The Immortal Ascension

The first three episodes of THE IMMORTAL ASCENSION were promising - they take place in a gorgeous setting, show a warm relationship between the two boys. Both boys are under the care of a menacing antagonist, in the guise of an old "master." Yang Yang's acting was superb in these episodes.

Then the series fell apart.

The rest of the drama seemed to be slapped together without much effort or forethought. The "grandmasters" who are supposed to be the epitome of knowledge and sagacity, don't seem to have any moral compass or any real wisdom to impart.

Han Li was a constant puzzle to me. What was his goal? He seemed to be fixated on gaining magical artifacts, rising in status, and eventually achieving immortality without creating any meaningful connections with anyone--male or female, human or immortal. He did have a few tender moments with an animated mouse. Even his affection for his family seemed almost non-existent.

A number of mostly forgettable women pursue him. Does he have a capacity for intimacy? For love? If he did, I sure couldn't detect it.

Generic demons and bad guys show up, fight Han Li, and are destroyed. We know they're evil because, they scream at their underlings, smirk and laugh diabolically, and try to kill the good guys. Monsters include lizards with glowing eyes, a serpent, and a mantis demon or two, each, in turn, dispatched to the great beyond. Lots of spiky golden wheels turn in the sky.

I DID like the ending, and I'll probably watch Season 2.

As for Yang Yang the actor, I understand he studied dance and plays the piano. I'm glad he's got other interests. Hope there's someone in his life encouraging him to build a life on something other than his youthful good looks (which are mentioned by reviewers incessantly) so that he's not totally devastated when they're gone. Seven stars.

"The Immortal Ascension" truly stands out! The stunning real - life scenes, like the breathtaking landscapes of Xinjiang and Guizhou, bring an immersive feel. Yang Yang shines as Han Li, nailing his character's growth from a naive lad to a shrewd cultivator.

The special effects, especially in battles, are top - notch, and the well - choreographed fight scenes are a treat. However, the fast - paced plot might leave some details overlooked. Overall, it's a must - watch for fantasy fans.

Unfortunately, too many xianxia dramas in the past few years have been overwhelmingly boring compared to some of the jewels of the past such as Ashes of Love, The Journey of White Snake, An Oriental Odyssey and The Starry Love. Recently most xianxia dramas have been focused primarily on silly love stories without the adventure, action and mystery typical of xianxia dramas. In this case, the story is imbued with adventure, mystery, cultivation and magic thus making this drama the best release of 2025. I could watch several seasons as so far (I've only watched the first 20 episodes). Every single episode is very interesting and intriguing. The actors have done a fantastic job and the locations and special effects are jaw dropping. Bravo, bravo and bravo!

Great drama based on the novel. With Yang Yang in the lead, his portrayal brings Han Li's pain, pride, and eventual transcendence vividly to life, making the series both a feast for genre enthusiasts and a star-driven entry point for newcomers. As a martial cultivation tale, there's enough here to captivate fans of the genre-especially those drawn to power ascension and mythical lineages. If you're just starting your journey into Xianxia or craving an epic with a dragon-touched hero, this might be your next binge.

Yang Yang's portrayal of Han Li is nothing short of a divine embodiment straight from the pages of the novel. His nuanced and profound acting captures the character's core-that resilience and intelligence shimmering beneath an ordinary exterior. The initial simplicity and naivety of a rural youth are portrayed naturally through his clear gaze and subtle body language. As the character's power grows, Han Li'scold, introverted, and strategic nature is layered and elevated through Yang Yang's restrained yet powerful performance. He not only conveys the character's low-key and enduring philosophy of survival but also hints at his sharpness withexcatly facial expressions, making the cunning and vigilance of "Old Demon Han" leap off the screen.

In action sequences, Yang Yang's posture is as firm as a pine tree, his movements fluid, perfectly blending the ethereal elegance of Taoist combat with tension. In dramatic scenes, he uses his eyes to communicate the complex inner world of Han Li-from lonely courage to responsibility, from restraint to resolution. Every step of his growth is filled with emotional impact. Yang Yang proves with his acting that he needs no exaggeration: through a deep understanding of the character's soul alone, he can forge the epic of a mortal's journey to immortality into a stunning and vivid chapter.