Ok so a lot of people have talked about Xu Kai and Bai Lu's chemistry and I'm just gonna carry in on because DANG. Like seriously their acting doesn't even seem like acting when they're all loved up by each other. Sometimes it makes me smile too much my teeth get cavities, but oh well it's worth it lol, as it's now one of my all-time favs.
Story: 8.5/10
I loved the beginning of the drama but it kinda took a downfall near the end. I get it's because a lot of people requested that the drama be lengthened but it didn't need to go from a 30-ish episode drama to 56 dang episodes with a lot of fillers. They also showed the antagonists more than the protagonists (which is why my finger was constantly on the fast forward button). I also didn't like how confusing the ending was like it was so out of order. And the scene with the kids wasn't really necessary-or if it had to be in there the roles could've at least been swapped (daughter is like Mo Qing and son is like Zhao Yao). I did like all their character developments though.
Acting: 10/10
Like I said before: THE CHEMISTRY IS JUST SO AMAZING IDK HOW TO FULLY DESCRIBE IT IN WORDS. The way Xu Kai and Bai Lu look at each other and the way they interact just makes me want to scream. I especially love Bai Lu's character, Zhao Yao. She is such a bada** QUEEN that doesn't actually need a man to save her. Xu Kai's character could've been a little better as he was a cold and distant sect leader that's only soft spot was Zhao Yao, like maybe a little better characterization and I'm sure Xu Kai would've aced it too. I also loved how well Xiao Yan could portray both a bold and fearless Zhao Yao and a cowardly and pushover Qin Zhi Yan so effortlessly. The other actors also portrayed their characters extremely well and I was easily convinced that that was who they were on screen and off.
Music: 6.5/10
I don't feel like I really need to explain this. I just didn't really like their OST that much but that's just my personal taste.
Rewatch Value: 9.0/10
I'd mainly rewatch it for the chemistry of the main leads (as I am now a loyal shipper of YaoLan). I would probably watch the beginning and middle but kinda skip some things in the end.
Overall Rating: 9.0/10
As I've said, the chemistry. Despite the terrible editing, OST, some audio errors, fillers, and confusing ending, I still found it enjoyable to watch. I liked the idea of the "good" side actually being bad and the "bad" side actually being good, it was a very nice flip. So if you like a bada** female lead, fun characters, and the main couple having more chemistry than the periodic table, then I would definitely recommend watching this.