In the vast landscape of Chinese fantasy, few characters spark as much debate as Han Li, the protagonist of A Mortal's Journey (凡人修仙传). The man at the center of this storm is not a heroic general or a righteous sage, but a quiet, cautious boy from a poor mountain village. The controversy? Han Li (韩立) never goes home to visit his family. He sends money, but he does not return. Fans are divided. Some see him as cold and self-serving. Others argue that in the brutal world of cultivation, his distance is not cruelty, but a heavy-hearted form of protection. To understand this immortal, we must first understand the mortal he chose to leave behind.
The Price of a Peaceful Sleep: Why Staying Away Is the Only Way to Care
In the original novel, Han Li's actions are guided by a harsh lesson learned early on. After joining the Seven Mysteries Sect, he sends silver home, hoping to ease his family's poverty. This simple act of kindness backfires terribly. His master, Doctor Mo, discovers his connection to the mortal world and uses his family as leverage to control him . From that moment, Han Li understands a terrifying truth: in the world of cultivators, connections are weapons that enemies will use against you. Returning home would not bring comfort; it would paint a target on his family's backs .
This is not a decision made from a lack of love, but from an abundance of it. The story reveals that Han Li is deeply affected by his separation from his family. In the early days at Spirit Hand Valley, his longing for them was so intense that it nearly consumed him, manifesting as a dangerous inner demon . Only a protective charm from his parents saved him. This detail, often overlooked by critics, proves that his heart is not made of stone. He feels the pain of separation. He simply learns to bury it, recognizing that his continued existence in their lives would only bring them peril. His choice is a silent sacrifice, prioritizing their mundane safety over his own emotional needs.
Adapting for the Screen: The Anime's Struggle with a Flawed Hero
The anime adaptation of A Mortal's Journey faces a unique challenge: translating this "selfish but rational" protagonist for a wider audience. While novel readers might appreciate the gritty realism of Han Li's choices, animation viewers often seek a more emotionally relatable lead. The production team has tried to add layers of warmth to his character, making him seem less detached . This creative decision aims to bridge the gap between the harsh logic of the cultivation world and the emotional expectations of modern viewers.
However, these adaptations can sometimes create new problems. For instance, the anime changed Han Li's family structure from having two older brothers to just one younger sister . This small tweak alters the audience's perception, making his absence feel more like neglect of vulnerable parents and a little girl. Furthermore, the show initially cut scenes depicting his early struggles with homesickness and inner demons. This removal erased the very context that explains his later detachment. While the anime later introduced the "Extreme Illusion Realm" arc to clarify his motives, for many viewers who stopped watching earlier, the damage was done, leaving them with the impression of a purely unfeeling protagonist .
The Invisible Tether: Family as a Lifelong Shadow
The accusation that Han Li is "extremely self-interested" misses the profound and subtle ways his family continues to shape his journey. In the world of Xianxia literature, it is common for protagonists to be orphans, a convenient trope that avoids these very complications. Han Li's story is special precisely because his ties are not completely severed. He does not just cut the rope and walk away; it frays over time, but a single thread always remains, pulling at him from the shadows. This persistent connection makes him a more complex and compelling figure than the typical lone hero.
Years later, after achieving great power, Han Li returns to his home village of Wuligou. He does not announce his arrival or embrace his aging parents. Instead, he stands at a distance, watching his younger sister marry and depart on a palanquin . He sees his parents, now aged and stooped, waving goodbye. He memorizes their faces, feels a pang of sorrow, and then turns away. This is not the act of a cold-blooded man. It is the act of someone who understands that he no longer belongs to their world.
To step into their lives would be to invite chaos and danger. His greatest gift to them is his absence, ensuring they live their full, natural lives in peace. This is the deepest paradox of his character: he protects them by staying away, proving that his "selfish" pursuit of immortality is, in part, a final, silent act of love for the mortal family he had to leave behind.
