The Immortal Ascension

Yangyang Shines in The Immortal Ascension

okay, well, i'm sorry before-hand, but i only know and here for YANGYANG in this drama, so this review is gonna be me simping over him throughout cause he is just fantastic in the drama. Firstly, Yangyang delivers a captivating performance in the ongoing C-drama *The Immortal Ascension*, effortlessly embodying the complex duality of strength and vulnerability in his character. His on-screen presence is magnetic, blending stoic elegance with emotional depth, making every scene he’s in unforgettable. I am especially praising his intense fight sequences and the nuanced way he portrays his character’s internal struggle with destiny and morality. With each episode, Yangyang proves he’s not just a visual standout but a truly versatile actor carrying the emotional weight of this xianxia epic.
Overall, As The Immortal Ascension continues to unfold, Yangyang's performance remains a highlight, drawing me and everyone watching or gonna watch deeper into the mystical world of cultivation and sacrifice. With his compelling portrayal and undeniable charisma, he’s not just winning battles on screen—he’s winning hearts off screen too. I can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next. I LOVE YOU YANGYANG

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He meets and learns from you, or He kills and takes from you

It’s been a while since Yang Yang shows up on my screen and I miss this handsome guy. Of course, I have to check out “The Immortal Ascension” as he’s looking gorgeous and I am hungry for good wuxia with fight scenes. However, I was warned of 2 things about this drama - 1) CGI and 2) Romance

I would NOT recommend you watch this drama if you:
1. Can’t stand below-average CGI. Most newer xianxia has beautifully created cinematography with high definition and super colorful screens. If you are used to that and can’t lower your expectations, then don’t watch this drama. Aside from a few excellent battles, it’s pretty bad, especially when the characters are ‘flying’.

2 Only want a good romance storyline because all the unrequited love plotlines in this drama suck!! I personally do not like any of the female characters who have a crush on ML. Their stories are unimportant and repetitive, and one of them is super annoying. The one I was rooting for ended up having the least amount of screen time and acted like a lovesick girl when she’s supposed to be this badass goddess.

3. Only want to watch this because of the cast not named Yang Yang. This is Han Li’s (ML) story and the focus is on him. Everyone else is in a supporting or guest role, and that includes Gina Jin and Wang Duo. If you are not a fan of Yang Yang, skip this drama. If you only want to watch Wang Duo and Gina Jin only, skip this drama.


However I WOULD recommend you to watch this drama if you:
1. Are a fan of Yang Yang. Not only does he look great, he also plays the character very well. I didn’t watch the donghua but from the comments I read, Yang Yang is well-casted. I also really like Han Li as a character. He’s not your typical green/red/gray flag. He’s just a normal guy who wants to focus on cultivation and keeps to himself. He doesn’t care to socialize with friends or chase after girls, but is also not rude or mean. He’s smart, resourceful, calm and calculating, and doesn’t act like he’s a hero thinking he can save the world. Yang Yang did really well portraying this character. I do not think he is such a bad actor, and it’s not his fault when the director wants to point the camera at him to make him look good.

2. Are hungry for some good fight scenes, especially in xianxia. I would say "The Immortal Ascension” is a combo wuxia/xianxia drama. I was impressed with some of the duels and fight scenes when weapons and close combat action happens. The fight choreography was great and exciting. It’s not like a regular xianxia where the actors just stand there, move their fingers and arms, and let the computer graphics do the work for them. Actors actually fight here! The best fight with great CGI was the cave battle in episode 19. Then the big fights in episodes 24-25 aren’t bad, but not as good as the other ones.

3. Enjoy the cultivation journey of the main character. Even though the drama has the typical good sects vs evil sects, the focus is on Han Li’s humble beginnings to achieving immortality. And this is more than just his quest to fight, fight and fight. I read some commenters mentioning Harry Potter and I can’t un-see those comments and some similarities. During Han Li’s ascension, he had to learn more than just to fight. He learns from his first master about medicine and herbs, then continues to educate himself of spells, potions and different artifacts to increase his ability since he was born not having the best ‘genetics’. As I watch this journey, it feels like he’s Harry Potter and taking different classes at Hogwarts. Oh wait, there’s also the ‘Sorting Hat’ and shopping at ‘Diagon Alley' and meeting different characters. Let’s not forget a competition of the 7 different sects, just like the Triwizard Tournament (+ Hunger Games) of the 3 magical schools! Now, don’t you want to watch “The Immortal Ascension” just to see if I was right? LOL


I read that the drama was cut short, thus, it only has 30 episodes for season 1. I enjoyed Han Li’s journey very much for the first 20-25 episodes, despite crappy CGI and green screens. But the last arc about the battle of the sects was rushed and edited weirdly/choppily. I was disappointed that the drama did not really show any big battles between the good and bad guys. The ending was OK, but it was not as exciting as I had hoped for.

“The Immortal Ascension” obviously has a small budget. Did they spend all the money on both actor and director, Yang Yang? How can you cast Yang Yang in a drama with such crappy CGI? Did the drama spend the rest of the money on the 3 excellent battles where it needs to generate lots of graphics for the lights, spells, artifacts, and fights?

Overall, I had a good time watching this drama but I wish I had liked the last 5 episodes as much as the earlier ones. The OST is eclectic with memorable songs. Hopefully we don’t have to wait for too long for season 2 and to also have Yang Yang back as the male lead. Otherwise, I am going to skip it, just like I didn’t watch “Ever Night” when Arthur Chen wasn’t in season 2 anymore.



Completed: 8/12/2025 Review #612

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Calm, Clever, and Fierce: A Cultivation Hero Like No Other

The Immortal Ascension, starring Yang Yang and Wang Duo, is a visually stunning wuxia/xianxia drama that sets itself apart with a quietly compelling male lead and nuanced storytelling. Initially, I wasn’t fully convinced to watch—Yang Yang’s popularity is known, but I hadn’t seen his work before, and my past experiences with cultivation dramas left me cautious. Yet, the breathtaking cinematography and intriguing teaser pulled me in.

Yang Yang’s portrayal of the ML Han Li is refreshingly calm and introspective, yet never passive. His deep, steady voice adds to the character’s composed aura. He observes more than he speaks, relying on intuition and caution, but when danger arises, he transforms into a swift and formidable fighter. Whether silently stepping back to assess a threat or launching precise, powerful attacks, his combat style reflects both intelligence and discipline rather than reckless aggression. Alongside his prowess in battle, he methodically refines pills and studies ancient texts, embodying a balance of strength and wisdom. This quiet but fierce combination breaks from typical impulsive heroes. Importantly, the ML has a clear development arc of his own, growing through his own efforts and challenges rather than being “fixed” by a female lead. His respectful and protective nature towards others rounds out a character who feels both realistic and admirable.

Interestingly, the female lead(s) defy simple categorization. Instead of a single love interest, there are three women each with distinct, complex connections to the protagonist. The first is conflicted, torn between affection and hostility. The second harbors a limerent devotion, hoping for rescue from a harsh fate. The third relationship is most compelling—growing trust and care, grounded in the bittersweet awareness of mortal versus immortal life spans. This layered dynamic enriches the story beyond typical romance tropes.

Wang Duo’s antagonist, Wang Chang, breaks from the typical villain mold. His awkwardness around subordinates, family conflicts, and playful grin when winning create a multifaceted character who’s as intriguing as the ML. Both leads look like top models, and their performances never dip into cringe or melodrama—earning the series plenty of cookie points.

Production-wise, the costumes, makeup, and hair are impeccable, fitting perfectly within the world-building. Cinematography shines, with camera angles and scenery evoking a cinematic quality with breathtaking landscapes and immersive combat scenes. The fights resemble thrilling 3D video game battles, enhanced by spectacular special effects. However, there’s a noticeable dip in CGI and visual quality mid-series, which briefly pulled me out of the experience, though the high standard returned later.

The soundtrack skillfully blends classic orchestral themes with modern motifs, giving the ML’s action sequences their own memorable identity.

On the downside, the familiar cultivation clan conflicts felt somewhat overdone—panicky or reckless characters and the righteous-versus-demonic trope come across as cliché. Yet, the ML’s preference to observe from the sidelines and preserve his autonomy adds a fresh angle, resisting these standard narratives.

Ultimately, The Immortal Ascension stands out by centering on a ML who combines intelligence, restraint, and kindness rather than brute strength or hot-headedness. His journey from humble origins, lacking the innate root spirit usually required for cultivation, to entering the cultivation world through sheer diligence and wit offers a refreshing narrative.

For fans seeking a cultivation drama that prioritizes character subtlety, atmospheric cinematography, and thoughtful storytelling, this series is worth watching—even if it temporarily dips in technical quality.




#CognitiveExplorer

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A Mortal’s Teardrop in an Immortal’s Eternity

This show’s portrayal of Han Li’s transcendent journey is nothing short of breathtaking, a saga so brilliantly executed that it lingers in the soul long after the screen fades. Yang Yang doesn’t merely play the role; he becomes Han Li, with a performance so effortless it feels ordained by destiny itself. And then there’s "瞬间" (Moment), the ending song that haunts like a whispered confession. Its melody is pure magic, leaving me teary-eyed with every listen, yet I can’t help but yearn for the soaring cry of a lead violin to elevate its poignancy, to drown it in even deeper, more cinematic emotion.

But the true revelation is Zhao Qing’s Mo Cai Huan, a character who embodies mortality’s cruel beauty against Han Li’s ageless existence. She is the mayfly drawn to an undying flame, her love laced with the quiet agony of knowing her lifetime is but a fleeting sigh to him. Yet without her fragile humanity, the story would lose its heartbeat. She is the mirror that forces Han Li, and the audience, to confront what immortality cannot grasp: the exquisite weight of transience. I never expected to champion Zhao Qing, yet here I am, utterly disarmed. She delivers a performance of raw, quiet devastation, a storm of emotions that elevates the entire narrative into something transcendent.

This show has its hooks in me, its blend of epic scale and intimate sorrow leaving me aching for more. We need a Season 2, not just to continue Han Li’s journey, but to honor the fragile, human echoes Mo Cai Huan left behind.

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Talk about a shallow cultivation drama....

This drama started really strong, but as soon as he left the first master who took him in, the whole drama rapidly became bland.

As someone who is a real fan of cultivation drama, this drama was quite a disappointment to me.

There was close to no emotional attachment to any othe the characters. Actually, even the emotional attachment between the characters in the story was almost completely absent.

The story is inconsistent, there are many plot holes and things are happening out of the blue.

Although I like ML actor, his character in this drama, was not that appealing. I get that despite the fact that he didn't have a spiritual root, he manages to surpass many of his sect members, but his personality was not your typical righteousness, loyal and pure heart you would have expected in a drama where the goal of ML is immortality through cultivation.

It blows my mind when at first the presented the spiritual foundation pill as a highly rare thing, and then it became like candy for who ever wants some.

Most of these so-called seniors, master and grand master cultivators where hypocritical, selfish and greedy.

Don't get me started on those so-called romance/no-romance between ML and all these females. What exactly was the writers trying to achieve?

I rolled my eyes so much at that scene between ML and Nangong Wan, where they supposedly had s*x. What a disrespect to the viewers.

Dont get me started with the last episode. ML accidentally losses almost all his spiritual power to Nangong, the she lie to him telling ML that she's Nangong's cousin..... they then separate again. Their interactions stops at these two events.

Funny part, is that at the end of the last episode, they say it was " season 1 " , when I saw that, I said; "Nop, i don't need a season 2". Lol

Get these actors better stories for their next drama. lol

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Will internally miss this, if not renewed❤️

As someone who hasn’t watched the donghua or read the novels, this show was an absolute banger and a great introduction to Wuxia without romance. The visual effects were amazing, to say the least. The variety of character development left me not only enjoying the main cast but also actively drawn into the other storylines. I didn’t find it slow at all—in fact, I really enjoyed the pacing.

I think Yang Yang was a great choice for the main role and did an amazing job capturing the essence of the character. I’m glad the show didn’t create diverging storylines to appeal to those who wanted something else. It’s simply an awesome fantasy martial arts series with a badass storyline and constantly escalating plot goals.

I watched it every single day and was actually satisfied with where they left season one. I even caught myself thinking, “This felt like watching half of Game of Thrones in less than three weeks, and I want that dopamine shot straight into my DNA—I’m really going to miss this.” I truly hope they bring it back and complete the series, because I don’t know if I can just settle for the novel or the donghua after seeing how visually fulfilling the show was. I enjoyed every minute, glad I watched every single opening song/ending, and it literally melted me into being way more interested in these types of dramas! Going to miss it for sure, already do! Glad I stepped out of my normal genre box for this and will not forget it ❤️

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I don't know I like Cultivation genre until The Immortal Ascension happened

I went as a blank slate to watch the drama, it totally gripped in tight hands with first 3 episodes. It was a like a small movie with mild horror theme. The next episodes are hilarious, emotional, full pack action. I felt they served everything here😂

one thing is as you know Yang Yang will have major screentime as main lead Han Li, as we follow his journey in cultivation. He would throw off the people who were prejudice of him before, he played that good here as Han Li.

It's not like since you are cultivating, there should be no emotions. The first 10 episodes itself served a good emotional line between Han Li and everyone. Whether the betrayal of Master Mo, the friendship between him and Zhang Tie, him & Li Feiyu, totally touched by Mo caihuan's love for him but still firm in cultivation, the happiness in getting accepted to Huangfeng Valley, etc etc. I think Han Li is someone who doesn't step forward if there is no 100% chance for him to win. Cautious, calculating and humble. Actually most characters in the drama aside from him are strong, they didn’t weaken anyone just to show han li is the strongest of all. He just trys hard, if he can't fight he will run away lol.

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A Masterpiece of Cultivation Drama – Highly Recommend The Immortal Ascension

I absolutely love the storytelling in The Immortal Ascension—it unfolds gradually, with each plot point intricately connected to the next. The series vividly portrays the struggles of cultivators in a world where resources for immortality grow increasingly scarce, showcasing the scheming, deception, power struggles, and the diverse facets of human nature among different social classes.

Han Li’s character is particularly compelling. From the very first three episodes, his personality is shaped by his encounters with figures like Doctor Mo—cautious, deliberate, and strategic, yet decisive when necessary. The character development throughout the series is rich and nuanced, with well-rounded figures such as Han Li’s two mentors (Doctor Mo and Li Hua Yuan), Mo Cai Huan, Qing Wen Taoist, the Emperor Yue, and even the hilariously villainous Wang Chan and Zhong Wu.

The cultivation battles are another highlight—brilliantly choreographed with seamless movement, martial techniques, magical artifacts, talismans, spirit beasts, and formations all playing crucial roles. Some video bloggers in China have even done frame-by-frame breakdowns of these fight scenes!

Additionally, the emotional and dialogue-driven scenes are handled with remarkable restraint—subtle, unspoken, and deeply considerate of one another’s feelings.

After finishing the live-action drama, I realized I could jump straight to Episode 63 of the anime—it picks up right where the show left off! And since the anime has already reached Episode 155, I’m so lucky I can keep following Han Li’s journey without having to suffer through the long wait for Season 2. AHHHHHH, this makes me so happy!!!

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cultivation story with depth, strategy, and unforgettable characters!

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Cultivation drama with no romance, just pure Xianxia cultivation

It's nice to watch a Xianxia drama without any tacky romance involved. Yang Yan portrayed Han Li’s personality so well, he is low-key, pragmatic, and opportunistic; he survives and rises through sheer caution, persistence, and resourcefulness. I love that they made sure Han Li stayed away from getting emotionally attached to these clingy women. The story is about his process of climbing the cultivation ladder toward immortality so it's good that his mindset never deviated throughout the whole story. Also, I don't understand why Gina Jin was the Female lead when she was barely in the drama, she should have been just a Supporting role, she is not that good of an actress anyway. And to be honest if she was to be Han Li's love in this drama, I would say that it is a mistake because they have absolutely no chemistry at all in the very little scenes they had together and she was always looking to kill him, like WTF?!! Loved the other supporting actors that fought by Han Li's side. The fight scenes were good although some did become looking repetitive especially when using the same fighting techniques and artifacts. All in all, this drama is a good watch, it wasn't boring to me at all. The ending didn't surprise me at all because this is supposed to be adapted from the novel "A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality' which has a total of 2451 chapters; so the question now is will there be a season 2 and when??

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Yang Yang deliveres on the hype

I loved it till the end, not a single episode felt boring. No one could have played Han Li better, he excelled every aspect of the character. I hope Season 2 to come soon and have Yang Yang as Han Li again, I won't be able to digest any other actor leading this drama.
I just hope next the there's a bit more emotions into play in the next part, people doesn't keep dying like ants. And I also hope it to deliver more on the romance prospect, it felt completely lackluster this season with the female lead have almost no screen time, even other support female characters had more screen time then her.
I just hope that season 2 is aired in the first half of 2026.

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Some parts were good, some were great; others were just average, and a few were bad.

**Pros:** The fight choreography is outstanding, and the original soundtrack is impressive. The acting is excellent, and the casting choices are generally strong, with one exception— a particular female character that stands out. The wire work is well executed, and most key events are respected. The emotions portrayed by the actors feel realistic, and casting older actors is a plus. The makeup is good; however, many aspects, like skin color and face shape, were altered digitally to achieve a younger appearance.

**Cons:** The CGI is severely lacking, appearing outdated and cartoonish, while the transitions are jarring, making the story feel disjointed. The “romance” tag leads to major misunderstandings among viewers. There are far too many aerial shots of hills, rocks, and deserts—I got tired of seeing her cultivating on her rock! Additionally, the sects seem sparse, with only a few disciples present, which gives a cheap impression regarding the extras. Han Li's transition from being ineffective to becoming a top martial artist is poorly explained. The storyline involving Iron Man is overlooked in favor of redundant scenes with Miss Mo (she is mortal, while he is immortal). Too many scenes are cut, causing abrupt jumps from one event to the next. Some actresses receive more screen time at the expense of the storyline. The costumes are generally average, and the hairstyles all seem similar, making them a bit boring.

Currently, my rating is an 8.5.

In summary, the issues primarily arise from the CGI, excessive cuts, repetitive imagery of hills, rocks, and deserts, as well as the aerial views. However, the strong casting, fight choreography, and soundtrack make the experience worthwhile.

I read the novel a while ago and am currently re-reading it. I'm a big fan of the ongoing donghua, both of which I would rate 10/10.

I make a distinction between the three formats; the audience and material are completely different. This drama started off extremely well, and I enjoyed the first four episodes a lot. I approached it with an open mind because I am not a fan of Yang Yang. However, he redeemed himself with this character. On the other hand, I did not like Gina Jin. I wasn't fond of her in "Joy of Life" and still feel the same here. In my opinion, she was poorly cast. Additionally, why hire a popular actress for a role with so few lines? Labeling the drama as "romance" is misleading for the audience who has not read the novel or watched the donghua, which is the majority.

I came across some gossip online suggesting that two out of the three main actresses may not be recast. Rumors indicate that one of them had an argument with Yang Yang on set and is completely uninterested in promoting the drama. I can understand her dissatisfaction if they significantly reduced her screen timeHowever, if she had researched her role more thoroughly, she would know that her character in the novel has a minimal part, much like all the other female characters.

I was pleased to watch two actors, Edward Zhang and Chin Shih Chieh. I also discovered Zhao Ming, who is not entirely new to the industry, but she made a strong impression on viewers in this drama. . While she may not be classically beautiful and has more of a "girl-next-door" appeal, she has a memorable quality about her. She has the potential to become the next Zhao Lusi, especially with good support from her agency.

Originally planned for 40 episodes, it was reduced to 36 and then to 30. Furthermore, they cut each episode from one hour to 40 minutes, resulting in a total of 20 hours instead of 40. How can you deliver quality when the original script includes important scenes and dialogues? It's like giving someone bread without butter or a meal without salt—it feels bland. The drama has been cut twice.

It possessed the possibility to be a great drama if the special effects (CGI) had matched the quality of the donghua. Unfortunately, the creatures look like something from the '80s or '90s.

By episode 25, I have a feeling that the drama will end with an open ending, with Han Li using the transportation array to explore a new realm. Given that the title of the drama is “The Immortal Ascension,” it’s possible that we might only get one season. This corresponds to mid-volume 3, which leaves room for a potential season 2 or 3, and I believe Youku will pursue it since it was number one for a few days and is quite popular. It all comes down to money.

My recommendation is to give it a try. At best, you will enjoy it; at worst, you might decide to read the novel or watch the donghua.

**
Here are my thoughts since the last episodes aired. I fast-forwarded through the unnecessary reunion with Boom Boom Girl; it felt like they gave her screen time just to fulfill her contract, which was completely unnecessary. She appeared sporadically throughout the drama without any real purpose, mostly to be annoying. The only significant event involving her was when both characters took an aphrodisiac and lost their virginity. They met twice, she stole his life force Qi two times, and she showed no remorse. Instead, she lied and acted like a coward, only fearing that people might find out what she had done. I could have done without the final scene featuring her, as she was never a lovable character..

However, the second part of the last episode was well done, except for Iron Man, who seemed to appear and disappear without explanation. The generic announcement states that this is the end of Season 1, so I expect that Seasons 2 and 3 will follow. In the meantime, I'm rereading the novel and continuing to watch the donghua.

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