First 4th episodes were so great, amazing fighting choreography, great setting, realistic personas, minimum make up, reminded me so much of Hongkong Cinematography. But then Female lead came out and she's so roboty and plainly blah, I dropped it. Liang Ji (FL) was so bad, she needs to take up more acting classes; expressionless, aunty face, iron posture, weird hairdo. As recommended from a friend, decided to continue watch it again. Glad I did, it turned out this drama worth to watch. Like other Jin Yong's books, all full of action and dynamic from martial art world. Some Kungfu masters who had strong characters,
ambition to win the world of truest hero(s), reproachable unconditional love. I love JIn Yong, I grew up reading his novels, proficient with his style of background and characteristic of his characters and story. I can feel his style was being manifested visually into an action drama but pretty sure the girls didn't hold up the candle.

There are many veteran actors supporting this drama, setting on early Qing Dynasty on 18th century (about 1776) backdrops - the costume and hairstyle were very distinguished which in my opinion is the worst costume in Chinese dynasties, Imperial strategy to weaken the Martial Art world by manipulating heroes to kill each other, planting misunderstanding and hatred to their amidst, promoting fighting competition to be named number 1 hero in the world as the imperialism strive to becoming stronger. The story line was based on overly ambitious men of power, fame and greed. The complication of love interest that were not reciprocal for reasons...

For I think this one is one of the best fighting choreography. Realistic setting, costumes and make up, great soundtracks. Although there wasn't a happy ending, no expectation of marriage or kissing scene - it just straight men's competition of Martial Art World with so many coincident, luck, sorrow, greed, ambition, manipulation, or even downfall. Plain ending..