Biography
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality (Chinese: 凡人修仙传) is a long-form online cultivation novel written by Wang Yu (忘语), a top-tier author on Qidian. The novel was serialized online between 2008 and 2013 and officially published in 2010 by Taibai Literature and Art Publishing House in China.
The story belongs to the Xianxia (Immortal Cultivation) genre and spans over 7.71 million Chinese characters, making it one of the longest and most detailed cultivation novels ever written. It tells the story of Han Li, a poor and ordinary village boy who rises step by step from the lowest level of the mortal world to ultimate immortality.
Unlike many fantasy stories where the main character is born special, Han Li starts with no advantages. He survives through caution, intelligence, persistence, and ruthless realism, which is why the novel is often described as the most realistic cultivation story ever written.
The English version of the novel is currently being serialized on Wuxiaworld, bringing the story to a global audience.
Education (Author and Worldbuilding Foundation)
Although this is a fictional work, the “education” behind Mortal’s Journey to Immortality lies in its deep worldbuilding, structured cultivation system, and philosophical foundation.
Author Wang Yu is known for his logical writing style. Instead of vague power-ups, every stage of cultivation in the novel follows strict rules. The cultivation realms are clearly divided, each with lifespan limits, dangers, and requirements. This structure gives readers a sense of realism and consistency rarely seen in the genre.
The novel carefully explains:
- How cultivators absorb spiritual energy
- Why resources like pills, herbs, and treasures matter
- The risks of bottlenecks, tribulations, and heart demons
This educational and systematic approach is one of the reasons the novel gained massive popularity and long-term respect.
Career (Story Overview and Plot Development)
The “career” of Mortal Cultivation refers to Han Li’s long cultivation journey, which unfolds across multiple worlds and realms.
Early Mortal Life
Han Li is born into a poor family in a small mountain village. To bring honor to his family, he joins a Jianghu sect called Qixuanmen, where he becomes the disciple of Mo Juren. Here, Han Li learns the Changchun Gong, his first cultivation technique.
However, his master secretly plans to possess his body. Han Li survives betrayal, poison, and near death, which teaches him an important lesson early: cultivation is dangerous, and trust can kill.
Entry into Immortal Cultivation
With the help of a mysterious green medicine bottle that accelerates plant growth, Han Li gains a slow but steady advantage. He enters Yellow Maple Valley, one of the major cultivation sects, officially stepping onto the immortal path.
From this point on, Han Li constantly:
- Hides his strength
- Avoids unnecessary conflicts
- Accumulates resources patiently
Rise Through the Realms
Han Li advances through Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Deity Transformation, and eventually ascends to higher worlds such as the Spirit Realm and later the Immortal Realm.
Each stage takes decades or even thousands of years. He faces wars, demon invasions, ancient secrets, spatial cracks, and heavenly tribulations. Unlike heroic protagonists, Han Li always prioritizes survival over glory.
Final Ascension
After more than 8,000 years of cultivation, countless life-and-death battles, and endless perseverance, Han Li finally ascends to the True Immortal Realm, achieving the Great Dao.
Personal Life (Relationships and Character Growth)
Although Han Li is focused on cultivation, his personal relationships shape his humanity.
Han Li’s Personality
Han Li is:
- Calm and cautious
- Extremely patient
- Not obsessed with fame
- Willing to retreat when necessary
- Ruthless when survival demands it
He does not seek to be a hero. His only true goal is longevity and freedom.
Key Relationships
- Nangong Wan – Han Li’s Taoist companion and true partner
- Zi Ling – A confidante and deep emotional connection
- Yin Yue – A loyal companion with a complex soul origin
- Yuan Yao – A kind and loyal ally who silently supports him
These relationships add emotional depth without distracting from the cultivation path.
Family
Han Li comes from a simple mortal family. He is the fourth child, born into poverty. His family background gives him no cultivation advantage, which reinforces the novel’s central theme: even a mortal can reach immortality through effort and wisdom.
Although Han Li eventually transcends the mortal world, he never forgets his origins. His humility and caution are deeply rooted in his early family life.
Age
Han Li’s age cannot be measured normally.
- As a mortal: lives like an ordinary human
- As a cultivator: lifespan increases with each realm
- As an immortal: lifespan becomes nearly infinite
By the end of the story, Han Li has lived for tens of thousands of years, far beyond mortal comprehension.
Net Worth (Treasures and Power)
In cultivation terms, Han Li’s “net worth” is measured by his resources and treasures, not money.
He possesses:
- The Heaven-Holding Bottle
- Numerous spiritual herbs and immortal elixirs
- Powerful magic weapons and divine treasures
- Rare cultivation techniques
- Influence across multiple realms
By the end of the novel, Han Li is considered one of the most powerful beings in existence.
Business (IP, Adaptations, and Influence)
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality is not just a novel—it is a massive intellectual property.
Achievements and Honors
- Ranked Top 3 on the Maopian Hurun Original Literature IP Value List
- Over 100 million total clicks
- One of Qidian’s highest-ranked novels
- Adapted into:
- Online games
- Donghua (animated series) on Bilibili (2020)
Genre Influence
The novel created the “Mortal Stream”, a sub-genre where:
- The protagonist starts weak
- Growth is slow and logical
- Survival is more important than heroism
Many later Xianxia novels copied this formula.
Conclusion
The mortal cultivation biography of A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality is a story about patience, realism, and perseverance. Through Han Li, readers learn that greatness is not born—it is built step by step, through discipline, caution, and relentless effort.
This novel did more than entertain. It reshaped an entire genre, inspired countless authors, and proved that even an ordinary mortal can walk the path to immortality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Mortal Cultivation about?
It is about an ordinary boy, Han Li, who becomes immortal through careful planning, hard work, and survival instincts.
2. Who wrote A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality?
The novel was written by Wang Yu (忘语).
3. Is Mortal Cultivation completed?
Yes, the main story is completed, with a sequel set in the Immortal World.
4. Why is this novel so popular?
Because of its realistic cultivation system, logical storytelling, and relatable protagonist.
5. Is there an anime adaptation?
Yes, a Donghua adaptation began airing on Bilibili in 2020.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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