Episode Summary
In this episode, Han Li's quiet cultivation is shattered by a life-or-death confrontation with his mentor, Physician Mo. After discovering Mo's plan to seize his body, Han Li fights back, leading to the deaths of both Physician Mo and his mysterious accomplice, Yu Zihai.Following this, Han Li is drawn into a conflict between his sect and a rival gang. He saves the day by defeating their powerful leader and, instead of accepting leadership as a reward, uses his newfound influence to secure a prosperous future for his friend, Li Feiyu, before making his own departure.
Spoiler Alert
The Immortal Ascension: Episode 3 Spoilers
As Han Li continues his cultivation, Physician Mo returns, but not alone. When questioned about his progress, Han Li, who has secretly reached the fifth layer, conceals his true power, making it appear as though he is only at the third. Physician Mo, after noticing poison concocted by Han Li, remarks that his progress is too slow. He mentions a recent trip to Qingniu Town, reassuring Han Li that his family is well and his younger sister has grown up.
Han Li promises to reach the fourth layer within three months, which pleases the doctor. Meanwhile, his friend Li Feiyu provides him with a unique sword technique that relies on ambush and using the environment to one's advantage—perfect for someone like Han Li with little formal training. During a friendly match, Han Li's speed has clearly surpassed his friend's. Li Feiyu jokes about being outdone by his own student and urges Han Li to send for him if he ever finds himself in trouble.
With his cultivation reaching the sixth layer, Han Li's five senses become sharper than ever. When the three-month deadline arrives, he is fully prepared. He confronts Physician Mo directly, asking if he was the one who killed their fellow disciple, Zhang Tie. Physician Mo cryptically implies Han Li already knows the truth and invites him inside to talk.
Knowing he won't be spared, Han Li attacks Physician Mo as soon as they are inside. Mo is caught off guard by Han Li's hidden weapons and poisons, admitting he underestimated him. However, Han Li is struck by Physician Mo's signature technique, the "Magic Silver Hand," and becomes paralyzed by its potent venom. Mo then summons "Tie Nu" (Iron Slave), a human puppet, to carry Han Li into a secret chamber. He reveals the horrifying truth: Tie Nu is what remains of Zhang Tie, now a mindless puppet under his command.
Inside the chamber, Physician Mo communicates with a mysterious black shadow. Their plan is to perform "Duoshe," a ritual to seize Han Li's body for their own use. They enter Han Li's sea of consciousness, but are shocked to discover his cultivation is not at the third layer, but the sixth. The black shadow is forced to retreat, leaving Physician Mo to face Han Li alone in the spiritual realm. Before his essence fades completely, Mo reveals that the shadow's name is Yu Zihai, who is vulnerable to Han Li's poison and afraid of light.
Han Li awakens to find Physician Mo's lifeless body. The lingering spirit of Yu Zihai attempts to bargain with him, promising him a place in a powerful immortal family in exchange for a new body. Han Li ignores the offer, opens the door to the chamber, and allows the sunlight to obliterate the shadowy figure, declaring that while he does not wish to harm others, he will not allow others to harm him.
Later, Han Li discovers a letter left by Physician Mo. In it, Mo pleads that his wife and daughter are innocent. He also reveals that the poison from the Magic Silver Hand can be cured by his family's heirloom, the Warm Sun Treasure Jade. He confesses that he didn't want to kill Zhang Tie, but was forced to turn him into a puppet after his secret was discovered. Heartbroken, Han Li gives the puppet, his former friend, a new name: Qu Hun.
Just as these events unfold, the "Wild Wolf Gang" attacks the "Seven Mysteries Sect," proposing a ten-on-ten deathmatch to settle their dispute. Han Li, intending to leave the sect for good, is spotted by Li Feiyu, who pulls him into the fray, believing he is there to help. Li Feiyu joins the fight but is no match for an immortal master on the opposing side. Han Li steps in, easily dispatching the master and the gang's villainous leader, ending the conflict without harming the other members.
Impressed, the Sect Master offers to make Han Li his successor. Han Li refuses, stating he will not stay. Instead, he makes three requests: that the sect master accept Li Feiyu as a disciple and make him the master of the Outer Blade Hall; that he intervene on Li Feiyu's behalf to marry Elder Zhang's daughter, whose father looks down on him; and finally, that the sect looks after his third uncle. The Sect Master agrees to all his terms.
