Isn’t it beautiful how TGCF introduces these foils for Hualian’s relationship to explore versions of Hua Cheng’s devotion that *aren’t* healthy—like the whole subplot with the woman general and Pei Ming and her obsession with him, her desire to stay with him resulting in her sacrificing herself and her legs, and the result of her continued obsession—kidnapping brides. Vs Hua Cheng and his cave of 1000 gods, of his selfless devotion and healthy “attachment” without a goal of reciprocation even after sacrificing himself for his god, his prioritization of Xie Lian’s happiness…
To add on to this, Bai Jing is also Hua Cheng’s foil. It is explicitly stated by Ling Wen that the Brocade Immortal didn’t work on Hua Cheng because Bai Jing feels like they are similar in their absolute devotion and willingness to die for one’s love.
The difference lies in that Ling Wen didn’t fully treasure Bai Jing’s love (however his feelings are somewhat returned), while Hua Cheng’s love is fully reciprocated by Xie Lian. Neither of them really care about reciprocation though.
Hua Cheng’s love towards Xie Lian is described as 孤注一掷，死亦无悔, which is also the motto for his gambling den. It means betting everything on one single cause against all odds, and would die with no regret for it.
I think Bai Jing’s story showcases the potential sacrifices one might make for absolute love, the potential prices of devotion. Hua Cheng is lucky in the sense that he falls for someone with a loving heart, and they get to build an equal and sweet relationship out of the initially unequal dynamic.
