- Drama Title: Love in the Clouds
- Also Known As: 入青云, Ru Qing Yun
- Director: Peng Xue Jun, Zhi Zhu
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
- Cast: Hou Ming Hao, Lu Yu Xiao
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Date of Release: October 8, 2025
- Original Network: Youku
- Where to Watch: Youku, Netflix, Viki
- Adapted from the web novel: “Ru Qing Yun” by Bai Lu Cheng Shuang
Dear readers, the rainy season is on the way here in my region. Every afternoon, the rain pours endlessly. Sometimes it didn’t stop even after midnight. However, every morning, the sun returns. It shines so brightly as if nothing ever happened. The air feels fresher than ever. I kept having trouble dragging myself from the chair in the yard, to my computer to write this Love in The Clouds Drama Review. The sunlight was too beautiful to ignore.
But I am a morning person. I work best when the world has just started to wake up. I like to tap the keyboard while the birds are singing. That’s the best time when my thoughts flow easily and my words find their rhythm. So, here I am with a cup of coffee, ready to share another story with you, with this Love in The Clouds Drama Review. The one that touched my soul and stayed in my mind long after it ended. Happy reading, dear readers!
Love in The Clouds Drama Review
The Synopsis
Ming Xian had been the winner of the Qingyun Tournament for seven consecutive years before he was defeated by Ji Bo Zai. The tragic defeat happened because he was poisoned and lost his power in the final moments.
Ming Xian lost not only his warrior rank but also his position as the Crown Prince of Yaoguang Mountain. Banished from his home, Ming Xian decided to find Ji Bo Zai, who held the antidote, the Golden Millet Dream. He went to Jixing Abyss with the identity of Ming Yi, a female fairy with weak spiritual power.
Only a few people knew that the powerful Warrior God, Ming Xian, was actually a girl. Therefore, no one recognized her or connected her to the missing Ming Xian, including Ji Bo Zai.
Ming Yi did everything she could to get close to Ji Bo Zai. This powerful warrior seemed approachable on the surface but was truly hard to reach. Ming Yi played her part carefully, weaving lies and patience to retrieve the antidote and save her life. Meanwhile, Ji Bo Zai also did everything he could to stop people from coveting the Golden Millet Dream.
Both cunning and smart. Soon, Mign Yi and Ji Bo Zai were caught in a dangerous game of deception and attraction. And amidst the struggle, love bloomed. But love was never meant to be easy for two people bound by lies. Will love be strong enough to survive the truth, or will their secrets destroy everything they fought for?
The Review
A Tale of Sparks, Mischief, and Emotion.
Love in the Clouds is like a full package of a handsome boy who completely stole my heart. This drama is pretty, witty, funny, and effortlessly charming.
At first glance, I thought that this drama would just be another fantasy romance with beautiful faces and pretty clothes. But the more you watch, the more you realize that you have been completely mesmerized by its warmth.
This drama has everything that I hope for whenever I start a binge session. The humor lands just right. The romantic scenes made me skipped a heartbeat. Hou Ming Hao and Lu Yu Xiao have a great chemistry.
They are perfect for each other as Ji Bo Zai and Ming Yi. And what makes this drama stand out is how well it balances playfulness and seriousness. Once you start to watch, you will be on a roller coaster of emotions.
Beneath the laughter, there’s a story about trust, patience, and the courage to open your heart again after experiencing pain. This is the kind of drama that makes you smile without trying too hard, laugh out loud without feeling awkward, and cry your heart out actually feels reasonable. It’s soothed your soul like a familiar song, yet exciting enough to keep you up for “just one more episode.”
Trust me, that “one more episode” is a rabbit hole that will completely destroy your sleep schedule in the best way possible. I ended up like a sleep-deprived raccoon for three days. 🥱
Love in the Clouds will keep you on the edge of your seat! The plot moves quickly. However, the story unfolded slowly so it was so easy to follow. There were many surprising plot developments in the story that it will keep you engaged.
The plot twist in the end was somewhat predictable and disappointing. But hey, they were needed for the best closure. The one that didn’t feel too rushed. 😁
A good drama is one that makes the viewer feel something deeply during the show and leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll. Love in the Clouds is obviously one of most entertaining dramas I’ve seen in 2025.
The romance between Ming Yi and Ji Bo Zai were everything I needed as a romance junkie. Their story was sweet, alluring, heartfelt, and passionate at the same time.
Our main characters started with flaws. They deceived and manipulated each other while pretending to be good people. Both had their own goals and would do anything to achieve them.
The poison in Ming Yi’s body and the love that slowly grew between them become the turning point that changed everything. The ending may be predictable, but isn’t it that we look for in a romance drama? In the end, what truly matters is how the story makes us feel.
My favorite scene was their wedding day. It was the moment when Ji Bo Zai teased Ming Yi while holding her in his arms. Watching him smile honestly made my heart skip a beat. There was pure joy in his expression, mixed with a hint of mischievousness.
I am sure at that time, love has bloomed in Ji Bo Zai’s heart. Dressed in red, Hou Ming Hao looked absolutely dashing. It was the kind of sight that makes you grin without realizing it.
Love in the Clouds had become this good thanks to the great teamwork between the cast, especially Hou Ming Hao and Lu Yu Xiao. Ever since I watched him in Back from the Brink, it seems that Hou Ming Hao has delved further into the world of fantasy drama. He acted in I Am Nobody series, Dashing Youth, and Fangs of Fortune.
Now, I’m patiently waiting for his drama with Tang Song Yun, The Unclouded Soul. I didn’t mind because he looks stunning with long hair and in period costumes. However, I also wish to see him in different roles.
The gorgeous Lu Yu Xiao did a great job as Ming Yi. I first noticed her as Shangguan Qian, the assassin in My Journey to You. Her character is a complex, two-faced woman. Yet she pulled it off perfectly. If you haven’t seen it, you should put My Journey to You on your watchlist.
Lu Yu Xiao’s cute appearance suits adorable characters well. In My Journey to You, Shangguan Qian is an assassin, but her sweet, gentle, and weak appearance becomes her weapon for getting close to Gong Shang Jue.
Meanwhile, in Perfect Match, she played Kang Ning. She played a straightforward and stubborn woman who could be sweet and fierce at the same time.
This time Lu Yu Xiao successfully portrayed a fearless warrior and a delicate fairy at the same time. She could appear gentle and harmless most of the time. But when danger came, her power finally revealed itself.
One of the best examples is in episode 6. Ming Yi and Ruo Shui were punished by the Judgement Hall. They were tied up and left hanging for hours. To pass the time, Ming Yi asked Ruo Shui about Ji Bo Zai’s behaviour back in the Moonlit Blossom.
She didn’t believe that he was pure and as disciplined as Ruo Shui claimed. Then out of nowhere, a netherbeast appeared. It nearly killed Ruo Shui. To help her, Ming Yi used her power to fight the netherbeast.
The moment she drew the golden bow and arrow, her whole demeanour changed. Lu Yu Xiao looked valiant and radiant that I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
But what is truly baffling is Yu Cheng En. I always remember him as the gentle Lou Yao in Love Like the Galaxy. He and Zhao Lu Si made a cute and childish couple in that drama. He also did a good job playing Yan Li in The Coroner’s Diary, alongside Li Lan Di and Ao Rui Peng.
Still, that cannot erase his Lou Yao image from my mind. However, Yu Cheng En did a great job in Love in the Clouds. As Situ Ling, he looked like a boring young master. After he realized that Ming Yi was Ming Xian, though, there was a shift in his character.
Situ Ling became more lively, cunning, and intriguing. His character evolved in the most unexpected way. And to tell you the truth, I’m a fan of his acting. From now on, I think I will remember Yu Cheng En as Situ Ling.
The best part of Love in the Clouds is the romance between Ming Yi and Ji Bo Zai. Their battle of wits and manipulation tactics made this drama intriguing. Watching smart characters is interesting because they are intellectually challenging.
If you like this kind of character, you should watch The Prisoner of Beauty and Moonlit Reunion. Both shows feature intelligent characters who grow throughout the story.
There were second couple in Love in the Clouds which is Mu Tian Ji and Yan Xiao. Their obstacle was that they stood on opposite side. Yan Xiao was part of Mu Qi Bai’s faction.
And his mission was to keep the emperor, which is Mu Tian Ji’s father, unconscious. Meanwhile Mu Qi bai did everything to seize the throne from Mu Yuan Feng and suppressed Mu Tian Ji’s power.
Their story should have been fascinating. He Nan and Quan Yi Lun Also did a good job conveying Mu Tian Ji and Yan Xiao’s emotions. Yet, somehow it lacked emotional spark.
The chemistry between He Nan and Quan Yi Lun felt restrained, making it hard to feel the tension between them. it’s a pity because with stronger connection, their storyline could have as unforgettable as Ji Bo Zai and Ming Yi’s.
The Story – Love in the Shadow of Deception
There were many familiar tropes in Love in the Clouds. If you watched a lot of Cdramas like I have, you probably notice it too. But honestly, I don’t mind recycled tropes. What matters more to me is whether the whole story can keep me glued to the screen or not.
In this drama, you’ll spot several tropes that are instantly recognizable. For example, the classic “woman disguised as a man”. It reminded me of He Yan from Legend of the Female General. She was once disguised herself as He Ru Fei before turning over a new leaf.
Then there’s the “fake marriage that turns real” setup, which you could also find in Flourished Peony or Destined. And of course, the “fake identity” tropes as well, since Ming Xian pretended to be Ming Yi just to get close to Ji Bo Zao.
It feels similar to how Xu Yan created a new persona to approach Shen Hao Ming in Love’s Ambitions. Let’s not forget the “obsessive third party” either. This one immediately brings Su Jin to my mind. She is the epitome of obsessive third party that you can find in Eternal Love: Three Miles of Peach Blossoms. 😅
You can find these tropes in countless dramas. Yet, each one carries a different meaning and purpose. Some focus on the pain of unrequited love, while others turn it into a story of redemption and growth. It’s like using the same flour and butter. But while you might be baking cookies, I’m busy making puff pastry for my beef Wellington. 😉
In Love in the Clouds, Ming Xian’s background setup is also a recycled trope. She was born in royalty. Her parents are the monarchs of Yaoguang Mountain. A wealthy kingdom thanks to Ming Xian’s hard work at the Qingyun Tournament.
Despite living in a luxurious palace, Ming Xian’s family was far from perfect. Her parents only saw her as a pawn to maintain their power. Even her father, Ming Zheng Hui, never know the truth that his so-called son was actually a daughter.
The one who forced Ming Xian to disguise herself is her mother, Jing Shu. She placed the Veil of Illusion on Ming Xian and made her live as a boy. All Jing Shu needed was a son to protect her position as the empress. And sadly, Ming Xian was born as a girl.
Ming Xian still has a role model in her life. Her master, She Tian Lin, had been her teacher and the closest one to her. He was caring, wise, and lively, everything her parents were not.
It was his influence that shaped Ming Xian into who she became. Despite her royal blood, she seemed more like a girl raised in an ordinary, loving home.
Ji Bo Zai, on the other hand, was born an orphan. He spent years trapped in the Sunken Abyss, enduring torments and betrayed by other. He was eventually saved by Bo Yu Lan, who later became his master.
After she died, Ji Bo Zai vowed to avenge Bo Yu Lan and destroy everyone who was responsible for her death. Unlike Ming Yi, who grew up with warmth and guidance from her master, Ji Bo Zai had no one.
Mu Qi Bai and others thought that Ji Bo Zai was just an ordinary person with celebrity syndrome. After his victory, he spent most of his time surrounded by beautiful women in Moonlit Blossoms.
But few realized that he was doing it on purpose. Ji Bo Zai put on a laid-back playboy personality on the surface. While beneath the façade, there was a smart, cautious, and revenge-driven warrior.
Both Ming Yi and Ji Bo Zai became heroes for their countries after winning the Qingyun Tournament. This annual event gathered warriors from every country across Hexu, with one precious reward, the Blessed Rain. The winner earned a key to open the ancient pagoda and release the great whale that brought rain.
The Blessed Rain was vital. It made the lands fertile and formed spirit stones, bringing prosperity. Yaoguang Mountain thrived because of it, while Jixing Abyss, which constantly lost the tournament, grew weaker and weaker. In desperation, Mu Tian Ji made Ji Bo Zai his warrior.
Defeating Ming Xian, known as the Warrior God, was not easy. Ji Bo Zai only succeeded because of his sharp strategy, dragging Ming Xian into his spirit well to weaken her strength. Their battle might have lasted longer if the poison Heavenly Grief had not flared up and destroyed Ming Xian’s spiritual vein.
Both Ji Bo Zai and Ming Yi suffered from the same poison, but with very different outcomes. Heavenly Grief came from the mysterious Bo Clan, a family of healers.
It had two opposing effects. For those born with a spiritual vein, it destroyed it, and for those without one, it created it. But the side effects were cruel. The poison relapsed in waves of unbearable pain. Without the antidote, the Golden Millet Dream, death was certain.
Naturally, the Golden Millet Dream became an object of obsession. For the weak, it promised power. For the poisoned, it offered cure. After Ming Yi was infected, a Grief Blossom bloomed on her hand with seven petals.
Each time she forced her broken vein to fight, a petal withered away. Once the last one fell, her primordial spirit would burn out completely. From that moment, she only had a year left to find the Golden Millet Dream.
Do not be surprised that Love in the Clouds never clearly stated its timeline. After Ming Xian lost the tournament and infiltrated Moonlit Blossoms as Ming Yi, time passed quietly but steadily.
She climbed from servant to courtesan, spent days with Ji Bo Zai at Wugui Sea, and fought both Mu Qi Bai and the final villain, all within a year. The pacing felt fast, yet the story itself unfolded gently. It was easy to follow, even with its twists.🫰🏻
If there is one thing I would point out, it is Ming Yi’s overly positive nature. She started martial training as a child and entered the tournament at thirteen. The world of warriors is not kind. It is filled with rivalry, blood, and betrayal.
Yet she faced everything with almost naïve optimism, as if a strong determination will could protect her from cruelty. Her brightness was admirable, but it sometimes made her feel less grounded than the world she lived in.
The Visual – A Feast for the Eyes
I enjoyed watching Love in the Clouds for many reasons, including the story, the main leads, and the stunning visuals. I loved the makeup, hairstyles, and flowy, elegant costumes.
The makeup style was soft and natural, accentuating each actor’s best feature. My favorite hairstyle was Ming Yi’s during her time in Wugui Sea, especially the loose braids. The flowy fabric made the dress look graceful on screen.
I can’t help but wonder about one thing, though. Why do fantasy dramas always have such absurd armor designs? They always look impressive, yet they make absolutely no sense. They seem to protect everything except the important parts.
For example, Ming Xian’s armor covered her face and shoulders. Meanwhile, her chest and abdomen were completely exposed. Meanwhile, Ji Bo Zai didn’t wear a helmet, but he had two small ornaments on the sides of his head that (I hope) were meant for protection. 😅
The camera work and lighting play an important role in dramas. In Love in the Clouds, the lighting enhances every emotion. I love how the directors use close-up shots in many scenes. They give me a deeper sense of connection to the characters. Combined with the fluid camera movement, the storytelling feels emotionally rich.
The Characters
Ming Yi or Ming Xian (Played by Lu Yu Xiao)
Ming Yi’s real name is Ming Xian. While Ming Xian was once the powerful Warrior God and the crown prince of Yaoguang Mountain, Ming Yi is a weak fairy who worked as a courtesan in the Moonlit Blossom.
Ming Yi is an observant and intelligent person. She is cautious, adaptive, and skilled at reading others. Growing up with an unloving mother, she learned how to earn her attention through achievement.
After discarding her identity as Ming Xian, she lived a less perilous life as a courtesan in Jixin Abyss. Her mission was to obtain the Golden Millet Dream from Ji Bo Zai. And to get close to the notorious playboy, she must use her feminine charm. She learned to be playful, alluring, and weak when near him.
However, it was clear that this flirty, playful, decisive, brave, sweet, friendly, and loyal person might be the real personality of Ming Xian.
Ji Bo Zai (Played by Hou Ming Hao)
Ji Bo Zai is the strongest warrior in the Jixing Abyss. He was a prisoner in the Sunken Abyss until he escaped and was rescued by Bo Yu Lan. Mu Tian Ji later recruited Ji Bo Zai and made him a warrior. For the sake of his newfound freedom and the opportunity to avenge his master’s death, Ji Bo Zai was determined to defeat Ming Xian.
Although he appears to be a carefree, approachable playboy, he is far from it. He is deceptive, cunning, and unpredictable. He hides his intelligence as well as his true intentions. Despite his mischievous and sometimes arrogant attitude, Ji Bo Zai is vulnerable.
When it comes to love, he is dangerously irresistible. Most of the courtesans at the Moonlit Blossom fall for him. Even Ming Yi cannot escape his charm. However, when he decides to love someone, he will do anything to protect her, even if it costs him everything.
Situ Ling (Played by Yu Cheng En)
Situ Ling is the new chief of the Judgment Hall of the Jixing Abyss. He is part of Lord Hanfeng’s plot to seize the throne. Lord Hanfeng intentionally placed Situ Ling there so he could control the Judgment Hall.
However, Situ Ling didn’t play by the rules. He had no interest in his new job, and he didn’t like being controlled. Although he appears to be simple, gentle, and naïve, Situ Ling has his own thoughts and hides a secret.
Situ Ling grew up being bullied by others because of his weak body. He was determined to have the Golden Millet Dream so that he could have a spiritual vein and become a warrior like Ming Xian.
Mu Tian Ji (Played by He Nan)
Mu Tian Ji is the princess of the Jixing Abyss and a venerable figure at the Shouhua Academy. She was next in line for the throne after her father, Emperor Mu Yuan Feng.
However, because her uncle coveted the throne, she was forced out of her comfort zone and had to confront him. Initially, she was simple, childish, and naïve. Gradually, however, she learned to stand up to Mu Qi Bai’s oppression.
Mu Tian Ji may not be the brightest princess, but she is sincere in her work. She wanted the best for her country and its people. Although she planned to marry Ji Bo Zai, Yan Xiao was the only one in her heart.
Yan Xiao (Played by Quan Yi Lun)
Yan Xiao worked for Mu Qi Bai. Before becoming a physician, he had serve as one of his guards. Now, he was responsible for the emperor’s health. His job was to keep the emperor unconscious and only wake him when necessary.
Yan Xiao and Mu Tian Ji had known each other for a long time, and there was time when they truly care for each other. However, everything changed when Yan Xiao chose to join Mu Qi Bai’s faction.
Yan Xiao’s harsh words toward Mu Tian Ji didn’t change the fact that he still had feelings for her. He secretly worried about her. But he forced himself to turn cold as if indifference could protect her and made her forget about him.
Mu Qi Bai or Lord Hanfeng (Played by Hu Yun Hao)
Mu Qi Bai is the younger brother of Emperor Mu Yuan Feng of Jixing Abyss. He is a ruthless and cunning man who would stop at nothing to seize the throne. He hides his ambition behind a polite smile, but every move he makes is carefully calculated. He craves power and didn’t hesitate to do everything to get what he wants.
Mu Qi Bai despises how Ixing Abyss and its people are looked down upon by other countries for their weakness. But ironically, he treats Mu Tian Ji in the very same way. He always oppressing her just as those stronger kingdoms once oppressed them.
The Conclusion
I like Love in the Clouds drama because the story moves quickly but remains easy to follow. The visuals are stunning and the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. Watching Hou Ming Hao and Lu Yu Xiao being lovey dovey but in the next moment scheming against each other is just so entertaining. Honestly, seeing them together is the highlight of the whole show.
If you decided to watch this drama, beware of “just one more episode” trap. Love in the Clouds is dangerously addictive that I ended up like a sleep-deprived raccoon for three days straight. Don’t make the same mistake!
This Love in the Clouds drama is perfect for a binge-watching session on the weekend. Just make sure that you got your chores and tasks taken care of first. Once you hit the play button, there’s no turning back. Happy watching!
