“Benefactor Mei, please listen to my words, calm your mind, and maintain a peaceful heart. The essence of our great path lies in gathering one’s spirit. Once the spirit is trained, it naturally becomes immensely powerful, solidifying the foundation, enduring countless trials, and remaining unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and spoke at length about how to internalize the light of the eyes and relax the mind. He gradually guided Mei Qing to shift his gaze from the far distance to the tip of his nose, using the nose as the tip of a sword to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Desire” technique.
However, Mei Qing noticed that the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes seemed dull and gradually took on a cross-eyed appearance. While this might change one’s perspective on things, Mei Qing found it amusing to think that such a method could sever the threads of desire. Despite sitting with the Taoist for half a day, Mei Qing felt none of the “qi sensation” the Taoist had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on, under the pretext that “the method should not be shared with a second ear” and that “each has their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Emperor’s Pure and Clear Great Method of the Four Extremes,” which had supposedly been passed down to him just a few days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims and had come with some curiosity. But when the plump Taoist brought out a pile of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi-Tonifying Powder,” “Dragon-Tiger Elixir,” and “Harmony Talismans,” and began speaking in increasingly vulgar terms, Mei Qing finally understood what the white-robed Taoist had meant by “inappropriate within the bedchamber.” He couldn’t help but feel both annoyed and amused.
However, since he had already entered this path and didn’t want to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly pretended not to understand the plump Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly rejected the various elixirs and talismans he was peddling, stating that he only sought methods for health preservation and hoped for some guidance from the immortal master.
Mei Qing thought to himself that the pile of items on the ground might be nothing more than counterfeit snacks, or worse, contain substances like lead, mercury, or cinnabar, which could be dangerous if ingested. On the other hand, Taoist health preservation methods had long been renowned, and even if they didn’t lead to immortality, practicing them might at least improve his sleep. Therefore, he only mentioned this aspect, treating the Taoist’s talk of refined elixirs as if it were nothing, which visibly caused the plump Taoist’s face to darken like bamboo shoots after rain.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the plump Taoist had no choice but to put away his elixirs and take out a book from a large box. The book was titled “The Supreme Golden True Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method,” but its printing was crude, and the paper was of poor quality. To someone like Mei Qing, who had seen many books, it was unimpressive and failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the plump Taoist began to teach him various methods, from adjusting the body to focusing the mind, from preserving the spirit to achieving enlightenment. He spoke at length, resembling a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
In truth, the “Immortal Elixir Great Method” taught by the plump Taoist, despite its somewhat dubious name, wasn’t entirely baseless. Regardless of the path one took in health preservation or spiritual cultivation, the entry point always began with “guarding the One.”
The concept of “guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you hold the spirit and embrace the One without departing from it?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist teachings, and “guarding the One” is the foundation of various Taoist methods.
The “Zhuangzi” further clarifies, “I guard the One to maintain harmony.” The term “guard” is self-explanatory, but the “One” can refer to different things depending on the cultivation method. Generally, it refers to “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The method taught by the plump Taoist was “guarding the dantian,” which, among the various methods of “guarding the One,” was not considered the most advanced. However, the Taoist presented it as if it were a true secret of the immortals. Holding the book, he swayed his head and said, “The method of guarding the One is as follows: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Chamber of the Cave, and three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Benefactor Mei, this method of guarding the One is a secret passed down through the ages for entering the path of immortality. Earlier, I taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing the body. Now, we will use this method to guide you into the divine path and cultivate the great Dao.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method before but didn’t fully understand it. Although the plump Taoist’s appearance was unimpressive, he explained the method clearly. He said, “Benefactor Mei, in the method of guarding the One, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Heavenly Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Emperor, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with a youthful and slightly restless nature, the method starts from the top and moves downward; for those with a balanced and peaceful nature, it starts from the middle; and for those with a calm and steady nature, it starts from the bottom. Most people, constrained by their nature, use the upper and lower methods. But I see that Benefactor Mei has a clear and mature nature despite his youth, so it would be best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the upper and lower dantians. This way, the method will be both fast and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing listened and thought that this method didn’t seem much different from what he had imagined as “qigong.” Following the Taoist’s guidance, he adjusted his posture, regulated his breath, calmed his mind, and focused his intention on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found that the method of “focusing the mind,” which others seemed to master easily, was something he couldn’t achieve no matter how hard he tried. He felt as if there was a barrier preventing his consciousness from penetrating deeper, no matter how he directed his intention, he couldn’t reach the dantian.
Mei Qing was greatly surprised by this strange sensation, as if his body didn’t belong to him, and no matter how he tried to focus his mind, he couldn’t enter. He shared this feeling with the plump Taoist, who blinked his small eyes, equally puzzled.
“Benefactor Mei, what you describe is something I’ve rarely heard of. I’ve seen people with scattered thoughts who find it difficult to focus, but I see that your mind is calm and steady, so this shouldn’t be the case. However, it’s no problem. If the Middle Dantian is hard to reach, let’s try starting from the Upper Dantian. Although it’s slightly restless, once you get started, it will gradually settle, making it a convenient entry point. You can give it a try.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian. But after several tries, the result was the same. His intention could only reach the Bright Hall, and the Chamber of the Cave and Upper Dantian remained out of reach.
The plump Taoist, hearing this, was equally perplexed. Although focusing on the Upper Dantian was a last resort, it was usually easy to start with. Given Mei Qing’s appearance and bone structure, he seemed intelligent and perceptive, so why couldn’t he manage such a simple task?
After much thought, the plump Taoist gritted his teeth and said, “Since Benefactor Mei is destined to learn our methods, I must lend a hand. Our sect has a secret method called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method,’ which requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to sacrifice their own energy and guide it into another’s body, awakening their divine abilities and refining their true qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. Sigh, the last time I performed this for the second son of the Zhao family in the Ministry of Rites, he offered five taels of incense money. I’m not saying this for the money, but this method should not be performed lightly. It’s all about fate…”
Mei Qing couldn’t see the plump Taoist as the great practitioner he claimed to be, but as he spoke, his chubby face quivered, and he seemed to still feel the pain from the last time he performed the method. Out of curiosity, Mei Qing said, “Immortal Master, there’s no need to worry. I’m not an unreasonable person. Since I’ve entered your sect, I won’t be short on incense money. If you have such divine abilities, I’ll have to trouble you.”
The plump Taoist, seeing that Mei Qing agreed without hesitation to the five taels of incense money, was overjoyed. His face blossomed into a wide smile, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons, and he eagerly replied, “Excellent! I see that Benefactor Mei is a virtuous young man from a noble family, and naturally, you won’t be short on offerings. Now, please relax your body, and I will perform the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method’ for you!”
With that, the plump Taoist slowly sat down across from Mei Qing, his demeanor solemn, and his chubby face even exuding a hint of dignity.
While the plump Taoist’s teachings weren’t particularly profound, they weren’t entirely off the mark either. His cultivation level was merely that of ordinary qi cultivation, and his so-called “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method” was largely exaggerated. However, using qi to guide a beginner in cultivating their qi was still somewhat feasible.
In the past, when encountering individuals with restless minds who found it difficult to focus, the plump Taoist would use his qi to guide them, inducing a sense of qi sensation. Those new to the practice often regarded him as a celestial being, and he managed to earn a fair amount of money in the process.
Thus, when faced with Mei Qing’s situation, the plump Taoist naturally resorted to his tried-and-true method. However, he was in for a rude awakening, as Mei Qing’s body was anything but ordinary, and the Taoist ended up suffering greatly.
For some reason, Mei Qing’s body was as if it had been tempered, making it impossible for his consciousness to penetrate. This wasn’t due to a lack of focus but because his internal qi was already solidified, preventing any external consciousness from entering.
For most people, their internal qi and consciousness are one and the same, so such a problem wouldn’t arise. But in Mei Qing’s case, his internal qi seemed to ignore him entirely, as if it didn’t recognize him, shutting the door and ignoring any external attempts to enter.
When the plump Taoist tried to intervene, he faced the same issue. For those who hadn’t cultivated, their bodies were like open cities, allowing others to come and go as they pleased. But Mei Qing’s body was like a heavily fortified fortress, and no matter how the Taoist tried to channel his qi, he couldn’t make any progress.
Sweating profusely, the plump Taoist concentrated his qi into a fine line, attempting to penetrate the Bright Hall and reach the Upper Dantian to awaken Mei Qing’s qi. However, as soon as he tried, he felt as if he had hit a wall. No matter how he pushed, there was no response, and he realized he had encountered a tough nut to crack, feeling increasingly frustrated.
If he were a more skilled practitioner, he would have known when to quit and withdrawn. But this Taoist was only half-skilled and greedy for the money Mei Qing had promised. Despite knowing the task was impossible, he became more determined, shifting from the Upper Dantian to the Middle Dantian, and when that didn’t work, he moved to the Lower Dantian. Initially, he tried to guide his qi in gently, but when that failed, he used all his strength, as if trying to storm a fortress.
This reckless approach was extremely risky. The Lower Dantian is the foundation of a cultivator’s energy, and if the Taoist’s qi had entangled with someone else’s, it could have caused severe harm or even death. But Mei Qing’s body was as solid as iron, and the Taoist’s feeble qi had no chance of penetrating it.
Mei Qing could sense the Taoist’s efforts. From the beginning, although his consciousness was blocked, he could clearly feel the Taoist’s qi lingering outside. Now, as the Taoist fiercely attacked the Lower Dantian, Mei Qing attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s qi, observing the battle.
However, as soon as Mei Qing’s consciousness connected, the situation changed dramatically.
Before Mei Qing sat a fat Daoist priest, who began demonstrating the wonders of proper body posture, expounding at length on how to internalize spiritual light in one’s eyes and how to achieve a relaxed and tranquil state of mind. He guided Mei Qing gradually to draw his gaze from an infinitely distant point back to the tip of his own nose. Using the nose as a sword’s tip, he performed the great technique known as “Wisdom Sword Severing Emotional Ties.”
“Esteemed Benefactor Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Taoist’s words, calm your mind, and steady your spirit. The essence of our great path lies first in gathering one’s thoughts. Once the spirit is trained, naturally, one’s abilities become boundless, the essence becomes firm, tempered through trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The portly Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture, expounding on how to internalize the divine light of the eyes and how to relax and quiet the mind. He gradually taught Mei Qing to draw his gaze from the far distance to the tip of his nose, using the nose as the tip of a sword to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, Mei Qing found it somewhat amusing that the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes, which were gradually turning into a cross-eyed stare, could supposedly alter one’s perspective on things and sever emotional attachments. Despite sitting with the Taoist for half a day, Mei Qing felt none of the so-called “qi sensation” the Taoist had mentioned. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been ushered into a side room early on under the pretext of “the method not being passed to a second ear” and “each having their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Pure and Tranquil Great Method of the Four Extremes,” which had supposedly been passed down to him just a few days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s invitation, harboring some curiosity. However, upon seeing the portly Taoist produce a pile of “strength pills,” “qi tonics,” “dragon and tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” and hearing his increasingly dubious claims, Mei Qing realized the true nature of the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the white-robed Taoist had mentioned, leaving him both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing felt he couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans being peddled, stating that he only sought methods for health preservation and would be content with a few pointers from the immortal master.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the ground were either counterfeit snacks or, worse, concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar, which could be dangerous if ingested. However, he had long heard of Taoist health preservation methods and thought that even if they didn’t lead to immortality, they might at least improve his sleep. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, treating the Taoist’s talk of refined golden elixirs as irrelevant, much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to sway Mei Qing, the Taoist reluctantly put away his elixirs and retrieved a book from a large chest, titled “The Supreme Golden Jade Dragon and Tiger Immortal Elixir Method of the Primordial Profound Mystery.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unappealing to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began to teach him various methods, from adjusting the body to rectifying the mind, from preserving the spirit to attaining enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
In truth, the Taoist’s teachings, despite their grandiose and somewhat dubious names, were not entirely baseless. The foundation of any health preservation or cultivation path always begins with “holding the One.”
The concept of “holding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” specifically the line, “Can you keep the soul and embrace the One without departing from it?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist teachings, and “embracing the One” is the basis of all Taoist methods.
The “Zhuangzi” further elaborates, “I hold the One to dwell in harmony.” While the meaning of “holding” is clear, the “One” can refer to various practices, such as “holding the spirit,” “holding the qi,” “holding the Three Ones,” or “holding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “holding the dantian,” which, among the methods of “holding the One,” is not considered the most advanced. However, he presented it as if it were a profound secret of the immortals, shaking his head and reciting from the book, “The method of holding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Chamber of the Cave, three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Benefactor Mei, this method of holding the One is a secret passed down through the ages for entering the path of immortality. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing the body; now, let us use this method to guide you into the divine abilities and cultivate the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “holding the dantian” method but had not understood it. Today, despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, he explained the method clearly. “Benefactor Mei, in the method of holding the One, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Sovereign, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with youthful, slightly restless temperaments, the method progresses from the top down; for those with middle-aged, balanced temperaments, it progresses from the middle; and for those with elderly, steady temperaments, it progresses from the bottom up. Most people, constrained by their nature, practice the upper and lower methods. However, I observe that Benefactor Mei, though young, has a mature temperament. Thus, it would be best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the upper and lower. This way, the method is both fast and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found the “mind-holding” method unexpectedly difficult. No matter how he tried, he felt a barrier preventing his consciousness from reaching the dantian. It was as if his body was not his own, and no matter how he directed his thoughts, he couldn’t access the dantian.
Perplexed, Mei Qing shared this experience with the Taoist, who blinked his small eyes in confusion. “Benefactor Mei, your situation is quite rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. Nevertheless, it’s no problem. If the Middle Dantian is difficult to reach, let’s try the Upper Dantian. Although it may be slightly restless, it’s an easier entry point, and you can gradually settle into it.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian. However, the result was the same; his thoughts could only reach the Bright Hall, and the Chamber of the Cave and Upper Dantian remained out of reach.
The Taoist, equally puzzled, decided to employ a secret method known as the “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.” This method required a practitioner of great power and wisdom to transfer their own energy into another’s body, guiding their spiritual abilities and refining their qi. However, it was extremely taxing on the practitioner.
The Taoist, though not appearing to possess such great power or wisdom, was eager to help, especially after Mei Qing agreed to a substantial donation. He instructed Mei Qing to relax and began the ritual.
As the Taoist sat across from Mei Qing, his demeanor became solemn, and he began the process. However, Mei Qing’s body was unusually resistant. Unlike others, whose bodies were like open cities, Mei Qing’s was like a heavily fortified fortress, impenetrable to the Taoist’s efforts.
The Taoist, perspiring heavily, tried various approaches, from the Upper to the Middle and finally the Lower Dantian, but to no avail. Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s struggle, focused his own thoughts on the process, which unexpectedly caused a significant change.
The situation took a dramatic turn as Mei Qing’s consciousness interacted with the Taoist’s energy, leading to unforeseen developments.
Initially, Mei Qing had been somewhat impressed by the white-robed Daoist’s words. But when the fat Daoist pulled out a collection of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi-Replenishing Powder,” “Dragon and Tiger Elixirs,” and “Harmony Talismans,” and began speaking increasingly dubious things, Mei Qing suddenly realized what the white Daoist had meant by “something improper within the bedchamber,” and couldn’t help but feel both annoyed and amused.
Yet since he had already entered this path and couldn’t easily refuse Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply turn around and leave. Thus, he pretended not to understand the fat Daoist’s repeated hints to recruit him into the immortal sect, and firmly declined the Daoist’s sales pitch for a large assortment of pills and talisman water. Mei Qing simply stated that he was seeking methods for health cultivation and only needed a little guidance from the immortal master.
In Mei Qing’s mind, the items on the ground were at best some counterfeit snacks and sweets; at worst, they might contain lead, mercury, or cinnabar, which could send him straight to heaven if consumed. As for Daoist health cultivation techniques, he had long heard of them and thought that even without seeking immortality, practicing them might at least help him sleep better. Therefore, he only asked for this one thing, treating the fat Daoist’s talk of refined golden elixirs as if it were nothing, which caused the Daoist’s face to darken visibly, like bamboo shoots sprouting after rain.
With no choice, the fat Daoist had to put away his various golden elixirs and miraculous medicines and pulled out a book from a large box nearby. The book was titled “The Supreme Golden Elixir Dragon and Tiger Immortal Technique of the Primordial Cave Mystery,” but its printing was crude, and the paper and binding were of poor quality. To someone like Mei Qing, who had seen many printed editions, it was truly unimpressive and failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
“Esteemed Benefactor Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Taoist’s words, calm your mind, and steady your spirit. The essence of our great path lies in the mastery of one’s mental focus. Once the spirit is trained, naturally, one’s abilities become boundless, the foundation of essence solid, tempered through countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The portly Taoist seated across from Mei Qing was demonstrating the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the gaze, explaining how to relax the mind and focus the intent. He guided Mei Qing to gradually draw his gaze from the far distance to the tip of his nose, using the nose as the tip of a sword to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, Mei Qing couldn’t help but find it amusing as he watched the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes gradually take on a cross-eyed appearance. While it might change one’s perspective on things, he doubted it could truly sever emotional attachments. Despite sitting with the Taoist for hours, Mei Qing felt none of the “qi sensations” the Taoist had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on, under the pretext of “the method not being passed to a second ear” and “each having their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Dao Shangqing Lingbao Dongzhen Siji Qingjing Great Method,” which had supposedly been passed down to him just days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims, but as the portly Taoist brought out a pile of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi Replenishing Powder,” “Dragon-Tiger Elixirs,” and “Harmony Talismans,” his speech becoming increasingly absurd, Mei Qing realized the true nature of the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the white-robed Taoist had mentioned. He couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to dismiss Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans being peddled, stating that he only sought methods for health preservation and would be content with a few pointers from the immortal master.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the floor were either counterfeit snacks or potentially dangerous concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar, which could lead to dire consequences if ingested. However, he had long heard of Taoist health preservation methods and thought that even if they didn’t lead to immortality, they might at least improve his sleep. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, treating the Taoist’s claims of refined golden elixirs as nothing more than hot air, much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to sway Mei Qing, the Taoist reluctantly put away his elixirs and retrieved a book from a large chest, titled “The Supreme Primordial Mysterious Golden Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method.” The printing was crude, and the paper quality poor, making it unimpressive to someone like Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began to teach him various methods, from adjusting the body to focusing the intent, from preserving the spirit to attaining enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
In truth, the Taoist’s teachings, though their names sounded like quack remedies, were not entirely baseless. The foundation of any health preservation or spiritual cultivation path always begins with “guarding the One.”
The concept of “guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” specifically the line, “Can you embrace the One and not let go?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist sects, and “embracing the One” is the basis of all Taoist methods.
The “Zhuangzi” further clarifies, “I guard the One to maintain harmony.” The term “guard” is clear, but the meaning of “One” varies widely across different cultivation methods. Generally, it refers to “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “guarding the dantian,” which, among the “guarding the One” methods, is not considered the highest. Yet, he presented it as if it were a profound secret of the immortals. Holding the “Supreme Primordial Mysterious Golden Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method,” he swayed his head and said, “The method of guarding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Chamber of the Cave, three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Esteemed Benefactor Mei, this method of guarding the One is the untold secret of cultivating immortality. Earlier, I taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing the body. Now, we will use this method to guide you into the divine abilities and cultivate the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. Today, though the Taoist’s appearance was unimpressive, his explanation was clear. He said, “Esteemed Benefactor Mei, in the world of guarding the One, though there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Sovereign, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with youthful, restless minds, the method flows from top to bottom; for those with balanced, middle-aged minds, it flows from the middle; and for those with calm, elderly minds, it flows from the bottom up. Most people, constrained by their nature, practice the top and bottom methods. But I see that you, though young, possess a mature mind. It would be best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the ends. This way, you will achieve stability and speed without error.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his intent on the Middle Dantian.
However, to his surprise, the method of “focusing the intent,” which others found easy, proved impossible for Mei Qing. He felt as if there was a barrier preventing his intent from reaching the dantian, no matter how he tried to guide it.
Perplexed, Mei Qing shared this sensation with the Taoist, who blinked his small eyes in confusion.
“Esteemed Benefactor Mei, your experience is rare. I have seen people with scattered minds struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. However, since the Middle Dantian is difficult to reach, let’s try the Upper Dantian. Though it may be slightly restless, it is an easier entry point. Once you get started, it will gradually settle, and you can proceed from there.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian. Yet, despite repeated efforts, he found it just as inaccessible. His intent could reach the Bright Hall but not the Chamber of the Cave or the Upper Dantian.
The Taoist, equally puzzled, pondered the situation. The method of focusing on the Upper Dantian, though a last resort, was usually straightforward. Given Mei Qing’s apparent intelligence, it was baffling that he couldn’t manage it.
After much deliberation, the Taoist decided, “Esteemed Benefactor Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret technique called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.’ It requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to sacrifice their own energy, guiding it into another’s body to awaken their divine abilities and refine their true qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. Alas, when I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he offered five taels of incense money. Not that I mention this for the money, but this method is not to be used lightly. It depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great power and wisdom, noticed the Taoist’s face twitching as he mentioned the previous session, clearly still pained by the memory. Curious, Mei Qing said, “Immortal Master, there’s no need for such concerns. I am not an unreasonable person. Since I have entered your sect, I will not be short on incense money. If you possess such divine abilities, I must trouble you to perform this method.”
The Taoist, delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement to the five taels of incense money, beamed with joy, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons as he eagerly responded, “Excellent! I see you are a virtuous scion of a noble family and will not be lacking. Please relax your body, and I shall perform the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method’ for you!”
With that, the Taoist slowly sat across from Mei Qing, his demeanor solemn, his portly face taking on an air of dignity.
While the Taoist’s teachings were not particularly profound, they were not entirely off the mark. His cultivation level was merely that of an ordinary qi cultivator, and his “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method” was largely exaggerated. However, using qi to guide a beginner in cultivating their qi was somewhat feasible.
In the past, when encountering individuals with restless minds, the Taoist would use his qi to guide them, often impressing the novices and earning a tidy sum in the process.
Thus, seeing Mei Qing’s predicament, the Taoist decided to employ his signature method. However, he was in for a rude awakening, as Mei Qing’s body was anything but ordinary.
Unbeknownst to Mei Qing, his body was unusually dense, as if forged through intense refinement. The reason his intent couldn’t penetrate was not due to a lack of focus but because his internal spirit and qi were already so condensed that they rejected any external intent.
For most people, their internal spirit and qi are one with their intent, so this wouldn’t be an issue. But in Mei Qing’s case, his internal spirit and qi seemed to ignore him entirely, as if they didn’t recognize him, keeping the door firmly shut to any external influence.
When the Taoist attempted to intervene, he faced the same barrier. While an untrained body is like an open city, allowing free passage, Mei Qing’s body was a heavily fortified fortress, impervious to the Taoist’s repeated attempts to channel his qi.
Sweating profusely, the Taoist concentrated his qi into a fine thread, attempting to penetrate the Bright Hall and reach the Upper Dantian to awaken Mei Qing’s qi. However, he felt as if he had hit a wall, unable to make any progress. Realizing he had encountered a tough nut to crack, the Taoist grew increasingly frustrated.
A more skilled practitioner would have recognized the futility and withdrawn. But the Taoist, being only half-competent and greedy for Mei Qing’s promised money, persisted. When the Upper Dantian proved inaccessible, he shifted his focus to the Middle Dantian, and when that failed, he turned to the Lower Dantian. Initially, he guided his qi gently, but when that didn’t work, he exerted all his strength, as if storming a fortress.
This reckless approach was highly dangerous. The Lower Dantian is the foundation of a cultivator’s essence. If someone else had been subjected to such forceful manipulation, it could have resulted in severe injury or even death. However, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as cast iron, rendering the Taoist’s efforts futile.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s struggle, observed the battle at his Lower Dantian with his own intent.
But the moment Mei Qing’s intent joined the fray, the situation changed dramatically.
In fact, although the name of the golden elixir technique sounded somewhat dubious, its basic content was not entirely baseless. Regardless of the path to health cultivation or spiritual cultivation in the world, the entry point always began with “guarding the One.”
The concept of “guarding the One” originated from Laozi’s “Tao Te Ching,” which states, “Can you unite your soul and embrace the One without departing from it?” Since the “Tao Te Ching” is the source of all Daoist sects, “embracing the One” is indeed the foundation of various Daoist practices.
“Benefactor Mei, please listen to the words of this humble Taoist, calm your mind, and steady your spirit. The great path we follow begins with the gathering of the spirit. Once the spiritual thoughts are cultivated, naturally, the divine powers will be boundless, the essence will be firm, and the foundation solid, tempered through countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the wonders of proper body posture, elaborating on how to internalize the divine light of the eyes and how to relax and quiet the mind. He gradually taught Mei Qing to draw his gaze from the far distance to the tip of his nose, using the nose as the tip of a sword to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, Mei Qing found it amusing to see the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes gradually forming a cross-eyed look. Though it might change one’s perspective on things, he doubted it could truly sever emotional attachments. Despite sitting with the Taoist for half a day, Mei Qing felt none of the so-called “qi sensation” the Taoist spoke of. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on under the pretext of “the law not being passed to two ears” and “each having their own methods,” where he practiced the “Supreme Heavenly Dao Shangqing Lingbao Dongzhen Siji Qingjing Great Method,” supposedly passed down to him just a few days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been lured here by the White Taoist, hoping to gain some insights. But when the plump Taoist brought out a pile of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi Tonics,” “Dragon-Tiger Elixirs,” and “Harmony Talismans,” his increasingly absurd claims made Mei Qing realize the true nature of the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the White Taoist had mentioned. He couldn’t help but feel both annoyed and amused.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly rejected the various elixirs and talismans being peddled, stating that he only sought health-preserving methods and hoped for some guidance from the immortal master.
Mei Qing suspected that the pile of items on the ground might be counterfeit snacks at best, or worse, concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar that could send one straight to the heavens. However, he had long heard of Taoist health-preserving methods and thought that even if they didn’t lead to immortality, they might at least improve sleep. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, treating the Taoist’s claims of refined golden elixirs as nothing, much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the Taoist put away his elixirs and retrieved a book from a large box titled “The Supreme Primordial Mysterious Golden Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began teaching him various methods, from adjusting the body to focusing the mind, from preserving the spirit to finding the key points, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
In truth, the Taoist’s teachings, though their names sounded like quack remedies, were not entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “guarding the One.”
The concept of “guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing”: “Can you embrace the One and not let go?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist sects, and “embracing the One” is the foundation of all Taoist methods.
The “Zhuangzi” explicitly states, “I guard the One to maintain harmony.” The meaning of “guarding” is clear, but the “One” varies across different cultivation methods. Generally, it refers to “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “guarding the dantian,” which, among the “guarding the One” methods, is not the most advanced. However, he presented it as if it were a true secret of the immortals, holding the “Supreme Primordial Mysterious Golden Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method” and swaying his head as he spoke: “The method of guarding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Chamber, three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Benefactor Mei, this method of guarding the One is the untold secret of entering the immortal path. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing the body. Now, let us use this method to guide the divine powers and cultivate the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. Though the Taoist’s appearance was unimpressive, his explanation was clear. He said, “Benefactor Mei, in the method of guarding the One, though there are three dantians, they are connected by one qi. The Upper One is the Heavenly Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Emperor, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with youthful, slightly restless temperaments, start from the top and move downward; for those with middle-aged, balanced temperaments, start from the middle; for those with elderly, calm temperaments, start from the bottom and move upward. Most people, constrained by their nature, use the upper or lower methods. But I see that Benefactor Mei, though young, has a mature temperament. It would be best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian first, then extending to the upper and lower. This way, you will achieve stability and speed, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it impossible to “guard the One” as others did. He felt as if something blocked his mind from reaching the dantian, no matter how he tried to guide his thoughts. This strange sensation made it seem as if his body was not his own, and no matter how he focused, he couldn’t enter the dantian.
When Mei Qing shared this with the Taoist, the latter blinked his small eyes, equally puzzled.
“Benefactor Mei, your situation is rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts who struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. However, it doesn’t matter. If the Middle Dantian is hard to reach, let’s try the Upper Dantian. Though it may be slightly restless, it’s an easier entry point. Once you get used to it, you can gradually settle down.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing tried to focus on the Upper Dantian. Yet, no matter how many times he tried, his thoughts could only reach the Bright Hall, unable to penetrate further into the Chamber or Upper Dantian.
The Taoist, equally confused, thought that focusing on the Upper Dantian, though a last resort, should be easy for someone as intelligent as Mei Qing. After much deliberation, he decided to help Mei Qing with a secret method.
“Benefactor Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must lend you a hand. Our sect has a secret method called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.’ It requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to sacrifice their own energy, guiding it into another’s body to awaken their divine powers and refine their true qi. However, this method greatly harms the practitioner. Last time I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister, he donated five taels of incense money. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method is not to be used lightly—it depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great power and wisdom, noticed the Taoist’s discomfort when mentioning the previous empowerment and, out of curiosity, said, “Immortal Master, there’s no need for this. I understand the rules. Since I’ve entered your sect, I won’t skimp on the incense money. If you have this power, I must trouble you.”
Delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement to the five taels, the Taoist’s face blossomed with joy, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons as he eagerly responded, “Excellent! I see you are a virtuous young man from a noble family. Now, please relax, and I will perform the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method’ for you!”
With that, the Taoist sat across from Mei Qing, his plump face taking on a solemn expression.
Though the Taoist’s teachings were not particularly advanced, they weren’t entirely wrong. His cultivation was merely the nurturing of ordinary qi, and his “great method” was largely exaggerated. However, guiding a beginner’s qi was still somewhat feasible.
In the past, when encountering those with restless minds, the Taoist would use his qi to guide them, making them feel as if they had encountered a celestial being, often resulting in generous donations.
Thus, seeing Mei Qing’s situation, the Taoist decided to use his trump card. However, Mei Qing’s body was unusually resistant, causing the Taoist great difficulty.
For some reason, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as tempered steel. His inability to focus his mind was not due to restlessness but because his internal qi was already solidified, rejecting any external intrusion.
While others’ internal qi and thoughts were one, Mei Qing’s internal qi seemed to ignore him entirely, shutting the door to any external influence.
When the Taoist tried to guide his qi into Mei Qing’s body, he found it as impenetrable as a fortress. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t make progress.
Sweating profusely, the Taoist concentrated his qi into a fine line, attempting to penetrate Mei Qing’s Upper Dantian and awaken his qi. However, he felt as if he had hit a wall, unable to make any progress. Realizing he had encountered a tough challenge, he grew increasingly frustrated.
A more skilled practitioner would have known to retreat, but the Taoist, being only half-skilled and greedy for Mei Qing’s promised money, persisted. When the Upper Dantian proved unyielding, he turned to the Middle Dantian, and when that failed, he went straight for the Lower Dantian, using all his strength as if storming a fortress.
This was extremely risky. The Lower Dantian is the source of a practitioner’s qi, and tampering with it could cause severe harm. However, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as iron, and the Taoist’s feeble qi couldn’t penetrate it.
As the Taoist struggled, Mei Qing felt his presence. Initially, though his mind was blocked, he clearly sensed the Taoist’s qi hovering outside. Now, as the Taoist fiercely attacked his Lower Dantian, Mei Qing attached his thoughts to the Taoist’s qi, observing the battle.
But the moment Mei Qing’s thoughts connected, the situation changed dramatically.
“Patron Mei, please listen to my words, calm your mind, and steady your heart. The great path we follow begins with gathering one’s spirit. Once the spirit is trained, it naturally becomes immensely powerful, solidifying the foundation, tempered through countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist priest sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and explained how to internalize the light of the eyes and relax the mind. He guided Mei Qing to gradually shift his gaze from a distant point to the tip of his nose, using it as the edge of a sword to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, Mei Qing found it amusing that the priest’s small, squinting eyes seemed to form a cross-eyed expression. While it might alter one’s perspective, Mei Qing doubted it could truly sever emotional attachments. Despite sitting with the priest for hours, Mei Qing felt none of the “qi sensation” the priest had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on, under the pretext of “the law not being passed to a second ear” and “each having their own method,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Sovereign’s Pure and Tranquil Great Method of the Four Extremes,” which he had supposedly been taught just days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist who had brought him here. But when the plump priest produced a collection of “strength pills,” “qi supplements,” “dragon-tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” Mei Qing realized the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the white-robed Taoist had mentioned was nothing more than a scam. He felt both amused and annoyed.
Having already entered this path, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away without acknowledging Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill. So, he pretended not to understand the priest’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans, stating that he only sought guidance on health preservation.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the floor were either counterfeit snacks or potentially dangerous concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar. He had heard of Taoist health preservation methods and thought they might at least help with sleep, even if they didn’t lead to immortality. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, ignoring the priest’s talk of “refined golden elixirs,” which visibly frustrated the priest.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the priest put away the elixirs and retrieved a book titled “The Supreme Golden Jade Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Method of the Primordial Profound Mystery.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the priest began teaching him various methods, from adjusting the body to focusing the mind, with the enthusiasm of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
Though the method’s name sounded dubious, its core principles were not entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “holding the One.”
The concept of “holding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you keep the soul and embrace the One without departing from it?” The “Dao De Jing” is the foundation of all Taoist practices, and “holding the One” is the basis of various methods.
Zhuangzi also explicitly mentioned, “I hold the One to maintain harmony.” While the term “hold” is clear, the meaning of “One” varies across different cultivation methods. Generally, it refers to “holding the spirit,” “holding the qi,” “holding the Three Ones,” or “holding the dantian.”
The priest taught the “holding the dantian” method, which, though not the most advanced, he presented as a profound secret. He recited from the book, “The method of holding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Chamber of Mystery, three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel.” He explained that this method was a closely guarded secret of immortal cultivation.
Mei Qing had heard of the “holding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. Despite the priest’s unimpressive appearance, he explained it clearly. “Patron Mei, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Heavenly Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Sovereign, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with youthful, restless minds, start from the top; for those with balanced, middle-aged minds, start from the middle; for those with calm, elderly minds, start from the bottom. Most people are confined by their nature and use the upper or lower methods. But I see that you, though young, have a mature nature. It would be best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the others. This method is both fast and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the priest’s instructions, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it unexpectedly difficult to “hold the One.” No matter how he tried, he felt a barrier preventing his consciousness from reaching the dantian. It was as if his body resisted his efforts, making it impossible to achieve the desired focus.
Puzzled, Mei Qing shared this with the priest, who was equally confused. “Patron Mei, your situation is rare. I’ve seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. If the Middle Dantian is inaccessible, try starting with the Upper Dantian. Though it may be slightly unstable, it can be a convenient entry point.”
Following the priest’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian but encountered the same issue. His consciousness could only reach the Bright Hall, unable to penetrate further into the Chamber of Mystery or the Upper Dantian.
The priest, equally baffled, decided to try a more drastic approach. “Patron Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret method called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.’ It requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to sacrifice their own energy to guide another’s spiritual power and refine their qi. However, this method greatly harms the practitioner. The last time I performed it for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister, he donated five taels of incense money. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method is not to be used lightly. It depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the priest’s claims of great power and wisdom, was curious. “Master, there’s no need for such concern. I understand the importance of incense money and won’t fall short. If you possess such abilities, I humbly request your assistance.”
Delighted by Mei Qing’s willingness to pay, the priest beamed and agreed to perform the method. He sat across from Mei Qing, assuming a solemn demeanor.
While the priest’s teachings were not particularly advanced, they weren’t entirely flawed. His so-called “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method” was largely exaggerated, but it could still help beginners cultivate their qi.
In the past, the priest had used this method to guide those with scattered thoughts, earning their admiration and some income. However, Mei Qing’s body was unusually resistant, presenting a significant challenge.
Mei Qing’s body seemed to have been tempered to an extraordinary degree, making it impervious to external influences. Unlike others, whose qi and consciousness were naturally aligned, Mei Qing’s qi seemed to reject his own consciousness, as if it didn’t recognize him as its master.
When the priest attempted to guide Mei Qing’s qi, he encountered the same resistance. While others’ bodies were like open cities, Mei Qing’s was a fortified fortress. Despite the priest’s repeated efforts, he couldn’t penetrate Mei Qing’s defenses.
Sweating profusely, the priest tried to focus his qi on the Upper Dantian, hoping to stimulate Mei Qing’s own qi. However, he felt as if he had hit a wall, unable to make any progress. Frustrated, he shifted his focus to the Middle Dantian, then finally to the Lower Dantian, exerting all his strength in a desperate attempt to break through.
This reckless approach was highly dangerous. The Lower Dantian is the foundation of a practitioner’s qi, and such forceful manipulation could cause severe harm. However, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as iron, rendering the priest’s efforts futile.
Mei Qing, though initially unable to penetrate his own body, could sense the priest’s qi hovering outside. As the priest struggled at the Lower Dantian, Mei Qing attached his consciousness to the priest’s qi, observing the battle.
The moment Mei Qing’s consciousness connected, the situation changed dramatically.
“Benefactor Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Taoist’s words, ease your mind, and calm your spirit. The great path we follow begins with the mastery of one’s thoughts. Once the spirit is trained, it naturally becomes immensely powerful, solidifying the foundation, tempered through trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the gaze, teaching Mei Qing how to gradually shift his focus from the distant horizon to the tip of his nose. Using the nose as the tip of a sword, he spoke of the “Wisdom Sword Cutting Through Emotional Attachments” technique.
However, as Mei Qing observed the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes gradually forming a cross-eyed appearance, he couldn’t help but find it amusing. Despite sitting with the Taoist for hours, he felt none of the so-called “qi sensation” the Taoist had mentioned. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been ushered to a side room early on, under the pretext of “the method not being passed to a second ear” and “each having their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Dao’s Pure and Tranquil Great Method of the Four Extremes,” which had supposedly been passed down to him just days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims, but as the plump Taoist brought out a pile of “strength pills,” “qi supplements,” “dragon-tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” his speech becoming increasingly absurd, Mei Qing realized the true nature of the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the white-robed Taoist had mentioned. He couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the plump Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly rejected the various elixirs and talismans he offered, stating that he only sought guidance on health preservation.
Mei Qing suspected that the pile of items on the ground might be counterfeit snacks at best, or worse, concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar that could send one straight to the heavens. However, he had long heard of Taoist health preservation methods and thought that even if they didn’t lead to immortality, they might at least improve his sleep. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, treating the Taoist’s claims of a “hundred-tempered golden elixir” as nothing more than hot air, much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the plump Taoist reluctantly put away his elixirs and retrieved a book from a large chest. The book, titled “The Supreme Great Method of the Primordial Golden Jade Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir,” was poorly printed and of low quality, making it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature. It failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began teaching him various methods, from adjusting the body to focusing the mind, from preserving the spirit to achieving enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
In truth, while the name of the method sounded like a quack remedy, its core principles were not entirely baseless. Regardless of the path one takes in health preservation or spiritual cultivation, the entry point always begins with “holding the One.”
The concept of “holding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you hold the One and not let go?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist teachings, and “holding the One” is the foundation of all methods.
Zhuangzi further elaborated, “I hold the One to maintain harmony.” While the meaning of “holding” is clear, the “One” can vary greatly across different cultivation methods. Generally, it refers to “holding the spirit,” “holding the qi,” “holding the Three Ones,” or “holding the dantian.”
The plump Taoist taught the method of “holding the dantian,” which, while not the most advanced among the “holding the One” methods, he presented as if it were a profound secret. He explained, “The method of holding the One involves focusing on the upper dantian, located three inches above the eyebrows, the middle dantian at the heart, and the lower dantian one and a half inches below the navel. Benefactor Mei, this method is a closely guarded secret of immortal cultivation. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing posture. Now, we will use this method to guide you toward enlightenment.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “holding the dantian” method but had never fully understood it. Despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, he explained the method clearly. “Benefactor Mei, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The upper dantian is the emperor of the body, the middle dantian is the red palace’s elixir emperor, and the lower dantian is the yellow court’s primordial king, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with a youthful, restless nature, the method starts from the top and moves downward. For those with a balanced, middle-aged nature, it starts from the middle. For those with a calm, elderly nature, it starts from the bottom and moves upward. Most people, constrained by their nature, use the upper or lower methods. However, I see that you, Benefactor Mei, possess a clear and mature nature despite your youth. Thus, it would be best to start from the middle dantian and then extend to the upper and lower dantians. This approach ensures both speed and stability, with no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s instructions, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the middle dantian.
However, to his surprise, the method of “holding the One,” which others found easy, proved impossible for Mei Qing. He felt as if there was a barrier preventing his consciousness from reaching the dantian, no matter how he tried to guide his thoughts.
Perplexed, Mei Qing described this sensation to the Taoist, who blinked his small eyes in confusion. “Benefactor Mei, your experience is quite rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. Nevertheless, if the middle dantian is inaccessible, we can try starting with the upper dantian. Although it may be slightly restless, it can serve as an entry point, gradually settling over time.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the upper dantian, but the result was the same. His thoughts could reach the “bright hall” but not the “bridal chamber” or the upper dantian beyond.
The Taoist, equally puzzled, decided to employ a secret method. “Benefactor Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret technique called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.’ It requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to transfer their own energy into another, guiding their spiritual power and refining their true qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. The last time I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he donated five taels of incense money. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method should not be used lightly; it depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great power and wisdom, noticed the Taoist’s hesitation and curiosity piqued. “Master, there’s no need to worry. I understand the importance of incense money and won’t fall short. Since you possess such a method, I must trouble you.”
Delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement, the Taoist’s face lit up with joy, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons. “Excellent! I knew you were a virtuous descendant of a noble family. Now, please relax, and I will perform the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.'”
Sitting across from Mei Qing, the Taoist assumed a solemn expression, his plump face exuding an air of dignity.
While the Taoist’s teachings were not particularly profound, they were not entirely off the mark. His cultivation level was merely that of an ordinary qi cultivator, and his “great method” was largely exaggerated. However, using qi to guide a beginner in cultivating their qi was still somewhat feasible.
In the past, when encountering individuals with restless minds, the Taoist had used his qi to guide them, often impressing them and earning some silver in the process.
Thus, seeing Mei Qing’s predicament, the Taoist decided to employ his signature method. However, he was in for a rude awakening.
Mei Qing’s body, for reasons unknown, was as solid as tempered steel. His inability to focus his thoughts was not due to a restless mind but because his internal qi was already highly condensed, preventing any external thoughts from penetrating.
For most people, their internal qi and consciousness are one, so this wouldn’t be an issue. However, Mei Qing’s internal qi seemed to disregard him entirely, shutting out any external influence.
When the Taoist attempted to guide Mei Qing’s qi, he encountered the same barrier. While most untrained individuals’ bodies are like open cities, Mei Qing’s was a heavily fortified fortress. No matter how the Taoist tried to channel his qi, he couldn’t make a dent.
Sweating profusely, the Taoist focused his qi into a fine thread, attempting to penetrate Mei Qing’s upper dantian and activate his qi. However, he felt as if he had hit a wall, unable to make any progress. Realizing he had encountered a tough nut to crack, the Taoist grew increasingly frustrated.
A more skilled practitioner would have known to retreat, but the Taoist, driven by greed and the promise of silver, pressed on. When the upper dantian proved impenetrable, he shifted his focus to the middle dantian, and when that failed, he turned to the lower dantian, exerting all his strength like a general storming a fortress.
This reckless approach was highly dangerous. The lower dantian is the source of a cultivator’s energy, and tampering with it could lead to severe consequences. However, Mei Qing’s body was as unyielding as cast iron, rendering the Taoist’s efforts futile.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s struggle, attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s qi, observing the battle.
But as soon as Mei Qing’s consciousness made contact, the situation changed dramatically.
“Esteemed Benefactor Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Taoist’s words. Calm your mind and steady your spirit. The essence of our great path lies in the mastery of one’s mental focus. Once the spirit is trained, it naturally becomes immensely powerful, solidifying the foundation of one’s essence, enduring countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
Seated across from Mei Qing, the portly Taoist demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the gaze, teaching Mei Qing to gradually draw his vision from the distant horizon to the tip of his nose. Using the nose as the sword’s tip, he spoke of the “Wisdom Sword Cutting Through Emotional Attachments” technique.
However, Mei Qing couldn’t help but find it amusing as he watched the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes gradually form a cross-eyed gaze. Though it might alter one’s perspective on things, he doubted it could truly sever emotional ties. Despite sitting with the Taoist for hours, Mei Qing felt none of the so-called “qi sensations” the Taoist had mentioned. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been ushered to a side chamber early on, under the pretext of “each having their own method,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Pure and Tranquil Great Method of the Four Extremes,” which had supposedly been imparted to him just days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims, but upon seeing the portly Taoist produce an array of “strength pills,” “qi tonics,” “dragon-tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” he realized the true nature of the “impropriety” the white-robed Taoist had hinted at, leaving him both amused and exasperated.
Having already stepped into this realm and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing felt obliged to stay. He feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s repeated hints to join the celestial sect and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans, stating he only sought health-preserving methods and a few pointers from the immortal master.
Mei Qing suspected that the assortment of items on the floor might be nothing more than counterfeit snacks, or worse, concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar that could send one straight to the heavens. However, he had long heard of Taoist health-preserving methods and thought they might at least aid in sleep, if not immortality. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, disregarding the Taoist’s claims of a hundred-refined golden elixir, much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the Taoist put away his elixirs and retrieved a book titled “The Supreme Golden Jade Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Method of the Primordial Profound Mystery.” Despite its crude printing and poor quality, the Taoist began earnestly teaching Mei Qing the methods of body alignment, mental focus, and spiritual concentration, expounding with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
Though the method’s name sounded dubious, its core principles were not entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “guarding the One,” a concept derived from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you keep the soul and embrace the One without departing from it?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist sects, and “embracing the One” is the foundation of various Taoist practices.
Zhuangzi further elaborated, “I guard the One and dwell in harmony.” While the meaning of “guarding” is clear, the “One” varies across different cultivation methods, generally referring to “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.” The portly Taoist taught the method of “guarding the dantian,” which, though not the most advanced, he presented as a profound celestial secret.
“Benefactor Mei, the method of guarding the One is a closely guarded secret of immortal cultivation. The upper dantian is located an inch above the eyebrows, the middle dantian is the heart, and the lower dantian is an inch and a half below the navel. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and aligning the body. Now, let us use this method to guide you into the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but had not understood it. Today, despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, his explanation was clear. “Benefactor Mei, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The upper dantian is the emperor of the body, the middle dantian is the crimson palace’s elixir emperor, and the lower dantian is the primordial king of the yellow court, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For the young, whose minds are slightly restless, the method starts from the upper dantian and moves downward. For the middle-aged, whose minds are balanced, it starts from the middle dantian. For the elderly, whose minds are calm and steady, it starts from the lower dantian. Most people, constrained by their nature, use the upper or lower methods. But I see that Benefactor Mei, though young, has a mature disposition. Therefore, it is best to start from the middle dantian and then extend to the upper and lower dantians. This method is both fast and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s instructions, aligning his body, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the middle dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it unexpectedly difficult to “guard the One.” No matter how he tried, his consciousness seemed blocked, unable to reach the dantian. It felt as though his body was not his own, resisting his attempts to focus his mind. When he shared this with the Taoist, the latter was equally puzzled.
“Benefactor Mei, your situation is rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but your mind seems calm and steady. Nevertheless, if the middle dantian is inaccessible, let us try the upper dantian. Though it may be slightly restless, it is an easier entry point. Once you master it, you can gradually stabilize.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the upper dantian. Yet, despite repeated efforts, his consciousness could only reach the “bright hall” outside the “bridal chamber” and the upper dantian, unable to penetrate further.
The Taoist, now thoroughly perplexed, decided to employ a secret method known as the “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.” This technique required a practitioner of great wisdom and power to transfer their own energy into another, guiding their spiritual awakening and refining their qi. However, it was highly taxing on the practitioner.
“Benefactor Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret method called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.’ It requires a practitioner of great wisdom and power to transfer their energy into another, guiding their spiritual awakening and refining their qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. The last time I performed it for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he donated five taels of silver. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method should not be used lightly. It depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the Taoist’s claims, was curious and agreed to the procedure. The Taoist, delighted by Mei Qing’s willingness, began the ritual with great solemnity.
The Taoist’s method, though not particularly advanced, was not entirely flawed. It involved guiding the beginner’s qi through the practitioner’s energy. However, Mei Qing’s body was unusually resistant, as though it had been tempered to an extreme degree. His consciousness could not penetrate his own body, and the Taoist’s attempts to guide his qi were equally futile.
The Taoist, undeterred, tried various approaches, starting from the upper dantian, then the middle, and finally the lower dantian. He exerted all his strength, but Mei Qing’s body remained impenetrable, like a fortress under strict control.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s struggles, attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s energy, observing the battle within his own body. However, the moment Mei Qing’s consciousness connected, the situation changed dramatically.
“Benefactor Mei, please listen to my words, calm your mind, and be at peace. The great path we follow begins with the gathering of one’s spirit. Once the spirit is trained, it naturally becomes immensely powerful, solidifying the foundation, tempered through trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the gaze, teaching Mei how to gradually shift his focus from distant points to the tip of his nose. Using the nose as the tip of a sword, he spoke of the “Wisdom Sword Cutting the Threads of Emotion.”
However, Mei Qing found it amusing that the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes seemed to cross, making him look like a cross-eyed chicken. Despite sitting with the Taoist for hours, Mei felt none of the “qi sensation” the Taoist had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Dao Qingling Precious Cave True Four Extremes Pure Great Method,” which the Taoist had supposedly taught him just days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist who had brought him here. But when the plump Taoist produced a pile of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi-Tonifying Powder,” “Dragon-Tiger Elixir,” and “Harmony Talismans,” Mei realized the true nature of the “impropriety” the white-robed Taoist had mentioned. He couldn’t help but feel both amused and annoyed.
Having already entered this path, Mei felt obliged to honor Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill and couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans, stating that he only sought guidance on health preservation.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the floor were either fake snacks or potentially dangerous concoctions containing lead, mercury, or cinnabar. He had heard much about Taoist health preservation methods and thought that even if they didn’t lead to immortality, they might at least improve his sleep. He focused solely on this aspect, disregarding the Taoist’s talk of refined elixirs, which visibly frustrated the plump man.
Unable to persuade Mei, the Taoist put away his elixirs and retrieved a book titled “The Supreme Primordial Golden Jade Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unimpressive to Mei, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei’s skepticism, the Taoist began teaching him various methods, from body alignment to mental focus, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
Though the Taoist’s teachings sounded dubious, their core principles were not entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “holding the One.”
The concept of “holding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you keep the soul and embrace the One without departing from it?” The “Dao De Jing” is the foundational text of Taoism, and “embracing the One” is the basis of all Taoist practices.
Zhuangzi further elaborated, “I hold the One to maintain harmony.” While the meaning of “holding” is clear, the “One” varies across different cultivation methods, generally referring to “holding the spirit,” “holding the qi,” “holding the Three Ones,” or “holding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “holding the dantian,” which, though not the most advanced, he presented as a profound secret. He recited from the book, “The method of holding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Cave Chamber, three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Benefactor Mei, this method is a closely guarded secret of immortality. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and aligning the body. Now, we will use this method to guide you toward the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “holding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. Despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, his explanation was clear. He said, “Benefactor Mei, in the method of holding the One, though there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Heavenly Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Emperor, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with youthful, restless minds, the method progresses from the Upper to the Lower; for those with balanced, mature minds, it progresses from the Middle; and for those with calm, elderly minds, it progresses from the Lower to the Upper. Most people, constrained by their nature, follow the Upper or Lower methods. But I see that you, Benefactor, though young, possess a mature mind. Thus, it is best to follow the Middle Path, focusing on the Middle Dantian before extending to the Upper and Lower. This approach ensures both speed and stability, with no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s instructions, aligning his body, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei found it unexpectedly difficult to “hold the focus.” No matter how he tried, it felt as though something blocked his mind from reaching the dantian, as if his body resisted his consciousness. This sensation was strange, as if his body were not his own, and no matter how he concentrated, he couldn’t access the dantian.
When Mei shared this with the Taoist, the plump man was equally puzzled. “Benefactor Mei, your experience is rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. Nonetheless, if the Middle Dantian is inaccessible, perhaps we should start with the Upper Dantian. Though it may be slightly restless, it can serve as an entry point.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei tried focusing on the Upper Dantian, but the result was the same. His consciousness could reach the Bright Hall but not the Cave Chamber or Upper Dantian.
The Taoist, now thoroughly confused, decided to employ a secret method. “Benefactor Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret technique called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.’ It requires a practitioner of great wisdom and power to transfer their own energy into another, guiding their spiritual awakening and refining their qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. The last time I performed it for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister, he donated five taels of silver. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method is not to be used lightly—it depends on fate.”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the Taoist’s claims, was curious and agreed to the procedure. The Taoist, delighted by Mei’s willingness, prepared to perform the method.
The Taoist’s method, though not particularly advanced, involved guiding qi into a beginner’s body to stimulate their energy. In the past, this had impressed novices and brought the Taoist some income. However, Mei’s body proved to be an exception.
For some reason, Mei’s body was extraordinarily resistant, as if it had been tempered and solidified. His consciousness couldn’t penetrate it, not because it was restless, but because his internal energy was already highly condensed, rejecting any external influence.
When the Taoist attempted to guide his qi into Mei’s body, he encountered an impenetrable barrier. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t penetrate Mei’s defenses. Frustrated but determined, the Taoist shifted his focus from the Upper to the Middle and then to the Lower Dantian, exerting all his strength in a desperate attempt to break through.
This reckless approach was highly dangerous. The Lower Dantian is the foundation of a practitioner’s energy, and such forceful intrusion could cause severe harm. However, Mei’s body, as solid as cast iron, remained impervious to the Taoist’s efforts.
As the Taoist struggled, Mei felt the external qi probing his body. Curious, he attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s energy, observing the battle. The moment Mei’s consciousness connected, the situation changed dramatically.
Mei Qing was greatly surprised. This feeling was quite mysterious, as if his body were not entirely his own, and no matter how he tried to focus his thoughts, he could not find the entrance. He shared this feeling with the fat Daoist, who blinked his small eyes in confusion.
“Benefactor Mei, please listen to the words of this humble Taoist, calm your mind, and maintain peace within your heart. The essence of our great path lies in the mastery of the spirit. Once the spirit is trained, naturally, one’s abilities become extraordinary, the essence becomes firm, and through repeated tempering, one becomes as unyielding as a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the light of the eyes, teaching Mei Qing how to gradually focus his gaze from the far distance to the tip of his nose. Using the nose as the tip of a sword, he performed the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, as Mei Qing observed the Taoist’s small, squinting, and somewhat dull eyes gradually forming a cross-eyed look, he couldn’t help but find it amusing. Despite sitting with the Taoist for half a day, he felt none of the so-called “qi sensation” the Taoist had mentioned. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on, under the pretext that “the method should not be passed to two ears” and “each has their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Sovereign’s Pure and Tranquil Great Method of the Four Extremes,” which had supposedly been transmitted to him just a few days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims, but upon seeing the plump Taoist produce a variety of “strength pills,” “qi supplements,” “dragon and tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” he realized the true nature of the “impropriety” the white-robed Taoist had mentioned, feeling both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply leave. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the plump Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans, stating that he only sought health-preserving methods and a slight guidance from the Taoist.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the ground were either fake snacks or potentially harmful substances like lead and mercury. However, he had long heard of Taoist health-preserving methods and thought that practicing them might at least improve his sleep, even if he didn’t aim for immortality. Therefore, he only mentioned this, treating the Taoist’s talk of refined golden elixirs as irrelevant, which visibly frustrated the plump Taoist.
Unable to proceed, the Taoist put away the elixirs and took out a book titled “The Supreme Golden Jade Dragon and Tiger Immortal Elixir Method of the Primordial Profound Mystery.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began teaching him various methods, from adjusting the body to focusing the mind, and from preserving the spirit to attaining enlightenment, speaking with the enthusiasm of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
Although the Taoist’s elixir method sounded dubious, its basic principles were not entirely baseless. All health-preserving or cultivation paths begin with “guarding the One.”
“Guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you embrace the One and not let it go?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist teachings, and “embracing the One” is the foundation of all methods.
The “Zhuangzi” explicitly states, “I guard the One to maintain harmony.” The term “guard” is clear, but the “One” varies across different cultivation methods, generally referring to “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “guarding the dantian,” which, although not the highest among the “guarding the One” methods, he presented as a profound secret. He recited from the book, “The method of guarding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Hall of Light, two inches is the Chamber of the Cave, and three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel.” He explained that this method was a closely guarded secret for achieving immortality.
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. The plump Taoist, despite his unimpressive appearance, explained it clearly. He said, “Benefactor Mei, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Sovereign, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with a youthful and restless nature, start from the top; for those with a balanced and peaceful nature, start from the middle; and for those with a calm and steady nature, start from the bottom. Most people, constrained by their nature, use the upper or lower methods. But I see that you, Benefactor Mei, have a clear and mature nature despite your youth. It would be best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the others. This method is fast and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it impossible to “guard the One.” No matter how he tried, he felt a barrier preventing his consciousness from reaching the dantian. This sensation was strange, as if his body didn’t belong to him, and no matter how he focused, he couldn’t enter.
Mei Qing shared this with the Taoist, who was equally puzzled. “Benefactor Mei, your situation is rare. I’ve seen people with scattered thoughts, but you seem focused. However, since the Middle Dantian is inaccessible, let’s try the Upper Dantian. Although it’s slightly restless, it’s an easier entry point.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian but found it equally inaccessible. His consciousness could only reach the Hall of Light, unable to penetrate further.
The Taoist, now thoroughly confused, decided to use a secret method called the “Enlightenment and Transformation Great Method,” which required a practitioner with great power and wisdom to transfer their own energy into another’s body to awaken their potential. However, this method was highly taxing on the practitioner.
The Taoist, though not appearing to possess great power or wisdom, was eager to try, especially after Mei Qing agreed to the five taels of incense money without hesitation. The Taoist, delighted, began the process, sitting solemnly across from Mei Qing.
The Taoist’s method, though not particularly advanced, was somewhat effective in guiding beginners. However, Mei Qing’s body was unusually resistant, as if it had been tempered and solidified, preventing any external energy from entering.
The Taoist, unaware of this, tried to force his energy into Mei Qing’s Upper Dantian, then the Middle Dantian, and finally the Lower Dantian, using all his strength. However, Mei Qing’s body remained impenetrable, like a fortress.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s efforts, attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s energy, observing the struggle. Unexpectedly, the situation changed dramatically the moment Mei Qing’s consciousness intervened.
“Esteemed Benefactor Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Daoist’s words, ease your mind, and calm your spirit. The essence of our great path lies in gathering one’s thoughts and focus. Once the mind is trained, naturally, one’s abilities will become extraordinary, the foundation solid, tempered through countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The portly Daoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the gaze, explaining how to relax the mind and focus the intent. Gradually, he guided Mei Qing to shift his gaze from the distant horizon to the tip of his nose, using it as the “sword’s edge” to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Desire” technique.
However, Mei Qing couldn’t help but find it amusing as he watched the Daoist’s small, squinting eyes gradually take on a cross-eyed appearance. While it might alter one’s perspective on things, he doubted it could truly sever the threads of desire. Despite sitting with the Daoist for hours, Mei Qing felt none of the “qi sensation” the Daoist had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been ushered to a side room early on, under the pretext of “not sharing the method with two ears” and “each having their own path,” to practice the supposedly recently bestowed “Supreme Heavenly Sovereign’s Pure and Tranquil Great Method of the Four Extremes.”
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Daoist’s claims, but as the portly Daoist brought out an array of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi-Tonic Powders,” “Dragon-Tiger Elixirs,” and “Harmony Talismans,” his speech grew increasingly absurd. Mei Qing finally understood the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the white-robed Daoist had hinted at, leaving him both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Daoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans, stating that he only sought guidance on health preservation.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the floor were either counterfeit snacks or, worse, concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar, which could lead to immediate ascension—in the wrong sense. He had long heard of Daoist health preservation methods and, not seeking immortality, thought they might at least improve his sleep. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, disregarding the Daoist’s talk of refined golden elixirs, much to the Daoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to sway Mei Qing, the Daoist put away his elixirs and retrieved a book titled “The Supreme Golden Jade Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Method of the Primordial Profound Mystery.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Daoist began teaching him methods from body alignment to mental focus, from spirit retention to achieving enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
Though the Daoist’s teachings sounded like quackery, their core principles weren’t entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “guarding the One.”
“Guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing”: “Can you hold the soul and embrace the One without letting them stray?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Daoist teachings, and “embracing the One” is the foundation of all methods.
The “Zhuangzi” explicitly states, “I guard the One to dwell in harmony.” While the meaning of “guarding” is clear, the “One” varies across practices, generally referring to “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The Daoist taught the “guarding the dantian” method, which, though not the most advanced, he presented as a profound secret. Holding the book, he swayed his head and said, “The method of guarding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Chamber, three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Benefactor Mei, this method is the untold secret of immortal cultivation. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and aligning the body; now, let us use this method to guide you toward enlightenment and cultivate the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but didn’t fully grasp it. Despite the Daoist’s unimpressive appearance, he explained it clearly: “Benefactor Mei, in the practice of guarding the One, though there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Sovereign, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For the young, whose minds are slightly restless, the practice flows from top to bottom; for the middle-aged, whose minds are balanced, it flows from the middle; for the elderly, whose minds are steady, it flows from the bottom up. Most people, constrained by their nature, practice the upper and lower methods. But I see that Benefactor Mei, though young, has a mature disposition. Thus, it is best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the upper and lower. This method is both swift and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Daoist’s guidance, aligning his body, regulating his breath, and focusing his intent on the Middle Dantian.
However, unlike others who found “guarding the intent” effortless, Mei Qing struggled. He felt as if a barrier separated his intent from the dantian, resisting his efforts to focus. No matter how he directed his intent, he couldn’t reach the dantian.
Perplexed, Mei Qing described this sensation to the Daoist, who was equally puzzled. “Benefactor Mei, your experience is rare. I have seen those with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. Nevertheless, if the Middle Dantian is inaccessible, let us try the Upper Dantian. Though slightly restless, it is an easier entry point, and you may gradually settle into it.”
Following the Daoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian. Yet, despite repeated efforts, his intent couldn’t penetrate beyond the Bright Hall, leaving the Chamber and Upper Dantian out of reach.
The Daoist, equally baffled, decided to employ a secret method: the “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow-Washing, and Body-Transformation Great Method.” This required a practitioner of great wisdom and power to sacrifice their own energy to guide another’s qi and refine their essence. However, this method was taxing on the practitioner. “The last time I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he donated five taels of incense money. Not that I mention the money, but this method is not to be used lightly; it depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the Daoist’s claims of great wisdom and power, noticed his reluctance and curiosity piqued. “Venerable Daoist, there’s no need for such hesitation. I am not one to disregard propriety. Since I have entered your temple, the incense money will not be lacking. If you possess such powers, I humbly request your assistance.”
Delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement to the five taels, the Daoist’s face blossomed into a wide smile, his eyes narrowing into crescents. “Excellent! I see you are a virtuous scion of a noble family, and naturally, you will not be lacking. Please relax, and I shall now perform the Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow-Washing, and Body-Transformation Great Method!”
With that, the Daoist sat across from Mei Qing, his demeanor solemn, his portly face exuding an air of dignity.
While the Daoist’s teachings weren’t particularly advanced, they weren’t entirely flawed. His cultivation was merely the nurturing of qi, and his “great method” was largely exaggerated. However, using qi to guide a beginner’s initial cultivation was somewhat feasible.
In the past, when encountering those with restless minds, the Daoist would use his qi to guide theirs, often impressing novices and earning a tidy sum. Thus, seeing Mei Qing’s predicament, he naturally resorted to this tried-and-true method. However, Mei Qing’s body was unusually resilient, presenting the Daoist with a significant challenge.
For reasons unknown, Mei Qing’s body was as if forged from iron, making it impervious to external intent. While others’ qi and intent were naturally aligned, Mei Qing’s qi seemed to reject his own intent, as if it didn’t recognize him, shutting out any external influence.
When the Daoist attempted to guide Mei Qing’s qi, he encountered the same resistance. Unlike others, whose bodies were like open cities, Mei Qing’s was a fortified fortress. Despite the Daoist’s repeated efforts, he couldn’t penetrate Mei Qing’s defenses.
Sweating profusely, the Daoist focused his qi into a fine thread, attempting to enter the Upper Dantian and stimulate Mei Qing’s qi. However, he felt as if he had hit a wall, unable to make any progress. Realizing he had encountered a tough nut to crack, the Daoist grew increasingly frustrated.
A more skilled practitioner would have recognized the futility and withdrawn. However, the Daoist, driven by greed and the promise of Mei Qing’s donation, persisted. When the Upper Dantian proved inaccessible, he turned to the Middle Dantian, and when that failed, he focused on the Lower Dantian. Initially, he used a fine thread of qi, but when that failed, he exerted all his strength, as if storming a fortress.
This reckless approach was highly risky. The Lower Dantian is the source of a practitioner’s qi, and such forceful intrusion could cause severe harm. However, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as iron, rendering the Daoist’s efforts futile.
Mei Qing, sensing the Daoist’s struggle, attached his intent to the Daoist’s qi, observing the battle. However, the moment Mei Qing’s intent connected, the situation changed dramatically.
“Master Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Taoist’s words, relax your mind, and calm your spirit. The essence of our great path lies in gathering one’s thoughts. Once the mind is trained, naturally, one’s abilities become boundless, the essence becomes firm, and the foundation solid, tempered through countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and expounded on how to internalize the light of the eyes and relax the mind. He gradually taught Mei Qing to draw his gaze from the far distance to the tip of his nose, using the nose as the tip of a sword to execute the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, Mei Qing observed the Taoist’s small, squinting, and somewhat dull eyes, which gradually formed a cross-eyed appearance. While this might change one’s perspective on things, the idea that it could sever emotional attachments seemed rather amusing. Despite sitting with the Taoist for half a day, Mei Qing felt none of the so-called “qi sensation” the Taoist had mentioned. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been ushered to a side room early on, under the pretext that “the method should not be passed to a second ear” and that “each has their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Dao’s Pure and Precious Cave’s True Four Extremes Great Method,” which had supposedly been transmitted to him just a few days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been lured here by the white-robed Taoist, harboring some curiosity. But upon seeing the plump Taoist produce a pile of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi-Tonifying Powder,” “Dragon-Tiger Elixir,” and “Harmony Talismans,” and hearing increasingly absurd claims, Mei Qing realized what the white-robed Taoist had meant by “inappropriate within the bedchamber.” He couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.
However, having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly rejected the various elixirs and talismans being peddled, stating that he only sought methods for health preservation and hoped for a brief guidance from the immortal master.
In Mei Qing’s view, the pile of items on the ground could be harmless snacks at best, or at worst, concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar, which could lead to immediate ascension—a troubling thought. However, he had long heard of Taoist health preservation methods and thought that even if they didn’t lead to immortality, they might at least improve sleep. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, treating the Taoist’s talk of refined golden elixirs as irrelevant, which visibly frustrated the plump Taoist, whose face darkened like bamboo shoots after rain.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the Taoist put away his elixirs and retrieved a book from a large chest, titled “The Supreme Golden Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method of the Primordial Profound Cave.” However, the printing was crude, and the paper quality poor, making it unappealing to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in various texts, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began teaching him various methods, from adjusting the body to focusing the mind, from preserving the spirit to attaining enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
In truth, while the name of the Taoist’s method sounded like a quack remedy, its core content wasn’t entirely baseless. In the world of health preservation or spiritual cultivation, the entry point always begins with “guarding the One.”
The concept of “guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” specifically the line, “Can you embrace the One and not let go?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist teachings, and “embracing the One” is the foundation of all methods.
The “Zhuangzi” further clarifies, “I guard the One to maintain harmony.” The term “guard” is self-explanatory, but the “One” refers to various practices, each with its own nuances. Generally, it involves “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “guarding the dantian,” which, among the “guarding the One” methods, isn’t the most advanced. However, he presented it as if it were a true immortal’s secret technique, holding the “Supreme Golden Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method” and swaying his head as he spoke: “The method of guarding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Cave Chamber, three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Master Mei, this method of guarding the One is the untold secret of immortal cultivation. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing the body. Now, we will use this method to guide you into the divine path and cultivate the great Dao.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. Today, despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, he explained the method clearly: “Master Mei, in the world of guarding the One, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Sovereign, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with youthful, slightly restless temperaments, the method proceeds from the top down; for those with middle-aged, balanced temperaments, it proceeds from the middle; and for those with elderly, calm temperaments, it proceeds from the bottom up. Most people, constrained by their nature, practice the top and bottom methods. But I observe that you, Master Mei, have a clear and mature nature despite your youth. Thus, it’s better to take the balanced path, focusing on the Middle Dantian first, then extending to the top and bottom. This method is both fast and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it unexpectedly difficult to “guard the One.” While others could achieve it effortlessly, Mei Qing felt as if something was blocking his consciousness, preventing it from reaching the dantian. No matter how he guided his thoughts, he couldn’t penetrate that barrier.
This sensation was profoundly strange, as if his body wasn’t his own, and no matter how he tried to focus, he couldn’t enter. When Mei Qing shared this with the Taoist, the latter blinked his small eyes, equally puzzled.
“Master Mei, your experience is quite rare. I’ve seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. However, it’s no matter. If the Middle Dantian is hard to reach, let’s try the Upper Dantian. Although it’s slightly restless, it’s an easier entry point, and you can gradually settle into it.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian. Yet, after several tries, the result was the same. His thoughts could reach the Bright Hall but couldn’t penetrate further into the Cave Chamber or Upper Dantian.
The Taoist, perplexed, pondered deeply. The method of guarding the Upper Dantian, though a last resort, was usually straightforward. Given Mei Qing’s intelligent appearance, why couldn’t he manage such a simple task?
After much deliberation, the Taoist decided, “Master Mei, since you’re destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret technique called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method,’ which requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to sacrifice their own energy, infuse it into another, and guide their spiritual abilities to refine true qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. Sigh, the last time I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he offered five taels of incense money. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method is not to be used lightly—it’s all about destiny…”
Mei Qing, skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great power and wisdom, noticed the Taoist’s chubby face twitching as he mentioned the previous empowerment, clearly still pained by the memory. Curious, Mei Qing said, “Immortal Master, there’s no need for such concerns. I understand the importance of incense money and won’t fall short. Since you possess such abilities, I must trouble you.”
Delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement to the five taels, the Taoist’s face blossomed with joy, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons as he eagerly responded, “Excellent! I see you’re a virtuous scion of a noble family and won’t fall short. Please relax, and I shall perform the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method’ for you!”
With that, the Taoist sat across from Mei Qing, his demeanor solemn, his chubby face exuding an air of dignity.
While the Taoist’s teachings weren’t particularly profound, they weren’t entirely off the mark. His cultivation level was merely that of ordinary qi cultivation, and his so-called “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method” was largely exaggerated. However, using qi to guide a beginner’s initial qi cultivation was somewhat feasible.
Previously, when encountering individuals with restless minds, the Taoist would use his qi to guide them, often impressing the novices and earning some silver in the process.
Thus, seeing Mei Qing’s predicament, the Taoist naturally resorted to his signature method. However, Mei Qing’s body was unusually resistant, causing the Taoist significant trouble.
For some reason, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as tempered steel, making it impossible for external consciousness to penetrate. While others’ bodies were like open cities, Mei Qing’s was a heavily fortified fortress, impervious to the Taoist’s repeated attempts to infuse qi.
Sweating profusely, the Taoist focused his qi into a fine line, attempting to penetrate the Upper Dantian and stimulate Mei Qing’s own qi. However, he encountered an impenetrable wall, leaving him frustrated and puzzled.
A more skilled practitioner would have recognized the futility and withdrawn. But the Taoist, being only semi-competent and greedy for Mei Qing’s promised silver, persisted. When the Upper Dantian proved unyielding, he shifted to the Middle Dantian, and when that failed, he attacked the Lower Dantian with all his might, like a general storming a fortress.
This reckless approach was highly dangerous. The Lower Dantian is the foundation of a cultivator’s energy, and such forceful intrusion could cripple or even kill an ordinary person. However, Mei Qing’s body was as unyielding as cast iron, rendering the Taoist’s efforts futile.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s struggle, attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s qi, observing the battle.
But the moment Mei Qing’s consciousness intervened, the situation changed dramatically.
After much deliberation, the fat Daoist gritted his teeth and said, “Since Master Mei has the fortune to learn our sect’s methods, I must do my best to assist you. Our sect has a secret technique known as the Great Method of Opening the Light, Infusing the Crown, Purifying the Marrow, and Transforming the Body. This requires a practitioner with great power and wisdom to sacrifice their own abilities, guiding their spiritual energy into another’s body to awaken their abilities and refine true qi. However, this method can cause significant harm to the practitioner. Sigh, the last time I performed this method for the second son of Minister Zhao from the Ministry of Rites, he paid me five taels of lamp oil money. I’m not saying this for the money, but this method should not be used lightly. It’s all about fate…”
Looking at the fat Daoist, Mei Qing couldn’t quite see him as a practitioner with great power and wisdom. However, as the Daoist spoke, his fat face quivered, and he clearly seemed to feel some pain over the lamp oil money from the previous session. Out of curiosity, Mei Qing said, “Why must the immortal master go to such lengths? I’m not unreasonable, Master Mei. Since I’ve entered the mountain gate, how could I possibly shortchange you on the lamp oil money? Since the immortal master possesses such abilities, I can only trouble you to perform this method.”
Seeing that Mei Qing readily agreed to the five taels of lamp oil money without batting an eye, the fat Daoist was overjoyed, his face breaking into several layers of fat smiles, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons as he eagerly agreed, “Excellent! I can see that Master Mei is a moral young man from a noble family and would naturally not shortchange me. Now, please relax your body, and this humble Daoist shall perform the Great Method of Opening the Light, Infusing the Crown, Purifying the Marrow, and Transforming the Body for you!”
With that, the fat Daoist slowly sat down opposite Mei Qing, his demeanor becoming solemn. Surprisingly, his fat face even exuded a hint of solemnity.
“Esteemed Benefactor Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Taoist’s words, relax your mind, and calm your spirit. The path of the Great Dao begins with the gathering of one’s spirit. Once the spiritual thoughts are cultivated, naturally, one’s divine abilities will be unparalleled, the essence will be firm and the foundation solid, tempered through countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
Across from Mei Qing sat a portly Taoist, demonstrating the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the light of the eyes, as well as the relaxation and tranquility of the mind. He guided Mei Qing to gradually draw his gaze from the far distance to the tip of his nose, using the nose as the tip of a sword to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, Mei Qing observed the Taoist’s small, squinting, and somewhat vacant eyes, which gradually took on the appearance of crossed eyes. While this might alter one’s perspective on things, the idea that it could sever emotional attachments seemed rather amusing. Despite sitting with the Taoist for hours, Mei Qing felt none of the so-called “qi sensations” the Taoist had mentioned. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on under the pretext of “the law not being passed to a second ear” and “each having their own methods,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Dao’s Pure and Clear Four Extremes Great Method,” which had supposedly been transmitted to him just days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims, but upon seeing the portly Taoist produce a variety of “strength pills,” “qi supplements,” “dragon-tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” and hearing increasingly dubious explanations, he realized the true nature of the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the white-robed Taoist had mentioned. This realization left him both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing felt he couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal ranks and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans being peddled, stating that he merely sought guidance on health preservation.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the floor were either counterfeit snacks or potentially harmful concoctions containing lead, mercury, or cinnabar, which could lead to dire consequences if ingested. However, he had long heard of Taoist health preservation methods and thought that practicing them might at least improve his sleep, even if he didn’t aspire to immortality. Therefore, he focused solely on this aspect, disregarding the Taoist’s claims of alchemical elixirs, much to the latter’s visible frustration.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the Taoist reluctantly put away his elixirs and retrieved a book from a large chest, titled “The Supreme Golden Truth Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method of the Primordial Profound Mystery.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began to expound on various methods, from regulating the body to rectifying the mind, from preserving the spirit to attaining enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day academic giving a lecture.
In truth, while the Taoist’s “Immortal Elixir Great Method” sounded like quackery, its core principles were not entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “guarding the One.”
The concept of “guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you, when concentrating your breath, make it soft like that of a child?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist sects, and “guarding the One” is the foundation of all Taoist practices.
The “Zhuangzi” further clarifies, “I guard my One, and abide in harmony.” The term “guard” is self-explanatory, but the “One” varies across different cultivation methods. Generally, it refers to “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “guarding the dantian,” which, while not the most advanced among the “guarding the One” methods, he presented as if it were a profound secret of the immortals. Holding the “Supreme Golden Truth Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method,” he swayed his head and said, “The path of guarding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Chamber of the Cave, three inches is the Upper Dantian; the Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Esteemed Benefactor Mei, this method of guarding the One is a secret passed down through the ages for entering the path of immortality. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing the body; now, let us use this method to guide you into the divine abilities and cultivate the Great Dao.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. Although the Taoist’s appearance was unimpressive, his explanation was clear. He said, “Esteemed Benefactor Mei, in the world of guarding the One, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Emperor, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with a youthful, slightly restless nature, the method is from top to bottom; for those with a middle-aged, balanced nature, it is from the middle; and for those with an elderly, calm nature, it is from the bottom up. Most people, constrained by their nature, practice the top and bottom methods. But I observe that you, despite your youth, have a mature nature. Therefore, it is best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the two ends. This method is both fast and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, calming his mind, and focusing his intent on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it unexpectedly difficult to “guard the intent.” While others might achieve this effortlessly, Mei Qing felt as if there was a barrier preventing his consciousness from penetrating deeply, no matter how he directed his intent. This sensation was profoundly strange, as if his body was not his own, and no matter how he tried to focus, he couldn’t access the dantian.
Perplexed, Mei Qing shared this feeling with the Taoist, who blinked his small eyes, equally puzzled.
“Esteemed Benefactor Mei, your situation is quite rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts who struggle to calm their minds, but you seem focused and composed. However, since the Middle Dantian is difficult to reach, perhaps we should start with the Upper Dantian. Although it is slightly restless, it can gradually settle and serve as a convenient entry point. You may give it a try.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian. Yet, despite repeated efforts, he found it just as inaccessible. His intent could reach the Bright Hall but couldn’t penetrate further into the Chamber of the Cave or the Upper Dantian.
The Taoist, now thoroughly confused, pondered the situation. The method of guarding the Upper Dantian, though a last resort, was usually easy to grasp. Given Mei Qing’s apparent intelligence and spiritual potential, it was baffling that he couldn’t manage such a simple task.
After much deliberation, the Taoist resolved, “Since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret technique called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method,’ which requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to sacrifice their own energy, channel it into another’s body, and guide their divine abilities to refine their true qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. Alas, when I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he donated five taels of incense money. Not that I’m concerned about the money, but this method should not be used lightly; it depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great power and wisdom, noticed the Taoist’s plump face twitching as he mentioned the previous empowerment, clearly still pained by the memory. Curious, Mei Qing said, “Venerable Taoist, there’s no need for such concern. I am not an unreasonable person. Since I have entered your sect, I will not be stingy with the incense money. If you possess such divine abilities, I must trouble you to assist me.”
Delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement to the five taels of incense money, the Taoist’s face blossomed into a wide smile, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons, and he eagerly responded, “Excellent! I can see that you are a virtuous scion of a noble family and will not be lacking. Please relax your body, and I shall now perform the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method’ for you!”
With that, the Taoist slowly sat opposite Mei Qing, his demeanor solemn, and his plump face took on an air of dignity.
While the Taoist’s teachings were not particularly profound, they were not entirely off the mark. His cultivation level was merely that of ordinary qi cultivation, and his so-called “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method” was largely exaggerated. However, using qi to guide a beginner in cultivating their qi was somewhat feasible.
In the past, when encountering individuals with restless minds and scattered thoughts, the Taoist would use his qi to guide them, inducing a sense of qi sensation, which often left the novices in awe and brought him a tidy sum of money.
Thus, seeing Mei Qing’s predicament, the Taoist naturally resorted to his tried-and-true method. However, he was in for a rude awakening, as Mei Qing’s body was anything but ordinary.
For reasons unknown, Mei Qing’s body was as if forged through intense tempering. His inability to focus his intent was not due to a restless mind but because his body’s spirit and qi were already so condensed that they rejected any external intent.
In most people, the body’s spirit and qi are naturally aligned with their intent, so such issues don’t arise. But in Mei Qing’s case, his body’s spirit and qi seemed to disregard him entirely, as if they didn’t recognize him, shutting the door on any external attempts to connect.
When the Taoist attempted to intervene, he faced the same impasse. While an untrained body is like an open city, allowing free passage, Mei Qing’s body was a fortress under strict control. No matter how the Taoist tried to channel his qi, he couldn’t penetrate it.
Sweating profusely, the Taoist concentrated his qi into a fine line, attempting to enter the Upper Dantian and stimulate Mei Qing’s own qi. However, he immediately encountered an impenetrable wall, no matter how much he exerted himself. Realizing he had bitten off more than he could chew, the Taoist grew increasingly frustrated.
A more skilled practitioner would have recognized the futility and withdrawn. But the Taoist, being only half-competent and greedy for Mei Qing’s promised money, persisted despite the difficulties. When the Upper Dantian proved inaccessible, he shifted his focus to the Middle Dantian, and when that also remained unmoved, he turned to the Lower Dantian, initially guiding his qi with precision but eventually resorting to brute force.
This approach was highly risky. The Lower Dantian is the foundation of a practitioner’s essence, and such reckless manipulation could lead to severe consequences, including disability or death. However, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as cast iron, and the Taoist’s meager qi stood no chance of penetrating it.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s efforts, observed the battle at the Lower Dantian with his own intent. However, the moment his intent engaged, the situation changed dramatically.
In the past, there had been similar situations where people with restless minds and scattered thoughts were guided by the fat Daoist, who would channel his qi into their bodies, stimulating their qi sensations. This often made the novices view him as a celestial being and brought in quite a bit of money.
Therefore, when faced with Mei Qing’s situation today, he naturally brought out this signature technique. However, he did not expect that Mei Qing’s body was quite unusual, which would cause him a great deal of trouble.
It turned out that Mei Qing’s body, for some unknown reason, was as if it had been refined and condensed. This was why his thoughts could not penetrate it—not because his mind was restless, but simply because his body’s innate spiritual energy was already condensed and refused to allow any foreign thoughts to intrude.
As for others, their spiritual energy and thoughts were naturally unified, so they wouldn’t have such problems. However, Mei Qing’s spiritual energy seemed to completely ignore him, as if it didn’t recognize him at all, simply shutting the door and ignoring any knocks from outside.
When the fat Daoist took his turn, the situation was the same. For untrained individuals, their bodies were like open cities where anyone could come and go freely. Mei Qing’s body, however, was like a heavily fortified fortress, where no matter how hard the fat Daoist tried to push his qi, he couldn’t make any progress.
“Benefactor Mei, please listen to my words, relax your mind, and calm your spirit. The essence of our great path lies in gathering one’s thoughts. Once the spirit is trained, naturally, one’s abilities will become extraordinary, the essence will be firm, tempered through countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and explained how to internalize the light of the eyes and relax the mind. He gradually guided Mei Qing to shift his gaze from a distant point to the tip of his nose, using the nose as the tip of a sword to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, Mei Qing couldn’t help but find it amusing as he watched the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes gradually form a cross-eyed look. While it might change one’s perspective on things, he doubted it could truly sever emotional attachments. Despite sitting with the Taoist for hours, Mei Qing felt none of the “qi sensation” the Taoist had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on, under the pretext of “not sharing the method with two ears” and “each having their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Pure Dao of the Four Extremes” supposedly passed down to him a few days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims, but when the plump Taoist brought out a pile of “strength pills,” “qi supplements,” “dragon-tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” his speech became increasingly absurd. Mei Qing finally understood what the white-robed Taoist had meant by “impropriety within the bedchamber,” leaving him both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path, Mei Qing felt obliged to honor Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill and couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans, stating that he only sought guidance on health preservation.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the ground were either counterfeit snacks or potentially dangerous concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar, which could lead to dire consequences if consumed. However, he had long heard of Taoist health preservation methods and thought practicing them might at least improve his sleep. Therefore, he focused solely on this aspect, disregarding the Taoist’s claims about the “hundred-times refined golden elixir,” much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the Taoist put away his elixirs and retrieved a book from a large chest titled “The Supreme Golden Jade Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Method of the Primordial Mysteries.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began teaching him various methods, from adjusting the body to focusing the mind, from preserving the spirit to attaining enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
Although the Taoist’s “immortal elixir method” sounded like quackery, its core principles were not entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “holding the One.”
The concept of “holding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you hold the spirit and embrace the One without departing from it?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist teachings, and “holding the spirit and embracing the One” is the foundation of all Taoist practices.
Zhuangzi further elaborated, “I hold the One to maintain harmony.” While the meaning of “holding” is clear, the “One” varies across different cultivation methods, generally referring to “holding the spirit,” “holding the qi,” “holding the Three Ones,” or “holding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “holding the dantian,” which, while not the most advanced, he presented as a profound secret. Holding the book, he recited, “The method of holding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Chamber of the Cave, and three inches is the Upper Dantian. The Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Benefactor Mei, this method of holding the One is a closely guarded secret of immortal cultivation. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing the body. Now, let us use this method to guide you toward the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “holding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. Despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, he explained the method clearly. “Benefactor Mei, in the method of holding the One, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Elixir Sovereign of the Crimson Palace, and the Lower One is the Primordial King of the Yellow Court, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with a youthful and restless nature, start from the top and move downward. For those with a balanced and peaceful nature, start from the middle. For those with a calm and steady nature, start from the bottom and move upward. Most people, constrained by their nature, focus on the upper and lower ends. But I see that Benefactor Mei, though young, has a mature disposition. It would be best to take the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the upper and lower. This method is both fast and stable, ensuring no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it unexpectedly difficult to “hold the intention.” No matter how he tried, he felt a barrier preventing his consciousness from reaching the dantian. It was as if his body was not his own, and no matter how he focused, he couldn’t access it. When he shared this with the Taoist, the Taoist, blinking his small eyes, was equally puzzled.
“Benefactor Mei, your experience is rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. Nevertheless, since the Middle Dantian is difficult to reach, let’s try starting with the Upper Dantian. Although it may be slightly unstable, it can serve as a convenient entry point. You may give it a try.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the Upper Dantian. Yet, despite repeated efforts, he still couldn’t penetrate it. His consciousness could only reach the Bright Hall, while the Chamber of the Cave and the Upper Dantian remained out of reach.
The Taoist, perplexed, scratched his head. The method of holding the Upper Dantian, though a last resort, was usually easy to grasp. Given Mei Qing’s intelligent appearance, it was baffling that he couldn’t manage it.
After much deliberation, the Taoist gritted his teeth and said, “Benefactor Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must lend you a hand. Our sect has a secret technique called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Method.’ It requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to sacrifice their own energy, guiding it into another’s body to awaken their abilities and refine their qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. Alas, when I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he offered five taels of incense money. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method is not to be used lightly. It depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great power and wisdom, noticed the Taoist’s pained expression when mentioning the previous empowerment and, out of curiosity, said, “Master, there’s no need to worry. I understand the importance of incense money. Since you possess such abilities, I must trouble you.”
The Taoist, delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement to the five taels, smiled broadly, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons, and eagerly replied, “Excellent! I see you are a virtuous scion of a noble family. Please relax, and I shall perform the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Method’ for you!”
With that, the Taoist sat across from Mei Qing, his expression solemn, and his plump face even exuding a sense of dignity.
While the Taoist’s teachings were not particularly profound, they were not entirely off the mark. His cultivation level was merely that of ordinary qi cultivation, and his “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Method” was largely exaggerated. However, guiding a beginner in cultivating qi was still within his capabilities.
In the past, when encountering individuals with scattered thoughts, the Taoist would use his qi to guide them, often leaving them in awe and earning him some silver. Thus, seeing Mei Qing’s predicament, he naturally resorted to his signature technique. However, Mei Qing’s body was anything but ordinary, and the Taoist was in for a rude awakening.
For some reason, Mei Qing’s body was as if it had been tempered, making it impossible for his consciousness to penetrate it. This wasn’t due to a lack of focus but rather because his body’s qi was already so condensed that it rejected any external intrusion.
For others, their body’s qi and consciousness were one, so this wasn’t an issue. But Mei Qing’s qi seemed to ignore him entirely, as if it didn’t recognize him, shutting the door on any external attempts to enter.
When the Taoist tried to intervene, he faced the same problem. While an untrained body was like an open city, Mei Qing’s was a heavily fortified fortress. No matter how the Taoist pushed his qi, he couldn’t make any progress.
Sweating profusely, the Taoist concentrated his qi into a fine thread, attempting to penetrate Mei Qing’s Upper Dantian and awaken his qi. However, he immediately felt as if he had hit a wall. No matter how he tried, there was no response. Realizing he had encountered a tough nut to crack, he grew increasingly frustrated.
A more skilled practitioner would have known to retreat, but the Taoist, being only half-competent and greedy for Mei Qing’s promised silver, persisted. When the Upper Dantian proved unyielding, he turned to the Middle Dantian, and when that failed, he went straight for the Lower Dantian. Initially, he guided his qi gently, but when that didn’t work, he used all his strength, as if storming a fortress.
This reckless approach was highly dangerous. The Lower Dantian was the source of a cultivator’s qi, and if someone else’s qi interfered, it could lead to severe consequences. However, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as iron, and the Taoist’s qi couldn’t penetrate it.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s efforts, attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s qi, observing the struggle. However, the moment Mei Qing’s consciousness connected, the situation changed dramatically.
“Esteemed Benefactor Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Taoist’s words, relax your mind, and calm your spirit. The essence of our great path lies in gathering one’s thoughts. Once the spirit is trained, it naturally becomes immensely powerful, solidifying the foundation, tempered through countless trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
Seated across from Mei Qing, the portly Taoist demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the gaze, teaching Mei Qing to gradually shift his focus from the distant horizon to the tip of his nose. Using the nose as the tip of a sword, he practiced the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, as Mei Qing observed the Taoist’s squinting, dull eyes gradually forming a cross-eyed look, he couldn’t help but find it amusing. Despite sitting with the Taoist for hours, he felt none of the so-called “qi sensation” the Taoist had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been sent to a side room early on, under the pretext of “not sharing the method with two ears” and “each having their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Dao Qingling Treasure Cave True Four Extremes Pure Great Method,” which had supposedly been passed down to him just days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims, but upon seeing the portly Taoist produce a variety of “strength pills,” “qi supplements,” “dragon-tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” he realized the true nature of the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the white-robed Taoist had mentioned, leaving him both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly declined the various elixirs and talismans, stating that he only sought basic guidance on health preservation.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the floor were either counterfeit snacks or potentially dangerous concoctions containing lead, mercury, or cinnabar, which could lead to dire consequences if ingested. However, he had long heard of Taoist health preservation methods and thought they might at least help with sleep, so he focused solely on this aspect, disregarding the Taoist’s claims of miraculous elixirs, much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the Taoist reluctantly put away his elixirs and retrieved a book titled “The Supreme Primordial Profound Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Great Method” from a large chest. The book’s poor printing quality and cheap paper made it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began to teach him various methods, from body alignment to mental focus, from spirit retention to achieving enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
Although the Taoist’s teachings on the “immortal elixir method” sounded dubious, the core principles were not entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “holding the One.”
The concept of “holding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you hold the One and not let it go?” The “Dao De Jing” is the foundational text of Taoism, and “holding the One” is the basis of all Taoist practices.
Zhuangzi further elaborated, “I hold the One to maintain harmony.” While the meaning of “holding” is clear, the “One” can refer to various aspects, such as “holding the spirit,” “holding the qi,” “holding the Three Ones,” or “holding the dantian.” The Taoist taught the method of “holding the dantian,” which, though not the most advanced, he presented as a profound secret.
The Taoist explained, “The method of holding the One involves focusing on the upper dantian, located three inches above the eyebrows, the middle dantian at the heart, and the lower dantian one and a half inches below the navel. This method is a closely guarded secret of immortal cultivation. I have already taught you the breathing and posture techniques; now, we will use this method to guide you toward enlightenment.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “holding the dantian” method but didn’t fully understand it. Despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, his explanation was clear. He continued, “Benefactor Mei, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The upper dantian is the body’s celestial emperor, the middle dantian is the crimson palace’s elixir emperor, and the lower dantian is the yellow court’s primordial king, overseeing the body’s twenty-four qi. For those with youthful, restless minds, focus from the top down; for those with balanced, mature minds, focus from the middle outward; and for those with calm, elderly minds, focus from the bottom up. Most people, constrained by their nature, focus on the upper or lower dantians. However, I see that you, though young, possess a mature mind. It would be best to focus on the middle dantian first, then extend to the upper and lower dantians. This approach ensures stability and speed, with no room for error.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s instructions, aligning his posture, regulating his breathing, and focusing his mind on the middle dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it impossible to “hold the One.” No matter how he tried, his mind seemed blocked, unable to penetrate the dantian. This sensation was strange, as if his body was not his own, and his mind couldn’t access it. When he shared this with the Taoist, the latter was equally puzzled.
“Benefactor Mei, your experience is rare. While some struggle with a scattered mind, your focus seems steady. However, if the middle dantian is inaccessible, try starting with the upper dantian. Although it may be slightly unstable, it can serve as an entry point, gradually leading to deeper focus.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the upper dantian but found it equally inaccessible. His mind could reach the “bright hall” but not the “inner chamber” or the upper dantian.
The Taoist, perplexed, suggested a more drastic approach: “Benefactor Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret technique called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method,’ which requires a practitioner of great wisdom and power to transfer their own energy into another, guiding their spiritual awakening and refining their qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. The last time I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he donated five taels of silver. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method should not be used lightly; it depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great wisdom and power, was intrigued by his mention of the five taels and agreed without hesitation. The Taoist, delighted, proceeded to perform the “Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.”
Sitting across from Mei Qing, the Taoist assumed a solemn demeanor, though his teachings were far from profound. His so-called “great method” was largely exaggerated, but he could still guide beginners in cultivating qi.
However, Mei Qing’s body was unusually resistant. His internal qi seemed to reject external influences, making it impossible for the Taoist to penetrate. Despite repeated attempts, the Taoist’s efforts were in vain, leaving him frustrated and exhausted.
Unaware of the true nature of Mei Qing’s body, the Taoist persisted, trying to force his way into the lower dantian. This reckless approach was highly dangerous, as the lower dantian is the core of a practitioner’s energy. For anyone else, such interference could lead to severe injury or death. But Mei Qing’s body was as impenetrable as forged iron, rendering the Taoist’s efforts futile.
As the Taoist struggled, Mei Qing felt his own consciousness drawn to the battle at the lower dantian. The moment his mind connected with the Taoist’s energy, the situation changed dramatically.
“Master Mei, please listen to my words, calm your mind, and steady your spirit. The great path we follow begins with the gathering of one’s spirit. Once the spirit is trained, naturally, one’s abilities become extraordinary, solidifying the foundation, tempered through trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The plump Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and the art of internalizing the gaze, teaching Mei Qing how to gradually shift his focus from distant points to the tip of his nose. Using the nose as the tip of a sword, he spoke of the “Wisdom Sword Cutting Through Emotional Attachments” technique.
However, Mei Qing found it amusing that the Taoist’s small, squinting eyes, which seemed to verge on becoming cross-eyed, could supposedly alter one’s perception of reality and sever emotional ties. Despite sitting with the Taoist for hours, Mei Qing felt none of the “qi sensations” the Taoist had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been ushered to a side room early on, under the pretext of “methods not being shared with a second ear” and “each having their own path,” to practice the “Supreme Heavenly Dao’s Pure Spirit Treasure Cave True Four Extremes Pure Method,” which had supposedly been passed down to him just days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been intrigued by the white-robed Taoist’s claims, but as the plump Taoist produced an array of “strength pills,” “qi tonics,” “dragon-tiger elixirs,” and “harmony talismans,” his speech became increasingly absurd. Mei Qing finally understood the “impropriety within the bedchamber” the white-robed Taoist had hinted at, leaving him both amused and exasperated.
Having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s repeated hints about joining the immortal path and firmly rejected the various elixirs and talismans, stating that he only sought guidance on health preservation.
Mei Qing suspected that the items on the floor were either counterfeit snacks or potentially dangerous concoctions containing lead, mercury, or cinnabar, which could lead to dire consequences if consumed. He had heard much about Taoist health preservation methods and, not seeking immortality, hoped they might at least improve his sleep. He focused solely on this aspect, disregarding the Taoist’s claims about the “hundred-times refined golden elixir,” much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the Taoist put away his elixirs and retrieved a book titled “The Supreme Golden Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir Method of the Primordial Profound Mystery.” The book’s poor printing and low-quality paper made it unimpressive to Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began teaching him various methods, from body alignment to mental focus, from spirit retention to finding the “key points,” speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
Although the Taoist’s “immortal elixir method” sounded like quackery, its core principles were not entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “guarding the One.”
The concept of “guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing,” which states, “Can you keep the soul and embrace the One without departing from it?” The “Dao De Jing” is the foundational text of Taoism, and “embracing the One” is the basis of all Taoist practices.
Zhuangzi also explicitly stated, “I guard the One to dwell in harmony.” While the meaning of “guarding” is clear, the “One” can refer to various practices, such as “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “guarding the dantian,” which, among the “guarding the One” methods, is not considered the most advanced. However, he presented it as if it were a profound secret of the immortals, holding the book and swaying his head as he explained, “The method of guarding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Bright Hall, two inches is the Cave Chamber, and three inches is the Upper Dantian. The Middle Dantian is the heart, and the Lower Dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Master Mei, this method of guarding the One is a closely guarded secret of immortal cultivation. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and aligning the body. Now, we will use this method to guide you toward spiritual abilities and the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but had not understood it. Despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, his explanation was clear. He said, “Master Mei, in the method of guarding the One, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The Upper One is the Heavenly Emperor of the body, the Middle One is the Red Palace’s Elixir Sovereign, and the Lower One is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi within the body. For those with youthful, restless minds, the method progresses from the top down. For those with mature, balanced minds, it progresses from the middle. For those with elderly, calm minds, it progresses from the bottom up. Most people, constrained by their nature, follow the top or bottom methods. But I see that you, Master Mei, possess a clear and mature nature despite your youth. Thus, it is best to follow the middle path, focusing on the Middle Dantian and then extending to the other two. This approach ensures both speed and stability, with no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, aligning his body, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the Middle Dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it unexpectedly difficult to “guard the One.” While others could achieve this effortlessly, Mei Qing felt as if a barrier prevented his consciousness from reaching the dantian, no matter how he directed his thoughts.
This sensation was profoundly strange, as if his body were not his own, and no matter how he tried to focus, he couldn’t access the dantian. When Mei Qing shared this with the Taoist, the latter blinked in confusion.
“Master Mei, your experience is rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. However, since the Middle Dantian is difficult to reach, perhaps we should start with the Upper Dantian. Although it may be slightly unstable, it is an easier entry point, and you can gradually settle into it.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing tried to focus on the Upper Dantian, but the result was the same. His consciousness could only reach the Bright Hall, unable to penetrate further into the Cave Chamber or Upper Dantian.
The Taoist, equally puzzled, suggested, “Master Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret method called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method.’ It requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to transfer their own energy into another, guiding their spiritual abilities and refining their qi. However, this method is extremely taxing on the practitioner. The last time I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister, he donated five taels of silver. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method should not be used lightly. It depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great power and wisdom, noticed the Taoist’s discomfort when mentioning the previous session and, out of curiosity, said, “Master, there’s no need for such concern. I understand the importance of donations. Since you possess such abilities, I must trouble you.”
Delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement to the five taels of silver, the Taoist’s face lit up with joy, his eyes narrowing into crescent moons as he eagerly responded, “Excellent! I knew you were a virtuous noble. Please relax, and I will perform the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method’ for you!”
With that, the Taoist sat across from Mei Qing, his demeanor solemn, his plump face taking on an air of dignity.
While the Taoist’s teachings were not particularly advanced, they were not entirely incorrect. His cultivation was merely the cultivation of qi, and his “great method” was largely exaggerated. However, using qi to guide a beginner in cultivating their qi was somewhat feasible.
In the past, when encountering individuals with scattered thoughts, the Taoist had used his qi to guide them, often impressing them and earning some silver. Thus, when faced with Mei Qing’s situation, he naturally resorted to his tried-and-true method. However, Mei Qing’s body proved to be an extraordinary challenge, causing the Taoist significant trouble.
For some reason, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as tempered steel. His inability to focus his consciousness was not due to scattered thoughts but because his body’s inherent qi was so dense that it rejected external consciousness.
While others’ qi and consciousness were naturally aligned, Mei Qing’s qi seemed to ignore him entirely, as if it didn’t recognize him, shutting out any external influence.
When the Taoist attempted to intervene, he faced the same barrier. While an untrained body is like an open city, Mei Qing’s body was a heavily fortified fortress, impervious to the Taoist’s repeated attempts to penetrate it.
Sweating profusely, the Taoist concentrated his qi into a fine line, attempting to enter the Upper Dantian and awaken Mei Qing’s qi. However, he encountered an impenetrable wall, leaving him frustrated and perplexed.
A more skilled practitioner would have recognized the futility and withdrawn, but the Taoist, driven by greed and the promise of silver, persisted. When the Upper Dantian proved unyielding, he turned to the Middle Dantian, and when that failed, he focused on the Lower Dantian, exerting all his strength in a desperate attempt to break through.
This reckless approach was highly dangerous. The Lower Dantian is the source of a practitioner’s qi, and such forceful interference could cause severe harm. However, Mei Qing’s body was as unyielding as cast iron, rendering the Taoist’s efforts futile.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s struggle, attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s qi, observing the battle.
The moment Mei Qing’s consciousness connected, the situation changed dramatically.
“Benefactor Mei, please lend an ear to this humble Taoist’s words, relax your mind, and calm your spirit. The essence of our great path lies in gathering one’s thoughts; once the spirit is trained, it naturally becomes immensely powerful, solidifying the foundation, tempered through trials, unyielding like a golden spear… ahem, I digress…”
The portly Taoist sitting across from Mei Qing demonstrated the subtleties of proper posture and expounded on how to internalize the divine light in one’s eyes and how to relax and quiet the mind. He gradually guided Mei Qing to shift his gaze from the far distance to the tip of his nose, treating the nose as the tip of a sword to perform the “Wisdom Sword Cuts the Threads of Emotion” technique.
However, Mei Qing observed the Taoist’s small, squinting, and somewhat vacant eyes, which gradually took on a cross-eyed appearance. While this might alter one’s perspective on things, the idea that it could sever emotional attachments seemed rather amusing. Despite sitting with the Taoist for half a day, Mei Qing felt none of the “qi sensation” the Taoist had described. As for Zhang Qizheng, he had been shooed to a side room early on under the pretext of “the method not being transmitted to a second ear” and “each having their own path,” where he practiced the “Supreme Heavenly Sovereign’s Pure and Tranquil Great Method of the Four Extremes,” which had supposedly been passed down to him just a few days prior.
Initially, Mei Qing had been lured here by the white-robed Taoist, harboring some curiosity. But upon seeing the portly Taoist produce a pile of “Great Strength Pills,” “Qi-Tonifying Powder,” “Dragon-Tiger Elixir,” and “Harmony Talismans,” and hearing increasingly dubious claims, Mei Qing finally understood what the white-robed Taoist had meant by “inappropriate within the bedchamber.” He couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.
However, having already entered this path and not wanting to disregard Zhang Qizheng’s goodwill, Mei Qing couldn’t simply walk away. Thus, he repeatedly feigned ignorance of the Taoist’s hints about joining the immortal path and firmly rejected the various elixirs and talismans being peddled, stating that he merely sought health-preserving methods and only wished for a brief guidance from the immortal master.
In Mei Qing’s view, the items on the ground were likely either counterfeit snacks or, worse, concoctions of lead, mercury, and cinnabar, which could be dangerous if ingested. However, he had long heard of Taoist health-preserving methods and thought that even if they didn’t lead to immortality, practicing them might at least improve his sleep. Thus, he focused solely on this aspect, treating the Taoist’s claims of refined golden elixirs as nothing more than hot air, much to the Taoist’s visible frustration.
Unable to persuade Mei Qing, the Taoist put away his elixirs and retrieved a book from a large chest titled “The Supreme Great Method of the Primordial Golden Jade Liquid Dragon-Tiger Immortal Elixir.” However, the printing was crude, and the paper quality poor, making it unimpressive to someone like Mei Qing, who was well-versed in literature, and it failed to inspire any trust or reverence.
Unaware of Mei Qing’s skepticism, the Taoist began to teach him various methods, from regulating the body to rectifying the mind, from preserving the spirit to attaining enlightenment, speaking with the fervor of a modern-day expert giving a lecture.
In truth, the “immortal elixir method” taught by the Taoist, despite its grandiose name, wasn’t entirely baseless. All paths of health preservation or spiritual cultivation begin with “guarding the One.”
The concept of “guarding the One” originates from Laozi’s “Dao De Jing”: “Can you embrace the One and not let go?” The “Dao De Jing” is the source of all Taoist teachings, and “embracing the One” is the foundation of all Taoist methods.
The “Zhuangzi” further clarifies: “I guard the One to dwell in harmony.” While the meaning of “guarding” is clear, the “One” varies across different cultivation methods, generally referring to “guarding the spirit,” “guarding the qi,” “guarding the Three Ones,” or “guarding the dantian.”
The Taoist taught the method of “guarding the dantian,” which, among the “guarding the One” methods, isn’t considered the highest. Yet, he presented it as if it were a profound secret of the immortals, holding the book and swaying his head as he recited: “The path of guarding the One: one inch above the eyebrows is the Hall of Light, two inches is the Chamber of the Cave, three inches is the upper dantian; the middle dantian is the heart, and the lower dantian is one and a half inches below the navel. Benefactor Mei, this method of guarding the One is a closely guarded secret of immortal cultivation. I have already taught you the method of regulating breath and establishing the body; now, let us use this method to guide you toward enlightenment and cultivate the great path.”
Mei Qing had heard of the “guarding the dantian” method but hadn’t fully understood it. Today, despite the Taoist’s unimpressive appearance, he explained the method clearly: “Benefactor Mei, in the method of guarding the One, although there are three dantians, they are connected by a single qi. The upper one is the Emperor of the body, the middle one is the Red Palace’s Elixir Sovereign, and the lower one is the Yellow Court’s Primordial King, overseeing the twenty-four qi in the body. For those with youthful, restless temperaments, the method proceeds from the top down; for those with balanced, middle-aged temperaments, it proceeds from the middle outward; and for those with calm, elderly temperaments, it proceeds from the bottom up. Most people, constrained by their nature, practice the upper and lower methods. But I observe that Benefactor Mei, though young, possesses a mature disposition. Thus, it would be best to take the middle path, focusing on the middle dantian and then extending to the upper and lower dantians. This approach ensures both speed and stability, with no mistakes.”
Mei Qing found this explanation similar to his understanding of “qigong” and followed the Taoist’s guidance, adjusting his posture, regulating his breath, and focusing his mind on the middle dantian.
However, Mei Qing found it unexpectedly difficult to “guard the One.” No matter how he tried, he felt a barrier preventing his consciousness from reaching the dantian, as if his body resisted his efforts.
Puzzled, Mei Qing shared this sensation with the Taoist, who blinked his small eyes in confusion.
“Benefactor Mei, your experience is quite rare. I have seen people with scattered thoughts struggle to focus, but you seem calm and collected. Nonetheless, if the middle dantian is inaccessible, perhaps we should try the upper dantian. Although it may be slightly unstable, it can serve as an entry point, gradually settling over time.”
Following the Taoist’s advice, Mei Qing attempted to focus on the upper dantian. Yet, despite repeated efforts, he found it equally inaccessible, with his consciousness only reaching the outer Hall of Light, unable to penetrate further.
The Taoist, equally baffled, suggested a more drastic measure: “Benefactor Mei, since you are destined to learn our methods, I must assist you. Our sect has a secret method called the ‘Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method,’ which requires a practitioner of great power and wisdom to transfer their own energy into another, guiding their spiritual awakening and refining their true qi. However, this method greatly harms the practitioner. Last time I performed this for the second son of the Ministry of Rites’ Vice Minister Zhao, he donated five taels of incense money. I’m not mentioning this for the money, but this method should not be used lightly; it depends on fate…”
Mei Qing, though skeptical of the Taoist’s claims of great power and wisdom, noticed the Taoist’s reluctance and curiosity piqued, he agreed: “Immortal Master, there’s no need to worry. I understand the importance of incense money and won’t fall short. Since you possess such abilities, I must trouble you.”
Delighted by Mei Qing’s immediate agreement, the Taoist beamed, his face blooming with joy, and eagerly proceeded: “Excellent! I can see that Benefactor Mei is a virtuous scion of a noble family and won’t disappoint. Please relax, and I shall now perform the Enlightenment, Empowerment, Marrow Cleansing, and Body Transformation Great Method!”
Sitting across from Mei Qing, the Taoist assumed a solemn demeanor, his portly face exuding an air of gravity.
While the Taoist’s teachings weren’t particularly profound, they weren’t entirely flawed. His cultivation level was modest, and his so-called “great method” was largely exaggerated. However, using qi to guide a beginner’s initial cultivation was somewhat feasible.
In the past, the Taoist had occasionally used this method to help those with scattered thoughts, channeling his qi into their bodies to trigger their own qi sensations, often leaving novices in awe and earning him some silver.
Thus, seeing Mei Qing’s predicament, the Taoist resorted to his tried-and-true method. However, Mei Qing’s body proved exceptionally resistant, giving the Taoist a hard time.
For reasons unknown, Mei Qing’s body was as solid as tempered steel, naturally repelling external consciousness. While most people’s bodies are open to external influences, Mei Qing’s was like a heavily fortified fortress, impervious to the Taoist’s attempts to penetrate it.
The Taoist, unaware of this, persisted, channeling his qi into Mei Qing’s upper dantian, only to encounter an impenetrable wall. Undeterred, he shifted his focus to the middle and then the lower dantian, exerting all his strength in a desperate attempt to break through.
This reckless approach was highly risky. The lower dantian is the foundation of a cultivator’s essence, and such forceful intrusion could cause severe harm. However, Mei Qing’s body, as solid as cast iron, remained impervious to the Taoist’s efforts.
Mei Qing, sensing the Taoist’s struggle, attached his consciousness to the Taoist’s qi, observing the battle within his own body.
But as soon as Mei Qing’s consciousness connected, the situation changed dramatically.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Mei Qing’s thoughts reached out, the situation changed dramatically.
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