this drama and I already agree with your comments. I have skimmed through some of it hoping it would get better. I haven't decided if I will finish it.

[@hsingholee1058]

I thought the series was pretty entertaining. Decent scripts and very cute couple. I watched it to see beautiful kids on screen and I got that. Satisfied.

[@owl6218]

the sacrifice, submission to destiny, or taking control of it, the 500 years later reunion are what make xianxia be itself. I like all those things. if you were thinking this one does not have it, just wait .....🙃

[@melonseeds1988]

Might check this out. It's really rare to have dramas especially the xianxias that has a "realistic human actions or right logic and decisions". More often than not, I face palm whenever there's an incoherent, illogical and absurd scenes where the drama justifies that it is NEEDED for the plot to progress lol

[@tifaalmeida4884]

I'm gonna need you to name and shame the comparisons from minute 4 🤣🤣🤣

[@aleksandrasucur8615]

Your review is correct, although we've got some hints the 2nd ML was developing feelings towards the FL, maybe there were few more scenes of tormenting himself between the shipping her with the 1st lead and taking her over from him, but those scenes were cut in post-pro. The plot is simple, reasonable, it makes sense the 2nd ML at a certain point, falls for her, too, (since she saved him in the Ghost Forest). What we miss in the plot is the reason why her Master ousted her from the Taoist sect. The "political" conflict between taoist cultivators and spirits is cristal clear, but it appears to be originated from the "evil woman's" personal obsession, it didn't start as a "racial-differential" conflict, it was personal. so why would a Grandmaster like her master comply with that logics and oust his disciple for it? Just to run after her when sensed she was in trouble? Too little hints here, so, I do not fear the plot will crash on ML & FL split - they will naturally re-unite soon, because they are THE couple destined to obtain the Book of 9-tailed fox clan - but when we finally discover the Taoist Master's "reasons". That part may suck at logics... 🤥

[@dustrose8101]

It was a racial-differential type conflict in the novel, specifically the war propaganda type variant. In the drama they seem to have tried incorporating systemic discrimination elements into it with the whole "spirit familiar" system and how its open to abuse but imo they don't really delve deep enough into it now being systemic discrimination to justify it.

[@aleksandrasucur8615]

@@dustrose8101tnx for the explanation, I don't know Mandarin, I didn't know how the backround environment was built up in the novel. But what you've said additionally increases my fear that the "plot crash", if it occurs, it will happen on this issue (connected with the FL Master), not with the 2nd lead having love interest for the FL, because this interest works fine till this point, even if we don't see perfectly how this interest developed in the 2nd ML

[@onceinamemory]

I love the novel very much because of Yan Hui’s character in the novel and how her relationship with Tian Yao developed. It is very mature and logical, 三观很正. It’s really one of the best xianxia I’ve read. But the drama plot at this point is just too cliche, stupid and forced when compared to the novel. Almost like how the author tried too hard to make the story “drama epic to compete with other dramas” rather than believing in her original work. So to me, she has crashed this drama as compared to the novel though I agree with you that the filming, casting and all are great. Just that the plot as compared to the novel is a far cry and tries too hard.

[@ayagokenyam1345]

The novel is adapted meaning. The author sold her copywrite of the novel to the drama crew. And they brought in other scriptwriters to turn the novel into a script. So there will be changes. And because author sold it, she doesn't have the ability to stop it. Unless she is also part of the scriptwriting crew or asked to be part of the production and let her have a say in it.

[@warihtonidah3709]

@@ayagokenyam1345 the author is part of drama writter.

[@ayagokenyam1345]

@warih tonidah oh I thought she just sold the copywrite. Cause most authors don't have the ability to write scripts. So they always sell it to drama crews and have other scriptwriters adapt it.

[@maimee2angel]

Without spoiler I just want to know : so the story is not exactly like the novel?

[@onceinamemory]

Yea the story is totally diff from the novel.

[@colonyofcellsiamamachine6175]

it is rom com xianxia and it is pretty funny. The animated creatures yokai looks ok to me. Gods can be viewed as a type of yokai but creatures yokai are closer to the daily experience of commoners, which is why this drama is set mainly in a city. In chinese mythology there are plenty of city and town creatures yokai. In chinese mythology, taoist gods live in mountains so this drama does not have heaven and just some taoists practicing to become gods in mountains. Starting from ep 17, the drama started to rely more on the usual tropes in order to have more episodes. If newer dramas are better, will just jump to newer dramas.

[@desdemona76]

I have to say, there was a negligible killing right after the dragon king unexpected reaction, I think that was a reasonable justification for his action. I mean, I have friends who make much less logical decisions in real life just because of mercury retrograde...

[@auntjade5354]

agreed

[@pukka86]

You might want to leave us with the plot crash. I like it like that!

[@megumim6795]

coherent with Youku aesthetics ... Can't stop laughing

[@merinc3503]

Unfortunately iqiyi is not able to match youku & it's success. So now badmouthing youku dramas since they are doing so well.

[@Rosie-vy4nl]

Im honestly really enjoying this quirky drama! Eps 17-21 were a bit questionable. But it picked up after that. Currently on ep 29

[@QueenXKnit]

Love it ❤ Just a cute wuxia with enteacing characters!

[@megumim6795]

On the one hand, the dragon king was devastated enough to do that, and on the other hand... he already did something like that to her and he was forgiven? and he was kinda arrogant enough to think it was ok. Later, even tho she did understand why he did that, still, she was pretty much traumatized by his actions.

[@TherealKhena]

I think that’s what set up the plot for the trial in the later episodes. Because she went through the same trauma he did she was able to make her final decision by overcoming it. The ML also was able to let go of what was holding him back from loving the FL.

[@bonitaberger3112]

I actually agree with everything you've said.

[@dorapoch]

Really enjoying this drama again, been a while so I'm happy with it. Haven't gotten to the problem you are saying yet but will soon. I hope this drama will resolve itself and gets back to being a fun watch. I mean, there's 40 episodes.

[@robertabust]

I like this drama so far 😊

[@auntjade5354]

me2

[@rocioquintero6067]

De verdad me sorprendi con el drama de Regreso del margen, a diferencia de Hasta el fin de la luna, es muy fresca la historia y facil de ver, es amigable, no tiene tanto drama, no escupen tanta sangre 😅 en cada escena, espero que la historia siga un buen curso.

[@taiwo3136]

Who can forget Zhao Yao? 😭 It was such an amazing drama until about the 50% point. I remember watching it to the end with such disappointment. And that ending!! 😭😭😭😭 Anyway, I hope this one is much much better

[@owl6218]

the shadow creature is under very, very difficult circumstances. that is a good enough reason for him to seek a partner. in his bleak like, the young lady lead is the only loving presence. what other reasons do you need. at that point, the lady (what's her character called?) is running scared of the dragon

[@jengeron4758]

I was waiting for this POV. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bonitaberger3112]

Well neo hou is pretty hot and i am fond of riley wang and maggie chen so fingers crossed this drama doesn't fizzle

[@evelin9937]

Me tiene muy entretenida, como Starry Love.....esperemos no lo arruinen. Saludos, desde Buenos Aires.

[@KiaNgan-ni9ud]

I started watching this but stopped after 7. I'm waiting for this review 😂😂😂

[@sujita8020]

Ikr.. they completely changed the story from the novel..It was tianyao's character falling first in the novel but in the drama it's yanhui...

[@TherealKhena]

Actually Tianyao was starting to fall for her first, he just kept denying it because of his traumatic memories. The only reason Fl fell first was because of the poison. But I honestly think they had feelings for each other since the village they first got married. They just didn’t know it lol!

[@cindymckinney2895]

I’m enjoying this drama quite a bit. It won’t win any awards. And I’ll probably never re-watch it. But it’s a fun diversion. It doesn’t make me want to binge it. So an episode every other day or so is a nice pace. I’m about 2/3rds of the way through and plan to finish it. The characters are reasonably interesting, and I’ve developed a liking for the female MC. And some of the other female characters. They are neither bitches nor flakes nor perfect cutouts. I’m interested in seeing how it all ends.

[@lumgailupanmei5536]

I kept waiting for your review 😂

[@TheTravelingCamellia]

I have just hit episode 20 and I can see why you were so wary. & I really really hate that the 2nd ML went from their biggest cheerleader to crushing on her. It's SO annoying & he could have had the spitfire relationship with the Phantom girl but.... I'm sticking with it though. I like that this genre is starting to veer away from the way it's been stagnating.

[@nicoleraheem1195]

Can you do a video of your TOP 2023/2022/2021 dramas?

[@PallasPersephone]

Ohhhhh nooooo....I was mildly interested in this drama right up until the point you said "If you remember what happened in Zhao Yao." I was SUPER into Zhao Yao right up until the point the characters stopped...being themselves then DOUBLY so with that trash-fire ending that ruined everything. Now I can't watch this one for fear the same thing might happen!

[@mfebronie7639]

Interesting thumb nail 😂

[@TheTravelingCamellia]

I noticed the inconsistency in the characters when the writers wanted to move the plot through an arc or whatever direction with the whole "fighting arena" arc. She's smart as a whip but to make this happen it's like they made her brain fall out of her head. & I hate that commenters on V*ki called her 'dumb' because she's not they just wrote her airheaded for those few scenes & it drove me nuts. lol

[@linadecrava895]

I'm only 1 second of this video, but that thumbnail is so funny 🤣🤣🤣 why would you choose that picture ms. X

[@hilary1904]

I am really enjoying this show and I have just watched episode 20. My heart dipped also when the second ML fell in love with her. It would have been more interesting if he kept an objective view of the two main leads for his own nefarious purpose. I don't agree with you that the ML acted out of character because his rage and urgency to save the children got the better of him and he had no time to explain. I think it was a good shocking scene that caught me by surprise but I liked how he took quick action. I think you are a bit stingy with your gold mines on this one. I would put it at two gold mines and the show hasn't crashed on me yet. The story and characters are well written and hopefully the second ML will be put in his place soon. I already see signs of it in ep 20. Keep watching.

[@auntjade5354]

I like your comment because I enjoyed this drama series and especially enjoyed watching the ML & FL as they created such a wonderful on-screen cp pair with their magical chemistry together.....

[@bernadettepalmer6407]

😊❤ it doesn’t matter what everyone thinks, I’m just enjoying the drama and plots 👍🏾 We will see if it ends a happy ending! Cheers 🥂

[@auntjade5354]

I like your comment and agreed with you. Don't worry, we would have a Happy Ending....

[@cecildolorfino5632]

Yeah, at this point that 2nd ml is getting so annoying!

[@shreyashidey9590]

Avenue x never compromise on the authenticity and honesty in her review.. i was thinking the same while watching it.. the Male lead needs to do more work with his expressions and acting.. he's very rigid when it comes to expressing anxiety and sorrow.. his facial expressions are basically same. CG is not impressive as there is "love between fairy and devil " to compare with. Not to mention wang hudi's excellent acting. Ultimately the most Irritating part is the 2nd male lead falling for heroine just for she saved him.. that too from his own master's den! Screenwriter..what are you guys thinking!

[@owl6218]

i do not care for high end CGI. i liked this drama very much. only thing i did not like is, some fantasy elements like the 'spirit daemon/companion/slave' appear to hve been borrowed from Phillip Pullman...chinese fantasy does not need to borrow anything. the grand sacrifice theme is apt for dome xianxia , where they have 'gods' ...no problem with that

[@BeMyVforever]

I couldn't get past the first ep of the drama but from what I've seen from people's comments, I might try the book instead. I really liked Zhou Ye's acting in WOH but in this one, I thought she would bring the FL to life but wasn't quite doing it for me. The antagonistic martial aunt's acting was also very flat. Lastly what made me stop was although there are probably deeper reasons why, it was so strange to me that the FL's master would suddenly abandon the FL after 10 years of literally raising her like her daughter.

[@auntjade5354]

Not really abandoning the FL but just trying to save her life because he knew exactly what happened to her life story....

[@UnknownOrc]

I started my Xianxia drama journey from "Joy of Life" and then started "nirvana in fire" but left in between because I was looking something similar to Joy of Life. Niravana in fire is good no doubt but I will watch that later. so I started watching another show which has the almost same cast of Joy of Life with similar plot. I liked that show too. I am now looking for another show with similar Transmigration or Time travel xianxia story similar to Joy of Life. if you have anything to suggest please tell me, thanks in advance.

[@assom4444]

you mean my heroic husband or another one ,, i am just like you trying to find a similar kind of drama of Joy of life but only found my heroic husband ,, did you find another one ,, thanks

[@mnm2156]

uhm, i think joy of life and nirvana in fire are more exception than the rule

[@UnknownOrc]

@@assom4444 Yes, my heroic husband. I tried Untamed but BL is not my thing and later I found the animated version of Untamed so I enjoyed that better. because of BL flair I also didn't tried the Heaven's Official Blessing but I wanted too because its a top notch animation.

[@sashawang5242]

Joy of Life and Nirvana not xianxia))

[@UnknownOrc]

@@sashawang5242 Yes, Joy of life is closer to wuxia.

[@unknownperson4720]

The 2 ML out of nowhere fell for FL ...which doesn't make any sense...and the story goes downhill for me.

[@zeldark]

I knew as a CP fan, the change of the male second might seem out of nowhere. But there are so many IRL examples of “CP fans” turning into solo stans. It really makes no sense, but it happens, more often than you could fathom 😂

[@sizanix]

Yeah I might be one of the overcompensating ones. I feel like my standards got lowered after watching TTEOTM.

[@auntjade5354]

haha

[@gennie591]

Or may be your standard was not updated to enjoy TTEOM. It's also possible. Isn't it ? TTEOM is not average cdrama audience.

[@Crivitao]

I’m enjoying it so far.🤗

[@auntjade5354]

yes because I like the ML & FL as a couple on screen. From all the side BTS and interviews, I think the ML really likes the FL..... lol

[@ymkprod]

For me the 15 first eps were real solid, I fell for it for its 'normal' characters, unconvential yet logical and most importantly so straightforward, no nonsense and compact fast pace storyline. Like you it reminds me of older xianxia, group of ordinary people going on adventure, combatting enemies (demons here) and grow stronger together. But then the romantic line takes front and that stab happens and i also thought it was so OOC of the ml, by not saying a word in order to create misunderstanding plot, that's such old old trope that i can't stand and reason why i dropped so many recent drama. Don't let me talk about the 2nd ml, like wth, he was such an interesting, mysterious yet funny that you can't help but adore even though being doubtful about his intentions. But now they ruined his whole characterization by injecting a damn love triangle? well it's not really not one as fml has no interest in him. But still, his antics in recent eps really annoyed me and that's what upset me cause i used to like him and expect much more for his storyline and developement. These characters had so much potentials and were on the right path to become unique admist many tropey characters in dramaland but nope, the writer decided she wanted drama and cliché and dog blood everywhere. smh, srly i'm only watching it now for the amazing chemistry of the leads, and again the writer destroyed that beautiful ambiguity in their relationship at the start instead of letting it develop naturally. tsk. Either way i really hope they'll cooperate again, preferably in a modern drama, it'd been a while i enjoy a cp like that.

[@bapyongukgukguk2352]

I checked it and I dropped it. Neo Hu is a visual. Cdramas makers lack creativity

[@elejah4011]

Yes it was so fun until it wasn't! Like the misunderstandings is clear what else do you want? It's not like the first time she was stabbed?😂

[@eveb6879]

Thank for always given such an in-depth review. Have recently found your channel as I just got back into watching Chinese period drama and wuxia drama. Stopped for years cos quality was average at best for many years. Love your deep dive and comparisons with history. It feeds the inner geek in me

[@Lululuke1980]

The dragon was cheated in marriage, so he doesn’t want the fat guy to be cheated too.

[@SimusiK5]

But Tingyao is Dragon King and others respect him actually and something like worship him - other yaos, nine tailed foxes…

[@Musalia94]

I thought so too until they threw veggies at him. They respect him but they will hold him accountable. A real king can hardly be questioned by commoners.

[@duckraft]

I like the author. Her female characters are interesting and fantasy worlds are a bit different. I’ll always give her la adaptations a chance. But this gave me little to bother coming back for.

[@kara-karina8530]

It's cute but a bit boring. I have to force myself to engage. At this point I'm just admiring pretty people 😂