The Story of Mystics (2024)

A Sorrowful Story with a Visual Feast

Edward Guo’s Fangs of Fortune is an emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from the very first episode. It’s visually stunning, emotionally gripping, and the kind of story that stays with you long after the credits roll. While the acting may not have been flawless, it was heartfelt and genuine enough to make the audience fall in love with the characters and the world they brought to life.

The plot is about personal growth and transformation. Each case, adventure, and even the moments of saving the world are more about who the characters are becoming than the external events themselves. The drama unfolds slowly, layering moments that may seem mundane or even drawn-out, yet each conversation and interaction is rich with meaning. If you’re not paying close attention, you could miss the subtle insights each scene offers, conveying the internal struggles and realizations that shape the characters.

Though the dream-traveling sequences and certain cases may not always be executed perfectly, the real heart of the story lies in the characters’ evolution. They wrestle with defining their identities, their values, and what they ultimately want to stand for in the world.

Take, for instance, our Great Demon Zhao Yuan Zhou. Initially, he’s a man who's lived for a thousand year and is weighed down by his willingness to sacrifice himself at a moment’s notice for those he cares for. His journey is heartbreaking yet inspiring, as he transitions from being ready to die at any second to finally wanting to live. Tragically, fate doesn’t align with his desires, and he is destined to die. Wen Xiao, our female lead, stands out as a consistent anchor throughout the drama. She embodies kindness, loyalty, and a deep understanding of both humans and demons. By the end, she hasn’t lost these core traits, but her perspective has expanded immensely. She now sees both worlds with greater clarity and complexity, solidifying her role as a bridge between the two.

Zhou Yicheng’s transformation was another standout. Initially rigid and set on destroying all demons, he gradually came to understand that not all demons are bad and not all humans are good. Watching his eyes soften and his perspective change throughout the series was so rewarding, especially when he ultimately became what he once despised. Then there’s Pei Si Jing, who starts the series with a similar disdain for demons, a sentiment partly rooted in the revelation that her brother was one. Her character’s stoicism makes her arc especially striking. At the beginning, she barely emotes, but as she spends time with the group, her walls come down. She experiences and expresses worry, fear, sadness, and even forgiveness, becoming someone far more open and empathetic by the end.

Bai Jiu’s story broke me. At first, he was the group’s scaredy-cat, jumping at every shadow, but over time, he grew braver and more confident. His bond with the group, especially with Zhao Yicheng, was so heartwarming, but his arc took a tragic turn. Manipulated by someone he trusted, his master, Bai Jiu unintentionally hurt those he cared for most, and later, his body was taken over by Li Lun. His ending was devastating—DYING ALONE to save Zhao Yuan Zhou and Zhou Yicheng. Knowing how scared he must have been in those final moments, yet still summoning the courage to make that ultimate sacrifice, was utterly heartbreaking. The Little Mountain God was another character I adored. He started off carefree, dreaming of being a cook, but losing his grandfather and taking on the responsibility of guarding the Kulun Gate forced him to grow. His bond with Bai Jiu was so pure—he wanted to be someone Bai Jiu could look up to, just like Bai Jiu admired Zhao Yicheng. His death hit me the hardest. He didn’t deserve to die, but he sacrificed himself to bring Bai Jiu back. It was both beautiful and unbearably sad.

And I can’t talk about this drama without mentioning the OST. It’s absolutely stunning—so raw and emotional, perfectly capturing the tone of the series. What made it even more special was that each cast member sang their own theme song, adding a personal, emotional connection to their characters. Neo Hou’s OST, in particular, stood out to me. It’s drenched in sorrow and pain, and every time it played, it hit me right in the chest.

Visually, the drama is stunning. The CGI and VFX were beautifully done, and every scene felt like a piece of art.

I also have to give a special shoutout to Qing Geng and Fei. They were such a lovely addition to the story, and their relationship felt so genuine. They deserved happiness, but like so many others in this drama, they didn’t get their happy ending. I pray that if they ever star in a drama again together that they get their happiness!

Fangs of Fortune might not be perfect, but it’s unforgettable. The visuals are gorgeous, the storytelling is heartfelt, and the characters feel so real by the end. It’s a drama about growth, sacrifice, and love, and it’s one that will stay with me for a long time. If you’re looking for a show that’ll tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking about it long after it’s over, this is the one to watch.

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