Three scrolls of silk manuscripts, according to Mei Qing’s interpretation, were respectively titled “The Five Thunder Sacred Method: The Art of Cultivating Qi” and “The Divine Heavens: True Interpretations,” with the latter divided into two volumes.
In fact, even before Mei Qing began his work, the correct titles of these three silk scrolls had already been accurately noted in the original drafts. After all, the characters involved weren’t particularly difficult.
However, when it came to interpreting the actual content, the level of difficulty was an entirely different matter.
At first glance, interpreting a Daoist secret manual might seem straightforward, but Mei Qing soon discovered the real challenges involved.
Before he started, he had been quite confident, thanks to his inexplicably extraordinary ability to recognize ancient characters—an ability he couldn’t quite explain. However, once he began the actual interpretation, he realized that this skill alone was far from sufficient.
Even in later eras, when the study of ancient scripts had become highly advanced, the recognition rate of ancient characters still fell far short of enabling a complete translation of all ancient texts. However, for general academic purposes, understanding about eighty or ninety percent of the text was usually sufficient to grasp the overall meaning.
But Daoist cultivation methods were an entirely different matter. The vocabulary used in such texts was far rarer than that found in ordinary books, the language was archaic and difficult to understand, and the margin for error was extremely low—imagine the disastrous consequences if even a few key characters were misinterpreted in a Daoist practice manual one was following.
Therefore, after carefully reviewing the three silk scrolls several times, Mei Qing realized he had encountered a real challenge. The ancient cloud-seal script used in the scrolls wasn’t too different from the ancient seal script he was familiar with, so he could decipher about seventy to eighty percent of it from memory alone. That would have been sufficient for general academic study, but for actual Daoist cultivation, relying on only seventy or eighty percent understanding was practically suicidal.
So he had no choice but to carefully analyze each character and sentence, word by word. Knowing how crucial this was, he didn’t dare to make copies and take them out. Instead, he memorized all three scrolls. Fortunately, his extraordinary mind proved useful, making the task relatively easy. Later, he asked Bi Zhen to gather all available Daoist scriptures and texts that might help with the interpretation.
Mei Qing had already read through the entire collection of scriptures in Rensheng Palace. The collection spanned two floors and included over ten thousand scrolls, housed in nearly a thousand cases. After hearing this, Bi Zhen wandered around the scripture pavilion for a long time, staring at the stacks of books and then at Mei Qing’s head, speechless.
After Bi Zhen examined the seventy to eighty percent of the text Mei Qing had interpreted, and compared it with the original drafts, she immediately concluded that Mei Qing’s version was significantly more reliable. Although the original drafts had been created by someone with considerable Daoist knowledge—someone whose understanding far surpassed Mei Qing’s amateur level, and who had somehow guessed many difficult parts correctly—Mei Qing still couldn’t claim to match even half of that person’s expertise.
Being able to memorize was one thing; truly understanding the profound meaning and applying it in practice was another.
Although Mei Qing had asked Bi Zhen about the identity of that previous expert, she avoided answering. She simply said that the person was no longer accessible, and even if they could meet, there would be no possibility of exchanging interpretation experiences. Therefore, there was no hope of seeking help from that source.
Realizing that relying on others was futile, Mei Qing gave up all expectations and focused on his work.
Bi Zhen quickly made progress in gathering Daoist scriptures and methods for him. Somehow, she managed to find several foundational cultivation methods from other sects. Although these methods weren’t particularly advanced, they belonged to the same talisman school, which helped Mei Qing gain a deeper understanding.
Mei Qing’s biggest problem was his weak foundation. His cultivation path had always been somewhat chaotic—he had reached a high level without a clear understanding of the basics. Even after receiving Bi Zhen’s guidance, he only gained a basic understanding of the “Nineteen Daoist Techniques of Alchemy,” while his knowledge of talisman-related practices remained limited.
Such foundational knowledge could only be accumulated through systematic learning. In major sects, disciples were guided by experienced mentors who explained various basic concepts, making it easier to understand Daoist practices. These were things that couldn’t be learned merely by reading scriptures; they were passed down orally and through hands-on instruction.
With a weak foundation, Mei Qing naturally lacked depth in understanding matters beyond his own cultivation. Therefore, he had to carefully analyze the silk scrolls while simultaneously studying the limited number of available texts and seizing every opportunity to ask Bi Zhen for guidance.
One thing that somewhat discouraged Mei Qing was that, judging from the parts he had already deciphered, the scrolls mainly contained cultivation methods, with very few practical Daoist techniques described.
Even so, Mei Qing still held high hopes. After all, as the saying goes, mastering one skill thoroughly can be more valuable than knowing many superficially. If one could practice a single technique to a high level, it would be far superior to merely knowing many techniques shallowly.
During this period, Mei Qing became so immersed in his work that whether he was in the Daoist temple or at home, he constantly muttered strange and difficult phrases. Even at the dinner table, while eating, he would chant: “Three-colored chaos, appearing and disappearing, fate governed by numbers, three energies bringing forth light… Three-colored… three energies…”
“Master, you’ve got your chopsticks upside down!” Wu’er reminded him from the side.
“No, no, I’m not talking about that. I meant the three-colored comes first, then the three energies…” Mei Qing replied absentmindedly.
“I meant your chopsticks are upside down…”
Master Zhong observed this with suspicion and concern. After discussing with Sixth Master, he still felt uneasy and dared not confront Mei Qing directly. Once the bruises had healed, he began closely observing Mei Qing’s condition. He had noticed Mei Qing’s earlier state of intense inner turmoil caused by Bi Zhen. However, despite waiting, he saw no signs of instability in Mei Qing’s Daoist foundation; instead, Mei Qing’s cultivation seemed to be improving. If it weren’t for Sixth Master’s earlier explanation that this method would take time to show effects, he might have gone back to confront Sixth Master already.
As time passed, he indeed noticed Mei Qing’s gaze becoming less intense, and the purple aura between his eyebrows gradually fading. Master Zhong thought the method must be working, although he remained slightly doubtful because Mei Qing showed no signs of physical weakness.
According to Mei Qing’s annotations, the three silk scrolls are titled “The Five Thunder True Method Qi Refining Formula” and “The True Interpretation of Shenxiao,” with the latter divided into two volumes.
In fact, before Mei Qing began his work, the drafts had already correctly identified the titles of these three silk scrolls, as the characters were not particularly difficult. However, the content within was a different matter.
Annotating a Taoist scripture might sound simple, but when Mei Qing actually started, he realized the challenges involved. Initially, he was confident, thanks to his extraordinary ability to understand ancient texts, which he had acquired from an unknown source. However, he soon discovered that this alone was far from sufficient.
Even in later periods when the study of ancient texts was highly advanced, the ability to decipher them was still far from being able to translate all ancient writings. However, considering the requirement to “understand the meaning,” if one could interpret 80-90% of the text, they could generally grasp the overall meaning.
But Taoist methods were different. The language used was rarer and more archaic than ordinary texts, with a very low tolerance for errors—no one could imagine the consequences of a few mistakes in crucial parts of a cultivation method.
After reading the three ancient silk scrolls several times, Mei Qing realized he was facing a tough challenge. The ancient cloud seal script on the scrolls was not much different from the ancient seal script he was familiar with, and he could interpret about 70-80% from memory. For academic purposes, this would be sufficient, but for cultivation, relying on only 70-80% understanding would be suicidal.
Therefore, he had to meticulously examine each word and sentence. Knowing the importance of these texts, he dared not copy them to take outside, so he memorized all three scrolls. Fortunately, his exceptional memory served him well, and he didn’t struggle too much. He then asked Bi Zhen to gather all possible Taoist scriptures and methods for reference.
Mei Qing had already read all the scriptures in the Rensheng Palace, which amounted to tens of thousands of volumes, filling nearly a thousand boxes. When Bi Zhen learned of this, she spent a long time in the scripture hall, looking at the piles of books and then at Mei Qing’s head, speechless.
After reviewing the 70-80% of the text that Mei Qing had reliably annotated, Bi Zhen compared it with the original drafts and immediately concluded that Mei Qing’s version was significantly more reliable.
Mei Qing was always curious about who the previous annotator was. Although there were many errors in the original drafts, it was clear that the person had a deep understanding of Taoist methods, far surpassing Mei Qing’s amateur level. Many parts were correctly guessed, a skill Mei Qing, despite his vast knowledge of Taoist scriptures, could not claim to match.
Remembering the text was one thing; truly understanding its mysteries and applying it was another.
Although Mei Qing asked Bi Zhen about the identity of this expert, she avoided answering, saying that she couldn’t meet this person now, and even if she could, they wouldn’t share annotation experiences with Mei Qing. Therefore, there was no hope.
Realizing that relying on others was futile, Mei Qing abandoned all illusions and focused on his work.
Bi Zhen quickly made progress in finding Taoist scriptures and methods, bringing back some basic cultivation techniques from other sects. These were not highly advanced methods but belonged to the same talisman school, which helped Mei Qing deepen his understanding.
Mei Qing’s biggest problem was his lack of foundation. His initial cultivation and foundation-building were haphazard, and by the time he understood, he had already reached a high level. Therefore, his understanding of the most basic theories was not solid. Even with Bi Zhen’s guidance, he only gained some knowledge of the “Nineteen Secrets of Alchemy” and had limited understanding of talismans.
These things could only be acquired through accumulation. Disciples in major sects had mentors to explain various fundamental knowledge, making it easier for them to understand Taoist practices. These were not things one could learn by reading scriptures; they were mostly passed down orally or through hands-on teaching.
With a weak foundation, Mei Qing’s understanding of things beyond his own cultivation was also limited. While carefully analyzing the silk scrolls, he also studied the few scriptures he had and seized every opportunity to consult Bi Zhen.
One thing that disheartened Mei Qing was that, from the content he could already interpret, the two volumes of silk scrolls only recorded cultivation methods, with very few practical Taoist techniques.
Despite this, Mei Qing still held great expectations. He believed that mastering one technique thoroughly was better than knowing a thousand superficially.
During this period, Mei Qing seemed almost possessed, constantly muttering strange and difficult phrases, whether in the temple or at home. Even at the dining table, he would mutter, “Three colors of chaos, appearing and disappearing, the numbers pushed to the extreme, the three qi illuminate… three colors… three qi…”
“Young master, you’re holding it upside down!” Wu’er reminded him.
“No, no, it’s three colors first, three qi later…” Mei Qing remained oblivious.
“I mean you’re holding your chopsticks upside down…”
Zhong Shu watched with suspicion. After discussing with Sixth Master, he was still uneasy and avoided Mei Qing until his facial injuries healed. He then observed Mei Qing’s condition. During the period when Mei Qing was driven mad with desire by Bi Zhen, Zhong Shu, being experienced, could see it clearly. However, he waited and saw no signs of instability in Mei Qing’s foundation; instead, he seemed to be improving. If Sixth Master hadn’t said that the method would take time to show effects, Zhong Shu would have gone to question him.
As time passed, Zhong Shu noticed that the divine light in Mei Qing’s eyes gradually weakened, and the purple qi between his brows was not as dense as before. He thought the method was working, but seeing Mei Qing’s actions showed no signs of decline, he remained slightly doubtful.
Poor Zhong Shu had no idea that Bi Zhen, the spy, had already been turned by Mei Qing and was almost by his side! He also couldn’t imagine that Bi Zhen, for the sake of annotating the silk scrolls, had been guiding Mei Qing, leading to his Taoist methods advancing and nearing the state of returning to simplicity, close to the realm of forming the elixir. Zhong Shu, not being a cultivator himself, though somewhat perceptive, couldn’t clearly discern Mei Qing’s true state.
Seeing Mei Qing muttering about Taoist methods these days, Zhong Shu wondered if the young master had noticed something. He decided to find a time to ask Sixth Master about it.
Only Duo Yun seemed somewhat unhappy these days.
Since that incident, the young master hadn’t touched her again. Although they were still affectionate, he never mentioned anything about intimacy. He said he was cultivating some alchemy method, but she never saw him actually practicing alchemy. Could he be angry with her and just making excuses? These days, he was so absorbed in his mutterings that he seemed to ignore her completely. What was going on?
While tidying the bed and preparing Mei Qing for rest, seeing him so focused, Duo Yun couldn’t help but feel a bit resentful.
“Ha! That’s how it should be interpreted! Three colors? Three flowers? Ha, that’s it!” Suddenly, Mei Qing slapped his thigh and exclaimed in delight.
Duo Yun, lost in thought, was startled, and the silk handkerchief in her hand fell onto the bed. She quickly turned and asked, “Young master, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, nothing,” Mei Qing smiled. “I just figured something out. Duo Yun, what are you busy with?”
“Just tidying the bed,” Duo Yun replied, relieved that Mei Qing was fine. She hesitated and then said, “Young master, what’s been going on with you these days? You’re always lost in thought, and I can’t help at all…”
“Well, this is something you can’t help with… What’s wrong, Duo Yun? Are you unhappy?” Mei Qing, snapping out of his thoughts, noticed Duo Yun’s expression and asked.
Duo Yun shook her head. “No, not unhappy. It’s just… I’ve been worried seeing you not eating or sleeping well these days.”
“Silly girl,” Mei Qing pulled Duo Yun into his arms and gently tapped her straight nose. “I’m fine. It’s just some work that’s been taking up my mind. What, do you feel neglected?”
Duo Yun blushed slightly and whispered, “I wouldn’t feel neglected by you, young master. I’m just afraid… afraid that you might be neglecting me…”
Mei Qing’s heart stirred. He understood Duo Yun’s feelings perfectly. However, with his mind fully occupied by the annotations and Bi Zhen in his heart, he had somewhat neglected Duo Yun. Seeing the slight resentment in her eyes, he felt a surge of tenderness and gently hugged her. “Silly girl, you’re my precious treasure, and that will never change. I’ve just been preoccupied with some unresolved matters. Don’t worry. Come on, stop overthinking. Let me pat you to sleep.”
Duo Yun chuckled at Mei Qing’s words. “Oh, young master, stop it. You’re treating me like a child, thinking you can pat me to sleep… Oh, young master, where are you patting?”
Mei Qing, exploring Duo Yun’s chest, said, “Wherever I pat… So, do you feel sleepy now?”
“I was a bit sleepy, but with your patting, I’m wide awake now.”
Seeing Mei Qing constantly muttering Daoist phrases and appearing distracted, Master Zhong couldn’t help but wonder if the young master had somehow become suspicious. He decided he should find an opportunity to visit Sixth Master and ask what was really going on.
Only Duoyun seemed unusually down these days.
Yes, ever since that incident, the young master hadn’t touched her body anymore. Although he still showed affection as before, she couldn’t help wondering why he had completely stopped mentioning anything related to intimacy.
He claimed to be practicing some alchemical method, but she had never seen him actually doing so. Could it be that he was angry with her and using that as an excuse? Lately, he had been so distracted, seemingly unaware of her presence at all. What was going on?
As she was tidying the bed and helping Mei Qing prepare for rest, seeing him so absorbed in his thoughts, Duoyun couldn’t help but show a hint of sorrow in her eyes.
“Haha! That’s it! Three-colored? Three glories? Haha, that’s exactly it!” Suddenly Mei Qing slapped his thigh in excitement, exclaiming in delight.
Duoyun, lost in thought, was startled. The silk handkerchief in her hand fell onto the bed as she quickly turned around and asked, “Master, what’s the matter?”
“Nothing, nothing,” Mei Qing smiled. “I just suddenly understood something. Duoyun, what are you still busy with?”
“Not much, just tidying the bed,” Duoyun replied, her heart settling slightly upon seeing that Mei Qing was fine. After a slight hesitation, she said hesitantly, “Master, what’s been going on with you lately? You always seem lost in thought no matter what you’re doing. I’m useless and can’t help at all…”
“Cough, this is something you really can’t help with…” Mei Qing said, snapping out of his thoughts and noticing Duoyun’s expression. “What’s wrong, Duoyun? Are you unhappy?”
“No, of course not. Why would I be unhappy? It’s just…” Duoyun shook her head slightly, then lowered her voice. “I’ve just been worried about you lately. You haven’t been eating well or sleeping properly.”
“Foolish girl,” Mei Qing reached out and pulled Duoyun into his arms, gently tapping her nose. “I’m perfectly fine. It’s just that this recent work has been a bit demanding. What’s wrong? Do you feel neglected?”
Duoyun’s face turned slightly red as she lowered her head and whispered, “How could I feel that way? I’m just afraid… afraid that you might have grown tired of me…”
Mei Qing’s heart stirred. He understood Duoyun’s feelings perfectly. It was just that recently, his mind had been entirely occupied with the interpretation work, and with Bi Zhen’s presence in his thoughts, he had inevitably neglected Duoyun a bit. Seeing the hint of sorrow in Duoyun’s eyes, his heart softened, and he gently hugged her again, saying, “Foolish girl, you’re my most precious treasure. Nothing will ever change that. I’ve just been preoccupied with some unresolved matters recently. Don’t worry unnecessarily. Come on, stop thinking so much. Let me pat you to sleep.”
Upon hearing this, Duoyun couldn’t help but laugh, saying, “Oh, come on, Master! Pat me to sleep? Do you think I’m a child that will fall asleep just because you pat me?… Oh Master, where are you patting now?”
While speaking, Mei Qing’s hand had wandered across Duoyun’s chest as he replied, “Does it matter where I pat? How is it, are you feeling sleepy yet?”
“…I was a bit sleepy before, but your patting has chased away all my sleepiness.”
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