This show is epic and deserves better reviews!

Super high budget, the settings, costumes and cinematography are outstanding, a visual pleasure.

Liu Haoran is fantastic in his role I have no idea what people mean when they complained he wasn't good enough for the part he's perfect! Chen Ruoxuan is the best Ji Ye you could ask for and while Song Zuer's Yu Ran does start out as very childish and immature at the beginning her character development is very satisfying and she grows into a well-rounded character who knows how to accept responsibility and the importance of sacrifice. Most importantly, this love triangle is far from conventional and I'm very grateful for that.

It's a slow-burn plot, but not in a boring way! The production team takes their time in unfolding the mysteries and every question has its answer. There are a few subtle plot holes that could have been handled better and taken this show from epic to truly legendary but they have no effect on the main plot.

The first half of the show is by far the most light-hearted and the second half is gritty, bloody and full of suspense! Once again I don't know what people meant when they said the second half of the show let it down, the second half is where all the excitement is!

I give the music and rewatch value just a 8* each because I wish the show's OST had been used more often but when it is used its spellbinding, and the rewatch value simply because once you know the answers to the mysteries it removes a lot of suspense. I wish I could watch it again for the first time.

Give this show a try it deserves your attention!

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Stunning Visuals, Weak Plot, Strong Cast – Wu Lei Steals the Show

With high expectations set by the stellar cast and glowing reviews, I was disappointed that this show didn't fully live up to its potential. However, there were some bright spots. Wu Lei's performance during emotional scenes was outstanding, and Zhao Lusi's more nuanced character was a pleasant surprise compared to her previous roles. The supporting cast, including familiar faces like Wang Zhuo Cheng, was a delight and brought charm to an otherwise predictable story.

The plot, unfortunately, felt simplistic and often dragged. With only a few truly exciting moments across 56 episodes, much of the story lacked tension, and the heavy use of 'plot armor' for the main characters made the stakes feel low. The first half leaned too much into comedy, with the grandmother's departure being a relief. The betrayals were predictable, and the so-called 'twists' rarely packed a punch, either revealed too early or centered on minor characters.

Despite this, some characters stood out. Lou Yao’s development was a highlight, and the comedic duo of A'Qi and A'Fei provided some genuinely funny moments. While it was never in doubt who would win Cheng Shaoshang's hand, Yuan Shanjian’s disappointing arc felt like a missed opportunity.

Visually, the cinematography is stunning, and the music enhances the emotional beats, but the uninspired plot drags the show down. Overall, it's worth watching for Wu Lei’s incredible acting—but just once.

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A Slow Burn with Surprising Depth Beneath the CGI

The Bromance/Sismance: Contrary to some reviews, the bromance/sismance ratio in L.O.R.D Critical World isn't as prominent as claimed. The supposed 30/70% balance is misleading, as much of the show is about the juniors on missions while Leya and Spectre narrate. If you’re looking for deep connections, only Qi Ling and Yang Ze truly share any substantial bromance, and even the female disciples lack strong sismance dynamics, with Lotus and Rosemary failing to establish significant sisterly chemistry. Unfortunately, Qi Ling’s interactions with Yin Chen are few, leaving much of his screen time spent with other characters like Shen Yin, Lotus, and Rosemary.

Genuinely Sad When It Ended: Despite its flaws, the show gains momentum around episode 34, and by the end, I was genuinely sad to see it conclude. It’s possible to skip from the early episodes, after Qi Ling and Yin Chen have established a relationship, straight to ep. 34 without missing much. Though much of the story feels like filler, the emotional depth and character connections that finally emerge make the ending bittersweet.

Does Qi Ling Ever Grow Up? Yes, but it takes time. Qi Ling finally sheds his goofy persona around episode 28, becoming more adept at magic—though his actual growth under Yin Chen’s guidance is glossed over. It's not until episode 34 that he truly matures and steps into his role as a disciple, marking a turning point in both his character and the show’s plot, which had been dragging with filler episodes.

The Emotion!: Episode 36 is where Zhang Min En’s portrayal of Qi Ling really shines. His emotional depth is a revelation after so much lightheartedness, making the drama feel more impactful.

The CGI: Yes, it’s bad. Get past it.

The Plot: The plot is riddled with holes. If the filler from episodes 5 to 33 had been replaced with meaningful story progression, the pacing would have improved, and perhaps the show could have wrapped up with a more satisfying end.

Second Season?: While the show sets itself up for a second season, it doesn’t leave you hanging on a cliffhanger. The characters' paths are clear enough to imagine what might come next, though I'd eagerly watch another season to see how their stories unfold.

Watch or Not?: This show is very enjoyable if you focus on the characters. If you can overlook the CGI and sluggish plot in the middle, there’s charm to be found. The final stretch of episodes is much stronger, and by then, you’ll likely be invested enough to hope for a second season.

Rewatch Value?: If I were to rewatch, I’d only bother with episodes 34-48. It's been over a year since I saw this show and I'm still thinking about it.

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This show NEEDS a higher rating!!

Kinnporsche is absolutely phenomenal I don't know how this show is only an 8.1 I've watched shows rated 9.0 and above that weren't as good as this! It was a thrill from beginning to end. Every single actor aced their characters and when you watch the special clips between episodes on iQiyi you can see just how much time and dedication went into making this show. I am so grateful for everything the actors and producers did to create such a masterpiece. It delivers way more than the synopsis promises.

Reviews on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube raved about this show I knew it was going to be a good one and held off watching it for a while so that I didn't peak in the BL genre too soon - but this has got to be the peak right?? I binged this show for 2 days, just couldn't leave it alone. The plot is so strong and full of action and there is no direction it doesn't take you in. Shows that aren't afraid to show you the darker side of their characters and their world only serve to draw you in much deeper and that's exactly what you get with this show.

BDSM warning - ep 12 there is some BDSM between one of the supporting couples so if you're not a fan you can skip past it, it doesn't impact the story in a big way if you do and they make a short reference to it later so you know that it happened and its relevance to the characters.

There is major character development for the main and supporting cast and you are carried through all the highs and lows with the characters. And as some other reviews may suggest there is plenty of intimacy on screen (if you're watching the 'La Forte' version as I think the 'TV version' removes the sex scenes). I enjoyed the imtimacy and it was some of the best I've seen in the BL genre so far but even without it the story is so freaking amazing you don't need it there to enjoy the show.

Just watch it, you won't regret it!

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It's not what you expect...

I wanted to give this show a slightly better rating than it usually gets as the show, and characters especially, were very good, but it's not quite what you expect.

This show has, by far, the most passionate scenes of intimacy I have seen in any BL drama so far, and that's quite exciting, though in other parts of the show it gets almost cute between Mangkorn and Yai (that's the unexpected part) - basically, the 'rivalry' that the synopsis is based on doesn't last long.

That isn't to say that the show doesn't have any plot at all as some viewers have commented: the plot is the relationship between Mangkorn and Yai and their (rather speedy) journey from rivals to lovers. If the show had been a few episodes longer there is a lot more that could have been explored between the two leads, but unfortunately there just wasn't time for that, so you'll have to fill in the blanks for yourself. However, on the plus side, that meant that the faster pace kept boredom at bay as we got to see all the most important parts one after the other.

The actors were terrific, and I especially loved the supporting characters P'Park and P'Pong. Though they represent the 'comedic' side of the drama (that you never expected to be there) they are one of the best parts of the show and I thoroughly enjoyed every one of their scenes (and their suits and slicked-back hair and are just a visual feast for the audience)

In summary, anybody coming into this drama will just need to adjust their expectations and they will still be able to enjoy it despite the synopsis dressing it up as something that it's not. I honestly hope there will be a season 2 because I will definitely be coming back to see what's next for these wonderful characters!

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This show deserves a better rating

It's actually 43 episodes.

I give this show a 10 to contribute to raising its rating, it certainly deserves more than a 7.9. At least 8.2 at a minimum. I've watched an 8.7 (One and Only) & an 8.9 (Love Like The Galaxy) that were down-right boring compared to this.

I read in another review it's a "refreshing take on xianxia" and I agree. The two leading characters are mortal, which makes a change for a xianxia, and makes their time all the more precious (as well as their sacrifices). The story, too, is refreshing in it's way and full of suspense. The disciple-master relationship developing into something romantic is nothing new but this one seems different.

Zhu Yan has some very satisfying character development from her childish younger self and a good deal of independence. Shi Ying is the seemingly aloof master while still being very in-touch with his emotional side. And Zhi Yuan is the selfless, gentle but powerful third lead who carried half the show. His character is so endearing you never tire of seeing him, with a sprinkle of Chong Ming to keep things lively.

The story starts a little cliche but gets a lot better later on and becomes something to be truly invested in and enchanted by. The ending was a little rushed and some explanation was lacking, but the final fight was a pleasant suprise as the show goes into full xianxia mode.

My only qualm is that Ren Min and Xiao Zhan sometimes failed to convey strong-enough emotion in their expressions for the circumstances they were in. But I love the whole cast, Alen Feng was a favourite in this one and it's great to see Xiao Zhan in a fantasy show again. I only give the rewatch value a 6.5 because a lot of what holds you in on this show is the suspense which is gone on a rewatch.

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