Amazing series! I watched Nirvana in Fire 1 previously and didn't find the sequel to be lacking.
Sure the plot is not heavy on politics like NIF1, but it brings more character development and brings more emotion into the series.
As you watch the series, you can't help but to fall in love with the whole Xiao family, how they love one another, and your heart will also break as you watch how troubles and misfortune befall the family.
I especially love to see the development of Ping Jing - from a carefree second young master of the family to a mature man, worthy to lead the Chang Lin army.

The series exceeded my expectations!