The portal shimmered, swallowing Han Li (韩立) whole as he escaped certain doom. In that instant, The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传) cemented its core truth: ascension demands sacrifice. Yang Yang's protagonist shed innocence, leaving loved ones like Mo Caihuan (墨彩环) behind, yet gained a harsh new world. This finale resonated deeply, a testament not just to the epic cultivation battles and sweeping Xinjiang landscapes, but crucially, to the actors who breathed life into its intricate characters. Their journeys, marked by grueling physical trials and emotional depth, were as compelling as the Han Li's own path.
1. Jin Chen (金晨)
Portraying the revered Nangong Wan (南宫婉), Jin Chen possessed the requisite ethereal stature and displayed impressive martial prowess. Her fight sequences were executed with precision, a testament to months of arduous training. However, her performance became a focal point for audience critique.
The disconnect stemmed largely from her altered appearance. The sharp contours of her face and an unusually defined nose proved distracting for viewers expecting the novel's "forbidden beauty." A persistent tendency to speak and smile with a pronounced tilt to her mouth, dubbed the "Crooked Smile Goddess" online, further broke immersion. This was especially jarring during the crucial "dual cultivation" scene.
Instead of conveying poisoned disorientation and primal heat, Jin Chen's portrayal leaned into unsettlingly wide-eyed expressions and that characteristic head tilt, evoking unintended manic energy rather than loss of control. Combined with a physique viewers felt didn't match the character's described allure, her Nangong Wan remained an elegant figure visually, yet emotionally distant for many.
2. Zhao Xiaotang (赵小棠)
Chen Qiaoqian (陈巧倩), the noble-born cultivator, started stiffly in Zhao Xiaotang's hands. Early scenes saw her constrained, her large eyes often blank, delivering lines with a wooden detachment that failed to capture the character's inherent dignity. The distracting "mudfish" strands of hair framing her face didn't help.
A significant shift occurred midway. The Yan Family Mine crisis became her turning point. Commanding her fellow disciples to raise the protective barrier, Zhao Xiaotang suddenly embodied Chen Qiaoqian's latent authority. Her posture straightened, voice firm, eyes blazing with urgency as she directed the retreat – the aloof heiress transformed into a decisive leader.
This newfound command culminated in a breathtaking display of agility: the "Scorpion's Tail" maneuver. Zhao Xiaotang's dancer background shone through as she executed the complex, flexible stance with astonishing grace. It was the moment she truly earned Chen Qiaoqian's epithet, "Swan Among Mortals," proving her ability to grow into the role's demands.
3. Ying'er (颖儿)
As Nangong Wan's senior sister Nishang (霓裳), Ying'er faced an uphill battle partly dictated by questionable styling. Her towering hairdo and perpetually wind-swept fringe, identical twin strands to Zhao Xiaotang's earlier distracting look, constantly obscured her eyes amidst Xinjiang's gales. Viewers frequently found themselves rewinding, frustrated by hair blocking crucial facial expressions.
The irony wasn't lost when Ying'er shared scenes with Jin Chen – both actresses exhibiting similar, noticeable mouth tilts. Yet, when her eyes were visible, Ying'er conveyed genuine warmth and concern. The subtle worry etching her features as she sensed something amiss with Nangong Wan post-forbidden realm felt authentic.
Her gaze, capable of shifting from gentle inquiry to sharp perception, hinted at Nishang's depth. Unfortunately, the persistent battle with her costume and hair often overshadowed these quieter, more effective moments of sisterly intuition and care.
4. Yang Yang (杨洋)
Initial trailers sparked worry. Could Yang Yang shed past criticisms of excessive "youthful" affectation and occasional stiffness to embody the increasingly complex Han Li? The answer, resoundingly, was yes. His journey mirrored his character's – a remarkable cultivation of skill.
Early episodes showed traces of self-consciousness, but Yang Yang soon found Han Li's core: wary intelligence masking profound loyalty. The confrontation with Xuan Le (宣乐) in the mines was a masterclass. A flicker of cold, knowing contempt played across his face – a perfect echo of the novel's cunning protagonist.
His physical commitment was undeniable, veins bulging during the life-or-death struggle against Mo Dafu (墨大夫), eyes ablaze with a terrifying mix of fury, desperation, and fear. But the true tear-jerker came later. Believing his lost companion Qu Hun (曲魂) had returned, Yang Yang's Han Li shattered. Eyes instantly red-rimmed, lips parted in stunned disbelief, his whole body trembled with barely contained, heartbreaking joy. It was raw, vulnerable, and utterly transformative.
5. Zhao Qing (赵晴)
Emerging as the season's most poignant revelation was Zhao Qing as Mo Caihuan. Initially dismissed by some for her looks or perceived lack of experience, she delivered a performance of breathtaking subtlety and heart, becoming the audience's undisputed "lingering regret."
Her debut captured Mo Caihuan's essence perfectly: the sheltered young woman, adorned with soft bangs, radiating an innate, quiet loveliness. Even standing silently, her presence was magnetic. Her unspoken affection for Han Li was palpable from their first meeting.
Zhao Qing truly shone in farewell. On the bridge, bidding Han Li goodbye, her smile was a fragile mask over profound sorrow. Later reunions brought flashes of joy, culminating in the fireworks scene. Gathering desperate courage, she asked the crushing question: could she follow him into immortality? His gentle negation extinguished her light.
Yet, Zhao Qing showed Mo Caihuan's incredible resilience. Like a plum blossom defiant in winter, she masked her shattered dreams with that same, heartbreakingly brave smile. Her portrayal transformed Mo Caihuan from a plot point into Han Li's poignant "moonlight," and more significantly, into the audience's own cherished, impossible wish. Her bittersweet strength lingered long after the screen faded to black.
