Dou Po Cang Qiong

Battle Through the Heavens, otherwise known as Fights Break Sphere, is always featured in lists of most watched Chinese dramas (exceeding 20 billion views) and I see how it was able to attract this many viewers. This story about Xiao Yan (Leo Wu), the heir of one of the most powerful clans in Fight Qi Continent, is riveting, full of action, twists and turns.

Xiao Yan is a martial arts genius until he turns 9, when his mother is killed. By the time of his wedding to Nalan clan granddaughter Yanran (Liu Meitong), his skills have deteriorated to such a degree that even his female cousin Xiao Xun'er (Lin Yun) could best him. Yanran's grandfather cancels the engagement and Xiao Yan vows to avenge his family's humiliation as well as his mother's death. He encounters his mother's former teacher, the Medicine Lord Yao Chen (Baron Chen), and finds out why he has been losing his martial arts skills. Under Yao Chen's guidance, he starts to recover.

Xiao Yan enters Jianan Academy with Xun'er. Their adventures in the academy with a group of classmates are engrossing. With the help of Yao Chen and other martial arts teachers, he gains an astounding array of skills that would help him and the rest of the clans battle against evil lord Hun Meisheng whose prominence could usher in darkness throughout the continent.

The main reason I could not give this top marks is because Xiao Yan is rather insouciant about love. There is not one woman he is shown to prefer above others. Up to their confrontation, I have been suspecting he still bore affection for Yanran. Yet he seems to be leading both Xun'er and Ice King daughter Xiao Yixian (Li Qin) on. Faithfulness is one of my requirements for a male lead, so Xiao Yan's attitude is a big turn-off for me. Another turn-off is the ending which begs for a second season.