Chinese Title:(凡人修仙传 / Fan Ren Xiu Xian Zhuan)
English Title: The Immortal Ascension
Also known as: A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Xianxia
Episodes: 30
Director: Yang Yang and Mu Ning
Screenwriters: Wang Yu Ren, Jia Dong Yan
Based on: A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality by Wang Yu
Production Companies: Youku, Wanwei Mao Animation, Mortal’s Immortal World, Gold Media
Plot Synopsis
Han Li is a poor and ordinary village boy with no remarkable talent or advantages. Hoping to improve his family’s future, he joins the Qi Xuan Sect, entering the mysterious world of cultivation where practitioners seek spiritual power and immortality.
Despite his lack of natural gifts, Han Li survives through caution, intelligence, and unwavering determination. As he navigates a dangerous world filled with powerful cultivators, rival sects, and hidden conspiracies, he slowly grows stronger while concealing his true abilities.
Along the way, Han Li encounters allies, enemies, and powerful figures, including the mysterious cultivator Nangong Wan, who influence his growth and challenge his beliefs. As he faces betrayal, deadly trials, and supernatural threats, Han Li must rely on his wit and resilience to survive and continue his ascent.
Through countless hardships and sacrifices, Han Li’s journey transforms him from an insignificant mortal into a formidable cultivator seeking ultimate transcendence.
Cast and Characters
Lead Cast
- Yang Yang as Han Li
- Jin Chen (aka Gina Jin) as Nangong Wan
Supporting Cast
- Wang Duo as Wang Chan
- Zhao Xiao Tang as Chen Qiaoqian
- Zhao Qing as Mo Cai Huan
- Ada Liu as Hong Fu
- Li Nai Wen as Li Hua Yuan
- Jin Jia Yue as Dong Xuan Er
- Zhang Xiang as Liu Jing
- Zhong Wei Niang as Zhong Wei Niang
- Cao Jun as Song Meng
- Marco Chen as Qing Wen
- Li Sheng Jia as Wu Xuan
- Liu Ke Jun as Yan Ru Yan
Production Details
Filming for the series began in July 2023 and wrapped on December 15th of the same year.
The drama is adapted from Wang Yu’s hugely popular cultivation novel, one of the most influential works in the xianxia genre.
Produced by YOUKU and major media partners, the series features large-scale fantasy world-building, detailed cultivation lore, and high-quality visual effects that bring its expansive supernatural universe to life.
The Immortal Ascension was filmed on location and made extensive use of aerial shots. The entire crew of more than 1,300 people spent 158 days across three seasons, traveling from the sweltering heat to the depths of winter to film in five locations: Hengdian in Zhejiang, Dushanzi in Karamay, Xinjiang, Nalati in Ili, Xinjiang, Urho in Karamay, Xinjiang, and Xiaoqikong in Libo, Guizhou
The number of episodes was reduced three times. The first time from 40 to 38. The second time from 38 to 34. The third time from 34 to 30.
The Immortal Ascension received its distribution on November 14th, 2024.
Episodes and Airing Information
- Total Episodes: 30
- Episode Length: 45-47 minutes
- Premiere Date: July 27th, 2025
- Final Episode: August 12th, 2025
Where to Watch
China:
- YOUKU (Official domestic streaming platform)
International:
- Netflix (available in selected regions)
- YOUKU International (available with subtitles in supported regions)
Why Watch The Immortal Ascension?
Epic Cultivation Journey – The series presents a compelling underdog story, following a mortal’s gradual rise in a dangerous and hierarchical cultivation world.
Strong Lead Performance –Yang Yang delivers a layered portrayal of Han Li, capturing both his vulnerability and quiet determination.
Expansive World-Building –The drama features detailed mythology, sect politics, and supernatural systems that create a rich and immersive fantasy universe.
Themes of Perseverance and Growth – The story emphasizes personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of transcendence, making it both emotionally engaging and philosophically meaningful.
Articles About The Immortal Ascension
The Immortal Ascension earns 3 million reservations – drops visual featuring Yang Yang as Han Li
Yang Yang talks about playing Han Li in The Immortal Ascension (video)
The Immortal Ascension gets premiere date – announcement poster featuring Yang Yang as Han Li drops
Beautiful The Immortal Ascension’s 3-day Countdown to premiere poster out with Yang Yang as Han Li
The Immortal Ascension grabs 4 million reservations just 3 days before premiere
6 The Immortal Ascension character visuals of Yang Yang, Gina Jin, Wang Duo and others released
The Immortal Ascension exceeds 10000 on the heat index – 4 cool celebratory posters drop
The Immortal Ascension earns a 7.5 on Douban – initial rating has C-drama as ‘above average’
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