Standard Xianxia Cultivation Realms (progressive path to immortality):

- Body Refining / Qi Gathering (Qi Condensation): Tempering the mortal shell, gathering spiritual Qi; superhuman strength, basic flight on artifacts possible at peak.

- Foundation Establishment: Establishing immortal foundation, widening meridians, forming liquid Qi sea; lifespan ~200–300 years.

- Core Formation / Golden Core: Condensing Qi into a solid Golden Core; immense power, can destroy cities with techniques; lifespan ~500–1000 years.

- Nascent Soul: Birthing a miniature immortal soul that can leave the body, possess others, or survive physical death; true beginning of immortality; lifespan thousands of years.

- Soul Transformation / Spirit Severing: Refining and strengthening the Nascent Soul through heavenly tribulations and heart demons; soul attacks, domain suppression.

- Void Refinement / Dao Seeking: Comprehending personal Dao and universal laws; can tear space, manipulate time fragments, lifespan tens of thousands of years.

- Tribulation Transcendence / Immortal Ascension: Facing the ultimate Heavenly Tribulation (ninefold lightning, karmic fire, heart-devil illusions); survivors shed mortality.

- True Immortal: Ascending to immortality; immortal body, eternal youth, can traverse star fields, reshape landscapes; lifespan near-infinite.

- Higher Immortal Realms (Golden Immortal, Profound Immortal, Immortal Emperor, Dao Ancestor): Commanding heavenly laws, creating worlds, eternal supremacy (varies by legend).