I love your theory that Shi Ying went through rebirth when he regained all his powers after almost being killed by Zhi Yuan. It really gives me food for thought. It's interesting that the thunder and lightning seemed to give him back his powers... and throughout the drama his moods are connected to thunder and lightning -- he brings about that type of weather whenever he's intensely upset. So I wonder if there's a connection there somewhere.
Anyway, thanks for posting your review and theory here. It makes it easier to find -- and I've actually referred others to your post.