I usually don't watch dramas as they are still airing but I simply couldn't resist given how much I loved the book. Although marketed as a romantic fantasy, this is as much Cang Xuan's story as Xiao Yao's. They are royal cousins who have lost all their blood kin due to massive political events. Xiao Yao grows up hidden in the world amongst human and small deities, while Cang Xuan grows up as a hostage in another country. They cross paths but don't recognize one another, and while Xiao Yao meets the two other loves of her life, nine-tailed fox Tushan Jing / Ye Shiqi and nine-headed demon Xiang Liu, Cang Xuan starts consolidating his power and scheme against his royal uncles. We see the world through Xiao Yao's eyes, the up and down of her relationship with Jing, her protecting Cang Xuan with her life, and her carefree water adventures and archery lessons with Xiang Liu. The one constant in her life is her sweet and protective relationship with Cang Xuan.

Acting and casting are phenomenal - Zhang Wanyi's longing gaze and Tan Jianci's cold demeanor with a warm crinkle only for Xiao Yao are the standout performances for me. Yang Zi's star power and chemistry with all her co-stars is the glue that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Set design is lovely, a tad too fake-looking aesthetically for me, but still remarkably beautiful. I wish they picked a more memorable intro song, though the overall OST is very good at evoking emotions. Lastly, the story artfully follows the book and while some parts of the pacing could be improved, the overall experience was very good.

Highly recommend watching this gem! I have already rewatched some of the episodes and will continue to wait with bated breath for Season 2. 9.5/10.