June 19, 2021

Ancient Love Poetry | Recap and Review

Ancient Love Poetry
A goddess and a god in love for over 60,000 years. 
Notable Actors/Actresses
Zhou Dong YuShang Gu / Hou Chi
Xu KaiBai Jue / Bo Xuan / Qing Mu
Director
Scriptwriter
Rao Jun (Author: Xing Ling)
Chinese Title
千古玦塵
GenresXianxiaRomance
NetworkTencent Video
Year2021
Episodes: 49
Recap Grade: B → A

First Impression: 2.49/5

Jump to Review


Characters


Episodes 1–15Episode 16+
Four True Gods:
Shang Gu: God of Chaos born from the residual breath of primordial god
Bai Jue: God of War; the strongest of them all
Tian Qi: God of Demons
Zhi Yang: God of Heaven

Other Gods:
Yue Mi: Goddess of Moon & Stars 
Xue Ying: Goddess of Snow
Pu Hua: God of Fate
Zhao Ri: Goddess of Sun
Xun Ye: God of Night
Gu Jun: Dragon (controls rain)
Zi Han: Tian Qi's sidekick
Mu Guang: Yue Mi's disciple 
Hong Ri: Bai Jue's Fire Beast (also Cupid)
Feng Yan: Phoenix King/Queen
Wu Xi: Loyal to and loves Feng Yan
Wu Huan: 5th rank Phoenix; Shang Gu's Spirit Beast

Evil Demons:
Xuan Yi: Demon Overlord
Mo Yu: Xuan Yi's sidekick

 
Heavenly Realm:
Hou Chi: High God
Bo Xuan
Qing Mu: God of the North Sea 

Mu Guang: Heavenly Emperor
Wu Huan: Heavenly Empress
Gu Jun: Hou Chi's Father

Feng Ran: Hou Chi's teacher

Jing Jian: 2nd son of Heavenly Emperor and Empress
Jing Zhao: Daughter of Heavenly Emperor and Empress
Jing Yang: Eldest son of Heavenly Emperor and Empress

Demon Realm:
Zi Yue / Jing Yuan: Demon Lord
Sen Jian: Demon King
Sen Yu: 2nd Demon Prince 
Chang Qin: Sen Yu's wife
San Shou: Three Headed Dragon



Mini Recaps


[Ep1] It's Shang Gu's birthday. Bai Jue is invited but he doesn't want to go. It's just her ten thousandth birthday. In God's year, that's like a baby shower, am I right? Zhi Yang wants Bai Jue back to the God Realm not only for the baby shower but also to train Shang Gu. In a thousand years, there will be a Tribulation of Chaos that can and will destroy the God's Three Realms. Shang Gu is the God of Chaos; it is in her jurisdiction to protect the realms but the problem, because there's always a problem, is that Shang Gu's God Vessels are blocked. Bai Jue, being the most powerful of the True Gods, is given this daunting task of training Shang Gu, a notorious little goddess who's anything but submissive. 

Bai Jue's first lesson for Shang Gu: "If you want something, you must abandon others. If you can't even destroy them, why be a God?" Shang Gu has met her match. His words make sense to her and  so she destroys her belongings that she has cherished since birth. Shang Gu is invigorated to learn from Bai Jue because once she masters everything, she will destroy this arrogant, merciless god. 

[Ep2] Bai Jue misunderstands Shang Gu. He punishes her and seals her power. She's no longer his disciple. Tian Qi defends Shang Gu that she was only completing the impossible mission he gave her. Washed with guilt, Bai Jue apologizes to Shang Gu. She's in tears and complains he gave her an impossible task just to mess with her. On the contrary, it is a mission that is possible only because it is her. She has the ability to make Tiger Demons happy and bring peace to the Gods of the Three Realms because she is the God of Chaos.  

As an apology for misunderstanding her, Bai Jue gives her a bracelet (that I assumed he carved). Shang Gu, who was in tears just a second ago, quickly accepts the birthday present and wears it. But she wants more. And he has more! He zips her back to his God Mansion and there’s a swing on the tree at his place just for her. Now she doesn't have to hug his tree anymore. Isn’t he sweet?  

Xuan Yi, the Demon Overlord, summons Shang Gu for a meeting in three months. She doesn’t want to go but no one is listening to her. The guys are all a head taller and the only guy who’s willing to listen, Tian Qi, has his mouth zipped. 

Bai Jue will have to ramp up the training for Shang Gu. The first obstacle: gotta open those god vessels. It involves clouds, mist, levitation, and hugs – hugs, having the most importance. Abracadabra~ Vessels are open! However, Bai Jue falls sick from that hug. Yikes, what will happen when they kiss. Seriously though, he's sick because he lost spiritual powers by forcefully opening her vessels. 

Shang Gu prepares medication for him. She's docile for once. As she smiles and peeks up at him, she gushes, "I didn't mean to absorb your powers or take advantage of you (pft)." As she says this, she folds her arms over her chest, still smiling and still peeking. 

Bai Jue: I don't mind. What don't you mind? Her taking advantage? ;) 

With Shang Gu's immortal powers activated, Bai Jue teaches her swordsmanship which is really an excuse for skinship

[Ep3] Bai Jue is unconscious. He stopped the Holy Lightning from striking Shang Gu and created a spiritual sword for her. It drained up his energy. Shang Gu cries, moved by all he did for her. She gives him her God Powers which take the form of a floating pill but it's stuck at his lips, refusing to enter his body. Shang Gu kisses him to push the pill inside him. Well, it's more like an air kiss

Shang Gu is awed and touched and is just so in love with Bai Jue but then she learns she was merely his chess piece in the plan to capture Xuan Yi. She’s angry and disappointed that he never informed her anything. Why must she be lied to? Bai Jue explains that Xuan Yi is too crafty. 

Xuan Yi is indeed very crafty. To be captured was part of his plan for the Gods to let their guards down. He is still brewing his evil plans.
[Ep4] Bai Jue is in a dilemma he's never experienced. How to make a girl who’s angry at him happy again? Hong Ri (aka Cupid) teaches him how to apologize with fake compliments that Bai Jue is obviously reciting from his hand but it works like a charm! She’s smiling from ear to ear and chasing after him but stuff happens and they’re still not back to normal. I said ‘stuff' because I don’t know what happened

The love web: Yue Mi likes Tian Qi; Tian Qi likes Shang Gu; Shang Gu likes... well you know who she likes but Bai Jue doesn’t and he thinks Shang Gu likes Tian Qi. Perhaps that teeny tiny jealousy propelled his desperation to win Shang Gu back. He sincerely apologizes. Shang Gu can't stop smiling with her twinkly eyes. She will resume training with him. A jealous Goddess of Snow (Xue Ying) pours tea all over Shang Gu – a poor attempt to dampen the romance. Bai Jue, with a single move changes Shang Gu's dress and now they’re in couple robes. 

Tian Qi wants to confess to Shang Gu and had the God of Fate (Pu Hua) orchestrate a meeting but then the meeting of love falls onto Bai Jue and Shang Gu. Bai Jue needs to meditate to stop himself from blushing in this dimension that's supposed to make them fall in love. While he's calming his heart, Shang Gu browses through the history of all immortals that's freely accessible in this space. She peeks into Bai Jue's past and learns he was raised without an ounce of love from the primordial deity. He is merely a cold fighting machine. 
[Ep5] Shang Gu hugs Bai Jue. She will accompany him and show him warmth. He not only lets her hold him but he actually hugs her back. 
A happy drunk Shang Gu is tipsy. Bai Jue catches her before she falls backwards. She wonders if it's because his personality is cold that his expressions are cold – taps his left cheek – or is it because he doesn't know how to express himself  – taps his right cheek  – that he's expressionless. And he's letting her tap him. Might as well, right? She already hugged and kissed him. Anyway. He says he'll train her. Shang Gu wiggles her shoulders and suggests they watch stars instead. Shang Gu cutely takes his hand and they walk hand in hand. He reminds her she has her godly duties. She promises him she'll awe him with her cultivation and become the true God of Chaos who can protect the realms. Look at that proud face he has. The two of them sit down and stargaze. Shang Gu inches closer. Bai Jue lets her and smiles as she rests her head on him. 

[Ep6] A drunk Shang Gu pushes Bai Jue down to the bed/chair. Bai Jue clutches onto the blankets as she kisses his forehead. Our God is quite the shy one. Bai Ju awkwardly tells her she can't drink anymore. She argues back. Knowing he can't win her, he sends her to sleep. According to Bai Jue, she's more tiring than fighting a demonic beast. 

[Ep7Feng Yan is supposed to be Shang Gu's pet Phoenix but Wu Xi eloped with Feng Yan. They're breaking Immortal Rules and so Bai Jue separates the lovebirds and captures Feng Yan's spirit. Out of hatred, Wu Xi assaults Shang Gu. It’s a special attack that Bai Jue cannot treat without this Snowy Pearl. Once he retrieves the pearl, he treats Shang Gu who has to bare her shoulders. To keep her pure, he blindfolds himself with a see through cloth. Just, why? 
 
Shang Gu wakes up. She wants to choose Wu Huan, a low ranking phoenix, as her Spirit Beast to show that high immortals value equality. Bai Jue approves. She's happy and touches him all over. He's like You're too close. She whines that they’ve been closer. True that. And so she snuggles in some more. 

By the way, Feng Yan did not die. Her spirit will return in 1000 years. 

Remember about that Snowy Pearl? Well it belongs to the Goddess of Snow and that’s Xue Ying, the very annoying girl who’s obsessed over Bai Jue. She gave the pearl on the condition that she can be his disciple. Shang Gu’s insides roil. Wu Huan pacifies Shang Gu that Bai Jue must treat Shang Gu like she's "family” otherwise why would he be repaying her debt for her?

[Ep8] Shang Gu is to train 1000 years in the underworld. Bai Jue would go with her if he could. She doesn't understand that he can't and that she has to go alone. 

Shang Gu accepts Gu Jun as her disciple because he reminds her of someone nasty (i.e. Bai Jue) because she’s still mad at Bai Jue for sending her away. . 

[Ep9] Shang Gu trains Gu Jun. If he wins over Xue Ying, she won't have to go to the underworld. During training, lightning strikes. Shang Gu flies to block the strike. That lightning looked cool but it killed my eyes. I'm still in pain thinking about it. Shang Gu clutches her heart from the pain but it’s not just the pain from the physical lightning. She remembered how Bai Jue protected her. Was it this painful too? That thought is what pains her more. Bai Jue is watching from the sidelines. He didn't help her because he knew she could handle it. 

Gu Jun defeats Xue Ying. She’s to be punished but Shang Gu pardons her. Our Shang Gu has learned to be gracious. This doesn't mean Bai Jue forgives Xue Ying. He has been investigating the mastermind behind the fire in Shang Gu's manor. He has proof it was Xue Ying. He expels her from the heavens with no mercy whatsoever. 

Since Gu Jun is victorious, Shang Gu doesn't have to train in the underworld. However, she volunteers. She will train herself to befit the title of the Goddess of Chaos. 1000 years is short. Bai Jue eyes are proud and teary. 

Tian Qi plans to trespass the underworld to help Shang Gu but he's stopped at the gates. He calls the other True Gods heartless. Negative. Bai Jue loves Shang Gu more than anyone. He displaces his soul from his true body to visit Shang Gu in the underworld. Hong Ri warns him he'll lose ten thousand years of spiritual powers. Bai Jue can lose ten times the amount as long as Shang Gu is safe. It's not just that. If his soul is discovered by Xuan Yi, his true form can disappear into ashes. 

[Ep10] Shang Gu notices there's a force helping her whenever she's in danger. Is it weird of me to like the scenes of them being apart more than the ones of their skinship? By the way, CGI is stunning. To those who are spoiling themselves reading this, watch this episode in full screen and HD

A thousand years later.

Wu Huan has changed a lot. She seems to be obsessed with power. Now that Shang Gu is slated to be back, she will no longer be the centre of attention. 

Xuan Yi has unleashed his underlings to attack the God Realm. Is this the Tribulation of Chaos? Shang Gu makes her grand entrance. She’s back! I was expecting her to descend in red, though :/ 

[Ep11] Shang Gu’s sword splits into a thousand swords but they're more like missiles that never stop. She defeats the demons. The other deities bow to her. Bai Jue can’t be more proud of her. 

At night, Shang Gu recounts her experiences and how there was always a mystical force and a familiar voice that helped her whenever she was in danger. Bai Jue sips his alcohol. Not me, not me, not me. Shang Gu continues to peek at him, “Is it you, Bai bingkuai’er?” Our ice-cube doesn’t melt. He doesn’t tell her his injuries are because of her. He even has to excuse himself from the celebratory dinner because he’s weak.

Yue Mi informs Shang Gu that for these thousand years, she has barely seen Bai Jue and when she does see him, he’s always pale. Shang Gu runs to his palace and finds the kite she thought was gone. Hong Ri greets her. Shang Gu’s expression is torturous as she asks Hong Ri for everything that happened to his master in these years. Ah ~

And then Shang Gu is no longer emotional, she’s all smily. She needs to “capture” him and by capture she means marry (娶) Bai Jue. Non-Chinese speakers, Shang Gu uses 娶 (qu) which is a term exclusively for a man to use when they marry a woman. Shang Gu isn’t joking. She will even give him dowry. Yue Mi, her sidekick, fools Bai Jue to descend to the Mortal Realm. 
Shang Gu bidongs Bai Jue. But she doesn’t make her mark on his lips. Yet. She shows him all the carvings (woodwork). In exchange for all these treasures she gathered for him, she asks, “Will you be mine?” Bai Jue needs her to reiterate. Did he hear what he thought he heard? Yes, sweetie. She had always thought he cared more about her duties as a God because everything he did was to train her. He clarifies that he just wants her to be safe. Who cares about that! Then she quizzes him if he still remembers the move she taught him. Bai Jue smiles, he slowly spins her around and backs her up to the same pillar. He pauses to look for a spot for his palm to go. Smooth. He kisses, but oh my, Shang Gu turns away! Shang Gu just left him hanging. Bai Jue, how does that feel? Hahaha. But what comes around goes around. When Shang Gu wants to confess, her confession is interrupted by demons. Something is wrong with the barrier.  

[Ep12] The demons are defeated. Bai Jue asks Shang Gu for a date to go to the Peach Blossom Forest with him after her Chief Goddess Ceremony. He has something to tell her that he’s kept in his heart for all these years. He wants to tell her there. Tell her now D: 

It’s Shang Gu's ceremony. Bai Jue wakes her up because she's still snoozing. He has her ceremonial clothes prepared – actually, he's prepared them since a thousand years ago. Shang Gu snuggles her chin in the precious clothes. He had known there would be this day. More than anyone else, he's aware how hard she worked to achieve what she has. 

What is up with Tian Qi, though? He suspends the ceremony and steals the “lingyu” from Shang Gu. This, however, seems to ruin Xuan Yi’s plan so it’s actually a good thing he stole it. Tian Qi has an unknown agenda at the moment.

Other ominous stuff: Xue Ying, who’s controlled and threatened by a demon, coerces Wu Huan. By the way, Xue Ying is still obsessed over Bai Jue..........Why? Girl, he's such a jerk to you, move on. Also, Wu Huan is convinced Shang Gu wants to switch her out with the Phoenix Queen since it's been a thousand years. It's all a misunderstanding; Shang Gu intends to keep Wu Huan. Whether or not Wu Huan knows, really doesn’t matter imo. She was already on the verge of sinning

[Ep13] Bai Jue is up and changing when Shang Gu walks in on him. He isn’t shy at all and goes about arranging his clothes like it’s nothing. Quite the different reaction to a few episodes earlier. It’s Shang Gu who’s flustered. 

But there’s still the problem of Tian Qi. He’s planning to destroy the Demon World for a good reason, I assume. He convinces Shang Gu that all these years since her creation, he was only pretending to care for her to steal the lingyue. After hearing that, Shang Gu cries in Bai Jue's comforting embrace. 

Yue Mi is crying too. She joins the battle to stop Tian Qi. She doesn’t believe Tian Qi is that kind of person. Even if no one believes him in all the realms, she will. She will die if he doesn’t stop destroying the Demon Realm. She takes the sword to end her life but Tian Qi stops her which interrupts his spell to demolish the realm. 

[Ep14] Yue Mi almost gets the truth out of Tian Qi. It must involve Shang Gu’s safety, but Wu Huan pulls a surprise attack on Tian Qi. Wu Huan's magic is tainted black thanks to Xue Ying. Yue Mi takes the blow. She's dying from that one attack. With her last breath, Yue Mi confesses her love to Tian Qi. He knew, he always knew, but he was afraid that if he rejected her, he’d lose her as a friend. 

Yue Mi dies! 
Her ashes fly away but then Tian Qi casts his powers and turns her ashes into stone before it all flies away. Yue Me is now a statue. I'm reminded of Love and Destiny. In that one, the guy comes back alive, so Yue Mi should come back too, right?

Tian Qi: You died for me. If I can’t even protect Shang Gu then what is the point of me living? 

Back at Bai Jue's, Wu Huan reports that Tian Qi killed Yue Mi. The fight between Bai Jue and Tian Qi escalates to the point that Bai Jue has no choice but to kill Tian Qi. 

Tian Qi to Bai Jue: There will be a day you will regret this. 

Tian Qi dies. 

Shang Gu is grieving. Bai Jue thinks back to Tian Qi's last words. Something is off. Shang Gu also makes the same conclusion. 

Bai Jue visits this dimension where he can browse each god’s history. He checks on Tian Qi’s. Omg! If you can do that in the first place, why...!! Ugh. Okay. This is a Drama. Got it. He learns Tian Qi  was protecting Shang Gu from the “Tribulation of Chaos” which isn't to have Shang Gu ascend the Chief God position but to have her as a sacrifice for the peace of the three realms. Tian Qi chose to destroy one realm for Shang Gu. The reason why he couldn't trust Zhi Yang or Bai Jue is because they're more likely to sacrifice Shang Gu for peace.

[Ep15] This "imaginary" Tian Qi speaks to Bai Jue. He's like I told you so. "It is you who is killing Shang Gu." According to Tian Qi, Bai Jue has been leading Shang Gu to her death step by step. But how can that be? There must be a way to save her! Yeah, Tian Qi agrees, "Destroying the living species of all three realms can break the curse of the Tribulation of Chaos." Bai Jue is appalled that the only way is to annihilate millions of species. There must be another solution! Tian Qi gives him a reality check: there's two days left. 

Two days until The Chaos! Oh my, what to do? A date it is! 

Remember that Tree Blossom date Bai Jue asked of Shang Gu? He reminds her. She can't, though. This isn't the time for it. She needs to become the Chief God asap. Bai Jue begs her for it. This is his one and only wish. He pulls her in for a hug and asks her to leave with him. Well, what can a girl do? She goes with him. They arrive at his place instead of the Tree Blossom Forest (hm, Blossoms, until next time. We're bound for a pink-petal-y romantic scene). He whisks his godly Bluetooth powers and airplays their memories in the clouds. 

Then they play a game of dice; Bai Jue loses. As punishment, Shang Gu wants him to make her smile three times. Okay, Bai Jue gives her lots of pears. Ha, in Chinese, it's not that great to give someone a pear (梨; li) because it sounds like 离 which is often to used to mean "apart" or "separate". Shang Gu smiles as she complains about the pears. He changes it to white (pear?) flowers. Smiling even brighter, she tells him they should come back next year. And now he's holding back his tears.

Bai Jue had met with Zhi Yang. Bai Jue is planning to sacrifice himself. Zhi Yang frustratingly sighs. His sacrifice will only temporarily seal the curse. Shang Gu's death is the only solution. 

Back to our doomed couple. They're stargazing. Shang Gu can't believe how romantic Bai Jue is right now. Can this be real? Bai Jue offers to confirm it for her. He holds her face and kisses her. Oh, romance~ but wait, she freezes him after that kiss. Shang Gu knew of her fate. She knew at the same time Bai Jue knew. She takes back the lingyu. She will become the Chief God. This is her fate, her responsibility. Bai Jue pleas her to stay. Shang Gu puts him to sleep. She has decided. 

Shang Gu levitates to accept her Tribulation of Chaos. Everyone cries. Oh, Wu Huan cries! Xue Ying is obviously not emoting, she has to hide that evil smile of hers.

Xuan Yi has been waiting for this moment. We learn it was him whom the Primordial God had chosen to sacrifice for the Three Realms but because he chickened out, he was banished from the  realm and stripped of his God of Chaos title. 

Bai Jue breaks free from the barrier Shang Gu created. He levitates to sacrifice too! Shang Gu casts another barrier. Bai Jue, who's not as powerful anymore, can only stand (or float) and watch her disappear into particles. She asks him to take care of the three realms for her. Zhou Shen's voice here as Shang Gu ascends is very fitting. Shang Gu is gone. What's left is the bracelet he gave her. 

Bai Jue catches the bracelet: I won't let you die. 

[Ep16] Xuan Yi's plans have materialized. For 70,000 years he was waiting for a god to sacrifice in his stead. But there's more. His enemy was never the gods but Fate (the skies). Xuan Yi wants to destroy all the realms. 

If Xuan Yi succeeds, Shang Gu's sacrifice would be in vain. Our remaining True Gods confront Xuan Yi. It's a war in the skies between the most powerful. Xue Ying was just receiving her punishment, whatever that is, when the big showdown is happening in the skies. The gods stop their punishment – No, why! Finish her off first! – and departs to assist Bai Jue and Zhi Yang. 

Xue Ying is helpful, though. She sacrifices herself to take down Mo Yu (Xuan Yi's trusty sidekick) with her. 

Xue Ying: In this lifetime to have met Bai Jue, Xue Ying has no regret. Girl, why? 
Farewell? ):
Back to the main battle. Every god is pooling in their power but Xuan Yi is just That Powerful. To destroy him, countless gods are sacrificing themselves. Zhi Yang and Hong Ri are among the gods who exhaust their spirit for the greater good. Xuan Yi is defeated. Bai Jue is dying too but he smiles because he delivered on his promise with Shang Gu: "Take care of the three realms for me." He did it. 

60 000 years later. 

The Three Realms have transformed. Hm. So like the Big Bang theory? Kind of. In the new Mortal Realm, it should be peaceful but there are ongoing battles between the demons and the gods (among the lower deities). In the new Heavenly Realm, there should be four High Gods. Currently, there are three. They are Gu Jun, Mu Guang, and Wu Huan. I use "High God" because the drama uses 上神 instead of  真神 (True God). I don't know if I'm using "High God" correctly but there is a definite difference between the four "High Gods" we have in this episode vs. the four True Gods since Ep1.

Today is the marriage between Mu Guang and Wu Huan, the Heavenly Emperor and Empress. Here's the kicker: she's divorced from Gu Jun. And now Gu Jun arrives in ordinary clothes with an egg as a present. This egg is his daughter with Wu Huan. What kind of soap opera is this? Another god scans the egg and confirms this egg – Hou Chi – is a High God. Everyone bows to the Holy Egg. The egg is Shang Gu's reincarnation. Hou Chi rounds out the four High Gods. I find it funny how Shang Gu raised her own parents to give birth to herself in a new era as an egg.... xD

A few more thousands years later, Hou Chi is an adolescent god. Just like her previous life, Hou Chi's powers are suppressed despite being a High God. Feng Ran is Hou Chi's master. And today, for the first time ever, she has a breakthrough in her cultivation.  

[Ep17] Hou Chi had no breakthrough. Feng Ran was only trying to comfort her. By the way Feng Ran is the Phoenix Queen (the reincarnation of Feng Yan). She's quite protective of Hou Chi. 

There's someone else who's even more protective of Hou Chi: Bo XuanA masked Bai Jue? She's on a swing at his place and by his place I mean Bai Jue's place. At her request, he tells her about the gods of the past. Above the Chief Gods there are True Gods and above the True Gods there is the Primordial God (Ancestral God). "She", the Primordial God, rules all. As long as she exists, the Three Realms will exist. To my understanding, he's saying Shang Gu the Primordial God of this new era. Therefore Shang Gu isn't just a High God or a True God, but The God

Hou Chi: Why haven't I seen her? 
Bo Xuan: Because she went to do something she had to do.

Bo Xuan had given Hou Chi a bracelet. The same one! He wants her to wear it at all times so that he can find her anywhere. The bracelet can protect her. If she casts her power to the bracelet, it can temporarily increase her cultivation. Also, Bo Xuan is to leave for 10 000 years because of his tribulation. He promises that once he's back, he'll accompany her anywhere. This life, he just wants her to live at ease. 

It's been over 10 000 years and Hou Chi still hasn't seen Bo Xuan. But she meets Qing Mu, a reputable god. It's Bai Jue (or Bo Xuan)! But he's got no memory unlike Bo Xuan. Is this part of "Bo Xuan's" tribulation? 

Hou Chi accidentally overhears Qing Mu and Jing Zhao's conversation. Jing Zhao is Hou Chi's younger half-sister and is the daughter of Wu Huan and Mu Guang. Hou Chi is dying to get out of there. Apparently, he hates girls. Well, that's about to change once he senses Hou Chi's presence. The moment he sees, his curiosity piques. He ditches Jing Zhao to chase after Hou Chi and uses his Immortal Sword to attack her. It's the same sword Bai Jue gave Shang Gu. He hadn't expected her to be so weak for a High God and apologizes for injuring her. The sword will be his token of apology. Angrily, Hou Chi takes it and when her hand moves, he notices her bracelet. He's wearing the exact same one. 

[Ep18Hou Chi TransformsZi Yuan accuses Feng Ran of allying with the demons. Hou Chi wants to help but she's too weak. Using the bracelet Bo Xuan left her, she transforms by tapping into the energy of Shang Gu! With the aura she's emitting, it's enough for everyone to cower at her presence. Qing Mu is there too and is astonished at her overwhelming cultivation. But there's something else that attracts him to her. Can she be the goddess he's been dreaming about? 

The other gods have only heard rumours of Hou Chi. She's rarely been seen so no one other than Feng Ran and Qing Mu know her real cultivation level. 

Qing Mu follows Hou Chi as she leaves. He wants his sword back. Dude, no takebacks! Hou Chi wants to ditch because her powers are evaporating. Too late. she transforms in front of him. 

Sword Burial Mound. Hou Chi wanders into this new dimension: Sword Burial Mound. Wait, so is this her Immortal Sword? Qing Mu follows her and saves her from falling by catching her around her waist. Their eyes meet, their bracelets react. But man, Qing Mu is annoying her with all his lame pickup lines about fate. xD For all these years she's the only other person along with him who can see this dimension. He's like We must be fated! Hou Chi disagrees. There is fate but it's with the place and not with him. 

Heading to the Demon Realm. Qing Mu is too curious about Hou Chi to let her go. He secretly follows her to the Demon Realm. She's in search of Zi Yue, the Demon Lord, who she believes is Bo Xuan. Feng Ran senses Qing Mu's presence; the two proceed to duel. However, the casualty falls on the bystander, Hou Chi. A rock is falling on her. Qing Mu shields her with his own body. Finally, Hou Chi notices his bracelet too. Qing Mu confesses he wants to learn more about Bo Xuan as well. 

Feng Ran: What do I have to do to make you stop following us?
Qing Mu: What do I have to do to let me follow you two?
Feng Ran: Impossible. Not as long as I'm here. 
Qing Mu: Then I'm sorry. 

Before Feng Ran can react, Qing Mu has flown away with Hou Chi to the Demon Realm. Hou Chi can't escape. His powers are greater than hers. As they're flying through the skies, lightning strikes. Hou Chi reflexively hugs him. Is that a micro smile I see from Qing Mu? He hugs her back. Once they set foot on land, Hou Chi wants nothing to do with him. Not long after, she walks into danger. Qing Mu has been following her, of course; it's basically the theme of this entire episode. He bargains with her that he'll save her if she lets him accompany her. Hou Chi remains silent. She's quite stubborn even in danger. Qing Mu concedes. He can't watch her struggle anymore. At night, he roasts her meat as an apology. He's sincere. But Hou Chi turns her chin away. Hmph ~

[Ep19Who is Qing Mu? Qing Mu confesses he doesn’t remember anything about himself. The only item he had was his bracelet which looks exactly like hers. This is why he wants to join her search for Bo Xuan. 

Hou Chi suspects Qing Mu might be Bo Xuan because their figures are similar. Thank you! However, their personalities are too different. Could Bo Xuan have found someone he loved who then gave birth to Qing Mu? If that’s the case Qing Mu should be calling her gugu (Auntie). Or perhaps Qing Mu is Bo Xuan's brother. So he’s either her nephew or her uncle, ha. Anyway, Qing Mu must be someone close to him otherwise he would never give Qing Mu a bracelet. 
Qing Mu is a "dogskin plaster". Now that Hou Chi told Qing Mu everything about Bo Xuan, she leaves. It was her repayment for saving her earlier. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with him. This isn’t mutual. Qing Mu wants everything to do with her. He continues to follow her. While she’s washing her hands in the pond, Qing Mu casts his reflection in the water to give her a cute wave. Okay, this is cute. Hou Chi smiles, finding it cute too. For the following days, he keeps his distance but makes his presence known. 

Hou Chi notices Qing Mu’s immense popularity. She lets him help her but, really, she was selling him for some pearls (=money). The buyers are crazy demon fangirls of Mu Qing’s good looks. Once Hou Chi earns enough, she apologizes to Qing Mu. He pouts. Are you really Bai Jue? Hou Chi coos him like a child, giving him a grey cloak and complimenting how he looks extra dashing. As she says all this, she plays around with the strings on the cloak. Qing Mu’s anger noticeably disappears. He wants to know why she hates him. She doesn’t. She just doesn’t like that he’s someone Jing Zhao likes. Qing Mu contests. "I don't even like her back." Hou Chi is like alright, alright, let’s go eat now

Finding Zi Yue. While Hou Chi uses the pearls to receive news of Zi Yue, Qing Mu is destroying the restaurant. For this, Hou Chi ditches him again. He’s humphs and leaves.

On her own, Hou Chi fails to meet Zi Yue and angers the demon guards. Qing Mu to the rescue~ He never left her. Hou Chi notices Qing Mu has a bit of demonic power. 

Then we see Tian Qi! He's chekcing out the ruckus and in his magical screen he sees Hou Chi. Then he sees “Bai Jue”. Our Tian Qi has Tian Qi memories! 

Qing Mu and Hou Chi are safe from danger. Qing Mu refuses to talk to Hou Chi and so a spiritual paper doll of Qing Mu's fills in. The doll shows her that Qing Mu fought at the restaurant for her, and followed her despite being angry so that he could protect her. But why does he care so much about her? He wants to; it’s as simple as that. On the topic of the rumours surrounding her, Hou Chi doesn’t care about them. But Qing Mu does. He can’t stand how she pretends to be okay when she’s not. Hou Chi asks why. He hesitates and finds this stupid answer: he wants to be her friend. Hou Chi smiles and calls him childish. She offers to drink the wine and call it even. After that one sip, both their fingers are dancing. It’s not the alcohol at all. It’s the reflection of their heart :D
Jing Jian and Feng Ran: Mu Guang assigns his son, Jing Jian to the Demon Realm to search for the four godly weapons. The first one being the ziyue whip which may be in the Demon Realm. It was Zhi Yang’s instructions to recover the weapons and reunite the God Realm which is currently divided, especially between the demons and the gods. Mu Guang wants peace with the demons. In the previous era, Tian Qi was the ruler over the demons. He too was a True God. There was no difference between the gods and the demons. Wu Huan is against unification. but she pretends to be convinced. 

I’m thinking there’s four godly weapons because there’s four True Gods. Ziyue Whip belongs to Tian Qi. Riyue Sword-axe belongs to Zhi Yang. The Immortal Sword belongs to Shang Gu. And lastly there’s Bai Jue’s

After a failed attempt to meet the Demon Prince, Jing Jian wanders the streets and he finds Feng Ran. He suspects her of colluding with the demons and so he asks her to guide her just so he can investigate her. Feng Ran sees through him but agrees to guide him. The place she brings him to is a brothel. He questions her Why a girl would go to a brothel. Feng Ran counters Why can’t a girl go to brothels. Jing Jian is like Fine, bring it on.
[Ep20Sen Yu and Chang Qin. Hou Chi approaches the second prince, Sen Yu, to find Zi Yue. Sen Yu has this problem and Hou Chi plans to solve it: he is caught between two women where he’s indebted to one (Xiao Li) and in love with another (Chang Qin). Chang Qin will divorce him as long as he has Xiao Li but Sen Yu can’t leave Xiao Li because she sacrificed her demon form to save him. 

Hou Chi, with her vast knowledge on anything random, pretends to be a physician while Qing Mu becomes Hou Chi’s disciple. She is now Bei Chi and he is Nan Mu. Miraculously, Hou Chi can turn Xiao Li into her demon form. Once Xiao Li fully recovers, she is supposed to leave but obviously this wasn’t foxy Xiao Li’s intentions. The way Xiao Li acts after she wakes up makes me more annoyed than any of the girls in this drama. Also, this actress is imitating Dilireba x_x when she was Feng Jiu

From Sen Yu, Hou Chi learns more about Zi Yue. He always wears a mask and keeps his distance. He’s also been here for 10000 years. Sounds like Bo Xuan, indeed... 

Tian Qi and Zi Han are both aliveZi Han asks Tian Qi if he’s thinking about Yue Mi “again”. He was! But he doesn’t think he has the right to think of her. He lies to Zi Han that he was only admiring the beautiful moon. Pinyin of moon = yueYue Mi is the Goddess of Moon and Stars. No matter what wasyyou look at it, he was thinking of Yue Mi.

Nothing new: Hou Chi ditches Qing Mu again. Hou Chi wakes up from a hangover. There's meat buns on the table that cures her right up. Qing Mu personally made them for her. What a good disciple. But she’s not a good master. When he’s back, she’s already gone. Qing Mu is pouty; once again he's abandoned. I had no idea Bai Jue could be like this

Jing Jian and Feng Ran: Jing Jian has a low alcohol tolerance. Feng Ran takes the chance to escape but he tied her down with a spiritual chain. Feng Ran can’t run for him. She's forced to sleep next to him. In the morning she demands to be released but Jing Jian hasn't got a clue how to. Only Mu Guang can. And so, they're stuck together.

[Ep21Tian Qi is Zi Yue. Tian Qi catches Hou Chi snooping around. She semi-lies that she’s searching for Zi Yue, whom she had a chance encounter with and fell in love with at first sight. Tian Qi is amused because he is Zi Yue. He becomes convinced Hou Chi is Shang Gu when he sees her bracelet. On a separate occasion, Zi Han meets Hou Chi and Qing Mu. He's flustered, Does he greet them or not? What to do! As he's wrestling his thoughts on whether to be cordial, Hou Chi and Qing Mu have already left, treating him like he's oxygen. Haha. Zi Han is cute! 

The reason Tian Qi and Zi Han are alive is because Bai Jue didn’t completely kill them, he left a breath of god power in them. Whatever the drama says goes. At the mention of Bai Jue, Tian Qi grumbles that he’ll turn him into ashes to appease his wrath. Zi Han agrees: "This stinky ice cube, we can destroy him – " Tian Qi cuts him off with a quick Shut up! He can belittle Bai Jue but Zi Han can't. Aw! Bai Jue and Zi Han are both cute! 

Feng Ran and the Demons. Jing Jian still has his diplomatic mission to meet Sen Yu but the problem is he’s chained to Feng Ran. Without a choice, Feng Ran puts on a hat to cover her face so that Sen Yu can’t recognize her. There’s bad blood between Feng Ran and Sen Yu. She killed Sen Yu’s younger brother because the brother killed her father. It was Gu Jun who saved her from being killed by the Sens

Hou Chi and Qing Mu are caught. Xiao Li tattles to Sen Yu that "Bei Chi" and "Nan Mu" are impostors. Feng Ran receives news of Hou Chi’s whereabouts and convinces Chang Qin to help her enter the palace. Jing Jian cooperates to save Hou Chi even though it risks his peace talks with Sen Yu. 

Just as Hou Chi and co find a way to escape, Sen Jian, the Demon King, descends. I think the Demon Realm operates on a constitutional monarchy where Sen Jian is the king and "Zi Yue" is the prime minister. This is the only way I can make sense of the hierarchy. Initially, Sen Jian challenges Hou Chi but Qing Mu takes the duel for her. After some clever taunting from Hou Chi the duel is reduced to receiving three moves from Sen Jian. If Qing Mu is still alive after that, they can leave. Tian Qi is live streaming this and even boosts Sen Jian's powers. If Bai Jue can win, then he has to be Bai Jue and therefore Hou Chi has to be Shang Gu. 

Bai Jue is Qing Mu. Qing Mu almost dies with the second attack. Hou Chi volunteers to take the last hit. But they can’t go back on their words. Qing Mu takes Hou Chi’s hands. He has a last message for her: there’s someone he likes. Hou Chi promises to relay his confession. In fact, she’ll promise anything he asks of her after this. Qing Mu brightens up; it's the motivation he needed. Hou Chi also gives Qing Mu her precious bracelet (well, his bracelet). It's her life charm, something she never takes off but for him, she does. Once Qing Mu wears the bracelet, it synchronizes with his powers, creating a synergy where he's able to summon the Taicang Spear, Bai Jue’s signature weapon, and one of the four Immortal Weapons.

It’s confirmed. Qing Mu is Bai Jue. Another confirmation: a fiery beast protects the Taicang Spear from gods who are trying to take it. OMG Is that you, Hong Ri??? 

[Ep22A shameless Qing Mu. Hou Chi is upset that Qing Mu injured himself for her. She gives him medication. Qing Mu dials up the cute and asks to be fed. A-are you Bai Jue? Hou Chi is still upset (more like worried) and shoves the medication down his throat. Hou Chi chuckles as he chokes. Since cute isn't working, Qing Mu turns serious. He holds her hand and tells her “My heart is for you.” It's the first time he felt that way. Hou Chi jumps back and reminds him she's still looking for Bo Xuan. Right in front of ya! 

Hou Chi innocently asks: Are you extorting me (latching onto me) now? 
Qing Mu: Yup. You said it, I’m this 拘皮膏药 (dogskin plaster / quack medicine). I should be sticky. 
Hou Chi: What if I don’t change my thoughts (from Bo Xuan)?
Qing Mu: Then I’ll be like Xiao Li – pretend to be meek and make you indebted to me. 

When Qing Mu isn't looking, Hou Chi smiles. 
Girl talk. The girls (Hou Chi, Feng Ran, and Chang Qin) want some girl time but Feng Ran is still stuck to Jing Jian and so he puts on magical earbuds to give them girl time. Zhang Yun Long just needs to stand straight in this scene, ha

Hou Chi plans to search for Bo Xuan again. She believes she can find hints from the fiery beast. When Qing Mu wants to join her Hou Chi strictly orders him to rest. He looks to Feng Ran for help. She’s on Hou Chi’s side though. Qing Mu shifts his gaze to Jing Jian who still can't hear. Feng Ran whisks away his earbuds. The cute Jing Jian takes the cue and drags Qing Mu back into the room. The girls need girl time again. How did Jing Jian read Feng Ran's mind? xD Feng Ran is in agreement to let Qing Mu protect her because it’s dangerous. However, it is precisely for this reason Hou Chi can’t let him go. Feng Ran teases Hou Chi for caring about him. Then the door opens ever so slightly and it’s Jing Jian who’s peeking through. Caught red-handed, he meekly blames it on the chain. Feng Ran is like Why don’t I cut off your hand and that problem will be solved? Jing Jian courteously smiles, his hands are already closing the door, and his curved lips are now a very flat line. The door is shut. Zhang Yun Long <3 

Boy talk. Qing Mu asks Jing Jian if he’s got another one of those chains. He desperately wants one with Hou Chi. Jing Jian is like Are you still my buddy? Qing Mu eagerly tells him "You don’t understand. Hou Chi and I are fated." His eyes burst with enthusiasm when he said “Fate". Pft. Seeing his buddy so in love, Jing Jian offers his support. The quartet will go to the Heavenly Realm together. 

To the Heavenly Realm. Qing Mu uses his magic to change Hou Chi into a little girl so that Jing Zhao can’t recognize her. Meanwhile, Jing Jian and Feng Ran visit Mu Guang who can untie them. Mu Guang compliments Jing Jian for a successful peace talk. The demons have agreed (because Tian Qi approved). 

Jing Zhao tries to approach Qing Mu but little Hou Chi – our snarky and smart little Hou Chi – runs in, calling Qing Mu her "father". Qing Mu has been everything. Her nephew, her uncle, and now her father. She makes fun of Jing Zhao by calling her an old hag. Qing Mu indulges her. Jing Zhao demands an apology. Little Hou Chi gracefully offers it but warns her she can’t handle it. With the first bow, the sky exerts pressure on Jing Zhao. On the second bow, lightning strikes. Lastly, on the final third bow, batches of lightning hammer down. Jing Zhao’s hair is fried. Jing Zhao knows who the little girl is now. Mu Guang hears the commotion and sees Hou Chi for the first time. He’s astounded to see her and “Bai Jue” together.

Why does Hou Chi hate Jing Zhao? Jing Zhao almost drowned her. She bullied her because Hou Chi’s presence was an insult to the heavenly palace and an insult to her mother (Wu Huan). If Bo Xuan hadn’t saved her, she would have been the first god to have drowned. After hearing her story, Qing Mu promises to never stop Hou Chi when it comes to Jing Zhao. 

Suddenly, Qing Mu sees a shooting star. He wishes on it and urges Hou Chi to do the same. She shakes her head. Their roles are reversed. Bai Jue would never care about shooting stars if not for Shang Gu. He makes his first wish aloud: for Hou Chi to be stronger. His second wish, he’s keeping it to himself. He peeks over at Hou Chi, telling her he's confident it will come true. Hou Chi smiles and turns away. 

Who can take the Taicang Spear? Everyone, god or demon, wants the Spear but the fiery beast is guarding it, not letting anyone near it. Tian Qi and Zi Han are live streaming the scene again. Zi Han wonders if the beast is Hong Ri. Tian Qi denies. The beast is only a remnant of Hong Ri’s spirit. Nooo, you mean that's not you, Hong Ri?? Qing Mu locks eyes with the beast. The Beast seems to recognize Qing Mu and summons him to the Spear....

[Ep23Who is Qing Mu? Hong Ri (or the remnants of his T_T) and the Taicong Spear have chosen Qing Mu. Witnessing the scene from afar, Tian Qi confirms Qing Mu is Bai Jue. But Tian Qi is confused. After that battle 60 000 years ago, if Bai Jue had a deep slumber, then he'd still have his memories but Qing Mu doesn't. If Bai Jue did die, as one of the four True Gods he can be reincarnated, then his spirit should be recognizable, but there's not a trace of Bai Jue in Qing Mu. What could Bai Jue be planning? 

Bai Jue!! The battle for the spear turns ugly as the demons and the gods try to strip it from Qing Mu. Jing Zhao protects him and in doing so she kills Hong Ri's remnant. Oh girl, you did not just do that!! Hong Ri is gone for good, not even a remnant is left! Bai Jue wakes up in Qing Mu's body. His powerful aura presses down on all the immortals except Hou Chi. She's just standing there, wondering why everyone looks so constipated. Bai Jue has yet to see her because he's about to finish off Jing Zhao for killing his spirit beast. Hou Chi, realizing Qing Mu is possessed, greets him as "Bai Jue". She's asking him to pardon the Jing siblings. With a glance, Bai Jue recognizes Hou Chi as Shang Gu. He levitates her and they hug in midair. He doesn't care about the audience gawking from below. A tear treks down Bai Jue's face but soon he loses consciousness. Hm. So this Bai Jue has no memories of Bo Xuan? 

Tian Qi's devious plans. Zi Han eagerly asks Tian Qi when they can kill Qing Mu now that they know his identity. Tian Qi denies he ever wanted Bai Jue dead. Zi Han is like Ha?!?! I have proof, tho! Before Zi Han fishes out the proof, Zi Han is muted. xD Tian Qi has better plans: seduce Hou Chi. Tian Qi wouldn't steal his buddy's woman/goddess. But making him jealous is another story xD

Later that night, Tian Qi (as Zi Yue) visits Hou Chi. He's here to tell her the truth of her identity! She is Shang Gu's maid. In their past lives, they were the one true pairing. Qing Mu was the jealous third party. Hou Chi is tired of entertaining this childish demon lord and asks Zi Yue to kindly leave. Tian Qi offers her a way she can confirm: kiss him. He also wants her to call him by his name: Jing YuanAnother name.......! Qing Mu wakes up in time to be jealous. Too bad he's not on par with Zi Yue. He can't fight back with words nor with powers, and angrily stalks off. Tian Qi is so smug, so so so smug. He finally beat Bai Jue for the first time ever. Ha. 

Qing Mu mopes that Hou Chi trusts other men so easily but when it comes to him, he's literally dying again and again just to stay next to her. He's so angry, he gets up to leave but then a strong migraine overwhelms him and he's unconscious again. Hou Chi is there to catch him in her arms. 

Hou Chi pouts:  Did I owe you in the past or something? YES

Tian Qi continues taunting Qing Mu the next day. Knowing Qing Mu's gingerbread man is eavesdropping, Tian Qi confesses his feelings for Hou Chi. 

Hou Chi bleakly tells him to stop joking with her: I have nothing but the bare necessities of life. My powers are low, my appearance is plain, my personality is mediocre (平庸). Mediocre is too soft of a translation to encompass the depth of "平庸".  Describing someone as 平庸 means that this person has absolutely nothing worthy; a line so flat that nothing stands out. Someone "awful" is at least something but to be 平庸, there's nothing. You can see the pain in Tian Qi's expression as Hou Chi describes herself like that

[Ep24Unseal Hou Chi's powers? Tian Qi tells Hou Chi that her powers are only suppressed. If she goes with him to the Demon Realm, he can prove to her she is the most dignified god. Hou Chi is tempted. Oh, are we doing this again? Unsealing her powers, that is. I feel bad about this. Her power is called The Power of Chaos for a reason. Why must we always unseal Chaos?  
Qing Mu cooks for Hou Chi. She's generous with her compliments: he's not just good looking, and powerful, but also a great cook. Qing Mu thinks it's the perfect time for a kiss ~ but he misses, lol
Tian Qi is at it again, trying to convince Hou Chi to leave with him. He pats her shoulder, a friendly gesture, but Hou Chi, as if controlled by the bracelet, pushes him away. Our True God, Tian Qi is whipped to the wall and he's even bleeding from the impact. Hou Chi panics. She swears she just pushed him a littleHahaha. It's Bai Jue. What kind of spells are in the bracelet? 

The ominous marriage. Wu Huan convinces Mu Guang to bestow a message for Jing Zhao and Qing Mu. Wu Huan's intentions are to manipulate Qing Mu/Bai Jue to take down Tian Qi. Just who does she think she is?

Today is Hou Chi's birthday (0906). She never celebrated it ever since Bo Xuan left. On this happy day, Tian Qi is also leaving. Hou Chi has decided against unsealing her powers and so she will stay. He gives her a lingyue and if she ever needs help, use it to find him. Meanwhile Qing Mu is once again in the kitchen, whipping up another tasty dish for Hou Chi. It's noodles (a Chinese birthday thing). He feeds her. Then he whisks her away to a forest with 9900 blue fireflies. 9 because it's pronounced as jiu which sounds like long. He's saying he's going to be with her for a long, long time. He promises her that where she wants to go, he'll be with her. Hou Chi doesn't need anything superficial. 

Hou Chi: What I want is a lifetime (of love) and unchanging with time. If you can't do that, then don't say anymore ... Please don't make my heart waver. 
Qing Mu: I can do it. Hou Chi, I like you. I really like you. 

Hou Chi doesn't believe him. Flowers bloom and flowers wither. There isn't one person who can forever be with another person. Qing Mu says he can. He's already doing it. Bo Xuan and Gu Jun left her but he won't. As long as she gives him a chance, he will prove it to her. Qing Mu's confidence in himself makes Hou Chi falter. She goes on that she still needs to find Bo Xuan... and her sentence trails off because Qing Mu pulls her in for a hug. 

Hou Chi is back at Qingchi Palace where everyone is waiting. She welcomes the warm celebrations, no longer resisting her birthday. Qing Mu has one last present: a sword. It's his most precious one and he's giving it to her so that it can guard her and protect her. Bai Jue, no matter what lifetime, will give Shang Gu/Hou Chi a sword. Qing Mu wraps his arm around Hou Chi's shoulders and wishes her a happy birthday. She rests her head on Qing Mu's shoulders. They're a couple~

[Ep25] Tian Qi longingly watches Hou Chi and Qing Mu celebrating her birthday from afar. Zi Han is at Tian Qi's ear, asking him when he’s dropping in to celebrate with them. Oh, Zi Han. He earns himself another muting spell. Tian Qi doesn’t want to interrupt the sweethearts. But that doesn’t mean others wouldn’t... 

Marriage. Jing Zhao really wants that marriage with Qing Mu and when she hears he has rejected her in front of her parents, she arrives at Qingchi Palace to flaunt around, lying that Qing Mu has accepted the marriage. Hou Chi might have believed it but she keeps her composure and kicks Jing Zhao out of the palace for her servants to mess with her. 

Tian Qi prepares for battle. Tian Qi upgrades San Shou’s cultivation in case Wu Huan attacks them. San Shou looks like this really sleazy demon. Once he hears Jing Yang is in the Demon Realm, he attacks Jing Yang. 

A chance to refuse the marriage. The Heavenly Palace is searching for a missing Jing Yang. It’s such a daunting task, oh my, who shall go? Jing Jian has an idea. He proposes Qing Mu – who currently has the Taicang Spear – for the mission and because it’s so dangerous, Mu Guang should give him a reward if he succeeds. Taking the cue, Qing Mu asks for a wish. Mu Guang isn’t smiling. He knows what Qing Mu wants but since his son’s life is on the line, he agrees to Qing Mu’s term. Off to the Demon Realm our boys go. 

Jing Jian and his ideas. Hou Chi and Feng Ran are in the Demon Realm as well. They’re searching for Bo Xuan. What a coincidence that they’re all in the same area. Qing Mu is eager to reunite with his wifey but Jing Jian has a better idea. He will distract Feng Ran to give Qing Mu and Hou Chi alone time. And then Qing Mu can scare her just to save her and love is bound to ensue. A brilliant idea that brilliantly fails. 

Qing Mu pouts to Hou Chi that he’ll never listen to Jing Jian.

Feng Ran also saw through the lie. Jing Jian blames Qing Mu for the idea. Ha. Jing Jian insists he  was only listening to Feng Ran's words to help Qing Mu and Hou Chi. 

Feng Ran snickers: Since when were you so obedient?
Jing Jian with a cute smile: Your words, when have I not obeyed. Ahh~~ Jing Jian, you sneaky. You used your buddy for alone time with the girl you liked~

[Ep26Feng Ran and Jing Jian are ill-fated. Feng Ran's godfather died because he protected her during the great battle between Jing Yang and Sen 3rd Prince. Feng Ran’s revenge isn’t over unless she kills Jing Yang, Jing Jian’s brother. Also, it seems like there's a childhood connection between Feng Ran and Jing Jian. Did she save him when they were kids? 

Saving Jing Yang from San Shou. Before saving Jing Yang, Qing Mu air-slaps him first – it's Qing Mu's respect for Feng Ran. But Jing Yang ought to be saved and San Shou ought to be lured to their spot or else no one can escape. Hou Chi will create the illusion that San Shou's heavenly lighting strikes are here, using her specialty: Electrifying Bows. Qing Mu keeps Jing Yang’s knees to the ground to receive all three. By the end, Jing Yan is looking crispy. 

San Shou is here! And so are Feng Ran and Jing Jian. San Shou reminds Feng Ran who she's protecting: Jing Yang, her father's murderer. Qing Mu and Hou Chi step back for Feng Ran to decide. Upon Jing Jian's pleas, Feng Ran retracts her powers. Sooner or later, she will take his life but not today. San Shou humphs (because he failed to manipulate Feng Ran). He was going to attack them all but then his real heavenly trials are here. He ascends to the skies to take the strikes but Hou Chi worries for the safety of the realms if San Shou grows stronger. Qing Mu, Jing Jian, and Feng Ran stop his trial. San Shou fails to level-up. 

Yue Mi! Our team escapes to this land. It's the place Yue Mi died. D: Hou Chi hears the statue calling out to her. “Shang Gu~ Shang Gu~”. When Hou Chi touches the statue she sees "her" past with Yue Mi. Or at least someone who looks exactly like her. 

Dragon Breath. San Shou locates the team and transforms into his three headed dragon form. Qing Mu channels Bai Jue’s True God powers and defeats San Shou. However, San Shou inconspicuously poisons Qing Mu with his Dragon Breath. Sleazy. Death will be knocking at his door. When Sen Jian learns this, he withholds the information from Zi Yue (Tian Qi). Sen Jian, you good or bad?

[Ep27No marriage. Jing Yang is saved. Qing Mu makes his wish to abolish the marriage with Jing Zhao. Mu Guang grants the wish despite his nagging wife and crying daughter. A wise god! Qing Mu and Hou Chi happily snuggle but the Dragon Breath Poison takes effect and whad'ya know, only "powerful" High Gods can cure him, which means it's Mu Guang or Wu Huan. But of course, Mu Guang is busy for a month. It makes sense, though, that he went into seclusion because of his nagging wife and crying daughter. This leaves Wu Huan. Where is Gu Jun?? 

Yes marriage? Wu Huan asks Jing Zhao must she choose Qing Mu. Yes. Jing Zhao wants him like he's a possessionJing Zhao is Xue Ying, isn’t she? And so, when Hou Chi begs Wu Huan for help, Wu Huan has that one condition: the stupid marriage with Jing Zhao. 

No bowing. Qing Mu wakes up, still very poisoned, but he's so worried about Hou Chi, he goes to check up on her. It's a good thing he ignored Jing Jian when he assured him his mother is something like an angel. Hou Chi is bullied to the point where she can’t mutter a word back to the woman who is supposed to be her mother. Wu Huan wants Hou Chi to kneel to her which is stopped by Qing Mu. Even if he’s dying, he won’t let Hou Chi’s knees touch the ground to someone unworthy like Wu Huan.

Pilgrim Hall. Okay, but Qing Mu is dying. The only other choice is for Hou Chi to trespass the Pilgrim Hall to seek for Mu Guang, which is like a death trip for the weak, but for Qing Mu she'll do it. Feng Ran distracts the guards for Hou Chi but Wu Huan is the next obstacle. Jing Jian is on it. He betrays his mother to protect Hou Chi. It’s for his dear friend, Qing Mu, and for the woman he loves, Feng Ran.  

Once inside the Pilgrim Hall, instead of dying, the place is healing Hou Chi, recognizing her as its owner. The hall magnificently lights up. Wu Huan, who’s observing from outside, shakes her head, “Impossible, this is impossible.” 

[Ep28Jing Zhao's Dragon Pearl. Mu Guang will give the Pilgrim Hall to Hou Chi. When he departs to save Qing Mu, he’s already healed because Jing Zhao gave him her dragon pearl which is an antidote to all poison. However, without the dragon pearl, Jing Zhao is just the shell of an immortal living like a mortal. Jing Zhao wants Qing Mu to be indebted to her for life. She’s pulling a Xiao-Li-move. Other than Jing Zhao, everyone wants to extract the dragon pearl from Qing Mu including Qing Mu himself. Donghua Dijun informs Hou Chi that only a True God can do so. But of course, there’s always another way and, of course, this other way is always dangerous. Qing Mu can raise his cultivation (to create a pearl) at Qinglong Terrace but no immortal has ever survived that. Before Donghua Dijun leaves, he gives Qing Mu a dog – Hong Ri!! – which is from the same place Qing Mu received his Taicang Spear. Hong Ri!! With care and the right owner, this dog can transform into a Spirit Beast. 

Jing Zhao taunts Hou Chi with something along the lines of Muahaha Qing Mu is mine. Qing Mu casually walks in and is like No

Tian Qi punishes Sen Jian and San Shou for harming Hou Chi and Qing Mu. Tian Qi reminds Sen Jian he can easily strip his powers. Sen Jian, although punished, is still loyal to Tian Qi. 
[Ep29Jing Jian and Feng Ran. Feng Ran is drunk. She’s dejected over Qing Mu and Hou Chi’s relationship and how it’s thwarted by Jing Zhao. Although she’s drunk, she notices Jing Jian’s emotions. When he’s happy he’d call her Feng Ran and when he’s not he’d call her shangjun. Today’s he’s using shangjun. What’s bothering him? Essentially, it’s the same problem as hers but rather over someone else’s relationship, it’s over theirs: they can’t be together because of Jing Yang. Jing Jian, in your past life, you must have done something so wrong to deserve such siblings and mother. As he’s lost in thought, Feng Ran pokes at his cheeks, making him smile. She’s too drunk and falls asleep the next minute. Jing Jian sighs and asks her if she remembers he’s the little boy she saved. 

Hou Chi has a plan. She will give up her dragon pearl – except she has no dragon pearl and now everyone in the Heavenly Palace knows. Scandalous. She’s not Gu Jun and Wu Huan’s daughter. So who is she? Wu Huan wants answers; Mu Guang, probably getting a headache, permits Hou Chi and Qing Mu to leave but Qing Mu wants to stay. He wants to receive his "49" lightning strikes at the Qinglong Terrace to create the dragon pearl. The drama doesn’t simply say “49”. They repeat the whole multiplication: 7x7=49 (in Chinese we don’t say “times” or “equal”, just the numbers). Chinese dramas sometimes do that, and I don't really know why they say the whole thing. Maybe it's to make 49 sound bigger than it is, or maybe it's to emphasize 7, a godly number. 

Hou Chi takes the strikes with Qing Mu. Together they will live and together they will die. A sickly Jing Zhao begs Qing Mu to stop, she won’t marry him anymore. Girl, that’s not the problem, he doesn’t want to have anything to do with you. At the last set of 7-strikes, Qing Mu takes it by himself because Hou Chi is too frail. He has upgraded! The pearl is complete. He immediately returns it to Jing Zhao. Their ties are cut. 
Then Qing Mu falls unconscious. Did the 49 strikes kill him? Hou Chi uses up her remaining powers to revitalize him. It’s not working and now she’s dying too. But then there’s an auspicious strike from the heavens. Qing Mu wakes up. His eyes gleam red-orange. The first thing he does is check on Hou Chi and kiss her forehead. Then he majestically ascends to the skies and summons more lighting upon himself. 
The god
[Ep30] Qing Mu is receiving another 32 strikes. He's channeling lightning, conducting electricity, and upgrading his godly powers. 

Qing Mu: I will win over the skies. 

Godly Math. Meanwhile Mu Guang is doing some adding: 49 + 32 = 81. Then Wu Huan starts dividing and multiplying: 81 is 9x9; 9 is the number of the gods. A multiple of double nines! Divine. Only a High God can receive such numbers. I’m laughing at the math I’m doing for a Chinese drama. After the 32 lightning strikes, Qing Mu is now a Half-High God – "half" because he gave away his dragon pearl to Jing Zhao. 

Gu Jun! While Qing Mu is distracted, Wu Huan attacks them (or maybe just Hou Chi). Gu Jun timely appears to protect "their" daughter. Finally! Well, technically last episode he appeared but it was less than ten seconds. Wu Huan takes this moment to clarify she’s not Hou Chi’s mother. Unfazed, Gu Jun agrees. He wanted Hou Chi to grow up safely so he used Wu Huan. Wu Huan is royally pissed off: who is he to say she’s Hou Chi’s mother and not Hou Chi’s mother. Gu Jun is like I do what I wantLol, I am loving how Gu Jun can rile her like this

Qing Mu bows respectfully to Gu Jun which the latter quickly intercepts. Hou Chi notices. Gu Jun can’t accept Bai Jue’s bows, ha. Qing Mu is courteous because he wants Hou Chi's hand in marriage. However, Gu Jun rejects it. Apparently, it’s to protect Hou Chi.  

Angry at Wu Huan. After Gu Jun and co leaves. Tian Qi descends as himself (not as Zi Yue or Jing Yuan). He's furious at Wu Huan for her lowbrow attack on his friends. Then Wu Huan quacks. Tian Qi shuts her up by saying something along the lines of How dare you, a stray bird, fart with your mouth in my presence

Mu Guang is angry too. Wu Huan never told him that Hou Chi isn’t her daughter which makes me curious. Why did she even accept being the mother in the first place?

Impressing father-in-law. Qing Mu racks his brain on ways to make Gu Jun accept him as his son-in-law. Who knew Gu Jun from Ep8 would have this role? Father of Shang Gu and Father-in-law of Bai Jue

[Ep31The truth: Hou Chi has nothing. Qing Mu cooks mortal delicacies for Gu Jun. Gu Jun is happily bloated but that isn't enough to change his mind on rejecting the marriage proposal. Hou Chi wants answers. She also begins to ask about the goddess in her dream and why her powers are sealed. Gu Jun is forthcoming with the truth. She is the "reincarnation" of the goddess who he's indebted to. He saved a "breath" of her and it took her thousands of years to gather form as Hou Chi. Gu Jun and Bo Xuan worked together to seal her powers because that is what the goddess wanted for the greater good. As for Bo Xuan, he's just a normal god, according to Gu Jun. 

Hou Chi bleakly asks, "Is she Shang Gu?". For Shang Gu, they sealed her powers and allowed her to be the laughing stock of all three realms for thousands of years. Is she just a shell for this goddess? Is her entire existence a sacrifice for someone else? Hou Chi goes on, "I don't have an identity, or family. I have nothing that belongs to me." Even Bo Xuan protecting her was for the goddess inside her body. 

Hou Chi desperately seeks for Qing Mu, asking him if he really likes her or the goddess he dreams of. Qing Mu doesn't understand. The goddess in his dreams is her. The truth is dawning on Hou Chi. 

Hou Chi: The person you like is in my body (...duh...). ... If you can only choose one, who would you choose?

Qing Mu's eyes glow orange as the thought of Shang Gu dying wakes up the Bai Jue who's deep in his consciousness. 

Qing Mu / Bai Jue wanrs her: You cannot hurt her (Shang Gu)

The answer is obvious. Hou Chu runs. 

Qing Mu, who do you love? Gu Jun stops Qing Mu from chasing after Hou Chi. Gu Jun asks Qing Mu if he even knows who he is. It's too reckless of him to pursue her without knowing himself. Qing Mu has an inkling that he is Bai Jue.

Hou Chi flees to the Mortal Realm. She discovers that San Shou is kidnapping human children when immortals are prohibited from attacking the Mortal Realm. Hou Chi uses Tian Qi's lingyu to inform him of her findings. Qing Mu has found Hou Chi in the Mortal Realm but he's afraid she's still angry. He's also wary of their fate but he knows one thing: the goddess he loves is Hou Chi.

Gathering the Four Immortal Weapons. Mu Guang asks Gu Jun for his cooperation. As long as they can gather the Four Immortal Weapons, they can recreate the God Realm. Qing Mu can use his Taicang Spear to seek for the Riyue Axe because the weapons are compatible. (The other two weapons are Gudi Sword and Ziyue Whip.) Gu Jun agrees and summons Qing Mu, who is always ready to impress his future father-in-law.

[Ep32Jing Jian and Feng Ran. Jing Jian follows Feng Ran. Apparently, he's here to apologize. For what, though? She has no recollection that he wronged him. Well, uh, he's here to apologize for his mother and his brother, which is complete bogus. Okay, so what is he really here for?

Jing Jian: I miss you!
Feng Ran smiles: Then follow me. 

There's also this teeny tiny moment between Feng Ran and Jing Jian: When she and Gu Jun were in the Heavenly Realm, Jing Jian took a respectful step back for Feng Ran to be ahead of him. It was cute of him.

Future father-in-law. Qing Mu retrieves the Riyue Axe while splendidly glowing orange. This glow is Bai Jue awakening (temporarily) inside Qing Mu. Is "Bai Jue" the "demon spirit" in Qing Mu?? Qing Mu gets another vision: an ice coffin is breaking apart and inside is Bo Xuan! Gu Jun brings Qing Mu back to reality and the visions are interrupted. Qing Mu is down on his knee again to ask for Hou Chi's hand but Gu Jun remains stubborn. Their fate is not meant to be. Qing Mu understands that maybe their bodies will eventually be taken over by the True Gods but what is true is his love for Hou Chi. She's more important than his life. He won't get up unless Gu Jun agrees. Gu Jun finally acquiesces. Gu Jun clarifies that it's not him who's approving, this is entirely Qing Mu's desire. 

Gu Jun: Don't blame me in the future. ... You have to treat her well. Everyday, you must treat her well. 

The war. Jing Yang is at it again, this time dueling Sen Yu in the skies, rendering the Mortal Realm catastrophic. Hou Chi attempts to stop the war. Tian Qi and Wu Huan descend as well. Wu Huan takes the opportunity to kill Tian Qi once and for all because she's confident she's more powerful than Tian Qi. She has been practicing evil sorcery. Qing Mu saves the day. He, with two True Immortal Weapons, is stronger than Wu Huan. She retreats. And there's another problem: she reports to Mu Guang that Hou Chi and Qing Mu are traitors. 

Unsealing the True Gods. Hou Chi asks Tian Qi (whom she now knows is a True God) to unseal her powers. She wants to protect the innocent im/mortals even if it means her powers will consume her and she will no longer be Hou Chi. Very Shang Gu like. Tian Qi agrees but not now. He needs to recover his powers and the Ziyue Whip. Hou Chi will wait. But there's someone who's eager to snatch her away. Qing Mu teleports to them, informing them he's taking Hou Chi as his wife. Hou Chi involuntarily smiles (if I recall, she's still supposed to be mad) to learn her father has approved. 

Qing Mu firmly tells Hou Chi that the person he loves is her. He doesn't want her to unseal Shang Gu. However, it seems like Qing Mu will be faster at unlocking the mystery behind Bo Xuan, and therefore Bai Jue. His visions are back and he recognizes the man in the ice coffin is Bo Xuan. 

[Ep33Finding Bo Xuan. Qing Mu, Hou Chi, and Tian Qi are in the North Sea (and I do mean "in") to search for Bo Xuan. They find him. His body is unconscious, and why I say "body" is because his spirit comes out and then a glowing light enters Qing Mu's forehead but before we get to know the details of that they're under siege by a magical force. It's San Shou who has now converted to team Wu Huan. Tian Qi recognizes him. San Shou is like "It's not me, Your God highness, you don't see me!" Pft.  San Shou has successfully stolen the Riyue Ax for Wu Huan. This ax was supposed to prove Qing Mu and Hou Chi's innocence (that they're not traitors). 

Hou Chi takes Gu Jun to Bo Xuan. Upon examination, Gu Jun knows he suffered an utter laceration of his soul to protect Shang Gu. He lies to Hou Chi that Bo Xuan is injured because of his tribulation. He's only in a deep slumber. 

Qing Mu tells Gu Jun about the light that entered him. It is Bo Xuan's spirit. Once Bo Xuan completely awakens, Qing Mu will be...gone

Qing Mu accepts the truth: If I can live one more year, then it is one more year to live. If I can love Hou Chi for one more day, then it is one more day of love. 

He only wants to confirm if "Bai Jue" will treat Hou Chi well. Gu Jun's sigh is a yes.

Gu Jun is smart. He deciphers Wu Huan might have been the culprit to Yue Mi's death. Did Yue Mi really die, like really? Is she really not coming back?? He even brings it up to Mu Guang who's starting to doubt Wu Huan too. 

Saving Bo Xuan. Hou Chi challenges the Guard of the Mortal Realm for the Soul Suppressing Tower. It's to save Bo Xuan who is obviously not just in a deep slumber as Gu Jun had told her. 

[Ep34The three treasures from the three realms. Hou Chi retrieves the Tower. She has earned the trust of the Guard after he realizes the dead spirits are safeguarding Hou Chi because she was the one who protected the Mortal Realm. For the time being, the Guard will protect the Mortal Realm with his cultivation to wait for Hou Chi to return with the Tower. Hou Chi also needs two more ingredients: Polymerizing Spirit Pearl and Polymerizing Demon Banner. I'm winging the translations. Qing Mu is on it even though he knows that waking up Bo Xuan means killing himself. For Hou Chi, it's worth it. He will go to the Heavenly Realm to retrieve the Pearl meanwhile Feng Ran will depart to the Demon Realm for the Banner. 

Thanks to Zi Han, Feng Ran easily obtains the Banner. Qing Mu struggles with the Pearl because Wu Huan is there. This makes Mu Guang suspicious and then it's exposed that Wu Huan has stolen the Riyue Ax. Mu Guang banishes Wu Huan! However, she's got another trick up her sleeve. The Guard who gave Hou Chi the Tower accuses her of stealing it. The reason for his backstabbing is because Jing Yang and Wu Huan had promised the Guard to maintain peace in the Mortal Realm for thousands of years. Despite the evidence against Hou Chi, Mu Guang allows her to leave with the Pearl.

[Ep35Demon Realm is mad. Sen Yu and Sen Jian attack Feng Ran for stealing the Banner. This is the reason Jing Jian kept asking Feng Ran to stay. He had a feeling the demons would attack her and he wanted to protect her. Fortunately, Gu Jun is here before the battle escalates. Sen Jian respects Gu Jun and retreats, expecting the Banner to be duly returned. 

Mortal Realm is in trouble. Jing Yang sabotages the Tower place and now the Mortal Realm is in danger. Qing Mu and Hou Chi are dealing with that. Qing Mu looks like he's risking it all to hold down the tower. 

Heavenly Realm is demanding justice. Basically Hou Chi has upset all three realms to seek for her three treasures. The Heavenly Realm wants Hou Chi punished. She'll take it. She chose to save Bo Xuan and that is her recklessness. She will take responsibility. She will remove her title and detain herself in Shengyin Mountain for one hundred years. 

Hou Chi is leaving. Gu Jun asks if she'll regret it once she realizes when Bo Xuan wakes up, he won't be the same. No. As long as he's safe, she won't regret it. Okay, but what about Qing Mu? Hou Chi is leaving Qing Mu for her seclusion. She asks him to wait for a hundred years but Qing Mu might not have a hundred years!. Before she leaves, she asks him if he can take his vows to grow old with her and never leave her. Of course he – wait a minute, this is a wedding vow~ Hou Chi reminds him he's the one who's been proposing to her. This is her "yes". Beaming, Qing Mu takes his vows and spins her around and around. 

Hou Chi has three days left. She uses the treasures on Bo Xuan, hoping he'd wake up soon. Qing Mu mutters under his breath hoping he'd sleep for thousands of years to come. 

Marrying. Hou Chi and Qing Mu also have a wedding coming up! Gu Jun wants them to stick to the rites where soon-to-be-weds can't see each other, meaning Qing Mu and Hou Chi will only have one day together. Qing Mu isn't thwarted by this at all. He's more preoccupied with finding a wedding present befitting of Hou Chi. He asks Jing Jian for ideas. Again? Lol. Jing Jian is rather envious of Qing Mu – Jing Jian can't even pursue his love.

[Ep36A direct confession! Feng Ran confesses. She hates being indirect. 

Feng Ran: My heart has you and I know yours has me too. 
Jing Jian smiles: Feng Ran, I –
Feng Ran cuts him off: I know that if you want to be with me, there are many obstacles you have to overcome, but in this world, there isn't one thing that isn't hard and so I demand you to think over this for a night. If you want to be with me, no matter what hardships you face in these realms, I will face them together with you and to not part ways even in death. If you don't want to, we can still be friends, but I still want an answer from you at tomorrow's wedding. I don't like guessing around. It's a hassle. Do you understand me?  Yes ma'am! 

Wedding presents. Qing Mu didn't care about the rites because he never planned on following them. He visits Hou Chi before the marriage and gives her handmade presents: pills and talisman which will keep her safe in the mountains. He also gives her a dog! Hong Ri! Then he takes her to the Mortal Realm to visit the little girl. Qing Mu had taught her how to fight and protect herself. 

Wedding. Qing Mu and Hou Chi are having a mortal wedding. Jing Jian is hosting the Chinese Door Games~ Ha! Is Jing Jian part of the bridesmaids team? Tian Qi crashes the wedding, he's even in groom clothes. Obviously, Hou Chi chooses Qing Mu. Gu Jun is watching from the audience like a proud dad. Tian Qi is sidelined to the audience as well and he's got what I think are happy tears, he just hasn't cried them out yet, that's all 

And now Jing Zhao crashes the wedding – actually, no, she's looking for Jing Jian but she does manage to crash the wedding. Jing Yang, is in trouble. The team scatters to look for Jing Jian despite the wedding being incomplete. Qing Mu calls Hou Chi his wife anyway. Anywho, our team teleports to the Tower place to prevent Jing Yang from killing the Tower Guard. According to Jing Yang, as long as the Guard is alive, Wu Huan will be in danger.
 
[Ep37Rejection. Our team is late. The Guard dies. Jing Yang also escapes. Jing Jian feels responsible. He can't accept Feng Ran when he's weak like this. He's unworthy of her love and so he rejects her. D: 

Wedding Night. Qing Mu senses Hou Chi has the desire to protect not just the Mortal Realm, but all three realms. 

Qing Mu: If the three realms' safety is what you want, then I will safeguard it for you. 
Hou Chi wonders why these words sound familiar. 

It's night, and Qing Mu takes Hou Chi by the lake in a boat to complete their wedding rites: the wedding wine. Were you thinking of something else? There is kissing. And there is a bed on the boat ~ 

Separation. The next morning, after some more kisses, they're separated. Hou Chi enters the mountain. It looks like Bai Jue's place~ Tian Qi decorated it! Aw. And he's going to accompany her for the next one hundred years. They're going to have a battle on who cooks worse. Interesting. In Shang Gu's life, Bai Jue secretly accompanied her. In this lifetime, Tian Qi accompanies Hou Chi. On Qing Mu's side, he's caring for the mortal kid. Is she like they're daughter? He's also keeping his promise of taking care of evil. Qing Mu and Hou Chi have been exchanging letters. Even though they're separated, they live their lives thinking of each other. 

Phoenix Clan. Wu Huan plans to sacrifice all of Phoenix clan to neutralize the demonic power in herself. In her words: they should consider it an honour that they're worthy of sacrificing for her, a Heavenly Empress. 

A new addition!! Hou Chi feels nauseated. Tian Qi checks on her. She's got "Silver red (pink) second colour." I don't get it. Is that their way of counting trimesters? 

A fake Feng Ran? Jing Jian and Feng Ran bump into each other at the Phoenix Clan. An anonymous letter called her here, claiming to tell her about her birth. Then they bump into Qing Mu who then calls Feng Ran a demon. Hm. Is Feng Ran not Feng Ran? 

[Ep38Phoenix Clan is annihilated. Feng Ran proves she's Feng Ran by muttering that Qing Mu called her waist thick, a piece of information only they should know. Lol. Poor girl. And in front of the boy she likes. Qing Mu is here because there's a strong stench of demonic aura. Countless Phoenix Immortals have died and prior to meeting them, Qing Mu has seen someone looking like Feng Ran near all the corpses. 

Bai Jue is back. The team separates to investigate the demonic aura. Qing Mu is caught by a swarm of black things that look like beetles, crawling and flying everywhere. And then Bo Xuan is here, like physically here. And we get two XuKais. They team up to take down the demonic aura and this is when Qing Mu realizes his innate powers are actually of Demon nature. Seeing Bo Xuan, he knows his time is ending but it hasn't been one hundred years yet, he can't disappear without seeing Hou Chi. Without a word, Bo Xuan enters Qing Mu's body. White ribbons dance around, as if forming a cocoon.

Qing Mu's last words: Please treat Hou Chi well. 

The transformation is complete. His clothes are black. It's Bai Jue. Qing Mu is gone?! He doesn't even know he's a dad yet ):  

Feng Ran's birth secret. After the attack, Jing Jian wakes up. He finds two jades with these names: Feng Yan and Wu Xi. He finds the names familiar. When he puts the jades together, a small fire Phoenix flies around. He deciphers Feng Ran's birth but he doesn't have time to tell her. She's arrested for the Phoenix Clan massacre (according to Jing Zhao's testimony). 

Bai Jue doesn't have memories! Bai Jue doesn't know who Hou Chi is. But Bo Xuan had memories! He knew of Qingchi Palace! Does "Heijue" at least remember Shang Gu? He says it's because he was dormant for too long. He also doesn't remember anything about Feng Ran and so when she's arrested, Bai Jue remains affectless. Hai-Jue also permits Jian Zhao to serve him!!!!!! It's because she saved him when he fainted (after Bai Jue took over Qing Mu). 

Jing Jian asks Bai Jue the most important question: Where can he find Qing Mu? 

Bai Jue flatly answers: In this world, there is no more Qing Mu.

Jing Jian helps Feng Ran escape. Qing Mu, I mean Bai Jue..... originally had plans of releasing Feng Ran. He wanted the real culprit to let his/her guard down. I realized if Shang Gu had stuck to the plan and chosen Feng Yan to be her Spirit Beast over Wu Huan, then none of this would have happened. Yue Mi wouldn't have died, Tian Qi wouldn't have "died", etc

Will Hou Chi learn the truth? Hou Chi, our pregnant mom, is a little worried that there hasn't been a letter from Qing Mu. Tian Qi keeps the truth from her. He continues to dote on Hou Chi and her little fetus. Hou Chi laughs at him for spoiling her child too much. 

Tian Qi: I want to spoil her/him. Who dares to say no? Omg...I have a wish: Can Hou Chi give birth to the reincarnation of Yue Mi...but then Tian Qi will be this super old creep loving baby Yue Mi xD. On another note, it's sweet how Tian Qi really cares for BaiJue/QingMu's and ShangGu/HouChi's baby. 

Feng Ran escapes to find Hou Chi and that is when Hou Chi learns Bai Jue is awake, which means Qing Mu is gone.

[Ep39Hou Chi confirms the truth. Hou Chi leaves the mountain with Tian Qi’s permission to confirm if Qing Mu is really gone. When Bai Jue sees her, he can’t recognize Hou Chi. He comments on how she looks similar but she’s not “her” (as in Shang Gu). Wrought with agony, Hou Chi faints. Gu Jun finds her. He promises to help her find a way. He also comforts her that Qingchi palace has a celebration to prepare for: he’s going to be a grandfather. 

Wu Huan’s greed. Hou Chi isn’t the only one “freed" from her imprisonment, so is Wu Huan. Her current desire: to be greater than the Heavenly Emperor. She also needs to kill Hou Chi otherwise once Hou Chi is Shang Gu, only punishment will await Wu Huan. 

Bai Jue remembers! Gu Jun confronts Bai Jue that he does remember Hou Chi. Why pretend to forget her? Why torment her? 

Because Bai Jue will die for her. 

He plans to sacrifice for Shang Gu to overcome the Tribulation of Chao. Bai Jue is the one who sealed Hou Chi's powers because Shang Gu didn’t want to be reborn as a god. He also gave her the name Hou Chi. Her rebirth means that the Tribulation of Chaos isn’t over. It was Bai Jue who temporarily sealed the Chaos. The Chaos will come back and so ten thousand years ago, he separated his soul in two so that one could absorb demonic aura.  

In the same accusatory tone Bai Jue asks Gu Jun how he could allow Qing Mu and Hou Chi to fall in love. Gu Jun tried. Gu Jun also reminds Bai Jue that when Shang Gu awakens, she’ll hate him. Bai Jue melancholically smiles. He’s just happy she can live and the three realms will be safe in her hands.

[Ep40Bai Jue is Qing Mu. Not only does Bai Jue have his own memories, he has Qing Mu’s pain as well. Why didn’t Gu Jun prevent Hou Chi’s punishments? Why let a newlywed be separated and until the day they parted, they still never saw each other? There’s almost tears in his eyes. It’s all too late now. He asks Gu Jun to take care of Hou Chi. Meanwhile Bai Jue will marry Jing Zhao; it’s another measure to make Hou Chi give up on him. 

Hou Chi dreams of Shang Gu. Hou Chi might actually be talking to the real Shang Gu...? She’s still floating in Chaos, unaware of the world around her, unaware of all that Bai Jue is doing for her. 

Wu Huan to kill Feng Ran. Feng Ran is the daughter of Feng Yan and Wu Xi. Wu Huan will not allow anyone or anything to threaten her position. She had killed Feng Ran's parents to keep her position as the top bird in the Phoenix Clan and now she has Feng Ran hostage too. 

Hou Chi visits Qing Mu’s grave. A hologram of Qing Mu tells Hou Chi that he knew Bo Xuan awakening was his death. He didn't tell her because he didn’t want her to worry. Their time together was short, but it was enough. He wants her to be happy even if he’s not there. His last words: “I love you, my wife. I will forever love you, my wife.”

[Ep41Jing Jian saves Feng Ran. Jing Jian has these magnificent white/silver wings that compliment Feng Ran's golden ones. He breaks Wu Huan's barrier to save Feng Ran but she's weak. He asks her if she can give him one more chance. She wants to but she’s dying. Jing Jian gives her his energy (when he’s weak himself). 

Hou Chi crashes Qing Mu and Jing Zhao's wedding. Hou Chi knows Qing Mu is still in Bai Jue’s body. The blue fireflies recognize Bai Jue. If Bai Jue continues to deny he's Qing Mu then Hou Chi demands him to divorce her as Qing Mu. Can Bai Jue do it? He does. 

Tian Qi crashes the wedding too. Tian Qi stops the wedding for Shang Gu's sake. If Shang Gu finds out he married another woman, she’d be hurt. Tian Qi’s wrath is fully unleashed. He will destroy the Heavenly Realm to stop a marriage. He summons his power, absorbing Zi Yue's but in doing so, he’s stripping powers from the demons who rely on him. His people are dying. Tian Qi and Bai Jue take their duel to the skies. Bai Jue mutters to Tian Qi, “If you stop me, you will regret it.” Will Tian Qi find these words familiar? 

Hou Chi is dying. Hou Chi tries to stop the gods from fighting for her but Wu Huan seizes this chance to kill Hou Chi. Hou Chi cradles her fetus and this is how Bai Jue learns he (or Qing Mu) is or was T_T a father. Bai Jue is just standing there watching her dying..

Gu Jun has one last card! Hou Chi calls out to her father but Gu Jun, with a faint smile, denies being her father. After all, how can a Dragon God be a father to her? Gu Jun, you are her father! Gu Jun has a bit of Shang Gu’s soul (and this is news to Bai Jue). Gu Jun will return everything and all of himself to bring back Shang Gu. It's the only way Hou Chi can live. He bows to Shang Gu (who’s still Hou Chi) to ask her that once she awakens to please take care of Hou Chi. And that is how Gu Jun sacrifices... 

Bai Jue is dying? The problem is Hou Chi can’t withstand Shang Gu’s powers. Bai Jue worriedly tells her to reject them. Hou Chi has had enough of Bai Jue. His selfishness brought upon the deaths of everyone she loves. Blinded by fury, she summons the Gudi Sword and plunges it at Bai Jue's chest. Huh? Then she tells him to leave. Ha? This strike is the end of their relationship. Bai Jue falls. Will he survive?

[Ep42] Bai Jue is alive. 

Hou Chi gives birth. Tian Qi brings Hou Chi back to his quarters. She's about to give birth. Tian Qi vows to keep them both alive. His hair turns white as he’s keeping the egg floating. Hou Chi’s baby takes form and it's a boy. I’m very disappointed he’s not a girl. Hou Chi gives him the name “Qi”. The Qi she meant is “abandon” because both his parents will be leaving him. Tian Qi puts a positive spin to it and changes it to his “Qi” which means "to open" or "to initiate". Tian Qi gives the child his full name: Yuan Qi. Hou Chi passes away, leaving her body for Shang Gu to awaken in. 

Internal dispute in the Demon Realm. Sen Jian died when Tian Qi took back Zi Yue. Sen Yu organizes a coup against Tian Qi with Xiao Li’s encouragement. I hate this girl more than Wu Huan. At least Wu Huan embraces her evilness.  Jing Yang takes advantage and attacks the Demon Realm. Bai Jue awakens and stops the war but it’s too late; Zi Han has died! Tian Qi will keep Zi Han’s promise to the Demon gods: to restore their powers in one hundred years. The one and only good thing: Xiao Li dies. 

San Shou is a good guy? Feng Ran takes Hou Chi to safety. Along the way, they’re protected by San Shou. He now works for Bai Jue. I see. This is why he's got three heads to use: one for Tian Qi, one for Wu Huan and now for Bai Jue. Shang Gu is in a deep slumber. When she will wake is unknown. 

[Ep43] Bai Jue keeps Shang Gu’s memories of her Chaos Powers in the bracelet so that when she wakes up, she’ll no longer remember about the trial. 

Tian Qi knows Bai Jue is Qing Mu. Tian Qi offers to take Bai Jue’s sacrifice for him (which is actually Shang Gu’s) because unlike Bai Jue, Tian Qi doesn’t have anyone (Yue Mi) in this world. But Tian Qi doesn’t have the Power of Chaos to take on the Trial. Bai Jue does. The Power of Chaos arises when demonic and godly powers merge. To cultivate the Power of Chaos, Bai Jue had separated his soul to allow "Qing Mu" to absorb the demonic powers. During  the reunification with Qing Mu, there was a blip and Qing Mu gained consciousness. Everything that happened between Qing Mu, Hou Chi, and Gu Jun wasn’t part of Bai Jue's plans. 

On the topic of Yuan Qi, Bai Jue’s eyes light up as he asks advice on what to name his child not knowing he already has a name. I sense disappointment in Bai Jue's eyes that he wasn't involved in the naming process. Also, it’s sweet that Yuan Qi is proof that Qing Mu and Hou Chi lived

Shang Gu wakes up after one hundred years! Yuan Qi is the one who stirs Shang Gu's deep slumber by dismantling her Gudi Sword. Shang Gu's memories are frozen at the time she went to train in the underworld for 1000 years. Tian Qi informs her that Yuan Qi is the son of Bai Jue and another immortal lady who passed away. Currently Bai Jue is married to Jing Zhao and that is why Tian Qi is taking care of Yuan Qi instead. 

Yuan Qi knows his mother is Shang Gu (or Hou Chi) but he’s bribed by Tian Qi to lie.  

Revenge on Bai Jue! Shang Gu coerces Yuan Qi to take revenge on Bai Jue since he abandoned both of them. Yuan Qi goes along with the plan and right when they’re on the roof above Bae Jue who’s taking his spa, Yuan Qi drops Shang Gu onto Bai Jue. Nice. Bai Jue had no idea Shang Gu was awake and this is how he learns when he’s naked in the water. They chat a bit in the water and she notices the scar on his chest. Then from outside they hear a maid yelling at Yuan Qi. Bai Jue assures Shang Gu that Yuan Qi is familiar with his quarters. He’s been sneaking in on a regular basis. Aw.

[Ep44Yuan Qi isn’t the only one trespassing. Bai Jue frequents Qingchi palace too. Tian Qi catches him, asking him, "Bai Jue, just how are you going to lie to Shang Gu? How are you going to hide this from Wu Huan?" But Bai Jue can’t sleep without seeing the love of his multiple lives and the child of his other life. Tian Qi acquiesces. Bai Jue gets his glimpse and it's only a  glimpse.

Jing Jian and Feng Ran are together! Shang Gu approves of the relationship because Jing Jian is nothing like Wu Huan. But what about Wu Huan? Does she approve? She can't do anything about it. But what about Feng Ran's hate and revenge?

Bai Jue is visiting again. It seems all of Yuan Qi’s toys were from Bai Jue~ Tian Qi complains. Bai Jue is the one who insists on being the bad guy and yet he’s the one who can’t let go. Tian Qi is like Make up your mind, will you?

[Ep45Shang Gu and Wu Huan meet. Shang Gu slaps Wu Huan in public, humiliating her. It’s a small retribution for Jing Zhao slapping Yuan Qi. 

Shang Gu confronts Bai Jue. Shang Gu senses there’s something between Tian Qi and Bai Jue but when Shang Gu asks him, Bai Jue flirts with her and offers to let her join his harem – he’s repulsing her. Although annoyed, Shang Gu swears to uncover the truth. And so she takes on San Shou's appearance to join Bai Jue's banquet. It doesn’t last long. She exposes herself. Bai Jue probably already sensed her presence. Shang Gu serves him wine. This wine has a personality: it hates heartless men and when they drink it, they will die. But Bai Jue isn't heartless. I wonder what emotions he felt from that wine. He doesn't die from the wine. Shang Gu congratulates him for losing every ounce of love she had for him.

Jing Zhao tells Shang Gu the truth. Shang Gu learns of Hou Chi, Qing Mu, and Yuan Qi from Jing Zhao. She also knows it was Hou Chi (or herself) who pierced him in the chest. Bai Jue rushes over to sprinkle salt on the wound that he is indeed abandoning their child and he doesn't care. Shang Gu believes it and leaves the bracelet on the table. She doesn't want it anymore. 

Bai Jue is Feng Ran~. Bai Jue has been tending to Shang Gu everyday since she was in coma for the past one hundred years. He has also been caring for Yuan Qi: the "Feng Ran" who played with Yuan Qi (flying kites, visiting the moral realm) was Bai Jue all along. The kites should have been a hint. No wonder Feng Ran insists she never did any of that

[Ep46] For the first time since Shang Gu is awake, Yuan Qi can finally call her "Mother". 

Sen Yu asks Chang Qin to be his queen. She doesn't accept. She needs time. I'm not rooting for these two. The fact that he let Xiao Li manipulate him like that, I think Chang Qin can do better

Wu Huan seizes the Three Realms. Mu Guang suspects the evil force that's killing the demon gods is not from the Demon Realm or the Heavenly Realm. It's the Evil Demon Realm from the Underworld (Xuan Yi's kind). Mu Guang suspects it's Wu Huan. It's too late for his suspicions, though. Wu Huan has already mastered the power of the devil. Mu Guang is no longer her match. Oh hey, isn't she also honing the Power of Chaos (combining God and Demon powers). Can she sacrifice instead of Bai Jue? She also doesn't need to depend on men anymore. The first person on her hitlist is Tian Qi. She kills him by pretending to be Yue Mi. Tian Qi dies next to Yue Mi's statue. For real? Then Jing Zhao teams up with Wu Huan to poison Bai Jue.

[Ep47Four against one. In full narcissistic fashion, Wu Huan takes over the world. Shang Gu fights her alone but she’s not alone ~ Bai Jue and Tian Qi never died. It was all to fool Wu Huan. For Bai Jue, once Wu Huan is down, he can leave the realms without regret. In the middle of fighting her, Bai Jue splits with Qing Mu and so now it’s four against one. Shang Gu finds Qing Mu familiar!! Somewhere, perhaps the Underworld, is Xuan Yi (!) trying to hold down his fortress but it’s crumbling as our team of four is attacking Wu Huan. Wu Huan falls. Her hair turns white. She tries to get the last laugh by exposing Bai Jue's sacrifice and how it will only torture Shang Gu for the rest of her life once she finds out. But our Shang Gu is too confused  to figure it out.

Jing Jian’s death. Wu Huan’s possessed maid attacks the Demon Realm. Jing Jian sacrifices himself to kill her to protect the realm. Jing Jian’s body floats down, the red feather is in his palm. Feng Ran finally remembers their past. When Wu Huan sees her son dead, she begs Shang Gu for anything just to save her son. I am surprised she’s suddenly motherly. But it’s useless. Jing Jian is dead.

Wu Huan is put to trial. Wu Huan admits to every crime. She has no regrets. To Shang Gu, she’s only a replacement for Feng Yan. On the contrary, Bai Jue tells her Shang Gu never thought that. Wu Huan refuses to believe. Then she accuses Shang Gu of all the crimes she committed as Hou Chi (stealing the treasures of the three realms). Shang Gu shuts her. The treasures belong to the God of Chaos, herself, and who is Wu Huan, a lowly god to question her? I don’t quite like this statement from Shang Gu, especially from her of all gods.  Wu Huan will have three days until her death sentence. 

To be strangers. Shang Gu realizes Bai Jue took her memories. It must be because he doesn’t like her nor want to see her. And so she vows in her name as Shang Gu to all the Chief God that she will never in all her lifetimes love him or hate him; they will be strangers and never see each other again. Bai Jue strains to keep his composure. Blinking back his tears, he steals a glance at Shang Gu leaving, but only a glimpse. Both their hearts are shattered. 

Mu Guang’s love for his wife. Mu Guang actually begs Shang Gu to keep Wu Huan’s life. Shang Gu is like Are you in your right mind? (I simplified) And clearly he’s not. The bells are ringing. Is Mu Guang committing suicide?

[Ep48Mu Guang dies. So Mu Guang thinks it's his fault Wu Huan became the way she is. Right. He doesn’t deserve to be the Heavily Emperor. He ascends and passes away. He appoints Feng Ran to take his place. 

Jing Yang leaves the Heavenly Palace. He wants to atone. He’s guilty of his crimes. If he can choose, he’s willing to be Mu Guang’s son, Jing Jian’s brother, but not Wu Huan’s son. Wu Huan says she did all this for their family. Right. Jing Yang leaves the palace. 

Wu Huan’s punishment. Shang Gu asks Wu Huan if she regrets anything. Why ask? Wu Huan never regrets. For her punishment, Shang Gu removes all of Wu Huan's powers so that she is no longer a demon or god, She will live forever and ever in this state and never to die. Jing Zhao curses Shang Gu to never find love. 

Feng Ran takes the throne. She's doing it for Jing Jian. He left the realms in her hands. Shang Gu promises that once the three realms are at peace, Feng Ran can be free. 

Time to leave. With Wu Huan gone and Bai Jue’s powers restored, Bai Jue’s days are numbered. He will soon take the Trial. Tian Qi gives Bai Jue a dog to accompany him. It's confirmed, our dog is Hong Ri. Bai Jue asks Tian Qi to relay his greetings to Zhi Yang when he's back from wherever. Tian Qi reminds Bai Jue there’s one person he wronged the most: Yuan Qi. For all these years, Tian Qi refused to make Yuan Qi a personal weapon because He wanted to leave this chance for Yuan Qi's real father. He has already taken too many of Yuan Qi’s first (first word, first step, etc), he’s gotta leave something for Bai Jue. Aw

Father and son. Our clever Yuan Qi deciphers the one who took him to play in the Mortal Realm wasn't Feng Ran but Bai Jue. When Bai Jue gives Yuan Qi his personalized weapon, an awesome one with half of Bai Jue’s cultivation, Yuan Qi almost calls him “Father”. Bai Jue has one last present for Yuan Qi. It’s in a box and he tells Yuan Qi to open it when he’s gone. Before Bai Jue leaves, Yuan Qi calls out to him, “Father, when you’re back, bring me more weapons, okay? Father? Why aren’t you saying anything?” 'cause’ he’s crying. Wiping his tears, he turns around and promises his son. 

Zhi Yang. Zhi Yang is back! The God Realm is back. Zhi Yang was guarding the God’s Realm all along somewhere in space. 

Shang Gu has a "dream". In the dream, Bai Jue tells Shang Gu it’s Yue Mi’s birthday soon. Shang Gu doesn’t want to end the dream and hugs him. Ah, but Bai Jue’s expression tells us he’s real. "From now on you must take care of yourself. Don’t think of me, and don’t dream of me.” A little ashamed, Shang Gu explains that she doesn’t always dream of him. Bai Jue gives her a forehead kiss and stops her from talking. He wants to look at her one last time (without her yapping) before he leaves, and by look, he really means to just look. Then he disappears. He goes to take the Tribulation of Chaos. (Just wanted to say there’s a flashback with Gu Jun in it~). 

[Ep49] In the box Bae Jue gave Yuan Qi is the bracelet that locked Shang Gu’s memories. All her memories are back. Wait. I thought Bai Jue never wanted Shang Gu to recover her memories. Why is he giving the bracelet back? For her to live in pain and guilt the rest of her life? Shang Gu realizes Bai Jue has sacrificed for her. He’s gone. But how can he? Shang Gu hasn’t hated enough of him this lifetime. She hasn’t had the chance to repay Bai Jue for all that he’s done for her. How can he leave her? 

Three years later. That’s like blinking
  • Zhi Yang and Tian Qi discuss who should be Yuan Qi’s master. They settle on Donghua. 
  • Ever since Bai Jue left, the Three Realms hasn’t stopped snowing. Yuan Qi asks when there will be a new Fire God to stop the snow. 
  • Zhi Yang comforts a grieving Shang Gu that Bai Jue spent over 60, 000 years to protect her. It’s for her to live well, not for her to mourn. 
  • Chang Qin leaves the Demon Realm and leaves Sen Yu. Their chance is bygone. She will wander the Mortal Realm to see what she can do for the world.  
  • Wu Huan is alive but mentally unstable. She thinks she’s still the Heavenly Empress. She doesn’t recognize Jing Zhao anymore and thinks she's Mu Guang.
  • Shang Gu tells Feng Ran that Jing Jian survived (or reincarnated). It’s a miracle that he managed to keep a breath of god-ness before dying and now he’s reborn as a boy in the Phoenix Clan. 
  • Hong Ri is back! Isn’t he supposed to be with Bai Jue? He’s with Tian Qi and finds the alcohol that Yue Mi hid in her yard. She had asked Tian Qi to drink it for him but he tells Hong Ri to give it to Zhi Yang. Tian Qi has quit alcohol and has quit love. Tian Qi owes Yue Mi too much. Okay. Yue Mi is dead. FINE
  • Hong Ri tells Shang Gu that Bai Jue had saved Gu Jun too. How could Bai Jue ever hurt Shang Gu like that and let her “father” die anyway? Shang Gu isn’t at all pleased to hear this. She’d rather suffer the Tribulation of Chaos and end her pain once and for all. The pain Bai Jue is giving her is like putting her under a knife, slowly cutting through her body, and leaving her wounds open and bleeding. 
Shang Gu still wears the bracelet. She bows to the Ancestral/Chief God that she’s willing to exchange her life for Bai Jue’s. But she’s a True God – there’s no use in kneeling to gods. Shang Gu knows this, but what else can she do? Her wish is for Bai Jue to come back as the Fire God. 

Five Hundred Years Later.

The sky is still snowing. Shang Gu is still kneeling. She's still waiting for Bai Jue’s reincarnation. Tian Qi tells Shang Gu that even if Bai Jue is reborn as the Fire God, he won’t have memories. That’s okay. As long as Shang Gu remembers, that is all that matters. Then the sky changes. The snow is stopping. Tian Qi mutters Could it be? Zhi Yang thinks there’s a million in one chance but then again Shang Gu is the Chief God’s favourite. Maybe her wish will be granted ~ and then the Fire God is reborn! He has the face we all love. Shang Gu walks towards him. 
 
Shang Gu: Are you Qing Mu? 
The Fire God shakes his head. 
Shang Gu: Bo Xuan?
The Fire God shakes his head. 
Fire God: I am Bai Jue. 

Shang Gu runs to hug him. Bai Jue opens his arm for her. They snuggle. 

Our four True Gods are back together. 

The end. 

Remarks



[First Impression (Ep1-10)] I had my First Impression prepared for Ep6 and I was ready to complain about a ton of stuff. I like the actors but I don't like their acting. Xu Kai is supposed to be "cold". I see it. He's mostly expressionless. Occasionally there's a smile because he can't help it with the FL. But then in Ep4 I'm told of the way he was raised. The primordial deities raised him to kill and only to kill. He was deprived of love for thousands of years. Other immortals feared him. That deprivation of basic emotion is so deep, he embodies the emptiness that everyone reads as coldness. Then I see Xu Kai's cute little dimples. Ah. It's jarring. The description I’m getting and the character I see don’t match. Then there's Zhou Dong Yu, who's twinkly smile I like, but she's way too casual for a goddess. 

Then comes Ep10 and my faith is slightly restored. I’m feeling potential. Phew. Shang Gu matures and transforms into the true Goddess of Chaos. The CGI is spectacular. The romantic tension is stronger. Separating them proved to be a better way to enhance the romance than having them together. I still need to see more of their lives to know where I’m at emotionally with this couple. The secondary cast is also lacking for me. I'm familiar with most of the actors but no one stands out. Hong Ri, perhaps? 

But! 

I am a sucker for epic romantic xianxias. We get a grand one once a year? Xianxia is exclusive to Cdramas. I can't get it anywhere else. Descriptions like "love for three lifetimes" and "spanning thousands of years" always work on me. I'll love it in the beginning and then complain about all those annoying and heartbreaking misunderstandings in the middle that will last right up to the end and still love it – in most cases. 

[Actors/Actresses]

[Behind the Scenes

[Ending] Happy~ Bai Jue and Shang Gu live happily together and they have a son.

Who's alive and who's dead
  • Alive: Zhi Yang, Gu Jun, Jing Jian
  • Dead, dead, and very dead: Yue Mi, Zi Han, Xuan Yi, Mu Guang (but I never know if they’ll come back…)
Things I don’t understand
  • What makes Shang Gu’s sacrifice a failure in Ep15 and Bai Jue’s a pass? 
  • Wu Huan had said Shang Gu’s return means the Tribulation of Chaos isn’t over. Now that Bai Jue returned,  are we in a forever loop of Chaos?
  • The sudden appearance of Xuan Yi. Why is he alive? I can probably think of a reason why but if the drama isn’t going to explain it then there’s really no point in showing him for one second.
  • Who does Tian Qi love? It feels he’s always mourning for Yue Mi’s loss but it’s more of guilt and the one he truly loves is still Shang Gu.
*Update: incurvatusinse answered these questions in the comments below.

[Review & Rating]
Our drama: A love story that spans three lifetimes: a god who can sacrifice every one of his lives for the goddess he loves.

The beginning is bland and slow for me. My favourite part is the second lifetime (~Ep16). Their new identities (Hou Chi and Qing Mu) were all so mysterious and intriguing. The reverse in the pursuit is cute too. The first life has Shang Gu putting the moves on Bai Jue and the second life has Qing Mu pestering Hou Chi.

Major Spoilers in review! 

I find the creation of Qing Mu meaningful: in so many ways, he is the manifestation of Bai Jue’s love for Shang Gu. Qing Mu is supposed to be an emotionless part of Bai Jue, a machinery to sacrifice for Shang Gu. It was accidental that Qing Mu developed his own consciousness. But it was no accident Qing Mu’s personality is such a contrast to Bai Jue. Qing Mu’s playfulness, the way he likes to watch the stars are all inspired by Shang Gu. He is the creation of Bai Jue's love for Shang Gu – the part of himself that changed because he met Shang Gu. Qing Mu is someone who pampers Hou Chi openly, loves her in an adorable way, expresses his love unconditionally – it’s the way Bai Jue wants to love Shang Gu if he wasn’t such an ice cube.

It’s also sweet that Yuan Qi is the son of Qing Mu and Hou Chi, a proof that their love is real and that they are not just a placeholder for Bai Jue and Shang Gu.

And now for the mains points I don’t like about the drama:
  • (A) I don’t feel the chemistry. I really don’t. And guys, I really tried. Qing Mu’s pursuit of Hou Chi was cute when it lasted and after that I was reminded of why I found the beginning bland. There’s also too much repeated snuggling as an expression of love. If for whatever reason they can’t kiss, it’s fine, but give me something unique for this CP and not snuggle, snuggle, and more snuggle. 
  • (B) The narrative, the glaring holes, a few of you have probably noticed my mini-spaz at Ep14 and it’s a hole I can forgive for Drama to set up its story but what really killed it for me is when drama tells me True Gods can’t die and will be reincarnated (Tian Qi in Ep23). Gee, Drama, you just undermined the entire premise. What makes Bai Jue’s sacrifices so grand and heartbreaking when he’s not going to die? Because his death is supposed to be permanent? But is it really permanent? Then again, I don't want him to die, and so I'm stuck in this unsatisfying loop. 
  • (C) The rules of this xianxia world are ambiguous. There are immortals who come back because of this wisp of breath. That’s it. That’s all the explanation there is. Heck, everyone can come back. 
  • (D) The lack of quality subplots. For those who enjoy 40+ episodes of Xu Kai and Zhou Dong Yu goodness, this may not matter to you but it matters to me when there is a very strong set of secondary cast in this drama: Liu Xue Yi (as Tian Qi), Lai Yi (as Gu Jun), Zhang Yun Long (as Jing Jian), and Zhang Ya Qin (as Feng Ran). Their characters are only good because the actors are good; the narrative did not support them. There is no development of their character or story.  Suddenly, Gu Jun is fatherly. Where is the buildup? I cried for him because Lai Yi was good. Perhaps Tian Qi had some development, but his character is mainly a noble sacrifice for the love story. Sen Yu and Chang Qin’s love line is a complete waste of time. I rather have a scene of Wu Huan and Xuan Yi – the two big baddies – concocting chaos together 
  • (E) Lastly, I’m upset the drama chose such an anticlimactic way to finish its grand story of 49 episodes. When the “third life” settled in, most of the mystery was already solved (Bai Jue’s purpose, Qing Mu’s identity, the solution to the Tribulation of Chaos, etc.). There wasn’t anything exciting to anticipate, especially when I’m fairly certain no one (important) is going to die. Shang Gu also became a passive recipient of Bai Jue's love. The Drama gave her no active role in the third life to at least attempt to take control of her fate, and kneeling does not count. 
After finishing every single episode, I am sad that I am more disappointed than I am impressed. I wanted this to be my summer craze. Overall, for a xianxia, I do like the story, especially the middle parts where most of the mystery was and it is why I finished the drama and it is the reason I’m giving this a generous rating – at its core, it’s not a bad story and most characters act logically – but it is a weak rating for a xianxia. It's a pity that the narrative and the storytelling failed its content and its cast when it had potential to be better. 

P.S. If you do feel the chemistry from the very beginning, perhaps you will love this more than I did. 

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