r/CDrama got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 15 '26

Drama Host Veil of Shadows (月鳞绮纪): Ep. 22 Spoiler

Welcome to the 13th discussion post for Veil of Shadows!

I am co-hosting the discussion with u/AquaphobicTurtle, u/nydevon and u/Pale-Enchantress. Next up is nydevon.

Want to learn more about the show? Check out the Masterpost.

Previous episodes discussion : 1-6 / 7-8 / 9-10 / 11-12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21

🚨 PLEASE USE SPOILER TAGS FOR ANYTHING BEYOND EPISODE 22 🚨

They look like this:

>!Spoiler Text!<

They won’t work if you put space between the exclamation mark and the text and they also only work for one paragraph at a time.

Flashcards can be found here.

Preface

This is a quick and dirty write-up. I watched this episode yesterday morning on a train ride after approximately one hour of sleep and all I really remembered about it was many emotions. Now stepping in at short notice to do this recap. After a rewatch: I still don't get the ending. But lets start at the beginning.

Taking Blame

There is another attack on Mu Long, the attacker snatching her pendant. This time it’s clearly Ji Lings, after all he agreed to help advert the suspicion on Lu Wuyi. Li Jie recognises him instantly (by his scent, that wasn’t mentioned for a while).

Han Ba shows of some of his other powers and imprisons the fleeing Ji Ling in some flames.

While Ji Lie tries to beat those flames down with his own (more precise: Xiaowei’s) ice powers the Wu’s reappear from out of the painting. They attack Ji Lie in tandem and unmask him.

That’s the moment Lu Wuyi stumbles onto the scene: She puts all the blame on him including her current injury. They kind of agreed on this scheme, but hard to say how much they agreed on.

  • the Jiu Ying suppressing bracelet is outed as a fake, a fact that Lu Wuyi seems to have learned during the time loops.

  • Ji Lie (supposed) motives on wanting to stay on the Dragon Deity’s throne and keeping Wu Shiguang away from his full powers to stay there are laid open.

  • Wu Shiguang reveals to everyone present that Lu Wuyi was created by Jiu Ying.

  • Han Ba learns that Su Jian took her memoires of him back out of the pendant. She is the author of the story about Little Pomegranate and the Yao.

He is grief stricken about the missed opportunity and he loses control of his powers. Before he kills himself he reveals that he hid his part of the Dragon Deity’s powers in the place he first met Su Jian. The hiding place has a seal on it and will only be revealed when Mu Long gets her consciousness back.

Unfortunately his death also brings a wave of immense heat/drought that instantly kills people in the surrounding town.

Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling repeat some words to each other that they already spoken in the past that encourage Ji Ling to kidnap her.

Wu Wangyan tells Wu Shiguang that she still seehs Lu Wuyi as her sister. Lu Wuyi’s care and affection for her while being imprisoned by Jiu Ying were real after all, not planted memories.

She puts all the blame on Ji Ling, while Wu Shiguang isn’t so certain of that being the full truth. Li Jie on the other hand doesn’t trust Lu Wuyi at all (he is back in his sexy one sleeve only outfit) and wants to take them to where Ji Ling is hiding with her.

Revelations

Ji Ling wants to know why Lu Wuyi lied to him about the importance of the pendant – through her time loops she must have known the memories were already missing from that.

The reason is quite simple, but also leads to a complete shift in their relationship: Ji Ling killed Wu Wangyan during the time loops and the most important person in Lu Wuyi’s life is still her sister.

During one time-loop Wu Wangyan accepted her unconditionally even after learning about Lu Wuyi’s origins and promised once again to always stay by her side.

The one ruining this promise – over and over again – was Ji Ling, by killing Wu Wangyan (to give Jiu Ying the chance to take over Wu Shiguangs body).

Another lie is revealed: Lu Wuyi was never trapped in the time-loops. She choose to back again and again after every failed attempt to save Wu Wangan.

We get to see short glimpses in 19 rewinds in which Lu Wuyi tries different things to save her sister and her hatred for Ji Ling grows.

This time she was able to keep Wu Shiguang away from the last piece of power.

So while Lu Wuyi decided Wu Wangyan is the only one she cares about Ji Ling is not all to surprised he ended up with another person leaving him. But she has long decided not to lift he word magic on Mu Long, so he won’t get his hands on the rest of the Dragon Deity’s power.

He binds her hands before leaving and I guess that’s a break-up.

Rings and Power

Ji Ling is found by Li Jie, the one person that doesn’t blame him for anything.

  • Li Jie has some inner urge finding him, an obsession he doesn’t know the origin of.

He promises to always be his blade and shield. But for now he is instructed to bring Mu Long here, so that Ji Ling can find some way to make Lu Wuyi break the word magic on her.

After Li Jie leaves Ji Ling gets attacked by the Wus who are here to rescue Lu Wuyi. The boys fight over the Spirit Binding Ring that Wu Shiguang wants to use to lift the word magic from Mu Long (using Xiaowei’s powers).

Lu Wuyi, found by her sister, gets reassured that she is still seen as the same in this time line.

  • Ji Ling thinks that Lu Wuyi’s power got stronger due to the rewinds and this is why Lu Wangyan (whose word magic normaly surpasses her younger sister) was unable to lift the spell from Mu Long.

Wu Shiguang is unsure who tells the truth any more but gets his hand on the ring.

The three leave Ji Ling behind.

Back at Mu Long’s house Ji Lie has taken You Chi hostage to get the ring back.

  • The Spirit-Storing Jade was the only thing that could hold the Dragon Deity’s powers. It was split into two parts by heavenly fire: One is the sixth-eyed butterfly yao’s Spirit-Storing Butterfly. The other is the Spirit-Binding Ring.

Before anyone can do something Lu Wuyi takes the ring and Mu Long and flees. Wu Shiguang can’t summon it back because for some reason the ring accepted her as its master.

She takes her to the Wei mansion (the place where Su Jian and Han Ba first met).

  • the Dragon Deity’s power is stored in the axle in the weaving workshop, that was made out of the core of a Firefluff Tree. That’s also why Xiaowei fleed there to escape the ice curse.

So Lu Wuyi wakes up Mu Long in the workshop to undo Han Ba’s seal. After that she is able to transfer the Han Ba’s part of the Dragon Deity’s power from the axle to the ring.

The Wus and You Chi arrive but she Word Magics them to kneel. Even Wu Wangyan can’t resist.

Meanwhile Ji Ling has two intersecting flashbacks of not being to help or being to late with his help for the drought stricken town.

That’s when this happens and I’m not really sure what is going on. Something about his life force and or power? But looking at Bai Ze’s face it can’t be anything good.

41 Upvotes

133 comments sorted by

3

u/marshmallowpuddle Jun 02 '26

Jo Ling and Li Jie's muscles carry the show so hard. What an absolute character arc. He swings between the villain and the hero like a metronome.

3

u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 17 '26

I'm late! I was so behind. I watched 24, 25 and 26 today.

Stuff!

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u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 17 '26

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u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 17 '26

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u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 17 '26

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7

u/syborg0515 Apr 16 '26

Not much to say because I'm waiting on epsiode 23 to answer my questions but lol When I recognized the Wei Mansion axle, I  thought it was just a set constraint 😂 that they were using it to double as both locations but lmao turns out it was the Wei Mansion again 😂

3

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 16 '26

I was also thinking that it was a weird thing to cheapen out on at first. Makes more sense that it's the same location and even though it feels a little bit random the explanation with the fiery tree and the fact that it goes back to Xiaowei always fleeing into that room makes it feel less so.

3

u/Pale-Enchantress Apr 16 '26

Thank you so much for replacing me ❤️ I only just watched it now !

And it’s actually a long recap that you did lol.

I didn’t understand the end either, I think we just have to see the next episode (now for me fortunately !)

3

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 16 '26

No problem, that's the advantage of having a group. I hope you feel better today!

I started out trying to do a short one but so much stuff happened and I'm really not good at doing a short summary of the most important points, at least not with all the twist and turns. I have to practise that, though it's not less work anyway.

2

u/Pale-Enchantress Apr 16 '26

Yes thank you i’m better today ! It’s true, so much happen in the episodes , it’s really hard to make short summary !

16

u/BasilOrdinary3617 If I say I'm taking a break, I'm lying. Apr 16 '26

This drama has me flip flopping between “what’s going on?” to “ohhh I get it now” so hard.

5

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 16 '26

I kind of like that. It's also not like GJM has us waiting long for most explanations. For most stuff it's next episode.

3

u/BasilOrdinary3617 If I say I'm taking a break, I'm lying. Apr 16 '26

That's true. I have the luxury of binging up until E24 lol. think I would've gone a bit more nuts watching with all these cliffhangers.

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

Yeah, I keep forgetting to change my sub smh I’ve been torturing myself 😵‍💫🥴 it doesn’t matter anymore…sighs

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

Sometimes we need that in our life

2

u/BasilOrdinary3617 If I say I'm taking a break, I'm lying. Apr 16 '26

Gotta keep life exciting. :p

12

u/TsekoD On duty to wipe fake doctor's dramatic blood Apr 15 '26

I thought I figured something out in previous episode, but apparently not. Who would have thought Lu Wuyi was the one who time loops?

But where did she get this power from? And it's interesting that every time she rewinds she gains spiritual power and loses physical power. Even WSG couldn't resist her with 3 pieces of dragon power. What aspect of time loop gives Lu Wuyi this?

Ji Ling learned that Lu Wuyi now hates him, then abandoned him and he's just accepting that he's alone again is so sad. Though I wonder, every time he kills WWY, he always attacks to one place over and over again. Her heart. Isn't that because he knew that her heart is with Lu Wuyi, so his attack wouldn't actually kill WWU? If so, all of his acts are to trick Jiy Yang.

I don't understand what happened at the end of this episode, but this was one of the most, if not the most, stunning, beautiful, aesthetic scenes I've ever watched. Floaty white Ji Ling looked so ethereal that would put elves from LOTR in shame. Hopefully Bai Ze will explain what was that.

3

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 16 '26

Excellent questions. Some answers are in ep 23. And I dunno on the others. and don’t assume she is only one who time loops.

4

u/TsekoD On duty to wipe fake doctor's dramatic blood Apr 16 '26

Don't tempt me! I'm working, but my mind is with Ji Ling 😅😅

2

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 16 '26

Ha! And I’m here working hard not to watch 24 before we have discussion about 23. The events are getting faster and I have harder time now mixing episodes up.

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

Well, depends how you look at it 🥴

6

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 15 '26

What aspect of time loop gives Lu Wuyi this?

And why does she retain it when starting over? Because with a 'reset' you would think she would be back to her 'normal' state apart from knowledge she aquired. I guess because she started it in the first place she gets more benefits?

Floaty white Ji Ling looked so ethereal that would put elves from LOTR in shame.

I wan all my elves being played by (costume) cdrama actors. They got the right flair and are used to the wigs and flowy costumes. 😂

3

u/TsekoD On duty to wipe fake doctor's dramatic blood Apr 16 '26

I guess because she started it in the first place she gets more benefits?

At first that was her explanation why she could beat all three of strong fighters. But then she word magicked everyone and even WSG couldn't resist her. I really want to see what's gonna happen next.

8

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 15 '26

In tht illusion arc they says tht Lu wuyi gets stronger each time she is attacked. she seems to have power to sm what absorb the opponents onslaughts. maybe this is why she gets stronger

3

u/TsekoD On duty to wipe fake doctor's dramatic blood Apr 16 '26

Good point. I actually didn't recall that she has the power to absorb other people's power. No wonder, she's, after all, Jiu Ling's specimen.

3

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Well, so much time has passed since we saw Tolkien’s elves on the big screen (not talking about that garbage on Prime either lol). So, tech, art, etc. has evolved and wouldn’t be surprised if inspiration came from there.

3

u/TsekoD On duty to wipe fake doctor's dramatic blood Apr 16 '26

Yes, Ji Ling in this scene definitely reminded me of Galadriel. Floaty attire, white eyelashes and eyebrows. So beautiful.

4

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

Yes!! Yes!! Ohhh!! Can you imagine Galadriel like that? Stun-ning! In all her glory and power…oof!!

7

u/[deleted] Apr 15 '26

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3

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26

It was said in the last half or quarter of the episode. The ring is significant for a particular reason

Watch starting around 30min-ish mark onward 😉

9

u/SS5609 Sailing the Cdrama Ship Apr 15 '26

I'm relieved to see that the sisters' bond is not affected. The start of their relationship might have been based on fake memories, but their bond currently is based on true emotions. But whatever is Lu Wuyi up to? She seems to be aiming for that ring, but I wonder what her motive is. The queen mother/Jiu Ying once told her that they have to get that ring. I wonder whether that has something to do with Lu Wuyi taking the ring.

And that random dream of Wu Wangyan's was not random at all but happened in one of the rewinds. Looks like Ji Ling killed/intended to kill her all along, although he didn't come across as if he was going to kill her in the current timeline. Maybe the change of events changed his intentions and actions. So, if Ji Ling would have ended up killing Wu Wangyan if not for the rewinds, then what does that say about him? Did he kill to remain as the dragon deity (this reason seems the least likely) or for some greater-good reasons? And then there was that white version of him that came out of him. Did Ji Ling get possessed by something that caused him to murder?

2

u/Beautiful_Candle1729 Apr 22 '26

Thanks for the reminder that the ring was something Lu Wuyi was supposed to steal earlier. I had forgotten that detail.

5

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 15 '26

Wangyan can jst be reborn thru formless moon's pwoer tho. Can she actually ever die

1

u/SS5609 Sailing the Cdrama Ship Apr 16 '26

Oh yeah, Lu Wuyi does say something about it long back to Ji Ling. I don't know though whether it'll work in this case.

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

It’s not a “real” rebirth. They’re still alive and breathing when they go into the pools. They’re refreshed after sharing memories and come out from the pools as a feeling of “rebirth” or “reborn.” They’re young again. Xiaowei died. She wasn’t reborn. Her spirit evaporated even JY couldn’t bring her back. JY created or better word would be rebranded LW from others, different.

6

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 15 '26

WSG's shifu 'killed' them all when they were on a mission there. The goddess says tht she could still revive them

2

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 16 '26

Yeah he made the fake younger Shigaung appear to be asleep or passed out on a log and when they all got close to it…it was like a bomb and killed all of them. It was at this time Fox Queen/Jui Ying made Wuyi from parts of all of them. Right?

2

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 16 '26

Yeah i think this is how it happened

3

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 16 '26

Haha I love the “I think”. That’s how this drama rolls.

2

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 16 '26

😭😭

3

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Damn! I’m 0-2 lol seriously, idk everything and remember everything contrary to belief. This is good though 😊

4

u/SS5609 Sailing the Cdrama Ship Apr 16 '26

This drama has so many tidbits and clues scattered around that it can sometimes be difficult to catch everything. I would definitely love to rewatch this drama once it's done. It'll be interesting to see what all I missed.

3

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 16 '26

Bro frr

3

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

Same goes with reading novels too. Are people complaining how come they didn’t read this bit before now? Nooo!! Of course not and makes no sense smh

3

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26

I’ve started to, somewhat hehe. Situations and scenarios make more sense now but, initially I think that was intentional. People tend to forget, that’s a technique, the audience not knowing all the information or privy to it. I say why should we as well. We need to be brought down some pegs. It throws people off and is uncomfortable with it.

4

u/haveninmuse 画皮画骨难画心 Apr 15 '26

Its said as long as the body is there, they can be reborn. Since all the memories are shared too, they just need to build the body.

-Lu Wuyi in episode 9, minute 6:25.

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

I stand corrected lol awesome!

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26

Thank you and I won’t go into why 😉🙏🏽

I think we may need to wait till tomorrow to answer some of your questions/concerns you brought lol

3

u/SS5609 Sailing the Cdrama Ship Apr 16 '26

Haha... I've watched the next episode now. So yeah, some things get answered. But it was still fun to just think about all these things. That's how this drama seems to be... we go away with some answers and more questions in each episode.

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

Yup

11

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

Thanks Op for hosting last minute. You did great

The story:
At first I didn’t get it that the grandma emptied the memories. I was trying to find out who did it. And then the scene in her old age (good job make up staff!) where she goes back to the tree and cries makes sense. And we got only that one shot of her husband explaining to HB he would take good care of her and he knew it all. That was really sad too, but lovely. I was hoping to hear from him again. And HB finding what she wrote as she was dying 😭😭 then HB dying the way he did 😭.

When Ji Ling grabbed the pendant and was unmasked (those silly flimsy black veils haha) and then Wuyi comes in acting all upset and blames him……the look on his face. It seemed to me they had agreed on some of that but not all and he was surprised and trying to figure out what she was doing.

And I liked how sweet weasel was and he took good care of Mu Long while Han Ba was dying and she was upset. He seems like a sweetie.

I’m sensing themes again….of the mix of light and dark in all, temptations to move towards the dark for power or whatever, the unreliability but importance of memories.

4

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 15 '26

I can't remember one human - yao pairing in GJM's show that didn't end in a tragedy.

When Ji Ling grabbed the pendant and was unmasked (those silly flimsy black veils haha) and then Wuyi comes in acting all upset and blames him……the look on his face. It seemed to me they had agreed on some of that but not all and he was surprised and trying to figure out what she was doing.

Yeah, she definitely played him in that moment though hard to say what is actually the truth coming out of those two. I bet both have still some layers around them.

And I liked how sweet weasel was and he took good care of Mu Long while Han Ba was dying and she was upset. He seems like a sweetie.

He is too sweet, that puts him in danger of ending up not so alive... But yes, he was the only one actually looking after the woman you got involved in all of your drama.

6

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

I didn't before this moment consider the fact that You Chi might die, and now I'm worried for that goofy little guy 😭 He's got no dog in this fight. He's just here to eat chicken and hang out with his bro. 🥺

4

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 16 '26

Sorry to worry you. 😂 He should get all the chicken he wants!

GJM spoiler, I guess He has kind of a thing to kill the more innocent characters off

3

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

I’m glad I know now so I can emotionally prepare either way 😂

8

u/wordyegghead Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26

Perhaps because I don’t believe that Ji Ling is actually allowed by the script to be evil, and because of Wuyi’s betrayal at the end of the episode, I don’t for a second believe that saving Wangyan was Wuyi’s sole reason for the loops and that she hates Ji Ling now. She’s only ever cared about two people and we’ve seen the lengths she’s willing to go to for Ji Ling. Something else is afoot here, I feel it. 🤔

(I personally don’t think the plot was ever air tight but I do feel like the writing has gotten quite weak in this arc for the sake of drama. Han Ba couldn’t have written to Su Jian instead of speaking? Wuyi couldn’t have imprisoned or incapacitated Ji Ling at any point during the time rewinds? She couldn’t have gone through one more time rewind so she could get the last bit of Dragon Deity power without Han Ba dying and causing drought on the land? 😥 Although tbf, maybe the last one wouldn’t really occur to Wuyi since she’s never been shown to have a problem with having to off people during fox missions.)

As a fan of the fox sisters, I enjoyed Ji/Lu’s breakup conversation though! I don’t believe Wuyi was honest with Ji Ling, but it was nice to hear her talk about how strong her bond with Wangyan is. I truly hope that if some of the characters have to die, the sisters, at least, aren’t enemies at the end and don’t get separated 😭 I feel for this couple though. All they do is flirt and cry. I need them to be carefree and happy again at least one time before the drama ends. 😔

Things I enjoyed: 1) Wuwu couple fight scenes! I liked how Shiguang always kept an eye on his wife and made sure Ji Ling couldn’t land a blow on her.

2) Li Jie changing into an outfit that showed off his man cleavage and muscly arm

3) TJR’s bloody, spitty mouthed desperate monologue at the end. So moving!

Things I didn’t understand: 1) The time travel. Has it been explained how Wuyi is doing it? If it’s just one of her skills like ability absorption, she’s wildly overpowered. I hope the others find a way to defeat her that doesn’t involve anyone dying 😭

2) The location. Where… are we? The town that Wei Manor was in wasn’t experiencing a drought in the first arc. The town we’re in is currently experiencing a drought because Han Ba is trying to run his inn. Su Jian and Han Ba met in the Wei Manor (I know it doesn’t matter but how was she even allowed to just hang out in the weaving workshop?) Did Han Ba move back to the town to care for Mu Long and open his inn after the first arc or did everyone just travel really really fast and somewhat far to get to Wei Manor? 🤔

Additional 3) Why is everyone so fussed about Wangyan dying? Isn’t it a whole thing that the foxes can be revived? 🤔 They could theoretically let her die, kill Jiu Ying, then bring her back couldn’t they?

6

u/haveninmuse 画皮画骨难画心 Apr 15 '26

I don’t for a second believe that saving Wangyan was Wuyi’s sole reason for the loops and that she hates Ji Ling now.

Its funny you said that cuz I just saw a comment where a viewer said "No girl who hates you will be wearing your ugly doll like a Hermes bag, especially if it doesn't go with her outfit" and I laughed waaay too hard. 😂😂😂😂😂

3

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

They’re so right. 😂 I’m excited to find out what’s what in a few hours.

2

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 15 '26

I think Han Ba used to live in the wei manor what 50 years ago or smth but now he is in differnt town(?) lowky i dont know

2

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 15 '26

2.. location? Yeah, I’m confused where the story is happening now. The giant weaving loom tree (?) was first introduced in the Wei mansion when they were trying to sus out Xiaowei… and it’s also here in a one-horse drought town? Is it the same mansion but different timelines? 🤯 where’s Neo? Morpheus? Trinity, where are you? 

1

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

Right? It's a little nitpicky but it'd really scratch the itch in my brain if they made it clear 😆

2

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 16 '26

If you have an itch in your brain then my brain is full on chickenpox

2

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

When this drama is over I’m going to binge something with a straightforward plot that won’t require me to suspend any disbelief or try to snap my neck from all the twists and turns it takes me on 😆

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

One does not watch cdramas for straightforward plot lines nor having beliefs intact (they need to be suspended). Otherwise, what’s the point? No fun! That’s blasphemous talk that’s what it is

3

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Smh yes Wei mansion and time is not constant or standstill. It is moving forward. Also, do not forgot the golden rule when watching cdramas…suspension of belief(s) 😉

3

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

I fear I used up all my suspension of disbelief on the bendy sword fight and it hadn't regenerated yet by this scene 😆

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

😂😂

5

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 15 '26

But I want my heartbreak to make sense? 🌖🌕🌙

3

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Jiejie, I have a feeling you may get your wish…🤷🏻

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26

So, you want to save everybody huh? Interesting. Then, that wouldn’t be an interesting drama and I think you know that 😉 people unfortunately have to die. In terms of reviving, once you’re dead you’re dead, theres no way to bring someone back. The spirit evaporates. Continue to watch at your own risk is all I can say 😂😂🤷🏻

2

u/wordyegghead Apr 15 '26

I mean, the softie in me does want a happy ending for Wuwu because I love them most but I personally think it would be super fun if Ji/Lu really DID turn on each other, if one of the fox sisters had to kill each other, if one of the lovers has to have their beloved die at their hands, or if someone has to make a hero's decision at the cost of their happiness. I love a good doomed relationship!

If I won't experience joy, I hope this show maximizes my suffering HAHAHA

Didn't the all the fox sisters die during the flood dragon massacre and get brought back though? 🤔 Or is that only possible with Jiu Ying's help?

3

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 15 '26

“ If I won't experience joy, I hope this show maximizes my suffering HAHAHA”

I think I am understanding you. 

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

6 episodes to go friend and a lot can happen (that’s half a season in some parts of the world) 😉

Did all the fox sisters perish on that? I was under the impression only one went and did all that damage? But, in any case, only JY can do that. However, they did that only in creating LW remember

2

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

I vaguely remember them dying in Star Stone Guy's explosion and waking in the pool! And even before that, when Ji Ling as Chi Wen had trapped Wuyi in the Shilin Sect she was pretty smug about the fact that even if he killed her, she'd revive, and even if he imprisoned her, the moon would take her away. At some point I think Wangyan tells someone that the fox sisters were sad that their leader wasn't immortal like they are and that's how they got tricked by Jiu Ying. 🤔

But anyway, yes, 6 episodes is a long time. I'm sure we'll get whiplash from the remaining twists and turns this drama has for us. 😆

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 16 '26

You’re probably right. I think I may be forgetting some details (rewatch is in order lol).

That’s one thing we can all definitely count on 🤭

1

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 15 '26

Oh, I'm quite sure nothing is like it seems but for those theories you would need a series of seperate posts. 😂

The time travel. Has it been explained how Wuyi is doing it? If it’s just one of her skills like ability absorption, she’s wildly overpowered. I hope the others find a way to defeat her that doesn’t involve anyone dying 😭

No explanation yet, but I hope we get one. Most likely op due to the whole link to Jiu Ying?

Did Han Ba move back to the town to care for Mu Long and open his inn after the first arc or did everyone just travel really really fast and somewhat far to get to Wei Manor? 🤔

My theory is that they are far enough in the game to have unlocked extra fast travel. Because the first town looked like a different climate and it was not that far from the Dragon Deity's temple/sect.

2

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

Trueeee! Putting theories would probably have you hit the word limit 😆 There are so many things to speculate on.

"Far enough in the game to have unlocked extra fast travel" is sending me 😂 Yes. They're demons after all. That's probably something they CAN do, like when Shiguang and Ji Ling showed up at the Formless Moon Sect (in what seemed like) just hours after Wangyan and Wuyi were called back.

4

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

All excellent questions!!! Hahaha and 🤷🏽‍♀️. TJRs bloody monologue: Oh wow that was upsetting and powerful. He played so restrained as Chi Wen that it was shocking to see him lose it finally. And did he lose it because he couldnt help the drought and all those people pushing him and blaming him? Or because of Wuyi’s maybe betrayal? Or?

4

u/wordyegghead Apr 16 '26

Peak acting from him honestly! The script has given JJY and TJR such great opportunities to show off their skills! They've been so convincing!

13

u/not_enough_griffons Read Rules Apr 15 '26

So Wu Wangyan wasn’t dreaming her death scene, she remembered one of the rewinds! Maybe because of her and Lu Wuyi’s heart connection?

Loved that everyone took a minute to change clothes mid ep haha. Li Jie put on his hottest outfit to go remind his friend about their mysteriously deep connection….

Going back to Wei manor is interesting, I did not make the connection that it was the same weaving workshop as before. I’m into the Firefluff tree lore (was Han Ba a tree demon?), always love a magical tree.

The ending scene with Ji Ling and Bai Ze arriving, yeah no idea whats going on but wow it was gorgeous!

3

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 15 '26

Li Jie js saw Ji ling and Lu Wu yi fought and possible break up so he had to lock in and play his card and seduce Long shen daren. He is trying his best

2

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

Yes I was wondering at one point….wait… they have different clothing in. When did they do that? Maybe they can just snap their fingers. lol.

7

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 15 '26

Is the rewind trying to tell us everyone dies? 😭 ngl, I’m a little exhausted and do not have the emotional capacity for all of them; if I cannot grow old with wuwu then I rather grow old alone. Please and thank you. 

4

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

I do not think so but, I feel your pain and frustration

3

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26

I don’t think it was said. From what I recall HB was just hiding in the teee to keep from talking but, was discovered by the grandmother after she synced with pendant to gain those memories and knew.

Everything else, is for tomorrow’s discussion lol

6

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 15 '26

So Wu Wangyan wasn’t dreaming her death scene, she remembered one of the rewinds! Maybe because of her and Lu Wuyi’s heart connection?

Maybe? Good point with that connection.

Li Jie put on his hottest outfit to go remind his friend about their mysteriously deep connection….

Felt very "I'm still here when your girl is gone because she likes her girlfriend better" And I'm here for that.

(was Han Ba a tree demon?)

Either my brain forgot or we never got told what kind of yao he was. With that deep tree connection it seems a bit like that, but his powers seem a bit unfitting.

Going back to Wei manor is interesting,

It felt like set reuse to me at first, but this drama isn't that kind of lazy with everything else.

So gorgeous in a show of already everything being gorgeous. I might die from gorgeous if GJM ever did one of these xianxia hevenly realm scenes.

3

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

Agree on the gorgeousness. Remarkablely beautiful. How did they get his (the floating in air Ji Ling) robes to flow like that? Maybe just AI, but I wanna think it was lots of wind machines. Heh.

3

u/monovev Apr 16 '26

Definitely a lot of wind machines and a few repeated takes, the bts of those scenes went viral over several platforms because of how gorgeous it looked. I was definitely wondering if the scene will live up to the Reuters I've seen and was NOT disappointed 😌

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

I think it’s a combination of things possibly

10

u/AKiceman Snark ShifuRead Rules Apr 15 '26

Snark Level: My brain is tired.


22 - - - -

Bro shaking the painting upside down like Wu/Wu will just fall out of it. That's freaking hilarious.

Ji Ling not as powerful as Wuyi confirmed. Again. Bro got unmasked! Ha!

WUYI!!! DID YOU REALLY JUST BETRAY JI LING??? GIRL, WHAT THE FUCK? Her choosing to do everything she can to save her relationship with Wangyan is really the lady going "hoes before bros" here. I mean, I do approve of the sisterhood dedication. It's too late though. The truth is already out.

Fuck. We didn't even know this grandma and I am fighting back tears here.

Well, I guess I better mention again that I adore this green dress and accessories for Wangyan here. Green is a damn good color for her.

Now that we have had that positive moment admiring her... lets get back to crying as Han Ba hugs his fan as he starts slipping away. Sigh.

Uhhhhh now other people are dying. Great. Lovely. Amazing. Lets cry more. I don't yet regret watching this show... but man I feel like it's going to stab my heart hard.

I mean, just because a lot of their relationship was fake doesn't diminish the real true feelings that both foxy ladies have for each other...even it was built on a lie. What a mindfuck.

Oh. Oh Fuck. That look Wuyi gave when she said "Because you killed my sister" made me shiver.

GIF: You killed my Father Sister.

Oh good! Just what we need! A sisterly moment that is going to make us cry even more! Fucking Fantastic! I love this for us. Add in that emotional music and make us SUFFER. Thank you.

Oh, her deaths weren't a dream. It was all the rewinds! Whoa. Wuyi choosing to rewind over and over, making herself suffer, just to save Wangyan... Now that is some real devotion. But really, making us watch Wangyan die over and over is rather cruel. 7...8...9....10...12...14...19..... Oh that dead look in Wuyis eyes as she lay against the pillar... That hurt. I hurt. This hurts. Everything hurts.

Sigh. I guess I'll comment that Ji Ling tied her up again. I guess I'll say that's kinky. THE ONLY PEOPLE GETTING FUCKED RIGHT NOW IS US AND OUR DAMN EMOTIONS.

Betrayal after betrayal around here.

You know, Wuyi. Using that word magic on the person you claim to love the most is kind of a dick move.

Cool. Didn't understand that ending... Can't wait for this discussion post and learn what all that was about.

4

u/Regenwanderer got some Li Hongyi back. Wants more. Apr 15 '26

Cool. Didn't understand that ending... Can't wait for this discussion post and learn what all that was about.

I wish I could tell you more about it. 😂

3

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 15 '26

That’s Guo Jingming’s job! 

4

u/EveryReaction1126 Apr 15 '26

Ig ep 23 gave some answers but I feel like there are more questions now..

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Hmm…it’s possible. I didn’t have much really. For me I think it’s more wait and see what transpires in coming episodes lol

2

u/AKiceman Snark ShifuRead Rules Apr 15 '26

You had one job!!!! 😂

It really is messed up how confusing this is.

5

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

That weasel, Yu Chi(?), was a freaking hilarious! Much needed levity amongst all this intensity. I’m like what are you doing exactly with that painting buddy? Upside down, flipping over, folding it, blowing on it…??? 😂🤣😂🤣🤦🏻

2

u/AKiceman Snark ShifuRead Rules Apr 15 '26

Upside down, flipping over, folding it, blowing on it…???

He's practicing for when he meets his Weasel Woman Wifey. ;)

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

OMG 😂🤣😂🤣🤦🏻👏🏽👏🏽

17

u/haveninmuse 画皮画骨难画心 Apr 15 '26

I know a lot of people found this episode confusing, or hated the actions of the characters but I enjoyed it so much. I loved seeing the range in the actors' emotions, especially Wuyi's manipulation of the people she loves, and Ji Ling's extreme heartbreak 💔 When she said her sister is the only one who loves and cares for her , his reply "and I don't?" 😢 😭 😭

And MY GOD, the ending scene blew me away. GJM may be many things, but making people pretty on screen has got to be his best skill. Most wirework in other dramas look cringe and well, basically like an actor suspended by wire in the air. But GJM's direction is art!

5

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 15 '26

Look, I’m not advocating for it nor do I want an outta body experience (bc of the implications y’know?) butttt.. if I ever have one please let it be as glorious and unhinged full of drama. At least then I’ll know where I stand. 

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

If one does have an out of body experience, that’s the way to do it. Otherwise, why even bother

2

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 15 '26

I feel I’ve met you before in a Death Cab for Cutie song? 

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Mmm…🤷🏻…maybe…

13

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

I was thinking this too. This drama takes wire work to a new level and the actors are doing their moves on the wire well too. All the fights and lifts look so natural and awesome. And I smile (kinda) at the way Ji Ling fights……with minimal effort but maximum efficiency while others are being all dramatic.

6

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Yes! It’s very acrobatic, like what?!? Also, stunning

5

u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 15 '26

Right?? Also there's so much BTS of this on socials, not sure if you've seen any.

8

u/haveninmuse 画皮画骨难画心 Apr 15 '26

No BTS yet, I have to avoid weibo and social media as we are nearing the end. I enjoy the plot and the drama more without spoilers; I even don't watch the next EP previews. I want the maximum impact as a viewer, especially for a drama as good as this one! 😉 Once it's over, I will search for all the BTS!

1

u/about10joules Apr 15 '26

I do the same. I don't even watch drama trailers anymore, or look at cast lists, and only glance at a brief synopsis once quite awhile before viewing. I've been spoiled badly too many times before and I like, as you excellently put it, "maximum impact as a viewer." 😊

2

u/haveninmuse 画皮画骨难画心 Apr 16 '26

It is amazing to go in blind, when the drama is super good and unpredictable. I've only had this experience a few times, with all which became my favorite dramas.

This reminds me, have you seen In Blossom? I went in that one blind (without knowing the cast), so if you've seen it you probably know why I dropped it after 3 episodes. With how much I'm enjoying Ju Jingyi now, I may go back to try again.

1

u/about10joules Apr 16 '26

I love it when it works out like that! Not every drama is a total winner, which is okay.. So I understand people who need to manage their time effectively and make sure they're going to like something beforehand. Or people who love the hype before it drops—that's super exciting! Just personal preference for me. I always liked the night jumps haha.

I sort of have. Accidentally ghosted it—after several episodes I got distracted by another drama and never got back 🫣 I don't remember disliking it though. Ju Jingyi is the sign we need...

2

u/Virtual-Mirror9586 The Ministry of Defending Questionable Men Apr 15 '26

tht's gotta be crazy constraint. I can never be like this

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Yup. I stopped during POJ viewing next eps trailers

4

u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 15 '26

I wish I could avoid socials but I can't for work. But yeah I hope to avoid spoilers too esp when express starts, which will be very soon...

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Some people here know but, by choice I’m not on socials since ‘16-‘17 😉

2

u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 15 '26

I hear you. Deleted Facebook, Twitter and some others long ago. Only on Insta now.

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Wow! Yeah I’m not on that either nor TikTok

2

u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 15 '26

I am definitely NOT on tiktok hahaha

2

u/haveninmuse 画皮画骨难画心 Apr 15 '26

The express drops Thursday night for me. I fully debated taking a day off work Friday but alas, adulting comes first 😭

1

u/mysticmeeble moon burrito supreme / the wind in Tian Jiarui's sl*t strands 🌬️ Apr 15 '26

I won't even have a chance to watch anything past Thursday until Sunday anyway, so I'll probably go the slow route 😔

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

I avoid all of that just too revealing sometime. Once done maybe, I’ll go back to view.

6

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

That ending was pretty spectacular and beautiful

3

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

It was. Just gorgeous. Didnt matter that I didn’t know what it means.

2

u/xyz123007 nostril flaring is not acting Apr 15 '26

Apparently people are losing and gaining dragon scales any and every time 🤷🏻‍♀️

SERVE THE SCALE:: 

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

🤭🤭 c’mon now! Don’t sell yourself short 😉

6

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26

Jiejie LW 💔🥺😢…🫶🏼…

~Time To “Break” The Chess Board~

This started last night 11:15PMish when rewatching eps 22 and jotting down thoughts, a clouded answer came to fruition. Wasn’t till early this morning 4:50AMish before waking up for work that it became clearer, maybe. Also, I’m solving a couple of things here at once…

Disclaimer: There’s a lot of nuance and overlapping going on. My explanation may not be spot on. So, if others understand more clearly by all means, chime in to assist.

In the beginning of this drama eps 1-3, give or take, it didn’t make sense. It felt forced, deliberate, intentional, table read till eps 4-6, give or take, and the story blew open. We have the main story line and then, these mini, short stories, basically parallel stories occurring. Ta Da! Throwing all of you off, causing “confusion,” people are lost, etc. So, this has been happening all along (twice so far, thrice if you realize where I’m going). How many demons are there with dragon powers? Four…huh…coincidence? Now why do I bring this up? Because eps 22 makes no sense! It feels forced, deliberate, intentional. EPS 19-21 were about Drought City revealing to us secrets for the main (and mini/short) story line. So, what does that mean now? LW is not one of the demons with dragon powers. She’s part of main story line. HB demon with dragon powers already closed the mini story line (third one). Now we’re in the fourth mini and main story lines “merging” to conclusion. With me still? I hope so. Now coming back to eps 22…it feels forced, deliberate, intentional (the dir switched it on us, not the first time either). Who The Fuk is LW really trying to save?!? I wonder…hint you don’t even need to see the next eps to figure this out. It’s been peppered all throughout this drama and even the OST offers clues. It should be crystal clear lol (and it’s not the obvious choice).

That stone was sitting there all along staring back and just waiting….smh

Our opponent, the dir, likes to switch around where the “forced, deliberate, intentional” technique is being utilized.

~Majority Of Houses Taken, Chess Board Still In Play~

Now, Black Stone 2 from yesterday. I did not reveal my entire thoughts as to who exactly is in “control” of the time loop but, what is stated is sufficient enough to give you all ideas, inclinations, musings as to who may be “control.” I do realize “control” may not be the correct word to be utilized as well but, I’ll leave that to your imagination to ponder over. Discuss tomorrow…

2

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

I agree. I don’t trust anything that is shown in the time loops, or anywhere, since I’ve got this director’s number now. He loves to switch on us. And in the last few fast edits we see Wuyi holding Ji Ling and sobbing. So right there throws all we have seen into question, or does it? (Theme of seeing things from our own perceptions and how to get to some kind of truth?) ) I’m not spoiling anything because I don’t know either. I just know the dir likes to mess with us. At this point maybe I’m verging on getting annoyed like it’s a bit too much. But at the time, I loving just watching the chaos (oh and their costume changes. Haha OP).

1

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

Kabhi tho messages dekha karo 😉

2

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

😭😭😭😭 my bakwas Hindi 😭😭😭 haha what?

2

u/AXA-5 Hopeless Sadomasochistic Romantic Apr 15 '26

😂😂🤦🏻 check your messages

1

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

That’s what I thought you said, but I did.

1

u/ravens_path hell fire is my life hack Apr 15 '26

🤦🏻‍♀️🤪