I liked this drama overall. The best part was the acting and the worst was the sloppy scriptwriting. The first 13 episodes that set the stage for the drama were the weakest. The plot meandered and we were caught in silly adolescent rivalries. I almost dropped the series then, but felt the acting was so good, I would continue. The best episodes were at the middle and the last few episodes, disappointingly, unraveled the already established cannon. I think if the writing could have been more linear and not so complicated with the numerous amount of villains and subplots, perhaps it would have been easier to follow. Another aspect that detracted from the drama was the over-the-top CGI that felt distracting.

The best part, of course, was the well put together group of talented young actors. Boy, they took me with them to the depth of despair and joy. There were such heartfelt moments that made you care for the main leads. In that, they certainly had great direction. However, even the best of actors cannot carry an entire production mired in sloppy writing and too much CGI. Even though it was a fantasy piece, they were supposed to be mortals. Yet the producers would have us believe that the kind of power they wielded all came from spiritual cultivation? It's obvious a big part of the budget was spent on the CGI, but one shouldn't rely too much on that. The focus should always be on telling a good story. They gave away some big reveals almost as soon as they were established and that was a shame.. I felt disappointed mostly in the writing.

Period C-dramas are always a feast for the eyes in terms of sets and costumes. In that this production did not disappoint. I was still very entertained but felt the performers deserved a better written piece.