The narrative follows their m/m relationship across an 800-year timeline, with volume 1 foregrounding their initial encounters and Hua Cheng's obsessive devotion as the primary emotional driver. Specific plot points such as the ghost bridegroom arc, where Xie Lian disguises himself as a bride and Hua Cheng intervenes, serve mainly to advance flirtation and romantic tension instead of developing the xianxia fantasy world on its own terms.

This structure subordinates traditional adventure elements to the central queer pairing. The author's decision to publish explicit LGBTQ+ content despite documented Chinese censorship pressures on both the novel and its adaptations further signals deliberate ideological intent. By embedding the romance as the core engine of character arcs and stakes, the work prioritizes progressive messaging over coherent storytelling, resulting in a title where the boys' love framework functions as an intrusive overlay that compromises broader entertainment value and audience accessibility.