Episode Summary
After failing the sect's official assessment, Han Li discovers a secret alternative—the Immortal Ascension Token—through a book acquired in a trade. This knowledge inadvertently leads to the death of his friend, Wan Xiaoshan, who is betrayed and murdered by Qing Wen. Forced into a deadly confrontation, Han Li fights Qing Wen's group, only for the battle to be interrupted by powerful, mysterious figures who save Qing Wen and mark Han Li for death.
Spoiler Alert
"The Immortal Ascension" Episode 6 Spoilers
The episode kicks off with a tense confrontation. After Han Li purchases an item at a fair price, he is accused by Lu Mingyuan of ruining his opportunity. Lu Mingyuan is ready to fight, but his junior sister, Chen Qiaoqian, intervenes, reminding him that their assessment is about to begin and they shouldn't cause trouble. After they leave, the young woman who sold the item introduces herself as Han Yunzhi. Learning that Han Li is also heading to the Spiritual Roots assessment, they decide to go together.
At the assessment area, presided over by the high-ranking cultivator Nangong Wan, Han Li feels a sudden discomfort just by looking at her. His friend, Wan Xiaoshan, explains that in the cultivation world, there's a strict hierarchy; low-level cultivators like them cannot casually gaze upon a Core Formation cultivator like Nangong Wan. The assessment process begins: candidates who pass are selected by the Seven Sects, and those chosen by multiple sects get to choose their own path. A talented cultivator named Yan Ruyan, possessing Heavenly Spiritual Roots, is chosen by all seven sects and ultimately picks the Masked Moon Sect, currently the most powerful of the seven.
Unfortunately, Wan Xiaoshan, with his four Spiritual Roots, fails the test. Lu Mingyuan and Chen Qiaoqian both pass and select the Huangfeng Valley sect. In a moment of spite, Lu Mingyuan has Chen Qiaoqian give the testing sphere to Han Li, who also fails due to his four Spiritual Roots.
Later, a fellow failed candidate named Qing Wen gathers the others. He proposes that they pool their magical artifacts for the next day's competition at the Sky Mist Platform. By combining their strength, he argues, they might stand a chance against the well-equipped disciples from prominent cultivation families. Many agree and present their treasures. Realizing this is a scheme to consolidate resources, Han Li wants no part in it. He claims he's not strong enough to participate and, when pressured to contribute something, offers a single medicinal pill before feigning a stomach ache to make his escape. He later warns the naive Wan Xiaoshan not to be deceived by Qing Wen, but Wan Xiaoshan holds onto his belief that all independent cultivators are family.
Han Yunzhi finds Han Li, hoping to trade for more of his pills for her sick brother. She offers him some self-made talismans, which are not very powerful due to her limited talent. Han Li expresses interest in cinnabar talisman paper instead. She then offers her family heirloom, a Golden Bamboo Brush used for crafting talismans, admitting her own lack of talent prevents her from using it to its full potential. Moved, Han Li gives her two bottles of pills. As a thank you, she gives him a book of "brush talks" she has finished reading.
While reading, Han Li discovers a passage about the "Immortal Ascension Token." This token allows the holder to join one of the Seven Sects without any assessment and even grants them a precious Foundation Establishment Pill. Excited, he shows the page to Wan Xiaoshan, who has never heard of it.
During the next day's competition, Qing Wen is defeated by Lu Mingyuan. When Lu Mingyuan attempts a lethal blow, Nangong Wan stops him, warning that she will not tolerate anyone inciting conflict between the cultivation families and independent cultivators. Afterward, a curious Wan Xiaoshan asks Qing Wen about the Immortal Ascension Token. Qing Wen explains its origins and suspiciously asks how he knows about it. Wan Xiaoshan innocently reveals that Han Li found it in a book.
Sensing danger, Han Li finds a remote cave to hide in, burning the page from the book. His hiding spot is soon discovered by a mortally wounded Wan Xiaoshan, who uses his last breath to warn Han Li to run, revealing that Qing Wen is a villain and that he has brought trouble upon his friend. As Wan Xiaoshan dies, Han Li knows his secret is out.
Qing Wen's followers, Hu Pinggu and Wu Jiuzhi, arrive and demand Han Li hand over his "good stuff." Knowing Qing Wen is lurking nearby, Han Li decides fighting is his only option and uses his talismans to kill the two pursuers. Qing Wen then reveals himself. He coldly admits to killing Wan Xiaoshan, explaining he used his followers to gauge Han Li's true strength. A fierce battle erupts between them, leaving Qing Wen injured.
Suddenly, a powerful being called the Ice Demon intervenes, stating that its master wants Qing Wen to live, which means Han Li must die. Han Li is completely outmatched and can only flee for his life. As he escapes, a mysterious man in black approaches the defeated Qing Wen, offering to help him achieve Foundation Establishment—his greatest desire. Qing Wen gratefully accepts. Far away, Nangong Wan senses a surge of malevolent energy.
