Today I have to travel again on business, so there’s only this one chapter. I feel quite ashamed.
=========================
Mei Qing’s method of cultivation, if discovered by senior cultivators, would likely provoke outrage. Although gathering the essence of Heaven and Earth is relatively easy, its purity pales in comparison to the innate true energy within one’s body. Therefore, when drawing upon the energy of the sun and moon, the most crucial step is refining it into its purest form. Without this refinement, impurities may enter the body and corrupt one’s internal true energy.
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so only this one chapter. I feel ashamed.
=========================
If the cultivation method Mei Qing is using were known by senior practitioners, they would probably be furious to the point of death. Although it is easy to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its purity is far inferior to the true essence within one’s own body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun and moon, the most crucial step is to refine it into a pure form to prevent impurities from entering the body and damaging one’s true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s method of recklessly drawing external energy to attack the internal restrictions is highly susceptible to contamination by external energy, which can make the true essence within the body impure and disrupt the path of future cultivation.
Ignorance breeds fearlessness, and Mei Qing currently has no other options. The memory of seeing Bi Zhen being subdued by Lu Bing, while he was powerless to help, haunts him, driving him to seek strength more desperately than ever before.
Even if he knows it’s like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would still do it without hesitation, especially since he isn’t fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body plays a significant role at this time. Although it consumes all the energy Mei Qing draws into his body, it also protects him from the harm of external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of Shenxiao Thunder Method also starts with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and refining it for personal use.
However, what sets Shenxiao Thunder Method apart from other talisman schools is that it combines both energy refinement and alchemy. After guiding energy into the body, unlike other schools that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir School, where the body has its own sun and moon. The heart is the fire and the sun, the liver is the metal and the moon. The energy is refined again through the circulation of the sun and moon within the body, transforming it into personal use and condensing it into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he has already achieved some level of cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire is active, but when the elixir is formed, a golden moon is born in the kidney water, signifying the stage of nurturing the fetus with the simultaneous rise of the sun and moon. At this point, Mei Qing’s practice of Shenxiao Thunder Method cannot complete the final step of nurturing the golden elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize the external energy and mix it with the purple flame.
After these past few days, Mei Qing has noticed that the restrictive energy within his body is gradually being eroded, though the progress is extremely slow. This is because the purple flame is not intentionally attacking the restriction but is incidentally eroding it during the process of refining and resisting the external energy, so rapid progress cannot be expected.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to completely dissolve the restrictive energy. However, he has no other choice but to intensify his cultivation by absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and the essence of the moon at night.
Now, not only during the times of absorbing energy in the morning and evening, but even during daily activities like walking, sitting, and lying down, he continuously circulates the sun and moon within his body, stirring the purple flame in hopes of faster dissolution of the restrictive energy.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing first makes a round and then retreats to his room to focus entirely on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of cultivation, he has to try releasing the absorbed sun and moon energy bit by bit, controlling it so as not to expend it all at once. Each time, he uses just a thread of energy to stir the purple flame for refinement, and he strives to maintain the energy so it doesn’t get consumed too quickly by the purple flame, aiming to prolong the process and dissolve more of the restrictive energy.
This might sound simple, but it’s actually extremely difficult. Just controlling each thread of energy, let alone dividing the incoming energy into several threads, nearly drives Mei Qing to madness. The energy comes from outside, not from his own true essence, and without the support of the golden elixir, relying solely on mental control, it’s not easy to achieve.
Mei Qing is determined, trying once, twice, and then three times if it doesn’t work. He sits motionless in his room every day, focusing inward, carefully controlling the flow of energy. Inside his body, it’s like a battlefield with three forces: the externally drawn energy, the refining purple flame, and the restrictive energy. Mei Qing acts like a commander, leading one force, pulling another, and consuming the third. The immense mental effort required for each refinement leaves Mei Qing feeling utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Mei Qing has now managed to control the energy within his body, ensuring that the purple flame’s refinement neither consumes the restrictive energy too quickly nor uses too little energy, which would render the purple flame ineffective.
Unbeknownst to Mei Qing, his ability to manipulate true energy like this would astonish other cultivators. Only those at the energy refinement stage can control their true energy as Mei Qing does, and even then, they tread carefully, not daring to be careless. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, integrate true essence with the purple flame, and control it all is far superior to many experts at the energy refinement stage.
These days, Mei Qing appears to be in a daze to outsiders, seemingly distracted by everything. Colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Dayou think their new boss is just eccentric and don’t pay much attention. However, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun at home are deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing is reverting to his previous state of stupor.
Occasionally, Mei Qing reassures them, saying he’s fine and just deep in thought. They have no choice but to believe him, though they continue to worry and observe him secretly.
As Mei Qing’s mental power advances rapidly, another problem arises.
Initially, Mei Qing only felt a vague disturbance during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, it was subtle, so he didn’t pay much attention. However, as his cultivation deepened and his mental power grew stronger, he realized that this disturbance was coming from the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself is mysterious, so Mei Qing isn’t surprised by strange occurrences. But recently, the feeling has grown stronger, as if the inkstone is calling out to him, containing something closely connected to him, and it seems to be trying to communicate, though he can’t understand a word.
In addition to his continuous cultivation of the Shenxiao Thunder Method, Mei Qing has also started to pay attention to the other two possible Taoist arts mentioned, especially the Thunder Restriction Technique.
Restriction techniques are a significant branch of Taoist arts, highly valued by various Taoist schools with a long history. It’s said that these techniques were first mastered by the fangshi of the Wu and Yue regions, hence also known as “Yue Fang.” According to the “Book of Later Han: Biographies of Fangshi,” practitioners like Xu Deng and Zhao Bing were skilled in these arts. Xu Deng could “restrict a stream, making the water stop flowing,” and Zhao Bing could “restrict a withered tree, making it sprout again.” There are also tales of restricting tigers and fire. In reality, the uses of restriction techniques go beyond these examples, being applicable in both conflicts between cultivators and daily cultivation.
Restriction techniques are divided into “energy restriction” and “incantation restriction.” The Golden Elixir School focuses only on energy restriction, rarely touching on incantation restriction, while the Talisman School uses both. The Thunder Restriction Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Shenxiao School belongs to the energy restriction category.
Mei Qing is particularly interested in the Thunder Restriction Technique for two reasons. First, his golden elixir is restricted, and he constantly thinks about how to lift this restriction. The Thunder Restriction Technique, being a type of restriction technique, could be useful for reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman School differ from those of the Golden Elixir School. The Golden Elixir School focuses on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and working within the golden elixir for advancement. In contrast, the Talisman School emphasizes the use of talismans and techniques, integrating both theory and practice for easier progress.
Since the Shenxiao Thunder Method is also classified under the Talisman School, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are appended to the main cultivation method is that practicing both the method and the techniques greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Method. The earlier method texts also mention this, so despite his golden elixir being restricted, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Restriction Technique, Mei Qing feels it’s necessary to start practicing its basic level.
The Shenxiao Thunder Method combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Schools, not only forming a golden elixir within the body but also circulating true energy. When the divine power is activated, the elixir moves the energy, and the energy follows the elixir. The application of the Thunder Restriction Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and energy. Currently, with his golden elixir restricted, Mei Qing cannot fully practice the technique to the point of immediate effect, but he can start with the most basic energy restriction method.
The initial practice of the Thunder Restriction Technique is roughly divided into three steps: sensing energy, knowing the acupoints, fixing the light, and establishing the restriction. The key to energy restriction lies in understanding the nature of what is to be restricted, its five-element attributes, and the distinction between yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing restriction techniques is to refine the ability to sense energy.
After understanding the energy flow of the target, one must know its acupoints to serve as the key to energy restriction. Everything in the universe, governed by yin and yang, operates through the five elements. Knowing the acupoints involves further identifying the critical points after sensing the energy. Then, a single point of energy entry can control the entire body, much like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox.
The subsequent steps of fixing the light and establishing the restriction require the circulation of elixir and energy, which Mei Qing cannot attempt yet. However, just practicing the first two steps is already quite useful.
Now, Mei Qing has started to sense the flow direction of the restrictive energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points in the restrictive energy. This approach has indeed accelerated the progress compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the restrictive energy within his body at the guard station, Mei Qing noticed that although it seemed only slightly weakened, through his practice of the Thunder Restriction Technique, he could vaguely glimpse the state of his golden elixir through its weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the restrictive energy, suddenly, his mind stirred. The persistent thought of the Seven Star Inkstone, which had been lingering like a shadow, became extremely intense. In response, his long-dormant golden elixir suddenly gave a strong throb!
Ignorance breeds fearlessness, but in Mei Qing’s current predicament, he has no other path. Every time he recalls helplessly witnessing Bi Zhen being subdued by Lu Bing, his heart aches unbearably. Never before has his desire for power been so intense.
Even if he knows it’s akin to drinking poison to quench thirst, he would still do it without hesitation, especially since he doesn’t fully understand the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a critical role. Although it consumed all the external energy Mei Qing had drawn in, it also protected him from the harmful effects of external qi infiltration.
Similar to other talisman-based cultivation methods, the cultivation of the Divine Thunder Technique of the Shenxiao Sect begins with drawing in the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are various methods for gathering energy—whether from Heaven and Earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, or living organisms. Though the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external energy into the body and then refining it for one’s own use.
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so only one chapter is available. I feel ashamed.
=========================
If the cultivation method of Mei Qing were known by the seniors in the cultivation world, they would probably be furious on the spot. Although it is easy to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its purity is far inferior to the true essence within one’s own body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun and moon, the most essential step is to refine and purify it, to prevent impurities from entering the body and damaging one’s true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s method of recklessly introducing external energy to attack the internal restrictions is most likely to be misled by the external energy, causing the true essence within the body to become impure and no longer pure and clear, thus ruining the path of future cultivation.
As the saying goes, ignorance is fearless, especially since Mei Qing currently has no other way out. Every time he thinks of the scene where he saw Bi Zhen being controlled by Lu Bing but was powerless to help, Mei Qing feels heartbroken and desperate. The desire for power has never been so urgent in his heart.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would not hesitate, especially since he is not fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the energy Mei Qing introduced into his body, it also prevented him from being harmed by the external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of Shenxiao Thunder Method also starts with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and then refining it for personal use.
However, the Shenxiao Thunder Method differs from other talisman schools in that it combines both refining energy and alchemy. After introducing energy into the body, unlike other schools that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir School, where the body has its own sun and moon. The heart is the fire and the sun, the liver is the metal and the moon. The internal sun and moon circulate, further refining the spiritual energy, transforming it into personal use, and condensing it into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he has already achieved some success in cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but when the elixir formed, a golden moon was born in the kidney water, signifying the stage of nurturing the fetus with both the sun and moon. At this point, Mei Qing’s practice of the Shenxiao Thunder Method cannot fully nurture the golden elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize the externally absorbed spiritual energy and mix it with the purple flame.
After these days, Mei Qing has already felt that the restrictive energy is gradually being eroded, though the progress is extremely slow. This is because the purple flame does not intentionally attack the restriction but incidentally erodes it while refining and resisting the external spiritual energy, so naturally, one cannot expect rapid progress.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to eliminate the restrictive energy. However, he has no other choice but to intensify his cultivation by absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and refining the moonlight at night.
Now, not only during the times of absorbing energy in the morning and evening, but also during daily activities like walking, sitting, and lying down, he constantly circulates the internal sun and moon, stirring the purple flame within his body, hoping to dissolve the restrictive energy faster.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing first makes a round and then retreats to his room to focus entirely on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of cultivation, Mei Qing has to try releasing the absorbed sun and moon energy strand by strand, controlling not to release it all at once, using only a strand each time to stir the purple flame for refining, and striving to maintain the spiritual energy so that it is not consumed too quickly by the purple flame, aiming to prolong the entanglement and dissolve more of the restrictive energy.
This may sound easy, but it is extremely difficult to achieve. Not to mention controlling each strand of energy, just dividing the introduced energy into several strands almost drove Mei Qing to madness. The energy comes from the outside, not his own true essence, and without the support of the golden elixir, Mei Qing relies entirely on his mental power to control it, which is not easy at all.
Mei Qing is determined, trying once, twice, and three times if necessary. Every day, he sits motionless in his room, focusing inward, carefully controlling the flow of energy. Inside his body, it is like a battlefield with three forces: the externally introduced energy, the refining purple flame, and the restrictive energy. Mei Qing is like a commander, leading one force, pulling another, and consuming the third. The immense mental power consumed each time leaves Mei Qing feeling exhausted and near death.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Now, Mei Qing can initially control the energy within his body, ensuring that the refining by the purple flame neither consumes the restrictive energy too quickly nor reacts too slowly due to insufficient energy input.
Mei Qing is unaware that his ability to control true energy like moving his own arm would astonish other cultivators. Only those at the refining energy stage can control their true energy as Mei Qing does. Even then, they tread carefully, not daring to be careless. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, refine true essence, and fuse it with the purple flame is far superior to many experts at the refining energy stage.
These days, Mei Qing appears to be in a daze to outsiders, seemingly absent-minded about everything. Colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Dayou from the fourth group think the new supervisor is just eccentric and take it in stride. However, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun at home are deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing is returning to his previous state of stupor.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally becomes clear-headed, insisting that he is fine and just pondering some issues. Everyone can only take his word for it, secretly observing and worrying.
But as Mei Qing’s mental power advances rapidly, another trouble arises.
Initially, Mei Qing only vaguely felt some interference during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, this feeling was not obvious, so he didn’t pay much attention. However, as his cultivation deepened and his mental power grew stronger, he realized that the source of this feeling was the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself is full of mystery, so Mei Qing is not surprised by any strange occurrences. But in recent days, the feeling has become increasingly intense, as if the inkstone is constantly calling to him, containing something closely related to him, and seemingly trying to communicate, though Mei Qing cannot understand a word.
In addition to day and night cultivation of the Shenxiao Thunder Method, Mei Qing has also started to pay attention to the other two possible Taoist techniques attached to it, especially the Thunder Restriction Technique.
Restriction techniques are a significant branch of Taoist arts, highly valued by various Taoist schools with long-standing traditions. It is said that such techniques were first mastered by the Fangshi of the Wu and Yue regions, hence also known as “Yue Fang.” For example, the “Biography of Fangshi” in the “Book of the Later Han” mentions that the alchemists Xu Deng and Zhao Bing were skilled in this art. Xu Deng could “restrict the stream, making the water stop flowing,” and Zhao Bing could “restrict the withered tree, making it sprout again.” There are also other miraculous feats like restricting tigers and fire. In fact, the use of restriction techniques goes far beyond these examples. Whether in conflicts between cultivators or daily cultivation, restriction techniques have their applications.
Restriction techniques are divided into “energy restriction” and “incantation restriction.” The Golden Elixir School only practices energy restriction, rarely involving incantation restriction. The Talisman School uses both. The Thunder Restriction Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Shenxiao School belongs to the energy restriction category.
Mei Qing is particularly interested in the Thunder Restriction Technique for two reasons. First, his golden elixir is restricted, and he constantly thinks about how to lift this restriction. The Thunder Restriction Technique, being a type of restriction technique, could serve as a reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman School differ from those of the Golden Elixir School. The Golden Elixir School focuses solely on refining water and fire, regulating yin and yang, and working within the golden elixir for advancement. The Talisman School, however, emphasizes drawing talismans and practicing techniques, combining theory and practice for easier progress.
Since the Shenxiao Thunder Method is also classified under the Talisman School, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are attached to the main cultivation method is that practicing both the method and the technique greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Method. The previous formulas also explain this, so even though Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Restriction Technique, he feels it is necessary to practice its initial stages.
The Shenxiao Thunder Method combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Schools, not only refining the elixir within the body but also circulating true energy. When the divine power is activated, the elixir leads the energy, and the energy follows the elixir. The application of the Thunder Restriction Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and energy. Since Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he cannot truly achieve the immediate effect of the restriction, but he can practice the most basic energy restriction method.
The initial practice of the Thunder Restriction Technique is roughly divided into three steps: sensing energy, knowing the acupoints, fixing the light, and establishing the restriction. The key to energy restriction lies in understanding the nature of the object to be restricted, its five elements attributes, and the distinction between yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing restriction techniques is to refine the ability to sense energy.
After understanding the energy flow of the object to be restricted, one must know its acupoints, which serve as the key to energy restriction. The yin and yang of heaven and earth, and all things, revolve around the five elements. Knowing the acupoints means further identifying the crucial points after sensing the energy. Then, a single point of energy input can control the entire body, like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox.
The subsequent steps of fixing the light and establishing the restriction require the circulation of elixir and energy, which Mei Qing cannot attempt yet. However, just practicing the first two steps is already quite useful.
Now, Mei Qing has started to sense the flow direction of the restrictive energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points of the restrictive energy. This has indeed accelerated the progress compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the restrictive energy within his body at the guard station, Mei Qing noticed that although it seemed only slightly weakened, after practicing the Thunder Restriction Technique, he could vaguely glimpse the state of the golden elixir through its weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the restrictive energy, suddenly, his mind stirred. The persistent thought of the Seven Star Inkstone, which had been lingering like a shadow, became extremely intense. In response, the long-dormant golden elixir suddenly jumped significantly!
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so I can only manage one chapter. I feel ashamed.
=========================
If Mei Qing’s cultivation method were known to the senior practitioners, they would probably be so furious that they might drop dead on the spot. Although it is easy to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its purity is far inferior to the innate true essence within one’s body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun, moon, and earth, the most crucial step is to refine and purify it, lest impurities infiltrate the body and corrupt the true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s reckless method of drawing external energy to attack the internal restrictions is highly susceptible to contamination by external energy, leading to a chaotic and impure true essence, which would ruin his future cultivation path.
As the saying goes, “the ignorant are fearless,” and Mei Qing currently has no other options. Every time he recalls the scene where he was powerless to help Bi Zhen, who was restrained by Lu Bing, his heart aches with madness. The desire for power has never been so urgent in his heart.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would still do it without hesitation, especially since he is not fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the external energy Mei Qing had drawn into his body, it also prevented him from being harmed by the external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of Shenxiao Thunder Method also begins with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and then refining it for personal use.
However, the Shenxiao Thunder Method differs from other talisman schools in that it combines both Qi refining and alchemy. After drawing energy into the body, unlike other schools that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir School, where the body contains its own sun and moon. The heart represents fire and the sun, while the liver represents metal and the moon. The internal sun and moon circulate, further refining the spiritual energy, which is then transformed into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s Golden Elixir is restricted, he has already achieved some success in cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but as the elixir formed, a golden moon emerged in the kidney water, signifying the stage of “gold giving birth to beautiful water,” which is the time of nurturing the fetus with both the sun and moon rising. At this stage, Mei Qing’s practice of the Shenxiao Thunder Method cannot fully nurture the Golden Elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize the external spiritual energy and mix it with the purple flame.
Over the past ten days, Mei Qing has felt that the restrictive energy within his body is gradually being eroded, albeit very slowly. Since the purple flame is not intentionally attacking the restrictions but rather incidentally eroding them during the refining process, it is unrealistic to expect rapid progress.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to eliminate the restrictive energy. However, he has no other choice but to intensify his cultivation by absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and the moon at night.
Now, not only during the times of absorbing energy in the morning and evening, but even during daily activities, he constantly circulates the internal sun and moon, stirring the purple flame within his body, hoping to dissolve the restrictive energy faster.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing first makes a round and then retreats to his room to focus entirely on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of cultivation, Mei Qing has to try releasing the absorbed sun and moon energy bit by bit, controlling it so as not to release it all at once. Each time, he uses only a small amount to stimulate the purple flame for refining, while also trying to maintain the spiritual energy so that it is not consumed too quickly by the purple flame, allowing more time to erode the restrictive energy.
This might sound simple, but it is extremely difficult to achieve. Not to mention controlling each strand of energy, just dividing the absorbed energy into several strands nearly drove Mei Qing to madness. The energy, being external and not his innate true essence, is hard to control without the support of the Golden Elixir, relying solely on mental focus, which is not easy to achieve.
Mei Qing is determined, trying once, twice, and even three times if necessary. Every day, he sits motionless in his room, focusing inward, carefully controlling the flow of energy. Inside his body, it is like a battlefield with three forces: the external energy, the refining purple flame, and the restrictive energy. Mei Qing acts as a commander, leading one force, pulling another, and consuming the third. The mental effort required for each refining session leaves Mei Qing feeling utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Now, Mei Qing can preliminarily control the energy within his body, ensuring that the refining by the purple flame is neither too fast to consume the restrictive energy nor too slow to be ineffective.
Mei Qing is unaware that his ability to control true energy like this, if known by other cultivators, would probably shock them to death. Only those who have reached the Qi refining stage can control their true energy as Mei Qing does. Even then, it is a delicate process, requiring utmost caution. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, merge it with true essence, and blend it with the purple flame is a level of control that surpasses many Qi refining experts.
These days, Mei Qing appears to be in a daze to outsiders, seemingly distracted by everything. Colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Dayou from the fourth group find it a bit odd but take it as a quirk of their new superior. However, his family members, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun, are deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing might revert to his previous state of stupor.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally reassures them, claiming that he is fine and just pondering some issues. They have no choice but to believe him, secretly observing and worrying.
But as Mei Qing’s mental focus improves rapidly, another problem arises.
Initially, Mei Qing only felt a vague sense of interference during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, it was not obvious, so he paid no attention. However, as his cultivation deepened and his mental focus grew stronger, he realized that this feeling originated from the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself is full of mystery, so Mei Qing is not surprised by strange occurrences. But in recent days, the feeling has grown stronger, as if the inkstone is constantly calling to him, as if there is something deeply connected to him within it, and it seems to be trying to communicate, though Mei Qing cannot understand a word.
In addition to his continuous cultivation of the Shenxiao Thunder Method, Mei Qing has also started to pay attention to the other two possible cultivation techniques, especially the Thunder Restriction Technique.
Restriction techniques are a significant branch of Taoist arts, highly valued by various Taoist schools, with a long history. It is said that such techniques were first mastered by practitioners from the Wu and Yue regions, hence also known as “Yue Fang.” According to the “Book of Later Han: Biographies of Magicians,” practitioners like Xu Deng and Zhao Bing were skilled in these techniques. Xu Deng could “restrain a stream, making the water stop flowing,” while Zhao Bing could “restrain a withered tree, making it sprout again.” There are also other miraculous feats like restraining tigers and fire. In fact, the uses of restriction techniques go far beyond these examples. They are applied in conflicts between practitioners and in daily cultivation.
Restriction techniques are divided into “Qi Restriction” and “Incantation Restriction.” The Golden Elixir School focuses only on Qi Restriction, rarely touching Incantation Restriction. However, the Talisman School uses both. The Thunder Restriction Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Shenxiao School belongs to the Qi Restriction category.
Mei Qing is particularly interested in the Thunder Restriction Technique for two reasons. First, his Golden Elixir is restricted, and he constantly thinks about how to lift this restriction. The Thunder Restriction Technique, being a type of restriction technique, could serve as a reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman School differ from those of the Golden Elixir School. The Golden Elixir School focuses on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and concentrating on the Golden Elixir for advancement. In contrast, the Talisman School emphasizes drawing talismans and practicing techniques, integrating both form and function, making it easier to progress.
Since the Shenxiao Thunder Method is also classified under the Talisman School, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are appended to the main cultivation method is that practicing both techniques and methods greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Method. The earlier method also explains this, so despite his restricted Golden Elixir, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Restriction Technique, Mei Qing feels it is necessary to practice its initial stages.
The Shenxiao Thunder Method combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Schools, not only forming an internal elixir but also circulating true energy within the body. When the divine power is activated, the elixir moves the energy, and the energy follows the elixir. The application of the Thunder Restriction Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and energy. Since Mei Qing’s Golden Elixir is restricted, he cannot fully practice the technique to the point of immediate effect, but he can start with the most basic Qi Restriction method.
The initial practice of the Thunder Restriction Technique is roughly divided into three steps: sensing Qi, understanding the acupoints, fixing the light, and establishing the restriction. The key to Qi Restriction lies in discerning the nature of the object to be restricted, its five-element attributes, and the distinction between yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing restriction techniques is to refine the ability to sense Qi.
Once the flow of Qi in the object to be restricted is understood, the next step is to identify its acupoints, which serve as the key to Qi Restriction. The universe’s yin and yang, and all things, are governed by the flow of the five elements. Understanding the acupoints involves further analyzing the crucial points after sensing the Qi. With a single point of Qi entry, it is like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox—controlling one point can control the entire body.
The subsequent steps of fixing the light and establishing the restriction require the circulation of elixir and energy, which Mei Qing cannot yet attempt. However, just practicing the first two steps has already proven somewhat useful.
Now, Mei Qing has started to sense the flow of the restrictive energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points in the restrictive energy. This has significantly improved the effectiveness compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the restrictive energy within his body at the guard station, Mei Qing noticed that although it appeared only slightly weakened, his recent practice of the Thunder Restriction Technique allowed him to vaguely glimpse the state of his Golden Elixir through its weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the restrictive energy, he suddenly felt a strong surge of the Seven Star Inkstone’s presence, which had been lingering like a shadow. In response, his long-dormant Golden Elixir suddenly gave a strong throb!
Over these past two weeks, Mei Qing has gradually sensed the weakening of the restrictive energy, albeit at a painfully slow pace. The purple flame isn’t deliberately attacking the restriction; rather, it incidentally erodes it while battling and refining the external energy. Naturally, expecting rapid progress was unrealistic.
Though anxious, Mei Qing could only watch helplessly as this pace would likely take years to fully dissolve the restrictive force. With no better solution, he continued to intensify his cultivation, gathering solar essence at dawn and lunar energy at night.
Not only during these specific times, but even in his daily activities—walking, sitting, lying down—he constantly engaged his internal sun and moon, stimulating the purple flame in hopes of accelerating the dissolution of the restrictive energy.
Each day, after a brief patrol of the military station, Mei Qing would retreat to his room and devote himself entirely to cultivation. To sustain such prolonged sessions, he had to carefully regulate the release of solar and lunar energy, avoiding complete expenditure. He used only a thin strand at a time to ignite the purple flame, striving to prolong the interaction and maximize the erosion of the restrictive force.
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so I can only manage one chapter. I feel quite ashamed.
=========================
If the elders in the cultivation world were to find out about Mei Qing’s method of cultivation, they would probably be furious. Although it is easy to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its purity is far inferior to the innate true essence within one’s body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun, moon, and earth, the most crucial step is to refine it into a pure form to prevent impurities from entering the body and corrupting one’s true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s reckless method of using external energy to attack the internal seals is highly susceptible to contamination by external energy, leading to a chaotic and impure true essence, which would ruin his future cultivation path.
Ignorance breeds fearlessness, and Mei Qing currently has no other options. The memory of seeing Bi Zhen being subdued by Lu Bing while he stood helplessly by drives Mei Qing to the brink of madness. His desire for power has never been more urgent.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench his thirst, he would still do it without hesitation, especially since he isn’t fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the energy Mei Qing had drawn into his body, it also protected him from the harm of external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of the Divine Thunder Technique begins with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and refining it for personal use.
However, the Divine Thunder Technique differs from other talisman schools in that it combines both energy refinement and alchemy. After drawing energy into the body, unlike other schools that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir School, where the body contains its own sun and moon. The heart represents fire and the sun, while the liver represents metal and the moon. The internal sun and moon circulate, further refining the spiritual energy, which is then transformed into a usable form and condensed into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s golden elixir is sealed, he has already achieved some level of cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but as the elixir formed, a golden moon emerged in the kidney water, signifying the stage of nurturing the embryo with both the sun and moon. At this point, Mei Qing’s practice of the Divine Thunder Technique cannot fully nurture the golden elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize the external spiritual energy and blend it with the purple flame.
Over the past ten days, Mei Qing has noticed that the seal’s energy is gradually being eroded, albeit very slowly. The purple flame isn’t intentionally attacking the seal but is incidentally eroding it during the process of refining and resisting the external energy, so rapid progress cannot be expected.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to completely dissolve the seal’s energy. However, he has no other choice but to continue his daily practice of absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and refining the moonlight at night.
Now, not only during the times of energy absorption but also in his daily activities, Mei Qing constantly circulates the internal sun and moon, stirring the purple flame within his body in hopes of speeding up the dissolution of the seal’s energy.
Every day at the guardhouse, Mei Qing makes a round before retreating to his room to focus entirely on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of practice, Mei Qing has learned to release the absorbed solar and lunar energy in small increments, controlling it so that only a tiny amount is used each time to stimulate the purple flame. He also strives to maintain the energy flow, ensuring it isn’t consumed too quickly by the purple flame, to prolong the interaction and further erode the seal’s energy.
This might sound simple, but it is extremely difficult to achieve. Controlling each strand of energy and dividing the absorbed energy into multiple strands nearly drove Mei Qing to madness. The energy, being external and not his innate true essence, and without the support of the golden elixir, relies entirely on his mental control, which is no easy feat.
Determined, Mei Qing persisted, trying again and again. Every day, he sat motionless in his room, focusing inward and carefully controlling the energy flow. His body had become a battlefield among three forces: the external energy, the refining purple flame, and the seal’s energy. Mei Qing acted as the commander, leading one force, restraining another, and consuming the third. The immense mental effort required for each refinement left him feeling utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, his hard work paid off. Mei Qing has now gained preliminary control over the internal energy, ensuring that the purple flame’s refinement neither consumes the seal’s energy too quickly nor uses too little energy to be effective.
Unbeknownst to Mei Qing, his ability to manipulate true energy with such precision would astonish other cultivators. Only those at the energy refinement stage can control their true energy as Mei Qing does, and even then, it is a delicate and cautious process. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, blend it with his true essence, and integrate it with the purple flame demonstrates a level of control that surpasses many experts at the energy refinement stage.
During this period, Mei Qing appeared to be in a daze to outsiders, seemingly distracted by everything. While some colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Dayou thought their new superior was just eccentric, Mei Qing’s family, particularly Zhong Shu and Duo Yun, were deeply concerned, fearing he was reverting to his previous state of stupor.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally reassured them, claiming he was merely deep in thought. They had no choice but to believe him, though they continued to worry and observe him secretly.
However, as Mei Qing’s mental power advanced rapidly, another issue arose.
Initially, Mei Qing only felt a vague sense of interference during his daytime cultivation at the guardhouse. At first, it was subtle and he paid little attention to it. But as his cultivation deepened and his mental power grew stronger, he realized that the source of this sensation was the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself was shrouded in mystery, so Mei Qing wasn’t surprised by its strange behavior. However, in recent days, the feeling had grown increasingly intense, as if the inkstone was calling out to him, conveying something deeply connected to him, yet he couldn’t understand a single word of it.
In addition to his relentless practice of the Divine Thunder Technique, Mei Qing began to pay attention to the other two possible cultivation techniques mentioned in the manual, particularly the Thunder Seal Technique.
Seal techniques are a significant branch of Daoist arts, highly valued by various Daoist schools with a long history. It is said that these techniques originated from the fangshi (masters of esoteric arts) in the Wu and Yue regions, hence they are also known as “Yue Fang.” For example, the “Biographies of Fangshi” in the Book of the Later Han mentions practitioners like Xu Deng and Zhao Bing, who were skilled in these arts. Xu Deng could “seal a stream, making the water stop flowing,” while Zhao Bing could “seal a withered tree, causing it to sprout anew.” There are also accounts of sealing tigers and extinguishing fires. In reality, the applications of seal techniques extend far beyond these examples, being useful in both conflicts between cultivators and daily cultivation practices.
Seal techniques are divided into “Qi Seals” and “Incantation Seals.” The Golden Elixir School focuses solely on Qi Seals, rarely delving into Incantation Seals, while the Talisman School employs both. The Thunder Seal Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Divine Thunder School belongs to the Qi Seal category.
Mei Qing’s interest in the Thunder Seal Technique stems from two reasons. First, his golden elixir is sealed, and he is constantly thinking about how to break the seal. The Thunder Seal Technique, being a type of seal technique, could provide some reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman School differ from those of the Golden Elixir School. The Golden Elixir School focuses on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and concentrating on the golden elixir for advancement. In contrast, the Talisman School emphasizes the use of talismans and techniques, integrating both theory and practice, which can lead to faster progress.
Since the Divine Thunder Technique is classified under the Talisman School, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are appended to the main cultivation manual is that practicing both the method and the technique greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Technique. The earlier sections of the manual also explain this, so despite his sealed golden elixir, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Seal Technique, Mei Qing felt it was necessary to begin practicing its initial stages.
The Divine Thunder Technique combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Schools, not only refining the internal elixir but also circulating true energy within the body. When the divine power is activated, the elixir guides the energy, and the energy responds to the elixir. The application of the Thunder Seal Technique also relies on the interaction between the elixir and the energy. Since Mei Qing’s golden elixir is sealed, he cannot fully master the technique to the point of immediate effect, but he can begin practicing the most basic methods of sealing energy.
The initial stages of the Thunder Seal Technique are roughly divided into three steps: sensing energy, understanding the key points, fixing the light, and sealing the energy. The essence of Qi Seals lies in identifying the nature of what is to be sealed, its elemental attributes, and the balance of yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing seal techniques is to refine the ability to sense energy.
Once the energy flow of the target is understood, the next step is to identify its key points, which serve as the keys to the Qi Seal. All things in the universe are governed by the flow of the five elements. Understanding the key points involves further analyzing the critical junctures after sensing the energy. With a precise input of energy, it’s like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox—controlling one point can influence the entire body.
The subsequent steps of fixing the light and sealing the energy require the circulation of elixir energy, which Mei Qing cannot yet attempt. However, just practicing the first two steps has already proven somewhat useful.
Now, Mei Qing has started to sense the flow of the seal’s energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weaker points of the seal’s energy. This approach has significantly improved the effectiveness compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the seal’s energy within his body at the guardhouse, Mei Qing noticed that, although the surface weakening was minimal, his recent practice of the Thunder Seal Technique had allowed him to glimpse the state of his golden elixir through the seal’s weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the seal’s energy, he suddenly felt a strong surge of the Seven Star Inkstone’s presence, which had been lingering like a shadow. In response, his long-dormant golden elixir gave a powerful throb!
Yet Mei Qing was determined. If once failed, he would try again, and again. Each day, he sat motionless in his room, focusing inward, carefully guiding the flow of energy. Inside him, it was like a battlefield of three forces: the external energy, the purple flame, and the restrictive mass. Mei Qing was like a commander, maneuvering one force to engage another while also depleting a third. The immense strain of each session left him feeling utterly exhausted, as if death would be a relief.
Fortunately, perseverance paid off. Now, Mei Qing could finally control the internal energy to a certain extent—ensuring the purple flame neither consumed the restrictive energy too quickly nor failed to react due to insufficient input.
What Mei Qing didn’t realize was that his ability to command energy with such precision, if discovered by other cultivators, would likely shock them into paralysis. Typically, only at the energy cultivation stage could one control internal energy as he did—and even then, with extreme caution. For Mei Qing to guide external energy, transform it into true essence, and blend it with the purple flame, his level of control likely surpassed many seasoned energy cultivators.
During this time, Mei Qing appeared dazed and distracted to others. Nothing seemed to hold his attention. Some, like Qian San and Zhao Dayou from the Fourth Unit, merely assumed their new superior had peculiar habits and shrugged it off. But at home, Zhong Shu and Douniu grew deeply worried, fearing Mei Qing was slipping back into his former vacant, listless state.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally regained clarity, insisting he was fine, merely preoccupied with deep contemplation. They had no choice but to accept his words, while secretly watching him with concern.
However, as Mei Qing’s spiritual awareness grew stronger, a new complication arose.
At first, while cultivating at the military station during the day, he vaguely sensed something interfering with him. Initially subtle, the sensation grew stronger as his cultivation deepened. Eventually, he realized the source was the Seven Star Inkstone.
This inkstone was already shrouded in mystery, so nothing strange about it would surprise Mei Qing. Yet recently, the sensation intensified, as if the inkstone were calling to him, trying to communicate something vitally important—something he couldn’t quite grasp.
Besides his relentless cultivation of the Divine Thunder Technique, Mei Qing also began paying attention to the other two potential Daoist arts embedded within the inkstone, especially the Thunder Sealing Art.
Sealing techniques form a major branch of Daoist arts, widely practiced and transmitted across sects, with a long and storied history. Legend says these arts were first mastered by mystics from the Wu and Yue regions, hence also called “Yue Methods.” In historical records like the “Book of the Later Han – Biographies of Daoist Adepts,” it is written that adepts Xu Deng and Zhao Bing practiced such arts. Xu Deng could “seal a stream with his breath, halting its flow,” while Zhao Bing could “seal a dead tree, causing it to bloom anew.” Indeed, the applications of sealing arts extend far beyond these examples, serving both in conflicts among cultivators and in daily cultivation.
Sealing arts are broadly categorized into “Qi Sealing” and “Incantation Sealing.” Alchemical sects primarily practice Qi Sealing, rarely involving incantations. In contrast, talisman sects utilize both. The Thunder Sealing Art Mei Qing obtained from the Shenxiao Sect belonged to the Qi Sealing category.
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so only one chapter is available. I feel ashamed.
=========================
If the cultivation method Mei Qing is using were known by senior practitioners, they might be so furious they could die on the spot. Although it is easy to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its purity is far inferior to the true essence within one’s own body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun, moon, and earth, the most crucial step is to refine it into a pure form to prevent impurities from entering the body and damaging one’s true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s method of recklessly drawing external energy to attack the internal restrictions is highly susceptible to contamination by external energy, which can make the true essence within the body impure and ruin the path of future cultivation.
As the saying goes, “the ignorant are fearless,” and Mei Qing currently has no other options. Every time he recalls the scene where he was powerless to help Bi Zhen when she was subdued by Lu Bing, Mei Qing feels a heart-wrenching pain. His desire for power has never been so urgent.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would still do it without hesitation, especially since he is not fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the energy Mei Qing had drawn into his body, it also protected him from the harm of external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of Shenxiao Thunder Technique also begins with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and then refining it for personal use.
However, what sets Shenxiao Thunder Technique apart from other talisman schools is that it combines both qi refinement and alchemy. After drawing energy into the body, unlike other schools that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir School, where the body has its own sun and moon. The heart represents fire and the sun, while the liver represents metal and the moon. The energy is further refined within the body and transformed into a usable form, condensing into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s Golden Elixir is restricted, he has already achieved some level of cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but as the elixir formed, a golden moon emerged in the kidney water, signifying the stage of “gold giving birth to beautiful water,” which is the time of nurturing the fetus with both the sun and moon. At this stage, Mei Qing’s practice of Shenxiao Thunder Technique cannot fully nurture the Golden Elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize the external energy and mix it with the purple flame.
Over the past ten days, Mei Qing has felt the restrictive energy gradually being eroded, though the progress is extremely slow. This is because the purple flame is not intentionally attacking the restriction but is incidentally eroding it during the process of refining and resisting the external energy. Naturally, one cannot expect rapid progress.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to completely dissolve the restrictive energy. However, he has no other choice but to continue his daily practice of absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and refining the moonlight at night, hoping to speed up the process.
Now, not only during the times of absorbing energy in the morning and evening, but even during daily activities like walking, sitting, or lying down, Mei Qing constantly circulates the sun and moon within his body, stirring the purple flame in hopes of quickly dissolving the restrictive energy.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing first makes a round and then retreats to his room to focus entirely on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of practice, Mei Qing has to try releasing the absorbed sun and moon energy bit by bit, controlling it so that he doesn’t expend it all at once. Each time, he uses only a small amount to stimulate the purple flame for refinement, while also trying to maintain the energy so that it doesn’t get consumed too quickly by the purple flame, allowing more time to erode the restrictive energy.
This may sound simple, but in practice, it is extremely difficult. Just controlling each strand of energy, let alone dividing the absorbed energy into multiple strands, nearly drove Mei Qing to madness. The energy comes from outside and is not his own true essence. Without the support of the Golden Elixir, Mei Qing relies entirely on his mental strength to control it, which is no easy task.
Mei Qing became determined, trying again and again. Every day, he sits motionless in his room, focusing inward and carefully controlling the flow of energy. His body has become like a battlefield with three forces: the externally drawn energy, the refining purple flame, and the restrictive energy. Mei Qing acts as a commander, leading one force, restraining another, and consuming the third. The mental effort required for each refinement leaves Mei Qing feeling utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Mei Qing has now gained some control over the energy within his body, ensuring that the purple flame’s refinement neither consumes the restrictive energy too quickly nor uses too little energy, which would render the process ineffective.
Unbeknownst to Mei Qing, his ability to manipulate his true essence like this would astonish other cultivators if they knew. Only those who have reached the qi refinement stage can control their true essence as Mei Qing does. Even then, it is a delicate process that requires great caution. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, refine it into true essence, and merge it with the purple flame demonstrates a level of control that surpasses many qi refinement experts.
These days, Mei Qing appears to be in a daze to outsiders, seemingly distracted by everything. While some, like Qian San and Zhao Dayou from the fourth group, simply think their new superior is eccentric and don’t pay much attention, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun at home are deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing is reverting to his previous state of confusion.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally reassures them, saying he is fine and just deep in thought. They have no choice but to believe him, though they continue to worry and observe him secretly.
However, as Mei Qing’s mental strength advances rapidly, another problem arises.
Initially, Mei Qing only felt a vague sense of interference during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, it was not noticeable, so he ignored it. But as his cultivation deepened and his mental strength grew stronger, he realized that this sensation originated from the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself is shrouded in mystery, so Mei Qing is not surprised by its strange effects. However, in recent days, the sensation has become increasingly intense, as if the inkstone is constantly calling out to him. It seems to contain something deeply connected to him, as if it is trying to communicate, though Mei Qing cannot understand a single word.
In addition to his continuous practice of Shenxiao Thunder Technique, Mei Qing has also started to pay attention to the other two possible cultivation techniques attached to it, especially the Thunder Restriction Technique.
Restriction techniques are a significant branch of Daoist arts, and various Daoist schools place great importance on them, with many ancient lineages. It is said that such techniques were first mastered by practitioners from the Wu and Yue regions, hence they are also known as “Yue Fang.” For example, in the “Biographies of Fangshi” from the Book of the Later Han, it is recorded that practitioners Xu Deng and Zhao Bing were skilled in these techniques. Xu Deng could “restrict a stream, causing the water to stop flowing,” while Zhao Bing could “restrict a withered tree, causing it to sprout again.” There are also accounts of restricting tigers and fire. In reality, the uses of restriction techniques go far beyond these examples. They are employed both in conflicts between practitioners and in daily cultivation.
Restriction techniques are divided into “qi restriction” and “incantation restriction.” The Golden Elixir School focuses solely on qi restriction, rarely delving into incantation restriction. However, the Talisman School employs both. The Thunder Restriction Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Shenxiao School belongs to the qi restriction category.
Mei Qing is particularly interested in the Thunder Restriction Technique for two reasons. First, since his Golden Elixir is restricted, he is constantly thinking about how to lift this restriction. The Thunder Restriction Technique, being a type of restriction technique, could serve as a reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman School differ from those of the Golden Elixir School. The Golden Elixir School focuses on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and concentrating on the Golden Elixir for advancement. In contrast, the Talisman School emphasizes the use of talismans and techniques, combining theory and practice for mutual reference and easier progress.
Since Shenxiao Thunder Technique is classified under the Talisman School, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are attached to the main cultivation method is that practicing both techniques and methods greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Technique. The earlier method explanations also mention this, so despite his Golden Elixir being restricted, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Restriction Technique, Mei Qing feels it is necessary to begin practicing its initial stages.
Shenxiao Thunder Technique combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Schools. It not only involves internal elixir formation but also the circulation of true essence within the body. When the divine power is activated, the elixir guides the qi, and the qi responds to the elixir. The application of the Thunder Restriction Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and qi. Since Mei Qing’s Golden Elixir is currently restricted, he cannot fully practice the technique to the point of immediate effect, but he can begin with the most basic qi restriction methods.
The initial stages of practicing the Thunder Restriction Technique are roughly divided into three steps: sensing qi, understanding the orifices, fixing the radiance, and establishing the restriction. The key to qi restriction lies in discerning the nature of what is to be restricted, its five-element attributes, and the balance of yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing restriction techniques is to refine the ability to sense qi.
Once the flow of qi in the target is understood, the next step is to identify its orifices, which serve as the keys to qi restriction. The interplay of yin and yang and the five elements is inherent in all things. Understanding the orifices involves going beyond sensing qi to further identify the critical points. With a single point of qi entry, it is like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox—controlling one point can control the entire body.
The subsequent steps of fixing the radiance and establishing the restriction require the circulation of elixir and qi, which Mei Qing cannot yet attempt. However, just practicing the first two steps has already proven somewhat useful.
Now, Mei Qing has started to sense the flow of the restrictive energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points in the restrictive energy. This has significantly increased the effectiveness compared to before.
One day, while at the guard station, Mei Qing was quietly observing the restrictive energy within his body. Although it appeared to have weakened only slightly, after practicing the Thunder Restriction Technique, Mei Qing could faintly discern the state of his Golden Elixir through its weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the restrictive energy, he suddenly felt a strong surge of the Seven Star Inkstone’s presence, which had been lingering like a shadow. In response, his long-dormant Golden Elixir gave a powerful throb!
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so only one chapter. I feel ashamed.
=========================
If the cultivation method Mei Qing is using were known by senior practitioners, they would probably be infuriated on the spot. Although it is easy to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its purity is far inferior to the innate true essence within one’s body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun, moon, and earth, the most crucial step is to refine it into pure essence to prevent impurities from entering the body and corrupting one’s innate true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s reckless method of drawing external energy to attack the internal restrictions is highly susceptible to contamination by external energy, causing the true essence within the body to become impure and no longer pristine, thereby ruining the path of future cultivation.
As the saying goes, “the ignorant are fearless,” and Mei Qing currently has no other options. Every time he recalls the scene of Bi Zhen being subdued by Lu Bing while he stood helpless, Mei Qing’s heart aches with madness. The desire for power has never been so urgent in his heart.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would still do it without hesitation, especially since he isn’t fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the energy Mei Qing had drawn into his body, it also protected him from the harm of external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of the Divine Thunder Technique also begins with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and then refining it for personal use.
However, what sets the Divine Thunder Technique apart from other talisman schools is that it combines both energy refinement and alchemy. After drawing energy into the body, unlike other schools that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir School, where the body has its own sun and moon. The heart is the fire and the sun, the liver is the metal and the moon. The internal sun and moon circulate, further refining the spiritual energy, transforming it into personal use, and condensing it into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he has already achieved some level of cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but when the elixir formed, a golden moon emerged in the kidney water. This phenomenon, known as “metal giving birth to beautiful water,” signifies the stage of nurturing the embryo with both the sun and moon. At this point, Mei Qing’s practice of the Divine Thunder Technique cannot fully cultivate the final step of the golden elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize external spiritual energy and blend it with the purple flame.
Over the past ten days, Mei Qing has felt the restrictive energy gradually being eroded, though the progress is extremely slow. This is because the purple flame is not intentionally attacking the restriction but is incidentally eroding it while refining and resisting external spiritual energy. Naturally, one cannot expect rapid progress.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to eliminate the restrictive energy. However, he has no other choice but to intensify his cultivation by absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and refining the essence of the moon at night.
Now, not only during the morning and evening energy absorption periods but also during daily activities like walking, sitting, and lying down, Mei Qing continuously circulates the internal sun and moon, stirring the purple flame within his body, hoping to dissolve the restrictive energy faster.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing first makes a round and then retreats to his room to focus entirely on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of cultivation, Mei Qing has to try releasing the absorbed sun and moon energy bit by bit, controlling it so that not all is released at once. Each time, he uses only a small amount to stimulate the purple flame for refinement, while also ensuring that the spiritual energy is not consumed too quickly by the purple flame, prolonging the process to erode more of the restrictive energy.
While this may sound simple, achieving it is extremely difficult. Not to mention controlling each strand of energy, just dividing the introduced energy into several strands nearly drove Mei Qing to madness. The spiritual energy comes from the outside and is not his innate true essence. Without the support of the golden elixir, Mei Qing relies entirely on his mental power to control it, which is no easy feat.
Determined, Mei Qing tried again and again. Every day, he sat motionless in his room, focusing inward and carefully controlling the flow of energy. Inside his body, it was like a three-way battlefield: the externally drawn spiritual energy, the refining purple flame, and the restrictive energy. Mei Qing acted as a commander, leading one side, pulling another, and consuming the third. The immense mental effort required for each refinement left Mei Qing feeling utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Now, Mei Qing has finally gained preliminary control over the spiritual energy within his body, ensuring that the purple flame’s refinement neither consumes the restrictive energy too quickly nor uses too little energy, which would render the purple flame ineffective.
Unbeknownst to Mei Qing, if other cultivators knew of his ability to manipulate true energy with such ease, they would be utterly shocked. Only those at the energy refinement stage can control their true energy as Mei Qing does. Even then, it is a precarious process, requiring utmost caution. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, blend it with true essence, and fuse it with the purple flame demonstrates a level of control that surpasses many experts at the energy refinement stage.
During this period, Mei Qing appeared to outsiders as if he were in a daze, seemingly distracted by everything. While colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Dayou simply thought their new superior was eccentric and didn’t pay much attention, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun at home were deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing was reverting to his previous state of mental instability.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally snapped out of it, assuring everyone that he was fine and merely pondering some issues. Although they believed him, they continued to observe him with concern.
However, as Mei Qing’s mental power advanced rapidly, another problem emerged.
Initially, Mei Qing only vaguely sensed some interference during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, this feeling was not prominent, so he ignored it. But as his cultivation deepened and his mental power grew stronger, he realized that the source of this interference was the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself was shrouded in mystery, so Mei Qing wasn’t surprised by its peculiarities. However, in recent days, the sensation grew increasingly intense, as if the inkstone was calling out to him. It seemed to contain something deeply connected to him, as if it was constantly trying to communicate, though Mei Qing couldn’t understand a word of it.
In addition to his relentless cultivation of the Divine Thunder Technique, Mei Qing also began to pay attention to the two other possible cultivation techniques mentioned in the text, especially the Thunder Restriction Technique.
Restriction techniques are a significant branch of Taoist arts, highly valued by various Taoist schools, with a long history. It is said that such techniques were first mastered by practitioners from the Wu and Yue regions, hence also known as “Yue Fang.” For example, in the “Biographies of Magicians” in the Book of the Later Han, it is recorded that practitioners Xu Deng and Zhao Bing were skilled in these arts. Xu Deng could “restrict a stream, causing the water to stop flowing,” while Zhao Bing could “restrict a withered tree, causing it to sprout anew.” There are also accounts of restricting tigers and fire. In reality, the uses of restriction techniques go far beyond these examples. They are employed both in conflicts between practitioners and in daily cultivation.
Restriction techniques are divided into “energy restriction” and “incantation restriction.” The Golden Elixir School focuses solely on energy restriction, rarely delving into incantation restriction. However, the Talisman School employs both. The Thunder Restriction Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Divine Thunder School belongs to the energy restriction category.
Mei Qing’s interest in the Thunder Restriction Technique stems from two reasons. First, his golden elixir is restricted, and his daily thoughts revolve around how to lift this restriction. The Thunder Restriction Technique, being a type of restriction technique, could serve as a reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman School differ from those of the Golden Elixir School. The Golden Elixir School focuses on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and concentrating on the golden elixir for advancement. In contrast, the Talisman School emphasizes the use of talismans and techniques, integrating both internal and external practices for faster progress.
Since the Divine Thunder Technique is classified under the Talisman School, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are appended to the main cultivation text is that practicing both techniques and methods greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Technique. The earlier sections of the text also explain this, so despite his restricted golden elixir, Mei Qing felt it necessary to begin practicing the initial stages of the Thunder Restriction Technique after thorough study.
The Divine Thunder Technique combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Schools. It not only involves internal elixir condensation but also the circulation of true energy within the body. When the divine power is activated, the elixir guides the energy, and the energy follows the elixir. The application of the Thunder Restriction Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and energy. Since Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he cannot fully master the technique to the point of immediate effect, but he can begin practicing the most basic energy restriction methods.
The initial stages of the Thunder Restriction Technique are roughly divided into three steps: sensing energy, understanding the acupoints, fixing the light, and establishing the restriction. The essence of energy restriction lies in discerning the nature of the target, its elemental attributes, and the balance of yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing restriction techniques is to refine the ability to sense energy.
Once the energy flow of the target is understood, the next step is to identify its acupoints, which serve as the keys to energy restriction. The flow of the five elements is inherent in all things under heaven and earth. Understanding the acupoints involves further analyzing the critical points after sensing the energy. With a single point of energy entry, it is like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox—controlling one point can influence the entire body.
The subsequent steps of fixing the light and establishing the restriction require the circulation of elixir energy, which Mei Qing cannot yet attempt. However, just practicing the first two steps has already proven somewhat useful.
Now, Mei Qing has begun to sense the flow of the restrictive energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points in the restrictive energy. This approach has indeed accelerated the progress compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the restrictive energy within his body at the guard station, Mei Qing noticed that although the surface weakening was limited, his recent practice of the Thunder Restriction Technique allowed him to vaguely glimpse the state of his golden elixir through the weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the restrictive energy, he suddenly felt a strong surge of the Seven Star Inkstone’s presence, which had been lingering like a shadow. In response, his long-dormant golden elixir gave a powerful throb!
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so only one chapter, my apologies.
=========================
If the elders in the cultivation world were to find out about Mei Qing’s method of cultivation, they would probably be infuriated on the spot. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth, although easy to gather, is far less pure than the true essence within one’s own body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun and moon, the most crucial step is to refine it into purity to prevent impurities from entering the body and corrupting one’s true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s reckless method of using external energy to attack the internal seals is most susceptible to being misled by external energy, causing the true essence within the body to become impure and no longer clear, thus ruining the path of future cultivation.
Ignorance breeds fearlessness, especially since Mei Qing currently has no other options. Every time he recalls the scene of Bi Zhen being subdued by Lu Bing while he stood helpless, Mei Qing’s heart aches with madness. The desire for power has never been so urgent in his heart.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would still do it without hesitation, especially since he is not entirely clear about the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the energy Mei Qing introduced into his body, it also prevented him from being harmed by external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of Shenxiao Thunder Method also starts with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and then refining it for personal use.
However, the Shenxiao Thunder Method differs from other talisman sects in that it combines both energy refinement and alchemy. After guiding energy into the body, unlike other sects that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir Sect, where the body has its own sun and moon. The heart is the fire and the sun, the liver is the metal and the moon. The internal sun and moon circulate, further refining the spiritual energy, transforming it for personal use, and condensing it into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s Golden Elixir is sealed, he has already achieved some success in cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but when the elixir formed, a golden moon was born in the kidney water, a sign that he had reached the stage of nurturing the embryo with both the sun and moon. At this point, Mei Qing’s practice of the Shenxiao Thunder Method could not complete the final step of nurturing the Golden Elixir, but it was more than sufficient to mobilize the external spiritual energy and mix it with the purple flame.
Over the past ten days, Mei Qing has felt the seal’s energy gradually eroding, albeit very slowly. The purple flame was not intentionally attacking the seal but was inadvertently eroding it during the refinement and resistance against the external spiritual energy, so a rapid progress could not be expected.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to completely dissolve the seal’s energy. However, he has no other choice but to continue his daily practice of absorbing the sun’s essence in the morning and refining the moon’s essence at night, hoping to speed up the process.
Now, not only during the morning and evening energy absorption but also during daily activities, Mei Qing constantly circulates the internal sun and moon, stirring the purple flame within his body, hoping to dissolve the seal’s energy faster.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing would first make a round and then retreat to his room to focus entirely on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of practice, Mei Qing had to try releasing the absorbed sun and moon energy bit by bit, controlling it not to release all at once, using only a small amount each time to stir the purple flame for refinement, and maintaining the spiritual energy to prevent it from being consumed too quickly by the purple flame, thus prolonging the process of eroding the seal’s energy.
This might sound simple, but it is extremely difficult to achieve. Not to mention controlling each strand of energy, just dividing the introduced energy into several strands almost drove Mei Qing to madness. The energy comes from the outside, not his own true essence, and without the support of the Golden Elixir, Mei Qing had to rely entirely on his spiritual will to control it, which is far from easy.
Mei Qing was determined, trying once, twice, and then three times if it didn’t work. Every day, he would sit motionless in his room, focusing inward, carefully controlling the flow of energy. Inside his body, it was like a three-way battlefield: the externally introduced energy, the refining purple flame, and the seal’s energy. Mei Qing was like a commander, leading one side, pulling another, and consuming the third. The immense mental effort required for each refinement left Mei Qing feeling utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Now, Mei Qing has finally gained preliminary control over the internal energy, ensuring that the purple flame’s refinement neither consumes the seal’s energy too quickly nor reacts too slowly due to insufficient energy input.
Mei Qing is unaware that his ability to manipulate true essence like an arm controlling a hand would shock other cultivators if they knew. Only those at the energy refinement stage can control their true essence as Mei Qing does, and even then, they tread carefully, not daring to be the slightest bit careless. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, refine true essence, and fuse it with the purple flame is a level of control that surpasses many experts at the energy refinement stage.
These days, Mei Qing has been in a state that seems absent-minded to outsiders, as if his mind is elsewhere. Colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Da You from the fourth group thought their new superior was just eccentric and didn’t pay much attention. However, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun at home were deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing was reverting to his previous state of stupor.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally reassures them, claiming he is fine and just pondering some issues. They have no choice but to believe him, secretly observing and worrying.
However, as Mei Qing’s spiritual will advances rapidly, another trouble arises.
Initially, Mei Qing only felt a vague disturbance during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, it was not noticeable, so he didn’t pay much attention. But as his cultivation deepened and his spiritual will grew stronger, he realized that this disturbance came from the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself is full of mystery, so Mei Qing wouldn’t be surprised by any strange occurrences. However, in recent days, the feeling has grown stronger, as if the inkstone is constantly calling to him, as if there is something deeply connected to him within it, and as if it is trying to communicate something, though he cannot understand a word of it.
In addition to his continuous practice of the Shenxiao Thunder Method, Mei Qing has also started to pay attention to the other two possible cultivation techniques attached to it, especially the Thunder Seal Technique.
Seal techniques are a significant branch of Taoist arts, highly valued by various Taoist sects, with a long history. It is said that such techniques were first mastered by the fangshi (masters of esoteric arts) from the Wu and Yue regions, hence also known as “Yue Fang.” For example, the “Biographies of Fangshi” in the “Book of the Later Han” mentions that the alchemists Xu Deng and Zhao Bing were skilled in this art. Xu Deng could “seal a stream, making the water stop flowing,” while Zhao Bing could “seal a withered tree, making it sprout again.” There are also tales of sealing tigers and fire. In reality, the uses of seal techniques go far beyond these examples. Whether in conflicts between cultivators or daily cultivation, seal techniques have their applications.
Seal techniques are divided into “energy seals” and “incantation seals.” The Golden Elixir Sect focuses solely on energy seals, rarely touching incantation seals, while the Talisman Sect uses both. The Thunder Seal Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Shenxiao Sect belongs to the energy seal category.
Mei Qing is particularly interested in the Thunder Seal Technique for two reasons. First, his Golden Elixir is sealed, and his daily thoughts revolve around how to lift this seal. The Thunder Seal Technique, being a type of seal technique, could serve as a reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman Sect differ from those of the Golden Elixir Sect. The Golden Elixir Sect focuses on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and concentrating on the Golden Elixir for advancement. In contrast, the Talisman Sect emphasizes the use of talismans and techniques, cultivating both the body and the techniques, which facilitates faster progress.
Since the Shenxiao Thunder Method is classified under the Talisman Sect, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are attached to the main cultivation method is that practicing both the method and the techniques greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Method. The previous method instructions also mention this, so despite his sealed Golden Elixir, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Seal Technique, Mei Qing feels it is necessary to first practice the basic level of the Thunder Seal Technique.
The Shenxiao Thunder Method combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Sects, not only refining the internal elixir but also circulating true essence within the body. When the divine power is activated, the elixir guides the energy, and the energy follows the elixir. The application of the Thunder Seal Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and the energy. Since Mei Qing’s Golden Elixir is sealed, he cannot truly achieve the level where the seal is immediately effective, but he can first practice the most basic energy sealing method.
The initial practice of the Thunder Seal Technique is roughly divided into three steps: sensing energy, understanding the acupoints, fixing the radiance, and sealing the energy. The key to energy sealing lies in understanding the nature of what is to be sealed, its five-element attributes, and the distinction between yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing seal techniques is to refine the ability to sense energy.
Once the energy flow of the target is understood, the next step is to know its acupoints, which serve as the key to energy sealing. The yin and yang of heaven and earth, and all things, are inseparable from the five-element flow. Understanding the acupoints means, after sensing the energy, further identifying the crucial points. Then, a single point of energy can control the entire body, much like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox.
The subsequent steps of fixing the radiance and sealing the energy require the circulation of elixir and energy, which Mei Qing cannot yet attempt. However, just practicing the first two steps has already proven somewhat useful.
Now, Mei Qing has started to sense the flow direction of the seal’s energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points of the seal’s energy. This has indeed accelerated the progress compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the seal’s energy within his body at the guard station, Mei Qing noticed that although the surface weakening was limited, through his practice of the Thunder Seal Technique, he could vaguely glimpse the state of his Golden Elixir from its weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the seal’s energy, suddenly, his mind stirred. The previously persistent and inescapable thought of the Seven Star Inkstone became extremely intense, and in response, the long-dormant Golden Elixir suddenly gave a strong throb!
Thunder Sealing cultivation is generally divided into three initial stages: perceiving energy, understanding the meridian points, fixing the focus, and establishing the seal. The essence of Qi Sealing lies in identifying the nature, elemental composition, and Yin-Yang balance of the target. Thus, the first step in cultivating sealing arts is mastering the perception of energy.
Once the energy flow of the target is understood, one must identify its meridian points—the key to sealing. All things in the universe are governed by the Five Elements’ transformations. Understanding the meridian points means going beyond mere perception to pinpointing the critical nodes. Then, with a single touch of energy, it’s like a master butcher dissecting an ox—controlling the whole by targeting a single point.
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so I can only manage one chapter. I feel quite ashamed.
=========================
If the elders in the cultivation world were to find out about Mei Qing’s method of cultivation, they would probably be infuriated on the spot. Although it is easy to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its purity is far inferior to the true essence within one’s own body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun and moon, the most crucial step is to refine it into a pure form to prevent impurities from entering the body and corrupting one’s true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s method of recklessly drawing external energy to attack the internal restrictions is highly susceptible to contamination by external energy, making the true essence within the body impure and no longer pristine, thereby ruining the path of future cultivation.
As the saying goes, “ignorance is bliss,” especially since Mei Qing currently has no other options. Every time he recalls the scene of Bi Zhen being subdued by Lu Bing while he stood helpless, Mei Qing’s heart aches with madness. The desire for power has never been so urgent in his heart.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would still do it without hesitation, especially since he is not fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the energy Mei Qing had drawn into his body, it also protected him from the harm of external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of the Divine Thunder Technique also begins with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and then refining it for personal use.
However, what sets the Divine Thunder Technique apart from other talisman schools is that it combines both energy refinement and alchemy. After drawing energy into the body, unlike other schools that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir School, where the body has its own sun and moon. The heart represents fire and the sun, while the liver represents metal and the moon. The internal sun and moon circulate, further refining the spiritual energy, transforming it into personal use, and condensing it into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he has already achieved some success in cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but by the time the elixir formed, a golden moon had already emerged from the kidney water. This stage, known as “metal generates beautiful water,” signifies the time of nurturing the fetus with the simultaneous rise of the sun and moon. At this point, Mei Qing’s practice of the Divine Thunder Technique cannot fully nurture the golden elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize the externally absorbed energy and mix it with the purple flame.
Over the past ten days, Mei Qing has gradually felt the restrictive energy being eroded, albeit very slowly. This is because the purple flame is not intentionally attacking the restrictions but is incidentally eroding them while refining and resisting the external energy. Naturally, one cannot expect rapid progress.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to completely dissolve the restrictive energy. However, he has no other choice but to intensify his cultivation by absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and refining the essence of the moon at night.
Now, not only during the morning and evening energy absorption but also during daily activities, Mei Qing continuously circulates the internal sun and moon, stirring the purple flame within his body in hopes of dissolving the restrictive energy more quickly.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing first makes a round and then retreats to his room to focus entirely on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of cultivation, Mei Qing has to try releasing the absorbed sun and moon energy strand by strand, controlling it so as not to release it all at once. Each time, he uses only a strand to stimulate the purple flame for refinement, while also striving to maintain the energy so that it is not too quickly consumed by the purple flame, allowing more time to erode the restrictive energy.
This may sound simple, but it is extremely difficult to achieve. Not to mention controlling each strand of energy, just dividing the absorbed energy into several strands nearly drove Mei Qing to madness. The energy, being external and not his own true essence, and without the support of the golden elixir, relies entirely on his mental control, which is far from easy.
Mei Qing became determined, trying once, twice, and then a third time if it didn’t work. Every day, he sits motionless in his room, focusing inward, carefully controlling the flow of energy. Inside his body, it is like a three-way battlefield: the externally drawn energy, the refining purple flame, and the restrictive energy. Mei Qing acts as a commander, leading one side, pulling another, and consuming the third. The immense mental effort required for each refinement leaves Mei Qing feeling utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Now, Mei Qing has finally managed to preliminarily control the energy within his body, ensuring that the purple flame’s refinement neither consumes the restrictive energy too quickly nor uses too little energy, which would render the purple flame ineffective.
Mei Qing is unaware that his ability to manipulate true essence like moving his own arm would astonish other cultivators. Only those at the energy refinement stage can control their true essence as Mei Qing does, and even then, they tread carefully, not daring to be careless. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, refine true essence, and merge it with the purple flame demonstrates a level of control that surpasses many experts at the energy refinement stage.
These days, Mei Qing appears to be in a dazed state to outsiders, seemingly distracted by everything. Colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Da You from the fourth group think their new boss is just eccentric and don’t pay much attention. However, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun at home are deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing is reverting to his previous state of stupor.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally reassures them, saying he is fine and just deep in thought. They have no choice but to believe him, though they continue to worry and observe him secretly.
However, as Mei Qing’s mental power advances rapidly, another problem arises.
Initially, Mei Qing only vaguely felt some interference during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, it was not noticeable, so he didn’t pay much attention. But as his cultivation deepened and his mental power grew stronger, he realized that this feeling originated from the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself is mysterious, so Mei Qing isn’t surprised by its oddities. But recently, the feeling has become increasingly intense, as if the inkstone is constantly calling to him, containing something closely related to him, and seemingly trying to communicate, though he cannot understand a word of it.
In addition to his continuous cultivation of the Divine Thunder Technique, Mei Qing has also started to pay attention to the other two possible cultivation techniques attached to it, especially the Thunder Restriction Technique.
Restriction techniques are a significant branch of Daoist arts, highly valued by various Daoist schools with long histories. It is said that these techniques were first mastered by the fangshi (Daoist practitioners) of the Wu and Yue regions, hence also known as “Yue Fang.” For example, the “Biographies of Fangshi” in the Book of the Later Han mentions practitioners Xu Deng and Zhao Bing, who were skilled in these techniques. Xu Deng could “restrain a stream, making the water stop flowing,” while Zhao Bing could “restrain a withered tree, making it sprout again.” There are also tales of restraining tigers and fire. In reality, the uses of restriction techniques go far beyond these examples, being applicable in both conflicts between cultivators and daily cultivation.
Restriction techniques are divided into “energy restriction” and “incantation restriction.” The Golden Elixir School only practices energy restriction, rarely touching incantation restriction, while the Talisman School uses both. The Thunder Restriction Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Divine Thunder School belongs to the energy restriction category.
Mei Qing is particularly interested in the Thunder Restriction Technique for two reasons. First, his golden elixir is restricted, and he is constantly thinking about how to lift this restriction. The Thunder Restriction Technique, being a type of restriction technique, could serve as a reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman School differ from those of the Golden Elixir School. The Golden Elixir School focuses solely on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and working within the golden elixir for advancement. In contrast, the Talisman School emphasizes both the use of talismans and the cultivation of the body, making it easier to progress.
Since the Divine Thunder Technique is classified under the Talisman School, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are attached to the main cultivation method is that practicing both the method and the technique greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Technique. The previous method instructions also mention this, so despite his restricted golden elixir, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Restriction Technique, Mei Qing feels it is necessary to first practice the initial stages of the Thunder Restriction Technique.
The Divine Thunder Technique combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Schools, not only forming an internal elixir but also circulating true essence within the body. When the divine power is activated, the elixir leads the energy, and the energy follows the elixir. The application of the Thunder Restriction Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and energy. Since Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he cannot truly achieve the immediate effect of restriction, but he can first practice the most basic method of restricting energy.
The initial stages of the Thunder Restriction Technique are roughly divided into three steps: sensing energy, knowing the key points, fixing the light, and establishing the restriction. The essence of energy restriction lies in understanding the nature of what is to be restricted, its five-element attributes, and the balance of yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing restriction techniques is to refine the ability to sense energy.
Once the flow of energy of the target is understood, one must know its key points to serve as the key to energy restriction. All things in heaven and earth are governed by the flow of the five elements. Knowing the key points involves, after sensing the energy, further identifying the critical points. With a single point of energy, like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox, one can control the entire body by targeting a single point.
The subsequent steps of fixing the light and establishing the restriction require the circulation of elixir and energy, which Mei Qing cannot yet attempt. However, just practicing the first two steps has already proven somewhat useful.
Now, Mei Qing has started to sense the flow of the restrictive energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points in the restrictive energy. This has significantly improved the effectiveness compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the restrictive energy within his body at the guard station, Mei Qing noticed that although it appeared only slightly weakened, through his practice of the Thunder Restriction Technique, he could vaguely glimpse the state of his golden elixir from its weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the restrictive energy, he suddenly felt a strong mental impulse. The persistent mental presence of the Seven Star Inkstone, which had been following him like a shadow, suddenly became extremely intense. In response, his long-dormant golden elixir gave a strong throb!
Now, Mei Qing could already sense the movement of the restrictive energy within him. As he refined it with the purple flame, he gradually learned to target its weaker points deliberately. This approach significantly improved his results.
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so only this one chapter, I feel ashamed.
=========================
If Mei Qing’s cultivation method were known by senior practitioners, they would probably be infuriated on the spot. Although it is easy to gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, its purity is far inferior to the true essence within one’s own body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun and moon, the most crucial step is to refine it into a pure form to prevent impurities from entering the body and damaging the true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s method of recklessly introducing external energy to attack internal restrictions is highly susceptible to contamination by external energy, causing the true essence within the body to become impure and chaotic, ruining the path of future cultivation.
As the saying goes, “ignorance is bliss,” especially since Mei Qing currently has no other options. Every time he recalls the scene of Bi Zhen being subdued by Lu Bing while he stood helpless, Mei Qing’s heart aches with madness. The desire for power has never been so urgent in his heart.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would not hesitate, especially since he is not fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the energy Mei Qing introduced into his body, it also protected him from the harm of external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of the Divine Thunder Technique also begins with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and then refining it for personal use.
However, the Divine Thunder Technique differs from other talisman schools in that it combines both energy refinement and alchemy. After introducing energy into the body, unlike other schools that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir School, where the body contains its own sun and moon. The heart represents fire and the sun, while the liver represents metal and the moon. The internal sun and moon circulate, further refining the spiritual energy, transforming it into personal use, and condensing it into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he has already achieved some success in cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but when the elixir formed, a golden moon emerged from the kidney water, signifying the stage of nurturing the fetus with both the sun and moon. At this point, Mei Qing’s practice of the Divine Thunder Technique cannot fully nurture the golden elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize external spiritual energy and mix it with the purple flame.
Over the past ten days, Mei Qing has felt the restrictive energy gradually eroding, albeit very slowly. Since the purple flame does not intentionally attack the restriction but rather erodes it incidentally during the refinement and resistance of external energy, one cannot expect rapid progress.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, given the current pace, it might take years to eliminate the restrictive energy. However, he has no other choice but to intensify his cultivation by absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and refining the essence of the moon at night.
Now, not only during the morning and evening energy absorption but also during daily activities, Mei Qing continuously circulates the internal sun and moon, stirring the purple flame within his body, hoping to dissolve the restrictive energy faster.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing first makes a round and then retreats to his room to focus on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of practice, Mei Qing has to try releasing the absorbed sun and moon energy bit by bit, controlling it to not release all at once, using only a small amount each time to stimulate the purple flame for refinement. He also strives to maintain the spiritual energy from being consumed too quickly by the purple flame, aiming to prolong the process and dissolve more of the restrictive energy.
This may sound simple, but it is extremely difficult to achieve. Controlling each strand of energy and dividing the introduced energy into several strands nearly drove Mei Qing to madness. The energy comes from outside, not his own true essence, and without the support of the golden elixir, relying solely on mental control is no easy task.
Mei Qing persisted, trying again and again. Every day, he sat motionless in his room, focusing inward, carefully controlling the flow of energy. Inside his body, it was like a three-way battlefield: the introduced external energy, the refining purple flame, and the restrictive energy. Mei Qing acted as a commander, leading one side, pulling another, and consuming the third. The immense mental effort required for each refinement left Mei Qing feeling utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Mei Qing has now gained preliminary control over the internal energy, ensuring that the purple flame’s refinement neither consumes the restrictive energy too quickly nor reacts insufficiently due to too little energy input.
Unbeknownst to Mei Qing, his ability to manipulate true energy like an arm controlling a hand would astonish other practitioners. Only those at the energy refinement stage can command their true energy like Mei Qing, and even then, it is a precarious task requiring utmost caution. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external energy, blend true essence with the purple flame, surpasses the control capabilities of many energy refinement experts.
These days, Mei Qing appears to be in a dazed state, seemingly distracted by everything. While colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Dayou simply attribute it to the eccentricities of their new superior, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun at home are deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing is reverting to his former state of stupor.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally reassures them, claiming he is fine and merely pondering some issues. They have no choice but to believe him, though they continue to observe him with concern.
As Mei Qing’s mental power advances rapidly, another trouble arises.
Initially, Mei Qing only vaguely sensed some interference during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, it was not obvious, so he paid no attention. However, as his cultivation deepened and his mental power grew stronger, he realized that the source of this sensation was the Seven Star Inkstone.
The inkstone itself is shrouded in mystery, so Mei Qing is not surprised by strange occurrences. But in recent days, the sensation has grown increasingly intense, as if the inkstone is constantly calling to him, as if there is something deeply connected to him within it, and as if it is trying to communicate with him, though he cannot understand a single word.
In addition to practicing the Divine Thunder Technique day and night, Mei Qing has also started paying attention to the other two possible Taoist techniques attached to it, especially the Thunder Restriction Technique.
Restriction techniques are a significant branch of Taoist arts, highly valued by various Taoist schools with long-standing traditions. It is said that such techniques were first mastered by the fangshi (Taoist practitioners) of the Wu and Yue regions, hence also known as “Yue Fang.” As recorded in the “Biographies of Fangshi” in the “Book of the Later Han,” practitioners like Xu Deng and Zhao Bing were skilled in these arts. Xu Deng could “restrict a stream, causing the water to stop flowing,” while Zhao Bing could “restrict a withered tree, causing it to sprout again.” There are also tales of restricting tigers and fire. In reality, the uses of restriction techniques extend far beyond these examples, being applicable in both conflicts between practitioners and daily cultivation.
Restriction techniques are divided into “energy restriction” and “incantation restriction.” The Golden Elixir School focuses solely on energy restriction, rarely delving into incantation restriction, while the Talisman School employs both. The Thunder Restriction Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Divine Thunder School belongs to the energy restriction category.
Mei Qing’s interest in the Thunder Restriction Technique stems from two reasons. First, his golden elixir is restricted, and his daily thoughts revolve around how to lift this restriction. The Thunder Restriction Technique, being a type of restriction technique, could serve as a reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman School differ from those of the Golden Elixir School. The Golden Elixir School focuses on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and concentrating on the golden elixir for advancement. In contrast, the Talisman School emphasizes drawing talismans and practicing techniques, cultivating both the body and its functions, which facilitates faster progress.
Since the Divine Thunder Technique is classified under the Talisman School, it shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are attached to the main cultivation method is that practicing both techniques and methods greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Technique. The earlier method explanations also mention this, so despite his restricted golden elixir, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Restriction Technique, Mei Qing feels it is necessary to practice its initial stages.
The Divine Thunder Technique combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman Schools, not only refining the internal elixir but also circulating true energy within the body. When the divine power is activated, the elixir guides the energy, and the energy responds to the elixir. The application of the Thunder Restriction Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and energy. Since Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he cannot truly achieve immediate results in restriction, but he can practice the most basic energy restriction methods.
The initial stages of Thunder Restriction Technique cultivation are roughly divided into three steps: sensing energy, understanding the key points, fixing the light, and establishing the restriction. The essence of energy restriction lies in identifying the nature of the target, its five-element attributes, and yin-yang distinctions. Therefore, the first step in practicing restriction techniques is to refine the ability to sense energy.
Once the energy flow of the target is understood, one must identify its key points to serve as the keys to energy restriction. All things in heaven and earth, yin and yang, are governed by the five-element cycle. Understanding the key points involves, after sensing the energy, further discerning the critical junctures. A single point of energy entry can then control the entire body, much like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox.
The subsequent steps of fixing the light and establishing the restriction require the circulation of elixir energy, which Mei Qing cannot yet attempt. However, practicing the first two steps alone has already proven somewhat useful.
Now, Mei Qing has started to sense the flow of the restrictive energy within his body. When refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points of the restrictive energy. This approach has indeed accelerated the progress compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the restrictive energy within his body at the guard station, Mei Qing noticed that although the surface weakening was limited, his recent practice of the Thunder Restriction Technique allowed him to vaguely glimpse the state of his golden elixir through the weak points.
As he repeatedly sought opportunities to penetrate the restrictive energy, he suddenly felt a strong surge of the Seven Star Inkstone’s presence, which had been lingering like a shadow. In response, his long-dormant golden elixir suddenly gave a strong throb!
Today, I have to go on a business trip again, so only one chapter, I feel ashamed.
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If the cultivation method of Mei Qing were known by the seniors in the cultivation world, they would probably be infuriated on the spot. Although the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is easy to gather, its purity is far inferior to the true essence within one’s own body. Therefore, when absorbing the energy of the sun and moon, the most essential step is to refine it into essence to prevent impurities from entering the body and damaging the true essence.
However, Mei Qing’s method of recklessly introducing external energy to attack the internal restrictions is most likely to be misled by the external energy, making the true essence within the body mixed and impure, losing its purity and clarity, and ruining the path of future cultivation.
As the saying goes, ignorance is fearless, especially since Mei Qing currently has no other options. Every time he thinks of the scene where he watched Bi Zhen being subdued by Lu Bing but was powerless to help, Mei Qing feels heartbroken and desperate. The desire for power has never been so urgent in his heart.
Even if he knew it was like drinking poison to quench thirst, he would not hesitate, especially since he is not fully aware of the consequences.
Fortunately, the purple flame within his body played a significant role at this time. Although it consumed all the energy Mei Qing introduced into his body, it also spared him from the harm of external energy.
Similar to other talisman cultivation methods, the practice of Shenxiao Thunder Method also starts with absorbing the energy of the sun and moon. Traditionally, there are methods to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, and living beings. Although the approaches differ, they all involve guiding external spiritual energy into the body and then refining it for personal use.
However, the Shenxiao Thunder Method differs from other talisman sects in that it combines both energy refinement and alchemy. After introducing energy into the body, unlike other sects that focus solely on refining and purifying, it also follows the path of the Golden Elixir Sect, where the body has its own sun and moon. The heart is the fire and the sun, the liver is the metal and the moon. The internal sun and moon circulate, refining the spiritual energy again, transforming it for personal use, and condensing it into elixir dew.
Although Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he has already achieved some success in cultivation. Initially, only the heart fire was active, but when the elixir formed, a golden moon was born in the kidney water. This is the stage of the “gold giving birth to beautiful water,” reaching the time of the “ten months of nurturing the fetus” when the sun and moon rise together. At this point, Mei Qing’s practice of the Shenxiao Thunder Method cannot complete the final step of nurturing the golden elixir, but it is more than sufficient to mobilize the externally absorbed spiritual energy and mix it with the purple flame.
After these ten days, Mei Qing has already felt the restrictive energy being gradually eroded, though the progress is extremely slow. The purple flame does not intentionally attack the restrictions but erodes them incidentally while refining and resisting the external spiritual energy, so naturally, one cannot expect too fast progress.
Although Mei Qing is anxious, he has no other choice but to continue his daily practice of absorbing the essence of the sun in the morning and refining the essence of the moon at night, hoping to speed up the process of dissolving the restrictive energy.
Now, not only during the morning and evening energy absorption but also during daily activities, he constantly circulates the internal sun and moon, stirring the purple flame within his body, hoping to dissolve the restrictive energy faster.
Every day at the guard station, Mei Qing first makes a round and then retreats to his room to focus on cultivation. To cope with the long hours of practice, Mei Qing has to try to release the absorbed sun and moon energy bit by bit, controlling not to release it all at once, using only a small amount each time to stir the purple flame for refinement, and striving to maintain the spiritual energy from being consumed too quickly by the purple flame, in order to prolong the process and dissolve more of the restrictive energy.
This may sound easy, but it is extremely difficult to achieve. Not to mention controlling each strand of spiritual energy, just dividing the introduced spiritual energy into several strands almost drove Mei Qing crazy. The spiritual energy comes from the outside, not his own true essence, and without the support of the golden elixir, Mei Qing relies entirely on his spiritual will to control it, which is not easy at all.
Mei Qing is determined, trying once, twice, three times if necessary. Every day, he sits motionless in his room, focusing inward, carefully controlling the flow of energy. Inside his body, it is like a battlefield of three forces: the externally introduced spiritual energy, the refining purple flame, and the restrictive energy. Mei Qing is like a commander, leading one force, pulling another, and consuming the third. The immense spiritual will consumed each time leaves Mei Qing feeling exhausted to the point of death.
Fortunately, hard work pays off. Now, Mei Qing can initially control the spiritual energy within his body, ensuring that the purple flame’s refinement neither consumes the restrictive energy too quickly nor uses too little spiritual energy, which would result in insufficient reaction from the purple flame to achieve the desired effect.
Mei Qing is unaware that his ability to control true essence like moving his arm would shock other cultivators if they knew. Only those who have reached the energy refinement stage can control their true essence like Mei Qing. Even then, they tread on thin ice, not daring to be careless. Mei Qing’s ability to guide external spiritual energy, transform true essence, and fuse it with the purple flame is far superior to many experts at the energy refinement stage.
These days, Mei Qing is in a state of apparent confusion to outsiders, seeming absent-minded about everything. Colleagues like Qian San and Zhao Da You think the new boss is just eccentric and don’t pay much attention. However, Zhong Shu and Duo Yun at home are deeply worried, fearing that Mei Qing is returning to his previous state of stupor.
Fortunately, Mei Qing occasionally reassures them, saying he is fine, just pondering some issues. They have no choice but to believe him, secretly observing and worrying.
But as Mei Qing’s spiritual will advances rapidly, another trouble arises.
Initially, Mei Qing only vaguely felt some interference during his daytime cultivation at the guard station. At first, this feeling was not obvious, so he didn’t pay much attention. However, as his cultivation deepened and his spiritual will grew stronger, he realized that this feeling originated from the Seven Star Inkstone.
This inkstone itself is full of mystery, so Mei Qing is not surprised by strange occurrences. But in recent days, this feeling has become increasingly intense, as if the inkstone is constantly calling him, as if there is something closely connected to him within it, and it seems to be continuously speaking to him, though he cannot understand a single word.
In addition to practicing the Shenxiao Thunder Method day and night, Mei Qing has also started to pay attention to the other two possible cultivation techniques attached to it, especially the Thunder Restriction Technique.
Restriction techniques are a major category in Taoist arts, highly valued by various Taoist sects, with a long history. It is said that such techniques were first mastered by the fangshi (Taoist magicians) of the Wu and Yue regions, hence also known as “Yue Fang.” For example, in the “Biographies of Fangshi” in the “Book of the Later Han,” it is mentioned that the alchemists Xu Deng and Zhao Bing were skilled in this art. Xu Deng could “restrict the stream, making the water stop flowing,” and Zhao Bing could “restrict a withered tree, making it sprout again.” There are also other miraculous feats like restricting tigers and fire. In fact, the uses of restriction techniques go far beyond these. They are used in conflicts between cultivators and in daily cultivation.
Restriction techniques are divided into “Qi Restriction” and “Incantation Restriction.” The Golden Elixir Sect only practices Qi Restriction, rarely touching Incantation Restriction. The Talisman Sect uses both. The Thunder Restriction Technique Mei Qing obtained from the Shenxiao Sect belongs to the Qi Restriction category.
Mei Qing is particularly interested in the Thunder Restriction Technique for two reasons. First, his golden elixir is restricted, and he constantly thinks about how to lift this restriction. The Thunder Restriction Technique, being a type of restriction technique, could serve as a reference. Second, the cultivation methods of the Talisman Sect differ from those of the Golden Elixir Sect. The Golden Elixir Sect focuses solely on refining water and fire, balancing yin and yang, and working within the golden elixir for advancement. The Talisman Sect, however, emphasizes drawing talismans and practicing techniques, combining internal and external cultivation for mutual reference and easier advancement.
Since the Shenxiao Thunder Method is classified under the Talisman Sect, it naturally shares this characteristic. The reason these techniques are attached to the main cultivation method is that practicing both techniques and methods greatly benefits the cultivation of the Thunder Method. The previous method explanations also mention this, so even though Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, after repeatedly studying the Thunder Restriction Technique, he feels it is necessary to practice its initial stages.
The Shenxiao Thunder Method combines the strengths of both the Golden Elixir and Talisman sects, not only refining the elixir within the body but also circulating true essence. When the divine power is activated, the elixir leads the energy, and the energy follows the elixir. The application of the Thunder Restriction Technique also relies on the combined action of the elixir and energy. Since Mei Qing’s golden elixir is restricted, he cannot truly achieve the immediate effect of the restriction, but he can practice the most basic Qi Restriction method.
The initial stages of practicing the Thunder Restriction Technique are roughly divided into three steps: sensing Qi, knowing the acupoints, fixing the light, and establishing the restriction. The key to Qi Restriction lies in understanding the nature of the object to be restricted, its five-element attributes, and the distinction between yin and yang. Therefore, the first step in practicing restriction techniques is to refine the ability to sense Qi.
After understanding the flow of Qi in the object to be restricted, one must know its acupoints to use as the key to Qi Restriction. The yin and yang of heaven and earth, and all things, are inseparable from the circulation of the five elements. Knowing the acupoints means, after sensing the Qi, further identifying the key points. Then, a single point of Qi can control the entire body, like a butcher dissecting an ox.
The subsequent steps of fixing the light and establishing the restriction require the circulation of elixir and energy, which Mei Qing cannot yet attempt. But practicing the first two steps is already quite useful.
Now, Mei Qing can begin to sense the flow of the restrictive energy within his body. While refining with the purple flame, he can gradually guide it to target the weak points in the restrictive energy. This has indeed accelerated the progress compared to before.
One day, while quietly observing the restrictive energy within his body at the guard station, Mei Qing noticed that although the surface weakening is limited, after practicing the Thunder Restriction Technique, he can vaguely glimpse the state of the golden elixir from its weak points.
While repeatedly searching for opportunities to penetrate the restrictive energy, Mei Qing suddenly felt a strong surge of the Seven Star Inkstone’s intent, which had been lingering like a shadow. In response, the long-dormant golden elixir suddenly jumped!
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