Wu Xie- I will keep him company from now, solve his problems and lead an ordinary life with him.

This is one of those love stories, that never gets old. I have watched it umpteenth times and still I’m always absorbed in their world like it is my first time. The intriguing sequel to “Ultimate Note” where Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling face separation, “Adventure behind the Bronze Door” is a resonating saga of love nevertheless. The only glitch being that our loving couple, PingXie don’t have much scenes together. The show solely focuses on retracing Zhang Qiling’s life and memories; Wu Xie spends the entire time trying to figure out Qiling’s origins and solve problems that might affect their future. It might sound astoundingly boring, because the franchise banks on the chemistry between the actors playing the protagonists (which is like a revolving door with each installment featuring a different set of actors). “Adventure behind the Bronze Door” didn’t have too many scenes between the lead couple; it was a solemn journey with Wu Xie waiting for Zhang Qiling to return from the Bronze Door. He took it upon himself to figure out Qiling’s origins and clear the issues that have been plaguing the Zhang family. The show is a story of two lovers separated by age and time, reuniting and existing peacefully. If you are looking for PingXie romance, you will be disappointed. But if you want to learn more about our superhero, Zhang Qiling; then “Adventure behind the Bronze Door” has all the answers!

The story takes place five years after the main series ended. After Wu Xie found a painting of a young man in the post office in Medog County and returned from Nepal, his peaceful life was interrupted again by the sudden visit of Jin Wan Tang. He brought a scorpion-shaped pendant from the Zhang family’s ancient mansion, which was closely related to Zhang Qi Ling in his childhood. In pursuit of clues, Wu Xie went to Nepal again and then moved to Medog. In Medog, all kinds of clues related to Zhang Qi Ling are coming. Wu Xie realized that he had come to Medog and found that it was not accidental but it was planned by someone. Wu Xie and Wang Pang Zi find out more about Zhang Qi Ling’s background and the mystery behind Zhang family.

(Source: DramaWiki)

~~ Adapted from the novel’s “Zang Hai Hua” (藏海花) by Kennedy Xu (南派三叔).

Wu Xie’s Older, Bold and More Diffident

The first thing that Qiling says to Wu Xie after coming out of the Bronze Gate is “You are older”. Edward Zhang takes over the mantle from Xu Zhen Xuan who plays the younger version of Wu Xie. Considering the fact that Edward is featured in most scenes, we can safely say this show belongs to him. After five years of separation, Wu Xie seems older and exhausted. He has been endlessly retracing their steps to discover Qiling’s origins. Suspiciously, an opportunity arises, and he grabs it without considering the consequences, which leads him into a trap. The younger Wu Xie might have cowered, but the older one doesn’t; maybe it is because Qiling isn’t around to protect him anymore. So, instead of grumbling, Wu Xie decides to make the most of the opportunity, take chances and sets out to find out more about Qiling. Throughout this journey, Wu Xie’s longing and yearning is pretty evident; the background score for their scenes is just so romantic, there is no doubt about the fact that they are a couple. Wu Xie felt Qiling’s presence in the stone he carved and the scrolls he left behind.

Fatty Wang is in Protector Mode

In Qiling’s absence, the task of protecting Wu Xie fell to Fatty Wang (Chen Ming Hao). Obviously, Wu Xie is no longer naive or innocent, he is more proactive and daring, but that doesn’t stop our young hero from subsequently falling into traps. Fatty Wang is more sharper these days, and he safeguards Wu Xie while keeping their enemies at bay. He follows Wu Xie and makes sure that no one takes advantage of his friend, he respects Wu Xie’s decisions no matter however risky they are and stands by him in all situations. Even though the Iron Triangle was incomplete in this installment, Wu Xie and Fatty Wang’s friendship has grown stronger and it was heartwarming to watch them band together to battle against all odds!

Zhang Qiling, the Enigma

Qiling to Wu Xie- You are my only connection to this world!

Most of the shows present Zhang Qiling as an enigmatic, mysterious force. He is reserved, doesn’t communicate much and his sole purpose of existence is to safeguard Wu Xie. This show was different, Zhang Kang Le portrays Zhang Qiling with a sensitivity that touches your heart. As we retrace his roots, we are given a glimpse into his lonely childhood. He was separated from his mother and raised as a part of the Zhang family. There are many who envy him because he is a part of the main branch. To figure out his origins, Zhang Qiling takes over the mantle of the family Patriarch. It is a difficult position because the one who serves as the Patriarch is bound to be stuck by Tianshou, an incurable disease which causes the family members to lose their memories. We also learn about the Qiling tattoo and a lot more things, that were discerning. Qiling deliberately led a lonely life, going on missions, serving as the family Patriarch; until he met Wu Xie. There are very few scenes portraying their romance but it is obvious that Wu Xie slowly became Qiling’s reason to exist. From being a loner without roots, Qiling found a soulmate who spend years waiting for his return. And Qiling remembered him; throughout the series, Wu Xie keeps asserting to everyone that Qiling would definitely remember him. Qiling proves him right!

Final Impressions

PingXie are love personified; you can’t find a better example that screams romance!

“Adventure behind the Bronze Door” in essence is a love story between our lead couple. Wu Xie does spend a lot of time going on expeditions to figure out the mystery behind the Night King, but his sole focus remains on recovering Qiling’s memories. The solemn music accompanying the scenes where Wu Xie is shown pinning for Qiling is just so soulful; there are no doubts left about their relationship. The show screams romance, even Qiling’s close friends accept repeatedly that Wu Xie has a strong chemistry with him and understands Qiling better than anyone else. If you are into angsty love stories, this show should be high on your watchlist. The slow burn romance is breathtakingly beautiful and will leave you riveted!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- WeTV