Doesn't even have to be cultivation, if you want to ascend. Martial prowess begets martial gods, but some xian are just beloved by the people or do enough good works to make it to the heavenly court. Become a rain god and everyone will build temples to you in the desert; become a sea god and you'll have endless sailor incense. If you file all your paperwork correctly for your whole life they might make you a civil god so you can keep working forever.
[It's hard to tell tone through text but he does not sound very respectful of these concepts. ]
no subject
Doesn't even have to be cultivation, if you want to ascend. Martial prowess begets martial gods, but some xian are just beloved by the people or do enough good works to make it to the heavenly court. Become a rain god and everyone will build temples to you in the desert; become a sea god and you'll have endless sailor incense. If you file all your paperwork correctly for your whole life they might make you a civil god so you can keep working forever.
[It's hard to tell tone through text but he does not sound very respectful of these concepts. ]