Wow! What a wonderful series. The forbidden love story between Demon Lord Dongfang Qing Cang and Fairy Orchid is beautifully presented. He is a calculating, cold, aloof, ruthless leader, while she is a simple, warm, bubbly, kind fairy. They are from two realms that are sworn enemies. They seem at first to be complete opposites, but they are essentially quite similar in bravery and the lengths they will go to for each other.

I quite like a dominating male lead, and one who is strong and protective, yet also faithful and respectful to the woman he loves is very appealing. Orchid is beautifully portrayed. Her little voice is perfect for her sweet fairy nature. Her generous smiles light up her face so joyfully. Her own journey of growth and self discovery is every bit as amazing as Dongfang’s. Her mantra of “I love all beings, and I love one person” made for difficult life choices in the circumstances she found herself in.

Chang Heng is very likeable as the heavenly god of war. His character in the human realm is so different but equally sincere. The side characters are wonderful. Shang Que is adorable in his unwavering love of Jei Li and total loyalty to the Moon Lord. Fairy Dan Yin has a well rounded story arc and is brave and true. At first I thought she would be one to cause trouble to Orchid but I particularly liked how the side characters aren’t used to create angst for the main couple with that typical downward spiral of jealousy leading to evil plots, which is a common contrivance in other dramas. Instead they have their own journeys, make their own choices and are quite delightful to watch. It is very refreshing.

The costumes are wonderful, especially the totally amazing headpieces. The realms are so beautifully crafted.

There are blurred lines between right and wrong, good and bad, victor and victim in all the realms. I see this in other dramas too but perhaps this one takes it further. Seeing the moon tribe village without any men due to the past war was really sad. The fear of annihilation drove both sides to extreme measures in the past and has kept them at a distance since, and always on alert to possible threats. This makes it hard for them to unite against a common foe, who manipulates both sides quite easily.

I did wish for a longer ending. Things were wound up well but I simply wanted more of Dongfang and Orchid.

I think this one could easily be rewatched. I loved it.