CasualCDfan

Romance is already shaping the ML and FL’s choices and will keep doing so. We can’t overlook it—this story is clearly partly about love clashing with vengeance. ZH’s obvious feelings for An Tu mean he won’t solely focus on revenge, and their relationship will complicate his mission, as it should.

An Tu certainly acted like a spoiled brat. But her playful personality more than makes up for that character flaw. Also, her playful personality doesn't seem to be a facade entirely. She genuinely likes ZH. Some may be disappointed with her character, as many strong female roles are depicted as cold, emotionless ice queens lacking warmth or playfulness. An Tu is different. She's flirty, kind, playful, and also a stone-cold killer.

The mystery deepens! We're back to square one trying to identify the third person. I’m betting it’s the masked man, someone we’ve already met. The zombie army’s link to An Tu’s people is super intriguing—what’s their deal?

Lastly, for those complaining about the romantic elements: Romance is already shaping the ML and FL’s choices and will keep doing so. We can’t overlook it—this story is clearly partly about love clashing with vengeance. ZH’s obvious feelings for An Tu mean he won’t solely focus on revenge, and their relationship will complicate his mission, as it should.

The master’s actions and words can be read in two ways: as guidance or manipulation. By showing ZH the old house, he reopens painful memories, which could fuel ZH’s hatred and pull him toward vengeance, as he notes it "will stir the hatred buried in your heart." Yet, he also offers an out, saying ZH can "choose to forget" and follow his heart, emphasizing ZH’s youth and potential for a new path.

Whether his motives are pure is still unclear. Yet, he planted the idea that revenge isn't the only path. He likely also warned ZH that he can’t chase both love and vengeance—one must be chosen. Falling in love might muddle his thinking, endangering himself and those around him.

I'm not saying the master acts out of pure kindness, but claiming he didn't give ZH options is simply wrong. It's ZH's call to choose his path.

Yeah I'm avoiding this one like the plague.

The FL’s sincerity seems genuine, especially since her private thoughts align with her actions toward the ML. We’re not seeing any obvious signs of her putting on a facade in those moments.

He could’ve brought him to the house and left it at that. Instead, he told him he could let go of his hatred and live normally. So, yeah, he clearly laid out two paths.

Conceptually he knows what romance is. But this is the first time he's experiencing it. I'd like a FL centered episode so we can know her motivations better.

He acted harshly to remind ZH of his mission, fearing An Tu’s presence might soften him and put him at risk. Yet, he also offered a clear choice, saying it’s okay to abandon his revenge and move forward with life. I believe ZH will push An Tu away after recalling his family’s fate. He’s either fully committed or out, with no room for romance—a distraction. But then again, I think he'll reconsider at a later time.

Episode 18:
At the end of the episode, Zang Hai's master presented him with two paths: He could keep the hatred buried and move on with his life, or stay the course. I like this because it shows our ML that revenge isn’t the only way ahead. I hate some of these revenge shows where the ONLY path forward is for the MC to move forward with his vengeance plan. I believe ZH will push An Tu away after recalling his family’s fate. He’s either fully committed or out, with no room for romance—a distraction. But then again, I think he'll reconsider at a later time.

In stories, characters have wants and needs. Wants are their surface-level goals, while needs are the deeper, often internal truths or growth required to resolve their conflict or arc. Our MC might be a flat character, sticking to the path of vengeance, or they could evolve to need something more profound.

Currently, our ML thinks vengeance is his **need**, but he didn’t fully choose this path himself—he was shaped to believe it’s essential. When his father urged him to **live**, it wasn’t necessarily to seek revenge. For our ML, vengeance is a **want**, not a true **need**. His character arc should peak with him valuing his **life** above all, even vengeance.

I see it differently. His master presented him with two paths: He can keep the hatred buried (find an alternative way to heal) and move on with his life, or he can stay the course. I like this because it shows our ML that revenge isn’t the only way ahead.

My fear is that ZH is the mask man's pawn. So while's he's playing chess, the mask man is plan 3D chess. lol

This drama needs a "slight and tasteful romance" tag. Zang Hai and An Tu's relationship is very well done. I hope they're not deceiving each other. From her intro, you’d expect An Tu to be a cold, bitter ice queen. Instead, she’s got a warm, playful personality.

You're such an idiot for not understanding that the ml is a strategist, not a martial artist.

Zang Hai and Xiang An Tu have such a fun dynamic. I always look forward to their interactions. Although a fierce warrior, An Tu is kind and sometimes playful. The bathtube scene is so great. lol

The scar is used in a very anti-climatic way. It's poorly written.

Zang Hai and Zhuang Zhi Xing became allies way too easily. Zhuang Zhi Xing was clever enough to uncover Zang Hai's true identity, but somehow misses that he's being played?

The masked man obviously invested in Zhi Nu for his hidden reasons. Is he really a friend? I doubt it. Second, showing An Tu practicing with a whip seems like a red herring. I don't think she's the one who scarred Zhi Nu's back.

In classic CDrama fashion, the director and writers gave the fans a lame and dumb ending for no reason. What a joke.

Edit: I heard AI was involved in this dumb ending. Isn't AI supposed to be smarter than humans?

Banxia has to be one of the most love-struck and bold FLs ever portrayed in a CDrama. Interestingly, her love doesn't feel weird or obsessive. It is endearing.

I love the fact that the drama harshly critiques noble idiocy.