“Master Mei, please hear this humble Daoist’s words, calm your mind and spirit. Our great Dao primarily focuses on gathering one’s thoughts. Once your mental focus is refined, supernatural abilities will naturally arise, your essence will be solid, enduring countless trials, standing firm like an unbreakable steel… cough cough, I’ve digressed again…”
Before Mei Qing sat a portly Daoist priest, demonstrating the subtle art of proper body posture and expounding upon how to internalize one’s gaze and calm one’s thoughts. He guided Mei Qing gradually, drawing his vision from an infinitely distant point back to the tip of his own nose. Using the nose as a sword’s point, he practiced the grand technique known as “Wisdom Sword Severing Sentimental Ties.”
Yet as Mei Qing watched the Daoist’s small, squinting, and somewhat dull eyes gradually form what looked like a pair of cross-eyes, he couldn’t help but find it amusing. Although this method might indeed alter one’s perception of worldly matters, to believe it could sever emotional attachments seemed rather ridiculous. Despite sitting face-to-face with the portly Daoist for quite some time, Mei Qing had yet to feel even the slightest sensation of “energy” as the Daoist described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had long been sent to a quiet side room at the beginning of the Daoist’s teachings, under the theory that “the Dao cannot be transmitted to two ears simultaneously” and “each person has their own unique cultivation method.” There, he practiced what he claimed was the “Great Method of Supreme Purity from the Supreme Dao of the Heavenly Emperor,” supposedly transmitted to him only a few days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been somewhat convinced by the white-robed Daoist’s words. But when this fat Daoist pulled out a pile of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi Nourishing Powder,” “Dragon and Tiger Elixirs,” and “Harmony Talismans,” speaking increasingly dubious claims, Mei Qing finally understood what the white-robed Daoist had meant by “something inappropriate within the bedchamber.” He couldn’t help but feel both annoyed and amused.
However, since he had already entered this path and didn’t want to disappoint Zhang Qizheng’s good intentions, he couldn’t just leave immediately. Therefore, Mei Qing feigned misunderstanding each time the fat Daoist subtly hinted at inviting him into the Daoist sect. He firmly declined the Daoist’s attempts to sell him a large variety of pills and talismans, insisting he merely sought methods of health cultivation and only needed a little guidance from the “Immortal Elder.”
In Mei Qing’s mind, the items on the ground were at best counterfeit snacks and sweets, and at worst, they might contain lead, mercury, or cinnabar—ingredients that could send one “ascending to heaven” permanently if consumed. As for Daoist health cultivation methods, he had long heard of their benefits. Without seeking immortality, he thought practicing them might at least help with sleep. Therefore, he insisted on this one point, completely ignoring the Daoist’s so-called “precious elixirs,” which visibly darkened the fat Daoist’s face with frustration, lines of displeasure multiplying like bamboo shoots after spring rain.
With no other choice, the portly Daoist reluctantly put away his various pills and talismans and pulled out a book from a large box nearby. Its title read “The Supreme Method of the Primordial Cave Mystery: The Dragon and Tiger Immortal Elixir of True Jade and Pure Essence.” However, the printing was crude, the paper and binding poor. To someone like Mei Qing, who had seen many printed works, the book was unimpressive and failed to inspire any sense of reverence or trust.
Naturally, the portly Daoist remained unaware of Mei Qing’s doubts about the book. He began teaching Mei Qing the various methods from adjusting the body to focusing the mind, from preserving the spirit to attaining the Dao, speaking non-stop with an air reminiscent of a modern academic expert delivering a lecture.
In fact, although the “Dragon and Tiger Immortal Elixir Method” taught by the portly Daoist sounded somewhat dubious, its basic content wasn’t entirely baseless. Regardless of the path—be it health cultivation or spiritual refinement—the starting point for all such practices is always “guarding the One” (Shou Yi).
“Guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Tao Te Ching,” which states: “Carrying the soul and embracing the One, can they remain inseparable?” As the foundational text of all Daoist schools, the “Tao Te Ching” established “embracing the One” as the basis for all Daoist practices.
The “Zhuangzi” also clearly states: “I guard the One and thereby maintain harmony.” The concept of “guarding” is unquestionable, but the meaning of “the One” varies greatly among different cultivation methods. Broadly speaking, these methods fall into several categories: “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the breath,” “guarding the Three Ones,” and “guarding the Elixir Field.”
The method taught by the portly Daoist was “guarding the Elixir Field” (Shou Dan Tian), which, among the “Guarding the One” methods, was not considered particularly advanced. Yet he presented it as if it were a genuine secret technique passed down from immortals. Holding up his copy of “The Supreme Method of the Primordial Cave Mystery: The Dragon and Tiger Immortal Elixir of True Jade and Pure Essence,” he swayed his head and declared: “‘The method of guarding the One: one inch back from the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Inner Chamber, and three inches is the Upper Elixir Field. The Middle Elixir Field corresponds to the heart, and the Lower Elixir Field is one and two-tenths of an inch below the navel.’ Master Mei, the method of guarding the One has always been a secret passed down through generations of Daoist cultivators. Previously, this Daoist master has already taught you the techniques of regulating your breath and posture. Now, we shall use this method to guide you toward supernatural abilities and cultivate the great Dao.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “Elixir Field” method before, though he hadn’t fully understood it. Today, despite the portly Daoist’s unimpressive appearance, his explanation of the method was surprisingly clear. He continued: “Master Mei, among the methods of guarding the One, although there are three Elixir Fields, they are all connected by a single breath. The Upper One is the Heavenly Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Cinnabar Emperor of the Crimson Palace, and the Lower One is the Primordial King of the Yellow Court, overseeing the twenty-four energies within the body. For those with youthful and restless temperaments, the method begins from the top and moves downward; for those with middle-aged, balanced temperaments, it starts from the center; and for those with elderly, calm temperaments, it begins from the bottom and ascends. Most people, bound by their innate dispositions, tend to follow either the upper or lower methods. However, observing your innate clarity, though young, you possess the demeanor of an elder. Therefore, I suggest you adopt the balanced approach, focusing on the Middle Elixir Field first, then extending to the upper and lower fields. This method ensures both speed and stability, with no room for error.”
Mei Qing listened thoughtfully, finding this explanation remarkably similar to what he had imagined as “qigong” methods. He followed the Daoist’s instructions, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, gathering his spirit, and calming his mind, directing his focus to the Middle Elixir Field.
However, he had not anticipated that this “mind-guarding” technique, which others could easily practice and achieve, proved impossible for him no matter how hard he tried. It felt as though a barrier separated his thoughts from the intended focus point, subtly resisting his mental penetration. No matter how Mei Qing guided his thoughts, he couldn’t reach the Elixir Field.
Surprised and puzzled, Mei Qing described this sensation as something inexplicably strange, as if something within his body was not entirely his own. No matter how he concentrated his thoughts, he couldn’t penetrate the barrier. He shared this feeling with the portly Daoist, who blinked his small eyes in equal confusion.
“Master Mei’s description is quite rare,” the Daoist replied. “I have encountered individuals whose minds were too scattered to achieve stillness before. But judging from your focused demeanor, you clearly do not fall into that category. No worries, though. Since the Middle Elixir Field proves difficult to reach, let’s try starting with the Upper Elixir Field instead. Although the Upper Elixir Field may be slightly more volatile, once you begin, you can gradually progress downward. This is a convenient method for beginners. Please give it a try.”
Following the Daoist’s suggestion, Mei Qing attempted the Upper Elixir Field method. Unfortunately, after several attempts, the result remained unchanged. His thoughts, though concentrated, could not penetrate inward. In his mind, his focus could only reach the “Bright Hall,” while the “Inner Chamber” and the Upper Elixir Field beyond remained just out of reach.
The Daoist’s round face showed deep confusion. After all, although the Upper Elixir Field method was considered a last resort, it was generally easy to practice. Given Mei Qing’s appearance and bone structure, which clearly indicated intelligence and wisdom, how could he fail at something so simple?
After much deliberation, the portly Daoist clenched his teeth and said, “Since Master Mei has the good fortune to learn our sect’s method, this humble Daoist must do his best to assist. Our sect possesses a secret technique called the ‘Great Method of Opening the Light, Pouring the Crown, Washing the Marrow, and Transforming the Body.’ This method requires a cultivator of immense power and wisdom to willingly sacrifice their own energy, channeling it into another person’s body to awaken their supernatural abilities and refine their true energy. However, this technique inflicts considerable harm upon the practitioner. Sigh, the last time I performed this method—when I assisted the second son of Minister Zhao from the Ministry of Rites—he paid me five taels of lamp oil money. I’m not mentioning this about money, but rather to emphasize that this method cannot be used lightly—it all depends on fate and karmic connection…”
Looking at the portly Daoist, Mei Qing found it hard to believe he possessed such great power and wisdom. Yet as he spoke, his fat face quivered, and his mention of the lamp oil money clearly showed some reluctance. Curious, Mei Qing replied: “Immortal Elder, there’s no need to be so formal. I’m not unreasonable. Since I’ve entered the sect, I certainly won’t shortchange you on the lamp oil money. If you truly possess such supernatural abilities, then I must trouble you, Immortal Elder.”
Seeing that Mei Qing didn’t even blink at the mention of five taels of lamp oil money and readily agreed, the portly Daoist was overjoyed. His face broke into several layers of fat folds, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons as he eagerly replied: “Excellent! I can see Master Mei is a noble young man from a virtuous family who would never fall short. Now, please relax your body, and this humble Daoist shall perform the ‘Great Method of Opening the Light, Pouring the Crown, Washing the Marrow, and Transforming the Body’ for you!”
With that, the portly Daoist slowly sat down opposite Mei Qing, his expression solemn. For the first time, his fat face radiated a hint of dignity.
As for the portly Daoist, although his teaching of techniques was not particularly refined, it was not completely off-base either. His cultivation practice, however, was merely fundamental energy cultivation. The so-called “Great Method of Opening the Light, Pouring the Crown, Washing the Marrow, and Transforming the Body” was undoubtedly an exaggeration. Nevertheless, if the objective was simply to transmit energy to a novice to help them begin cultivating their own energy, it could barely suffice.
Occasionally in the past, when encountering individuals with restless minds and scattered thoughts, the Daoist had used this method, guiding his energy into their bodies to stimulate their own energy responses. This often made novices view him as a celestial being and brought in considerable income.
Therefore, seeing Mei Qing’s situation today, he naturally brought out this signature technique. However, he hadn’t anticipated that Mei Qing’s body was highly unusual, causing him great difficulty.
It turned out that Mei Qing’s body, for reasons unknown, was as if it had been refined and tempered. This was why his thoughts couldn’t penetrate inward—not because his mind was restless, but because his body already contained condensed spiritual energy that completely rejected any external mental intrusion.
For others, their internal spiritual energy and their own thoughts were naturally aligned, so such issues wouldn’t arise. But Mei Qing’s internal energy seemed to completely ignore him, as if it didn’t recognize him as its master, simply shutting the gates and ignoring any knocks from outside.
When the portly Daoist took his turn, the situation was no different. For untrained individuals, their bodies were like open cities, easily accessible to others. Mei Qing’s body, however, was like a heavily fortified fortress, impervious to the Daoist’s repeated attempts to channel his energy.
The Daoist was soon drenched in sweat. He had concentrated his energy into a single thread, attempting to penetrate the Bright Hall and reach the Upper Elixir Field to stimulate Mei Qing’s own energy. But as soon as he tried, it felt as though an invisible wall blocked his way. No matter how hard he pushed, there was no response. He realized he had encountered a tough opponent and felt increasingly frustrated.
If a more experienced cultivator had been in his place, they would have recognized the futility of the attempt and withdrawn. Unfortunately, this Daoist was only half-competent and driven by greed for the silver Mei Qing had promised. Despite knowing the attempt was ill-advised, he became even more determined. When the Upper Elixir Field proved unyielding, he shifted his focus to the Middle Elixir Field. Finding it equally immovable, he resorted to a direct assault on the Lower Elixir Field. Initially, he guided his energy in fine threads, hoping for a gentle penetration. But when he found no response, he threw all caution aside, attacking with the full force of his energy like a siege on a fortress.
This was an extremely risky move. The Lower Elixir Field is the very foundation of a cultivator’s essence. If someone else had been subjected to such reckless manipulation, it could result in serious injury or even death. But Mei Qing’s body was as solid as iron and stone. With the Daoist’s limited energy, there was no way he could penetrate it.
As the Daoist recklessly pressed forward, Mei Qing naturally sensed it. Although his own thoughts had been rejected by his body, he could clearly feel the Daoist’s energy hovering outside. Now, seeing the Daoist forcefully attacking the Lower Elixir Field, Mei Qing became curious and directed his thoughts to follow along, observing the unfolding battle.
Unexpectedly, the moment Mei Qing’s thoughts reached out, the situation changed dramatically.
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