How does a cultivation anime prepare for its most epic battle yet? The finale of A Mortal's Journey (凡人修仙传) left fans in awe and anticipation. In a climactic showdown within the Cangkun (苍坤) ruins, Han Li (韩立) achieved what once seemed impossible for his character: he not only faced a Core Formation expert head-on but emerged victorious, securing crucial treasures and dealing a severe blow to his arch-rival, Wang Chan.
This explosive episode, trending across social platforms, served as both a high point and a season curtain call. During a New Year's Eve special, director Wang Yuren (王裕仁) directly addressed the massive fanbase, promising that the beloved series would return soon and hinting at monumental developments ahead. The upcoming 2026 season is poised to catapult the story into its most ambitious phase yet.
Two Pillars of War
Director Wang Yuren confirmed that the 2026 narrative will rest on two foundational arcs. The first is the long-anticipated large-scale conflict between the Tiannan (天南) region and the vast Mulan (慕兰) Grasslands. This "Border War" promises to be an unprecedented spectacle in the series, involving multiple factions and dozens of Core Formation cultivators in chaotic, large-scale warfare. It is a decisive battle that will reshape the geopolitical landscape of the cultivation world.
Alongside this grand military campaign, a second, more personal core storyline will unfold. The long-awaited rescue mission for Nangong Wan (南宫婉) is set to commence. This plot thread, deeply woven into Han Li's motivations, will see him navigate immense personal risk and complex moral choices. Furthermore, the treacherous Fallen Demon Valley will be explored, revealing ancient secrets, spatial rifts, and threats from ancient demons, adding layers of mystery and danger to his journey.
These parallel narratives—the external, realm-shaking war and the internal, deeply personal quest—will define the new season. They represent a significant acceleration of the plot's key threads, moving from regional disputes to conflicts with continental consequences. The stakes for Han Li have never been higher, both for the world around him and for the people he vows to protect.
Production Evolution
To faithfully render these expansive storylines, the production team is undergoing its own form of cultivation breakthrough. A significant technical upgrade is underway, with the studio transitioning to the powerful Unreal Engine 5. This shift, while demanding more rendering time per episode, is a calculated investment in visual fidelity.
The upgrade aims to capture the subtleties previously hard to animate: the intricate energy trails of spell effects, the finely etched patterns on magical artifacts, and the immersive scale of massive battlefields. Director Wang has previously emphasized a commitment to reducing arbitrary changes from the source material, focusing instead on a faithful and high-quality adaptation. This "slower" approach to production reflects a priority for lasting quality over rapid output.
Voice recording for the new season has already commenced, a testament to the forward momentum. While an official return date is pending, indications point to a potential mid-2026 release. The season, tentatively titled "The Mulan War," may be split into parts to maintain a consistent release schedule and avoid extended hiatuses, a move welcomed by fans who subscribe to platform memberships for the series.
A Foundation for the Future
The planned hiatus is not merely a break but a period of active cultivation for the entire franchise. The team intends to engage with the community through live streams and special programs like Cultivation Night Chats, delving into lore and maintaining a strong connection with the audience. This period also allows for meticulous preparation for the complex battles ahead.
This season is a critical juncture in a much larger vision. A Mortal's Journey is conceived not as a standalone series but as the cornerstone of a expansive transmedia project spanning two decades. A theatrical film, Lost in the Vast Sea (瀚海迷踪), and a spin-off series, The Tale of Xuangu (玄骨传), are already in development, expanding the universe's horizons.
From an industry perspective, the series' journey mirrors the growth of Guochao (国潮) in animation—a demand for premium, culturally-grounded content pushing the boundaries of production capability. The influx of support and meticulous planning behind the scenes transforms anticipation into a tangible roadmap. As Han Li departed the ruins, richer in treasure but heavier in burden, fans recognize that his greatest trials—and the animation's most spectacular displays—are yet to come.
