Ending Recap: Classic of Mountains and Seas

Nevertheless, Xin Yue Hu surprises with a sudden bout of altruism and instead, gives away every ounce of his energy until he disintegrates in a swift but heartfelt farewell among the unlikely brothers.

Realizing that the woman he loved had stopped loving him long ago, an enraged Baili Han deals a fatal blow to Bin Yi, leaving Fu Er devastated while he exclaims, “how come, when he was alive you didn’t care, now that he is dead, he’s important?”

To add insult to injury, Baili Han comes clean that the day Fu Er turned against Su Mo was a result of his scheming. 

While I feel for Fu Er, I do think that she takes the cake for most hated character so her comeuppance is welcome, more so because Baili Han is right in rubbing it in that her path to evilness would not have been so had she not been such a willing participant.

More deaths followed as Shangguan Jin (Kenny Kwan) and Ah Su (Liu Chang De) also die in the hands of Baili Han. Chi Yu might have too if not for Su Mo who makes a wish to rid the bad, destroying Baili Han in the process.

Then comes the clean slate wherein everybody survives. 

Nonetheless, Classic of Mountains and Seas has a good concept and at the heart of the adventure are its endearing ensemble of characters. I could watch Team Phoenix just for their tireless banter and their back stories while tragic, make good TV. 

Yet it is so far from perfect. In fact, I was throwing chairs against the wall when Chi Yu died and Xin Yue Hu appeared because it was such a ludicrous change that came just when the sweet moments between real-life couple Gu Li Na Zha and Zhang Han were getting good but I grew accustomed to the idea, thanks for the most part to a mellowed down Xin Yue Hu who had redeeming qualities of his own.

As for Su Mo’s wish for world peace, it negates the events of the entire series, which is a reality that I neither loved nor hated though I suppose it’s better that everyone is alive than dead, putting a bittersweet finality to the saga where only Su Mo and Chi Yu retain their memories so we can take consolation in the fact that they’ll always have each other. 

But whatever became of Bin Yi, the scroll lady, her loyal wolf boy and even the face-stealing prick?

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 c-drama listing.