If you have specific questions, comments is a good place to have them answered. I’ve never read the novel or…
The challenge with adapting long novels into dramas is significant. Condensing a story that spans over 7.7 million words into just 30 episodes is nearly impossible. While reading the novel before watching the drama can be both a blessing and a curse, viewers who haven't read the 11 volumes are still entitled to voice their doubts about the storyline like you do.
I read the novel a long time ago and am watching the donghua as soon as it airs as well as this drama. I have my reservations about each adaptation, but the positives overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives. One aspect I question in this drama is some of the transitions. For example, I find that the details regarding the protagonist's cultivation are lacking. There are plenty of fight scenes, which is great, but he suddenly becomes an expert in alchemy, knowledgeable in formations, and proficient in martial arts without much explanation. Simply consuming dozens of pills doesn't make him an expert; it just makes him stronger. In this drama, each time he is reaching a Qi level, he has understanding or when he refine an artifact which makes more sense. This often leaves me rolling my eyes at how the drama portrays him. Something is missing here. However, I don’t hold any of this against Yang Yang—he is doing a great job.
So, if a viewer has read the book before watching the show, that's great. However, there’s no need for a "holier-than-thou" attitude toward those who haven't. This forum is intended for discussions about TV dramas, not just for novel enthusiasts.
A great alternative is to watch the donghua between drama episodes. In my opinion, this will be very helpful. Additionally, the donghua is exceptionally well done.
I strongly dislike extreme fan attitudes. Everyone's opinion is valid, regardless of whether it's the general consensus. There is no need for anyone to justify or apologize for their opinions; everyone is welcome to share their thoughts. It's also perfectly acceptable to agree to disagree.
Keep sharing your opinions, Davaa. You are likely voicing what many others don't dare to say here.
In the novel its also tag as romance, do you know han lo massacre a whole sect coz they want to marry nangon wan…
The romance is not labeled as a romance; it is the sites that choose how to label what they share. On Amazon, it is categorized under "Asian Myths and Legends."
Personally I would label this story “fantasy Chinese literature, subgenre xianxia”
You don't need to read a book to appreciate a drama inspired by it. The fault lies with the scriptwriter and director if they cannot convey a comprehensive story through their actors and dialogue to everyone.
I am a big fan of novels and donghua, but these three art forms cater to different audiences. It's unnecessary to be condescending; everyone is entitled to interpret and enjoy or not a TV drama in their own way.
Movie drone high-def cameras surely must be more than 100 yuan, even for China. c(: Also, judging by desert flying…
I was being sarcastic. I don't mind a few scenes, but now it feels like every episode is filled with them. It seems like the actors are dropped in by helicopter, and then they just camp out to perform their scenes. This approach is distracting for me. While a few scenes were impressive at first, now it feels like I'm seeing the same thing over and over again.
**Did you expect a romance drama with a happy ending? Yes / No**
It seems to me that there is a major concern when labeling a drama as “romance” if the plot primarily focuses on other elements rather than romance itself.
The individuals who categorized this as a drama romance lack competence.
why do supporting characters have more screen time than the FL? I hate it
… because she is labeled as having the main role due to her popularity rather than the significance of her character.
Additionally, the platform requested the production to cut a significant amount of material. Who knows how much screen time her original role had in the drama? In the novel and donghua, her role is minimal, but in the TV drama, they can add, remove, or change events and characters as they see fit.
Labeling this drama as a "romance" is a major letdown for viewers expecting a happy ending, along with more hugs, kisses, and affectionate interactions. The story revolves around Han Li and his journey from being a mortal to achieving immortality, not a journey centered on love.
In my opinion, they allocated most of the budget for drama on special effects, martial arts choreography, and actor salaries, while only budgeting few yuan for the aerial camera. The setting lacks variety; there are not many buildings, as most of the action happens on rocky terrain or in the desert. While the scenery is indeed beautiful, it feels a bit excessive. I feel like they spent too much time either in the desert or on top of hills.
Because there are a lot of CGI, we need to control the cost.
I rectified the number but it is rumored...
It is rumored that in order to create realistic and shocking visual effects, the crew spent 200 million yuan (about 825 million Taiwan dollars) to produce special effects. The whole play cost up to NT$1.3 billion to shoot. The high-standard production was praised by the audience as the "ceiling of fairy and chivalrous drama".
The acting is great, the VFX are well-done, the visuals are stunning, the music works, but there is something…
I agree; it's good but not great. What’s missing for me is the emotional interaction. It’s interesting because I enjoyed the farewell between Han Li and Doctor Mo, I appreciated Mentor Xu’s relationship with HL and was teary at his death, I liked Miss Mo's performance, and I found Li Fey Yu engaging. However, something still feels lacking. And no, it’s not romance—I don't care about romance at all. In fact, I'm glad there aren't any romantic elements. Although the scenery is gorgeous, I was not in awe when they gathered at the same cave. The beasts do not have the wow factor for me.
Honestly, I enjoy the drama. I have a particular fondness for Yang Yang's performances, as he brings a captivating energy to his role. This is a surprise because I am not particularly a fan but I truly enjoy his performance here. Additionally, I find the supporting cast to be exceptionally talented, contributing greatly to the overall narrative.
I have a nagging feeling that the script may be lacking in certain areas, possibly due to the director's influence. This time, I'm keeping an open mind about the TV drama and I'm not upset about the omitted events or characters compared to the donghua and the novel. I hope to have a clearer understanding by the end of the series. My instinct tells me that they may have cut too much material to fit into the 30 episodes.
Somehow, the feeling of "great" lost its appeal after the fourth episode.
1 
I read the novel a long time ago and am watching the donghua as soon as it airs as well as this drama. I have my reservations about each adaptation, but the positives overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives. One aspect I question in this drama is some of the transitions. For example, I find that the details regarding the protagonist's cultivation are lacking. There are plenty of fight scenes, which is great, but he suddenly becomes an expert in alchemy, knowledgeable in formations, and proficient in martial arts without much explanation. Simply consuming dozens of pills doesn't make him an expert; it just makes him stronger. In this drama, each time he is reaching a Qi level, he has understanding or when he refine an artifact which makes more sense. This often leaves me rolling my eyes at how the drama portrays him. Something is missing here. However, I don’t hold any of this against Yang Yang—he is doing a great job.
So, if a viewer has read the book before watching the show, that's great. However, there’s no need for a "holier-than-thou" attitude toward those who haven't. This forum is intended for discussions about TV dramas, not just for novel enthusiasts.
A great alternative is to watch the donghua between drama episodes. In my opinion, this will be very helpful. Additionally, the donghua is exceptionally well done.
I strongly dislike extreme fan attitudes. Everyone's opinion is valid, regardless of whether it's the general consensus. There is no need for anyone to justify or apologize for their opinions; everyone is welcome to share their thoughts. It's also perfectly acceptable to agree to disagree.
Keep sharing your opinions, Davaa. You are likely voicing what many others don't dare to say here.
Personally I would label this story “fantasy Chinese literature, subgenre xianxia”
I am a big fan of novels and donghua, but these three art forms cater to different audiences. It's unnecessary to be condescending; everyone is entitled to interpret and enjoy or not a TV drama in their own way.
Please use the SPOILER button for viewers who haven't watched the episodes yet. Thank you for being considerate.
**Did you expect a romance drama with a happy ending? Yes / No**
It seems to me that there is a major concern when labeling a drama as “romance” if the plot primarily focuses on other elements rather than romance itself.
The individuals who categorized this as a drama romance lack competence.
Additionally, the platform requested the production to cut a significant amount of material. Who knows how much screen time her original role had in the drama? In the novel and donghua, her role is minimal, but in the TV drama, they can add, remove, or change events and characters as they see fit.
Labeling this drama as a "romance" is a major letdown for viewers expecting a happy ending, along with more hugs, kisses, and affectionate interactions. The story revolves around Han Li and his journey from being a mortal to achieving immortality, not a journey centered on love.
It is rumored that in order to create realistic and shocking visual effects, the crew spent 200 million yuan (about 825 million Taiwan dollars) to produce special effects. The whole play cost up to NT$1.3 billion to shoot. The high-standard production was praised by the audience as the "ceiling of fairy and chivalrous drama".
https://www.marieclaire.com.tw/entertainment/tvshow/87716
Honestly, I enjoy the drama. I have a particular fondness for Yang Yang's performances, as he brings a captivating energy to his role. This is a surprise because I am not particularly a fan but I truly enjoy his performance here. Additionally, I find the supporting cast to be exceptionally talented, contributing greatly to the overall narrative.
I have a nagging feeling that the script may be lacking in certain areas, possibly due to the director's influence. This time, I'm keeping an open mind about the TV drama and I'm not upset about the omitted events or characters compared to the donghua and the novel. I hope to have a clearer understanding by the end of the series. My instinct tells me that they may have cut too much material to fit into the 30 episodes.
Somehow, the feeling of "great" lost its appeal after the fourth episode.