Nirvana in Fire (2015)

Both leads (the protagonist in NiF, the antagonist in Devil) use their enemy's dirty secrets and past deeds as their weapon to bring said enemy down while not actually doing anything besides setting the stage, thus not dirtying their own hand directly.

Only in The Devil the lead did what he did for pure revenge, while in NiF the lead did it to clean his family's name.

Intrigue! Not everything and everyone is as they seem. Great plot, action scenes and actors. Strongly recommend to all

A subplot between the loyalty and brotherhood of two great characters. Revenge and Justice is a strong point of both drama's.

Nirvana in fire: Langya Ban is the first season of Nirvana in Fire series. Both dramas are epic historical strategies set in the same dynasty (different times).

Both are based on the China dynasty period.
The difference is that, TSOMD is mainly a detective show where they solve case by case but eventually saving the emperor from rebellion. It focuses more on the thing that happen around the royal Palace.
As for nirvana in fire, they focus more on the things that happen in the royal Palace, and the main character is trying to help the Prince becoming the next emperor. You'll see the details about how the emperor works, their concubines and the way the Princes are trying to get their hand on the throne.
Both are equally nice, tho the goal is different.

Deep Lurk has fast paced plot, everyone is smart and scheming, not to say most of them are secret agents and have double identity, haha..

Its also so trilling, so many strategies, traps and actions... little talk.

Chess game nicely done just like NIF, just in different era.

If you like brain burning drama, try it out, you will definitely love it.

Similar in mission, to clear name of beloved ones accused of treason. Clever and wise male leads, less romance, more brotherhood, strong and loyal companions.

The male leads in both dramas are:

- sickly but geniuses
- highly intelligent
- masterminds of everything
- always many steps ahead of the antagonists
- charismatic, admired by all
- leaders of the "wulin"

The two works have:

- Protagonists highly intelligent and physically disabled
- Duel of two great strategists in turmoil times.
- Political plots

But in Nirvana In Fire, the plot goes more smoothly.

The plot twist is similar and unpredictable. They focus more on politics. However, there is still romance involved. Martial arts and acting is similar and both are masterpieces.

Both main characters secretly perform many tasks even under the eye of the king. They also both have secret identities.

If you enjoyed the brotherhood from Nirvana in Fire then definitely give Heroes in Sui and Tang Dynasties a try. This drama is about heroes who band together and rebel against a cruel and thoughtless king of Sui Dynasty. Like Nirvana in Fire, Heroes in Sui and Tang Dynasties is highly plot centric with little to no fillers. However there are many main characters because it is based on a chinese book about 18 heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasty. At the beginning many characters will be introduced, there are funny characters, silly and dumb ones, intelligent good looking characters and heroic self sacrificing characters. I draw parallels to Nirvana in Fire because the humor, romance, and brotherly bonds between people with similar ambitions to do good and bring peace to their country.

both are good watch with tactics and war. One hero doing something great to bring a good king in power and peace.

Both ML are highly intellectual and both are hiding their identities while working for the court trying to resolve their tragic past of being framed for rebellion. The vibe is also similar as is the ending.

Both are breathtaking dramas with excellent acting, direction and scenery. Both should be required viewing for drama addicts - hehehehe.