If you've been reading my translations for a while, you probably already know that I have a private Xianxia glossary, right? It's that collection of Google Docs and folders I usually link in the comment section of my chapters. But I realized something recently… maybe some of you are reading through the app, not the web version, and copying links there can be a hassle (´・ᴗ・ ` )
So, I've decided to officially upload the glossary here on Webnovel! This way, it's easier for you to access, and I can keep updating it whenever I come across new terms, concepts, or explanations I feel are worth sharing. Whether you're new to cultivation novels or just want to deepen your understanding, I hope this helps enhance your reading experience. (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
Most of the cultivation-related terms here are compiled from various sources, like:
The Glossary of Terms in Wuxia, Xianxia & Xuanhuan Novels 'https://immortalmountain.wordpress.com/glossary/wuxia-xianxia-xuanhuan-terms/'
The game Amazing Cultivator Simulator
My personal interpretations after reading tons of cultivation webnovels
Novels like:
"我,羲和,最强女帝"(I, Xi He, the Strongest Empress)
"我为天道:打造混沌最强世界"(I Am the Way of Heaven: To Create the Strongest World of Chaos)
"莫挨,我转修无情道了"(Don't Worry, I've Turned to the Ruthless Dao)
"师妹的修炼方法它不科学"(Troublemaker's Guide to Immortality)- I am now translating this
"空间修仙:重生逆袭小孤女" (True Heir of Chaos: From Villainess to Empress)- and this too
On Cultivation Realms and Periods:
This part is mostly based on my personal interpretation. Most novels I've read include 7 to 11 major realms before ascending to the Immortal World. The typical core stages are:
Qi Refining (炼气, Liànqì)
Foundation Establishment (筑基, Zhùjī)
Golden Core (金丹, Jīndān)
Nascent Soul (元婴, Yuányīng)
Beyond that, it varies by author. While some authors use 7, 9, or even 11 main realms, they often share core progression ideas. Levels within realms usually follow stages like Early, Middle, Late, Peak, Half-step, and sometimes Perfect or Great Perfection.
On Realms Beyond Ascension, the Heavenly Dao, Merit and World Hierarchies:
This is inspired by the novel 我,羲和,最强女帝 (I, Xi He, the Strongest Empress), as well as 我为天道:打造混沌最强世界 (I Am the Way of Heaven: Creating the Strongest World of Chaos). These explore themes of the Heavenly Dao and world evolution, including the idea of:
3,000 worlds in each of the four levels: Small, Middle, Big, and Great
Above them is the Eternal World, created or unlocked by higher beings
Details are often vague or symbolic, so I've added my own insights to fill the gaps and clarify the structures.
On Understanding the Tao (道), the Structure of Heaven and Earth, and the Three Realms:
Here, I drew inspiration from 莫挨,我转修无情道了 (Don't Worry, I've Turned to the Ruthless Dao), which gave me a conceptual framework for how Dao works, how it shapes one's Path, and how the realms interact on a metaphysical level.
On "Intent," "True Meaning," and Cultivation of Perception:
I picked up many insights from the novel 师妹的修炼方法它不科学 (Troublemaker's Guide to Immortality, which I'm currently translating). It dives deep into the internal logic of cultivation perception, such as Laws, Intents, and True Meaning.
On the Evolution of Cultivation Paths and Their Diversity:
This is my own interpretation. Many novels list types of cultivators—martial, spiritual, demonic, physical, Dao-based, weapon specialists, talisman masters, sound cultivators, and more—but rarely connect all these paths clearly or logically.
I've tried to map out how all these categories might interact, evolve, and influence each other. For example:
Spiritual roots (五灵根, Wǔlínggēn) are considered terrible in one story, yet precious in another.
Heavenly Tribulations vary in intensity by Path or Realm.
Some Paths are more esoteric and rarely explained clearly.
So, I've taken what I've learned from many stories and tried to make it feel cohesive and natural.
꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡
Reminder and Disclaimer:
All the info in this glossary is filtered through my own lens. Even if I quote other sources, I try to explain everything in a simple, neutral, and general way. The cultivation world is vast, and each writer builds their own laws, structures, and truths.
One World, Many Truths
Remember, Xianxia isn't about rigid facts. In one world, "demons" might be evil chaotic beings. In another, they're simply a group who embraced the dark side of the Dao. Neither is wrong. It all depends on the world's rules, laws, and balance.
So when something feels different or unfamiliar, don't stress! Take it as a chance to visit a new world, with its own truths and unique flavors. That's part of the magic (。•̀ᴗ-)✧
Thank you for reading, and I hope this glossary helps enhance your journey into the cultivation realms
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Oh! I'll be posting everything here according to the order listed in 'Always read this first!!!'
If you've already visited my private glossary before, you might be familiar with this! (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
Basically, it's a guide to the recommended reading order—starting from the most basic topics, or at least in the sequence I personally hope you'll follow.
Of course, you're completely free to jump straight into any section you're most curious about! After all, you're the reader, and how you explore the Path is entirely up to you ♡
But don't worry! I'll be organizing everything clearly by volume, so different topics won't get mixed up, even as I add more entries in the future. For example:
Volume 1 is about "Basic Introduction to Chinese Fantasy"
Volume 2 will focus on "The Heavenly Dao (天道, tiāndào)"
So feel free to read however you like, at your own pace (。•̀ᴗ-)✧