Exciting and thrilling at times (especially ep 19-28), but confusing, messy, convoluted, nonsensical, and aimless at others. So many plot points that don't make any sense. Characters whose decisions and actions don't make any sense. A villain with a weak resolve. It is like a epic fantasy Chinese version of Game of Thrones with its themes of feuding families and desire for power (though not as good). The series is visually stunning though. The production design is absolutely beautiful. The costumes are stunning. The hair gorgeous. The classical Chinese music soars wondrously. It is unfortunate about the Chinese censorship on lgbt content in film and series though. The Bl relationship could have been so much more. It is still pretty cool seeing a series with a close male friendship and that is based on a BL series get so much attention worldwide though! On a side note, I felt that the series was completely overrated. I've read people talking about how this series ruined every BL for them as there wouldn't be anything as good or that there is only a 'before' and 'after' after watching the series. Hilarious! Thai BL are much better. They're shorter and actually have BL content.