A man's quest to becoming the strongest Spirit Master.
Notable Actors/Actresses
斗羅大陸
[Ep1] Tang San is trained by his father who wants him to be the strongest Spiritual Fighter, someone who doesn’t kill innocent beasts like most of the other fighters. The fighters kill to gain energy from the beasts. Tang Sang and his father are against this. The strong should protect the weak.
[Ep4] Tang San and Xiao Wu are bullied by the “elites” (Xiao Chen Yu). They’re forced to do endless chores so that they won’t have any time to attend classes.
[Ep6] Bye, Grass Spirit? Tang San risked losing his Grass Spirit to save Xiao Wu and Yu Xiao Gang. They’re still surrounded by Xiao Chen Yu’s men. Yu Xiao Gang summons his second Spiritual Ring which is San Pao releasing gaseous hypnotics. Such a rugged looking guy having such lame powers, LOL. Our trio escape but Xiao Chen Yu had to add that he’ll destroy their families, Yu Xiao Gang nostrils flare. He grabs Xiao Chen Yu’s collar and punches him straight in the face. Xiao Wu cheers him on. Remember, she likes fighting. After our trio leaves, Wang Sheng finishes off Xiao Chen Yu o.o. The death of Xiao Chen Yu is blamed on Tang San. But why not Yu Xiao Gang?
Zhu Zhu Qing overexerts herself during training. She wants to be the strongest of them all. She thinks that to be independent is to be strong. The school master (Fei Lan De) asks her what is her real goal? Who is the strongest person she wants to defeat? Is it others or is it herself?
Ma Hong Jun cannot control his fire for life but manages to improve bit by bit with everyone training him. It’s kinda funny how he has to compensate for every man he burns. Ning Rong Rong pities Ma Hong Jun's treacherous training. She tells them if something wasn’t meant to be then it’s impossible. Way to dampen the mood, girl. But Ma Hong Jun proves her wrong. He can finally start controlling his raging fire.
Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mu Bai, and Ma Hong Jun compete at the city battles in order to lure out Bu Le. However, Bu Le is more interested in Xiao Wu than Ma Hong Jun (the successful mutilation).
[Ep22] Farewell. Tang San is threatened to stay in Xisi to attend the Spirit Conference. If Tang San doesn't participate, Ye Zhi Qiu has men ready to kill off his friends. Tang San wanted to stay alone but Xiao Wu and Yu Xiao Gang will stay with him. The others feel torn to separate (Tang San won’t tell the reason he’s staying behind). Xiao Wu is in tears during their farewell with the rest of the team but she tells Tang San that if she were to separate with him, it'll be different. She can't even imagine being apart from him. Her heart will be emptied out. She wants to be with him forever. But how can two people be together forever? Xiao Wu says they can try. Tang San wipes her tears, "Alright, we'll try."
[Ep23] The camels are reunited. However, Xiongshen Team wants Tang San to kill the man who accidentally kidnapped the baby camel. Tang San won’t. Apparently that was the shortcut to entering the team (and to ultimately meet Tang Huo). Thus the original challenge remains. Tang San will still have to battle them whether or not he wants to. It's also apparently a death match. However, Tang San isn’t alone. All our Shrekkies join in to help even if it means death. Now that’s our Shrek Seven Devil.
I love the show of the Rings for each member of the Shrek Seven Devils before the fight. It reminds me of the anime transformations I once loved and now it's brought to life. Also, I really love the battle sequence. It’s not just Pow! Pow! Pow! Fly! Spin! Kick! There’s moves I can follow!
[Ep25] Our Shreks arrive at Tiandou Royal Academy and meet an arrogant Crown Prince (Xue Qing He). He's stuck at Two Spirit Rings for unknown reasons but he doesn't care. Unlike the Dai's who rely on brute strength, the Xue's value their brains more. The Crown Prince is the one who invited them to the academy to enter the Conference that's held by Wuhun Hall (Hu Lie Na's sect).
Xiao Wu tells Tang San all about Ao Si Ke’s plays. He’s putting on a performance to raise money so that Tang San can enter the competition. He needs a Princess for his Frog Prince show but none of the girls volunteer. Ao Si Ke thinks Ma Hong Jun is too ugly. Excuse me! Hence Dai Mu Bai it is. Xiao Wu had wanted to help but she knew Tang San was in opposition. Tang San drops everything he was doing. He is absolutely against Xiao Wu kissing anyone.
Tang San is Kidnapped by Du Gu Bo. Xiao Wu barges into the royal academy to look for Tang San. She will go against an army for Tang San. However, she’s not strong enough. Aw, is our bunny going to be okay? She’s to be punished but our Shrek masters save her. They once again anger this royal family.
Du Gu Poison. Du Gu Bo can cure all poisons except Du Gu Yan’s poison. He thinks Tang San has the antidote because he’s fine. It takes a lot of poisonous drinks until Tang San’s bladder is full to convince Du Gu Bo that his entire body is impervious to poisons. Du Gu Bo soon realizes Ye Zhe Qiu’s real target was himself. Tang San decides to help Du Gu Bo.
[Ep28] Du Gu Bo backs out on the rest of the deals. Haha. Our sleazy gramps. He doesn’t have the money for Tang San to enter the competition but he has another way. He takes them to a field with many herbal plants. This field used to be a mountain once upon a time. There was a war between a Nine Level and Wuhun Hall that wiped out the mountain. Some of the herbs can be exchanged for quite a bit of money. It’s hard work but that’s the only way to make money. Or is it? Du Gu Bo points to a space with an invisible wall. He’s unable to enter that area. When Tang San touches the wall, he hears the same familiar voice again. The voice tells him to use his Grass Spirit. The vines guide Tang San through this magical space. He takes Xiao Wu with him. This place has rare herbs but that’s not what’s important. This is the place that was always in his dream. It’s the place his mother created for him and only he can enter. Xiao Wu can enter because...?
A Voice Calls Out to Tang San. It is his mother’s voice but it is merely a voice. She is already dead and what is here including her voice is what she left for Tang San. He can enter here because she has left a bit of her Grass Spirit in the depth of his heart. And they said Grass Spirit was useless. Psh. She died on the day she gave birth to him. She was the Nine Level Ring Master who perished on this land after the fight with Wuhun Hall masters.
There’s two reasons why Wuhun Hall wants her dead. The first is her identity which she will keep a secret until Tang San is ready. His father will tell him. Gosh I hate it when people tell me they have something to tell me but then they don’t tell me. The second reason: she’s the owner of Xuan Tian Bao Lu (that Sacred Record). This book details ways for regular humans to become Spirit Fighters. This book threatens the existence of Wuhun Hall and their foundation of Spirit Fighters. This also means with the book, Spirit Fighters no longer have to kill beasts. However, the mother and father couldn’t master the Sacred Book. Thus, they theorized that one must first master the book then become a Spirit Fighter. When the parents had the book, they were already spirit fighters. Tang San being here means their theory was proven. So they used their son as experiment. Loving.
Tang San’s mother also tells him “I want you to live a peaceful life” and “I want you to change the world.” Me: Mom, make up your mind.
Mom’s last message: Don’t let revenge take over your life. Oh, is it possible Dad is avenging Mom’s death? There's also a flashback of dad’s words. The hammer will always protect the grass. Dad will always protect Mom.
The Presents. Last but not least, mom has two presents for Tang San (on top of all the rare herbs in this magical space):
Rare Herbs as Presents. Tang San gathers all the rare herbs and gives it as presents to his friend. First he gives a poison herb to Dugu Bo to cure his poison. However, Tang San says it’s a trade. He must promise to help his academy with the competition.
Tang San gives everyone a personalized herb to increase their powers. Everyone is amazed, except Xiao Wu who is grumpy because Du Gu Yan teasing her. Du Gu Yan said she liked Tang San and will kiss him. (She was joking)
Tang San also gives a herb to Yu Xiao Gang that will strengthen his body and perhaps allow him to level up! Only Yu Xiao Gang is suspicious where Tang San got all these herbs. Tang San tells him everything. He wants revenge against Wuhun Hall. The master (Qian Xun Ji) who killed his mother already died but Tang San wants revenge on the family. Bi Bi Dong is the wife and the current ruler. Qian Ren Xue is the daughter. Okay. What happened to no revenge? Yu Xiao Gamg reminds him to not be blinded by revenge. Tang San begins remembering his mother’s words.
[Ep38] Working With Wuhun Hall. After confirming the losing teams have been disappearing, Tang San wants to save them even if it means going against Master Ju and Canghui Academy. Dai Mu Bai calls him crazy. Tang San has a way: collaborate with Bi Bi Dong. He doesn’t care who’s in the right or wrong, he just wants to save the innocent. Tang San tells Hu Lie Na everything. She needs to confirm it first. Dai Mu Bai doesn’t believe her but Xiao Wu does and thus Tang San does. Hu Lie Na is back and takes them to Master Ju’s room. They need to find evidence first if they’re going to accuse Master Ju.
[First Impression (Ep1-6)] I’m still getting the hang of this xuanhuan world but I am so on board. I love that whole right hand left hand thing. The rules to this world entice me. I am slowly warming up to Tang San. He’s the stereotypical hero who wants to protect the weak. Nothing new there. His personality is what I like, especially when he’s muttering sarcastic remarks with a smile. He’s the guy who camouflages in the background, hiding his true powers. He’d rather be easygoing than make a scene. It’s just with his powers, no one can ignore him. The constant discrimination against his Grass Spirit makes me anticipate his surge even more.
[Actors/Actresses] Calvin from Fahrenheit is here! It took me a while to realize why the actor for Yu Xiao Gang was so familiar. It’s been so long since I’ve seen this guy. And he’s married to Joanne Tseng. This is all news to me, xD.
[Behind the Scenes]
[Ending] Uh. Happy? I don’t really know. It’s not a bad ending and it’s definitely not a sad ending. There’s just not enough of an ending to feel like an ending. There’s clearly more to this world and we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. At the very least, there is closure to some main events:
[Review] There seems to be quite a bit of divergence in the reviews between the fans of the original versus unexposed drama-watchers. Below is my take as someone who knows absolutely nothing about the originals, rather green when it comes to cultivation fantasy dramas, and not a fan of Xiao Zhan which needs to be followed by an obligatory clarification that I’m also not a hater, just neutral.
This is an eyeopener for me. I absolutely love this but for a very specific reason: the world building. It’s amazing how this universe expands with this much complexity without being convoluted. Forgive me for my poor example, but the world building is like Digimon or Pokemon – it’s that complicated and that expansive (that’s my best example...I’m sorry). There’s definitely a better example out there that’s more relevant. It just goes to show you that someone – yours truly – who’s not familiar with this genre can love this too.
After the setup episodes, which would be the first dozen or so, the story begins accelerating and each new episode pushes our Spirit Fighters to a new level whether it’s physically (levelling up) or emotionally (being stronger at heart). I never know where the story is taking me or what the next reveals are so for the 35 minutes of each episode, I’m captivated.
Team moments were the highlights especially when our Shrek Seven Devils (Chinese: Shi Lan Ke Seven Weirdos) fight together. My favourite theme is empowering the weak and this drama is full of it. Each member of our Shrekkies were once inferior. Because of each other, they grow stronger day by day. As much as I like the team, I do find the team-building process a little too condensed; I would have preferred more trials but because of how colourful the individual characters are, Drama manages to camouflage that shortcoming.
My favourite characters:
The romances were (meekly) cute despite not being the focus of the drama. I really like Dai Mu Bai & Zhu Zhu Qing’s romance. They were also given a lot of screen time. Ao Si Ke and Ning Rong Rong didn’t have as much screen time but they used their time the best. They achieved more than what they were given. Their scenes are injected in bits everywhere because they’re the humour duo. Tang San and Xiao Wu wasted their potential. They had a lot of sweet scenes but it was all flat – too bad, I wanted to like them the most. Yu Xiao Gang and Liu Er Long’s love was surprisingly funny.
Emotions. I love the drama for growing expansively but it lacked depth. The drama didn’t play enough with my heart when I wanted it to. The lack of tension is too obvious. Not one moment did I fear for Tang San. He was going to win, it was just a matter of how. There were so many potential scenes that were naturally charged with emotions but it had so little effect on my heart. For example [Sp]:
Overall. I sound like I don’t love the drama but I do! The drama didn’t move my heart but its heart was in the right place. I was invested in this world. I loved the team; I loved the members; I loved the alliances (especially the gramps); I loved the supposed enemies (the girls). There’s character growth (for so many characters! That’s a feat in itself), there’s humour, there’s some cute romances. Everything builds up logically and it doesn’t exaggerate itself to appear cool (y'all don't know how much I appreciate that). The drama’s intentions are in the right place, it’s just not executed the best it could. Still, this has made me eager for a second season, something I rarely ever want.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Xiao Zhan: Tang San
Wu Xuan Yi: Xiao Wu
Scriptwriter:
Chinese Title斗羅大陸
Network: Tencent Video
Mini Recaps
*Heads up. I find the jargon difficult to translate. I might be renaming the terminologies as I go. Also this drama is a new world with it’s own rules. I’m the type of watcher that keeps on watching if I don’t get something hoping that I’ll get it later.Dreams. Tang San constantly has these dreams with a woman’s voice who calls out to him. He thinks the voice belongs to her mother.
The Rare Strength. Tang San’s right hand possesses 藍銀草 Blue-Silver Grass Spirit (simplified to Grass Spirit). This spirit cannot attack, defend or help. Thus, it is the most worthless spirit in this world. However, the strength of his spirit is 天生滿魂力 (which means "born with maxed out strength"). That type of strength is one in a million.
The Left Hand. There’s more to Tang San’s spiritual powers. Normally, the spirit is in the right hand but he’s got something else in his left. It is the "Sky Hammer Spirit". His father instructs him it must be kept a secret, “If one day you cannot control this hammer, it is not to kill, it is to protect the Grass Spirit in your right hand.”
[Ep2] Tang San leaves his father to train to be a Spirit Master. Once Yu Xiao Gang learns of Tang San’s rare strength, the former immediately asks the latter what’s in his left hand. Such a rare strength cannot only be paired with one spirit. Yu Xiao Gang claims he’s the only one who can train Tang San.
Rabbit and the Grass. Meet Xiao Wu. She has a Rabbit Spirit. Once she sees Tang San stand up against other disciples for torturing a rabbit, she immediately likes Tang San. Her type of like isn't the common type of like. Once she sees how powerful Tang San is (when he’s not even using his Spirit), she happily duels him. The winner will be "Lao Da” (the most respected person). She learns of his Grass Spirit and likes him even more (she is the only person who hasn’t discriminated against his spirit). The reason: rabbits like grass. Tang San immediately sucks up to her, ah, so you’re my natural enemy, so why don’t I just give up? He just doesn’t want the hassle of fighting her. During the fight, he loses. She accuses him of losing on purpose. He lies that he tried his utmost best.
Lao Da. After Tang San protects his roommates from a falling light, he doesn’t have to fight them and they all acknowledge him as their Lao Da. Yu Xiao Gang wonders at how he managed to earn everyone’s respect. Tang San isn’t sure but tells him the duties of being Lao Da: to clean after everyone, wake up everyone etc. Lol, that’s more like a servant.
Sleeping Together. Xiao Wu had wanted to sleep in the bed next to Tang San but she’s called back to the girls’ dorms. That doesn’t stop her from sneaking into his bed at night. Not only that, she falls asleep on his chest.
[Ep3] The Worthless Grass Spirit. Tang San is constantly reminded how utterly worthless his Grass Spirit is. Gosh, even I’m getting annoyed everyone is looking down on our ML. He looks to Yu Xiao Gang for advice. He tells Tang San, "There is no worthless spirit, there is only worthless people." He makes Tang San repeat that line until there’s conviction in his voice. Yu Xiao Gang gives him his first assignment: find what’s special about the Grass Spirit. Tang San spends the whole day on it. Xiao Wu sighs there isn’t anything special about it. That’s exactly it. The Grass Spirit’s distinction is that it’s not special. It blends in like a disguise. Like Tang San blending in and purposely avoiding the spotlight. Once Tang San understands the qualities of the Grass Spirit, he can hone it. The grass in his hand grows. Since it’s flexible, Tang San can use his Grass Spirit like a rope.
Xiao Wu sees Tang San's blacksmith work and falls a little bit in love with him. Or at least I think so.
[Ep4] Tang San and Xiao Wu are bullied by the “elites” (Xiao Chen Yu). They’re forced to do endless chores so that they won’t have any time to attend classes.
Dog-Pig. Tang San embarks on a trip with Yu Xiao Gang to collect Spirit Rings that can help Tang San level up. He needs to level up to protect him and Xiao Wu from Xiao Chen Yu. Yu Xiao Gang kills an evil beast with his dog-pig (his spirit), San Pao. The dog-pig (that Yu Xiao Gang insists is a dog) fights by imploding... Lol.... and it can only implode three times. Hence the dog’s name. However, Yu Xiao Gang cannot absorb the Spirit Ring because his Spirit is useless now (for reasons unknown). Oh, and our San Pao replenishes itself by feeding on radish.
Is Yu Xiao Gang trustworthy? Xiao Wu quickly pulls Tang San away from Yu Xiao Gang. He’s suspicious. He lied to Tang Sang that the first Spirit Ring must be from a beast at least 423 years old. The result of a newbie selecting a beast >300 years is either death or near-death. Tang San doesn’t know why Yu Xiao Gang would harm him. It doesn’t make sense. Xiao Wu changes the topic and asks him if he’s really going to kill an innocent beast to level up. He has no choice if he needs to defend against Xiao Chen Yu. Xiao Wu settles that they have to look for an evil and ferocious beast then. However, instead of killing a beast, they end up trying to save one. I like that Xiao Wu loves fighting but she’s not without a brain. She’s quite the smart cookie.
[Ep5] Xiao Chen Yu attacks Xiao Wu and Tang San. Before he can lay hands on them, a humongous snake slithers through. Xiao Wu and Tang San run off. The snake was lured in by Yu Xiao Gang. He tells Tang San that the snake is the perfect beast to level up with. Tang San believes him despite what Xiao Wu has told him. Yu Xiao Gang’s only motive is to prove that his theory is correct.
Spirit Rings claimed! Tang San overcomes the snake and levels up. Yu Xiao Gang’s theory was right. Xiao Wu thinks Tang San's new power is to release weak poison. Meanwhile, Tang San thinks it’s to bind someone. Xiao Wu asks him how they’re going to save Yu Xiao Gang who’s captured by Xiao Chen Yu. He lies to her that they should separate since they can’t fight against Xiao Chen Yu anyways. He’s worried for her safety. She saw through his lie and immediately asks her beastly friends to help her. She gets herself a Spirit Ring too. Her powers are enhanced hip strength which she calls “Yao Gong”. Lol. She tags along with Tang San to save Yu Xiao Gang.
Is Xiao Wu trustworthy? Xiao Wu is captured in a spiritual cage. She had pushed Tang San away to protect him. Xiao Chen Yu reveals that Xiao Wu wasn’t supposed to be in this school. Her referral letter was meant for a man that she had bought the letter with money. Xiao Chen Yu makes Xiao Wu sound suspicious. Still, Tang San wants to save her (and Yu Xiao Gang). Xiao Chen Yu gives him options to save his friends but Tang San doesn’t like either of them and will find his own way. He will destroy the cage hopefully before the cage destroys him.
[Ep6] Bye, Grass Spirit? Tang San risked losing his Grass Spirit to save Xiao Wu and Yu Xiao Gang. They’re still surrounded by Xiao Chen Yu’s men. Yu Xiao Gang summons his second Spiritual Ring which is San Pao releasing gaseous hypnotics. Such a rugged looking guy having such lame powers, LOL. Our trio escape but Xiao Chen Yu had to add that he’ll destroy their families, Yu Xiao Gang nostrils flare. He grabs Xiao Chen Yu’s collar and punches him straight in the face. Xiao Wu cheers him on. Remember, she likes fighting. After our trio leaves, Wang Sheng finishes off Xiao Chen Yu o.o. The death of Xiao Chen Yu is blamed on Tang San. But why not Yu Xiao Gang?
The Father is Sketchy. Our trio needs to escape. Tang San wants to fetch his father first but when they arrive, Yu Xiao Gang realizes his father hasn’t been living in the hut for a while now. All of a sudden, the father returns to tell them to flee because of Xiao Chen Yu’s death. Tang San and Xiao Wu to leave first. Yu Xiao Gang stays behind. He finds the father familiar. Seems like he’s a a famous grandmaster who’s supposed to be dead. The father wasn’t home because he’s been following Tang San all along (which also means he’s been watching his son in peril and never lent a hand). The father already had a beast prepared for Tang San to recover his Grass Spirit which apparently was hidden under his home for 600 years and it was prepared by Tang San's mother. He warns Yu Xiao Gang to hide his real identity to his son. The father leaves Tang San in Yu Xiao Gang’s care. The less Dad cares about Tang San, the more agitated Yu Xiao Gang becomes. Yu Xiao Gang doesn’t even know why he cares but he cares. Hehe.
Second Spirit Ring. There’s a risk to consuming a second Spirit Ring when Tang San hasn’t even learned to control the first ring. Yu Xiao Gang worries for him (when dad doesn’t) but that’s the only way they can escape. I don’t think anyone should have doubted this: Tang San gets his second Spirit Ring.
[Ep7] Parasitic. Tang San’s second power is parasitic growth of his Grass Spirit. Yu Xiao Gang is dazzled. Xiao Wu asks the question everyone is thinking: what’s the use of making a person’s body grow grass? Well, adding Tang San’s previous power which is mild poison or more like mild anaesthetic, the person won't feel the grass binding them. Tang San can effectively control the person’s body without the person knowing until it’s too late.
Be Strong. The father kills the city mayor is dead so no one will hunt down Tang San. The city celebrates his death (no more curfew). The father secretly calls out Yu Xiao Gang to let him know he’s leaving. He won’t even see his son before he leaves. However, Tang San planted his grass on the ground. Anyone who steps on the land, his grass will be alerted. Tang San catches his father and begs him to not leave. His father tells him that their family has too many secrets. Once Tang San grows stronger in strength and in heart, then he will return.
Tang San needs to be the strongest. Yu Xiao Gang tells him of a school that will accept him regardless of his background. Before they sleep for the night, Tang San has one important matter to finish. He wants Yu Xiao Gang to be his master (Shi Fu). Yu Xiao Gang stops him. Any Spirit Fighter can only have one master. Soon Tang San's powers will outgrow his. Plus Yu Xiao Gang is a “worthless being”. Tang San doesn’t think so. Yu Xiao Gang was the one who told him his Grass Spirit isn’t worthless. Yu Xiao Gang could have left him during their escape but he chose to stay. Most importantly, Tang San’s father trusts him. Tang San is settled on having Yu Xiao Gang as his master. All of the qualities Tang San listed had nothing to do with physical strength, but the heart. Remember how Tang San’s father said he needed to be strong in the heart as well.
Xiao Wu tells Tang San that she has no relative either. She suggests they can be family. Tang San accepts her as his sister. He promises he will protect her. She assures him she’s strong too. She can protect him too.
Tang San and Xiao Wu unintentionally passes the first test of the school. The master is testing them on good faith, which Tang San is a natural at. They’re allowed to board. Ao Si Ke shows Tang San and Xiao Wu their room. He thinks they’re a couple so when Xiao Wu introduces herself she thinks the “Wu” means “Five” while Tang San’s “San” means “Three”. Our 3-5 couple.
Tang San receives a present from the master of the school. Random people wouldn’t know the crystal harbours lethal weapons but Tang San does because of the book his father made him memorize: 玄天寶錄 (My simple English: Sacred Records). Xiao Wu asks Tang San why he told her about the book when his father ordered him not to tell anyone. Tang San says she’s his sister now. She’s trustworthy, right?
[Ep8] Zhu Zhu Qing, Xiao Wu, and Tang San pass the test and are accepted into the school (after they courageously avenge for Ao Si Ke’s “death”). Zhu Zhu Qing isn’t here to enrol in school but to duel Dai Mu Bai (a senior at the school). In fact, there’s another girl looking for Dai Mu Bai. She’s Hu Lie Na. What a popular guy he is.
By the way, Tang San can level up Xiao Wu’s hip strength by spinning her with his grass. This is better seen than me explaining. Tang San also realizes he can use 玄天功 (from the Sacred Records) to combine with his spirit and that lessens the damage from his opponents. However, he doesn’t quite know how to control it.
[Ep9] The school master and Yu Xiao Gang are friends! The way the master flew to Yu Xiao Gang made me laugh lol. Yu Xiao Gang offers to be a teacher in this severely underfunded school.
Dai Mu Bai doesn’t like studying theory. He only believes in training and his own ability. He’s quite the arrogant one (he does also have the skill to certify his arrogance).
The class go on a quest in this village that looks dubiously normal to investigate a fire. Dai Mu Bai insists on being the leader of the group. Zhu Zhu Qing doesn’t approve.
Dai Mu Bai doesn’t like studying theory. He only believes in training and his own ability. He’s quite the arrogant one (he does also have the skill to certify his arrogance).
The class go on a quest in this village that looks dubiously normal to investigate a fire. Dai Mu Bai insists on being the leader of the group. Zhu Zhu Qing doesn’t approve.
[Ep10] Zhu Zhu Qing is obsessed with defeating Dai Mu Bai because he’s her fiancé. Apparently he kissed her and that’s why their marriage exists. Defeating him will somehow nullify their wedding.
Meanwhile Tang San is obsessed with why there’s chicken all over the place but no chicken poop at all in this village.
Dai Mu Bai suffers an injury and asks Ao Si Ke to heal him. Ao Si Ke shimmies away. For some reason, he’s ashamed of his Spirit. He tells Tang San to leave the room. Now, I’m so curious!
[Ep11] There’s no chicken poop because the chickens are fake. They’re the eyes and ears of the culprit that’s spying on our group. The village chief is the culprit. He experimented with a pair of father and son (Ma Hong Jun) to create a Spirit Master in them when their lineage doesn’t possess that ability. The father was the chief’s original specimen but he turned into a monster. The father had burned the village to protect his son from the maniac chief but it’s too late. Ma Hong Jun turns into the chief’s pawn. However, the dad (who’s in a smoke form) combusts within his son to give him his powers and his memories. The father is permanently gone. With that, Ma Hong Jun realizes who the true enemy is and attacks the chief but he’s unable to control his powers.
[Ep12] Tang San risks his own life to convince Ma Hong Jun to stop the fire. A naive Ao Si Ke thinks a bucket of water can wipe out the fire and pours it over Tang San and Ao Si Ke. Our cute Ao Si Ke thinks he’s the one who cleared the fire.
There’s this mysterious guy called Bu Le (Not happy) who’s going around villages giving these medication to mutilate normal beings into Spirit Fighters.
Ma Hong Jun is accepted into the school to be a Spirit Fighter. He’s the sixth student. He’s having difficulty controlling his powers. This man will spontaneously go inferno.
Meet Ning Rong Rong. She’s the daughter of this clan that’s top three in Dou Luo Continent. She’s the newest addition to our school (by her father’s orders). Ao Si Ke is in love with this spoiled princess. There’s this mysterious guy called Bu Le (Not happy) who’s going around villages giving these medication to mutilate normal beings into Spirit Fighters.
Ma Hong Jun is accepted into the school to be a Spirit Fighter. He’s the sixth student. He’s having difficulty controlling his powers. This man will spontaneously go inferno.
[Ep13] Ao Si Ke is a rare full strength just like Tang San. Ning Rong Rong is curious about his Spirit Ring. I am too! He shows it to her but we don’t get to see it!
Zhu Zhu Qing overexerts herself during training. She wants to be the strongest of them all. She thinks that to be independent is to be strong. The school master (Fei Lan De) asks her what is her real goal? Who is the strongest person she wants to defeat? Is it others or is it herself?
Ma Hong Jun cannot control his fire for life but manages to improve bit by bit with everyone training him. It’s kinda funny how he has to compensate for every man he burns. Ning Rong Rong pities Ma Hong Jun's treacherous training. She tells them if something wasn’t meant to be then it’s impossible. Way to dampen the mood, girl. But Ma Hong Jun proves her wrong. He can finally start controlling his raging fire.
Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mu Bai, and Ma Hong Jun compete at the city battles in order to lure out Bu Le. However, Bu Le is more interested in Xiao Wu than Ma Hong Jun (the successful mutilation).
[Ep14] Xiao Wu is Poisoned. Tang San and Xiao Wu find Bu Le. However, he poisons Xiao Wu. She has half a month to live if they don't find the antidote. Bu Le tells them they can find it in Star Battle Forest (my crappy English translation). Fei Lan De thinks it's best for the group to leave together. Since there’s a mole in their class (Hu Lie Na who’s from Wu Hun Hall and is searching for Bu Le) the teachers have to lie about the real motive for the trip. The lie: the trip is for Ao Si Ke to gain his third ring. Of course, it’s Ao Si Ke they use. I would too, heh. Everyone believes it but Hu Lie Na is suspicious.
Our group separates into teams. Tang San and Xiao Wu is with Yu Xiao Gang. Yu Xiao Gang uses his “seven rings” to fend off the thugs. The seven rings are an illusion from this contraption that Ao Si Ke invented. Ao Si Ke is super useful! He can heal (which we still haven’t seen!) and he’s a genius scientist.
"I Will Still Protect You." When Xiao Wu is alone with Tang San, she asks him a lot of “if” questions: What if all the Spirit Fighters are after her life. Tang San will protect her. She wants him to pretend he doesn’t know her and to protect himself. Not happening. Tang San vows to protect her against all cost. They’d have to walk over his dead body to get to her. Xiao Wu smiles to herself.
Tang San and Xiao Wu meet the man (Ye Zhi Qiu) who can cure Xiao Wu. Ye Zhi Qiu has an eerie spirit. It can kill with ease without showing its form. He has a mission for them: to find this lady (Du Gu Yan) and poison her with this unknown chemical. Tang San is desperate to save Xiao Wu and will follow Ye Zhi Qiu’s orders. Yu Xiao Gang interrogates Tang Sang, "Do you want to kill someone or to save someone?” Fei Lan De has a third option. They need Ye Zhi Qiu’s help, not Du Gu Yan’s life. They will lure out Du Gu Yan without using the chemical to poison her.
This episode we get to see Ao Si Ke’s Healing Spirit! It’s a full out chef outfit. I’m a tiny bit disappointed, lol.
[Ep15] Ao Si Ke’s Awesomeness. There’s more to Ao Si Ke’s Healing Spirit. His medicine comes in sausages. Lol, okay Show, you got me there. The sausages can immediately alleviate one’s weariness and replenish spiritual powers. That’s why he’s a genius according to Yu Xiao Gang. The way Ao Si Ke summons his sausage reminds me of Running Man superhero episodes. The only person who truly appreciates the beauty of his entire outfit is Ning Rong Rong.
The tarantula beast that Tang San blinded back in Ep1 is in the forest too. The teachers suspect that the beast wants revenge. Yu Xiao Gang summons San Pao to protect Tang San. I forgot about this pal! Ning Rong Rong melts at how cute the piggie is. Yu Xiao Gang glares at her. San Pao is a dog!
San Pao detects Su Yun Tao nearby. Yu Xiao Gang leaves the group to search for him but a enigmatic-black-gaseous-speaking-element kills Su Yun Tao first. I think it's Ye Zhi Qiu??? Yu Xiao Gang overhears the gaseous element speaking to the Sea Dragon. The gas wants to form an alliance with the dragon. I guess the mysterious figure isn't a proper Spirit Fighter and wants to team up with the beast to reorder Soul Land.
The rest of the group captures this flying snake. When Ao Si Ke takes the knife the kill the beast to level up, Xiao Wu turns away. She really connects with beasts, doesn't she?
Kiwis. Ao Si Ke's new powers: it's the same outfit. But! Instead of just Healing Sausages, he can now produce Flying Kiwis! This drama is such a joke sometimes, lol. Ning Rong Rong is eager to try but apparently you're supposed to eat everything including the skin. Ning Rong Rong doesn't want it anymore and passes it to Ma Hong Jun. Our guinea pig. Ma Hong Jun can fly. The only problem now is, how does he land? Lol. By the way, the flying ability expires in an hour.
Tang San is next up for leveling up. The candidate is determined by their ability to accept a new ring (XP?). Tang San, who just got two rings, shouldn't be able to have enough XP but he does! He's missing just a bit but he replenishes with his other martial technique from the Sacred Records to max out his XP.
Big Foot Kidnaps Xiao Wu. A gigantic beast (Big Foot) with enormous powers that even a pair of eight and nine level Spirit Masters won't fight has kidnapped Xiao Wu. I think Xiao Wu is friends with Big Foot. Everyone decides to leave the forest for safety reasons but Tang San won't. He secretly asks Ao Si Ke for a Flying Kiwi so that he can search for Xiao Wu alone. Once the crew realizes Tang San is gone, Ma Hong Jun volunteers to find Tang San. Tang San is his saviour. Soon, the rest of the gang decides to go too (except Hu Lie Na who hasn't helped at all and Ning Rong Rong who thinks it's too reckless).
Tarantula vs. Tang San. Tang San lands back into the forest on his belly. This flying thing needs a landing control. He accidentally breaks the specimen tube and leaks the green poison that Ye Zhi Qiu gave him. However, he doesn't have time for that, he needs to save Xiao Wu. There's another obstacle in his path: the tarantula. Using his left hand, he summons his Sky Hammer to whack the beast.
Ning Rong Rong regrets abandoning the team. She tells Hu Lie Na the only way for a Helper Type Spirit Fighter to reach their maximum ability is to find companions they can risk their life for.
[Ep16] Tang San Levels Up? Tang San kills the tarantula. He’s about to claim the Spirit Ring but the elders accompanying Du Gu Yan are here to make a deal. They want the blood of the tarantula to lure in more beasts for Du Gu Yan. If Tang San insists to absorb the ring, the beast’s body will evaporate. It’s not a bad deal according to Yu Xiao Gang because the Spirit Ring is too much for Tang San to handle. However, Tang San needs the ring to strengthen himself to save Xiao Wu. He has no time to find another suitable beast. He absorbs the ring and faints over.
Du Gu Yan’s Poison. Du Gu Yan worriedly holds onto Tang San’s hand asking if he’s alright. However, the green chemical that Tang San had accidentally released has entered her body now.
Xiao Wu Levels Up. Xiao Wu is friends with Big Foot who she hugs and calls Er Ming (Er = 2). There’s apparently also a Da Ming (Da ≈ 1). Anyways. Xiao Wu has the ability to absorb the beasts’s power without killing the beast to level up. She’s now on her third ring. Er Ming wants to give her more but she can’t be too strong or it’ll be suspicious. Currently, she has no idea what Tang San is going through for her. In Tang San’s subconsciousness, he’s strangled by what looks like a spider web. In reality, he’s cocoon-ized.
Tang San is a Spider! Tang San finally emerges from the cocoon. He is now a human spider, Tang San’s own soul is nowhere to be seen. The others arrive and protect him from the Elder couple who want to kill Tang San for the monster he has become. Yu Xiao Gang has a way to save him. He can forcefully take out the Spirit but that will make Tang San forever a Third Level. He can never level up. To Dai Mu Bai, a Spirit Fighter who cannot gain Spirit Rings is the greatest insult. Yu Xiao Gang counters. Tang San being stuck at Level Three is better than him being consumed by a spider. Mom importantly, Yu Xiao Gang knows exactly how it feels. Yu Xiao Gang can’t level up. :O
Tang San's Desire to Save Xiao Wu. Just as Yu Xiao Gang was about to forcefully take out the Spirit, Tang San murmurs. “Xiao Wu.” Tang San’s desire to save Xiao Wu is preventing the monster from consuming him entirely. His teammates let go of Tang San’s spider legs to let him save Xiao Wu. Ning Rong Rong shows up to help but she pouts when everyone helps Tang San save Xiao Wu. She whimpers, “As a Helper Spirit Fighter, I can’t abandon my teammates even if they’re psychos." LOL. I’m liking her now.
Joining the mess is Zhu Zhu Qing’s sister who’s here to take Zhu Zhu Qing home. Dai Mu Bai doesn’t know she’s her sister so they duel each other. She’s a Four Ring so Dai Mu Bai can’t beat her. However, Zhu Zhu Qing won't leave with her sister. It seems like she likes Dai Mu Bai. However, there’s a troubling piece news from her sister: Dai Mu Bai doesn’t have long to live. Hmm.
Xiao Wu Saves Tang San. Tang San finds Xiao Wu. She has the ability to save him without suspending his ability to level up. She can absorb his Spirit. She makes sure the school masters are unconscious first. Tang San is safe and Xiao Wu manages to keep her secret.
Hu Lie Na hypnotizes Dai Mu Bai to make him tell her about his family. He’s saved from Hu Lie Na by Zhu Zhu Qing.
[Ep17] Just Who is Dad? Tang San and Ye Zhi Qiu meet again. The latter is surprised the former is alive. The green chemical was poison and the plan was for Tang San to die with Du Gu Yan. But since Tang San completed his end of the deal, Ye Zhi Qiu gives him the antidote for Xiao Wu’s poison. He also recruits Tang San to their cult. Tang Hao is the leader (the legendary Nine Ring) which means he’s the mastermind behind the Spirit Mutilation. Tang San reacts to the name. Tang Hao is his father. Tang San wants to know more but it’s not that easy. He needs to pass certain tests (in Xisi City) in order to see “Tang Hao”. Is there a fake Tang Hao, because I don’t think Tang San’s father is a bad guy.
Poison Immunity. Xiao Wu took the medication but she’s not waking up. Yu Xiao Gang's theory time: the three spirits Tang San has captured all contain poison. He is now invulnerable to all poison at the same time he’s a poisonous hub (I simplified). When he injured Xiao Wu with his spider legs, he injected poison in her. Yu Xiao Gang tells him there’s a way to save her: Tang San can use his grass vines to suck out the poison. His Grass wraps around her but there’s no difference. Yu Xiao Gang gets up to leave and tells him that the Grass has no effect through clothes. Tang San is flustered but Yu Xiao Gang teases him, “Isn’t she your sister?” Are we going to get skinship?? No. Tang San uses the grass vines to enter her collar.
Xiao Wu wakes up.
Tang San apologizes to Ma Hong Jun. He tells him it’s Tang Hao, his father, who’s the one behind the mutilation and, therefore, Ma Hong Jun’s father’s death. Ma Hong Jun won’t believe it until there’s proof. So Ma Hong Jun can be logical like that but Tang San can’t? Is Tang San too inclined to believe his father is a bad guy? Well his father does have a lot of secrets
Xiao Wu’s Rings. Xiao Wu shows off her second and third ring. Thankfully, she’s lying to the two idiots in the team (Tang San and Ao Si Ke) and so they don't suspect her too much. Her second Spirit Ring is pink eyes that can make someone temporarily dazed. Tang San was too focused on her pretty eyes and eyelashes to notice initially. Her third Spirit Ring is speed/teleportation.
[Ep18] Shrek Seven Devils. Yu Xiao Gang has been training the students' physique. He knows some of them will fail (e.g. Ning Rong Rong). The real motive behind his training is to polish their teamwork. Tang San is the first to suggest the stronger ones help the weaker ones. Tang San will take the heavier rocks. Dai Mu Bai disagrees. He's the one who should bear the heavier weight. Aw. The masters are proud of their "Shrek Seven Devils" (Chinese: Shi Lan Ke's Seven Weirdos).
Girls' talk. Ning Rong Rong asks Xiao Wu if she and Tang San have kissed. Xiao Wu doesn't get it. Tang San is only her brother. Ning Rong Rong's father had warned her that if any man wants to be her brother, she should hit him because that man is a lewd beast. Ha. Xiao Wu doesn't get what it means to love someone. Ning Rong Rong explains it's when you've barely separated and you already want to see each other. Zhu Qing Qing quickly wakes up as if sensing Dai Mu Bai is in danger. Ning Rong Rong tells Xiao Wu that's love.
Zhu Zhu Qing isn't the only one with a dubiously controlling sibling, Dai Mu Bai has a brother like that too, but a very powerful one, a very very powerful one. He's Dai Wei Shi. He wants wants Dai Mu Bai to leave with him but Fei Lan De intervenes. Dai Wei Shi makes a deal. If our Shrekkies can win the upcoming Spirit battle against Dai Wei Shi, then Dai Mu Bai will have his freedom. If they lose, the school will disband. Fei Lan De accepts the challenge. He believes in his disciples.
Some special training time! Yu Xiao Gang lied to the class that they can improve in five days for the battle all to encourage them. A boost in team motivation is never a bad thing, though. Fei Lan De trains the girls (Zhu Zhu Qing and Xiao Wu) on their speed. Yu Xiao Gang trains Ma Hong Jun, Tang San, and Dai Mu Bai to combine their Spirit Rings in their attacks. Last but not least, there's still our Helper Spirit Fighters.
[Ep19] How will Yu Xiao Gang train Ao Si Ke and Ning Rong Rong? It's a surprise.
Xiao Wu's speed/teleportation has one major weakness. The wind arrives before Xiao Wu does. That will alert her enemies of her movements. Yu Xiao Gang saw her power once and noticed her weakness immediately hence why Fei Lan De is training them with bells. Zhu Zhu Qing also realizes that soundless is a way to enhance the effectiveness of their speed. Quick and soundless – the enemy won't know what hit them.
Ma Hong Jun, Tang San, and Dai Mu Bai are individually powerful, but Tang San notices that when they work together, their powers cancel out each other's. Their real lesson is to collaborate.
Fei Lan De accepts Ma Hong Jun as his disciple not in fighting but in accounting. Ma Jong Jun is money-smart. I was wondering if Ma Hong Jun was going to get a romantic line (since he's the odd one in our group of seven) but I think I'll be shipping him with Fei Lan De.
Tang San has a weakness too. Yu Xiao Gang tells him it's technically also a strength. Tang San is too emotional. Tang San acknowledges that whenever Xiao Wu is in danger, he loses half (all) his wits.
There's a practice match between Ma Hong Jun and the Helper Spirit Fighters (Ao Si Ke and Ning Rong Rong). Only an idiot would bet against Ma Hong Jun but he did indeed lose to our duo in magic cloaks. We don't get to see the fight!
Hu Lie Na is investigating the mutilation. Her master (Wuhun Hall’s leader), however, doesn't want her too. The master sends her a guardian to protect her and inhibit her from investigating. Hu Lie Na gives a new order to her guardian: to kill Dai Wei Shi.
[Ep20] Dai Wei Shi is still alive but severely injured. Tang San gives him a healing sausage; he doesn't want to take advantage of someone injured but Dai Wei Shi, who is even more arrogant than Dai Mu Bai, refuses the kindness. Half his powers are enough for seven of them.
Battle Begins. Under Dai Mu Bai's leadership, Ao Si Ke and Ning Rong Rong don't get to participate. Ao Si Ke is just on the sidelines handing out sausages. Lol. It feels like our team's continuous full attack mode isn't working. Tang San thinks of another tactic and he needs our Helper Spirit Fighters (yay, involve the weak to win!) or more like he needsAo Si Ke's weird inventions. After Dai Wei Shi is distracted with all the contraptions, Xiao Wu kicks him with her super-hip-drill power which is enhanced by Tang San's Grass and Ning Rong Rong’s Tower. Dai Wei Shi is kicked out of the battle boundaries. He loses. However, that's not the end to him. He tells his brother to meet again at another conference for a proper battle.
Dai Mu Bai realizes his faults and admits that Tang San is the better strategist. However, Tang San reminds Dai Mu Bai that he is forever their leader.
The Cute. Xiao Wu injures her leg. Tang San piggybacks her home. He plays a game with her. If she tugs his right ear, he'll go rightward. If she tugs the left ear, he'll move left. :D.
Tian Dou Royal Academy. Yu Tian Heng and Du Gu Yan are here to invite Dai Mu Bai and Tang San to the imperial academy. Only recognized schools can participate in regulated battles (which are good practice for Spirit Fighters). However, the boys refuse the invitation.
Who is Dai Mu Bai? He is the second prince of Star Luo Empire. In that state, only the strongest can be King. His brother is the strongest meanwhile Dai Mu Bai is the forgotten younger brother. That is why Dai Mu Bai wants to be stronger. He wants to be recognized. He doesn't have the desire to be King, though.
[Ep21] Du Gu Yan's poison is finally acting up. She faints. Ao Si Ke has a antidote for poison (it's his Second Ring) but it doesn't work on Du Gu Yan's poison.
A Musical. Our Shrek Seven Devils and the masters (and Hu Lie Na who no one likes) are off to a long journey towards the battle that Tian Dou Royal Academy had invited them to. Ao Si Ke halts the crew. And then we get a musical...?? LOL. Our cute San Pao joins in last.
Xisi City. They temporarily stop at this city (Xisi) where Tang San and Xiao Wu meet Wang Sheng again. They learn he's the one who killed Xiao Chen Yu. His attitude towards killing turns off Tang San. Wang Sheng also admires Ye Zhi Qiu and has heard from him that Tang San will be arriving. Wang Sheng is currently part of Xiong Shen Team (Ferocious Gods). They team bully the weak.
[Ep22] Farewell. Tang San is threatened to stay in Xisi to attend the Spirit Conference. If Tang San doesn't participate, Ye Zhi Qiu has men ready to kill off his friends. Tang San wanted to stay alone but Xiao Wu and Yu Xiao Gang will stay with him. The others feel torn to separate (Tang San won’t tell the reason he’s staying behind). Xiao Wu is in tears during their farewell with the rest of the team but she tells Tang San that if she were to separate with him, it'll be different. She can't even imagine being apart from him. Her heart will be emptied out. She wants to be with him forever. But how can two people be together forever? Xiao Wu says they can try. Tang San wipes her tears, "Alright, we'll try."
Unicorn-Sheep-Camel Beast. Before the rest of the crew make it out of the city, there's a beast-made sandstorm. The beast is a lamb-camel with a candle like horn on it's head? I'll call it Camel Beast. Dai Mu Bai saves Ning Rong Rong but he had wanted to save Zhu Zhu Qing. He runs out in the storm to find her but it's her who ends up blocking a pillar from hitting him.
An unconscious Hu Nie La is carried by the rustling wind. Tang San tries to save her despite how dangerous it is. A life is a life after all. This is the second time Tang San saved her. She's been counting. She promises she will repay the favour. Does she like him?
Why is the Camel Beast causing havoc in the city? Because someone stole its baby. The person who "accidentally" stole it is a coward and won't return it. Tang San takes on the mission.
[Ep23] The camels are reunited. However, Xiongshen Team wants Tang San to kill the man who accidentally kidnapped the baby camel. Tang San won’t. Apparently that was the shortcut to entering the team (and to ultimately meet Tang Huo). Thus the original challenge remains. Tang San will still have to battle them whether or not he wants to. It's also apparently a death match. However, Tang San isn’t alone. All our Shrekkies join in to help even if it means death. Now that’s our Shrek Seven Devil.
I love the show of the Rings for each member of the Shrek Seven Devils before the fight. It reminds me of the anime transformations I once loved and now it's brought to life. Also, I really love the battle sequence. It’s not just Pow! Pow! Pow! Fly! Spin! Kick! There’s moves I can follow!
[Ep24] When it looked like it was all over for our Shrek Seven Devils, Tang San yells “Now!” They shoot their secret weapon (from that crystal Fei Lan De gave Tang San for free when he enrolled). Then there’s a combo move between Dai Mu Bai and Tang San to finish off Xiongshen team. Xisi City is now free of this monstrous team. The villagers cheer for the victorious team. Hu Lie Na is smiling too.
[Ep25] Our Shreks arrive at Tiandou Royal Academy and meet an arrogant Crown Prince (Xue Qing He). He's stuck at Two Spirit Rings for unknown reasons but he doesn't care. Unlike the Dai's who rely on brute strength, the Xue's value their brains more. The Crown Prince is the one who invited them to the academy to enter the Conference that's held by Wuhun Hall (Hu Lie Na's sect).
The funny. Xue Bun (another prince) challenges Dai Mu Bai but he's absent. Ma Jong Jun, Ao Si Ke, and Xiao Wu fight for the chance to fight. Ning Rong Rong is on the side examining her perfectly cut nails.
The not so funny. Because of that fight, the prince is injured. Du Gu Bo (works under this old looking prince who I will call Elder Prince) punishes our Shreks. He's also looking for Tang San (which might be related to Du Gu Yan, his granddaughter). Fortunately, the Crown Prince manages to pardon them.
Meet Liu Er Long. She is also a school director and she's the only chance our Shreks can have a chance at participating in the Conference if she accepts them as her students. Tang San wants to fight because that's his ticket to see his father. Upon setting her sights on the Shrek teachers, Er Long angelically smiles at Fei Lan De – nope, she's smiling at Yu Xiao Gang. She liiiiiiiikes him~ and Fei Lan De liiiiiikes her ~
[Ep26] Yu Xiao Gang’s love life. The students are dying of curiosity to learn about the love story between Er Long and Yu Xiao Gang. They surround Fei Lan De for the deets. He tells them Yu Xiao Gang loved someone else so their Steel-Gold-Triad team disbanded. This someone is Bi Bi Dong who is currently Wuhun Hall’s leader. It’s funny when Ning Ning Rong chides Ma Hong Jun for asking a stupid question. Are you Red (Hong) or Handsome (Jun). Ao Si Ke chides Fei Lan De for not having anyone who liked him. Haha.
Who is Hu Lie Na! Hu Lie Na meets with the Crown Prince. She tells him Bi Bi Dong is her master. However, he knows Hu Lie Na died two years ago. :O. She’s actually Qian Ren Xue, Bi Bi Dong’s daughter. :O. Her motive is to take over Dai Mu Bai. The Crown Prince asks her how. Easy. Her previous Spirit was fake. Her real Spirit gives her the ability to transform into anyone. Woah. Hu Lie Na, I mean, Qian Ren Xue is now the Crown Prince. Woaah.
Who is Hu Lie Na! Hu Lie Na meets with the Crown Prince. She tells him Bi Bi Dong is her master. However, he knows Hu Lie Na died two years ago. :O. She’s actually Qian Ren Xue, Bi Bi Dong’s daughter. :O. Her motive is to take over Dai Mu Bai. The Crown Prince asks her how. Easy. Her previous Spirit was fake. Her real Spirit gives her the ability to transform into anyone. Woah. Hu Lie Na, I mean, Qian Ren Xue is now the Crown Prince. Woaah.
Xiao Wu tells Tang San all about Ao Si Ke’s plays. He’s putting on a performance to raise money so that Tang San can enter the competition. He needs a Princess for his Frog Prince show but none of the girls volunteer. Ao Si Ke thinks Ma Hong Jun is too ugly. Excuse me! Hence Dai Mu Bai it is. Xiao Wu had wanted to help but she knew Tang San was in opposition. Tang San drops everything he was doing. He is absolutely against Xiao Wu kissing anyone.
Tang San is Kidnapped by Du Gu Bo. Xiao Wu barges into the royal academy to look for Tang San. She will go against an army for Tang San. However, she’s not strong enough. Aw, is our bunny going to be okay? She’s to be punished but our Shrek masters save her. They once again anger this royal family.
[Ep27] When Tang San goes to meet Ye Zhi Qiu, our hero is mind controlled by this other man, Shi Nian, who Ye Zhi Qiu works for. Okay but the mind control is so obvious that everyone can tell he’s being controlled?? Fortunately, the mind control is short lived thanks to a female voice in his brain calling him back to reality.
Saving Du Gu Yan. Tang San has a way to save Du Gu Yan. I love how he bargains with Du Gu Bo. He’s like a cute grumpy grandfather being bullied by a cheeky boy. Tang San makes him promise to let him enter the competition first. Done. So, how do we save Du Gu Yan? Tang San will give her his blood since his blood can cure all poisons. Du Gu Bo immediately extracts his blood (after matching it first! Drama, I’m impressed). The next problem: if Du Gu Bo takes all his blood then Tang San will die. Tang San asks Du Gu Bo about his own poison. Du Gu Bo only cares about his granddaughter plus his own blood has too much poison; Tang San's blood isn't enough. However, Tang San doesn't want to die. He has a better method. He and Du Gu Yan can exchange blood. Tang San’s blood will go in Du Gu Yan’s body and vice versa. That way no one will have to die. How will that occur? Tang San's grass vines can work as IV tubes.
Our Bunny Loses Her Rings! Tang San starts the blood transfusion. When Yu Xiao Gang learns of it, he theorizes Tang San will fail. He hasn’t reached that Spirit level to sustain the whole transfusion process. The result is that both Tang San and Du Gu Yan will die. Fortunately, Xiao Wu is with him. Not only can she absorb Spirit Rings but she can give him her Spirit powers too. Well, now Du Gu Bo knows her secret. Omo I’m amazed at the complexity of this drama/story. However, she might not even have enough Spirit powers to sustain the entire transfusion process. She could possibly lose all her powers. But it doesn’t matter. She can do anything for Tang San. As she gives him her powers, the last of her rings disappear. Oh no! Our bunny! She’s Spiritless.
Gold-Steel-Triad in Action. Yu Xiao Gang, Fei Lan De and Er Long fight Du Gu Bo to save Tang San. They form their Gold-Steel-Triad pyramid so that San Pao can now float and glow. San Pao’s combusting powers have upgraded. But they’re still not a match for Du Gu Bo’s Nine Rings. So Rings can’t be cumulative within a team, eh? I would think two Sevens can attack one Nine. Fortunately, Tang San finishes the transfusion in time to stop the match. Tang San vouches for Du Gu Bo. He tells the masters to return home because he'll be fine.
Xiao Wu is Permanently Spiritless? She gave her all to Tang San. She needs her Spirit Powers to absorb her spirits back but now she has none. She’s a regular human being. Tang San asks Du Gu Bo if there’s a way to restore her powers. There isn’t. But maybe her beast friends can?
Saving Du Gu Yan. Tang San has a way to save Du Gu Yan. I love how he bargains with Du Gu Bo. He’s like a cute grumpy grandfather being bullied by a cheeky boy. Tang San makes him promise to let him enter the competition first. Done. So, how do we save Du Gu Yan? Tang San will give her his blood since his blood can cure all poisons. Du Gu Bo immediately extracts his blood (after matching it first! Drama, I’m impressed). The next problem: if Du Gu Bo takes all his blood then Tang San will die. Tang San asks Du Gu Bo about his own poison. Du Gu Bo only cares about his granddaughter plus his own blood has too much poison; Tang San's blood isn't enough. However, Tang San doesn't want to die. He has a better method. He and Du Gu Yan can exchange blood. Tang San’s blood will go in Du Gu Yan’s body and vice versa. That way no one will have to die. How will that occur? Tang San's grass vines can work as IV tubes.
Our Bunny Loses Her Rings! Tang San starts the blood transfusion. When Yu Xiao Gang learns of it, he theorizes Tang San will fail. He hasn’t reached that Spirit level to sustain the whole transfusion process. The result is that both Tang San and Du Gu Yan will die. Fortunately, Xiao Wu is with him. Not only can she absorb Spirit Rings but she can give him her Spirit powers too. Well, now Du Gu Bo knows her secret. Omo I’m amazed at the complexity of this drama/story. However, she might not even have enough Spirit powers to sustain the entire transfusion process. She could possibly lose all her powers. But it doesn’t matter. She can do anything for Tang San. As she gives him her powers, the last of her rings disappear. Oh no! Our bunny! She’s Spiritless.
Gold-Steel-Triad in Action. Yu Xiao Gang, Fei Lan De and Er Long fight Du Gu Bo to save Tang San. They form their Gold-Steel-Triad pyramid so that San Pao can now float and glow. San Pao’s combusting powers have upgraded. But they’re still not a match for Du Gu Bo’s Nine Rings. So Rings can’t be cumulative within a team, eh? I would think two Sevens can attack one Nine. Fortunately, Tang San finishes the transfusion in time to stop the match. Tang San vouches for Du Gu Bo. He tells the masters to return home because he'll be fine.
Xiao Wu is Permanently Spiritless? She gave her all to Tang San. She needs her Spirit Powers to absorb her spirits back but now she has none. She’s a regular human being. Tang San asks Du Gu Bo if there’s a way to restore her powers. There isn’t. But maybe her beast friends can?
[Ep28] Du Gu Bo backs out on the rest of the deals. Haha. Our sleazy gramps. He doesn’t have the money for Tang San to enter the competition but he has another way. He takes them to a field with many herbal plants. This field used to be a mountain once upon a time. There was a war between a Nine Level and Wuhun Hall that wiped out the mountain. Some of the herbs can be exchanged for quite a bit of money. It’s hard work but that’s the only way to make money. Or is it? Du Gu Bo points to a space with an invisible wall. He’s unable to enter that area. When Tang San touches the wall, he hears the same familiar voice again. The voice tells him to use his Grass Spirit. The vines guide Tang San through this magical space. He takes Xiao Wu with him. This place has rare herbs but that’s not what’s important. This is the place that was always in his dream. It’s the place his mother created for him and only he can enter. Xiao Wu can enter because...?
A Voice Calls Out to Tang San. It is his mother’s voice but it is merely a voice. She is already dead and what is here including her voice is what she left for Tang San. He can enter here because she has left a bit of her Grass Spirit in the depth of his heart. And they said Grass Spirit was useless. Psh. She died on the day she gave birth to him. She was the Nine Level Ring Master who perished on this land after the fight with Wuhun Hall masters.
There’s two reasons why Wuhun Hall wants her dead. The first is her identity which she will keep a secret until Tang San is ready. His father will tell him. Gosh I hate it when people tell me they have something to tell me but then they don’t tell me. The second reason: she’s the owner of Xuan Tian Bao Lu (that Sacred Record). This book details ways for regular humans to become Spirit Fighters. This book threatens the existence of Wuhun Hall and their foundation of Spirit Fighters. This also means with the book, Spirit Fighters no longer have to kill beasts. However, the mother and father couldn’t master the Sacred Book. Thus, they theorized that one must first master the book then become a Spirit Fighter. When the parents had the book, they were already spirit fighters. Tang San being here means their theory was proven. So they used their son as experiment. Loving.
Tang San’s mother also tells him “I want you to live a peaceful life” and “I want you to change the world.” Me: Mom, make up your mind.
Mom’s last message: Don’t let revenge take over your life. Oh, is it possible Dad is avenging Mom’s death? There's also a flashback of dad’s words. The hammer will always protect the grass. Dad will always protect Mom.
The Presents. Last but not least, mom has two presents for Tang San (on top of all the rare herbs in this magical space):
- 相思斷肠紅 (Yearning Heartbroken Red which I will call “Flower") contains Mom's powers that will make him strong but it enters Xiao Wu instead.
- 冰火兩仪眼 (Ice Fire Yin Yang Well) is a body of water that will help him absorb beasts that are beyond his level. The pond will disappear once it’s used.
Rare Herbs as Presents. Tang San gathers all the rare herbs and gives it as presents to his friend. First he gives a poison herb to Dugu Bo to cure his poison. However, Tang San says it’s a trade. He must promise to help his academy with the competition.
Tang San gives everyone a personalized herb to increase their powers. Everyone is amazed, except Xiao Wu who is grumpy because Du Gu Yan teasing her. Du Gu Yan said she liked Tang San and will kiss him. (She was joking)
Tang San also gives a herb to Yu Xiao Gang that will strengthen his body and perhaps allow him to level up! Only Yu Xiao Gang is suspicious where Tang San got all these herbs. Tang San tells him everything. He wants revenge against Wuhun Hall. The master (Qian Xun Ji) who killed his mother already died but Tang San wants revenge on the family. Bi Bi Dong is the wife and the current ruler. Qian Ren Xue is the daughter. Okay. What happened to no revenge? Yu Xiao Gamg reminds him to not be blinded by revenge. Tang San begins remembering his mother’s words.
[Ep29] Yu Xiao Gang tells Tang San that Tang Hao was the right hand man of Qian Xun Ji. Yu Xiao Gang was also once part of Wuhun Hall and participated in the research of the spirit mutilation. That is why he had suspected Wuhun Hall of being the mastermind behind Canghui Academy but Hu Lie Na investigating into Bu Le suggested otherwise.
Kiss? The girls comfort Xiao Wu that the way to cheer up after being jealous is a kiss. Our gullible Xiao Wu tries but fails. I wonder if Tang San noticed her attempts.
The herbs are working on Yu Xiao Gang and Du Gu Bo. Yu Xiao Gang can level up to Three Spirit Rings. Du Gu Bo is poison-free. Du Gu Bo suggests he will poison all of Tang San’s opponents so they can make it to the final (except the royals). Tang San nervously laughs that he was only expecting Du Gu Bo to prevent anyone from poisoning his own team. Du Gu Bo laughs with Yu Xiao Gang that his student is an idiot.
Nine Treasure Glazed Tile. Ning Rong Rong is kidnapped but the kidnapper is her father (Ning Dad). He doesn’t want her to enter any competitions. Ning Dad tells her that Grandpa Jian is hired to fight in the conference. The fee is something invaluable. Her father also tells her about the Ning Family’s secret. Their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Spirit has a pinnacle rare form. It can be Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Spirit. Ning Rong Rong takes out her Spirit and starts counting the number of levels to her tower. There’s nine! She got nine after taking Tang San’s herbs. Granda Jian’s eyes could pop out.
No Money, No Competition. There’s a problem with entering the competition. No one is willing to buy the rare herbs because of that pesky Elder Prince therefore they can’t pay the entrance fee. However, someone finally buys the herb! It’s Ning Dad.
Ao Si Ke, The Romantic Hero. Ao Si Ke is saving the love of his life. Ao Is Ke will go against the Great Grandpa Jian even though he knows he’s not a match for the all powerful Nine Ring Master. Ning Rong Rong is touched – that is, until Ao Si Ke gives up. He doesn’t want to save her anymore. Plus she’s always mean to him. Ha. The guy tried his best!
[Ep30] Ning Rong Rong Likes Him Back! Ao Si Ke lied. It was just a distraction so that he can summon his Flying Kiwis to flee with Ning Rong Rong. When Ao Si Ke realizes Grandpa Jian has Nine Spirit Rings, he’s awed with himself. Lol. Ning Rong Rong tells him she won’t leave. Ao Si Ke is like of course! We’re the Seven Shreks! He completely missed the chance to realize she’s saying she won’t leave because of him.
Back to Ning Dad. He doesn’t understand how Ao Si Ke beat Grandpa Jian (a Nine Spirit Ring). Ao Si Ke didn’t beat him. Ao Si Ke won Grandpa Jian with love – love towards Ning Rong Rong.
The Shrek Seven Devils are hurting for beasts to level up before the competition.
Liu Er Long’s Spirit. She turns into a purple magma. Her clothes also burn off in the middle of the fight but you don’t see anything because of the purple flames. Apparently, the only man who’s seen her naked body is Yu Xiao Gang. Heh. This couple is turning more interesting.
Another Tarantula. Yu Xiao Gang tells Tang San the tarantula would be fitting for his Fourth Spirit Ring. However, the tarantula leaves once it sees Tang San. That doesn’t make sense because Tang San killed one of their species. They should hate him. So why is it running away? They chase after the tarantula only to know that the tarantula was notifying Big Momma Tarantula. The beast attacks Xiao Wu and she falls over. Tang San is in rage mode. It’s almost like he lost his senses again (but not). He kills the beast and, fortunately, Xiao Wu is okay. It’s all because of the Flower protecting her from the fatal hit.
Tang San has two tarantulas he can absorb the Ring from. He chooses the Big Momma. Yu Xiao Gang warns him otherwise. This beast is too strong; absorbing it will kill him. Tang San needs to be stronger to enter the competition. He also has the Fire Ice Yin Yang Well to help him.
Four Spirit Rings For Everyone. Because of the rare herbs, all our Shrekkies are Four-Rings (except Xiao Wu). The only problem is Ma Hong Jun, Dai Mu Bai, and Tang San were a tad too greedy on their beasts. They chose really high level beasts to absorb and now they’re still napping when the competition has started. Hence the only people who can start the match is Ao Si Ke, Ning Rong Rong, or Zhu Zhu Qing.
First Contender: Ao Si Ke. Bravely, Ao Si Ke takes on the first battle against Tian Dou Royal Academy (Team 2). Ning Rong Rong has these dreamy eyes on him. He is looking very cool. xD. Ao Si Ke’s battle plan: turn into frosty man and then electrocute his opponent. Ning Rong Rong’s dad is very impressed with Ao Si Ke and wants to recruit him. Then comes the second opponent. Bravely, Ao Si Ke declares he’ll forfeit. Hahaha. Ning Rong Rong’s dad sees his daughter helping Ao Si Ke. Dad changes his mind on recruiting Ao Si Ke. Oh right! He’s the dad who told her to hit the man who wanted to be her brother, haha.
[Ep31] Second Contender: Ning Rong Rong. Ao Si Ke had planted gunpowder on the ground before he left the battlefield to help Ning Rong Rong win. Is that cheating? The judge doesn’t think so. Ning Rong Rong pushes her opponent off the stage. She falls off too. Both are eliminated but at least she got an opponent down with her. It was cute how she spotted her father and Grandpa Jian and super cute how both men quickly turned away from her.
Third Contender: Zhu Zhu Qing. She easily takes down one opponent but it was a setup. Touching that man placed an invisible armour on her and thus her speed has no effect on her next opponent who can see her every move because of the armour. She purposely lets her opponent attack her with his rocks so that the armour shatters. Now her speed is back. Her opponent blabbed way too much. Zhu Zhu Qing is onto her third opponent. She’s no match, though, especially after her injuries. However, she can’t give up. The rest of her teammates aren’t here yet. She holds out as long as she can.
Dai Mu Bai wakes up. He reads the letter and asks Ma Hong Jun, who’s chilling, if he read the letter too. He did but he’s illiterate. Lol. It’s a letter telling them to run to the competition ASAP.
Fourth Contender. Fortunately, someone arrives before our Shrekkies are eliminated. It’s Tang San! He flies in with a spin move. He shows off his Fourth Ring. It’s black, which means it’s a ten-thousand beast he defeated. Against the powerful Gorilla Man, Tang San easily cocooon-izes him and wraps him with the grass vine to kick the opponent out of the stage. Our Shrekkies are in shock. That was way too easy. There’s no blood or bruises or anything. The opponent doesn’t even know how he was defeated. Lol.
Dai Mu Bai and Ma Hong Jun are finally on site. Ning Rong Rong complains to Dai Mu Bai how injured Zhu Zhu Qing is. Dai Mu Bai quickly carries her back home. Ao Si Ke is dumbfounded that Dai Mu Bai isn’t even asking about the battle.
Tang San doesn’t think Xuan Tian Bao Lu (Sacred Records) can change the world like his parents had predicted. Although it has allowed his Grass Spirit to increase its tenacity, it seems like it can only act as a reinforcement to Spirit Fighters rather than independently.
Tai Family is under orders from the Elder Prince to kill Tang San. However, it seems like this Giant Grandpa Tai (Tai Tan) is a nice fella (just big and scary). He makes a deal with Tang San: if Tang San can enter the door then he will let Tang San go. Out of desperation, Tang San uses his Sky Hammer. Then Tai Tan becomes obsessed with who his father his. Yu Xiao Gang arrives on time to tell Tang San he can trust Tai Tan. When Tai Tan learns Tang San’s father is Tang Hao, Tai Tan immediately kneels and calls Tang San his master. He will tell Tang San everything but Du Gu Bo poisons him. Du Gu Bo is like Didn’t I come just on time to save you? Yes. Du Gu Bo is cute.
It takes a while to convince Du Gu Bo to take out the poison but he does. When Tai Tan wakes up he needs to speak with Tang San privately. The only person who stays is Xiao Wu. Tai Tan tells Tang San that Tang Hao is his saviour. If not for Tang Hao, his entire clan would have been wiped out. To this day, he feels guilty Tang Hao was ousted by Wuhun Hall
[Ep32] Tai Tan’s Loyalty. Tai Tan fell for Tang Hao’s fake mission to leave for Sea God Island. It was Tang Hao’s way of protecting Tai Tan by sending him elsewhere. Tai Tan wanted to avenge for Tang Hao (who was severely injured) but he was no match for the likes of Wuhun Hall. It was the Elder Prince who saved Tai Family but Tai Tan knows the Elder Prince only wanted their powers.
Du Gu Bo shares with Tang San what Canghui Academy wanted from him in exchange for the antidote. Ye Zhi Qiu was the messenger and only gave one portion of the antidote. They don’t know Du Gu Bo and Du Gu Yan are poison-free. They will give the other antidote if Du Gu Bo leaves to Wuhun City for the conference final and use his poison on “someone" (currently unknown).
Ye Zhi Qiu rebels! There’s more to Du Gu Bo’s news. Du Gu Bo noticed something was odd with Ye Zhi Qiu so the former suppressed the latter’s hypnosis. Ye Zhe Qiu was under Shi Nian’s mind control. When Ye Zhi Qiu regained his consciousness, he requested to see Tang San. Ye Zhi Qiu realized he was only a chess piece to Shi Nian. He wants to resist. If he fails, then he will ask Tang San for help. Tang San trusts Ye Zhi Qiu.
Battle: Canghui Academy vs. Tiandou Academy (Team 2). Canghui Academy only has one fighter: Ye Zhi Qiu. He’s enough to beat the entire team. However, not one person can figure out what his powers are. There’s another worrisome factor: Tang San is still under Shi Nian’s hypnosis and it doesn’t seem like Tang San realizes it himself.
Dai Mu Bai and Zhu Zhu Qing. Dai Mu Bai takes care of Zhu Zhu Qing. He feeds her and applies medication to her. She stops him because he’s a man. Dai Mu Bai brings up how Tang San does it for Xiao Wu all the time. Zhu Zhu Qing is struggling to argue against Dai Mu Bai. Then she asks him what her sister meant when she said he was going to die. It has something to do with his brother. I guess there can only be one Dai Brother alive? Zhu Zhu Qing wonders if he must battle his brother. Dai Mu Bai is more curious if she’s worried about him. She avoids answering.
Battle: Five Against Five. The five in battle are: Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhu Qing, Ao Si Ke, and Ning Rong Rong. Ma Hong Jun and Dai Mu Bai are the hidden cards for future battles because no one knows they’re Four Rings too. These battles are so creative. Tang San are the eyes for Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhu Qing to attack. Ao Si Ke provides the flying ability for Tang San to be the eyes. Ning Rong Rong boosts their attack. Under Tang San’s guidance, the team wins.
Ye Zhi Qiu’s Powers. Yu Xiao Gang thinks Ye Zhi Qiu can control the microflora (bacteria) in human bodies to act up against the body (when it’s normally balanced). Basically, he makes your own body kill yourself.
[Ep33] Ye Zhi Qiu Betrays. Ye Zhi Qiu attacks Shi Nian but fails. However, Shi Nian needs Ye Zhi Qiu because he’s the only disciple for their academy to enter the finals. Ye Zhi Qiu keeps his life and he also cannot be re-hypnotized because the previous hypnosis just failed.
Battle: Shreks vs. Zhihuo (Fire) Team. It’s another five against five. Tang San’s Grass Spirit can now withstand against fire. However, the opponent doesn’t use fire to burn them down. The heat and carbon monoxide make them faint. Our Shrekkies loses the fight without even fighting.
Arrogance. It was an embarrassing lost. Yu Xiao Gang seemed to have predicted the lost. Why didn’t he tell the disciples to prepare beforehand? Because Yu Xiao Gang didn’t like their arrogance. They looked down on their opponents before the battle even began. Yu Xiao Gang lectures Tang San the most because he of all people shouldn’t have been arrogant. Tang San was always looked down upon because of his worthless Grass Spirit.
Ning Rong Rong’s father visits. He tells the Shreks he had made a deal with the Enigmatic-Black-Gaseous-Being. Ning Family can regain their Nine Treasured Glazed Tile if they kill “someone" at Wuhun City. However, now that Ning Rong Rong has the Nine Towers, it won’t be necessary to kill anyone. He had wanted Ning Rong Rong to attend Shrek Academy because it was the only academy that couldn’t attend battle conferences but fate never meant it like that. Father Ning is no longer against his daughter participating in the conference.
Ao Si Ke leaves. Tang Sang’s purpose to reach the finals is to meet his father. Dai Mu Bai’s purpose is to meet his brother. The only person who has the least motivation to participate is Ao Si Ke because everyone knows his dream is to perform in arts and to be an actor. Everyone encourages him to leave but no one can tell he wants to stay, probably not even Ao Si Ke himself. Hahahaha. When Ao Si Ke is alone, Elder Prince pays a visit and gives him a famous theatre troop to manage.
[Ep34] Ao Si Ke leaves? Ao Si Ke shares with the group that Elder Prince bribed him. No one’s surprised. But Ao Si Ke rejected it! Now, everyone’s surprised. He was always embarrassed about his Spirit being a chef. He was laughed at. He began hating his Spirit. Theatre was something he turned to to make him happy but deep down he knew he wanted to be a glorious Spirit Fighter. With them, he felt proud of himself again. He asks the group to allow him to fight with them. Thus, our Shrek Seven Devils are complete once again.
Battle: Ye Zhi Qiu. Since our Shrekkies lost a battle, they have to win all their following one to make it to the final. It’s a team battle but Ye Zhi Qiu is once again alone without his teammates. Before the battle begins, the judge suddenly asks Dai Mu Bai to be his disciple because Dai Mu Bai ate this rare herb (the judge is very serious about this). Anyway. The battle begins! Ye Zhi Qiu surrenders. Eh! He surrendered because Shi Nian wants the Shreks to enter the finals.
Elder Prince vs. "Crown Prince”. Elder Prince thinks the Crown Prince is controlled. The Crown Prince invites him into his home. Hu Lie Na (Qian Ren Xue) proudly shows herself and the controlled Crown Prince. I actually like this girl xD. The Crown Prince’s reaction is to run. Can this whiner not fight? However, even if he runs to his army, they’re already defeated by the “Crown Prince’s”. The Elder Prince is accused of staging an attack on the Crown Prince.
The Judge Really Wants Dai Mu Bai. As previously mentioned, the Judge is very serious about recruiting Dai Mu Bai. He makes everyone faint in an instant to prove to Dai Mu Bai that he’s superior. By the way, Dai Mu Bai saves Zhu Zhu Qing first. Dai Mu Bai continues to refuse even if the Judge promises he will make him stronger than Dai Wei Shi. It doesn’t seem like this rejection is enough to deter the Judge’s desire for Dai Mu Bai. Apparently only Dai Mu Bai can inherit his powers.
Ye Zhi Qiu’s Puppet Team. Tang San has a secret meeting with Ye Zhi Qiu. Xiao Wu saw through Tang San that he hid this. Tang San incredulously asked how she knew. Her answer: "Because I’m looking at you everyday.” Thus, she accompanies Tang San to meet up with Ye Zhi Qiu. Ye Zhi Qiu takes them to see his comrades. They’re mind controlled by Shi Nian. They’re like puppets without emotions or will. Ye Zhi Qiu needs Tang San’s help to save himself and his comrades.
[Ep35] Some Romances. Our Shrekkies travel to Wuhun City for the finals.
- Er Long asks Yu Xiao Gang if he’s looking forward to meeting Bi Bi Dong again. Apparently, when Bi Bi Dong gave him her wedding invitation, Yu Xiao Gang never knew they broke up. Well. Er Long thinks Bi Bi Dong made the wrong choice.
- Ao Si Ke gifts a pair of earrings he made to Ning Rong Rong. The way he looks at her is cute.
- Dai Mu Bai admits he did kiss Zhuo Zhu Qing in the past. He tells her he thinks he did the right thing. Because that kiss brought her to him.
- Tang San asks Xiao Wu what she wants to do after the battle. She wants to travel the world. Tang San says they should go together. Xiao Wu is like of course. She never counted him out of it.
Some Family Love. Hu Lie Na (Qian Ren Xue) reports to her mother, Bi Bi Dong. Hu Lie Na took over the Crown Prince so that she can ascend the throne. She had wanted to take over Dai Mu Bai but he has a powerful brother. She lists out all her successes but Bi Bi Dong doesn’t need her daughter to do any of that. It seems like Bi Bi Dong is trying to protect her daughter while Qian Ren Xue wants to do more to gain her mother’s love.
Tang San Enters Wuhun Hall. Our Shrekkies arrive at Wuhun City. Bi Bi Dong summons Tang San. Bi Bi Dong uses her powers to force out Tang San’s Spirits (the Grass and the Hammer). From the Hammer, she figures out he’s Tang Hao’s son. She warns him to keep his Hammer a secret and asserts she had no role in the witch-hunt against his parents. When Tang San leaves the premise, he sees the Enigmatic-Black-Gaseos-Being. Hu Lie Na says he’s their Nine Level Spirit Fighter (Master Guai). Tang San suspects him as the one who killed Su Yun Tao.
Also, it seems like Bi Bi Dong isn’t over Yu Xiao Gang. So many mysteries left for five episodes!!
Also, Yu Xiao Gang and Tang San find each other in Wuhun Hall. But they’re both lost. Lol.
Also! Dai Wei Shi appears again. He slashes at his brother. Sweet, aren’t they?
[Ep36] Yu Xiao Gang is very surprised Bi Bi Dong’s controlling powers has reached the level where she can just point and expose Tang San’s Spirits.
The Missing Page. Tang San uses the medallion Qian Ren Xue gave him to access Wuhun Hall’s library. He finds the right history book but there’s a page missing of what happened the day Tang San’s mother was killed. The page after that documents Qian Xun Ji’s grave injuries. The page before that details the search for the Sea God Island. The voyage was led by Tang Hao. Hmm Tang Hao also told Tai Tan to search for the island. Yu Xiao Gang thinks Sea God Island is related to Tang San’s mother because to this day, no one knows the identity of her mother.
Dai Mu Bai is Disabled. What happened? I’m confused. From that one slash from his brother? His Spirit isn’t completely gone but his hopes are. If he cannot pick up his spirit, then he really cannot pick up his Spirit. Yu Xiao Gang has a plan: put Zhu Zhu Qing in danger – real danger. Thus, Zhu Zhu Qing challenges Dai Wei Shi on her own. Guess who shows up with his Spirit intact? Dai Mu Bai, duh. For Zhu Zhu Qing, Dai Mu Bai rises to the occasion and Dai Wei Shi struggles to beat his younger brother for the first time. The Judge interrupts their fight from escalating because it’s against the rule to fight outside the conference.
Spirit Fusion. The Judge drops a hint for Dai Mu Bai to possibly beat his brother. He can try combining his Spirit Rings with another Spirit Fighter but it requires complete trust and compatibility. It’s practically impossible let alone for first timers. Zhu Zhu Qing and Dai Mu Bai glance at each other. The next moment the Judge is incredulous at the sight before him. But we don’t get to see it! Obviously, Dai Mu Bai and Zhu Zhu Qing can do it.
The Battle: Dai Mu Bai vs. Dai Wei Shi. But it’s a two on two battle. Zhu Zhu Qing and her sister participate too. Dai Wei Shi adds a new rule: one is allowed to kill in this battle. Dai Mu Bai accepts.
Shi Nian’s Motive. The person Canghui Academy (Shi Nian) wants to kill is Bi Bi Dong.
The Missing Page. Tang San uses the medallion Qian Ren Xue gave him to access Wuhun Hall’s library. He finds the right history book but there’s a page missing of what happened the day Tang San’s mother was killed. The page after that documents Qian Xun Ji’s grave injuries. The page before that details the search for the Sea God Island. The voyage was led by Tang Hao. Hmm Tang Hao also told Tai Tan to search for the island. Yu Xiao Gang thinks Sea God Island is related to Tang San’s mother because to this day, no one knows the identity of her mother.
Dai Mu Bai is Disabled. What happened? I’m confused. From that one slash from his brother? His Spirit isn’t completely gone but his hopes are. If he cannot pick up his spirit, then he really cannot pick up his Spirit. Yu Xiao Gang has a plan: put Zhu Zhu Qing in danger – real danger. Thus, Zhu Zhu Qing challenges Dai Wei Shi on her own. Guess who shows up with his Spirit intact? Dai Mu Bai, duh. For Zhu Zhu Qing, Dai Mu Bai rises to the occasion and Dai Wei Shi struggles to beat his younger brother for the first time. The Judge interrupts their fight from escalating because it’s against the rule to fight outside the conference.
Spirit Fusion. The Judge drops a hint for Dai Mu Bai to possibly beat his brother. He can try combining his Spirit Rings with another Spirit Fighter but it requires complete trust and compatibility. It’s practically impossible let alone for first timers. Zhu Zhu Qing and Dai Mu Bai glance at each other. The next moment the Judge is incredulous at the sight before him. But we don’t get to see it! Obviously, Dai Mu Bai and Zhu Zhu Qing can do it.
The Battle: Dai Mu Bai vs. Dai Wei Shi. But it’s a two on two battle. Zhu Zhu Qing and her sister participate too. Dai Wei Shi adds a new rule: one is allowed to kill in this battle. Dai Mu Bai accepts.
Shi Nian’s Motive. The person Canghui Academy (Shi Nian) wants to kill is Bi Bi Dong.
[Ep37] Fusion Tiger. With the Spirit Fusion, Dai Mu Bai’s tiger is fused with Zhu Zhuo Qing’s agility. Dai Wei Shi cannot win over the Fusion Tiger. Even then he refuses to let his partner participate. Ultimately, Dai Wei Shi loses. Dai Mu Bai tells his brother the reason he lost: "I have comrades I trust unconditionally. As for him, other than himself, he has no one. That is why he lost."
The judge continues to recruit Dai Mu Bai but he refuses.
Dai Mu Bai: If not for Shrek Academy and if not for Zhu Zhu Qing, I won’t be able to to use Spirit Fusion.
The Wuhun Hall Traitor. Tang San takes on Ye Zhi Qiu’s mission for him (to send an arrowhead to Wuhun Hall). Someone at Wuhun Hall will receive him. Tang San thinks that the person colluding with Shi Nian is at Wuhun Hall and it’s the same person who stole the page in the book. Tang San narrows it down. It’s our Judge, Master Ju (Nine Level). Tang San thinks the grand plan to kill Bi Bi Dong will occur at the awards ceremony when Bi Bi Dong hands out the trophy.
Bi Bi Dong asks Master Ju what she thinks of Spirit Beasts. Why do they exist? For Spirit Fighters to level up? That’s a naive thought. Drama, why are you giving me more good mysteries? But you only have three more episodes to go!!
Rematch: Fire Dance Team: Our Shrekkies uses the Fire Dance Team's trick against them. Just watch it. Our Shrekkies win. Yu Xiao Gang is particularly amazed that the team didn’t even discuss their tactics beforehand. They have complete trust in each other. After the battle, the leader of the Fire Dance Team gives Tang San a present. It’s a fire that won’t cease. The leader tells them that if this fire ceases it will mean she will have died. Apparently all the losing teams have disappeared. She thinks death was their fate. She gives Tang San the fire with the hope that he might be able to save them.
[Ep38] Working With Wuhun Hall. After confirming the losing teams have been disappearing, Tang San wants to save them even if it means going against Master Ju and Canghui Academy. Dai Mu Bai calls him crazy. Tang San has a way: collaborate with Bi Bi Dong. He doesn’t care who’s in the right or wrong, he just wants to save the innocent. Tang San tells Hu Lie Na everything. She needs to confirm it first. Dai Mu Bai doesn’t believe her but Xiao Wu does and thus Tang San does. Hu Lie Na is back and takes them to Master Ju’s room. They need to find evidence first if they’re going to accuse Master Ju.
Flower Transportation. While Hu Lie Na and Da Mu Bai examine the competition layout, Xiao Wu and Tang San admires the flowers... The flowers transport them to a new space. Hu Lie Na and Da Mu Bai report to Bi Bi Dong about their suspicions on Master Ju. He purposely put Canghui Academy in the easier bracket. However, Bi Bi Dong dismisses them. She reminds her daughter her only mission is to help Wuhun Hall win the competition and keep her identity as her daughter a secret.
Tang San and Xiao Wu are in what looks like a laboratory. It’s filled with human bones. Xiao Wu corrects him: they’re bones of Spirit Beasts. They’re ten thousand old Spirit Beasts who have gained human form. They believe Master Ju has been killing all these human/beasts to sabotage Bi Bi Dong so that the Spirit Beasts will work with him to kill Bi Bi Dong. The way in and out of this space is when Xiao Wu touches the flowers. Anyone else touching it won’t work.
Since telling Bi Bi Dong isn’t going to help, Hu Lie Na will investigate into Master Ju herself. Meanwhile Tang San asks Du Gu Bo for help to catch Master Ju (since his granddaughter is missing too).
It’s still a worrisome factor that Tang San is under Shi Nian’s mind control. Shi Nian wants Tang San to allow Canghui Academy to win the finals. He also delivers on his promise of permitting Tang San to meet their leader.
[Ep39] Tang San Meets the Mastermind. The mastermind is Tang Hao! It's all for the purpose of exacting revenge for Tang San's mother. Tang Hao invites his son to join him but Tang San rejects. Tang Hao has another way to force Tang San: using his friends as threat. Tang San responds with ringing the wind-chimes to remind his father of their past. Without a second thought, Tang Hao destroys it. That's when Tang San knew this Tang Hao isn't his father. Tang San realizes he's under Shi Nian's hypnosis. Phew. Shi Nian failed his mind control but there's another way he can control Tang San (it's just a longer process). Shi Nian can kill him repeatedly in his dream until Tang San succumbs. However, the Grass Spirit his mother planted in his heart protects Tang San. Shi Nian can't kill Tang San even in his dreams. Shi Nian is defeated by Tang San's mother. As a result, Canghui Academy's disciples all awaken! Shi Nian is in this withdrawal state. He's not quite himself. Free of Shi Nian’s control, Ye Zhi Qiu withdraws from the conference. Our Shrekkies move on to the finals.
Is Master Ju The Bad Guy? Du Gu Bo, Ning Dad, and Grandpa Jian team up against Master Ju. However, Tang San finds out Master Ju might not be the traitor. He wouldn't use his own medallion to log in at the library. Tang San stops the attack on Master Ju but Du Go Bo says he already admitted his crimes of killing Wuhun Hall's guard. Bi Bi Dong walks in. Instead of capturing Master Ju, she catches Du Gu Bo, Ning Dad, and Grandpa Jian.
Bi Bi Dong Knows Everything. Bi Bi Dong knows who's after her life (Master Guai). She knows where the missing disciples are. She promises to save them after the conference. She knows of Master Ju's Spirit Beast cell. It's their research lab that only they can enter, other than beasts. Thus, she also knows Xiao Wu is a Spirit Beast.
Graduation. It's the prelude to the final competition. Fei Lan De is proud of his disciples. He permits their graduation. He has a speech for every student:
- He compliments Ning Rong Rong for learning about teamwork.
- He was never worried about Dai Mu Bai's skills. He was just worried about his ability to socialize. Not anymore.
- He's happy that Zhu Zhu Qing's anger and hate is now filled with love and friendship.
- He was worried for Ma Hong Jun that sadness and hatred will take over his soul but now he's always smiling with the rest.
- He will never forget Tang San and Xiao Wu because they paid the least tuition. LOL.
- Ao Si Ke says he doesn't want to graduate and leave. Fei Lan De allows him to stay as long as he wants until he finds which path he wants to take.
Where will everyone go after their graduation?
- Dai Mu Bai will return to Star Luo Empire.
- Zhu Zhu Qing will leave with Dai Mu Bai. Everyone's teasing her but she insists Star Luo Empire is her home too.
- Ning Rong Rong will go home.
- Ao Si Ke will stay in Shrek Academy to lead the next set of students and then he'll find Ning Rong Rong. :D
- Ma Jong Jun will go back to Xisi City where there are more mutilated Spirit Fighters. He wants to help them.
- Tang San will continue to find his father
- Xiao Wu: "Where Tang Sang will go –" Before she finishes her line, Ning Rong Rong finishes the line for her "You will go too!" Ning Rong Rong already has the line memorized.
- Ah, feels like an ending.
[Ep40] Battle: Wuhun Hall vs. Shrekkies. Oh yikes. There was almost nothing here because I was too absorbed, lol. Xiao Wu and Ma Hong Jun fight against Hu Lie Na. Zhu Zhu Qing and Dai Mu Bai team up against this other fiery dude. Tang San fights Xie Yue alone. Technically, Ning Rong Rong and Ao Si Ke are helping Tang San but Xie Yue ignores them. Although they split into teams, our Shrekkies had one person they wanted to take out first: the fiery dude. I like the distraction method. And now there’s two left: Hu Lie Na and Xie Yue.
Ninja Moon Slice. Xiao Wu almost takes out Hu Lie Na but Xie Yue protects her. Hu Lie Na admits the defeat was a defeat. She hops off the stage at her own accord. Eh, I thought Hu Lie Na would be more powerful than that. Xie Yue is the only one left to represent Wuhun Hall but this guy isn’t worried at all. At this point he’s only been using two of his five rings. All his powers do one thing: upgrade his weapon which I call Ninja Moon Slice. Once he maxes out his rings, his Ninja Moon Slice is quite the scary thing. It can kill you on the spot. Tang San summons his enormous spider legs to protect his teammates. However, Xie Yue cuts off Tang San's spider legs. Noooooo! But! His severed legs has a life of its own. The detached poisonous leg is now right at Xie Yue’s neck. It’s a loss for Xie Yue (with the addition of Xiao Wu’s final hippy kick).
Kill Bi Bi Dong! It’s the award ceremony. Bi Bi Dong gives the trophy (skeleton) to Shrek Academy. Master Guai employs his scheme to kill Bi Bi Dong but it’s futile. She’s simply too powerful. Without raising an eyebrow, she suspends Master Guai’s rebellion cult in the air. They’re nothing to her even if all of them are Nine-Ring’ers. Master Guai’s purpose is to avenge for Qian Xun Ji (the late ruler of Wuhun Hall). Bi Bi Dong had killed Qian Xin Ji (and apparently Master Ju knows of this?). The only reason she never exposed Mster Guai’s plans is because she wanted him to gather all her enemies in one place so she can finish them together. In one move (and I don’t even know what that move is) she fragmentizes them.
Who is Xiao Wu? As if nothing happened, the award ceremony continues. Everyone is rewarded with the bones except Xiao Wu. Bi Bi Dong takes her hostage because she’s not a qualified Spirit Fighter. She’s a Spirit Beast, a ten-thousand year old beast who took the form of a human.
Below is a rough transcription.Tang San: She’s my sister and the person I love. I will always protect her.
Bi Bi Dong: Will you go against Wuhun Hall then?Tang San: If you want to kill her, you’ll have to go over my dead body.Bi Bi Dong: Alright. (You asked for it)
Tang San isn’t her match either but he’s not exactly an easy target. He tries his best to resist her and then... Tang Hao enters! He hammers Bi Bi Dong away and that’s all we see. Bummer.
The result: Tang Hao, Tang San, and Xiao Wu escape. And everyone else? I’d like to know too. That’s the last we get to see of them. Tang San has fainted. Tang Hao tells Xiao Wu that as a Spirit Fighter, he would capture Xiao Wu too because she’s a ten thousand Spirit Beast. He continues to tell her that perhaps Tang San will need her one day. If there is such a day, Xiao Wu is willing to give herself to him. Not like she hasn’t done that for him already.
Tang Hao: You really do resemble her.
Tang San’s mother is a ten thousand Spirit Beast too. But when he said Xiao Wu resembled Tang San’s mother, I think he also meant the love they share for Tang San. Also, I wonder if Tang Hao “used" Tang San’s Mother’s as a Spirit Beast to level up... Hmm... That was the second reason Wuhun Hall was after them. Also, a Spirit Beast and Spirit Fighter unison is against the law. You would think Tang Hao is supportive of Tang San and Xiao Wu being together but Tang Hao wants Xiao Wu to leave Tang San. Okay, but Dad just said Tang San might need her a second ago! She’s too weak. She’s a burden to Tang San. Xiao Wu understands. She will leave. As a farewell, she kisses him. I mean, she can just go and absorb more rings and be back in a jiffy, right?
Although unconscious, Tang San has a tear trekking down his cheek. Xiao Wu’s tear drops to the ground. Then Tang San’s mother’s voice says the last line of the drama: "Tang San are you awake? What is real? What is the real you? Tang San, wake up.” Oi, was my Tang San not real?
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-6)] I’m still getting the hang of this xuanhuan world but I am so on board. I love that whole right hand left hand thing. The rules to this world entice me. I am slowly warming up to Tang San. He’s the stereotypical hero who wants to protect the weak. Nothing new there. His personality is what I like, especially when he’s muttering sarcastic remarks with a smile. He’s the guy who camouflages in the background, hiding his true powers. He’d rather be easygoing than make a scene. It’s just with his powers, no one can ignore him. The constant discrimination against his Grass Spirit makes me anticipate his surge even more.
Six episodes in is too early to judge the chemistry (or if there's even supposed to be chemistry) but I am liking Xiao Wu a lot. She can fight, she’s smart, she’s loyal, she’s courageous and the list goes on. She can also say the mean truth with a smile on and it’s never offensive, xD. Whether or not they're supposed to be a couple, I think they're perfect for each other.
[Actors/Actresses] Calvin from Fahrenheit is here! It took me a while to realize why the actor for Yu Xiao Gang was so familiar. It’s been so long since I’ve seen this guy. And he’s married to Joanne Tseng. This is all news to me, xD.
First time seeing Wu Xuan Yi in a drama. I thought I wasn’t going to like her for acting overly cute but it’s not bad. She fits the role and I have to say she is cute. Can't deny it.
Last but not least, Xiao Zhan. He’s doing a fine job.
[Behind the Scenes]
[Ending] Uh. Happy? I don’t really know. It’s not a bad ending and it’s definitely not a sad ending. There’s just not enough of an ending to feel like an ending. There’s clearly more to this world and we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. At the very least, there is closure to some main events:
- The bad guys (Canghui Academy and Wuhun Hall traitor) are cleared.
- Tang Hao isn’t the bad guy.
- Relationships are settled. People who like each other know they like each other with the exception of Yu Xiao Gang. He’s got a very interesting ongoing triangular love.
- Bi Bi Dong’s introduction near the end is satisfying. She’s the top dog. I just wanted to see more of her moves.
- Xiao Wu’s Spirit Beast identity is finally revealed.
The ending in all honesty is rushed. It didn’t even feel like an ending until the confusing lines ended the drama which serve no purpose other than leaving me confused. I think the last lines by Tang San’s mother are supposed to intrigue the audience but I’m more peeved than intrigued. You’re not supposed to introduce something weird – that Tang San is perhaps not Tang San or merely Tang San – without laying the foundation in the drama. It would have been better if the drama reordered the graduation segment of Ep39 as the ending instead. At least that way, there’s something happy at the end (and I get to see everyone!).
The current ending doesn’t have anything tragic. All the good guys are alive. Everyone is safe. There’s a father-son reunion – brief but it’s there. They won the competition. Everything is happy which is what makes the ending confusing to me. If there’s nothing tragic, then why is Drama holding back on a happy ending or a hopeful ending? Why so ambiguous?
I’m left with the feeling I didn’t watch the ending but there’s no new episodes tomorrow.
Final Review
[Review] There seems to be quite a bit of divergence in the reviews between the fans of the original versus unexposed drama-watchers. Below is my take as someone who knows absolutely nothing about the originals, rather green when it comes to cultivation fantasy dramas, and not a fan of Xiao Zhan which needs to be followed by an obligatory clarification that I’m also not a hater, just neutral.
This is an eyeopener for me. I absolutely love this but for a very specific reason: the world building. It’s amazing how this universe expands with this much complexity without being convoluted. Forgive me for my poor example, but the world building is like Digimon or Pokemon – it’s that complicated and that expansive (that’s my best example...I’m sorry). There’s definitely a better example out there that’s more relevant. It just goes to show you that someone – yours truly – who’s not familiar with this genre can love this too.
After the setup episodes, which would be the first dozen or so, the story begins accelerating and each new episode pushes our Spirit Fighters to a new level whether it’s physically (levelling up) or emotionally (being stronger at heart). I never know where the story is taking me or what the next reveals are so for the 35 minutes of each episode, I’m captivated.
Team moments were the highlights especially when our Shrek Seven Devils (Chinese: Shi Lan Ke Seven Weirdos) fight together. My favourite theme is empowering the weak and this drama is full of it. Each member of our Shrekkies were once inferior. Because of each other, they grow stronger day by day. As much as I like the team, I do find the team-building process a little too condensed; I would have preferred more trials but because of how colourful the individual characters are, Drama manages to camouflage that shortcoming.
My favourite characters:
- Tier 1: These actors melded very well with their characters and showed growth.
- Ao Si Ke (the funny guy), Ning Rong Rong (the lovable snobby girl), Hu Lie Na (the complexity!), and Yu Xiao Gang (the sexy brain and his cute pig)
- Tier 2: These characters were inherently more complex and I thought the actors were a bit green to express the complexity. I still like them but just wished it could have been better.
- Ma Hong Jun, Dai Mu Bai, Tang San, and Xiao Wu.
The romances were (meekly) cute despite not being the focus of the drama. I really like Dai Mu Bai & Zhu Zhu Qing’s romance. They were also given a lot of screen time. Ao Si Ke and Ning Rong Rong didn’t have as much screen time but they used their time the best. They achieved more than what they were given. Their scenes are injected in bits everywhere because they’re the humour duo. Tang San and Xiao Wu wasted their potential. They had a lot of sweet scenes but it was all flat – too bad, I wanted to like them the most. Yu Xiao Gang and Liu Er Long’s love was surprisingly funny.
Emotions. I love the drama for growing expansively but it lacked depth. The drama didn’t play enough with my heart when I wanted it to. The lack of tension is too obvious. Not one moment did I fear for Tang San. He was going to win, it was just a matter of how. There were so many potential scenes that were naturally charged with emotions but it had so little effect on my heart. For example [Sp]:
- Mother-Son Semi-Reunion (Ep29): this is a Big moment with a lot of intriguing revelation but my heart felt nothing for what is supposed to be poignant. Perhaps the drama could have inserted a special effect of a mother hugging Tang San using Grass or something, or a flashback of when Tang San was bullied as a kid (because I had no idea why Tang San was holding a grudge on his mother and he was already crying angry tears).
- Xiao Wu Losing her Rings (Ep27): this was a pivotal moment in their relationship where we see how she can give up everything for Tang San. Unfortunately I didn’t see it in either of their acting. I can see that they lost something important but it didn’t feel like they lost something vital; losing something important is replaceable; losing something vital isn’t.
- Bi Bi Dong Showdown (Ep40): She was so great, she didn’t have to do anything to beat her opponents – which leaves a lot to be desired because I don’t even get to see her fight! It’s like the drama ran out of money for this scene, arguably the most important scene. [/Sp]
Overall. I sound like I don’t love the drama but I do! The drama didn’t move my heart but its heart was in the right place. I was invested in this world. I loved the team; I loved the members; I loved the alliances (especially the gramps); I loved the supposed enemies (the girls). There’s character growth (for so many characters! That’s a feat in itself), there’s humour, there’s some cute romances. Everything builds up logically and it doesn’t exaggerate itself to appear cool (y'all don't know how much I appreciate that). The drama’s intentions are in the right place, it’s just not executed the best it could. Still, this has made me eager for a second season, something I rarely ever want.
P.S. I'm stumped at donghua/novel fans general distaste for this drama. Do enlighten me if y'all don't mind. Was this that bad? I genuinely had a lot of fun learning about this world and was impressed how the drama kept building up its plot.
Random Recommendation: The Guardians [K] (2017). Completely random.
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