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Feud Ep 24-28 Thoughts

- Apparently I hadn't cried enough so they made me cry even more in ep 24.

- I don't think that he even asked how she was doing for the 10yrs in the mortal realm before their first stabby marriage.

- These four venerables really demonstrate Hua Ruyue's point well of how flawed the heavens are.

- I feel bad that Ling'er has to constantly hear declarations of love from someone who she's developing a crush on for someone else and that someone is her beloved master.

- I'm really envious of the life that Yu Ya gets to live.

- Her master really provides a much needed outsider perspective on their conflict to prevent a fight where lives may be lost for a personal grudge. I'll really miss her giving us an objective take on things.

- So now they both were pushed into fighting each other by someone else. Why does there always have to be a big bad against whom we need to fight because of which the leads will come together ?!?!? I had really hoped this drama would be about two powerful immortals' messy divorce and their conflict. Even if there's a resolution between them I had hoped it would happen because of their efforts and not because they have to team up to save the world.

- Bai Jiusi really wants take his chances where he can. He even tried to create a wedding atmosphere when they were supposed to trick Xiao Jingshan.

- Imagine working under a boss like Bai Jiusi who's normally calm, dignified and rational and you see him behaving so irrationally when it comes to his beloved wife who's tried to kill him multiple times.

- I can't believe we have another man taking away the powers of a woman in the name of protecting them. The drama clearly wants to convey a message but it's not clear enough as they fail to emphasize their points through effective dialogue leaving the actors to do the heavy lifting of conveying the message through their acting alone.

- I don't know if Bai Jiusi really forgot, subconsciously/intentionally forced himself to forget everything other than his love for her or if he's pretending like she did to try to make her soften up towards him. But if he forgot I find it hard to believe his personality could drastically change like that, it makes more sense that he's behaving like that to cling to her so that he doesn't lose her again.

- Poor Ling'er she's really going through it. I really relate to her. Even when my father disappointed me time and time again, there have been so many times that I told myself to not expect anything from him that he will not change so just let it go, but even till now whenever he disappoints me I still feel just as hurt that he doesn't really care for me as much as a parent is supposed to. I mean this is a different case as I've never suffered but it is still very impactful to see it happening to Ling'er.

- I have to say that if nothing else this drama has succeeded in generating heated discussions. And it has made people feel strong emotions good or bad. It's becoming a polarizing drama.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Feud Ep 15-23 thoughts

- I understand where both of our leads come from. I can't say either one of them is wrong for believing in what they should do. However, I feel the conflict between them about following the heavenly order leads to them becoming "enemies" because of external force. Because Bai Jiusi wants them to not break rules because of 1) his belief and 2) the punishment that they will have to endure. And Hua Ruyue wants to break the rules when mortals are being harmed and she cannot bear to not help them when she has the ability to do so. I feel if they fought purely for their opposing views on whether immortals should interfere in mortal affairs then it would be more impactful to viewers. But by involving a third party (the defenders of the heavenly order i.e. the heavenly emissary) it makes the story prone to the classic drama misunderstandings and gives the writers an easy target to use to direct the characters' anger towards rather than letting the characters make their own decisions having to deal with the consequences that follow. I'll probably make a lengthy post regarding this later.

- I think why Hua Ruyue feels so betrayed is because they made a promise to each other that they would be together and have each other's back throughout this love tribulation and then he abandoned her there telling her what she did was wrong. We didn't see much of their interactions and dynamic before and during the tribulation which is a big flaw in the writing that makes the viewers less invested in them as a couple. Bai Lu's acting was the only thing that made me sympathize with Ruyue. Also, it was obvious that Jiusi is only doing this to take the punishment on behalf of Ruyue. But it rankles me that they don't discuss their issues in depth. If you want to be together you need to have the hard talks, you can't just avoid them. You're thousands of years old, act like it. I get that you're both new to relationships but you guys have been living together for decades. It doesn't feel like you have based on your behaviors tho.

- Meng Changqin you may have been the catalyst of the conflict between these immortals but you're a great guy and I like his spirit and determination.

- Zhang Suan, shouldn't you ingest the cure pill and keep yourself alive before gallavanting off to find her? KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE LONG ENOUGH TO MEET HER.

- I want to form a Ling'er protection squad and I want to cheer her on from the sides. Love her.

- Love how Meng Chu so bewildered by the truth that elders put on an act of opposing his choice of partner and also that all the outer disciples were more powerful than the elites. I wonder if he's related to Changqin.

- They finally started to discuss their differences but at this point I don't think it'll make much difference. Their points were thought provoking tho... I'll give them that.

- I don't think Bai Jiusi knows how to live as a mortal or even understand their mindset.

- She gets attached very easily while he maintains distance with people.

- Finally, Zhang Suan went to get his cure pill.

- Bai Jiusi really has one track mind i.e. be with Hua Ruyue at all times even if she stabs me or actively plots my demise.

- In the illusion apart from Lin Tao and his mother (through whom she showed her experience), she also tried to convey her point view through Lin Fan especially the destiny debate.

- For a second, I really believed that Li Mo also was a spy. Can't be too sure of anything in this drama.

- I really don't know how they can ever be together even if she forgives him which is also unlikely to happen.

- Long Yuan just looking at him is rage-inducing. It seems to me that he has a personal grudge with Hua Ruyue.

- I appreciate the lighthearted moments of respite in between the seriousness.

- Ruyue don't give Zhang Suan any crumbs for him to rest his hopes up on if you're not intending to be with him.

- How many symbolisms are they going to give them? Not only are they Yin and Yang, they're fire and ice and can sense each other since they came into existence !!!

- Not going to lie ep 23 made me bawl my eyes out.

- What did he do that makes her want to kill him then ?!?!

- Have to commend Bai Lu and Zeng Shunxi's acting. It was top notch !

Personal blurb-

My personal life became very hectic and I could barely make time to see the episodes. I've posted my thoughts of these episodes that I watched a few days ago. Now I'll be watching the rest. Can't believe they dropped the last 4 eps just when I managed to make time to catch up on the rest of the episodes. I have many ideas for rant posts that hopefully I manage to write and post.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Theory Time - Feud edition

Some theories I'd like to share after watching ep 14 :

1. The allegiance of Li Mo :

There are 3 options :

A. Bai Jiusi camp :- He could be on his side and he was fooled into thinking that the snake was dead. Probability - Low

B. Hua Ruyue camp :- He lied to Bai Jiusi about the snake being dead and deliberately told Long Yuan about the cure so that he would go on to force Bai Jiusi into using the seal. But he did not stick around to fight with her but that could be to fulfill the promise he made to Hong Lian Probability - High

C. Niether camp :- He could have genuinely been fooled by Ruyue and he could be talking to Long Yuan to seek his help in obtaining one of the other ingredients or just to share how their master is doing. Probability - Not Unlikely

2. Potential Role reversal

Judging by these promotional pictures that I had almost forgotten (coz it's been a while since I saw them), we'll be seeing the clingy version of Bai Jiusi with Hua Ruyue being the most powerful being of the world. I can't wait for this era of theirs.

This is so very them. As one's power increases the others decreases. Similarly, their behaviors mirror and they switch their behaviors between them.

3. Hua Ruyue might be opposing not just Bai Jiusi but also the Heavens and their dieties (the worldbuilding has not been explained clearly yet).

We've seen her not caring about the rule set by heaven that immortals should alter the destinies of mortals. On multiple occasions. I think she's only going to keep on escalating. And she'll be punished by the heavens.

Meng will likely influence her. Even I sort of agree with him. Rather than just idling away up at the heaven they should help the mortals.

Atleast they shouldn't be forbidden to help the mortals.

And I get that if immortals help all the time then the mortals would rely on the immortals rather than themselves. So, there's definitely no easy solution to this.

But then why is this dragon in the mortal world causing deaths and suffering. If no kind of meddling is allowed then why is the dragon still there. It makes no sense.

There's definitely going to be a major turning point where she completely breaks down and starts on her retribution journey.

If you agree with me or think I'm wrong let me know.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Some thoughts I had while watching eps 13-14 of Feud/Lament of the river immortal :

- They are being soft and sweet which is a side of them that I did expect to see for this long and it looks like trouble is not far which is more true to their dynamic.

- So far, Bai Jiusi is the calm, reserved and indifferent to the suffering of mortals (for the most part) which is not surprising.

- What is surprising is that we've got the cold, badass Hua Ruyue because in the past she cared about and interfered in mortal affairs more than she should have as an immortal and I'm guessing she suffered as a result.

- I think her desire and determination to help mortals while going to extreme lengths (Pretty sure we'll see more of that in the coming eps) is what's going to make her oppose the heavenly order.

- Bai Jiusi, going to the matchmaker to make Ruyue pay more attention to you might work but it just makes you look pathetic and desperate.

- It's not surprising that you two don't get along for long unless you're fighting coz you're literally Yin and Yang the polar opposites of one another.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

I've managed to catch up till ep 12 and I'm loving the drama so far. It's engaging and is moving at a great pace.

So here are my thoughts of eps 9-12 :

- Zeng Shunxi's acting is so good. He portrays a man who loves and hates his wife at the same time so well.

- I'm so happy that my guess of all this being her plan came true especially coz my sister was insistant that she's not pretending.

- But the real twist was Bai Juisi letting his wife do what she wanted coz once she realizes her plans she will drop her act and he just wanted his wife back. He's such a goner for her... I love it.

- I'm loving that this not like typical xianxias where the leads have the fate of the world on their shoulders and are constantly worrying and planning about it. Here, we just have two ancient souls who are doing things that they want regardless of whether it's the "right" thing to do. I mean they're not intentionally out to harm the other innocents but their priority is themselves and if there's some collateral they don't mind. But we've still not gotten to the importance of this "immortal stele" and how it will be impacted by their fight... So let's see what happens.

- I was not expecting her to have Ling'er and her sect as her partners in her plan but it definitely shows how competent she is.

- And the white snake is back. Yessssssss! I definitely would not want to be facing them in combat.

- Even the heaven is like go sort yourselves out and stop dragging the whole world in your messy divorce.

- They are sweet in their mortal lives so far... Let's see how long that lasts.

- Also, we get the trope of the significant other hiding the truth that affects their loved one's well-being and thus taking away their say in the matter. Do not like this at all.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

I was finally able to find time to watch Feud/Lin Jiang Xian. I'm so excited to watch this drama while it airs especially because it's an original script so there won't be any expectations for a particular scene or plot point and all of us will be on the journey together.

My thoughts on eps 1-8 :

- I'm really loving the cinematography and the production design. Also, the vfx are crazy good.

- As always Bai Lu delivers with both visuals and acting.

- But I still can't get used to the dubbing especially in the cute scenes. It just feels wrong.

- Also, it feels like the drama is portraying a side character's pov in a typical xianxia plot by making Li Qing Yue an unremarkable sect junior who is at first a bystander to the drama going on in the sect and then gets roped into it haplessly and has to suffer needlessly.

- I have to say I really laughed a lot during the comedic scenes which makes me think I'll be crying later from the angst that's sure to come.

- Even though her master hadn't really taken care of her at all these years (which probably because something tragic happened to her as I see the signs - her drinking but not frivolously for the sake of it - but maybe I'm reading too much into it), she still is the only one who willing to speak frankly to her about the risks and rewards of this marriage and also she respects her choice without imposing her opinion on her.

- Also, Bai Jiusi if you want her to stay out trouble then maybe delivering her to her place with one of your subordinates is what you should do rather than let her roam around in the wild especially when she's got in trouble while coming to him already. I mean at this point you're just asking for it.

- Also, the asthetics so far are so good. It's so pretty to look at.

- Ah, we have another second male lead who's willing to do anything for FL. What really stood out to me is this line - I'll do what I want without caring about the outcome.

- Oh no the deadly pretty white snake is dead. I'm really going to miss you a lot even though I only saw you for one scene atleast I'll see you in flashbacks.

- I love a forward woman. Qing Yue, he's not shy but just traumatized by what Hua Ru Yue did to him.

- At first I thought Bai Jiusi was being too paranoid but slowly even I think that she has planned it all from the start. This drama is one of the very few ones that is making me analyse each look and action of the characters. I love it.

- Also, it's refreshing to see a xianxia that for once doesn't have the "save the world" plot but it's just about two people loving and hating each other and involving other people in there personal drama. Just messy people doing messy things over the course of centuries.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Ep 10 thoughts :

Look at Lu Zhao Yao caring for Zhi Yan. She just can't help but take fledglings under her

Me too LZY me too.

Isn't it hypocritical of Yuan Jie to hate Zhi Yan when she's in almost the same position he was when he joined Wan Lu. Both were members of immortal sects and both of their families were killed by immortals and they joined Wan Lu for revenge.

Xu Kai looks beautiful pining after her.

Their library is roofless !

Isn't exposing the library to the elements a hazard to the scrolls and books !?!?

I don't see any spells protecting them.

Atleast you get to have an amazing view. And apparently a romantic atmosphere as well.

He's really strong-willed if she came on to me like that (even though she was being obvious) I would've folded so quickly.

Kind of want to see a scene of the guards gossiping about how they damaged the library late at night.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Ep 9 thoughts :

Look at Lu Zhao Yao smiling coz of Zhi Yan. She has softened up quite a lot towards Zhi Yan.

Look at him smiling at the end after flirting fighting in the rain with her.

I'm loving Qin so far.

I can understand both Zhi Yan and Cang Ling. But even if he thinks his father would never do something like this he should atleast ask her more details about what happened that day. I mean they know there are many types of spells that exist in their world so something could explain what happened if they investigated it properly.

Poor Ah Da thinking that his master was worried about him when he's only concerned about her.

And of course he's tired. He's not keeping an eye on one but two. And one of them is Lu Zhao Yao. Considering that it's impressive he's lasted this long.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Ep 8 thoughts :

Zhi Yan is so cute pretending to be arrogant and trying to be bossy.

The playing of qin by the lady is not synchronized. It's taking me out. It always irritates me when the actors pretend to play an instrument so badly that even a viewer not familiar with the instrument can easily notice.

Lu Zhao Yao who's not scared of anyone is scared of Qin Qian Xian. I'm liking him more and more.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Ep 7 thoughts :

Lu Zhao Yao's reputation is so powerful that her name sends people running. So hilarious and satisfying.

The monetary system of the netherworld is fascinating and it makes me, as a former student of commerce, wantto understand it and analyse it.

Another nickname unlocked - short-haired boy

LZY and Jiang Wu are intrigued with each other but I'm not yet interested in him.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Ep 6 thoughts

I guess they had to nerf LZY otherwise this powerful, bold, clever and ambitious demoness would just obliterate everyone in her way and we can't have nice things obviously and also for character growth purposes (I get it but that doesn't mean I like it).

Xiao Yan (actress of Zhi Yan) does a really good LZY impression.

Mo Qing really does know LZY really well. He recognized her from the first gesture.

LZY really likes giving nicknames doesn't she? First ugly little kid and now little black ball.

And what's the deal with the tree portal? I still don't totally get it probably because LZY didn't stick around to learn more about the place.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Ep 5 thoughts

It's hard to watch others take over and repurpose your things isn't it?

I get why he transformed the sect like this but I sympathize with LZY as well.

But Chenlan atleast hire competent guards!

I too would be furious if the person who I believe is my murderer and who now owns all that was mine stands at my grave and says they wish for me to be there to see this.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Ep 4: End of the set up of the drama (I hope)

"We are going to the peak of my life" - Famous last words

LZY takes a step and people kneel over because of her sheer power.

(Sorry for the low quality gifs)

Look at our girlboss go. I love it when girls get to have fun while fighting.

Cdrama misunderstanding strikes again. On no!

Another 5 years time jump! Two 5 years time jumps in two episodes is too jarring. And the episodes usually cut off in the middle of a scene each time. Who edited this drama like this?

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Ep 3: Lu Zhao Yao's character speedrun

So much happened this episode - LZY realized the hypocrisy of the immortals, she was tortured, her granpa died while rescuing her, she sealed Luo Ming Xuan, she forgot her past, she established her sect and became the top dog. Oof !

Bai Lu really blew me away with her acting this episode. Looking forward to seeing her in her badass "evil" era.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

Thoughts on ep 1 and 2:

I really love Lu Zhao Yao. She's so exuberant and optimistic. I have some idea what happens later which is why I cherish her now.

Xu Kai's character is so pitiful.

And why is Qian Xian is the only one questioning why to kill the son of the demon king among the immortals ?

And what do you mean offer him as a sacrifice for our comrades?

Even I would fall in love if Bai Lu came to my rescue and gave me that look.

Watching Bai Lu fight relentlessly dressed in her iconic red colour is a treat.

Love the interactions between Bai Lu and Xu Kai's characters. And I really like the location where they were in.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

I have now started watching The Legends starring Bai Lu and Xu Kai. I'll be live blogging again and hopefully unlike last time I'll do it all the way through.

[a-fantasy-lover-surfing-the-net]

One of the most iconic moments of The Long Ballad for me was when Leyan slaps Hao Du.

We even get to see three angles of this slap.

Up to this point, I was so frustrated with him and wanted to jump inside the screen and whack him. So, this moment really made me happy. I was so delighted that I rewatched this slap twice before continuing with the episode.

This scene was the epitome of Leyan's girlbossery. She really came a long way from the timid and susceptible princess that she was in the beginning.

I bow to you queen.