When combined, 修仙 (xiūxiān) literally translates to “to cultivate immortality” or “to build oneself into an immortal.” It perfectly describes the active, lifelong process of pursuing transcendence.
While its primary meaning is tied to fantasy and mythology, `修仙` has developed a popular and humorous slang usage among young people in China.
This is the most common slang usage. Pulling an all-nighter for work, study, or gaming is humorously referred to as `修仙`. The joke is that by forsaking sleep, a fundamental human need, you are transcending your mortal limits, just like a cultivator. Someone might say, “I have a deadline tomorrow, so I have to `修仙` tonight.”
The term can be used to jokingly describe someone who lives an ascetic or hermit-like life. For example, if a friend never goes out, eats simple meals, and spends all their time at home, you might say, “他在家修仙呢” (tā zài jiā xiūxiān ne) - “He's at home cultivating immortality.” In these modern contexts, the connotation is informal, ironic, and self-deprecating. It's a way to complain about a difficult or isolated lifestyle in a lighthearted way.