Reasons to watch -- main leads naturals in roles, endearing characters, gorgeous and detailed set designs, beautiful aesthetics, and outstanding soundtrack
Reasons to critique -- something left to be desired after ending

1. Story
Personally, I preferred the earlier half of the story when Wei WuXian was reminiscing in the past. For me, the intrigue, mystery, and villains were more interesting than the second half of the drama since it was became predictable as to how events would unfold. Story was well paced but the ending wasn't as climatic as I had hoped.

2. Characters
You could say some of the actors, specifically the main leads, were born to play their roles. Wei WuXian and Lan Zhan were as natural as actors could be. This entire drama and cast had a very youthful and lively aura.

Supporting casts were equally exceptionally chosen, such as Xue Yang, Shijie (Jiang Yan Li), Lan Yuan, Wen Ning, Wen Qing, Madam Yu, and Jin Zi Xuan.

The most memorable relationships besides the main leads were between:
Jiang Cheng - Madam Yu
Wei WuXian - Shijie
Wen Qing - Wen Ning
Wen Ning - Lan Si Zhui (A'Yuan)
Xue Yang - Xiao Xing Chen

The last relationship being the most intriguing and actually heartbreaking.

3. Costume / Set Production
No question, a ton of attention to detail went into the set design, small props, wardrobes, swords, and pretty much everywhere else. This was highly appreciated by me and added to the enchantment of the drama. A big thumbs up to the team for being so cognizant of the aesthetics.

4. Music
Nothing short of touching and beautiful. A pleasure of a soundtrack, rivals my other highly recommended soundtrack of Princess Wei Young (2016).

Listen to the entire soundtrack but in particular this song -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pZQZX30IVk

5. Ending
I do feel as though it was slightly rushed and less anti-climatic as I would have liked. For me some questions lingered and it seemed like they tried to wrap things up maybe a bit haphazardly.

Some things I would have liked seen --
(1) The death of Wen Cao and how he died. We saw him suffering but they never revealed how he died.
(2) A moment and scene of remorse with Wen Zhu Liu that perhaps meant something but never developed
(3) Relationship between Wen Qing and Jiang Cheng never developed or settled. Oh well, I liked WWX and Wen Qing though.
(4) Jin Ling and Wei WuXian never had their moment at the end, this was a big disappointment
(5) Second half of the story was predictable since most already suspected Meng Yao as the main culprit.

Overall, a drama exceptional in many categories and deserved a solid rating but maybe would have been even better if some things were different.