After many top authors on the web novel platform spoke out, an even more unexpected person posted on Weibo.
Xiao Xueming, known as the pioneer of Wuxia novels!
The competitor to "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" this time was Xiao Xueming's "Night Rain Sounds."
However, after its premiere, "Night Rain Sounds" was ruthlessly crushed, becoming a mere supporting role.
In the Wuxia category, Jiangnan finally surpassed Xiao Xueming, becoming the strongest presence in Wuxia novels among web novels and even editors.
Everyone thought Xiao Xueming would harbor resentment towards Jiangnan, as the reputation he had built over decades was snatched away by Jiangnan in his twilight years. It would be difficult for anyone not to feel that way.
When many people claimed Jiangnan had exhausted his creative talent.
Xiao Xueming directly posted a short video on his personal Weibo.
It was a personal appearance, with him being the one to present.
He explained his views on this "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber."
Netizens, expecting to find amusement, wanted to see how Xiao Xueming would denigrate Jiangnan and reassert his status as the Wuxia pioneer.
But the reality surprised many.
"I haven't met Jiangnan, but I've followed all his works. I've also been following 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber' and have been thoroughly enjoying it. My assistant told me today that there are many differing opinions about this drama online, but in my opinion, it is an excellent television series!"
Xiao Xueming speaking out in defense of "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" was unexpected for many.
However, with a figure of such martial arts authority appearing, the online discourse immediately quieted down significantly.
In the video, Xiao Xueming analyzed the entire plot of the story, then discussed Zhang Wuji's growth and his motivations based on his experiences, providing an extremely professional explanation for netizens.
"The core theme of this drama has always been very clear. From Zhang Cui Shan and Yin Susu, to Yang Xiao and Ji Xiaofu, it's all about the conflict between good and evil. When the protagonist Zhang Wuji gets caught up in this conflict, he faces a choice between becoming a Buddha or a demon. He chose the former, because Zhang Cui Shan and Zhang San Feng are the guiding forces in his life. His upbringing from childhood clearly shows that he could never become a murderous villain."
Good and Evil.
In fact, many viewers had already grasped the core of the drama in the early stages.
But in the mid to late stages, people were still debating Zhang Wuji's revenge. And after the appearance of the female lead Zhao Min in the later parts, in addition to the martial arts storyline, there was also a courtly line. The intertwining of these two lines somewhat weakened the core theme of good versus evil.
Famous film critic Cao Weiming commented under Xiao Xueming's Weibo: "Old Xiao is right. This drama has always depicted the struggle between good and evil. The so-called good and evil are not the traditional black and white. Because in 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber,' the righteous factions also have hypocrites, and the evil cults have those who are loyal and righteous. This is the most brilliant part of the drama, and also Jiangnan's greatest strength. Every character in his hands is flesh and blood!"
As soon as Cao Weiming's comment was posted, it instantly shot to the top of the trending list.
In just over ten minutes, it garnered hundreds of thousands of likes.
After "Dying to Survive," Cao Weiming had become the most popular film critic. Moreover, he was Jiangnan's most loyal fan, not engaging in mindless praise but rather in well-reasoned adulation.
"See? This is professionalism!"
"A thought can lead to becoming a Buddha, another to becoming a demon. Old Master Xiao's words are simply brilliant!"
"The education Zhang Wuji received from childhood does not permit him to have a personality like Yang Guo."
"He's more like a very lucky ordinary person who's been pushed to the forefront. Zhang Wuji has a pure heart; he also cares about the common people of the world!"
"I recommend everyone to rewatch it. This drama is definitely severely underestimated!"
With the influential figures leading the charge, many of Jiangnan's fans naturally followed suit and expressed their own opinions.
Xiao Xueming had already made it clear regarding the plotlines; although there was patriotism and a sense of national justice in this drama, it primarily depicted the conflict between good and evil, as well as the human nature inspired by the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber.
"There are no major issues with the plotlines, but the romantic relationships do have some problems."
After discussing the plotlines, Xiao Xueming began to analyze Zhang Wuji's romantic entanglements.
In fact, Zhang Wuji was the character with the most romantic encounters in Jiangnan's writing; even Yang Guo couldn't compare in this regard.
Because Yang Guo was devoted and enduring in his love, choosing one person for life. His relationship with Xiaolongnü was very moving.
But Zhang Wuji was not. He was indecisive in his romantic pursuits, which greatly subverted his image as a great hero.
He respected Yin Li, who was devoted to the point of obsession, because they had shared hardships and made a vow of life and death.
He felt pity and affection for the gentle Xiao Zhao, and he also had a childhood sweetheart story with Zhou Zhiruo.
Yet, Zhang Wuji ultimately chose Zhao Min, a woman from the opposing faction.
His hesitation and indecisiveness in matters of love became a point of criticism for many viewers, who believed that Jiangnan was trying to write a harem novel, as Zhang Wuji had harbored such thoughts.
"His choices were all driven by fate. Haven't you noticed that characters like Yin Li and Zhao Min are all very assertive? Even Xiao Zhao becomes quite assertive in the later stages. It is precisely because of this assertive personality that Zhang Wuji finds himself in a passive position. In fact, Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min being together is inevitable."
Xiao Xueming analyzed the personalities of Zhang Wuji's several female confidantes and ultimately concluded: Da Feng Novel Network.
Zhang Wuji, as a male protagonist with a perfect childhood and a tragic youth, had experienced love and betrayal, but he always retained kindness in his heart. He was just an ordinary person, an ordinary person with a pure heart.
Therefore, he chose true love.
Zhou Zhiruo's sword strike at Guangming Peak severed their romantic bond.
Zhao Min was willing to give up everything for Zhang Wuji. She was someone who could truly disregard everything for Zhang Wuji, which is why she ended up with him.
"Old Xiao's analysis is simply brilliant! Who doesn't like a beautiful and wealthy woman, especially one who is willing to give up everything for you!"
"Although Zhao Min appeared later, she is indeed the woman who loves Zhang Wuji the most!"
"The other women, to varying degrees, had ulterior motives. Zhao Min, as Zhang Wuji's arch-nemesis, had only eyes for Zhang Wuji. Wouldn't she choose him over Zhou Zhiruo?"
"Sorry, Zhou Zhiruo isn't worthy!"
Public opinion reversed!
Xiao Xueming's appearance and a single short video instantly silenced the trolls.
He also stated that the drama did have flaws, and the protagonist's characterization was indeed problematic.
But a protagonist with a flawless persona does not have the same relatability as one with such flaws.
Whether you call Zhang Wuji a saint or a scumbag.
None of these can negate the brilliance of this drama.
Compared to Guo Jing, who fought for the country and its people, or Yang Guo, who lived by his own code of honor, Zhang Wuji was more like an ordinary person blessed with incredible luck. He had no grand ambitions, but he possessed a pure heart, and his actions deserved the title of "Xia" (chivalrous)!