Having had put artifacts on champions and leveling them up to 16 can get you through a progress mission if it's already done.

I've come to a place in the progress of mission where it tells me I have to ascend a spirit champion to level 60.

I have four already ascended to level 60 and the progress mission is not recognizing that and I think it's BS if I would have to ascend another one to level 60 if I don't need any to ascend to level 60. 

I'm very unhappy about this.