The Immortal Ascension Episode 23 Recap
> The Immortal Ascension Recap
Meng Da and his companions faced peril after encountering a member of the Black Fiend Cult who had transformed into a monstrous, bull-like creature. Overwhelmed, Meng Da initially suggested a retreat, but Han Li arrived and engaged the transformed cultist. Seeing Han Li fight, Meng Da's group returned to assist him. The cultist, later identified as Tie Luo, was severely wounded and forced to flee.
Tie Luo reported his failure to the secluded Black Fiend Cult Master, confirming his opponent's strength was around the Mid-Foundation Establishment Stage, an opponent he couldn't defeat even in his Beast Form. The Master attributed the incident to the arrogance of the captured Protector Wang and the Young Prince. He declared he was nearing the end of his seclusion and forbade any large-scale actions that might attract the attention of the Seven Great Sects before his breakthrough.
After healing Tie Luo, the Master noticed a tracking mark Han Li had placed on him. Tie Luo cunningly suggested leaving the mark to lure Han Li into a trap, a plan the Master approved, intending to use Han Li's blood to aid his own cultivation. Meanwhile, Wu, a member of Meng Da's group, was found to have been tricked into consuming a dangerous substance. Han Li determined he could save her life but not her arm.
Tragically, she took her own life, and a scroll for the Mystic Yin Art was found among her belongings. Grateful for Han Li's help, Meng Da's group offered him their looted valuables. Han Li insisted they keep the items as a parting gift, stating the challenges ahead were too dangerous for them and dissolving their partnership.
Though they pleaded to follow him, Han Li declined, explaining they were now exposed in the Imperial Capital, and urged them to live long lives. Before leaving, he gave Meng Da a Telepathy Talisman for future communication. Han Li then sent a message to his master, Li Huayuan, detailing the Black Fiend Cult's operations and infiltration of the royal palace, requesting strong reinforcements. Li Huayuan and his senior sister, Hongfu, discussed the matter.
While Hongfu felt it was good for the disciples to be away from the main front, Li Huayuan decided to send Liu Jing, Wu Xuan, Song Meng, and Weiniang to the capital to "preserve their strength." In an internal monologue, Han Li reflected on his Cyan Sword Technique reaching Tier 6 and the signs of dissipation, considering using the risky Triple Cycle Core Rebirth technique to break through to the Late Foundation Stage.
He also pondered the Black Fiend Cult's demonic transformation and their use of a pill like the Blood Condensing Five-Element Pill, noting the severe side effects. Soon after, Liu Jing, Song Meng, Wu Xuan, and Weiniang arrived, pretending to be ordinary mortals as instructed. Han Li explained that the Black Fiend Cult uses blood sacrifices and that its master was in seclusion. If the master achieved his breakthrough, the cult would become unstoppable.
Liu Jing and Song Meng agreed they must act, but Wu Xuan, the sixth senior, strongly objected to entering the imperial palace, citing strict sect rules against interfering with mortal kingdoms. Han Li argued that the cult was exploiting these rules and that even the emperor might be their puppet. When Wu Xuan refused to yield, he departed, leaving the group. Weiniang then proposed recruiting Chen Qiaoqian, who was on a family mission in nearby Nanwu City.
Chen Qiaoqian readily agreed to help. The group then enjoyed the Lantern Festival, where Chen Qiaoqian, envious of mortal life, shared her thoughts with Han Li. Nearby, Mo Caihuan observed them, quietly reflecting that cultivators and mortals belong to different worlds before departing. Meanwhile, a drunk Wu Xuan lamented his companions' decision to break the rules. The Qin family's Young Master, believing Han Li's companions were freeloaders, ordered his men to beat Wu Xuan.
Wu Xuan used a strange technique that terrified the Young Master, who fled screaming, "Monster!" Immediately after, members of the Black Fiend Cult appeared and captured Wu Xuan, who failed to escape and warn the others. The captured Wu Xuan was presented to the Cult Master, who was delighted to receive a Foundation Establishment cultivator, intending to use his blood essence for his breakthrough.
Back at the Qin Residence, a steward begged Han Li to help the Young Master, who had returned in a state of madness. Han Li instantly cured him and cryptically warned Mr. Qin that things would change after tonight, advising him to make preparations. Han Li then revealed to his allies that the tracking mark on Tie Luo hadn't moved, confirming it was a trap. He proposed a new plan: turn the tables by splitting into two groups.
Weiniang and Chen Qiaoqian would go to the Royal Bedchambers to rescue the Emperor, while Han Li, Liu Jing, and Song Meng would locate the Cult Master's hiding place and attack their vital point to draw out their reinforcements for an ambush. Before the operation, Chen Qiaoqian spoke privately with Han Li, asking if he was the one who had saved her at Yellow Maple Valley before the Bloody Trial.
She insisted she felt a connection to him despite her hazy memories, possibly due to an Oblivion Pill, and confided that her engagement was a family arrangement she cared nothing for. She then asked Han Li to accompany her to Baili Mountain to see the wildflowers if they survived the night. When she pressed him, asking if he wanted her to remember their past, Han Li agreed.
