So the drama opens with that signature dark, moody cinematography Guo Jing Ming always does. Episode one is basically a world-building episode — introducing the demon realm, the human realm, and the hunters in between. Things have been a mess ever since the Bai Ze Seal (Bai Ze Ling) went missing. Now demons are just running loose in the human world. Also, we learn real quick that Ji Yao Si and Chong Wu Ying? Yeah, they don't get along. —— ㅤThe episode starts with Wen Xiao coming to investigate demon sightings. Her mission: find a rabbit demon and send it back to Da Huang. Simple, right? Not really. She gets ambushed by Chong Wu Ying's people on the way. She tries to protect herself and the rabbit demon, but it's clear she's lost most of her Bai Ze powers. Guess what? yepp the rabbit demon dies. That hit way harder than I expected for episode one. This episode will shows you how cruel Chong Wu Ying's system really is. —— ㅤThen we get the entrance of Da Huang's big demon, Zhao Yuan Zhou (Zhu Yan). he and his iconic umbrella-wielding entrance scene. Mysterious,? Stylish arrival? Absolutely chef's kiss. He seems super chill and lazy at first, but you can tell there's massive power underneath, plus a sarcastic mouth and a dark past. —— ㅤNow, the dynamic between Zhu Yan and Zhuo Yi Chen (the stiff, impulsive head of Ji Yao Si) is intense from the jump. Their first meeting is literally a sword fight. Their dialogue is full of sarcastic jabs and old grudges—it gives off this hilarious but suspicious Tom and Jerry energy. Meanwhile, Ji Yao Si itself has been abandoned for eight years because of pressure from Chong Wu Ying. —— ㅤOn Wen Xiao's side, she feels some familiar aura coming from Zhu Yan, like they've met before. Their first actual encounter happens when Zhu Yan tries to escape Ji Yao Si's underground prison, only to run right into Wen Xiao. That scene is surprisingly comedic and playful, with Zhu Yan messing with her. And Zhuo Yi Chen is just standing there confused, wondering why this powerful demon listens to everything Wen Xiao says. —— ㅤWe also get a peek at the main villain this episode, but he's still wearing a mask, so no face reveal yet. ——ㅤHonestly, the pacing might feel a little slow if you're used to fast-moving plots. This drama clearly cares more about atmosphere and aesthetics than rushing through story. But the setup is pretty clear by the end: Zhao Yuan Zhou isn't here to destroy Ji Yao Si. He turns himself in willingly and suggests bringing Ji Yao Si back to life, all for the sake of peace between both worlds. ——ㅤᝰ.ᐟ Solid premiere if you're into visuals, tension, and slow-burn world-building ── .✦
Was this review helpful to you?

2
1
1
