I deliberated a long time over 8.5 or 9.... Finally decided on 8.5 becos the camera work and production quality affected my watching experience quite a lot. If the props and costumes quality was better, or the camera men were more experienced and know to shoot at angles that would not make the props look so fake, this drama would have been a 9.5 or even 10 for me.

This is an idol-led drama, with a really young cast and it was before Wu Lei and Xiao Zhan were such hot property. It didn't have much budget or good camera men so the watching experience feels like I'm at a school stage play at times.... But the story!! The story is GOOD! One of the best wuxia plots in recent times! And the screenwriters are quite respectful of the work, the changes it made from the original did not take too much away from the story. The drama is free from usual tropes, at least I haven't spotted any.... I don't consider the bro-sis romance to be a trope as this is in the original book.

If you like a good wuxia drama without much romance, Fights Break Sphere is a strong contender. Wu Lei fits the ML role well, and he puts in a commandable performance! I'm quite excited to see how he would develop in acting as he mature, like 10 years later? For a 17 yo to put in such a credible performance, he would probably be mind-blowing when he is 28.

And you have members of XNine in supporting roles, including uber hot Xiao Zhan! And a really pretty FL who unfortunately couldn't act well, but that is okay, won't distract you too much. I really like Li Qin's cameo here! She has such good chemistry with Wu Lei, it is unbelievable they are 9 years apart in age. Her CP with Wu Lei is more sizzling than the FL with Wu Lei.... Haha.

This is a fun watch with a very good, engaging story. I do not know if there'd be a season 2, but the ending is good enough for me. There is the donghua version too! You can continue the story in its animated version.