What cultivation means
In xianxia and xuanhuan stories, heroes train body and spirit to climb realms of power, often toward immortality.
Where to start
Against the Gods and Martial God Asura are popular modern epics, and Qi Refining for 3000 Years adds a sense of humour.
Films
Renegade Immortal: Battle of Gods and Soul Land: Sword Master bring big franchises to the cinema.
The shelf
Open Cultivation.