Move over, “Alchemy of Souls”! I’m eyeing another drama.
lol.
I’m so entertained by this new drama — a Chinese drama, no less – that I can temporarily suspend anxieties about the current Sino-U.S. relations. Ties between Beijing and Washington may be frayed right now, but I can still appreciate a good Cdrama…and a handsome Chinese actor.
If you have Viki pass, 24 of the 36 episodes are out. You can binge watch this weekend.
Here are my notes for the first four episodes. Since this drama is still ongoing, kindly limit your comments to Episodes 1 to 4. I’ll open an Open Thread just for the drama shortly. But please no spoilers here.
I’ll speed through more episodes tonight. Because I’m still recuperating from jetlag and my body clock is set to a 12-hour difference, I won’t sleep tonight.
1. It is said that history is written by the victors, and it’s no different in this drama.
The powerful devil, Dongfang Qingcang (QC), wakes up after 30,000 years of imprisonment to discover that the Great War between his Moon Tribe and the Fairy Realm is over, and that the immortal fairies had declared themselves the winner. They supposedly killed the devil with the sacrificial death of their Goddess of War, Chi Di Nu Zi.
The truth however is that QC is indestructible. Despite all the immortals’ effort to kill him, the best they could do was to hermetically seal both the devil’s physical body and his “primordial spirit” inside the Fairy’s tower. Then, to stop the rest of the Fairy Realm from panicking at the ineffectuality of their leadership, the devil QC’s existence and whereabouts were kept hidden.
In a way, it can be said that for 30,000 years, the fairies have been living in a fairy tale. Lol.
There’s this interesting scene in Episode 4 when the devil QC eavesdrops on the Fairy Orchid’s lurid depiction of the last encounter between QC and their Goddess of War.
Orchid: (reading from a history book) Thirty thousand years ago, the Battle of the Demons was extremely fierce. The former God of War, Chidi Nuzi, was brave and unparalleled, trying her best to seal 100,000 demon solders with death. Inspired by the heroic and fearless spirit of the Goddess of War, they fought against the enemy bravely. (improvising) They beat Dongfang Qingcang to the ground with a blue nose and a swollen face, kneeling and begging for mercy. (laughing)
QC: (yelling) Enough!
Orchid: What are you doing, Big Qiang?
QC: “With a blue nose and a swollen face, kneeling and begging for mercy.” Is this what the history books of Shuiyuntian write?
Orchid: Ahhh. Are you struggling with this? Of course, not that much is written in the book.
QC: Distorting history facts.… It’s no wonder you can’t even pass a small immortal examination.
Orchid: What do you know? There’s only a little bit of boring stuff in the history books. If I want to pass the immortal examination, I have to use these rhetorical devices to describe the intense situation vividly at that time.
To her, the historical event resembles a legend that she can freely embellish to make more interesting. Since she personally didn’t witness the event, the details are lost to her, and she fabricates the imaginary details at will. In comparison, to DongFang Qingcang, this historical event was very real. He was there. He led his men to war and saw them petrified.
Hence, the historical moment remains raw for him even after 30,000 years while the gravity of the situation is lost on Fairy Orchid.
QC: (seriously) Did you make up all these details?
Orchid: (nodding eagerly) Yes. I made them up. How is it? Is it vivid?
QC glares at her, then relents. He knows that that it’s futile to berate and educate her because a) he doesn’t want to reveal his true identity, and b) she’s too young and naïve to understand, anyway. So he tries a different tack.
QC: Why is a small grass reading these slaughtering things all day long? Read another paragraph!
Snort. If a man said this to me, I would have bristled at his attempt to infantilize me. He was telling me not to bother my “little” head with cruel facts of life. But in this drama, the devil QC’s attitude works because the female lead, Fairy Orchid, presents herself as a babe in the woods. QC ordered her to disregard the barbaric things and she happily acquiesced.
Orchid: (pouting) Yes… Soon, the festival is coming. I’ll listen to you. Change to a book without slaughtering things.
QC: (exhaling)
Later, while they’re making dumplings, he corrects her knowledge of history.
Orchid: This is the Shuofeng Sword of the Goddess of War, Chidi Nuzi. Thrust it in against Dongfang Qingcang here. (pokes the dumpling) Then, twist and twist and twist.
QC: Stop! (dumps the dumpling and glares at her with smoldering eyes) I mean you are wrong. The Chidi Nuzi killed herself with the Shuofeng Sword.
Orchid: You don’t have to be so rude. Isn’t it enough that the meaning and plot are almost the same?
In Orchid’s POV, QC is quibbling over semantics. For her, whether the sword was used to stab Dongfang Qingcang or Chidi Nuzi is irrelevant because the outcome of the story, i.e., death of Dongfang Qingcang, is unchanged.
To QC, however, the details are important because it proves that he’s unvanquished. He remains alive in the immortal world while Chidi Nuzi is gone and reduced to wandering in the mortal world. In his mind, the Great War hasn’t ended; it’s just been placed on a very long “hiatus” of 30,000 years. He can still win it for his Moon Tribe.
QC: How can it be almost the same? Chidi NuZi never really defeated Dongfang Qingcang.
Orchid: Fine. Whatever. Whatever you say. But didn’t you say you didn’t know what the battle between the races was? How do you know these trivial details?
QC: These aren’t trivial details.
And I tend to side with the devil QC here.
For one, he wasn’t defeated; he was only temporarily incapacitated in the Fairy tower. If he was completely defeated, then the Fairy senior leaders wouldn’t need to be frightened by his eventual return. But they knew all along that he only lost consciousness while in the tower, and that his spirit kept pounding against the seal until it was loosened. They recognized the urgency of fixing the seal before he awakened.
For another, these details do matter. As we see in the case of Fairy Orchid’s absurd romanticization of the Great Battle, it’s hard to think logically and critically when large swath of data is missing. Since there were no survivors who could give an accounting of what happened on the battlefield that day (apart from the devil QC), the fairies i.e., the victors, could concoct inaccurate stories to vilify the Moon Tribe, prop up their biases and grudges, and perpetuate the enmity between the tribes.
2. The female lead, Fairy Orchid, is the stereotypical airy-fairy I’ve often seen in Chinese xianxia.
But thank goodness, she’s less annoying as Yang Zi’s character in “Ashes of Love.”
As of Episode 4, I’m not sure whether Fairy Orchid has her head in the clouds or in the sand.
Head in the clouds = fanciful and delusional
Head in the sand = not delusional but simply refuses to see the obvious signs
Take for instance the beginning of Episode 1. To me, she definitely has her head buried in the sand when:
a. she says that her master *accidentally* her immortal root (or should I call it her “qi” or energy?) instead of calling her out for being carelessly alcoholic.
b. she says that her master has left her alone to roam in the mortal world for 500 year but she downplays her loneliness and her master’s dereliction of duty.
c. when she says that the flowers which she cultivates are her friends, but they basically ignore her.
d. when she says that the other fairies treat her well, but the fairies are rip her treasured portrait of her crush Lord Changheng (CH).
When she ignores the red flags, I just want to yell at her —
However, there are times when I’m certain she has her head in the clouds.
Like in Episode 3.
QC: (grabbing her chin)
Orchid: Wh-what are you doing?
QC: (studies her face and body) You’re injured here as expected.
gifs from mostlyfate’s tumblr
I get the visual impact. Her cheek is so white, soft, fleshy, plump, and… vulnerable. But against her cheek, he’s scraping his hand, clad in a black leather glove with sharp nails. He can easily stab her and make her bleed but he’s exercising control. And that kind of control is an erotic fantasy. Women in general don’t like clumsy guys, especially in bed. lol.
Orchid: Thank you for your concern but we’re not supposed to be so close. (he grabs her wrist) Are you going to kill me?
QC: I do want to kill you very, very, very much. I want to cut off your hands and feet and throw you into the Memory Loss River to feed the crocodiles. But I can’t do that.
Personally, I don’t find it a turn-on when a guy tells me that he’s going to murder me. But oh well…I’m normal that way.
Orchid: Why?
QC: Not only will I not kill you, I also won’t allow anyone to hurt you. If anyone dares to touch you, I’ll cut their skin off and make a human lantern out of it.
And personally again, I’m not seduced by a Hannibal Lecter type of pronouncement.
Orchid: Hmm?
QC: From now on, you’re mine. Your life belongs to me. Your breathing belongs to me. Your heartbeat belongs to me. Every drop of blood in your body belongs to me. Without my permission, don’t leave my sight.
Cue in Sting’s stalkerish “Every Breath You Take.”
Orchid: (thinking to herself) He said I belong to him? Is he…is he…? (recalling their first encounter when they accidentally kissed each other) This sinful immortal has been locked up in Haotian Tower. He has barely seen the world. I’m the first fairy he has seen in a long time. And that unexpectedly happened. Is he in love with me?
Here, I think she’s clearly delusional. Why on earth would she think that he’s in love with her. Wasn’t she listening to him? The scary dude just told her that he wanted to butcher her and feed her body parts to crocodiles. Next, he told her that her every breath, heartbeat and blood drop belong to him. Then, he showed how obsessed he was about keeping her within eyesight.
In real life, a level-headed woman should be able to see that any guy saying the things that QC is saying is at best, creepy, and at worst, homicidal. This kind of conversation is only tolerable in a drama, and even that, we should be careful not to romanticize this.
That said, however, the reason I think this scene is tantalizing to watch is because it’s undeniably sexy to engage in something that’s considered taboo or to get involved with somebody who’s off-limits like the devil. If Fairy Orchid had been less innocent and more worldly, she would have been tempted by Dongfang Qingcang’s words. But as she is, she doesn’t get what’s going on.
Orchid: (shaking his gloved hand) I appreciate your kindness. But we’re basically strangers. There’s plenty of fish in the sea. You should go find someone else.
But I get her. She thinks so little of herself and she’s received so little attention from anybody that she misinterprets his obvious scare tactics as romantic overtures — or to use her diplomatic word, a sign of his “kindness.”
So there. I have to see more of her to determine where her head is at: up in the clouds or buried in the sand.
3. A note on the leaf repair
I like the visual parallelism.
She’s shown crying because the mean Fairy Dayin ripped her portrait of Lord Changheng to pieces. But she manages to repair the paper again.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise since her job at the Siming Hall (aka known as Arbiter’s Hall) is to repair the pages of the “Destiny Books” or the leaves from the Destiny Tree.
Orchid: Repairing Destiny Books is not hard, but complex. A man’s fate can be affected by any small thing. One false step will make a great difference. In my master’s words, it’s more complicated.
And then we’re shown the glowing midrib and veins of the leaf of fate. Instead of the usual cells inside a regular leaf, we see various strands and symbols representing karma.
Orchid: A man’s life is doomed. Everything is a circulation of karma. Karma will never be depleted. I can repair 50 books a day. 1,500 each month. When I repair 50,000, I’ll write a resignation letter to Master. At that time, Lord Changheng, my savior, will come back.
In my opinion, though, she’s the cause of the change in Lord CH’s fate when she read his fallen leaf. She saw a vision of Lord CH reaching out to someone as if he was plunging down in deep space. She put two and two together and concluded that he was in danger of death.
Going against her master’s order to avoid changing anyone’s fate, she came out nowhere to block the energy directed at Lord CH.
This is when she unwittingly made her vision come true. Lord CH’s hand was extended, NOT because HE fell in a hole, but because SHE was falling in a hole. He was reaching out for her.
Sidenote: It’s oh-so-convenient that Fairy Orchid was wearing a mask when she saved Lord CH. He couldn’t tell that it was her who fell in the Haotian Tower. Had he known, he would’ve been more distressed and tried harder to get her out of there.
4. The Seven Guiding Lights
I think those lights aren’t accidental. They belong to Dongfang Qingcang’s primordial spirit (probably his lost/hidden emotions?), and they’re bringing her to his unconscious body.
Symbolically, they can represent the feelings he had to give up in order to acquire some ancient forbidden skill and become the devil. And of course, Fairy Orchid is destined to be the one to bring colors (aka feelings back into his life). I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a wardrobe change in the future. In Episodes 1 to 4, the devil QC wears mostly black. But as he falls in love with Fairy Orchid, he’ll change and wear lighter-colored robes.
As for the devil QC’s weird headdress and body armor, I thought at first that they were snakes. Now, I think they represent the roots of the dead tree that Fairy Orchid touched.
5. Is Dongfang Qingcang really evil?
As I said earlier, the “victors” make up history so the opening narration should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Introduction: Legend has it that in order to acquire ancient forbidden skills, Dongfang Qingcang, the Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe, became a monster without any feelings. He killed his father, took the position of the Moon Supreme, and led 100,000 soldiers of the Moon Tribe to burn, kill and loot. The fairy realm (Shuiyuntian), the Moon Tribe (Cangyan Sea) and the mortal world (Yunmeng Lake) were in grave danger. In order to save the common people, Chidi Nuzi, the God of War of the Fairy Realm, even destroyed her primordial spirit to die with Dongfang Qingcang and sealed 100,000 demon soldiers of the Moon Tribe. But the primordial spirit of Dongfang Qingcang didn’t die. Once he is resurrected, the three realms will be in danger again. Legend has it that only the Goddess of Xishan can defuse this catastrophe. But she disappeared.
Since he’s fighting for the Moon Tribe, I doubt that his own tribe would be in “grave danger” once he resurrected. It’s the Fairy Realm that’ll in trouble when the war restarts.
It’s noteworthy that QC doesn’t view himself as an “evil” god or a monster.
From Episode 3:
QC: The Wulan Holy Seal is so powerful that even I can’t break it.
ShangQue: The Wulan Holy Seal has reappeared again after 30,000 years of disappearance. What a strange thing!
QC: It disappeared for 30,000 years?
ShangQue: My lord, what you don’t know is since the end of the Great War, the Wulan clan, including the fairy, have been wiped out. If the Fairy Orchid is indeed a surviving member of the Wulan clan, I’m afraid you can do nothing to her again, My Lord.
QC: Why?
His questioning indicates that he’s willing to listen to advice and prepared to be reasoned with.
ShangQue: Since the generation of water by Tao and the beginning of the universe, the Wulan tribe has lived in a corner of Xishan to guard the three realms from the evil gods. They have always remained neutral and have never been involved in strife. It would be unethical to attack Wulan.
It’s the xianxia’s version of Switzerland.
QC: What evil gods? It’s just some ancient legend. I’ve dominated the three realms and never had a weakness. How can I relate my life to a mere flower fairy?
The subs aren’t clear for me here. I’m not sure whether a) he’s implying that his act of war is justified, and thus a necessary evil in order to have peace for his people. “Si vis pacem, para bellum.” If you want peace, prepare for war.
or b) he’s denying that existence of evil *gods* because he hadn’t encountered them, just evil fairies, and bad goddesses.
ShangQue: (apologizing) Yes. I said something wrong.
QC: (starts tearing up because of Fairy Orchid)
Then, he visits Fairy Orchid to get her to break the Wulan Holy Seal. This to me is proof enough that he isn’t an evil guy. He could have easily used his powers to torture her into breaking the seal but he didn’t. He lives up to his promise that he wouldn’t hurt her.
Orchid: How come it’s you again. How did you find this place?
QC: No matter where you are in the world, I will find you, and make sure you’re safe.
He didn’t have to lie about that making sure she’s safe. He knows very well she’s safe since he isn’t bleeding himself. But he’s concerned about her emotional wellbeing, not her physical welfare, because he shed a tear. In short, he drops in to check in on her because she cried.
Orchid: Don’t. I appreciate your kindness. You are a sinful immortal at large. If people find out I’m with you. I’ll be in big trouble. If you really want to make sure of my safety, you should stay away from me and don’t come looking for me again.
QC: If you break the spell, I will leave on my own.
Orchid: (pushing him to no avail) Didn’t I tell you? I’m not a member of the Wulan clan. I’m just a seed that was picked up from Yunmeng Lake, an ordinary orchid flower cultivated in a pot at Siming Hall.
QC: If you play dumb again, I’ll seriously hurt you. (turning around to let her drop on the floor)
Orchid: How can this man change his face at the drop of a hat?
She means that he’s fickle-minded. One moment, he wants to make sure that she’s fine. The next moment, he’s telling her that he’ll seriously hurt her. But she’s already noticing that the devil QC only appears to be meaner than he really is.
Personally, I don’t think he’s really evil with her. But he finds her amusing, so he toys with her to get a reaction.
Like when he paid her back for calling him ugly.
Orchid: I’ve never seen him. But it’s written in the book that Dongfang Qingcang has a green face and fangs. His long hair drags the floor, and his hair is full of lice.
QC: (restraining himself)
Orchid: I heard that he didn’t brush his teeth and take a bath for thousands of years. It’s so gross to reek of bad breath.
QC: (speechless)
Orchid: (noticing that he stopped eating) Oh! It’s my fault. I shouldn’t talk about these disgusting things while you’re eating. What I want to say is you are much better than him.
QC: Do I have to thank you?
He’s being ironic. Fairy Orchid paid him a backhanded compliment, but she didn’t know it. She was really insulting him, not praising him.
Orchid: No. No. If you really remember my kindness, go back to where you should go. It’s better than anything.
QC: Since you know the Moon Supreme so well, do you know what he likes to eat?
Orchid: (shaking her head)
QC: What Dongfang Qingcang likes to eat most is a chubby little fairy with thin skin and tender meat like you. The little fairies he ate were either 8,000 or 10,000. Boiled, roasted, fried, steamed, and eaten raw.
Orchid: (speechless)
To tease her, he pretends to be evil. In a yummy sort of way.
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
To be continued later.
@packmule3 I’m so glad you picked this up. I recently discovered this while I was bedridden due to an injury and loved it so much that I finished all 24 episodes that are subbed on Viki so far.
I’ve been gushing about this to everyone who cares to listen. I can promise you it gets better and better 🙂 I’ve finished all 24 episodes subbed on Viki and am eagerly waiting for the next ones!
Hahaha. @Phoenix.
So should we vote for the male lead as another one of Bitchesoverdramas’ best boyfriends? Is the devil boyfriend material??
But don’t distract me now. I’ve a zoom conference in an hour. 🙂
@packmule3 Wohoo! So far, unless he does something weird in upcoming episodes, he is total diamond-in-the-rough boyfriend material 😍
I already have earmarked/bookmarked (episode-marked?) scenes where Dong Fang acts like a true boyfriend towards Fairy Orchid even before he himself is aware of why he is doing it (because he is so unfamiliar with emotions)😛
Lol @Alchemy of Souls. For me LBFaD has not only put AOS but also other dramas like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Heart of Genius and Love like the galaxy on hold. I can only seem to think about this drama right now so everything else takes a backseat.
The show’s pacing is really something. It’s quite consistent and fast paced, never a dull moment. For one I like that our ML isn’t considered that pure but the more things open up, the more you get to know him. That is also the case with the rest of characters except maybe the FL yet.
Stop. ✋ Don’t tell me. I want to find out on my own.
But yes, I’ll make notes of his Boyfriend qualities along the way. For now, his teasing and wry sense of humor amuse me.
@wapz,
I get you. I was watching AoS prepared to like it, but the inconsistencies, plot holes, and needless ambiguities and baiting (or trolling?) just tired me out. I wish the Hong sisters would just write a straight-up story instead of this long-drawn-out mystery of involving secret births, soul switching, back stories, and alliances.
I think they got too greedy when they found out they could extend the show. They forgot that their strengths and weakness. They’re great in their beginnings and witticisms. But they stink at closures and have a tendency to be “makjang” about romance.
Also, I made the mistake of watching the actors’ clips on Swoonies (?). I couldn’t UNSEE “friendlier” rapport the actress had with the CP actor than with Lee JaeWook. She seemed to “favor” him… if you know what I mean.
That ruined the vibes of the romantic scenes between Uk and Naksu.
Frankly, I wouldn’t mind now if the other actress who originally played Naksu came on board and replaced her. 😂😂 She’s probably closer in age to LJW, anyway.
@wapz,
I get you. I was watching AoS prepared to like it, but the inconsistencies, plot holes, and needless ambiguities and baiting (or trolling?) just tired me out. I wish the Hong sisters would just write a straight-up story instead of this long-drawn-out mystery of involving secret births, soul switching, back stories, and alliances.
I think they got too greedy when they found out they could extend the show. They forgot their strengths and weakness. They’re great in their beginnings and witticisms. But they stink at closures and have a tendency to be “makjang” about romance.
Also, I made the mistake of watching the actors’ clips on Swoonies (?). I couldn’t UNSEE “friendlier” rapport the actress had with the CP actor than with Lee JaeWook. She seemed to “favor” him… if you know what I mean. 😒
That ruined the vibes of the romantic scenes between Uk and Naksu.
Frankly, I wouldn’t mind now if the other actress who originally played Naksu came on board and replaced her. 😂😂 She’s probably closer in age to LJW, anyway.
Yay! Thank you for opening the thread @pm3!! I’m loving this drama even though I’m only at ep15 and have seen a spoilers.
I’m love this drama, way better than Love like the Galaxy. @GB mentioned AvenueX’s review on this here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51sYIdxE-bk
I hear is that is has a very simple basic plot but everything from script writing (no plot holes and very good positioning of details) to styling and the special effects is all well thought though, which is why this drama is doing so well.
She usually laments how china drama production companies have been skimped on quality over a quick buck.
Of course I have to say Dylan Wang is looking so good as the devil. That switch in his eyes is so dazzling and cool. Quite an eye candy. The drama’s stylists deserve an award not just for styling for Devil but all the characters….err…except the weird water plasticky hairdo on those people from Shuiyintian (水云天 literally translates to “water cloud sky”)
Thanks for the Chinese translation. I figured the headdress of Lord Changhang had to be related to water because water was everywhere in their sky palace, and that’s what he was using, right? when he was creating that energy ball/power orb to seal the devil.
As for that YouTuber, she made one drama recommendation which made me seriously questioned her taste, and from then on, I ignored her. 🤨 What appeals to her as a Chinese-Canadian (?) viewer doesn’t necessarily translate as a fun watch for me as an American viewer. Remember, I didn’t grow up watching American soap operas, much less Asian soap operas. So some humor, esp toilet humor, burlesque, slapstick, and over-the-top antics are just unfunny and grotesque for me.
Hello, @packmule3. Glad to see you arrive with this thread. I’m not as far along as many of the others – a bit too busy. I love the beginning episodes. I like the miscommunication when Orchid thinks QC likes her because he ‘cares’ about her, when in fact, he only does because whatever happens to her happens to him. Blooming embarrassing to be a weepy devil, right? hQC enjoys teasing her because she is so ‘airy fairy’ innocent, chirpy and sincere. He tries to clear it up by saying brutal things, but it’s no use. Orchid’s re-writing of history is also interesting in a RL modern context, isn’t it?
@pm3 I’m actually totally onboard for GHJ to take over as Naksu. I liked what little we saw of her in AOS. But tbh this hiatus has exhausted my interest in the show. Not to forget how I’m totally hooked on LBFaD right now that AOS pales in comparison. You are right about the several story arcs they have included to make things more complex which will only make it difficult for the writers to end it satisfactorily.
@Fern,
I laughed when she began her hair-revenge on QC: tugging her hair, pulling a strand, etc. But I thought it was cute of QC to “threaten” her to obedience by cutting off her hair, including the pigtails.
Of course! Hair is precious to us.
But this is such a big contrast to when he damaged the water tower in Ep 9 to force Lord CH to step aside.
So, even back then, he was using “commensurate” power against his “enemies.” He could have disrobed Fairy Orchid’s body or broken a finger to subdue her but he didn’t.
Btw, do you know how to knit? I’m thinking of knitting but I don’t what beginner needles I should use.
@packmule3, my best friend is a super-knitter and all of the women in my family knitted, but I am rubbish at it and get very frustrated with it. 🤬 Taking up knitting just as I’m about to retire seems too cliché as well. I would end up taking it out on my poor family. I’ll stick to gardening and experiment with cuisine for now. I’m also considering guerrilla planting.
Yes, since Orchid knew in the prison tower that he had the same feelings, how could she interpret QC’s ‘care’ as attraction in the early days? I think he was about as attracted to her as Naksu was to UK at the beginning. (Ha. Naksu as the tsundere character in a gender reversal)
I do think that Dylan Wang does devilish very well. He has nice eyes for it.
Yes, @wapz.
Mentally, I didn’t mind GHJ’s taking over for Season 2 because Uk is in love with Naksu, not BuYeon/MuDeok. Had BuYeon stayed like a nebulous energy or power source — and not an actual person with her own body and soul — then I wouldn’t have minded the actress Jung Somin continuing on as Naksu.
But then, it turns out that BuYeon is a real living person, hidden in MuDeok’s body. So there must be a de-coupling of the two souls, Naksu and BuYeon/MuDeok. As I said from the beginning, threesomes are 🤮 repulsive. Uk must choose between Naksu and BuYeon. He can’t be in love with both. It wouldn’t be fair to either of the ladies.
But after seeing the Swoonies promo clips, I’m not only “mentally” ready, but I’m also emotionally prepared for a change in cast member.
Same here, @Fern. I tried knitting back in college as a stress reliever. But I only got more stressed out.
But my good friend and colleague just had me feeling envious? humbled? inspired? when she took out her knitting needles and yarn, and started knitting after a particularly contentious meeting. Wow, how could she just enter her serene headspace and create something beautiful like that when I wanted to throw a coffeepot at the wall? 😇😇
Hmmmm…
If not knitting, maybe paper origami. Origami papers are easy to stash in my bag.
@packmule3, I don’t believe that serene headspace illusion. I think for some, knitting is a sort of multi-tasking. It can be done whilst watching TV, formulating solutions, watching beheadings or plotting revenge. Of course it’s useful because it can also result in nice cosy bits of clothing if one is really skilled. I am truly envious of those who can do that sort of thing, but it never worked like that for me.
If I had to do something stitchy, it would be perhaps needlepoint. I think of the women in Jane Austen novels or earlier who have their needlework out whilst working out cunning plans. Stitch and bitch. It’s perhaps too large to fit into a work bag though.
Thanks @pm3! It is a treat to read as usual. 🙂
Re ep 1, I too was counting the colourful lights. The idea could come from the concept of 三魂七魄 which is often used in XianXia stories.
三 = three
魂 = hun (soul in my simple translation)
七 = seven
魄 – po (soul as well in my simple translation too haha)
I don’t know much about Daosim so my simple understanding of this concept is for someone’s spirit to be full, one needs to have all 10 parts of souls. Therefore my interpretation of that scene is Orchid has bought the 7 parts of souls back to Dong Fang.
And why 7 not 10? So I did more digging and 七魄 seems to refer to feelings.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hun_and_po
Copied from Wiki:
Ten “souls” of sanhunqipo 三魂七魄 “three hun and seven po” is not only Daoist … Three hun may stand for the sangang 三綱 “three principles of social order: relationships between ruler-subject, father-child, and husband-wife”. Seven po may stand for the qiqiao 七竅 “seven apertures (in the head, eyes, ears, nostrils, and mouth)” or the qiqing 七情 “seven emotions (joy, anger, sorrow, fear, worry, grief, fright)” in traditional Chinese medicine.] Sanhunqipo also stand for other names.
I went back to ep 3 and listened to that Dong Fang’s conversation again. I think it is option B. The Evil Gods existed before his time. The translation could make it easier if it is Capitalised.
@pm3–I never could get knitting down, but for some reason crossstitch seems to work for me. I got this kit for Christmas Kikkerland Rose Embroidery Kit, 1 EA https://a.co/d/gjQyeMS and loved how simple it was and easy to take with me in my bag and pull out whenever.
LOL @pkml3 that was such a yummy read!! I have no time to comment now, but I also noted the ‘Fake News’ and how our dear Moon Supreme is more like a teddy bear than what he’s made out to be.
You’re so right about the war being still fresh and raw for him, and thus he cannot just brush it off.
There are many ‘questionable’ moments in their interactions, but somehow, in this cdrama, I can give them a pass. Not that they are really romantic, but that they skirt the border and did not cross it. Still, there are red flags aplenty.
@Viva, Thank you for explaining the part about 7/10 souls part. First time I’m reading it and it’s quite an eye opener. The last time I watched Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms and they keep talking about 魂飞魄散 （scattering of the soul), and I hear it again here. I didn’t know there is a specific division to the numbers.
I also want to bring our attention to the the OST for this drama and it has more OST than most. The first one is sung by Esther Yu called Amnesia. When I love a song I like to look closer to the meanings because OSTs hint to the story outline or the character’s feelings.
Now at ep14 I understand this song’s meaning. Correct me if I’m wrong, that Moon tribe and Fairy tribe’s leaders were once in love with one another? I think war broke out or something happened that separated them causing the Fairy tribe leader to be so heart broken that she would have to wear the hair-pin that blocks her emotions so her feelings will not be detected by Moon tribe’s leader. So in a way a kind of fate links these two lovers and DFQC & Orchid or that they were once lovers? I don’t know.
I need to rewatch the first parts and ep14 and I will try to translate the lyrics better in another post.
Sorry, @pkml3, I thought I was replying to @grace on the open thread. Please remove the post above that has spoilers and I’ll post it again on the open thread.
Thanks. 🙂
Thanks @pkml3!
@Grace I’ve replied to your comment above in the Love Between Fairy and Devil Open Thread because it has spoilers. 🙂
Thanks @GB! Sorry for the unintended spoilers of the song earlier. Eep!
“Fairies living in a fairy tale” got me chuckling.
I have to say that Orchid has both head in the cloud and sand. Definitely denial of the sad circumstances she is in, yet she tries to see things in the most positive way. I guess that helps her cope what she is given ..abandoned, weak, bullied. I mean she could have gone into depression and despair but in a way, her positive outlook kept her alive.
She has her head in the cloud probably because she lacks experience, after being in a kind of isolation and with little social interaction with others. So her conjuring up stories and exaggeration probably helps with that bordem of her isolation. Ironically, she calls DFQC a wooden head later on (木头) when she is just as much a block head.
Innocent might be the word but her over innocence makes her kinda dumb. Yet it works well for the story else if she takes DFQC too seriously, I think some situations wouldn’t be as funny.
On hindsight, I also think her belief of the legend written in the history books has made her very trusting of DFQC because she wouldn’t have ever imagined it would be him. It could have put her in great danger if he wasn’t stuck in the curse with her.
I guess that’s why is is always important to keep a healthy skepticism on what we read or hear others say about things, history, happenings etc.
In that light, Orchid would be over trusting and DFCQ would be more skeptical or distrustful about the information he gets.
Hi @grace, no problem. The song itself only gave hints, not actual spoilers. If you can find or translate all the of lyrics that would be great. I’m sure we can have another thread for all the songs with translations.
I’m with you on Fairy being quite biased, in favour of others, when it comes to herself. I did have it in my notes that it’s strange she says that she’s not bullied in the beginning, but then admits that she is later on.
My similar take on it is that she wants to see everything in the most positive light, even re-labeling events in a positive way, when they were negative happenings. She chooses to be happy, to see that good can be found anywhere, and to defend even her enemies. She’s like the heroine in Liar Game but in the same way, although what she believes appears to be foolish, (and is therefore rejected), can ultimately be the source of strength and the solution.
@pm3 Welcome back and thank you very much for this thread. Hope you are feeling better.
I have been away because of work, back to school, and life in general. I had a chance to catch up to all the dramas (3 but now 2 – almost all cause I’ve somehow dropped some) in my life last week. I picked up this one last week and binged watched =) and now I’m caught up. lol
I came to this story because it’s a fantasy and I loved the visuals that I saw. There is beautiful artwork related to the show, so I had to check it out. The intro and outro art work is mesmerizing to me. It makes me want to draw lol I wish I could look at those pictures in real life. How about the scenes on the portrait? It’s a drawing but live action. So cool! On ep 2 i think?
While the naive fairy is a troupe I find annoying, it was funny enough to see her missteps and mistunderstandings in conversation with QF. I agree that hair bit was hilarious. Also, I dont know how Orchid missed that when she pulled her hair she was also pulling his hair.
I think QF found Orchid interesting from the moment Orchid said she would help him.
QF (in Orchids body): You are the first person in history to threaten me.
Orchid (in QF body): You are also the first person in history to make me cry like a man. I don’t want to stay in your stupid body any longer. It’s just some Haotian Matrix. Today I’ll break it for you. When we get out, let’s figure out a way as soon as possible.
QF (in Orchids body): People from the Heavenly Realm always claim to be honorable. But when things happen, you only care about yourself. You will still help me break the seal?
Orchid (in QF body): I’m just an Orchid flower. If you want a flower to think about these things, then why do we need the Heavenly Soldiers, Heavenly Emperor, and Fairy Lords? Besides my Master said that sealing one’s job is like killing one’s mother. I can’t do these things.
QF (in Orchids body): Little flower spirit, you have some of the Moon Tribe’s traits.
In the end, Orchid might be annoying but she’s got a good heart and she keeps her word.
@PM3 you were in my ear when I’m watching this drama since one of the things I’ve been keeping track is QF wardrobe.
Also, on my shallow side. D Wang is so good as an evil guy. Such a contrast to Orchid. The scene you listed only made me look at his hands and wondered how the heck is he keeping those nails on. So the moment was totally lost on me. And only found it funny that QF is talking murder and all Orchid can think is if he likes her. It was funny because it was absurd. However, on the serious side, it’s not my cup of tea to be threatened by murder and find it alluring. But I agree it looks good. But the nails gotta go.
There’s been plenty of times where I found the dressing too cumbersome and we get a funny glimpse later lol
The body swap was also a favorite of mine because I thought the actors made it even funnier by their facial features.
@carolina,
I’m back in the country but hubby and I left this morning got the beach house. I woke up this morning with a craving for lobster rolls, tequila on the beach, and sand between my toes. 😂😂😂 My hubby ain’t young anymore like the actor Dylan Lee (?) but he’s still my DongFang QingCang. 🥰 I don’t have to switch bodies or give him a Heart Curse for him to do nice things for me.
@pm3 aww sounds wonderful!! Enjoy. I find the ocean/beach to be healing for me. Hope it does the trick for you and hubs.
@Carolina,
I think DFQC’s weird outfit is his military and/or ceremonial outfit. When he dropped in on at Fairy Orchid’s hall, he was dressed down.
His hair was also tied back with a less ornate headband.
He looks handsome with proper grooming alright.
@Carolina no wonder people are rewatching this show. There is so much information that makes sense later on. The Moon Tribe comment shows his interest but while bingeing the show I totally forgot about it.
@pm3 enjoy your beach vacation!
Thanks, @birdie007!
I think I can do cross-stitch as long as nobody examines the back. Needlepoint and crewel embroideries however are above my pay grade. 🤪
I’ll still try knitting though. An infinity scarf seems to be a good project for beginners, and I can YouTube the instructions.
Have a great beach time @pkml3! Yeah, quite a few of our dear husbands have the Heart Curse. We exercise the curse with tact and they seldom catch on LOLOL.
@wapz @Carolina,
I’ve commented in response to your posts but in the Open Thread, because of possible spoilers.
Have a great beach time @pm3! I love beach holidays, its always refreshing for the soul. Hope you manage to learn how to knit! I find having someone beside me to show me how to do it helps the best, esp since I’m a leftie. Tried teaching my kid through the online videos and was so confused as I had to keep understanding it in opposite.
@Carolina, let me find the links to the beautiful posters for this drama they have later when I am at my computer. It is so beautiful, it makes me want to print and hang it up on my wall.
Thanks for writing out their conversation too..I didn’t realize that he mentioned she had traits of the Moon Tribe. That is a clue
@Carolina
This is like the wiki for the drama. You should be able to find everything FD here esp the posters. I read chinese so slow I just turn on the google translate feature and it is good enough translation which must be useful
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E8%8B%8D%E5%85%B0%E8%AF%80/53935024#reference-%5B41%5D-29414671-wrap
I’m not sure if this shows up correctly but this is my favourite of the posters that I imagine to me like a scroll
https://baike.baidu.com/pic/%E8%8B%8D%E5%85%B0%E8%AF%80/53935024/4226438709/0ff41bd5ad6eddc451da71e8f78fa1fd5266d01695d1?fr=lemma&ct=cover#aid=4226438709&pic=0ff41bd5ad6eddc451da71e8f78fa1fd5266d01695d1
@wapz yes it’s a good one to rewatch. I had to go back a bit because I was so excited to get ahead that i missed details.
@pm3 cross stitch and needle work require too much patience for me. I’m not good at either lol I can draw/paint though
@gb I’ll go read now. I haven’t had a chance to catch to all the blog posting but will get there.
@grace thank you sooo much!! I love it. Didn’t realize that the artwork was that big. Thought they were pieces. Aaahh I think I’ll save to my phone so I can see it 😆 whenever
Hey @Grace I read the Ten miles of Peach Blossoms novel but didn’t watch the drama. *light spoilers of TMoPB* yes Ye Hua’s and Mo Yuan’s spirits were scattered, right? Xian Xia authors use those concepts in their stories but everyone uses it differently. I recently finished reading “The Longest Promise” novel and they also used that concept as well. But of course, the “recovery” method always differs. I just read along and adjust haha!
@Grace, I was thinking that those posters would make a great calendar. Thank you for the link. Also, the actors all look so much younger in current styles.
@Packmule3, perhaps you can take up embroidery or cross stitch à la Dame Judi Dench.
https://www.mi6-hq.com/news/index.php?itemid=10963
@Packmule3, your insight about history being written by the victor makes me think of Rome sacking Carthage and systematically destroying its libraries and texts. For a city that once was the largest in the world, little remains of Carthaginian literature aside from a few translations into Greek and Latin, and a few inscriptions on buildings discovered in northwest Africa.
@Carolina, I also love the artwork during the opening and closing credits. I wish there was a poster that included the dragon. I am also in awe of the costuming and set designs. Two costumes in particular have caught my eye. On the shoulders of an outfit worn by Rong Hao when he’s incognito as the Lord of Haishi City, there are patches of color made of something that reminds me of Koosh balls, with wiggly tendrils. And a patchwork outfit worn by the trader Jie Li is a kaleidoscope of patterns and colors, the top overlaid with loosely woven yarn. I find these intriguing in their use of texture and color.
Fairy and Devil reminds me of how Greek mythology depicts three worlds and their interactions: Mount Olympus above, the earth in the center, and the underworld. Battles between the gods cause chaos for the mortals caught in the middle. The Three Realms of Fairy and Devil don’t exactly align with Greek mythology, because Cangyan Sea is not a gathering place of the deceased. The Fairy realm of Shuiyuntian, populated by immortals, is in the clouds and associated with water, four rivers keeping it safe. The clothing of the fairies is billowy, light in color and texture. The crowns, armor, and ceremonial wear call to mind ice and cloud. Across a river is Cangyan Sea, populated by immortals of the Moon Tribe, who favor dark clothing and decor. Armor, crowns, and ceremonial wear call to mind gnarled roots or crystallized minerals, suggesting affinity for things underground. Mortals live in Yunmeng Lake, about which we know little, as yet.
There has been mention of one other place not part of the Three Realms: Xishan. It was neutral during the Great War, but its people were obliterated. There is a legend that the Goddess of Xishan is the only one who can save the Three Realms if Dongfeng Qingcang is resurrected. The goddess of Xishan disappeared 33,000 years ago, after the battle that resulted in Dongfeng Qingcang being sealed by the fairies in Haotian Tower.
@grace, thanks … the posters are so beautiful. And yup that’s the long scroll poster that I mentioned I liked, from the end credits. I was saying that it probably gave a chronological order of events, but it’s not clear what some of them are.
Thanks @packmule3 and BOD for recco-ing this show. I’ve been so sad about AOS ending this weekend, and nothing else looked quite as appealing. It was like eating my dessert first and all I have left are bland boiled vegetables.
But, all your posts about this show made me give it a watch and I’m on ep 14 and totally hooked. En route to read your QFDC appreciation post, but wanted to pop over here to avoid seeing spoilers, and say thanks for the recco. Hope you’re still at the beach enjoying the last of summer.
@welmaris sorry for responding so late. I don’t get notifications and missed this one.
Yes, I agree with the set designs and costumes. I have to go back to HR and Yeili costumes. I have liked what Yeili wears but don’t remember the one you mentioned. The set designs are so pretty that I like seeing pictures. I feel like I miss it while watching. Between reading subtitles and looking at the scenes, it goes too fast for me.
This is one that I don’t mind rewatching.