Read Novel First

Read the completed novel translation here: https://mydramanovel.com/the-rise-of-ning/

Thank you 

Having already read the book, the series seems more “inspired by” the novel rather than a direct adaptation (at least as of episode 16).

 Veryexcite:

Having already read the book, the series seems more “inspired by” the novel rather than a direct adaptation (at least as of episode 16).

Agree.  I prefer the drama to the book, in fact, as it is more dramatic.  

I've already read the novel online, and all I can say is, they've changed a lot of things in the TV series. Understandably, the changes in the TV series fit better, since the supernatural elements of the novel can come across as farfetched and borderline inappropriate.