I've got to be honest that this is the version of LOCH that I like the least for many reasons. I have watched 5 versions and this one is my least favorite.

Let's start with what I like.
It manages to deliver the epic storytelling of the sage. The Mongolian steppes as well as the people. Hustle and bustle of city life in the south. Pretty authentic.

The music really suits the theme of the drama. It brings out the sense of chivalry and patriotism, which is what it's all about. I especially love the music that accompanies the presence of Mei Chaofeng. It's beautiful and haunting at the same time.

The kung fu's choreographed really well. Really badass. Love it!

But what I love the most is the rendition of Mei Chaofeng by Yang Liping. It's the best! I was mesmerized. I was always looking forward to her appearance when I was watching the drama. Her Nine Yin White Bone Claw is terrifying but so beautifully choreographed. Her expression is cold without excessive make-up. There's a sense of terror, eeriness, and deep melancholy whenever she appears. It may be an unpopular opinion but one of my favorite characters in LOCH is Mei Chaofeng. Despite her ghost-like or witchlike appearance I sincerely sympathize with her. At the moment I'm reading the second book "A Bond Undone" where I get to explore her backstory and I become more and more sympathetic towards her and her tragic story. I hope they will make another adaptation which is longer so that her story can be included. Although LOCH 2003 has the best Mei Chaofeng of all the adaptations, but it still depicts her as a mere evil martial artist. The story of this badass female martial artist deserves a segment in the coming adaptation if there is.

Other than Yang Liping, I also like the actress who play Huang Rong and Mu Nianci. They did well too. Both Zhou Xun and Jiang Angel did justice to the character they played.

Now what I don't like.
In my opinion, some of the actors who played the main male characters were miscast. Li Yapeng for example. He looked to old to play Guo Jing. Guo Jing is said to be about 18 year old when he begins his adventure in jianghu. And Li Yapeng didn't suit to play the part as he looked too mature for the role. He did really well as Linghu Chong but I don't thing he did as Guo Jing. The actors who played Huang Yaoshi and Yang Kang, I don't think they're suitable for the part. Huang Yaoshi is my favorite characters in LOCH along with Mei Chaofeng and Hong Qigong. But the actor who played Huang Yaoshi here didn't have what it takes to be Huang Yaoshi.

And the costume, I just hate it. It's as if they were too lazy to think of what to put on the actors, picking up random costumes out of nowhere. The hairdo on Guo Jing and Yang Kang makes them look much older that they're supposed to be.

The makers of the drama seemed to want to aim a more gritty storytelling, but I don't think it worked. I read that the producer was the same person who had made "Laughing In the Wind". I love Laughing In The Wind. It's probably my top tier wuxia drama. Sombre tone works well with Laughing In The Wind. The story itself is just dark. Heavy conspiracy. Almost no funny moment there. But LOCH has more comedic moments. Gritty tone doesn't go well with LOCH.

In short, I wouldn't watch this version again for a very long time. And if I do, I would do it for Yang Liping's Mei Chaofeng. She's the best Mei Chaofeng hands down.