I grew up watching Asian movies and haven't had a favorite male/female lead for some time. I came upon this Asian drama after Word of Honor, and this is it. I absolutely fell in love and have rewatched it 10 time already. Let me tell you why

The storyline is unique and interesting. This is not typical as they start off as a master-disciple relationship. Zhu Yan is supposed to be a teenage girl that matures and develops, which she does. Ren Min played the role perfectly with her acting skills alongside Xiao Zhan. She is cute and stubborn/tenacious but down to earth, willing to learn and be enlightened by her Master. The casting is fabulous. Xiao Zhan looks amazing at the top of his game. Ren Min is beautiful in a very unique way. She is different. She did exactly what she was supposed to do. I believe that a big time production, director, and A-list actor wouldn't choose someone they think couldn't fulfill the role.

The scene and setting is majestic, beautiful, attractive, and eye catching. I can watch this over and over again because there really isn't anything like it. The martial arts and cinematography along with special effects alone is already eye-catching.

The score and music is fantastic. I can listen to it over and over again. It is beautiful and emotional. I can connect and attach emotion to listening to it. The costumes are BEATIFULLY designed.

The one constructive criticism is the age difference in the story alongside the romance that develops. It took awhile, so slow to burn and I was just waiting for it to happen. When she matures, and the design of appearance changes, the sense of chemistry and CP is there and I think matches nicely. They weren't supposed to have CP in the beginning due to the master-disciple relationships. However, Shi Ying is supposed to be 18, in which of course doesn't really fit in appearance. Ren Min's original look actually can capture the little cute girl she was supposed to. Second, some of the storyline that develops isn't really realistic and sometimes didn't make sense, but again this is fictional drama right. I expect it NOT to line up to everything being realistic. You'll have to see for yourself.

The acting: There is no other word to describe for the 2 A-list actors and supporting actors/actresses all the way around. It is exceptional, excellent ,and top notch. Xiao Zhan is already know for his acting, but I actually find Ren Min matching him on his level. The integration of emotion for both of them is beautiful and in an instant, tears flow with empathy and feeling that is natural and authentic. I feel them both, and I've never cried with a drama NOR rewatched a drama before except for the old Legend of Condor Heroes with Barbara Yung some 30 years ago.

The ending: Oh....I can't say. I like it and I don't like it. What I want now is a season 2, which I doubt will happen.

The Lesson: the message and wisdom the storyline brings is deep, but it is easy for people to just judge in other ways without seeing this. The test of defying fate or letting fate take its course is clever! The details to how this unfolds and executed by the actors is also delicate and balanced.

Conclusion: This is a must watch and re-watch because it is different. It is captivating. They breathed life into the story with multiple layers of complexity. You would have to look at the layers and see for yourself! Thank you as the drama has elevated to a whole other level I think most dramas have not met yet!