I watched this before reading the actual novel and I'm glad I did because the novel is filled with imageries and it's hard to imagine those and many terms. This drama will always be special because it's my first time completely watching a historical and a fantasy drama. It's also my first time watching Wang Yibo act (He's very popular). The scene where he allowed WWX to leave/escape and he shed a tear will always be heartbreaking.

There were several differences in the drama and in the novel (esp the love scenes) but most were the same or similar. It's refreshing to see same dialogs in the novel and in the drama because in most cases, adaptations undergo revisions.

The ending of this drama is way different from the novel. In this ending, it's not appropriate considering the hardship LWJ faced for WWX. He waited for 16 years for WWX to return and he didn't even know if he'd return at all, still he waited and at the end, he'll part ways with him? They could've made a different ending and still be censored. SPOILER FOR THE NOVEL... They did not part ways at all.

Anyway, the acting of everyone is really commendable. Xiao Zhan really nailed WWX, he's almost like a Yandere with the way he smirks. Zhu Zanjin nailed the villain role too.

It's a 50 ep drama, I was almost hesitant to watch since it's so long but every ep is relevant. There's also a special edition which is 20 ep long.