For a drama that started off with much potential to become increasingly nonsensical within the first quarter was painful to watch; of course, it's not unusual for some dramas to take a circuitous road to the core of the story, however, it's insulting to the viewers when this is done through obvious plot holes and several deus ex machina. For instance, why oh why did Baili Yin kidnap Yu Ran before going to the mausoleum if not to ensure the presence of Asule who we ALL knew would eventually inherit the sword? The writers couldn't have made it more obvious that Asule would inherit that stupid sword had it been tattooed on his forehead. Not only did they give us a main character who was inconsistent, they even made him the purveyor of all relevant key developments. Magical powers? Check. Can be sickly one moment and then go off into battle without sustaining any serious injuries? Check. A resurrected magical sword chose him as its owner? Of-bloody-course. **Laughs maniacally**

Separately, I'm not averse to character building but it becomes excessive when every supporting character gets as much screen time as the supposed hero. No, I don't care if General Xi and Lady Su have a back story and for the writers to focus on them for so long was a foreshadowing that didn't need to happen. Also, Su should have been one of the main characters because she was just so badass and dare I say it, almost carried the first quarter of the series on her back.

Now, on to our hero. How do you cast one of the most promising young stars in C dramaland and then make his character so insipid? He had minimal screen time and even then, his story got interwoven with Yu Ran and Ji Ye that it never felt as if his character had any agency. I enjoy bromance and friendship as much as the next person but not at the expense of having a complex, fully-developed hero.

Lastly, and with some due respect, Song Zuer needs acting lessons. A few days ago I watched The Dark Lord and cringed at her portrayal of the heroine, then to see her just saunter through NEF without any strong moment was exasperating.