The story had a good flow. The director did a great job with the action sequences( full credit to the stunt coordinator ) and the story telling.
Xu Kai's acting was really good. He effectively conveyed a lot through his subtle looks and mannerisms. His eyes conveyed all sorts of emotions especially the saddest parts of the story. The female lead can be seen as a role model for many girls who are growing up.

Episode 30 was the best episode in this series. And will forever remain as one of the best pieces of art I have ever seen. The action was amazing and the heart wrenching parts( I cried through the whole episode and I don't usually cry that much ever) were equally amazing. Three cheers to the actors and kudos to the crew ( director specifically) for that amazing piece of moving picture art.
Most of the sub plots and sub characters had good storyline.
The main villain through the story was relationships and the difficulty it can create in our lives. Some of us who have strained relationships with friends or family or significant others , can really see ourselves through this series( which actually I wasn't expecting to see at all in this drama but it did show it -- the bonds, the trust issues, the things that can hold us back, and some of our greatest weaknesses--our own family).
People who come to see romance in this show will be satisfied as well because the chemistry between the two leads is sizzling.
But I am sure some of us who love to see good shows will remain for the action sequences and the dynamics between friends,family(adopted or real) and lovers.
I will surely rewatch it once again when I am done with the whole list of others shows I have been keeping on pending for years.