Sintako

No, she's falling, and it's evident in that memorable scene where she recalled her words to YWS about Assassins and love ending in tragedy. It was like a clue, a glimpse into her inner struggle. She's resisting it, no doubt, but her mission's importance keeps her fighting those feelings. It's clear that all her actions are a fake; we see through it.
YWS, on the other hand, made an effort to heed SGQ'S warning about Assassins and love. But when GZY handed her the real antidote, it was as if her emotional defenses crumbled right then and there.
As for SJ, he's growing suspicious of her, trying to play along with her act to expose her true intentions. But what he doesn't realize is that he's falling too. He's slowly softening, unwittingly.
What I find truly captivating about GZY and YWS's dynamic is GZY's determination to defy the rules and risk everything for the woman she loves. It's the complete opposite of GSJ, who places Gong above all else. Sometimes, I just want to smack some sense into him through the screen.

Seeing all the spoilers, I can't help but be angry at SJ. Can he just say, for once, "F them Gong and Gong rules, I'll go get my girl"

GSJ should just leave the Gong residence right now. I mean, why bother about the possibility of a Wufeng assassin lurking there? It's like every time he care about this place, people just end up antagonizing him. With everyone rallying behind GZY, from the front hill to the back hill, he don't stand a chance in winning this argument. Honestly, I can already see Lady WuJi turning his back on GZY, but that scene took me by surprise. The immense efforts GZY put into this, only to be betrayed by someone as close as a second mother – it's truly heartbreaking.

Episode 18. For God's sake, please use the hidden spoiler.

Though the series has already ended, please use spoiler

In Episode 16, Lady Wuji and SGQ had a conversation in which SGQ mentioned the "immeasurable merits." She brought this up after suggesting that Lady Wuji and she might share a common mission.
Moving on to Episode 17, SGQ seduced GSJ while also attempting to extract information. According to her story, she had poisoned this individual with a potent toxin for revenge, but that person actually survived. SGQ asked GSJ how that was possible and what the probable cure was that allowed the person to remain alive. SGQ was actually lying throughout her story to GSJ to discover the true antidote or cure for the poison.

Yun Que's death was truly horrific. She was too pure for this world. I held onto a glimmer of hope when they took her body, wishing she might miraculously be alive, but that hope shattered instantly. How I finished watching with tears in my eyes, I don't even know.
Now, Wufeng needs to be cautious. YWS is free from the poison's grasp and aware of Yun Que's death. She's likely to seek revenge, and when that happens, I hope it's satisfying.

Did anyone notice SGQ's mission? She's on a quest for immeasurable merit. She's finding a clue from GSJ for a cure for someone poisoned. It's probably related to that special flower.

It's slowly giving Game of Thrones. Not talking about the plot, but the way the series made me form deep connections with the characters, only to have them unexpectedly meet their demise

I assume you didn't see the comment thread after episode 16 was posted. A comment was marked as a spoiler. There's some confusion regarding the medicine, so some theories suggest that Wufeng is actually trying to help their assassin become stronger, implying that Wufeng is not actually a villain. Some comments are in agreement, so I would like to help clarify that.

Are we even watching the same series, or is it just your biased perspective, desperately trying to find fault with SJ and Yuanzhi? It was Elder Yue who begged to have Yun Que as a Medicine Tester. Of course, the Sword Wielder had no choice but to agree, given Elder Yue's Back Hill background. What did you expect Yuanzhi to do? Disobey the Sword Wielder's orders? The Sword Wielder even took the precious Rare Flower that Yuanzhi had painstakingly cultivated for his brother Shangjue, and Yuanzhi couldn't do a single thing to stop it. Why aren't you furious at the Sword Wielder and Elder Yue for their foolish actions?

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I hope Episode 17 provides a convincing explanation regarding Wufeng's true nature. There's a theory circulating that suggests Wufeng might not be as evil as we think. In Episode 16, the Heart Devouring Moon medicine seemed similar to the poison Wufeng uses on their assassins called Fortnite flies. Interestingly, it appears that both substances can actually benefit the body by strengthening internal power. This has led some to believe that Wufeng feeds it to their assassins to make them stronger, raising questions about their true intentions.
Elder Yue suggests that the ingredients and symptoms of these substances might be misunderstood as harmful, and this is precisely what Wufeng exploits. They use these symptoms to instill fear in their assassins, effectively making them puppets. There's that memorable scene with SGQ and her Raven, where SGQ endured more torture than the bugs, yet her Raven claimed she couldn't bear it. This suggests that the assassins are coerced into risking their lives to gather information in exchange for an antidote.
To reap the benefits of the Fortnite flies or Heart Devouring Moon, the assassins must endure the pain, but they never truly receive these benefits. When the symptoms worsen, they are forced to take the antidote because Wufeng claims they will die if they don't. Weishan, now aware of this, may make her own decisions, no longer bound by the poison. It's bewildering how much torture these girls endure, yet some argue that Wufeng isn't evil. Wufeng knowingly sends them to their doom at the Gong, making them puppets, which should be a clear sign of their malevolence.

YWS's Raven appears kinder than SGQ's, and it's worth pondering what SGQ's true nature might be if she becomes aware of the poison not binding her decisions.

I understand the point you're making. Shangjue's exposure to the outside world beyond the Gong has given him a broader understanding of human nature, allowing him to be more discerning about people's actions and intentions. On the other hand, GZY's sheltered upbringing has limited his exposure to these aspects, leading him to have a more idealized or optimistic view of people. The individuals GSJ suspects of wrongdoing have never harmed GZY in any way, so from GZY's standpoint, these individuals appear to be good-hearted. GZY's heart is likely to be shattered when he eventually realizes the true nature of these individuals.

I've been emphasizing this point since Day 1. GSJ accepted Huanyu as a successor, even though GSJ himself excelled in the trials, because he recognized Huanyu's capabilities. His primary concern was ensuring that only a capable individual became a Sword wielder. GSJ's stance regarding GZY is not one of exclusion but rather based on merit. He explicitly stated that if GZY were to successfully pass the trial, he would accept him as a Sword wielder. Plus, suggesting GZY going to trial is never a bad idea. The trial served as a means to help GZY unlock his full potential, ultimately making him the best version of himself.

Aside from the second couple, I absolutely adore how the romance is unfolding between the first couple. GZY's love is incredibly pure and sincere. His actions and the way he treats his woman are something I've got to give him good points for. YWS seems to be resisting her feelings, but GZY's genuine sincerity is gradually breaking down her defenses. It's evident, especially during the Lantern Festival scene, where she instinctively protects GZY, and the way YWS looks at him and cares for him. I'm officially a fan of Esther Yu now, and I'm lucky to have followed her on Instagram and discovered this series through the trailer.

Yes, not to mention the undeniable fact that the Jue and Zhi lineages played a pivotal role in shaping the power and influence of the Gong. Without Yuanzhi's ingenious weapon designs, infused with both poison and medicine, crafted specifically to their needs, the coveted status of Yuanzhi's weapons by the Wufeng speaks volumes about their uniqueness and potency. Shangjue's remarkable talent for amassing wealth for the Gong, and his capabilities respected by the Martial World, raise serious doubts that without them in the Gong, the Gong would be penetrable by enemies by now. It's clear that these contributions were instrumental in establishing the Gong's dominance.

The elders' expressions when Shangjue said there's a place outside for them, and Yuanzhi following Shangjue, are always funny to me. They bend easily.

I really enjoy it when I see scenes from the trailer in the actual episodes. After watching episode 14, I couldn't help but wonder how GZY would react if someone suspected YWS of being an assassin. Would he hand her over for interrogation? Episode 15 pleasantly surprised me as it quickly addressed this thought. I appreciate how GSJ handled the situation, taking responsibility and apologizing to everyone for SGQ's actions happening right under his nose. His decision to interrogate SGQ until he uncovered the motive was a commendable move.
I did find myself questioning why GZY struggled with the idea of allowing his people to be interrogated. In situations where you're confident someone isn't guilty of what they're suspected of, it should be easier to let them be interrogated to prove their innocence. This hesitation, first with Lady Wuji and now with YWS.
For those wondering why GSJ is the one interrogating SGQ, it makes sense since he's in charge of the Jue lineage. GZY's explanation that YWS is in the Yu lineage, giving him the right to interrogate her, aligns with this reasoning. Ep 14, The scene of GSJ side-eyeing GZY doesn't need theories; it's just a "how-could-you-tell-others-the-information-of-Elder-Yue-investigation" side-eye to GZY.

Honestly, GSJ has the potential to be a villain. Based on his current character, he will back down if GZY becomes as capable as he is, just like what he did to Huanyu. He only wants a capable person to be a Swordleader. If he still questions GZY as a Swordleader even though GZY is now just as capable, that's when I'm going to dislike his character.

Regarding the comment asking which scenes showcase how GSJ is the best choice as the Sword Wielder, as he claims to be, it's worth questioning if we're watching the same series. It seems like either you're eagerly skipping ahead to see your favorite actor, or perhaps the show's complexity is overwhelming your ability to absorb information, which is entirely understandable. Allow me to provide a recap:

In episode 2, the previous Sword Wielder explicitly lists his accomplishments to the Gong. He managed to amass wealth for the Gong palace, which is twice as much as the previous Sword Wielder had amassed. Moreover, the martial world recognizes him as the most skilled and intelligent among his peers within the Gong. Even Wufeng is afraid of him. That speaks volumes about his capabilities. In essence, he commands respect across the martial world.

GSJ acknowledges that it's not just about him but praises the lineage's contributions, which is commendable. Additionally, the former Sword Wielder sincerely apologizes for past decisions and starts to suggest that "the next Sword Wielder should be..." before Shangjue intervenes.

He accepts Huanyu as a successor, even though GSJ performed exceptionally well in the trials. This demonstrates that GSJ knows when to step aside and make room if he knows that someone is also capable.

It's baffling that GSJ is considered a villain just because he questioned the capabilities of someone he knew, who used to spend time in the brothel, drinking, playing, and not practicing martial arts, but still became a Swordleader. GSJ's actions don't necessarily make him a villain.

I don't think she's the biggest evil in this situation imo. These girls are essentially puppets with no escape, willing to resort to any means necessary to ensure their survival. Although YWS tends to employ more morally upright methods, SGQ, on the other hand, seems willing to use any means at her disposal. She wants to use YWS as a pawn, exploiting her status as a Chi, similar to that one assassin who willingly sacrificed herself. It's worth noting that SGQ consistently aids Weishan, even after what happened last time. However, it's Wufeng who truly embodies the embodiment of evil in this series, while the girls are just mere victims of the larger scheme.

I believe this show truly deserves all the hype it's receiving. Its popularity is not without reason. I'm not familiar with the actors, and it's my first time watching them. After watching the trailer, I decided to give it a shot, and it's worth it. The unpredictability of the storyline leaves everyone guessing, including me, about what will unfold next. I badly want to see if the assassins will not only survive but also successfully complete their high-stakes mission. Their ability to weave a web of deception, manipulation, and careful planning to advance their objectives is what's keeping me, and I believe everyone, seated. It's impossible to predict what twists and turns lie ahead, making it a thrilling experience for us. And, having eye candy in the background is just a bonus.