LayarHijau – The xianxia drama The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传), starring Yang Yang, has taken the Chinese entertainment world by storm, amassing over 4 billion total views and topping popularity charts across platforms. It currently outperforms other high-profile releases such as Sword Rose (利剑玫瑰), headlined by Dilraba Dilmurat, and The Wanted Detective (定风波), starring Wang Xingyue and Xiang Hanzhi. On Netflix Taiwan, the series holds the #2 spot, just behind the Korean legal drama Beyond the Bar (夢想成為律師們的律師).
Yang Yang’s performance in The Immortal Ascension marks a major comeback after facing intense backlash for his role in Fireworks of My Heart (我的人间烟火), where his portrayal of a flirtatious firefighter drew harsh criticism and turned the drama into one of the most reviled titles of the year. Amidst the fallout, Yang Yang swiftly joined the production of The Immortal Ascension, reportedly shedding over 10 kilograms (22 pounds) to embody Han Li, a solitary cultivator undertaking a grueling spiritual path. His transformation earned him renewed respect from audiences, who praised his dedication under pressure and hailed him as a true actor.
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In a recent episode, Han Li faces off against the formidable “Blood Jade Spider,” a crimson-hued beast lurking deep within a mine cave. He begins by launching a blazing attack, weakening the monster’s defenses. As the creature’s blood-red hue begins to fade, Han Li summons his signature move—the Qingyuan Sword Art—which unleashes a swarm of floating blue swords. These blades spiral around him before merging into a massive sword that pierces the spider from above. The scene, a blend of dazzling VFX and dynamic fight choreography, has drawn widespread acclaim. “Yang Yang’s action scenes are absolutely phenomenal—what an amazing surprise!” commented one netizen.
The drama’s production was nothing short of extravagant. With a reported budget of 300 million RMB (approximately $41 million USD), including $27 million USD allocated solely to visual effects, The Immortal Ascension has earned praise as a visual spectacle. Early criticisms over its minimalist sets and limited CGI quickly dissipated after the high-stakes battle between Han Li and a Mojiao demon aired. The quality leap sparked heated online discussions, with many declaring the series the new benchmark for xianxia dramas, citing its lush aesthetics, top-tier production design, and faithful adaptation of the source material.
All action sequences were performed by Yang Yang himself without a stunt double. Behind-the-scenes footage revealed the actor executing a flawless 720-degree aerial sword spin—a move that demands extreme precision and control. Fans of the original novel and animated adaptation (A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality) were particularly impressed by how the show brought the richly imagined cultivation world to life with cinematic flair and reverence.
While the series thrills with supernatural combat and spellbinding effects, it also weaves emotional and romantic threads throughout. One standout scene features Han Li reuniting with his former love, Zhao Qing (played by Jin Chen), as they watch fireworks together in a tender moment. In another gripping sequence, Han Li faces off against a powerful sect leader (portrayed by Wang Duo), resulting in a brutal clash that leaves him vomiting blood—a raw, visceral moment that struck a chord with viewers. Wang Duo previously gained recognition for his role as a state counselor in The Blossoming Love.
Adapted from one of the most beloved xianxia novels in modern Chinese literature, The Immortal Ascension had a heavy burden to bear. Skeptics questioned whether a live-action version could match the standards set by the animated series. Instead, the show has exceeded expectations, delivering intense performances, a richly imagined world, and an unwavering commitment to the spirit of its source material.
With strong acting, high-caliber production, and storytelling that balances fantasy action with emotional depth, The Immortal Ascension stands tall as the pinnacle of contemporary spiritual cultivation dramas in China.
Source: Upmedia
