A lot of this volume took place in the past during the conflict between Xianle and Yong’an, and the outbreak of the Human Face Disease. We got to see a younger Xie Lian as newly ascended, struggling to accept what it means to be a god and what restrictions it brings, while he tries his best to save his people. I think it added deeper layers to his character and made him out to be very complex, which made me love him even more.

I also liked that I got to know more about Mu Qing and Feng Xin since I had trouble differing between the two of them in the first book; their characters were more fleshed out and their relationship with Xie Lian as well. 

I like how plot points from the first book are still relevant in the third book; it makes the story more connected. I really love the friendship between Xie Lian and the Wind master, they are so silly and precious. 

I’m also going to mention the Hualian moments in this book because oh my god they made me feel so much.

Xie Lian telling a younger Hua Cheng to make him the meaning of his life when he has nothing to live for, and Hua Cheng saying to Xie Lian that he will never forget him — I cried a little. They were there for each other in their worst times. When Hua Cheng sent the three thousand lanterns to Xie lian, that had to be one of the most romantic moments in any media I’ve ever consumed.