Synopsis
Adapted from the novel of the same name by Wang Yu, this fantasy cultivation drama is directed by Yang Yang and stars Yang Yang and Jin Chen. It tells the story of Han Li, a poor boy from a mountain village who, through his own efforts and shrewd calculations, gradually grows into a powerful cultivator. Douban rating: 7.5.
Overview
"The Immortal Ascension" (Chinese title: 凡人修仙传) is a 2025 Chinese mainland xianxia fantasy drama. It is jointly produced by Youku, Wanwei Mao Animation, Fanren Xianjie, and Golden Media, directed by Yang Yang, and starring Yang Yang, Jin Chen, Wang Duo, Zhao Xiaotang, and Zhao Qing. The drama premiered on Youku on July 27, 2025, and holds a Douban rating of 7.5 based on over 130,000 user reviews.
The series is adapted from the web novel of the same name by author Wang Yu from Qidian Chinese Network, marking the first live-action adaptation of this popular xianxia IP.
Synopsis
The story follows Han Li (played by Yang Yang), an ordinary poor boy from a mountain village who accidentally enters a minor sect in the martial world. Despite having mediocre innate talent, he relies on his own diligence and shrewd, calculating nature to advance step by step on his path to immortality.
Han Li's character is cautious and introverted, adept at concealing his true strength. He never confronts powerful enemies head-on, instead using his intelligence and patience to find opportunities. This unconventional protagonist setting makes "The Immortal Ascension" stand out among numerous xianxia-themed works.
| Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Han Li | Yang Yang | Male lead, poor mountain village boy, cultivator |
| Nangong Wan | Jin Chen | Female lead |
| Li Feiyu | Wang Duo | Important character |
| Zi Ling | Zhao Xiaotang | Important character |
| Yin Yue | Zhao Qing | Important character |
Production Highlights
The series spent two years refining its script and special effects. To portray Han Li, Yang Yang underwent extensive physical training and martial arts rehearsals before filming.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | July 27, 2025 |
| Number of Episodes | 30 episodes |
| Episode Duration | 45 minutes |
| Original Author | Wang Yu |
| Production Companies | Youku, Wanwei Mao Animation, Fanren Xianjie, Golden Media |
| Douban Rating | 7.5 (130,000+ reviews) |
Reception
"The Immortal Ascension" received polarized reviews after its release. Supporters believe Yang Yang is well-suited for the role of Han Li, showing significant improvement in his acting skills and accurately portraying the character's introverted and cautious personality. The series' set design, special effects, and martial arts choreography were also praised by viewers.
Some viewers, however, found the pacing slow and noted deviations from the original novel in certain plot points. Overall, the 7.5 Douban rating is considered above average for domestic dramas in 2025, and its viewership ranked among the top for the year.
Cultural Impact
The original novel "The Immortal Ascension" is a classic xianxia work on Qidian Chinese Network with a large number of loyal readers. The broadcast of the live-action adaptation reignited discussions about the original novel and contributed to the sustained popularity of the xianxia genre.
References
- Douban Drama: The Immortal Ascension (7.5)
- Baidu Baike: The Immortal Ascension
- Sina Finance: Yang Yang's "The Immortal Ascension" Scores 7.5 on Douban
- COSMOPOLITAN: Top 10 Highly-Rated Chinese Dramas on Douban in 2025
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