The pacing and execution seem off in the first few episodes of this series. While energetic and likable, the FL is something of a scam artist. She looks like a 14-year-old and those around her call her "child." I think she IS supposed to be a child at the outset, at least according to the novel on which this series is based-correct me if I'm wrong. It's hard to take her seriously, at this point, because she gasps, shrieks, and overacts whenever anything unexpected happens. Other characters posture, simper, and exaggerate as well.

The CGI is jerky, disjointed, and hard to follow, and the nine-tailed fox is especially crude. He looks like someone threw red paint on him. I should note that he changes sizes and appearance throughout the drama.

The ML is surly and unfriendly and keeps trying to kill the FL (he's actually after the nine-tailed fox), while she keeps giving him a pass. For all these reasons, I don't have a lot of hope for this series. But I've learned not to judge based on first impressions-so we'll see.

Further reports to come.

******************** Episodes 5 thru 8. There are still problems with the plot, the execution and the characterization in these episodes. Overweight characters are either evil or function as comic relief.

The background is often way too blurry, sometimes I can't tell a tree from a bush. The "exams" don't make a whole lot of sense. What's being tested for-other than martial arts?

One of the "exams" consists of a life-sized game of Go, but the rules aren't explained. Everyone just suddenly finds him- or herself on a huge game board. The female lead is imbued with a "fragrance" that drives the ML crazy. He doesn't seem to know whether he wants to kill her, marry her, or bite her neck.

This series certainly isn't boring, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense either. Shanhua was hanging by a thread in Episode 1, on the edge of death. And now it's days, if not weeks, later. Apparently he's still hanging.

In Episode 8, the romance is front and center. Once again, the ML puts his life on the line to save the FL. Is this the sixth time? Or the seventh?

Further reports to come.

*********************** Episodes 9 through 16. The background is less blurry, and the story has improved somewhat. I wish I could say the same for the ML. This dude is still a pit of negativity with no hobbies, no interests, and no friends. Every once in awhile, his irises turn amber which is a sign to the viewers that he's experiencing demonic (lascivious) impulses. Otherwise we'd have to depend on his acting to clue us in--which would be a real shame because he doesn't do nuance well.

He's pretty cute, though, so he gets away with it.

Speaking of getting away with it, our FL has a few issues of her own. When it's time for the various sects to select their future disciples, on what basis do they decide her fate? Is it her grade point average? Her level of cultivation? The guys who do the choosing apparently take two things into consideration. First, they all think she's pretty cute. But the number one reason is-she can cook! Of course she can--especially radishes.

Episodes 10 to 20 *******************

Ninety percent of this series seems to be devoted to two issues: 1) the fact that so many characters, both major and minor, are in love with someone who doesn't love them back-and we all know what a tragedy that can be, and 2) the ongoing conflict between humans and demons, the latter often appearing as hairy monsters in bad Halloween costumes.

When the director runs out of ideas, he (I assume it's a he) just recycles a previous scene in which the FL heaps contempt on the ML-either for something he didn't in fact actually do or for "following her around," trying to save her life.

I was pleased to see the "cloud whale" again, you know the gargantuan fish swimming in the air who appeared in Love Between Fairy and Devil. He's been streamlined and improved for modern audiences.

************************

Mandarin-language cinema across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore explores historical reflection, cultural identity, and personal sacrifice, often expressed through poetic visuals and sweeping narratives. In Mainland China, this takes the form of allegory and large-scale epics that reflect on national history. Taiwan emphasizes intimate modernist realism, generational change, and the search for identity. Singapore contributes stories of migration, multiculturalism, and the negotiation of tradition in a globalized city.

The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

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The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

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