The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传 / Fan Ren Xiu Xian Zhuan)

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.