@Azhureb
SPOILERS AHEAD
You make some really interesting--and valid--points (and I love that line). If I could pull out my favorite line...I would need to reread it and since I am watching two shows right now I can't. I can at least relate my favorite scenes: When FJ (Feng Jiu) loses her bracelet and has that embaraing scene, When FJ tries to get the fruit and once DH (Dong Hua) learns she is off to see Yan, he gets jealous and blackmails her in a funny way, When FJ confronts DH before they fall asleep in the dream, When DH learns he is 100% responsible for FJ recklessly trying to get the fruit, when they consummate, and when FJ learns of DH's deception.....oh and when they choose to die together. That's a lot of faves!
I liked how in the novel FJ was VERY similar to the FJ in the show: she wore her heart on her sleeve and was very impudent and bold, trying her best, even if she knew in her heart that things would probably not end well, AND she always seemed to be in these embarassing situationis with Dijun like the novel.
BUT because the novel starts out with her no longer pursuing him, she can appear frightening but really isn't. And they are consistent in making her lean closer to emotions instead of logic, but she isn't stupid. Her logic is clouded by her emotions. Almost every major choice she makes in the novel and the show is influenced by her emotions. And she seems to be cursed to have bad luck, because she tries to go against fate and the advice of others.
DH, in the show, CLEARLY likes her. I say this only because he is notorious for not showing an interest an anyone or anything. I think he initially kept her around because he hoped to learn more about Mo Yuan's disappearance (and this, I think, only because he is interested in either relieving his boredom or MAYBE saving the world I don't know) but he has a clear attachment to FJ because it takes him forever to finally dismiss her and even then he only does it because he realizes he has fallen for her. He does the Bai Zi Hua thing (JOF) and wants to keep her close but can't because of the fated calamity that could happen....luckily for him FJ does not turn into a god of destruction.
In the novel, he is clearly fascinated by her once he notices her, and unlike the show, is quite direct and ruthless in pursuing her.
So that was my long winded perception. It overlaps a lot with yours. In terms of adapting...I honestly don't know. But you made very valid points that I did not think of because I forgot how time flows. You are very right. A lot of time DID pass. The biggest plot hole, to me, is the mortal world trial, which for me, should not have been included, and also Xize, who is like the Su Jin of this novel, is turned into a whiny brat but in the novel she is very poised and elegant and manipulative. They made it seem like all the teenagers want Di Jun.
But the way she looks at the end is how I think she is viewed in the novel's beginning. It will be interesting. Do you know how is directing it yet? Is it the same guy? I always thought Pillow Book was more romantic than Peach Blossoms because BQ had a lot of things to do other than being with Ye Hua (like resurrect Mo Yuan).
Maybe they will take the mortal arc as the failed shadow ac? Remember how their shadows did not get together so a slim fate was created?? Would be interesting, and it would be nice to meet some of the other gods because the Demon Tribe is HUGE and I know that Mo Yuan is supposed to hook up with a demon goddess however I think Lion Song's book is next....