仙逆
Renegade Immortal
An ordinary cultivator's ruthless climb toward immortality
Synopsis
Wang Lin, a young man with no particular talent from a small village, is recruited almost by chance into a cultivation sect where he discovers a world ruled by the survival of the fittest. Lacking exceptional gifts, he must rely on cunning, patience and sheer determination to survive among far more talented rivals.
Adapted from Er Gen's novel (also the author of Tales of Demons and Gods), Renegade Immortal follows Wang Lin's rise over the long run, from minor sects to the highest spheres of the cultivation world, in a story known for its dark tone and political twists.
Airing continuously on Tencent Video since 2023 after an initial seasonal format, the series has become one of the most consistent audience successes in the xianxia catalog, spanning several seasons totaling over a hundred episodes.
World
The story opens in rural cultivation sects, a pyramidal world where each rung of power unlocks resources, techniques and territories forbidden to weaker cultivators. Wang Lin learns early on that survival comes before honor.
Power system
Progression follows the classic cultivation stages (Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation...) but with a strong emphasis on artifacts, poisons and combat strategy rather than raw power level alone.
Reception & popularity
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the series racked up over 870 million views on Tencent Video, confirming its status as a safe bet in the xianxia catalog and justifying its switch to continuous weekly airing.
My take
Renegade Immortal is one of the darkest donghua in the catalogue. Wang Lin is no generous hero: he is vengeful, methodical, sometimes cruel — which is what makes his journey so striking.
The 3D is polished and the tone more adult than average. On the other hand, the long-running weekly format can feel slow: it is a series best watched in blocks of episodes.
Who is it for?Watch it if you prefer anti-heroes to big-hearted protagonists.
Main characters
More character profiles are coming.
Adaptations
This franchise also exists in other formats — each with its own pacing and audience.
Trivia
- Er Gen's original novel, published as early as 2010, is regarded as a foundational classic of modern xianxia.
- The series dropped its initial seasonal format for continuous weekly airing starting in 2024, an unusual choice for a donghua of this genre.
- Wang Lin is frequently cited as one of the genre's most pragmatic and morally grey protagonists, far from a purely virtuous hero.
If you liked…
More donghua to discover after Renegade Immortal: same author or same genres.
