Chi Xuzi was a native of Feng, as recorded in the annals of the Feng Zhuan. He was an official in charge of fishery during Duke Mu of Qin's reign, and he often predicted natural disasters such as floods and droughts within the borders of Feng. His predictions were accurate ten times out of ten. The officials looked up to him, welcomed him as a teacher, followed him to study, and asked about his expertise. He enjoyed eating pine seeds, Tianmendong (Asparagus cochinchinensis), and stone fat. His lost teeth regrew, his fallen hair grew back again, and he consumed the radiance of clouds to achieve immortality without descendants. He then left for the foot of Wushan Mountain; after more than ten years, no one knew where he had gone.

Chi Xuzi left Feng and rested at Wushan. He used three medicinal herbs together, and his aged appearance became fresh again. People went to seek him as a teacher in vain, for there was no one who could summon or extend an invitation to him. To consult those of minor wisdom, how could they recognize the great longevity?

The pursuit of physical immortality through herbs and dietary cultivation is a hallmark of Taoist immortality practices. Chi Xuzi's story echoes the broader tradition of Taoist inner alchemy, where adepts refine body and spirit through disciplined practice. Figures like Ma Mingsheng similarly pursued transcendence through cultivation and withdrawal from the world.