@lindapalapala @newso I thought I’d create a thread where we can talk about the show and stop hi-jacking Outifthisworld’s post lol @jenmole@kimbapnoona just because 😆 @zetteceniza (sorry sa spoilers 😄) @alasecond thank you for the link to the novel.
Well, I’ve only watched ep 50 twice now and have lots of comments! My take: which I’m sure is yours too? Weiying follows Lanzhan to Cloud (obviously). Finally the translation is Lanzhan became chief cultivator (a position of power which isn’t a good thing in a C-drama). The Huisang scene shows the yin/yang theme that you never completely abolish the potential for evil (via C-drama wanting power as evil). Obviously in the end LanZhan decides to follow WeiYing and thus follows the novel. How could anyone doubt that after all they’ve been through! (And some people commenting on Viki didn’t realize that).
Someone who comments a lot on Viki noticed them sneaking in the wedding too!
My take on the ending. 3 different clothes, 3 different meetings and 3 different timelines. I couldn’t understand it at first when LZ silently refused WY when he asked him if he would come with him, because LZ would never refused him over anything. But the scene after explained it. He became the Chief Cultivator in replaced of his brother, who could not take on the position yet after what happened to his sworn brother and finding out the reason behind his other brother’s death. LZ had to help his brother first, who was the only person who helped when he himself was in the same situation because of WWX’s death 13 yrs ago. I thought WWX playing their song when he left after their second meeting was his way of letting LZ know he’s still waiting for him. After LZ made sure his brother was ok, he finally went to find WWX, hence the surprise on WWX’s face when he heard LZ’s voice.
OMG – you are so right on! Just watched again and they used the clothes to show the different timelines. Wow. I would have never noticed that. Your explanation is the correct one and now every line spoken makes so much more sense.
So glad you’re here…
i don’t see NHS as evil.. like he said, he will do what he has to do.. and what doesn’t concern him he won’t interfere
He had to take revenge for his brother, he was left without a family
And for him JGY is directly responsible
Also, LWJ had no choice.. LXC is in seclusion and heartbroken, will take a lot of time.. no other sect.. Jing Ling is too young, NHS won’t do, gusu is the only option left given they are pegged above JC in power and diplomacy.. JC has also only rebuilt his sect over last 16 years
Sorry, I didn’t mean for it to sound as if he was evil, but that the desire to be chief cultivator and that power might turn to evil eventually, as most in power do turn. The future is left unknown. And you don’t have to necessarily believe what NHS said about not wanting it. Actually, I got that feeling mostly from the novel.
And I now realize (as I should have realized to begin with, smack myself) that yes, LWJ really had no choice when LXC went into seclusion but to temporarily take that position. So glad you both set me straight, as I’m not sure I was smart enough to figure it out myself, as I usually can’t figure stuff out w/o some hints!
JC has to protect and assist Jin Ling as well from his greedy relatives so the only option left is LZ. @linda-palapala I agree with alasecond above. NSH just wanted revenge for his brother. Wrong method but he had to do it, considering the relationship of the murderer had with his brother.
I didn’t mind hijacking Outofthisworld post because now a couple other people have gotten interested and I also think she’s might try to watch. I follow Marcus Sim’s reviews on youtube and he keeps showing his ignorance about Untamed with his comments – since he hasn’t watched it!
What was annoying was his mentioning fans saying it followed the novel but how can that be since it’s only a bromance. Which showed his ignorance unfortunately because I usually like his reviews.
Another interesting tidbit from an article about gay marriage in Ancient China:
“there was even a patron deity of homosexuality, the rabbit…”
But you probably knew this already…
@giegie0384 It looks like things are winding down. So glad you made this thread and you came back to post! I rarely post anymore either. Most kdramas these days are either too silly or just badly written, imo.
If you happen to watch any C-drama anywhere nearly as good as Untamed, please let us know!
I’m trying several but haven’t found anything yet. I seem to prefer wuxia over modern or xianxia – when they’re really good. I don’t care for palace intrigue and the modern ones lately all seem to have the same tired plots and the love triangle with an annoying 2nd lead.
If dramas could do boy/girl romance relationships as good as Untamed, where there doesn’t even have to be physical contact because the gazes are even more sensual than a kiss, and the leads build such a deep relationship and love, all dramas would be so much better.
Not really 😄 Jenmole created this whatsapp group chat where we (& kimbapnoona) talk about the show everyday. I am currently rewatching the show and rereading the novel. Just finished the anime and will start the audio drama next. So it’s over yet. It will take a while before this obsession ends. Sigh.
We would love to have you in the group chat if you would like to join. ^^
Back to the story and the scene in the cave:
I know the headband thing can only be touched by the wife, I know at that point Lan Zhan knew they were soulmates.
But I’m more reminded of a saying I’ve heard in several dramas “This is MY person” and from then on that’s what Lan Zhan thought. I just kind of like thinking of it that way.
I like your “This is MY person” comment btw. But isn’t it mostly in Korean historical dramas? I prefer the “You are my wife now but you don’t know it yet” scenario. 😉
@giegie0384 “You are my wife but don’t know it yet”, practically the same thing as “you are my person”! Yes, probably I’ve seen it mostly in k-dramas. I remember specifically however, from King in Love and it was patterned somewhat after a C-drama historical.
I’m on ep 37 of my 3rd re watch. I watch the BTS on Youtube multiple times and listen to the OSTs over and over.
I try to get into other things, but one little tidbit I watch just starts the whole thing again.
How do I find the group?
Ep 37 is the drunk LZ ep right? I haven’t watched the all the bts but I listen to the instrumental ost everyday. It’s my bgm when I (re) read chaps from the novel.
Do you have wattsapp? I can you in the group if you’re comfortable sharing your phone number here. Just delete it after.
@giegie0384 Ha, that’s funny! Most women I know play either Spider Solitaire or Candy Crush. I’m a Spider player myself (up to half a million points). Love my tablet because it’s the only way I can easily hear the music when I use headphones. Our big tv has a crap sound system and you can’t hear the music at all. So it’s the big tv for visual details and the tablet for sound!
Since I work at home and have no friends I haven’t needed anything but a land line. All my friends are here on DB or fb. Though friends on fb have unfollowed me because I mostly only post C-drama videos and pics
Is that the drama (I’ve heard of it last year iirc) with very strong sls? I usually stay away from dramas with love triangle. Can’t handle those. And it’s ISH comeback drama right? Would you recommend it?
@giegie0384 Forgive me, I don’t know what is iirc, sls, ISH…and I’ve been wanting to know but too embarrassed to ask. Please tell me!
I hate love triangles. This one was a bit different and spoilers ahead, but if you know the spoilers you’ll actually enjoy the drama more.
The ad team really blew it when they showed pics of Yoona and Im Si hwan (Oh, wait ISH, ok) as the main couple, when in reality they weren’t. If you watch it knowing that Im Si hwan’s character was based on the real life of Genghis Khan’s grandson and know he was a lonely king who gave up the throne (that’s after the drama though) and realize Yoona was always attracted to HJH’s character and only wanted to be friends with ISH, then you’ll get it.
Fans were furious she didn’t end up with ISH because of the misleading info they’d gotten from the ad team.
Oh, and ISW went into military just after this drama.
In the novel they knew that she ends up with HJH and the king is lonely. He loved both Yoona and HJH in the novel, as in physically. But of course the drama wouldn’t go there…
HJH loved her too, but he wasn’t the king and the king had claimed her as “his person”. HJH sacrifices his wishes but it’s obvious to ISH who she truly loves and he finally lets them go, both of them.
I thought it was really good and was not happy that so many ISH fans gave it a really low rating because it didn’t end the way they thought it should.
There is some plot silliness here and there but I thought they cast the roles perfectly. HJH was Wang Ran (Lan) and ISH was a perfect Wang (?) eek, don’t remember.
The title of the drama is Wang Saranghe, which is King (Prince, Royalty, etc) Loves, because he loved both of them.
If I remember correctly (iirc) and SLS is second lead syndrome. Sorry I’m so lazy sometimes I just abbreviate 😅 That reminds of the love triangle in Novoland (I have to get back to that drama btw) and I am not really a fan of that type of stories. Not even JCW could make me finish Empress Ki because of mainly the love triangle in that drama as well. I might give it a try someday…just not now.
@giegie0384 I love the lyrics where Xiao Zhan sings he once fought with the most beautiful person in Gusu. I do remember the novel saying he never looked away from then on (was that in an extra chapter?)
But I was talking about more of a physical reaction…
@giegie0384 Spit it out in final episode? I kind of don’t remember that! Or what they made it relate too. Okay, I just woke up and now that’s the first thing I’m going to watch…
@giegie0384 Smacks self on head, of course that was the final line – now I remember.
You’re really skirting around the physical reaction, aren’t you? I was thinking more of other nice things that hugs usually lead to.
Haha Have you the “spit it out! Spit it out!” chapter yet? 😂 Not really. Now that I think about it, their first happened under the tree? iirc. So yeah the same might happen after that last scen in the drama 😉
@giegie0384 “spit it out…” I’m getting everything mixed up. In the novel was that the same chapter as when Wen Ning and Lan Yuan left? You know how the writers just re-arranged the timelines on happenings, so I’m thinking this bit took place right after the end scene instead of when WN and LY left.
I don’t really need any fan fic, I make up my own in my mind.
Yeah, their first time happened after WN & AY left. Agreed! We can just use our own imagination. 😉 and the “spit it out…” scene is included in the final ep.
@giegie0384 I do vaguely recall the line “spit it out” being said somewhere, but it wasn’t in the last episode. I’m now on ep 40 or 41 in the rewatch so will come across it soon.
Every day tencent posts new BTS or translates or does something with new scenes from Untamed.
btw, you’ve made me want to watch The King Loves again!
@giegie0384 I shoulda guess SLS for second lead, but I’d never have figured out iirc. I’ll use these abbrev now too.
I’m confused about Novoland as I watch and ff thru the latest episodes raw and have no clue what they’re talking about. But it looks like to me Asule only married her to save his friends life. She and the 2nd guy are the ones in love. Asule immediately leaves for somewhere else and meets another princess – who he’s way more compatible with and has more chemistry with. I think they fall in love, but since this princess isn’t barely listed in the supporting cast I’m not sure what will happen to her. I wish they’d end up together, but who knows, everybody might even die by the end. Novoland has just been weird for me, esp after Untamed.
King In Love: After thinking more, Im Si hwan as the prince – it really is his story, so he is the main character. It revolves around his love for both Yoona and Hong Jong hyun and he has the growth arc. HJH’s character is fully formed, he’s the strong, unwavering good guy hero (my daughter would call him a Mary Sue). I thought the drama was good because it did go a different route from the normal drama. It wasn’t as good as it could have been and if it had been a C-drama historical they would’ve done a better job I think!
I’m trying to re watch a bit of Guardian but I don’t think the leads have quite the same magnetic chemistry as in Untamed. And I’m having trouble with the supernatural elements in a modern drama. Did the censors really think just calling them “aliens from a different world” would fool anyone?
I’ve only watched up to ep 4 of Novoland, Asule is not married yet. I am going to finish Novoland for Liu Haoran, plus the show is stunning visually.
I don’t think I’ll enjoy The King’s Love then. I’ll pass. The story sounds depressing.
I think both Guardian and The Untamed leads are equal chemistry wise but acting wise the Guardian leads are far better. I loved and enjoyed both shows. Regarding the “aliens from a different world…” part, yup that was dumb. Writer was too lazy to come with a better and believable scenario. 😄
@giegie0384 I was only watching Novoland for Liu Haoran too, but decided to re watch NIF2 instead. I do keep up with the trailers on YT and I’m waiting to see how it ends before really watching it. If you like Liu Haoran as a person, he’s written a book that a couple of people have translated. This kid is quite wise for his age. He tells a story about he and Darren Wang’s experience in some class they did. I’ll have to go find the link if you’re interested.
I didn’t think KIL was depressing, though it sounds like it should be. It was quite touching and ultimately showed the three’s love for each other. But it wasn’t the best writing ever…
Aren’t the lead actors in Guardian more experienced acting wise than the kids in Untamed? I thought they did great for most of the cast being so young. But I don’t speak Chinese (thought I’ve started picking up Ni shi, wu shi etc). I thought it was the censors that said a modern drama couldn’t have supernatural things and told them to make it aliens. Oh, well. I skipped a lot of scenes in Guardian because the side stories I thought were boring. But as soon as I get over Untamed, I’m going to watch Guardian in total.
I love LHR. Watched almost all his works as well. If you find the link please share it here. THAnk you!
Yes, both Bai Yu and Zhu Yilong are far more experienced acting wise. I didn’t enjoy Guardian as much as I enjoyed/am enjoying The Untamed though. Is that so? I didn’t know those aliens were not the writer’s idea.
Did you see the link I posted above? If not, I’ll resend.
I haven’t been able to get back in to Guardian either, though I watched a few scenes here and there. To me, Guardian is a bit too cheesy and melodramatic, where Untamed is much lighter in tone but also with serious parts . The most important thing to engage me is whether it’s the writing, directing, acting, whichever causes me to totally engage emotionally with the characters, that’s why I like something. And I think Untamed far and above had such an emotional connection, with each other and so drew me in emotionally. Such electricity between LZ and WY! Especially the episodes 43-50.
Guardian I never really connected with the characters emotionally much, esp Bai Yu. I only started it because I was so impressed with Zhu Yilong in Granting You a Dreamlike Life and I wanted to see what else he was in.
Re LHR: I’ve only seen NIF2 and bits of With You. I’m starting to watch Novoland again, but I started at ep 35!
@linda-palapala Saw it, thank you! Will check it out later….
Agreed! I, myself, am emotionally connected with The Untamed chars more than Guardian’s. And that shitty ending!!! It’s so different from the novel (though I haven’t read the entire book yet) it frustrated and angered me. I love the Guardian novel though. The Untamed on the hand, I love every version.
I love LHR! Watched almost all his works. Thank you for the link. ^^
Yep, Both Bai Yu & Zhu Yilong are more experienced than ZX & WYB. But I didn’t enjoy the Guardian as much as I enjoyed/am enjoying The Untamed though. I had no idea the aliens were not the writer’s idea.
@giegie0384 Now on ep 43 – how did I either not remember or entirely miss the two lines where they realize they’re soulmates?? First, LZs brother telling WY that LZ told him LZ was his soulmate. Then later WY thinking to himself that he’s thankful he has his soulmate. How did I miss that?? Plus, there’s only one bed in the silent chamber…
Thought I’d gotten over emotional reactions but 43 did me in once again.
That scene was perfect! I love, love that scene. The music, mood, their silent words, and WY’s I’m sorry and Thank you words to LZ. I’m getting emotional just thinking of that scene.
And I loved their little trip with Little Apple! I’ve now watched those scenes in 43 a dozen times (and will again today…). From that point on, once WY knew LZ’s true feelings for sure and that he was his soulmate, their whole relationship changes, you can see it in every scene til the end. Be still, my heart!
If only all dramas could have the same kind of connection (with male/female leads) that WY and LZ had, they would be so much better. No need for a triangle, pouty females or annoying little girlish acting. Concentrate on how the leads are loyal to each other, become great friends and soulmates, and work together against “foes”.
Ikr? There’s not even a single skinship (not even a hug) and yet one can never not see the love they have for each other. Sigh. WWX and LWJ set the bar for the most romantic pairing and I’ll never forget them.
I was reading the final ep last night and in the novel it was WWX who called LZ’s name, but in the drama it’s reversed. I love discovering tiny details like this that the writer changed.
@giegie0384 I’m reading the chapters on Loyalty (80’s) that go along with ep 46 and the reveal. Wow, it’s almost word for word, and I didn’t remember the novel being so explicit about the bows and what they meant in Weiying’s mind.
And LZ calling him Wei Ying instead of Wei Wuxian – meant he thought of him as more than a brother, you know what I mean!
Also in Loyalty chapters I had forgotten Jiang Cheng thinks about their relationship and is at first confused because WY had always talked about women, and LZ seemed to neither be interested in males or females. Of course now I realize it was because LZ only loved WY since he was 15!
Back to reading…
Some comments on Viki are truly upset some of us would think their relationship is more than “pure love”.
The core reveal scene (both version) is probably my favorite scene from the story. Love it to pieces! The bow scene is so meaningful to WY. He has finally accepted himself as what he truly is and accepted and presented LZ to his adoptive parents as his soulmate and lifetime partner.
There are a lot Wang Yi Bo fans that cannot accept his role as LZ. So those fans are maybe the ones against LZ & WY couple. And they most likely have not read the novel.
I was commenting on another site about the bows and someone was furious and told me it didn’t mean that at all, that their love was pure and my thoughts was very disrespectful to the author. I asked if she meant the novel author or the drama and she said the novel. And then she said she hadn’t read the novel but she was sure a novel wouldn’t do that, that their love was “pure”…ha, ha! She said what I must have misinterpreted them having a physical relationship, . She wanted to read the novel and I told her which chapters she’d better skip.
Hahaha okay, that made me laugh 😂 If she has not read the novel then she should shut up. We are not idiots as to ship the characters without understanding their relationship and love for each other. And considering the drama is based on a BL novel (with veeeery explicit love scenes) it just makes me laugh how these people how call us out for calling WangXian couple’s relationship romantic. Are they freaking kidding me? Some people are just hilariously ignorant and naive.
I think I’ve found a gem of a show (not to take the place of Untamed, but add to the re-watch!). It’s Taiwanese about family, which they usually do a really nice job with, called Yong-jiu Grocery Store. It’s heartfelt, nostalgic and warm. Think I’m gonna like it.
I don’t like their silly rom-coms but when they can do really great family dramas. This one looks to be like that. It’s slow paced but really nice. I love the camera work too. I like the ones that take place in small remote villages with (I’m assuming) indigenous villagers and their simple lives. I think the message will be (per usual) the stressful life of the city isn’t for everyone, but family and an ordinary appreciation of small things is more important.
btw, I got bored with Before We Get Married. Too much teasing and not going anywhere until the last episode. Just skip everything and watch the last episode. By then it’s anti-climactic.
As far as not reading the novel, most of the negative comments I’ve read are from people who haven’t read the novel! At least this person admitted it. Then after all the self-righteous judging about BL, physical love instead of “pure” love
they want to read the novel. Hope she/he does. I feel we should – once again – rewatch and make notes of where all the scenes are that show their sexual tension thru their gazes.
Grocery Store is about a 30 year old who has to leave Taipei to watch over his grandpa’s grocery store while his grandpa is in hospital in a coma. At first he wishes he hadn’t gone, but realizes his life in Taipei for a huge company that puts too much pressure on him to get old people to sell their apts so the big company can build, well he realizes there must be more to life. He gradually comes to love everyone there. It has quite a few really nice flashbacks (for a change) to his childhood, his grandpa’s love life and why he opened the store, etc. Warm tones, nice music, nice camera work, just a nice warm feeling. Maybe I’m just in the mood for that!
In the meantime, I’m also slowly starting the 3rd time thru of Untamed, inbetween watching my favorite scenes from 14, 43 and 46 and the end and my favorite chapters of the novel…
I’m currently buried under my obsession with Untamed (seriously this show ang WangXian are on my mind almost every single minute of the day lol) so starting a new drama is out of the question for now and just watch the ones I am already following. Not to mention all the ff I can find plus rereading the novel, my time is not enough for The Untamed alone. 😅 Hopefully this obsession will stop soon so I can focus on other things and shows. I’m halfway through Before We Get Married so I might as well finish for the sake of finishing it. Plus I’m not really in the mood slice of life/family drama yet. I might check it out after this Untamed obsession is finished.
Hopefully those against WangXian couple will read the novel so they will understand why we love them so much and why we thinkthey are perfect for each and they are soulmates and they love each not as brothers but as husband and husband. Period! 😆
@giegie0384 I understand what you mean. I’m trying to get over the obsession. I mean, I usually get obsessed with shows but I’ve never had it this bad! Xiao Zhan seems to have a lot to do with it, which is surprising. I’m also watching a lot of his music videos on YT. He has such a beautifully rich quality to his voice. And I feel his personality is the same as WY, very outgoing and cheerful, a quality I admire since I’m an introvert! Spend most of my time daydreaming about scenes and chapters.
But why aren’t other dramas that feature male/female relationships as endearing as this one? Can two males just feel more comfortable with each other? They’re such a perfect pair and both the author and screenwriter brought that across perfectly.
Not to mention Ah Yuan and Wen Ning, and WY’s family, and LZ’s family, and Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen and…sigh.
Ahhhh his voice! Love, love his voice! And yes, XZ is mostly responsible for my Untamed obsession. I usually like guys like LZ but I somehow fall for the likes of WY instead. I can’t wait (though not so soon because I still can’t bear to see him with different leading lady) to see him in another drama and hopefully it will be successful as well. He seems to be hardworking and take his job seriously.
Speaking of couples, WangXian is definitely my couple of the year! I’m almost caught up with both the anime and the audio drama and it’s making me sad. I’ll just rewatch my fave scenes from the drama and reread the novel.
@giegie0384 WangXian is my favorite couple ever…I can’t think of any other couple that’s such perfect soulmates. And I was watching my favorite scenes just now.
Someone said LZ called WY Weiying from the very beginning. And re-watching, I think LZ had the “hots” for WY from the beginning too. That’s one reason he didn’t really want WY touching him because he was trying to restrain himself. Or maybe I’m seeing what I want to see! Reading between the lines and reading the extra chapters in the novel, LZ knew he was physically attracted to WY from the start, I won’t go so far as to say he knew he was gay, though celibate til then.
Thinking what I want to think, seems like the extra chapters in the novel might/coul have taken place during the last several minutes of the drama during the time lapses in between the different scenarios. At least in my imagination it’s good enough. And there are sentences in the novel here and there that could fit in, like the fact that LZ’s brother was in secluded meditation.
It will be really hard to see Xiao Zhan in anything else, I want him to be monogamous!
@giegie0384 My previous post probably is a little incoherent, can’t get proper thoughts together today.
Surely our fav scenes are the same: the first time WY gets LZ drunk, their punished and end up tied together in the cave.
Fighting the turtle. And that duet and the flashbacks – I get goosebumps just thinking about Wangxian duet and those flashbacks.
ep 42, 43, 46 the ending.
Any other time they’re looking at each other or LZ is protecting WY.
@giegie0384 Sorry, you’ve gotten my mind going again, coming up with all kinds of ideas. It takes me awhile to figure things out, or I have to be told, or I just make up stuff, but seems to me at the end when first LZ is playing the zither (forget Chinese name) it calls to WY and he comes and responds with the flute. Then at the last scene, WY is playing their song on the flute, which is calling to LZ to come, and he does.
My apologies for the late reply, as I am currently bingeing The King’s Avatar (and just the other day I said I wouldn’t start anythinv but here I am almost done with TKA 😅 I just want to watch something else I guess, coz my Untamed obsession is starting to get unhealthy lol).
Re: your fave scenes, yes, they’re mine as well. I love all our WangXian couple moments (even those painful ones) but the most memorable to me are “I’m sorry & Thank you”, core reveal scene, the rain scene after Jin Ling stabbed WWX, the scene before he got stabbed and the “I regret not being on your side during the Nightless city massacre”. Yep, I’m getting emotional. Becasue almost all of the mentioned above is not included in the novel. The writer added those scenes and i couldn’t thank him/her enough. I looooove those scenes.
@giegie0384 Super nice to hear from you finally! I’m glad you found something else to watch. I haven’t found anything else yet, but at the same time I can’t watch more than 10 minutes of Untamed at a time. I’ve started a couple other things but not to an obsession. I tried King’s Avatar but just wasn’t my thing (unless you tell me different and try again…)
I’ve been waiting to hear from you as someone on the Viki discussion group for Untamed had the best review ever and I asked her permission to copy it here:
masterpiece, the best and my all-time favourite drama. It’s everything I could ever want in a drama that contains all the best genres from Wuxia to comedy and has one of the best and strongest storylines ever. The Untamed is a live adaptation of the extremely famous BL novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation which already has great adaptations. This drama follows the adventures of two cultivators who travel to solve a series of murder mysteries… It’s about the boundary between evil and good, what is right and wrong, what is black and what is white. It’s more than bl but majority of people will see the chemistry and amazing romantic subtext between the leads which me and fans love and live for. However don’t let that put you off, because this drama can be enjoyed by everyone since it’s about so much more. I absolutely love Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, who are two of my favourite actors and a fan of. WWX was made for XZ and LWJ for WYB. No one could of played these roles any better because they were perfect. The emotions they displayed were just beyond amazing. Xiao Zhan is a fantastic actor, who embodied Wei Ying’s complex, strong minded, playful, humble and smart character perfectly. Wang Yibo is an amazing actor who embodied Lan Zhan’s silent, good, righteous, cool but caring character through his expressions and actions. Their chemistry and relationship is on another level, I can’t even express how sweet, emotional, touching and perfect it is. Through their stares, words and actions they formed a strong, beautiful and unbreakable bond that no one can top. The rest of the cast were all great and really got into their role. You will love the support characters complex and in depth storylines (good and evil) and see the dedication the actors put into portraying their characters with emotion. The Yi City arc is one of my favourites, it’s beautiful but heartbreaking. I have to say that the CGI, fighting scenes, set design, clothes and cinematography were awesome for this adaptation. Lastly, the script was amazing and left room for interpretation. The OST is absolutely beautiful. My favourite song (that I listen to 24/7) is Wu Ji, sung by XZ and WYB and I love the flute version. As well as Bu Wang and QuJinChenQing. Plus everyone has their own character song and official MVs were the lyrics are about their story and the relevant scenes shown, it’s wonderful but emotional. All the songs are full of emotion and just tie the whole drama toge
@giegie0384
The rest of her review:
the actors, writers and directors did a phenomenal job at taking us on a very emotional ride filled with beautiful and touching relationships, friendships, mysteries, stories, good, evil and more. I laughed and cried my heart out. I’m really sad that it has ended, I get emotional and tears fall when I watch clips, especially the ending. I can’t move on from it and I will forever rewatch CQL. I’m obsessed. Also I really recommend you watch all the bts because there the best!, XZ and WYB interactions are hilarious and cute. The Untamed is a must watch and I highly recommend it if y
@giegie0384 I didn’t remember those lines not being in the novel. Are you sure there weren’t similar lines?
Question: I just rewatched the scene where LZ’s brother tells WY about LZs past but he says LZ considers WY his “confidant” (ep 43/44?). I could swear the first time I watched that the translation was LZ considered WY his “soulmate”, not “confidante” which puts a whole different context in what’s meant and would mean more when WY says LZ is his soulmate later in the episode. So now I’m confused and wondering if I’m just remembering wrong.
@linda-palapala Thank you for sharing her review here. I love and I agree with everything she said!
I enjoyed The King’s Avatar, as someone who’s into online gaming. Being able to understand the jargons used when the characters talked about online games made me relate to the characters. 😄 The lack of romance works fine too. I love the camaraderie between the male leads and his teammates. It’s not for everyone though, specially if you are into online games.
@linda-palapala
The “I regret not being on yourside,” “when everyone hated me you’re the only who stayed by my side” “who am I to you…” and what LZ said to WY in front of everyone before JinLing stabbed him are not in the novel. LZ & WY never said those words to each other. I mentioned this in WWW under Outofthisworld’s post before, that those the writer could not include in the drama because of censorship he/she replaced them with equally and dare I say better (emotional impacts-wise) scenes. They are beautiful and some of the best scenes in both the novel and the drama!
@kimbapnoona: I know, that’s why I was quite surprised the drama used the word “intimate” and what it implies (at least to me in English). But then again, otherwise why else would JC be so upset at their close friendship and go so far as to say LZ is ruining the Lan clan’s righteousness and purity (my interpretation). Unless he’s just implying hanging around with the Yiling Patriarch is what’s ruining it.
Or maybe it can be taken two different ways: one way for those who haven’t read the novel and the other way for those who have.
@giegie0384 Ah, “intimate”. You know the reveal episode where Jiang Cheng accuses WY and LZ of being intimate friends and bringing shame to the Lan clan? Do you know what Chinese character was used for his use of “intimate” there?
@linda-palapala
In the scene you are referring to JC uses the same word “知己” which literally translates as “(the person who) knows thyself” -“soulmate” without the connotation of coupledom or “confidant.” The subber decides to translate as “intimate friendship” in the scene which perhaps flows better.
@giegie0384@kimbapnoona Thank you, but this is even more confusing, because at least where I’m from and English is spoken, the word “intimate” means someone you’re sleeping with and have sexual relations with. Is JC implying that’s what he thinks they’re doing?
I have a feeling the word ‘intimate” in Chinese understanding is a bit different from that.
@linda-palapala
I think of intimacy as familiarity or closeness, but yeah in the more modern usage the word “intimate” or “intimacy” often suggests something of a sexual nature. The Chinese word 知己 used in the drama script does not have any sexual connotation, just close friendship.
Also to the best of my knowledge this is a word that is used only in the drama perhaps to get around censorship by suggesting that their relationship is of the platonic nature. I don’t remember the novel uses this particular word….it is quite clear in the book what the nature of their relationship is lol. As matter of fact, in the book JC witnessed a close embrace between WangXian just before this scene and was fully aware perhaps for the first time that their relationship is of the romantic kind.
I feel you! I was just watching the finale ep earlier and was teary eyed the entire time. I miss the show already. I’ve reread the novel twice already! Not gonna read fanfics though… I stay away from those.
This obsession might last awhile longer. And after I’ve had my fill with the drama and the novel however many multiple times I read/watch, then I’ll try the anime.
Now that I finished reading the novel, I’m watching the anime.
To answer your question from the other thread, yes WJ fell for WWX almost immediately. They first met at night and fought, so it would’ve been the next day after class when WWX called out to WJ and smiled.
A month of WWX pestering LZ made him fall for him even more lol And iirc LZ called him Wei Ying for the first time in the scene where WWX showed him the porn book 😂
Regarding the Guardian, I think ZhaoLan is more shameless because he is already aware of his sexuality even before he met Shen Wei. The drama is also set in modern times, not to mention ZhaoLan fell in love with SW at first sight.
I’m reading the novel a second time too. I finished the anime, season 1, and I really like how they illustrated/animated Jiang Cheng’s mom. She’s fierce! I’m FF watching the drama, which was what I did for Guardian. I love the novel, including all the side characters and stories, but the drama production quality isn’t great, so I only want to watch the main leads.
I finished the anime the other night. Might start s2 raw, if subs take longer to be available.
Madam Yu is awesome! She owned the ep where Wen clan slaughtered her clan. As much as I love the drama, I have to agree with you on the quality of Untamed. It’s not as bad as Guardian though. 😄But the acting and writing make up for the mediocre quality.
They had a small budget, so I think they did the best they could technically. I’m much rather watch such a fantastic story with great writing, acting, directing, emotional beats and such great chemistry between the whole cast – then I don’t even notice or care about technical details.
Yes, just like Guardian, they did the best they could, but I just love the novel more. Besides the technical quality, the directing/editing, acting, and music are also a hit or miss for me. I liked some parts and didn’t like others. Regardless, I’ll finish the drama, since I’m excited to watch some of my favorite scenes from the novel.
The Yi City arc *sobs* both versions are awesome. Novel is very elaborate and detailed but the drama is as tagic & heartbreaking. And painfully beautiful. Kudos to the writer for coming up with such a very beautiful story arc.
Apparently they didn’t have a very big budget so there were some technical issues, but when I love a drama this much and there are some technical issues, I just consider it like watching a play where the scenes and background aren’t as important as the characters.
I loved the OSTS so much, still not tired of listening to them and love the lyrics. The battle music score, eh, not so much. Sounded canned.
I’ve found the drama enhances the novel visually and the novel enhances the drama’s emotional beats. So I’m loving both.
I thought the cast was pretty much perfect, they all fit my imaginings of what they must look like when reading the novel. The only misfit for me was Wen Qing, she always looked like she would either slowly walk or hop to her “mark” and then suddenly stop like, oh, wait, I’m supposed to be on this mark. Threw me off every time.
Yeah, the Mian bit was a fairly big slice. I was thinking more of just a couple sentences here and there but I’ll have to re-read and take notes on exactly what I’m talking about – will let you know. I haven’t even finished reading all the extra chapters yet (um, I just keep re-reading my favorite bits…). Do you know if there are more small instances of things said or done from those that are included in the drama?
@giegie0384 Question about something I’ve never been able to figure out what he means with that look: when Weiying falls off the cliff and Lanzhan grabs his hand. Jiang Cheng calls out for him to die and stabs with his sword. Question is: the sword went into the rock, right? But then Weiying looks startled and deliberately lets go of Lanzhan’s grip. Why? Why was he startled? Was he afraid Jiang Cheng would kill Lanzhan, or that the rock would give way and also take Lanzhan? I never got why that look or why he let go.
@linda-palapala Thank you for that question. I’ve been wanting to discuss that scene actually. That scene, to me, is interesting and open for interpretation. Knowing JC’s personality, I wonder if he really wanted to kill WY. He probably wanted to but I think he couldn’t do it. Him trying to stab WY could be just because of his anger (after witnessing her sister’s death) but in the end could not do it hence his sword’s change of direction. He’s a cultivator with high spiritual powers so it would’t be hard to kill WY with a single attack. WY saw the blade is near LZ’s wrist, one wrong move and it would cut off his hand. LZ would not let go so let go instead.
@giegie0384 Re that scene: your explanation works very well and is better than anything I could think of! Both JC’s motives (if he’d had another chance he might have really done it, but maybe he was hoping WY would do just what he did). I don’t know how quickly WY can think logically in a situation like that, but subconsciously I’m sure he didn’t want to take a change LZ would get hurt.
I was reminded of this scene from ep 42 (which I’m now on), after LZ is giving WY spiritual energy in the rain by the tree after LZ was stabbed, and WY remembers LZ was there when he fell from the cliff and called his name. I wonder if he only remembered that then. Where do I recall his bad memory – from the drama or the novel? I’m getting them mixed up lately!
@Giegie: forgot – speaking of re-watch and on ep 42, for the last several episodes I’m seeing scenes I don’t remember watching before – was I asleep the first time, or what? Or maybe I wasn’t paying attention to set ups so when there was a payoff I didn’t remember the previous scenes. Anyway, interesting.
In that scene you can clearly see how WY just gave up on his life. Only LZ is holding onto his clenched fist while WY is begging him to let go. He lost his memory (at least his memories of what happened during the Burial Mounds siege) in the novel version, not in the drama ver.
Same! (Re: the not remembering seeing some scenes) In ep 11? after Xue Yang is captured and brought to Uncleaned Real there is a scene where they mention Xue Yang’s surname (Xue) having the same surname as the first cultivator who used the Yin Tiger Seal and fed it with human souls and sacrificed countless human beings in the process.
@giegie0384 Same! I noticed the Xue part in 11 on the re watch too, but how could we have known the first time that was significant? I didn’t even realize the Burial Mounds were Xue’s old place at first, no matter how much they mentioned it. It finally dawned on me this time around (I’m now on my favorite ep 46). Their 3 bows in 46 are even more special after the “soulmate” reveal in 43.
@giegie0384 I always look forward to your replies every morning! Re the WWX saying LZ name in the novel, I didn’t remember that. I think I’m ready to re-read the novel now as I’m on ep 49 of drama and need to take a break from it before I lose all the emotions.
@linda-palapala It’s in the final chapter. WY is not really calling LZ’s name but more like he’s calling his attention because he wants to show him he can sit on the donkey lotus style. When LZ turned around, from then on he can not take his eyes off of WY anymore. Or something like that.
I am still at ep 14 on the rewatch but only because I reread on the side, catch up on the shows I am following and also gave in and read WangXian ff. I wasn’t able to watch anything last night because I was glued to this ff which Kimbapnoona made me read. I was willing to read it though… lol
@linda-palapala Iirc exilerebel explained the naming thing in Chinese culture as welll. Which is why the surprise look on LZ’s face when WY first calls him by his birth name and tells him he can also call WY by his birth name. To LZ, it means WY is willing to be friends (more than friends too 😉 ) with him, since only their loved ones and closest friends can call them by their birth names.
1st time WWX calls LWJ , LZ is in the 1st meeting itself.. when he is crossing the wall and is stopped by LWJ
After that we see LWJ not responding to him AT ALL..
and the next time LWJ actually responds to WWX’s calling out his name is in the library (which we know he responded only to LZ)
so keeping aside meaning of courtsey, official, and personal name
LZ literally does not respond to WWX if he is called by any other name ( between 1st and 2nd time, WWX tried so many things – ji xiong etc etc)
the guy was whipped in the 1st meeting only..
how bold of a statement is that (“I respond only when you call me by my birth name and I give you the right to call me by that name”)
Is anyone reading Heaven Official’s Blessings? It’s so GOOD! I’m already up to the latest chapter, and like NIF and Guardian, I’m waiting for the next chapter :_(
I may as well read Scum Villain System too. I’m also really excited about her new novel. The title sounds interesting: The Grim Reaper Never Have a Work Break.
Ah, you’re so ahead! I’ve only discovered online novels last year because of NIF and Guardian. Including Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s novels, they’re all so creative. If you have any recommendations, please share!
ya SVSS is least interesting of the three.. but still interesting.. it is so much more funny and ML is bumbling idiot 🙂 so green.. compared to other two books where MLs are in control and really smooth and suave in case of sang lan 🙂
ah!.. MXTX apparently put book 4 on hold.. god knows when we will get it
HOB anime is out in oct 🙂 (but ofcourse would be season based.. so i guess this will definitely spawn 3-5 years) ..and tencent has bought rights for live action.. but don’t think it will even start with pre-production work before 2020 or 2021.. i’d say 2022 before it hits tv
Most of BL adaptations come from the novel.. even ADDICTED is out there, ASHES OF LOVE (quality of translation is fine.. not super nice like MDZS.. but it is not bad either)
a lot of them are not translated 🙁 or partially translated .. di wang gong lue is really nice – there is anime and there is translated section of the novel (btw, in retrospect you will realize a lot of MDZS mythology is quite standard in BL novels) – this is a good novel but translation covers only gist of chapters shown in anime.. remaining chapters are not available.. but you can find spoilers to piece the story and learn about “interesting” moments
MDZS writer’s work as well? Haven’t heard of that one. Scum Villain System anime is in the works if İ am not mistaken. HOB is BL too? I’m almost caught up with MDZS audio and anime and I’m looking for something to read. Could you share the link? Or is it in exilerebel site too?
I second Ashes of Love. I like the drama version but the novel is much better than the drama imo. Less filler scenes and better characterization.
I love the Guardian novel! It’s so funny. I literally lol so many times. There are some passages in the novel that are so beautiful and heartwarming. @giegie0384 do you remember the scene when ZY saw SW emotions in color? My heart basically stopped lol.
I FF watched the drama, but every scene with the MCs are just excellent.
I love Guardian novel! It’s so funny even if some chapters are a bit scary. I agree on the beautiful passages, some are almost poetic. Kudos to the translator for doing a great job translating the novel. Is that the scene where SW is standing in the kitchen and ZY sees his emotions in color? That’s the scene, right? I have to get back to the novel. I put it on hold as the translation takes time to be available.
Yes! It was the kitchen scene 🙂 Absolutely love it. The drama version is also good. I also love the scene when ZY attempted the surprise house move only to discover what was in SW’s locked room. It really gave me shivers (in a good way).
I’ve been on a reading binge. Thus far, I’ve read or am reading (to the latest translated chapter):
Scum Villain System
Heaven Official’s Blessings
Faraway Wanderers
Liu Yao
Sha Po Lang
Through The Strait Gates
(I’m going to read the rest of Priest’s translated works)
Are those books all written by Priest? And are they all BL themed? Thank you for the recs. Will check them out asap, since I’m more into reading than watching lately.
You’ve blessed me with this link! Yes, I finished Scum but HOB isn’t completely translated online, so I can’t wait to finish it.
Yes, the rest are by Priest and they’re so good! They are BL, but even if they weren’t, I’d still read them because the stories are interesting, and she’s very good at building the setting, story, conflicts, characters and their development. A lot of her themes are interesting as well.
Liu Yao starts slow (not boring) since they’re kids, and it’s a very slow burn relationship (similar to Sha Po Lang), but I’m up to the latest chapter and can’t wait for the next one. I really wish they were all fully translated already!
I’ve looked them up (those you mentioned above) and iirc only Sha Po Lang is fully translated. I’m going to read SPL first, and will slowly read the others since they’re not complete yet. Shao Po Lang is going to have its live action adaptation next year btw.
Thank you for the recs. More recs in the future would be very much appreciated. 😉
I’m almost finished with HOB! Quan Yi Zhen and Yin Yu’s story is heartbreaking. I didn’t think I would like Pei Ming, but he’s hilarious and became one of my favorites. He’s the only one who’s perceptive and his eagerness for XL and HC to ‘exchange spiritual energy’ is just lol.
Is Sha Po Lang fully translated? I know Northwestern Flower is translating it, but she’s only on 110 and there are 128 chapters total. If you know of another link, please share, but she’s pretty quick and her translation is superb. Through her description, many scenes are truly cinematic and the nuanced emotions are palpable, just a work of art. I love it!
I hope the director and team behind this production is good because it’s heavy on character development, plot, action/war and technology.
@newso My apologies for the late reply. I was away DB for almost a month. Sigh slump. Anyway I was wrong about Sha Po Lang, translation is not complete yet. My bad. I’ll start it though since it’s almost finished and I’m also almost done with my HOB reread. (I love the novel so much I have to reread it just days after I finished reading it)
And coincidentally I’m at the Yin Yu & Quan Yi Zhen part in the book! You are so right, heartbreaking story. I blame Yin Yu’s general more than him though for what happened betweeen them. It’s not Quan Yi Zhen’s fault he’s better than Yin Yu as god and that nosy & jealous general just had to make things worse between the two.
I love Pei Ming (I ship him and Rain Master 😄) too. He ships HuaLian lol
No new news yet regarding Sha Po Lang live action but yep, hoping for a good production & cast.
Thank you in advance for that list. I’ll make a list of the ones I’ve read and enjoyed and will share with you.
@giegie0384 No worries! I haven’t been watching any dramas. Sadly, I’ve become a novel addict. Since HOB, I’ve read four more novels.
Yes, I totally ship Pei Ming and Rain Master! Finally, someone ups him. This inevitably just makes her ‘the one’.
So, I went into these last four novels blindly; there was no one to forewarn me that three of them were full of smut (it makes MDZS and SVS rather PG-13 if you can believe it), but two of them made me cry for different reasons.
Cold Sands
This is in the first person narrative, which I usually don’t like, so it took some mind shift to adjust to it. I don’t think it’s the best written novel; the translation is good, but the political machinations isn’t up to Priest’s level. Regardless, the story is terribly heartbreaking. If I didn’t read the extras, I would’ve been fine, but the extras broke the waterworks. Instead of the ending being bittersweet, it became bittersweet and tragic. http://bltranslation.blogspot.com/2014/08/cold-sands-prologue-ch1.html
Till Death Do Us Part
Same translator as Cold Sands, but he improved a lot in TDDUP. He’s selective in the stories he chooses to translate and has said the writer is exceptional. It’s a story of love (and reincarnation) set between late 1930s to 1980s during a time of war and political upheaval. The first half of the novel is full of smut. Initially, I was confused where the story was going, but in retrospect, the smut revealed the nuances in how their love developed and changed. The translation is emotional and poetic; I felt like I was also falling in love too. Yes, waterworks. http://bltranslation.blogspot.com/2015/10/till-death-do-us-part-tangstory.html
Thousand Autumns
This novel isn’t full translated, and I’m so bummed! So far, I love this story because it’s not a typical love story. The latest chapter is 44, and I would say they’re only almost friends, but not yet (because there’s a spoiler I won’t mention, which happens in chapter 45). https://www.novelupdates.com/series/thousand-autumns/
I am caught on Sha Po Lang, yay! Though I love it (it’s so well written and the plot is not draggy) I don’t like (not much) how tragic Gu Yun and Chang Geng’s backstories are. It’s just too much imo. And then they’re both sick now. As if their tragic & sad pasts was not enough.
Both Cold Sands and Thousand Autumns are on my to-read list already. I’ve also read half? of Till Do Us Part but had to put it on hold for now, because of it’s tragic/bitter sweet ending. I have to be in the mood for it first before I continue my read. I was surprised as well at the smut (like every chapter there’s smut 😆).
I’m currently reading The Husky and His Cat Shizun. It’s 300+ long but only 90 chapters are translated so far. It’s about second chances and making up for past mistakes. It’s not that great story-wise (a bit draggy and the writing style is outdated) but I’m such a sucker for “Hate/Revenge turned Love” type of stories. And I like the MC. He’s a despicable person in his past life, a manwhore & his present self hates his Sizhun. Here’s the link if you’re interested. https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1LwbkR2vZqj20tSKrdfkxYgV11N24FDKm?usp=sharing
I’ve also finished Thrive In Cathastropy a couple of weeks ago. It’s completely translated and it’s just 100 chapters long. This one’s MC is very smart and his characterization and character development is really good. The ML is super hot! It’s action packed and it’s set in modern times. I really recommend this one.
Yes, GY and CG backstories are sad, but for some reason, I’m not affected by them once I read beyond those parts. Maybe it’s because Priest doesn’t belabor them excessively, and even if they seem extreme at first, she somehow grounds them in reality. Totally agree, surprisingly, the plot doesn’t drag at all. When done well, I’ll always be interested in historical settings on the verge of change, which SPL does so brilliantly. There’s just something a bit melancholy yet hopeful when the new world replaces the old, and the latest chapter really moved me–what was once an idea/a dream written on paper finally came to life through the hard work and sacrifices of the people–the steam rail car 🙂 Aw, my heart was dancing and rejoicing with them.
I don’t recommend reading LTS if you end up not liking TDDUP. The translator said LTS was written in traditional Chinese and was harder to translate. Besides that, the story is more difficult to understand than TDDUP. Another point of interest is he only translates works pre-censorship in China, so out of curiosity, that makes me also interested in some of the other stories he translated. I think various readers will interpret the ending of TDDUP differently. I don’t know if I would call it tragic or bittersweet, maybe happy melancholy? It’s actually a story I didn’t expect to like, but it made a deep impression on me, which brings me to a story I recently finished, Gaze at the Scenes of Debauchery.
A fair warning, don’t read GatSoD if TDDUP isn’t your type of story because it’s labeled Tragedy/Angst while TDDUP is considered a Happy Ending (HE). I’m not at all seeking sad stories, but I read the first chapter and it really piqued my interest. It’s an emotional story about imperfect characters, and the author has a unique perspective on love, behavior, dependency and the human condition. https://exiledrebelsscanlations.com/novels/gaze-at-the-scenes-of-debauchery/
Golden Stage is my favorite new novel (up to the latest chapter)! I’m also a sucker for “Hate/Revenge turned Love”, but this one is “Frenemies turned Love” and the set-up is intriguing. I love every bit so far. There are two translators. The first person couldn’t continue due to her busy schedule, and although I prefer her translations, the second person is also good and seems highly dedicated. She’s posting 1-2 chapters per week. https://www.novelupdates.com/series/golden-stage/
Another story I’m reading is Encountering A Snake (there are only 7 chapters). It’s so poetic, I’m literally hypnotized but the story. I read it in Wattpad, but it’s also on novel updates. https://www.novelupdates.com/series/encountering-a-snake/
I’m up to date on Imperfections by Priest. It was a slow start and the pacing isn’t as good as SPL, but I don’t know if it’s because of the story or the translation. Also, the grammar and vocabulary are good, but the translation can be confusing at times. I’m finally looking forward to the next chapter.
Oops, just so it’s clear, Encountering A Snake is ongoing and has 7 chapters translated so far. I’m a sucker for reincarnation stories as well, which EAS is. I’m not excited about transmigration or rebirth stories, but I liked Scum Villain. I remember really liking the extra chapters too.
@newso So this reply is 2 months and a half late. My apologies. Real life has been stressful these past few months.
Novel-wise, I’m caught up on Priest’s Imperfections and Silent Reading. I like both but I’m enjoying Imperfections more. Interesting and unique story. And also because I enjoy science fiction novels. I put both Cold Sands & Till Death Do Us Part, mainly because both don’t have a happy ending (I like the story thoough & I read the ending, which later I regretted) Though Cold Sands has realistic ending than TDUUP I prefer the latter’s ending. Both are sad but TDDUP ending is more acceptable for me. It’s more subjective on my side. Cold Sands ending is just bittersweet and it made me pitty the leads more. I would have prefer it if book ended with them just going on their separate ways. Writer just had to writer the extra chapter. So yeah, both are on hold and I might not get back to them. Also, I prefer the writing in TDDUP that Cold Sands.
What are you watching/reading these days btw? Have you tried Joy Of Life? It’s so good! Clever characters, good story & engaging plot. The less focus on romance is also a plus.
Been planning to read Thousands Autumns but real life got in the way. I’ll try to start it one of these days. Will look up the ones you mention as well.
I saw “arranged marriage” as one of the tags for Golden Stage, I love it already! And it’s just 79 chapters! Encountering Snake on the other hand is updated every month. I think I’ll wait ‘till it’s almost done before I start reading. The wait for updates would surely kill me if I start reading now.
Thank you for the recs as always. You should try Priest Silent Reading.
Hello! Hope you’re well amid the coronavirus outbreak.
I signed up for a novelupdates account. Silent Reading is on my Reading List, but I haven’t started it yet. I love Sci-Fi as well, but for some reason, Imperfections didn’t capture my heart and soul. I like it enough and will definitely finish it, but it’s not a page turner for me.
If you’re interested in signing up, we can also follow each other there. I don’t know how to search for people, but I did a review on Song in the Clouds with the username Y.HL and have the same avatar: https://www.novelupdates.com/series/lost-you-forever/
Recent novels that I’m reading and absolutely love, ongoing translation:
Di Wang Gong Lue
It’s fun, funny, all the main characters are so endearing, and the MC/ML are just adorable.
Nan Chan
Atmospheric, intricate plot, interesting MC/ML and side characters/stories, strong chemistry between the MC/ML…all woven into a mystery, which slowly unravels bit by bit.
To Rule in a Turbulent World
A heartwarming gem about an underdog hero’s journey through growth, self-discovery and transformation. It’s an evenly paced, thought provoking, contemplative slice of life with never a dull moment and bucketloads of historical references.
The Husky and His White Cat Shizun
I’ve seen the title but ignored it because of its rebirth tag, but thanks to you, I’m up to the latest chapter. It reminds me a bit of MDZS and SVS but delves deeper into the characters’ emotional psychology and relationship, and the MC’s growth and redemption, which I really like.
I haven’t watched any dramas this year (I didn’t finish any dramas last year O.O), so I’ve heard of Joy of Life but haven’t watched it yet. I’ll definitely check it out since you recommended it.
@newso Hi! I’m doing well. Thank you for asking. I hope you & your family are doing well and safe as well.
So I created an account on Novel Updates and I followed you. I think. I don’t how things work on there yet, and it won’t let me send you a message.
Glad you’re enjoying Husky. I love Chu Wanning so much. I’ll read it again once the translation is finished. (I MTL’ed the rest of the novel.) Currently watching & reading a lot, and my current favourite is Peerless/Wushuang. I love the novel! (Thousands Autumns’ writer’s other work) The MC, Cui Buqu, is one of the most awesome MCs I’ve come across. Physically weak but mentally he’s on another level. I love the ML too. Narcissistic but he’ s willing to do anything (both of them actually) for CQ even if they pit each other every chance they get. Anyway give it a try if you have the time. I’m also up to date on Thousand Autumns.
I focus on the subtitles too much so miss lots of visual stuff, which makes me glad to have threads like this one and Viki.
For some reason I thought Huisang was after more than revenge for his brother, maybe it was just an assumption. After all, he had to be really clever to pull off such manipulation over so many years and fooled so many people. Besides, I think they played somewhat sinister music during his last scene. Will have to -once again- rewatch that part.
Just watched (I think 25th ep) so now I’m more confused about Wen Ning’s status and how he was controlled when they found him that rainy night and he attacked everyone.
Rainy night? You mean the place where the remaining Wen people were brought? He attacked those who tried to killed him. Those cultivators from the JingLin’s clan refused to say who killed WenNing. So WWX played the flute and asked WenNing instead.
I haven’t re-watched all of it but I think I remember Wei Ying saying why wasn’t he able to control Wen Ning with his flute – ? that was what confused me.
@linda-palapala That’s because Wen Ning is not really dead. His conciousness is just damage? taken? and only the dead can the flute control. If you are doing a rewatch from the beginning there’s a scene in earlier eps where Wen Qing mentions Wen Ning’s condition. Something happened to him when he was young and his sister is treating him. He’s volatile and loses control when he’s near the dark energy or something. That’s why Wen Qing does not like him leaving her side or wandering alone.
Even if NSH wanted to become the Chief Cultivator (which I doubt) he’s not powerful enough as compared to the other Sect leaders. Unlike JGY, whose spiritual power was high, and the other Sects’ leaders. He wouldn’t admit to what he did so that’s probably the reason for the sinister music.
I had a feeling while watching that even though NSH wasn’t powerful enough at that time, perhaps in the far future he might want the power – but that’s for another time and place.
I think it just reminded me of NIF2 a bit where PingJing was told he wasn’t responsible for what happens in the Capital in the future, to go and live his own life more or less as a free spirit. There are a few instances I find similar themes in both NIF2 and Untamed, which were things I love about both.
Just re watched the beginning of 50 – when NSH said “look out behind you” did he really think Jin Guang was moving, or was it to manipulate Lan Xichen into killing JG? Because I think it was totally manipulation, which to me was an unnecessary and evil thing to do.
Re NSH not being powerful, he’s so manipulative and clever I don’t see much difference between him and JG. I just don’t think he’s a good guy, he only pretends to be.
@linda-palapala JGY did not move, it’s NSH intention to have JGY killed. He wanted him dead! That scene honestly made me pity JGY. When he told LZC he never thought of wronging him. He’s manipulative and did unforgivable things but he really cared for LZC
@giegie0384
“Maybe in the future he’d walk the dark path”. …
Even though that’s true, and we won’t know because there won’t be a season 2 dealing with him or his future, I thought the point and the moral of that being included was the whole yin/yang thing that you never completely get rid of the lust for power and the evil that brings, but it isn’t Weiying and Lanzhan’s responsibility to get rid of Huisang because of what he “might” do in the future. I liked the point they made (at least for me!) because then they would become like the clans who wanted to get rid of all Wen sect/clan whether they were guilty or not and because of what they “might” do.
It also reminds me of an episode of Supernatural that my daughter watches. She was furious that the protagonist Dean, who’s supposed to be the good guy, killed a skin changer because she “might” do something evil 10 years later. She’d never done anything wrong yet, but she “might” later. But it was “okay” for him to kill her because she wasn’t human.
@linda-palapala I started rewatching the show & there’s a lot of details in ep 1 alone (NSH at the storyteller’s place and paying him after, LSZ recognizing the song WWX is playing, which just means that LZ must have sang the song to him when he was little). And yes, NHS did manipulate everything. But, his manipulation resulted to not just getting justice for his brother’s death but also to WWX getting his name cleared up. He got his revenge, those who needed to be punished got punished, WWX proved his innocence and most importantly he and LZ reunited. So though he manipulated and used WWX & LZ to achieve his goal, in a way he gave them the opportunity to reveal the truth and at the same time prove WWX’s innocence. Nothing came out of his manipulation except good. I don’t think he’s a bad person but more like “more than meets the eye” type of person. Let’s just hope he wouldn’t use his cleverness against & hurt good people.
@giegie0384 Re your comment on the re-watch. Yes, I agree – I’d been thinking about that aspect after I posted the dark path comment. He did inadvertently start the whole ball rolling so to speak. And the eventual outcome wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t done that. There’d be no story!
Re Supertnatural: My daughter hates Dean. She thinks he’s a mass murdering sociopath – but it’s okay (in his mind) because after all, he’s the “good guy”. Ya’ know, the self righteous, can-do-no-wrong good guy that does all the things bad guys do but it’s all okay.
Kind of reminds me of the Jin clan after they got rid of the Wen Clan.
NHS in the beginning – I think when I saw him in the later episodes and he was the one carrying a fan, I went back and looked at the beginning and realized it had to be him, as he was the only one who carried that fan.
@linda-palapala Dean is the older brother right? Or not? 😅 I’ve only seen 2?3? Seasons of Supernatural that was a few years back,..can’t recall the brothers’ names already.
I think NSH started making his revenge plans after he found out about his brother’s real murderer. He wouldn’t have done what he did if not for his revenge. He actually reminds of NIF strategist Mei ChangSu. They are both willing to use and manipulate (and even hurt) their friends to achieve their goal. They’re not bad people but just driven by their thirst for revenge.
@giegie0384 Yes, Dean is the older brother. My daughter says the show should be named the “It’s All About Dean” show. Because it’s all about poor Dean. Almost every episode ends with a close up of Dean.
I guess as far as NSH goes, it was just so surprising at how clever and smart he must have been when all those years he played the “I don’t know” bit so no one would suspect he was the (eek, I can’t remember the saying…”) whatever animal was behind the cicada.
I keep thinking about different aspects (like I was trying to take a nap but kept thinking about Untamed).
Since the headband couldn’t be touched by anyone but parent, child or wife, and he tied himself together with Wei Ying in the cave (Ep 6), thinking back, at that point Lan Zhan considered Wei Ying to belong to him. And he did let him touch him and treated him differently from then on.
Lan Zhan had never had friends, nor did he seem attracted to anyone, either male or female, before Wei Ying. His brother even encouraged him to be closer to Wei Ying – did he have a suspicion at that point about them? Or was he just hoping for LZ to have a friend? Ha, ha.
NSH became the “ I don’t know” person after his brother’s death and he became the clan leader. I think it’s his way of protecting himself while planning his revenge. He was just a carefree with poor spiritual superpower lad and with no interest whatsoever in becoming their clan’s leader before. His brother’s death and finding out who killed him changed him as a person.
LZ’s brother is the first shipper of WangXian. Lol.
He can see the changes in LZ’s mood everytime he’s with WY or whenever he’s mentioned. And I think WY caught LZ’s attention because of how smart he is. I noticed his reaction when WY said something about the corpse during their first meeting. LZ likes brainy people. You’re right about the forehead ribbon scene. Knowing it’s significance it’s clear LZ considered WY as his soulmate already. Now that I think about it, I wonder why LZ’s lady ancestor did not say anything about it.
Btw, as I do my re-watch I can’t stop grinning/smiling whenever WY & LZ are together.
@giegie0384 Love your latest comment! Especially about LZ brother being their first shipper! And that what caught LZ attention was how smart and clever Wei ying is.
I guess we all should thank Huisang, since without his interference they wouldn’t have had a happy ending!
1
0
Modal title
Modal title
Modal title
Modal title
A verification email has been sent to your new email address.
Please click the link in that email to complete the email change process.
Modal title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit,
sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna
Giegie
August 21, 2019 at 9:10 AM
Top gif is how a person’s face looks like when he’s finally with the only person he wished to be w/ by his side.💞
Thank you TheUntamed for making me come out of my cave & post something on DB again.
Giegie
August 21, 2019 at 9:18 AM
@lindapalapala @newso I thought I’d create a thread where we can talk about the show and stop hi-jacking Outifthisworld’s post lol
@jenmole @kimbapnoona just because 😆 @zetteceniza (sorry sa spoilers 😄) @alasecond thank you for the link to the novel.
Giegie
August 21, 2019 at 10:44 AM
@linda-palapala wrong username above 😅 are you done watching the show?
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 11:04 AM
Well, I’ve only watched ep 50 twice now and have lots of comments! My take: which I’m sure is yours too? Weiying follows Lanzhan to Cloud (obviously). Finally the translation is Lanzhan became chief cultivator (a position of power which isn’t a good thing in a C-drama). The Huisang scene shows the yin/yang theme that you never completely abolish the potential for evil (via C-drama wanting power as evil). Obviously in the end LanZhan decides to follow WeiYing and thus follows the novel. How could anyone doubt that after all they’ve been through! (And some people commenting on Viki didn’t realize that).
Someone who comments a lot on Viki noticed them sneaking in the wedding too!
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 11:06 AM
Oops again – LanZhan surely has given up his position of power – the only way to have a happy ending in C-dramaland.
Giegie
August 21, 2019 at 11:58 AM
My take on the ending. 3 different clothes, 3 different meetings and 3 different timelines. I couldn’t understand it at first when LZ silently refused WY when he asked him if he would come with him, because LZ would never refused him over anything. But the scene after explained it. He became the Chief Cultivator in replaced of his brother, who could not take on the position yet after what happened to his sworn brother and finding out the reason behind his other brother’s death. LZ had to help his brother first, who was the only person who helped when he himself was in the same situation because of WWX’s death 13 yrs ago. I thought WWX playing their song when he left after their second meeting was his way of letting LZ know he’s still waiting for him. After LZ made sure his brother was ok, he finally went to find WWX, hence the surprise on WWX’s face when he heard LZ’s voice.
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 12:17 PM
Comment was deleted
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 12:18 PM
Guess I’ll re watch the ending just for the clothes…
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 12:36 PM
OMG – you are so right on! Just watched again and they used the clothes to show the different timelines. Wow. I would have never noticed that. Your explanation is the correct one and now every line spoken makes so much more sense.
So glad you’re here…
alasecond
August 21, 2019 at 12:50 PM
i don’t see NHS as evil.. like he said, he will do what he has to do.. and what doesn’t concern him he won’t interfere
He had to take revenge for his brother, he was left without a family
And for him JGY is directly responsible
Also, LWJ had no choice.. LXC is in seclusion and heartbroken, will take a lot of time.. no other sect.. Jing Ling is too young, NHS won’t do, gusu is the only option left given they are pegged above JC in power and diplomacy.. JC has also only rebuilt his sect over last 16 years
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 12:57 PM
Sorry, I didn’t mean for it to sound as if he was evil, but that the desire to be chief cultivator and that power might turn to evil eventually, as most in power do turn. The future is left unknown. And you don’t have to necessarily believe what NHS said about not wanting it. Actually, I got that feeling mostly from the novel.
And I now realize (as I should have realized to begin with, smack myself) that yes, LWJ really had no choice when LXC went into seclusion but to temporarily take that position. So glad you both set me straight, as I’m not sure I was smart enough to figure it out myself, as I usually can’t figure stuff out w/o some hints!
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 2:03 AM
Agreed!
JC has to protect and assist Jin Ling as well from his greedy relatives so the only option left is LZ.
@linda-palapala I agree with alasecond above. NSH just wanted revenge for his brother. Wrong method but he had to do it, considering the relationship of the murderer had with his brother.
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 10:56 AM
I didn’t mind hijacking Outofthisworld post because now a couple other people have gotten interested and I also think she’s might try to watch. I follow Marcus Sim’s reviews on youtube and he keeps showing his ignorance about Untamed with his comments – since he hasn’t watched it!
alasecond
August 21, 2019 at 12:52 PM
ha ha. i know he is only putting out untamed in the videos because he knows its popular and breaking records
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 1:34 PM
What was annoying was his mentioning fans saying it followed the novel but how can that be since it’s only a bromance. Which showed his ignorance unfortunately because I usually like his reviews.
zette
August 21, 2019 at 2:45 PM
Bakit mo ko tinag? Kaloka ka! Ayan tuloy pati comments section binasa ko na. Hahaha 😅
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 2:04 AM
Hahaha sorry! Catch up ka na kasi…
zette
August 22, 2019 at 2:54 AM
I’m trying my best, okay? Heto na, manonood na. Hahaha
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 8:39 AM
Go, Zette! Share us your thoughts after you’re done watching ^^
zette
August 22, 2019 at 4:53 PM
I will probably make more gifs and fan posts while watching! Haha Join me in spazzing again please! 😊
Giegie
August 23, 2019 at 5:48 AM
Sure thing! Would love to spazz with you as I’m rewatching the drama from the beginning. 😉
Linda Palapala
August 22, 2019 at 4:09 PM
Another interesting tidbit from an article about gay marriage in Ancient China:
“there was even a patron deity of homosexuality, the rabbit…”
But you probably knew this already…
Linda Palapala
August 25, 2019 at 7:42 AM
@giegie0384 It looks like things are winding down. So glad you made this thread and you came back to post! I rarely post anymore either. Most kdramas these days are either too silly or just badly written, imo.
If you happen to watch any C-drama anywhere nearly as good as Untamed, please let us know!
I’m trying several but haven’t found anything yet. I seem to prefer wuxia over modern or xianxia – when they’re really good. I don’t care for palace intrigue and the modern ones lately all seem to have the same tired plots and the love triangle with an annoying 2nd lead.
If dramas could do boy/girl romance relationships as good as Untamed, where there doesn’t even have to be physical contact because the gazes are even more sensual than a kiss, and the leads build such a deep relationship and love, all dramas would be so much better.
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 6:52 AM
Not really 😄 Jenmole created this whatsapp group chat where we (& kimbapnoona) talk about the show everyday. I am currently rewatching the show and rereading the novel. Just finished the anime and will start the audio drama next. So it’s over yet. It will take a while before this obsession ends. Sigh.
We would love to have you in the group chat if you would like to join. ^^
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 6:52 AM
It’s not over*
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 8:51 AM
Back to the story and the scene in the cave:
I know the headband thing can only be touched by the wife, I know at that point Lan Zhan knew they were soulmates.
But I’m more reminded of a saying I’ve heard in several dramas “This is MY person” and from then on that’s what Lan Zhan thought. I just kind of like thinking of it that way.
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 11:33 AM
I like your “This is MY person” comment btw. But isn’t it mostly in Korean historical dramas? I prefer the “You are my wife now but you don’t know it yet” scenario. 😉
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 11:43 AM
@giegie0384 “You are my wife but don’t know it yet”, practically the same thing as “you are my person”! Yes, probably I’ve seen it mostly in k-dramas. I remember specifically however, from King in Love and it was patterned somewhat after a C-drama historical.
Giegie
August 27, 2019 at 6:20 AM
@linda-palapala I haven’t watched King In Love. Yoona & Im SiHwan drama right?
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 8:42 AM
I’m on ep 37 of my 3rd re watch. I watch the BTS on Youtube multiple times and listen to the OSTs over and over.
I try to get into other things, but one little tidbit I watch just starts the whole thing again.
How do I find the group?
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 10:00 AM
@giegie0384 Funny, I don’t remember ep 37 being this good!
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 10:33 AM
Ep 37 is the drunk LZ ep right? I haven’t watched the all the bts but I listen to the instrumental ost everyday. It’s my bgm when I (re) read chaps from the novel.
Do you have wattsapp? I can you in the group if you’re comfortable sharing your phone number here. Just delete it after.
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 10:33 AM
I can add* you….
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 10:39 AM
@giegie0384 I seem to be the only person left on earth who doesn’t have a phone…
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 10:48 AM
No you’re not. My mom does not have a phone either. She does have a tablet but it’s for games purposes only. She loves candy crash. 😀
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 10:58 AM
@giegie0384 Ha, that’s funny! Most women I know play either Spider Solitaire or Candy Crush. I’m a Spider player myself (up to half a million points). Love my tablet because it’s the only way I can easily hear the music when I use headphones. Our big tv has a crap sound system and you can’t hear the music at all. So it’s the big tv for visual details and the tablet for sound!
Since I work at home and have no friends I haven’t needed anything but a land line. All my friends are here on DB or fb. Though friends on fb have unfollowed me because I mostly only post C-drama videos and pics
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 11:35 AM
That too. She plays Solitaire too. She even quarells with my nephew over the tablet. Lol. She’s a game addict! 😂
Linda Palapala
August 27, 2019 at 8:10 AM
@giegie0384 King in Love is not only Yoona, Im Siwan but mostly Hong Jong Hyun.
Giegie
August 27, 2019 at 11:39 AM
Is that the drama (I’ve heard of it last year iirc) with very strong sls? I usually stay away from dramas with love triangle. Can’t handle those. And it’s ISH comeback drama right? Would you recommend it?
Linda Palapala
August 27, 2019 at 11:58 AM
@giegie0384 Forgive me, I don’t know what is iirc, sls, ISH…and I’ve been wanting to know but too embarrassed to ask. Please tell me!
I hate love triangles. This one was a bit different and spoilers ahead, but if you know the spoilers you’ll actually enjoy the drama more.
The ad team really blew it when they showed pics of Yoona and Im Si hwan (Oh, wait ISH, ok) as the main couple, when in reality they weren’t. If you watch it knowing that Im Si hwan’s character was based on the real life of Genghis Khan’s grandson and know he was a lonely king who gave up the throne (that’s after the drama though) and realize Yoona was always attracted to HJH’s character and only wanted to be friends with ISH, then you’ll get it.
Fans were furious she didn’t end up with ISH because of the misleading info they’d gotten from the ad team.
Oh, and ISW went into military just after this drama.
In the novel they knew that she ends up with HJH and the king is lonely. He loved both Yoona and HJH in the novel, as in physically. But of course the drama wouldn’t go there…
HJH loved her too, but he wasn’t the king and the king had claimed her as “his person”. HJH sacrifices his wishes but it’s obvious to ISH who she truly loves and he finally lets them go, both of them.
I thought it was really good and was not happy that so many ISH fans gave it a really low rating because it didn’t end the way they thought it should.
There is some plot silliness here and there but I thought they cast the roles perfectly. HJH was Wang Ran (Lan) and ISH was a perfect Wang (?) eek, don’t remember.
The title of the drama is Wang Saranghe, which is King (Prince, Royalty, etc) Loves, because he loved both of them.
Giegie
August 28, 2019 at 7:39 AM
If I remember correctly (iirc) and SLS is second lead syndrome. Sorry I’m so lazy sometimes I just abbreviate 😅 That reminds of the love triangle in Novoland (I have to get back to that drama btw) and I am not really a fan of that type of stories. Not even JCW could make me finish Empress Ki because of mainly the love triangle in that drama as well. I might give it a try someday…just not now.
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 6:55 AM
Can’t even bring myself to try any currently airing cdrama/kdrama. I am following 3 kdramas though, just not up to date.
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 8:47 AM
I had to put other dramas on hold for sure. Everytime I try to watch another one, I’ll watch a few minutes and go back to Untamed.
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 10:36 AM
Same! But I don’t mind. I love the drama so much, and this doesn’t happen often.
Regarding the ending: Let’s just say from then on WY has never looked away from LZ face.
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 10:42 AM
@giegie0384 I love the lyrics where Xiao Zhan sings he once fought with the most beautiful person in Gusu. I do remember the novel saying he never looked away from then on (was that in an extra chapter?)
But I was talking about more of a physical reaction…
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 10:46 AM
No,that’s the last line in the final chapter.
Hug LZ like his life depended on it maybe? 😍
Linda Palapala
August 27, 2019 at 8:12 AM
@giegie0384 Spit it out in final episode? I kind of don’t remember that! Or what they made it relate too. Okay, I just woke up and now that’s the first thing I’m going to watch…
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 8:52 AM
I keep imagining what probably happened after that last scene where Weiying turns around and see Lanzhan.
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM
@giegie0384 Smacks self on head, of course that was the final line – now I remember.
You’re really skirting around the physical reaction, aren’t you? I was thinking more of other nice things that hugs usually lead to.
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 11:40 AM
Haha Have you the “spit it out! Spit it out!” chapter yet? 😂 Not really. Now that I think about it, their first happened under the tree? iirc. So yeah the same might happen after that last scen in the drama 😉
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 11:40 AM
First time*
Same thing*
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 11:47 AM
@giegie0384 “spit it out…” I’m getting everything mixed up. In the novel was that the same chapter as when Wen Ning and Lan Yuan left? You know how the writers just re-arranged the timelines on happenings, so I’m thinking this bit took place right after the end scene instead of when WN and LY left.
I don’t really need any fan fic, I make up my own in my mind.
Giegie
August 27, 2019 at 6:25 AM
Yeah, their first time happened after WN & AY left. Agreed! We can just use our own imagination. 😉 and the “spit it out…” scene is included in the final ep.
Linda Palapala
August 27, 2019 at 12:01 PM
@giegie0384 I do vaguely recall the line “spit it out” being said somewhere, but it wasn’t in the last episode. I’m now on ep 40 or 41 in the rewatch so will come across it soon.
Every day tencent posts new BTS or translates or does something with new scenes from Untamed.
btw, you’ve made me want to watch The King Loves again!
Giegie
August 28, 2019 at 7:43 AM
“Spit it out…” bit is in the penultimate chapter, not the final, sorry. But it’s after WN & AY left… And that line in included in the drama.
Giegie
August 28, 2019 at 7:44 AM
That line is not included* in the drama version…
Linda Palapala
August 28, 2019 at 8:09 AM
@giegie0384 I shoulda guess SLS for second lead, but I’d never have figured out iirc. I’ll use these abbrev now too.
I’m confused about Novoland as I watch and ff thru the latest episodes raw and have no clue what they’re talking about. But it looks like to me Asule only married her to save his friends life. She and the 2nd guy are the ones in love. Asule immediately leaves for somewhere else and meets another princess – who he’s way more compatible with and has more chemistry with. I think they fall in love, but since this princess isn’t barely listed in the supporting cast I’m not sure what will happen to her. I wish they’d end up together, but who knows, everybody might even die by the end. Novoland has just been weird for me, esp after Untamed.
King In Love: After thinking more, Im Si hwan as the prince – it really is his story, so he is the main character. It revolves around his love for both Yoona and Hong Jong hyun and he has the growth arc. HJH’s character is fully formed, he’s the strong, unwavering good guy hero (my daughter would call him a Mary Sue). I thought the drama was good because it did go a different route from the normal drama. It wasn’t as good as it could have been and if it had been a C-drama historical they would’ve done a better job I think!
I’m trying to re watch a bit of Guardian but I don’t think the leads have quite the same magnetic chemistry as in Untamed. And I’m having trouble with the supernatural elements in a modern drama. Did the censors really think just calling them “aliens from a different world” would fool anyone?
Giegie
August 29, 2019 at 10:08 AM
I’ve only watched up to ep 4 of Novoland, Asule is not married yet. I am going to finish Novoland for Liu Haoran, plus the show is stunning visually.
I don’t think I’ll enjoy The King’s Love then. I’ll pass. The story sounds depressing.
I think both Guardian and The Untamed leads are equal chemistry wise but acting wise the Guardian leads are far better. I loved and enjoyed both shows. Regarding the “aliens from a different world…” part, yup that was dumb. Writer was too lazy to come with a better and believable scenario. 😄
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 11:02 AM
The top pic: first a sigh of relief and then happiness. The 2nd pic: Lan Zhan’s beautiful smile.
Giegie
August 27, 2019 at 11:42 AM
He rarely smile and when he does he’s usually with his WY! ❤️
Linda Palapala
August 29, 2019 at 11:39 AM
@giegie0384 I was only watching Novoland for Liu Haoran too, but decided to re watch NIF2 instead. I do keep up with the trailers on YT and I’m waiting to see how it ends before really watching it. If you like Liu Haoran as a person, he’s written a book that a couple of people have translated. This kid is quite wise for his age. He tells a story about he and Darren Wang’s experience in some class they did. I’ll have to go find the link if you’re interested.
I didn’t think KIL was depressing, though it sounds like it should be. It was quite touching and ultimately showed the three’s love for each other. But it wasn’t the best writing ever…
Aren’t the lead actors in Guardian more experienced acting wise than the kids in Untamed? I thought they did great for most of the cast being so young. But I don’t speak Chinese (thought I’ve started picking up Ni shi, wu shi etc). I thought it was the censors that said a modern drama couldn’t have supernatural things and told them to make it aliens. Oh, well. I skipped a lot of scenes in Guardian because the side stories I thought were boring. But as soon as I get over Untamed, I’m going to watch Guardian in total.
Linda Palapala
August 29, 2019 at 11:59 AM
Here’s the link:
https://liuhaoranintl.com/2019/06/18/the-eye-of-the-storm-chapter-five-cold/
Giegie
August 30, 2019 at 10:16 AM
I love LHR. Watched almost all his works as well. If you find the link please share it here. THAnk you!
Yes, both Bai Yu and Zhu Yilong are far more experienced acting wise. I didn’t enjoy Guardian as much as I enjoyed/am enjoying The Untamed though. Is that so? I didn’t know those aliens were not the writer’s idea.
Linda Palapala
August 30, 2019 at 10:35 AM
Did you see the link I posted above? If not, I’ll resend.
I haven’t been able to get back in to Guardian either, though I watched a few scenes here and there. To me, Guardian is a bit too cheesy and melodramatic, where Untamed is much lighter in tone but also with serious parts . The most important thing to engage me is whether it’s the writing, directing, acting, whichever causes me to totally engage emotionally with the characters, that’s why I like something. And I think Untamed far and above had such an emotional connection, with each other and so drew me in emotionally. Such electricity between LZ and WY! Especially the episodes 43-50.
Guardian I never really connected with the characters emotionally much, esp Bai Yu. I only started it because I was so impressed with Zhu Yilong in Granting You a Dreamlike Life and I wanted to see what else he was in.
Re LHR: I’ve only seen NIF2 and bits of With You. I’m starting to watch Novoland again, but I started at ep 35!
Giegie
August 31, 2019 at 8:11 AM
@linda-palapala Saw it, thank you! Will check it out later….
Agreed! I, myself, am emotionally connected with The Untamed chars more than Guardian’s. And that shitty ending!!! It’s so different from the novel (though I haven’t read the entire book yet) it frustrated and angered me. I love the Guardian novel though. The Untamed on the hand, I love every version.
Giegie
August 30, 2019 at 10:29 AM
I love LHR! Watched almost all his works. Thank you for the link. ^^
Yep, Both Bai Yu & Zhu Yilong are more experienced than ZX & WYB. But I didn’t enjoy the Guardian as much as I enjoyed/am enjoying The Untamed though. I had no idea the aliens were not the writer’s idea.
Linda Palapala
August 28, 2019 at 5:16 PM
@giegie0384 Now on ep 43 – how did I either not remember or entirely miss the two lines where they realize they’re soulmates?? First, LZs brother telling WY that LZ told him LZ was his soulmate. Then later WY thinking to himself that he’s thankful he has his soulmate. How did I miss that?? Plus, there’s only one bed in the silent chamber…
Thought I’d gotten over emotional reactions but 43 did me in once again.
Linda Palapala
August 28, 2019 at 5:17 PM
AArgh, I mean he told WY that LZ told him WY was his (LZ) soulmate.
Giegie
August 30, 2019 at 10:31 AM
That scene was perfect! I love, love that scene. The music, mood, their silent words, and WY’s I’m sorry and Thank you words to LZ. I’m getting emotional just thinking of that scene.
Linda Palapala
August 30, 2019 at 10:37 AM
And I loved their little trip with Little Apple! I’ve now watched those scenes in 43 a dozen times (and will again today…). From that point on, once WY knew LZ’s true feelings for sure and that he was his soulmate, their whole relationship changes, you can see it in every scene til the end. Be still, my heart!
Linda Palapala
August 30, 2019 at 10:42 AM
If only all dramas could have the same kind of connection (with male/female leads) that WY and LZ had, they would be so much better. No need for a triangle, pouty females or annoying little girlish acting. Concentrate on how the leads are loyal to each other, become great friends and soulmates, and work together against “foes”.
Giegie
August 31, 2019 at 8:16 AM
Ikr? There’s not even a single skinship (not even a hug) and yet one can never not see the love they have for each other. Sigh. WWX and LWJ set the bar for the most romantic pairing and I’ll never forget them.
Giegie
August 31, 2019 at 8:17 AM
I was reading the final ep last night and in the novel it was WWX who called LZ’s name, but in the drama it’s reversed. I love discovering tiny details like this that the writer changed.
Linda Palapala
September 1, 2019 at 5:30 PM
@giegie0384 I’m reading the chapters on Loyalty (80’s) that go along with ep 46 and the reveal. Wow, it’s almost word for word, and I didn’t remember the novel being so explicit about the bows and what they meant in Weiying’s mind.
And LZ calling him Wei Ying instead of Wei Wuxian – meant he thought of him as more than a brother, you know what I mean!
Also in Loyalty chapters I had forgotten Jiang Cheng thinks about their relationship and is at first confused because WY had always talked about women, and LZ seemed to neither be interested in males or females. Of course now I realize it was because LZ only loved WY since he was 15!
Back to reading…
Some comments on Viki are truly upset some of us would think their relationship is more than “pure love”.
Giegie
September 3, 2019 at 7:32 AM
The core reveal scene (both version) is probably my favorite scene from the story. Love it to pieces! The bow scene is so meaningful to WY. He has finally accepted himself as what he truly is and accepted and presented LZ to his adoptive parents as his soulmate and lifetime partner.
There are a lot Wang Yi Bo fans that cannot accept his role as LZ. So those fans are maybe the ones against LZ & WY couple. And they most likely have not read the novel.
Linda Palapala
September 3, 2019 at 8:42 AM
I was commenting on another site about the bows and someone was furious and told me it didn’t mean that at all, that their love was pure and my thoughts was very disrespectful to the author. I asked if she meant the novel author or the drama and she said the novel. And then she said she hadn’t read the novel but she was sure a novel wouldn’t do that, that their love was “pure”…ha, ha! She said what I must have misinterpreted them having a physical relationship, . She wanted to read the novel and I told her which chapters she’d better skip.
Giegie
September 3, 2019 at 10:17 AM
Hahaha okay, that made me laugh 😂 If she has not read the novel then she should shut up. We are not idiots as to ship the characters without understanding their relationship and love for each other. And considering the drama is based on a BL novel (with veeeery explicit love scenes) it just makes me laugh how these people how call us out for calling WangXian couple’s relationship romantic. Are they freaking kidding me? Some people are just hilariously ignorant and naive.
Linda Palapala
September 3, 2019 at 8:52 AM
I think I’ve found a gem of a show (not to take the place of Untamed, but add to the re-watch!). It’s Taiwanese about family, which they usually do a really nice job with, called Yong-jiu Grocery Store. It’s heartfelt, nostalgic and warm. Think I’m gonna like it.
Giegie
September 3, 2019 at 10:19 AM
I usually stay away from Taiwanese dramas nowadays. But I need to finish Before We Get Married.
Linda Palapala
September 3, 2019 at 10:51 AM
I don’t like their silly rom-coms but when they can do really great family dramas. This one looks to be like that. It’s slow paced but really nice. I love the camera work too. I like the ones that take place in small remote villages with (I’m assuming) indigenous villagers and their simple lives. I think the message will be (per usual) the stressful life of the city isn’t for everyone, but family and an ordinary appreciation of small things is more important.
btw, I got bored with Before We Get Married. Too much teasing and not going anywhere until the last episode. Just skip everything and watch the last episode. By then it’s anti-climactic.
As far as not reading the novel, most of the negative comments I’ve read are from people who haven’t read the novel! At least this person admitted it. Then after all the self-righteous judging about BL, physical love instead of “pure” love
they want to read the novel. Hope she/he does. I feel we should – once again – rewatch and make notes of where all the scenes are that show their sexual tension thru their gazes.
Linda Palapala
September 3, 2019 at 10:56 AM
Grocery Store is about a 30 year old who has to leave Taipei to watch over his grandpa’s grocery store while his grandpa is in hospital in a coma. At first he wishes he hadn’t gone, but realizes his life in Taipei for a huge company that puts too much pressure on him to get old people to sell their apts so the big company can build, well he realizes there must be more to life. He gradually comes to love everyone there. It has quite a few really nice flashbacks (for a change) to his childhood, his grandpa’s love life and why he opened the store, etc. Warm tones, nice music, nice camera work, just a nice warm feeling. Maybe I’m just in the mood for that!
In the meantime, I’m also slowly starting the 3rd time thru of Untamed, inbetween watching my favorite scenes from 14, 43 and 46 and the end and my favorite chapters of the novel…
Giegie
September 3, 2019 at 11:34 AM
I’m currently buried under my obsession with Untamed (seriously this show ang WangXian are on my mind almost every single minute of the day lol) so starting a new drama is out of the question for now and just watch the ones I am already following. Not to mention all the ff I can find plus rereading the novel, my time is not enough for The Untamed alone. 😅 Hopefully this obsession will stop soon so I can focus on other things and shows. I’m halfway through Before We Get Married so I might as well finish for the sake of finishing it. Plus I’m not really in the mood slice of life/family drama yet. I might check it out after this Untamed obsession is finished.
Hopefully those against WangXian couple will read the novel so they will understand why we love them so much and why we thinkthey are perfect for each and they are soulmates and they love each not as brothers but as husband and husband. Period! 😆
Linda Palapala
September 3, 2019 at 11:42 AM
@giegie0384 I understand what you mean. I’m trying to get over the obsession. I mean, I usually get obsessed with shows but I’ve never had it this bad! Xiao Zhan seems to have a lot to do with it, which is surprising. I’m also watching a lot of his music videos on YT. He has such a beautifully rich quality to his voice. And I feel his personality is the same as WY, very outgoing and cheerful, a quality I admire since I’m an introvert! Spend most of my time daydreaming about scenes and chapters.
But why aren’t other dramas that feature male/female relationships as endearing as this one? Can two males just feel more comfortable with each other? They’re such a perfect pair and both the author and screenwriter brought that across perfectly.
Not to mention Ah Yuan and Wen Ning, and WY’s family, and LZ’s family, and Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen and…sigh.
Giegie
September 4, 2019 at 12:04 PM
Ahhhh his voice! Love, love his voice! And yes, XZ is mostly responsible for my Untamed obsession. I usually like guys like LZ but I somehow fall for the likes of WY instead. I can’t wait (though not so soon because I still can’t bear to see him with different leading lady) to see him in another drama and hopefully it will be successful as well. He seems to be hardworking and take his job seriously.
Speaking of couples, WangXian is definitely my couple of the year! I’m almost caught up with both the anime and the audio drama and it’s making me sad. I’ll just rewatch my fave scenes from the drama and reread the novel.
Linda Palapala
September 4, 2019 at 1:09 PM
@giegie0384 WangXian is my favorite couple ever…I can’t think of any other couple that’s such perfect soulmates. And I was watching my favorite scenes just now.
Someone said LZ called WY Weiying from the very beginning. And re-watching, I think LZ had the “hots” for WY from the beginning too. That’s one reason he didn’t really want WY touching him because he was trying to restrain himself. Or maybe I’m seeing what I want to see! Reading between the lines and reading the extra chapters in the novel, LZ knew he was physically attracted to WY from the start, I won’t go so far as to say he knew he was gay, though celibate til then.
Thinking what I want to think, seems like the extra chapters in the novel might/coul have taken place during the last several minutes of the drama during the time lapses in between the different scenarios. At least in my imagination it’s good enough. And there are sentences in the novel here and there that could fit in, like the fact that LZ’s brother was in secluded meditation.
It will be really hard to see Xiao Zhan in anything else, I want him to be monogamous!
Linda Palapala
September 4, 2019 at 1:14 PM
@giegie0384 My previous post probably is a little incoherent, can’t get proper thoughts together today.
Surely our fav scenes are the same: the first time WY gets LZ drunk, their punished and end up tied together in the cave.
Fighting the turtle. And that duet and the flashbacks – I get goosebumps just thinking about Wangxian duet and those flashbacks.
ep 42, 43, 46 the ending.
Any other time they’re looking at each other or LZ is protecting WY.
Linda Palapala
September 4, 2019 at 1:28 PM
@giegie0384 Sorry, you’ve gotten my mind going again, coming up with all kinds of ideas. It takes me awhile to figure things out, or I have to be told, or I just make up stuff, but seems to me at the end when first LZ is playing the zither (forget Chinese name) it calls to WY and he comes and responds with the flute. Then at the last scene, WY is playing their song on the flute, which is calling to LZ to come, and he does.
Giegie
September 7, 2019 at 8:29 AM
My apologies for the late reply, as I am currently bingeing The King’s Avatar (and just the other day I said I wouldn’t start anythinv but here I am almost done with TKA 😅 I just want to watch something else I guess, coz my Untamed obsession is starting to get unhealthy lol).
Re: your fave scenes, yes, they’re mine as well. I love all our WangXian couple moments (even those painful ones) but the most memorable to me are “I’m sorry & Thank you”, core reveal scene, the rain scene after Jin Ling stabbed WWX, the scene before he got stabbed and the “I regret not being on your side during the Nightless city massacre”. Yep, I’m getting emotional. Becasue almost all of the mentioned above is not included in the novel. The writer added those scenes and i couldn’t thank him/her enough. I looooove those scenes.
Giegie
September 7, 2019 at 8:30 AM
One more scene: LZ’s “who am I to you?” to WY. Super love that one.
Linda Palapala
September 7, 2019 at 8:58 AM
@giegie0384 Super nice to hear from you finally! I’m glad you found something else to watch. I haven’t found anything else yet, but at the same time I can’t watch more than 10 minutes of Untamed at a time. I’ve started a couple other things but not to an obsession. I tried King’s Avatar but just wasn’t my thing (unless you tell me different and try again…)
I’ve been waiting to hear from you as someone on the Viki discussion group for Untamed had the best review ever and I asked her permission to copy it here:
masterpiece, the best and my all-time favourite drama. It’s everything I could ever want in a drama that contains all the best genres from Wuxia to comedy and has one of the best and strongest storylines ever. The Untamed is a live adaptation of the extremely famous BL novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation which already has great adaptations. This drama follows the adventures of two cultivators who travel to solve a series of murder mysteries… It’s about the boundary between evil and good, what is right and wrong, what is black and what is white. It’s more than bl but majority of people will see the chemistry and amazing romantic subtext between the leads which me and fans love and live for. However don’t let that put you off, because this drama can be enjoyed by everyone since it’s about so much more. I absolutely love Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, who are two of my favourite actors and a fan of. WWX was made for XZ and LWJ for WYB. No one could of played these roles any better because they were perfect. The emotions they displayed were just beyond amazing. Xiao Zhan is a fantastic actor, who embodied Wei Ying’s complex, strong minded, playful, humble and smart character perfectly. Wang Yibo is an amazing actor who embodied Lan Zhan’s silent, good, righteous, cool but caring character through his expressions and actions. Their chemistry and relationship is on another level, I can’t even express how sweet, emotional, touching and perfect it is. Through their stares, words and actions they formed a strong, beautiful and unbreakable bond that no one can top. The rest of the cast were all great and really got into their role. You will love the support characters complex and in depth storylines (good and evil) and see the dedication the actors put into portraying their characters with emotion. The Yi City arc is one of my favourites, it’s beautiful but heartbreaking. I have to say that the CGI, fighting scenes, set design, clothes and cinematography were awesome for this adaptation. Lastly, the script was amazing and left room for interpretation. The OST is absolutely beautiful. My favourite song (that I listen to 24/7) is Wu Ji, sung by XZ and WYB and I love the flute version. As well as Bu Wang and QuJinChenQing. Plus everyone has their own character song and official MVs were the lyrics are about their story and the relevant scenes shown, it’s wonderful but emotional. All the songs are full of emotion and just tie the whole drama toge
Linda Palapala
September 7, 2019 at 9:00 AM
@giegie0384
The rest of her review:
the actors, writers and directors did a phenomenal job at taking us on a very emotional ride filled with beautiful and touching relationships, friendships, mysteries, stories, good, evil and more. I laughed and cried my heart out. I’m really sad that it has ended, I get emotional and tears fall when I watch clips, especially the ending. I can’t move on from it and I will forever rewatch CQL. I’m obsessed. Also I really recommend you watch all the bts because there the best!, XZ and WYB interactions are hilarious and cute. The Untamed is a must watch and I highly recommend it if y
Linda Palapala
September 7, 2019 at 9:09 AM
@giegie0384 I didn’t remember those lines not being in the novel. Are you sure there weren’t similar lines?
Question: I just rewatched the scene where LZ’s brother tells WY about LZs past but he says LZ considers WY his “confidant” (ep 43/44?). I could swear the first time I watched that the translation was LZ considered WY his “soulmate”, not “confidante” which puts a whole different context in what’s meant and would mean more when WY says LZ is his soulmate later in the episode. So now I’m confused and wondering if I’m just remembering wrong.
Giegie
September 9, 2019 at 8:37 AM
@linda-palapala Thank you for sharing her review here. I love and I agree with everything she said!
I enjoyed The King’s Avatar, as someone who’s into online gaming. Being able to understand the jargons used when the characters talked about online games made me relate to the characters. 😄 The lack of romance works fine too. I love the camaraderie between the male leads and his teammates. It’s not for everyone though, specially if you are into online games.
Giegie
September 9, 2019 at 8:45 AM
@linda-palapala
The “I regret not being on yourside,” “when everyone hated me you’re the only who stayed by my side” “who am I to you…” and what LZ said to WY in front of everyone before JinLing stabbed him are not in the novel. LZ & WY never said those words to each other. I mentioned this in WWW under Outofthisworld’s post before, that those the writer could not include in the drama because of censorship he/she replaced them with equally and dare I say better (emotional impacts-wise) scenes. They are beautiful and some of the best scenes in both the novel and the drama!
Linda Palapala
September 3, 2019 at 4:54 PM
This is now my favorite OST: QuJinChenQing (Xiao Zhan):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKwKOPgK_JM
Linda Palapala
September 9, 2019 at 8:58 AM
@giegie0384 Did you read the tumblr article that @outofthisworld posted? It’s translated from a weibo article: It really gives lovely insights
https://midorigable.tumblr.com/post/186575125770/20-things-about-the-untamed-part-1-part-1-part
Giegie
September 9, 2019 at 12:15 PM
Not yet but I’ll read it later today. A bit busy for now…but I’ll not read anything The Untamed related stuff.
Giegie
September 9, 2019 at 12:15 PM
I’ll never not* read…
Linda Palapala
September 9, 2019 at 5:09 PM
@kimbapnoona: I know, that’s why I was quite surprised the drama used the word “intimate” and what it implies (at least to me in English). But then again, otherwise why else would JC be so upset at their close friendship and go so far as to say LZ is ruining the Lan clan’s righteousness and purity (my interpretation). Unless he’s just implying hanging around with the Yiling Patriarch is what’s ruining it.
Or maybe it can be taken two different ways: one way for those who haven’t read the novel and the other way for those who have.
Linda Palapala
September 9, 2019 at 12:29 PM
I’m suddenly starting to see the word “confidante” everywhere!
Giegie
September 9, 2019 at 12:48 PM
😄 Confidante is closer than friend and in WangXian’s case the word “intimate” can be added to describe them.
Linda Palapala
September 9, 2019 at 1:04 PM
@giegie0384 Ah, “intimate”. You know the reveal episode where Jiang Cheng accuses WY and LZ of being intimate friends and bringing shame to the Lan clan? Do you know what Chinese character was used for his use of “intimate” there?
🍙 kimbap noona
September 9, 2019 at 4:05 PM
@linda-palapala
In the scene you are referring to JC uses the same word “知己” which literally translates as “(the person who) knows thyself” -“soulmate” without the connotation of coupledom or “confidant.” The subber decides to translate as “intimate friendship” in the scene which perhaps flows better.
Linda Palapala
September 9, 2019 at 4:27 PM
@giegie0384 @kimbapnoona Thank you, but this is even more confusing, because at least where I’m from and English is spoken, the word “intimate” means someone you’re sleeping with and have sexual relations with. Is JC implying that’s what he thinks they’re doing?
I have a feeling the word ‘intimate” in Chinese understanding is a bit different from that.
🍙 kimbap noona
September 9, 2019 at 4:52 PM
@linda-palapala
I think of intimacy as familiarity or closeness, but yeah in the more modern usage the word “intimate” or “intimacy” often suggests something of a sexual nature. The Chinese word 知己 used in the drama script does not have any sexual connotation, just close friendship.
Also to the best of my knowledge this is a word that is used only in the drama perhaps to get around censorship by suggesting that their relationship is of the platonic nature. I don’t remember the novel uses this particular word….it is quite clear in the book what the nature of their relationship is lol. As matter of fact, in the book JC witnessed a close embrace between WangXian just before this scene and was fully aware perhaps for the first time that their relationship is of the romantic kind.
alasecond
August 21, 2019 at 10:00 AM
i have gone down the fan fic rut..
this is so difficult to cope up with.. i don’t know how mnay times i have rewatched the drama and reread the novel
Giegie
August 21, 2019 at 10:32 AM
I feel you! I was just watching the finale ep earlier and was teary eyed the entire time. I miss the show already. I’ve reread the novel twice already! Not gonna read fanfics though… I stay away from those.
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 10:58 AM
This obsession might last awhile longer. And after I’ve had my fill with the drama and the novel however many multiple times I read/watch, then I’ll try the anime.
Giegie
August 21, 2019 at 11:44 AM
Ikr. I am watching the anime (on ep 7) and enjoying it so far.
alasecond
August 21, 2019 at 12:54 PM
Anime i have consciously avoided since last year.. want to watch it once the whole thing is out.. next season is 2020..too long a wait
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 2:05 AM
Second season is already out but no subs yet?
news
August 21, 2019 at 4:32 PM
Now that I finished reading the novel, I’m watching the anime.
To answer your question from the other thread, yes WJ fell for WWX almost immediately. They first met at night and fought, so it would’ve been the next day after class when WWX called out to WJ and smiled.
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 2:12 AM
A month of WWX pestering LZ made him fall for him even more lol And iirc LZ called him Wei Ying for the first time in the scene where WWX showed him the porn book 😂
Regarding the Guardian, I think ZhaoLan is more shameless because he is already aware of his sexuality even before he met Shen Wei. The drama is also set in modern times, not to mention ZhaoLan fell in love with SW at first sight.
alasecond
August 21, 2019 at 12:53 PM
Did you listen to audio boooks..
ha ha.. so good
there is one where “LWJ accompanies you to sleep” .. it is so sexy
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 2:06 AM
Could you send me the link?
Jenmole🍊
August 22, 2019 at 7:01 PM
Comment was deleted
Jenmole🍊
August 22, 2019 at 7:02 PM
I believe it’s this one. I don’t think it’s completed.
https://kittykat2010.tumblr.com/mdzsaudio
Giegie
August 23, 2019 at 5:50 AM
Thank you @jenmole
Not done watching the anime but here I am starting the audio books 😂
Linda Palapala
August 23, 2019 at 7:25 AM
I’m on 28 on the re-watch, but I keep getting distracted by ep 46 and re-watching it again, and again, and again…it must be my favorite episode!
Jenmole🍊
August 23, 2019 at 4:59 PM
That scene had me crying! 😢 My other favorite episode is 43, the Thank you and I’m sorry scene. ♥️
Linda Palapala
August 23, 2019 at 7:43 PM
Oh, yeah, me too!
Giegie
August 24, 2019 at 4:07 AM
The core reveal scene! One of my faves!
news
August 25, 2019 at 7:16 PM
I’m reading the novel a second time too. I finished the anime, season 1, and I really like how they illustrated/animated Jiang Cheng’s mom. She’s fierce! I’m FF watching the drama, which was what I did for Guardian. I love the novel, including all the side characters and stories, but the drama production quality isn’t great, so I only want to watch the main leads.
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 7:01 AM
I finished the anime the other night. Might start s2 raw, if subs take longer to be available.
Madam Yu is awesome! She owned the ep where Wen clan slaughtered her clan. As much as I love the drama, I have to agree with you on the quality of Untamed. It’s not as bad as Guardian though. 😄But the acting and writing make up for the mediocre quality.
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 8:46 AM
They had a small budget, so I think they did the best they could technically. I’m much rather watch such a fantastic story with great writing, acting, directing, emotional beats and such great chemistry between the whole cast – then I don’t even notice or care about technical details.
news
August 26, 2019 at 5:43 PM
Omg *TEARS* Yi City was so epic in the drama; It was perfectly done, and I loved every second of it.
news
August 26, 2019 at 12:58 PM
Yes, just like Guardian, they did the best they could, but I just love the novel more. Besides the technical quality, the directing/editing, acting, and music are also a hit or miss for me. I liked some parts and didn’t like others. Regardless, I’ll finish the drama, since I’m excited to watch some of my favorite scenes from the novel.
Giegie
August 27, 2019 at 6:29 AM
The Yi City arc *sobs* both versions are awesome. Novel is very elaborate and detailed but the drama is as tagic & heartbreaking. And painfully beautiful. Kudos to the writer for coming up with such a very beautiful story arc.
Linda Palapala
August 27, 2019 at 12:06 PM
Apparently they didn’t have a very big budget so there were some technical issues, but when I love a drama this much and there are some technical issues, I just consider it like watching a play where the scenes and background aren’t as important as the characters.
I loved the OSTS so much, still not tired of listening to them and love the lyrics. The battle music score, eh, not so much. Sounded canned.
I’ve found the drama enhances the novel visually and the novel enhances the drama’s emotional beats. So I’m loving both.
I thought the cast was pretty much perfect, they all fit my imaginings of what they must look like when reading the novel. The only misfit for me was Wen Qing, she always looked like she would either slowly walk or hop to her “mark” and then suddenly stop like, oh, wait, I’m supposed to be on this mark. Threw me off every time.
alasecond
August 28, 2019 at 5:29 AM
No.. budget wasn’t that big a constraint.. this is a huge fandom..infact they were sure that fandom by itself will ensure success of the drama
BUT ofcourse the fact that they treated this creative content well and gave an amazing output, the success was way more than anyone imagined..
all well deserved.. specially the casting team and the cast 🙂
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 8:53 AM
Is it my imagination, or do the extra chapters contain a few thoughts and words that were included in the drama?
Need to take notes…
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 10:28 AM
It’s not your imagination. Mian Mian and her family scene is not in the main story. It’s in of the extra chaps.
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 10:34 AM
Yeah, the Mian bit was a fairly big slice. I was thinking more of just a couple sentences here and there but I’ll have to re-read and take notes on exactly what I’m talking about – will let you know. I haven’t even finished reading all the extra chapters yet (um, I just keep re-reading my favorite bits…). Do you know if there are more small instances of things said or done from those that are included in the drama?
Linda Palapala
August 28, 2019 at 9:08 AM
@giegie0384 Question about something I’ve never been able to figure out what he means with that look: when Weiying falls off the cliff and Lanzhan grabs his hand. Jiang Cheng calls out for him to die and stabs with his sword. Question is: the sword went into the rock, right? But then Weiying looks startled and deliberately lets go of Lanzhan’s grip. Why? Why was he startled? Was he afraid Jiang Cheng would kill Lanzhan, or that the rock would give way and also take Lanzhan? I never got why that look or why he let go.
Giegie
August 28, 2019 at 11:46 AM
@linda-palapala Thank you for that question. I’ve been wanting to discuss that scene actually. That scene, to me, is interesting and open for interpretation. Knowing JC’s personality, I wonder if he really wanted to kill WY. He probably wanted to but I think he couldn’t do it. Him trying to stab WY could be just because of his anger (after witnessing her sister’s death) but in the end could not do it hence his sword’s change of direction. He’s a cultivator with high spiritual powers so it would’t be hard to kill WY with a single attack. WY saw the blade is near LZ’s wrist, one wrong move and it would cut off his hand. LZ would not let go so let go instead.
Giegie
August 26, 2019 at 10:40 AM
I’ll take note myself while doing my rewatch and reread but so far I only know of Mian Mian scene.
Linda Palapala
August 26, 2019 at 10:43 AM
It’s more of a word or two or sentence that seemed to fit something in the drama. Aargh, must take better notes!
Linda Palapala
August 28, 2019 at 12:23 PM
@giegie0384 Re that scene: your explanation works very well and is better than anything I could think of! Both JC’s motives (if he’d had another chance he might have really done it, but maybe he was hoping WY would do just what he did). I don’t know how quickly WY can think logically in a situation like that, but subconsciously I’m sure he didn’t want to take a change LZ would get hurt.
I was reminded of this scene from ep 42 (which I’m now on), after LZ is giving WY spiritual energy in the rain by the tree after LZ was stabbed, and WY remembers LZ was there when he fell from the cliff and called his name. I wonder if he only remembered that then. Where do I recall his bad memory – from the drama or the novel? I’m getting them mixed up lately!
Linda Palapala
August 28, 2019 at 12:28 PM
@Giegie: forgot – speaking of re-watch and on ep 42, for the last several episodes I’m seeing scenes I don’t remember watching before – was I asleep the first time, or what? Or maybe I wasn’t paying attention to set ups so when there was a payoff I didn’t remember the previous scenes. Anyway, interesting.
Giegie
August 29, 2019 at 10:23 AM
In that scene you can clearly see how WY just gave up on his life. Only LZ is holding onto his clenched fist while WY is begging him to let go. He lost his memory (at least his memories of what happened during the Burial Mounds siege) in the novel version, not in the drama ver.
Same! (Re: the not remembering seeing some scenes) In ep 11? after Xue Yang is captured and brought to Uncleaned Real there is a scene where they mention Xue Yang’s surname (Xue) having the same surname as the first cultivator who used the Yin Tiger Seal and fed it with human souls and sacrificed countless human beings in the process.
Linda Palapala
August 29, 2019 at 11:45 AM
@giegie0384 Same! I noticed the Xue part in 11 on the re watch too, but how could we have known the first time that was significant? I didn’t even realize the Burial Mounds were Xue’s old place at first, no matter how much they mentioned it. It finally dawned on me this time around (I’m now on my favorite ep 46). Their 3 bows in 46 are even more special after the “soulmate” reveal in 43.
Giegie
August 31, 2019 at 8:22 AM
@linda-palapala which is why rewatching is fun. It lets you re-discover the tiny details the writer is dropping each episode. ^^
Linda Palapala
August 31, 2019 at 8:26 AM
@giegie0384 I always look forward to your replies every morning! Re the WWX saying LZ name in the novel, I didn’t remember that. I think I’m ready to re-read the novel now as I’m on ep 49 of drama and need to take a break from it before I lose all the emotions.
Giegie
September 1, 2019 at 3:10 AM
@linda-palapala It’s in the final chapter. WY is not really calling LZ’s name but more like he’s calling his attention because he wants to show him he can sit on the donkey lotus style. When LZ turned around, from then on he can not take his eyes off of WY anymore. Or something like that.
I am still at ep 14 on the rewatch but only because I reread on the side, catch up on the shows I am following and also gave in and read WangXian ff. I wasn’t able to watch anything last night because I was glued to this ff which Kimbapnoona made me read. I was willing to read it though… lol
Linda Palapala
September 1, 2019 at 9:50 AM
@giegie0384 Here’s a great article on their names: I esp like the comment about why LZ calls WY Wei Ying.
https://tvislove.wordpress.com/2019/08/31/chinese-name/
Giegie
September 3, 2019 at 7:43 AM
@linda-palapala Iirc exilerebel explained the naming thing in Chinese culture as welll. Which is why the surprise look on LZ’s face when WY first calls him by his birth name and tells him he can also call WY by his birth name. To LZ, it means WY is willing to be friends (more than friends too 😉 ) with him, since only their loved ones and closest friends can call them by their birth names.
alasecond
September 4, 2019 at 3:29 AM
Ok in live action, funny thing is
1st time WWX calls LWJ , LZ is in the 1st meeting itself.. when he is crossing the wall and is stopped by LWJ
After that we see LWJ not responding to him AT ALL..
and the next time LWJ actually responds to WWX’s calling out his name is in the library (which we know he responded only to LZ)
so keeping aside meaning of courtsey, official, and personal name
LZ literally does not respond to WWX if he is called by any other name ( between 1st and 2nd time, WWX tried so many things – ji xiong etc etc)
the guy was whipped in the 1st meeting only..
how bold of a statement is that (“I respond only when you call me by my birth name and I give you the right to call me by that name”)
alasecond
October 9, 2019 at 7:22 AM
ha ha.. and imagine i have been at it for a year now
news
September 8, 2019 at 12:49 PM
Comment was deleted
news
September 8, 2019 at 12:51 PM
Is anyone reading Heaven Official’s Blessings? It’s so GOOD! I’m already up to the latest chapter, and like NIF and Guardian, I’m waiting for the next chapter :_(
I may as well read Scum Villain System too. I’m also really excited about her new novel. The title sounds interesting: The Grim Reaper Never Have a Work Break.
alasecond
September 8, 2019 at 9:35 PM
ha ha.. i read long back.. it is good!
news
September 9, 2019 at 5:14 AM
Ah, you’re so ahead! I’ve only discovered online novels last year because of NIF and Guardian. Including Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s novels, they’re all so creative. If you have any recommendations, please share!
alasecond
September 9, 2019 at 5:27 AM
ya SVSS is least interesting of the three.. but still interesting.. it is so much more funny and ML is bumbling idiot 🙂 so green.. compared to other two books where MLs are in control and really smooth and suave in case of sang lan 🙂
ah!.. MXTX apparently put book 4 on hold.. god knows when we will get it
HOB anime is out in oct 🙂 (but ofcourse would be season based.. so i guess this will definitely spawn 3-5 years) ..and tencent has bought rights for live action.. but don’t think it will even start with pre-production work before 2020 or 2021.. i’d say 2022 before it hits tv
alasecond
September 9, 2019 at 5:30 AM
Most of BL adaptations come from the novel.. even ADDICTED is out there, ASHES OF LOVE (quality of translation is fine.. not super nice like MDZS.. but it is not bad either)
a lot of them are not translated 🙁 or partially translated .. di wang gong lue is really nice – there is anime and there is translated section of the novel (btw, in retrospect you will realize a lot of MDZS mythology is quite standard in BL novels) – this is a good novel but translation covers only gist of chapters shown in anime.. remaining chapters are not available.. but you can find spoilers to piece the story and learn about “interesting” moments
news
September 9, 2019 at 9:01 AM
Thanks! Btw, I figured ML is Male Lead, but I saw MC elsewhere, and what does it stand for?
alasecond
September 9, 2019 at 9:12 AM
MC = main character
ML = male lead
In Untamed,
WXX = MC
LWJ = ML
news
September 9, 2019 at 2:21 PM
You know all the latest info! Please give us an update if you hear any progress.
Giegie
September 9, 2019 at 8:23 AM
MDZS writer’s work as well? Haven’t heard of that one. Scum Villain System anime is in the works if İ am not mistaken. HOB is BL too? I’m almost caught up with MDZS audio and anime and I’m looking for something to read. Could you share the link? Or is it in exilerebel site too?
I second Ashes of Love. I like the drama version but the novel is much better than the drama imo. Less filler scenes and better characterization.
news
September 9, 2019 at 9:00 AM
Yes, it’s her 3rd novel, and it’s also BL.
https://www.sakhyulations.com/novel/heaven-officials-blessing/
Is the 2nd season MDZS anime already translated? Can you send me the link for AOL?
I’m also planning to read Priest’s Faraway Wanderers. The reviews are good, so I’ll check it out.
https://sparklingwatertrans.wordpress.com/2018/11/23/faraway-wanderers-chapter-1/
alasecond
September 9, 2019 at 9:09 AM
i started guardian a few years back but dropped it.
haven’t watched drama too (was bored honestly by ep 6)
is novel good?
alasecond
September 9, 2019 at 9:10 AM
i am aware of the plot and overall arc for guardian.. does that take away from reading it, IFF it is good
news
September 9, 2019 at 9:23 AM
I love the Guardian novel! It’s so funny. I literally lol so many times. There are some passages in the novel that are so beautiful and heartwarming. @giegie0384 do you remember the scene when ZY saw SW emotions in color? My heart basically stopped lol.
I FF watched the drama, but every scene with the MCs are just excellent.
news
September 9, 2019 at 9:26 AM
No, it won’t take away from reading the novel. I actually watched the drama first but the novel is so different.
Giegie
September 9, 2019 at 12:12 PM
http://onesecondspring.blogspot.com/2014/01/heavy-sweetness-ash-like-frost.html?m=1
I love Guardian novel! It’s so funny even if some chapters are a bit scary. I agree on the beautiful passages, some are almost poetic. Kudos to the translator for doing a great job translating the novel. Is that the scene where SW is standing in the kitchen and ZY sees his emotions in color? That’s the scene, right? I have to get back to the novel. I put it on hold as the translation takes time to be available.
Giegie
September 9, 2019 at 12:52 PM
MZDS S2 is subbed until ep 5. The anime has finished airing last iirc and both seasons are available on Tencent youtube channel. I watch the anime on KissAnime https://kissanime.ru/Anime/Mo-Dao-Zu-Shi-2/Episode-001?id=161113&s=default
news
September 9, 2019 at 2:19 PM
Yes! It was the kitchen scene 🙂 Absolutely love it. The drama version is also good. I also love the scene when ZY attempted the surprise house move only to discover what was in SW’s locked room. It really gave me shivers (in a good way).
news
October 8, 2019 at 8:13 PM
I’ve been on a reading binge. Thus far, I’ve read or am reading (to the latest translated chapter):
Scum Villain System
Heaven Official’s Blessings
Faraway Wanderers
Liu Yao
Sha Po Lang
Through The Strait Gates
(I’m going to read the rest of Priest’s translated works)
And of course NIF and Guardian are still ongoing.
Giegie
October 9, 2019 at 2:46 AM
I’m done with both Scum and HOB. Here’s the rest of translated HOB chapters if you don’t have them yet https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1oXnp5Y2OD70i78utu4BcQ3xgAlygypd0 I love, love HuaCheng!
Are those books all written by Priest? And are they all BL themed? Thank you for the recs. Will check them out asap, since I’m more into reading than watching lately.
news
October 9, 2019 at 4:07 AM
You’ve blessed me with this link! Yes, I finished Scum but HOB isn’t completely translated online, so I can’t wait to finish it.
Yes, the rest are by Priest and they’re so good! They are BL, but even if they weren’t, I’d still read them because the stories are interesting, and she’s very good at building the setting, story, conflicts, characters and their development. A lot of her themes are interesting as well.
Liu Yao starts slow (not boring) since they’re kids, and it’s a very slow burn relationship (similar to Sha Po Lang), but I’m up to the latest chapter and can’t wait for the next one. I really wish they were all fully translated already!
news
October 9, 2019 at 4:11 AM
All the links are on novelupdates. Otherwise, I read them on Wattpad.
https://www.novelupdates.com/nauthor/priest/
Giegie
October 16, 2019 at 8:42 AM
I’ve looked them up (those you mentioned above) and iirc only Sha Po Lang is fully translated. I’m going to read SPL first, and will slowly read the others since they’re not complete yet. Shao Po Lang is going to have its live action adaptation next year btw.
Thank you for the recs. More recs in the future would be very much appreciated. 😉
news
October 20, 2019 at 12:17 PM
I’m almost finished with HOB! Quan Yi Zhen and Yin Yu’s story is heartbreaking. I didn’t think I would like Pei Ming, but he’s hilarious and became one of my favorites. He’s the only one who’s perceptive and his eagerness for XL and HC to ‘exchange spiritual energy’ is just lol.
Is Sha Po Lang fully translated? I know Northwestern Flower is translating it, but she’s only on 110 and there are 128 chapters total. If you know of another link, please share, but she’s pretty quick and her translation is superb. Through her description, many scenes are truly cinematic and the nuanced emotions are palpable, just a work of art. I love it!
I hope the director and team behind this production is good because it’s heavy on character development, plot, action/war and technology.
news
October 20, 2019 at 12:18 PM
Yes, I’ll share any other good novels I come upon. I actually have a short list already 🙂 Please do the same!
Giegie
November 6, 2019 at 6:41 AM
@newso My apologies for the late reply. I was away DB for almost a month. Sigh slump. Anyway I was wrong about Sha Po Lang, translation is not complete yet. My bad. I’ll start it though since it’s almost finished and I’m also almost done with my HOB reread. (I love the novel so much I have to reread it just days after I finished reading it)
And coincidentally I’m at the Yin Yu & Quan Yi Zhen part in the book! You are so right, heartbreaking story. I blame Yin Yu’s general more than him though for what happened betweeen them. It’s not Quan Yi Zhen’s fault he’s better than Yin Yu as god and that nosy & jealous general just had to make things worse between the two.
I love Pei Ming (I ship him and Rain Master 😄) too. He ships HuaLian lol
No new news yet regarding Sha Po Lang live action but yep, hoping for a good production & cast.
Thank you in advance for that list. I’ll make a list of the ones I’ve read and enjoyed and will share with you.
news
November 9, 2019 at 8:42 AM
Comment was deleted
news
November 9, 2019 at 8:45 AM
@giegie0384 No worries! I haven’t been watching any dramas. Sadly, I’ve become a novel addict. Since HOB, I’ve read four more novels.
Yes, I totally ship Pei Ming and Rain Master! Finally, someone ups him. This inevitably just makes her ‘the one’.
So, I went into these last four novels blindly; there was no one to forewarn me that three of them were full of smut (it makes MDZS and SVS rather PG-13 if you can believe it), but two of them made me cry for different reasons.
Cold Sands
This is in the first person narrative, which I usually don’t like, so it took some mind shift to adjust to it. I don’t think it’s the best written novel; the translation is good, but the political machinations isn’t up to Priest’s level. Regardless, the story is terribly heartbreaking. If I didn’t read the extras, I would’ve been fine, but the extras broke the waterworks. Instead of the ending being bittersweet, it became bittersweet and tragic.
http://bltranslation.blogspot.com/2014/08/cold-sands-prologue-ch1.html
Till Death Do Us Part
Same translator as Cold Sands, but he improved a lot in TDDUP. He’s selective in the stories he chooses to translate and has said the writer is exceptional. It’s a story of love (and reincarnation) set between late 1930s to 1980s during a time of war and political upheaval. The first half of the novel is full of smut. Initially, I was confused where the story was going, but in retrospect, the smut revealed the nuances in how their love developed and changed. The translation is emotional and poetic; I felt like I was also falling in love too. Yes, waterworks.
http://bltranslation.blogspot.com/2015/10/till-death-do-us-part-tangstory.html
Living to Suffer (the prequel to TDDUP)
This is set in the Wuxia world. Someone recommended reading LTS before TDDUP, which I did, but I almost recommend TDDUP before LTS even though LTS is the prequel. It’s up to you.
http://bltranslation.blogspot.com/2017/05/living-to-suffer-by-tangstory.html
Thousand Autumns
This novel isn’t full translated, and I’m so bummed! So far, I love this story because it’s not a typical love story. The latest chapter is 44, and I would say they’re only almost friends, but not yet (because there’s a spoiler I won’t mention, which happens in chapter 45).
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/thousand-autumns/
Giegie
November 20, 2019 at 8:02 AM
I am caught on Sha Po Lang, yay! Though I love it (it’s so well written and the plot is not draggy) I don’t like (not much) how tragic Gu Yun and Chang Geng’s backstories are. It’s just too much imo. And then they’re both sick now. As if their tragic & sad pasts was not enough.
Both Cold Sands and Thousand Autumns are on my to-read list already. I’ve also read half? of Till Do Us Part but had to put it on hold for now, because of it’s tragic/bitter sweet ending. I have to be in the mood for it first before I continue my read. I was surprised as well at the smut (like every chapter there’s smut 😆).
I’m currently reading The Husky and His Cat Shizun. It’s 300+ long but only 90 chapters are translated so far. It’s about second chances and making up for past mistakes. It’s not that great story-wise (a bit draggy and the writing style is outdated) but I’m such a sucker for “Hate/Revenge turned Love” type of stories. And I like the MC. He’s a despicable person in his past life, a manwhore & his present self hates his Sizhun. Here’s the link if you’re interested. https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1LwbkR2vZqj20tSKrdfkxYgV11N24FDKm?usp=sharing
I’ve also finished Thrive In Cathastropy a couple of weeks ago. It’s completely translated and it’s just 100 chapters long. This one’s MC is very smart and his characterization and character development is really good. The ML is super hot! It’s action packed and it’s set in modern times. I really recommend this one.
Thank you for those recs! ^^
Giegie
November 20, 2019 at 8:09 AM
I forgot to put the link for Catastrophy. Here it is….
https://my.w.tt/e5icsLi1L1
Sha Po Lang is updated btw! There this novel I finished a few weeks back but I forgot the title. Will get back to you when I find it.
news
November 26, 2019 at 6:49 PM
Yes, GY and CG backstories are sad, but for some reason, I’m not affected by them once I read beyond those parts. Maybe it’s because Priest doesn’t belabor them excessively, and even if they seem extreme at first, she somehow grounds them in reality. Totally agree, surprisingly, the plot doesn’t drag at all. When done well, I’ll always be interested in historical settings on the verge of change, which SPL does so brilliantly. There’s just something a bit melancholy yet hopeful when the new world replaces the old, and the latest chapter really moved me–what was once an idea/a dream written on paper finally came to life through the hard work and sacrifices of the people–the steam rail car 🙂 Aw, my heart was dancing and rejoicing with them.
I don’t recommend reading LTS if you end up not liking TDDUP. The translator said LTS was written in traditional Chinese and was harder to translate. Besides that, the story is more difficult to understand than TDDUP. Another point of interest is he only translates works pre-censorship in China, so out of curiosity, that makes me also interested in some of the other stories he translated. I think various readers will interpret the ending of TDDUP differently. I don’t know if I would call it tragic or bittersweet, maybe happy melancholy? It’s actually a story I didn’t expect to like, but it made a deep impression on me, which brings me to a story I recently finished, Gaze at the Scenes of Debauchery.
A fair warning, don’t read GatSoD if TDDUP isn’t your type of story because it’s labeled Tragedy/Angst while TDDUP is considered a Happy Ending (HE). I’m not at all seeking sad stories, but I read the first chapter and it really piqued my interest. It’s an emotional story about imperfect characters, and the author has a unique perspective on love, behavior, dependency and the human condition.
https://exiledrebelsscanlations.com/novels/gaze-at-the-scenes-of-debauchery/
Golden Stage is my favorite new novel (up to the latest chapter)! I’m also a sucker for “Hate/Revenge turned Love”, but this one is “Frenemies turned Love” and the set-up is intriguing. I love every bit so far. There are two translators. The first person couldn’t continue due to her busy schedule, and although I prefer her translations, the second person is also good and seems highly dedicated. She’s posting 1-2 chapters per week.
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/golden-stage/
Another story I’m reading is Encountering A Snake (there are only 7 chapters). It’s so poetic, I’m literally hypnotized but the story. I read it in Wattpad, but it’s also on novel updates.
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/encountering-a-snake/
I’m up to date on Imperfections by Priest. It was a slow start and the pacing isn’t as good as SPL, but I don’t know if it’s because of the story or the translation. Also, the grammar and vocabulary are good, but the translation can be confusing at times. I’m finally looking forward to the next chapter.
news
November 26, 2019 at 6:50 PM
I literally wrote you a novel!
Thanks for the recs! I’ve seen both titles but haven’t looked into them. I’ll definitely check them out 🙂
news
November 26, 2019 at 7:41 PM
Oops, just so it’s clear, Encountering A Snake is ongoing and has 7 chapters translated so far. I’m a sucker for reincarnation stories as well, which EAS is. I’m not excited about transmigration or rebirth stories, but I liked Scum Villain. I remember really liking the extra chapters too.
Giegie
February 1, 2020 at 8:47 AM
@newso So this reply is 2 months and a half late. My apologies. Real life has been stressful these past few months.
Novel-wise, I’m caught up on Priest’s Imperfections and Silent Reading. I like both but I’m enjoying Imperfections more. Interesting and unique story. And also because I enjoy science fiction novels. I put both Cold Sands & Till Death Do Us Part, mainly because both don’t have a happy ending (I like the story thoough & I read the ending, which later I regretted) Though Cold Sands has realistic ending than TDUUP I prefer the latter’s ending. Both are sad but TDDUP ending is more acceptable for me. It’s more subjective on my side. Cold Sands ending is just bittersweet and it made me pitty the leads more. I would have prefer it if book ended with them just going on their separate ways. Writer just had to writer the extra chapter. So yeah, both are on hold and I might not get back to them. Also, I prefer the writing in TDDUP that Cold Sands.
Giegie
February 1, 2020 at 8:54 AM
What are you watching/reading these days btw? Have you tried Joy Of Life? It’s so good! Clever characters, good story & engaging plot. The less focus on romance is also a plus.
Been planning to read Thousands Autumns but real life got in the way. I’ll try to start it one of these days. Will look up the ones you mention as well.
Giegie
February 1, 2020 at 9:01 AM
I saw “arranged marriage” as one of the tags for Golden Stage, I love it already! And it’s just 79 chapters! Encountering Snake on the other hand is updated every month. I think I’ll wait ‘till it’s almost done before I start reading. The wait for updates would surely kill me if I start reading now.
Thank you for the recs as always. You should try Priest Silent Reading.
news
April 3, 2020 at 5:50 PM
@giegie0384
Hello! Hope you’re well amid the coronavirus outbreak.
I signed up for a novelupdates account. Silent Reading is on my Reading List, but I haven’t started it yet. I love Sci-Fi as well, but for some reason, Imperfections didn’t capture my heart and soul. I like it enough and will definitely finish it, but it’s not a page turner for me.
If you’re interested in signing up, we can also follow each other there. I don’t know how to search for people, but I did a review on Song in the Clouds with the username Y.HL and have the same avatar:
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/lost-you-forever/
Recent novels that I’m reading and absolutely love, ongoing translation:
Di Wang Gong Lue
It’s fun, funny, all the main characters are so endearing, and the MC/ML are just adorable.
Nan Chan
Atmospheric, intricate plot, interesting MC/ML and side characters/stories, strong chemistry between the MC/ML…all woven into a mystery, which slowly unravels bit by bit.
To Rule in a Turbulent World
A heartwarming gem about an underdog hero’s journey through growth, self-discovery and transformation. It’s an evenly paced, thought provoking, contemplative slice of life with never a dull moment and bucketloads of historical references.
The Husky and His White Cat Shizun
I’ve seen the title but ignored it because of its rebirth tag, but thanks to you, I’m up to the latest chapter. It reminds me a bit of MDZS and SVS but delves deeper into the characters’ emotional psychology and relationship, and the MC’s growth and redemption, which I really like.
I haven’t watched any dramas this year (I didn’t finish any dramas last year O.O), so I’ve heard of Joy of Life but haven’t watched it yet. I’ll definitely check it out since you recommended it.
Giegie
April 11, 2020 at 3:23 AM
@newso Hi! I’m doing well. Thank you for asking. I hope you & your family are doing well and safe as well.
So I created an account on Novel Updates and I followed you. I think. I don’t how things work on there yet, and it won’t let me send you a message.
Glad you’re enjoying Husky. I love Chu Wanning so much. I’ll read it again once the translation is finished. (I MTL’ed the rest of the novel.) Currently watching & reading a lot, and my current favourite is Peerless/Wushuang. I love the novel! (Thousands Autumns’ writer’s other work) The MC, Cui Buqu, is one of the most awesome MCs I’ve come across. Physically weak but mentally he’s on another level. I love the ML too. Narcissistic but he’ s willing to do anything (both of them actually) for CQ even if they pit each other every chance they get. Anyway give it a try if you have the time. I’m also up to date on Thousand Autumns.
news
April 11, 2020 at 5:52 PM
@giegie0384
I’ll try responding to you at NU!
Giegie
April 12, 2020 at 12:51 PM
@newso here 2ha link https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16UqGlKDKbS_4-0YRQ-vPt53QbxTqvu75
Giegie
April 12, 2020 at 12:56 PM
Thousand Autumns chap 60-69 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-9EJ6jgdu2CaAeK15WJ2VUBMWXSp1PN4z7Ybrx6DDP4/mobilebasic
Giegie
April 12, 2020 at 12:58 PM
Thousand Autumns chap 70-79 https://docs.google.com/document/d/19KneXPtLhePLeehCpNGay0Dj6LfzAFOVOPTFCsHljTA/mobilebasic
Giegie
April 12, 2020 at 12:59 PM
Thousand Autumns chap 80-82
Giegie
April 12, 2020 at 1:00 PM
Chenghua chap 1-2 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sn168SQYu5ONML4DKvIuND3WpjQKTHand6INulp7tns/mobilebasic
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 11:04 AM
Thank you for the GIF! And as the translators on Viki said: Thank the author for bringing the characters to life!
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Oops, and thanks for making this thread!
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 11:53 AM
I love LanZhan’s half smile in your gif!
1tea1
August 21, 2019 at 12:45 PM
My heart. I love them so much.
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 8:41 AM
We, The Untamed fans all do! <3
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 2:27 PM
I found this article on demonic cultivation quite interesting – and useful personally! How to not let resentful energy rob your spirit!
https://modao-zushi.fandom.com/wiki/Demonic_Cultivation
Linda Palapala
August 21, 2019 at 6:38 PM
Episode 50 at 42:19 if you have a large enough tv, you will see Lan Zhan’s reflection in Wei Ying’s eye…holy moly.
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 2:07 AM
I saw it when I watched the final ep! 😍
Linda Palapala
August 22, 2019 at 7:53 AM
I focus on the subtitles too much so miss lots of visual stuff, which makes me glad to have threads like this one and Viki.
For some reason I thought Huisang was after more than revenge for his brother, maybe it was just an assumption. After all, he had to be really clever to pull off such manipulation over so many years and fooled so many people. Besides, I think they played somewhat sinister music during his last scene. Will have to -once again- rewatch that part.
Just watched (I think 25th ep) so now I’m more confused about Wen Ning’s status and how he was controlled when they found him that rainy night and he attacked everyone.
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 8:27 AM
Rainy night? You mean the place where the remaining Wen people were brought? He attacked those who tried to killed him. Those cultivators from the JingLin’s clan refused to say who killed WenNing. So WWX played the flute and asked WenNing instead.
Linda Palapala
August 22, 2019 at 8:44 AM
I haven’t re-watched all of it but I think I remember Wei Ying saying why wasn’t he able to control Wen Ning with his flute – ? that was what confused me.
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 11:17 AM
@linda-palapala That’s because Wen Ning is not really dead. His conciousness is just damage? taken? and only the dead can the flute control. If you are doing a rewatch from the beginning there’s a scene in earlier eps where Wen Qing mentions Wen Ning’s condition. Something happened to him when he was young and his sister is treating him. He’s volatile and loses control when he’s near the dark energy or something. That’s why Wen Qing does not like him leaving her side or wandering alone.
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 8:32 AM
Even if NSH wanted to become the Chief Cultivator (which I doubt) he’s not powerful enough as compared to the other Sect leaders. Unlike JGY, whose spiritual power was high, and the other Sects’ leaders. He wouldn’t admit to what he did so that’s probably the reason for the sinister music.
Linda Palapala
August 22, 2019 at 8:47 AM
I had a feeling while watching that even though NSH wasn’t powerful enough at that time, perhaps in the far future he might want the power – but that’s for another time and place.
I think it just reminded me of NIF2 a bit where PingJing was told he wasn’t responsible for what happens in the Capital in the future, to go and live his own life more or less as a free spirit. There are a few instances I find similar themes in both NIF2 and Untamed, which were things I love about both.
Linda Palapala
August 22, 2019 at 9:25 AM
Just re watched the beginning of 50 – when NSH said “look out behind you” did he really think Jin Guang was moving, or was it to manipulate Lan Xichen into killing JG? Because I think it was totally manipulation, which to me was an unnecessary and evil thing to do.
Re NSH not being powerful, he’s so manipulative and clever I don’t see much difference between him and JG. I just don’t think he’s a good guy, he only pretends to be.
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 11:22 AM
@linda-palapala JGY did not move, it’s NSH intention to have JGY killed. He wanted him dead! That scene honestly made me pity JGY. When he told LZC he never thought of wronging him. He’s manipulative and did unforgivable things but he really cared for LZC
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 11:24 AM
You could be right about NSH. Maybe in the future he’d walk the dark path.
Linda Palapala
August 22, 2019 at 11:37 AM
“…only the dead can the flute control…” Oh, thanks for that – it explains a lot!
Linda Palapala
August 22, 2019 at 7:59 AM
This is nice by Untamed fans:
http://www.dramapanda.com/2019/08/the-untamed-spurs-fans-to-positive.html?fbclid=IwAR1nMVUvFBRckGsV9O1GYGN9mgBzMPH4n6OX9dKyExp-sahHSTN3ZvbtJYg
Giegie
August 22, 2019 at 8:20 AM
I just saw this on twitter! And I was on weibo earlier and there’s too many The Untamed related stuff in the hot section. ^^
Linda Palapala
August 22, 2019 at 11:45 AM
@giegie0384
“Maybe in the future he’d walk the dark path”. …
Even though that’s true, and we won’t know because there won’t be a season 2 dealing with him or his future, I thought the point and the moral of that being included was the whole yin/yang thing that you never completely get rid of the lust for power and the evil that brings, but it isn’t Weiying and Lanzhan’s responsibility to get rid of Huisang because of what he “might” do in the future. I liked the point they made (at least for me!) because then they would become like the clans who wanted to get rid of all Wen sect/clan whether they were guilty or not and because of what they “might” do.
It also reminds me of an episode of Supernatural that my daughter watches. She was furious that the protagonist Dean, who’s supposed to be the good guy, killed a skin changer because she “might” do something evil 10 years later. She’d never done anything wrong yet, but she “might” later. But it was “okay” for him to kill her because she wasn’t human.
Giegie
August 23, 2019 at 6:08 AM
@linda-palapala I started rewatching the show & there’s a lot of details in ep 1 alone (NSH at the storyteller’s place and paying him after, LSZ recognizing the song WWX is playing, which just means that LZ must have sang the song to him when he was little). And yes, NHS did manipulate everything. But, his manipulation resulted to not just getting justice for his brother’s death but also to WWX getting his name cleared up. He got his revenge, those who needed to be punished got punished, WWX proved his innocence and most importantly he and LZ reunited. So though he manipulated and used WWX & LZ to achieve his goal, in a way he gave them the opportunity to reveal the truth and at the same time prove WWX’s innocence. Nothing came out of his manipulation except good. I don’t think he’s a bad person but more like “more than meets the eye” type of person. Let’s just hope he wouldn’t use his cleverness against & hurt good people.
Giegie
August 23, 2019 at 6:10 AM
My mother loves Supernatural as well. She’s get along well with your daughter. ^^
Linda Palapala
August 23, 2019 at 7:20 AM
@giegie0384 Re your comment on the re-watch. Yes, I agree – I’d been thinking about that aspect after I posted the dark path comment. He did inadvertently start the whole ball rolling so to speak. And the eventual outcome wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t done that. There’d be no story!
Re Supertnatural: My daughter hates Dean. She thinks he’s a mass murdering sociopath – but it’s okay (in his mind) because after all, he’s the “good guy”. Ya’ know, the self righteous, can-do-no-wrong good guy that does all the things bad guys do but it’s all okay.
Kind of reminds me of the Jin clan after they got rid of the Wen Clan.
Linda Palapala
August 23, 2019 at 7:39 AM
NHS in the beginning – I think when I saw him in the later episodes and he was the one carrying a fan, I went back and looked at the beginning and realized it had to be him, as he was the only one who carried that fan.
Giegie
August 23, 2019 at 11:39 AM
@linda-palapala Dean is the older brother right? Or not? 😅 I’ve only seen 2?3? Seasons of Supernatural that was a few years back,..can’t recall the brothers’ names already.
I think NSH started making his revenge plans after he found out about his brother’s real murderer. He wouldn’t have done what he did if not for his revenge. He actually reminds of NIF strategist Mei ChangSu. They are both willing to use and manipulate (and even hurt) their friends to achieve their goal. They’re not bad people but just driven by their thirst for revenge.
Linda Palapala
August 23, 2019 at 11:49 AM
@giegie0384 Yes, Dean is the older brother. My daughter says the show should be named the “It’s All About Dean” show. Because it’s all about poor Dean. Almost every episode ends with a close up of Dean.
I guess as far as NSH goes, it was just so surprising at how clever and smart he must have been when all those years he played the “I don’t know” bit so no one would suspect he was the (eek, I can’t remember the saying…”) whatever animal was behind the cicada.
I keep thinking about different aspects (like I was trying to take a nap but kept thinking about Untamed).
Since the headband couldn’t be touched by anyone but parent, child or wife, and he tied himself together with Wei Ying in the cave (Ep 6), thinking back, at that point Lan Zhan considered Wei Ying to belong to him. And he did let him touch him and treated him differently from then on.
Lan Zhan had never had friends, nor did he seem attracted to anyone, either male or female, before Wei Ying. His brother even encouraged him to be closer to Wei Ying – did he have a suspicion at that point about them? Or was he just hoping for LZ to have a friend? Ha, ha.
Giegie
August 24, 2019 at 4:31 AM
@linda-palapala Your daughter is funny. 😄
NSH became the “ I don’t know” person after his brother’s death and he became the clan leader. I think it’s his way of protecting himself while planning his revenge. He was just a carefree with poor spiritual superpower lad and with no interest whatsoever in becoming their clan’s leader before. His brother’s death and finding out who killed him changed him as a person.
LZ’s brother is the first shipper of WangXian. Lol.
He can see the changes in LZ’s mood everytime he’s with WY or whenever he’s mentioned. And I think WY caught LZ’s attention because of how smart he is. I noticed his reaction when WY said something about the corpse during their first meeting. LZ likes brainy people. You’re right about the forehead ribbon scene. Knowing it’s significance it’s clear LZ considered WY as his soulmate already. Now that I think about it, I wonder why LZ’s lady ancestor did not say anything about it.
Btw, as I do my re-watch I can’t stop grinning/smiling whenever WY & LZ are together.
Linda Palapala
August 24, 2019 at 7:56 AM
@giegie0384 Love your latest comment! Especially about LZ brother being their first shipper! And that what caught LZ attention was how smart and clever Wei ying is.
I guess we all should thank Huisang, since without his interference they wouldn’t have had a happy ending!