Genre: Wuxia / Xianxia
Starring: Yang Yang, Gina Jin, Wang Duo
Adapted from: A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality by Wang Yu (忘语)
Overview
The Immortal Ascension is a visually captivating wuxia/xianxia series that delivers a refreshing take on the genre through a calm, intelligent male lead and layered storytelling. Starring Yang Yang as Han Li, Gina Jin as Nangong Wan, and Wang Duo as the cunning Wang Chan, the drama blends breathtaking landscapes, intricate character relationships, and high-stakes cultivation battles. While it stumbles with CGI quality and heavy editing, its strong performances and atmospheric cinematography keep it worth watching.
Story & Characters
Han Li (Yang Yang)
Born as the fourth son of a poor village family, Han Li’s path to immortality begins when his uncle introduces him to Qixuanmen, a modest local cultivation sect. Although his spiritual power is faint and untrained, the sect leader accepts him as a disciple. From these humble beginnings, Han Li grows into a cultivator defined by intelligence, caution, and quiet determination. His combat style is precise and disciplined, his mind as sharp as his sword. More than just a fighter, Han Li also refines pills, studies ancient texts, and develops through his own effort rather than relying on others to shape his destiny.
Nangong Wan (Gina Jin)
A graceful and strong fellow cultivator, Nangong Wan captures Han Li’s admiration early in his journey. Their mutual respect and shared trials forge a partnership that strengthens them both. While her role in the drama is more restrained than in the source novel, her poise and capability leave a lasting impression on Han Li’s path.
Wang Chan (Wang Duo)
The main antagonist, Wang Chan, is a practitioner of forbidden techniques whose ambitions threaten the stability of the kingdom. Far from a one-dimensional villain, Wang Chan is layered—awkward with subordinates, embroiled in family tensions, yet dangerously cunning in battle. His unpredictable presence makes him a constant, compelling challenge for Han Li.
Supporting Characters
The series features additional key figures, including Chen Qiao Qian (Zhao Xiao Tang) and Mo Cai Huan (Zhao Qing), each contributing to the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and personal quests. Notable performances from Edward Zhang, Chin Shih Chieh, and newcomer Zhao Ming further enrich the cast—especially Zhao Ming’s understated yet memorable “girl-next-door” charm.
Production & Visuals
Strengths
- Cinematography: Sweeping landscapes and immersive camera angles create a near-cinematic feel.
- Costumes & Makeup: Consistent with the world’s aesthetic and mostly well executed.
- Fight Choreography: Crisp, dynamic, and strategic—many sequences feel like high-quality video game battles.
- Soundtrack: A seamless blend of orchestral grandeur and modern motifs, especially memorable during Han Li’s fight scenes.
Weaknesses
- CGI Quality: Inconsistent, with mid-series dips making some creatures look outdated and cartoonish.
- Overuse of Scenic Shots: Endless aerial pans of hills, rocks, and deserts become repetitive.
- Sparse Extras: Sect scenes look underpopulated, undercutting the scale of the world.
- Heavy Editing: Originally planned for 40 episodes, cut down to 30 and shortened in runtime, leaving key plot points rushed or missing.
- Pacing Gaps: Certain arcs (like Iron Man) feel neglected, while others get redundant focus.
Themes & Narrative Flow
The series navigates classic cultivation tropes—sect rivalries, righteous-vs-demonic clashes—but Han Li’s preference to remain independent adds freshness. His rise from a rootless commoner to a respected cultivator is a story of perseverance over innate talent.
That said, the aggressive editing creates narrative gaps, making some character progressions feel abrupt. Still, the pacing remains engaging for many viewers, especially those new to the genre.
Reception & Rewatch Value
Fans of the novel and donghua may find the drama’s CGI and condensed plot underwhelming compared to the source material, but newcomers often praise it as a thrilling, accessible entry into wuxia/xianxia. While rumors of behind-the-scenes tension and cast changes linger, the show’s popularity (topping Youku charts) suggests a potential for Season 2—possibly picking up mid-volume 3 of the novel.
Verdict
The Immortal Ascension isn’t flawless—its CGI, repetitive visuals, and rushed cuts hold it back from masterpiece status. But its standout performances, intelligent lead, and immersive cinematography make it a rewarding watch for those seeking a more grounded and subtle hero in the cultivation genre.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 for newcomers, 3.5/5 for source-material purists)
Best For: Viewers who appreciate martial arts fantasy with a thoughtful protagonist, layered relationships, and atmospheric visuals.
Skip If: You need consistently high CGI, or can’t stand heavy plot editing.
