Chapter 5, The Path of Cultivation

However, he is not unfamiliar with the principle, as it has already been covered in the curriculum of the Immortal's Hall.

Fang Yuan readily agreed, and he realized that the first thing to learn when communicating with this manager Sun was to interrupt his speech

Fang Yuan was not unfamiliar with the essentials of cultivating the mind method, or even the techniques of meditation and breathing exercises. He had long sought guidance from Mr. Zhu; however, due to the sect's regulations, Mr. Zhu was unable to impart the methods of energy cultivation to him. This was also his first encounter with this mysterious energy cultivation technique

Fang Yuan felt a sense of assurance in his heart, and his expression became noticeably more cheerful.

Miscellaneous Affairs Supervisor, Cleaning Pavilion, Newly Appointed Miscellaneous Staff Fang Yuan, this is your badge

That night, Fang Yuan sat for the entire evening, and when his thoughts finally returned to him, he opened his eyes to see the room filled with sunlight

He issued a set of items to Fang Yuan, which included a specially made badge from the Qingyang Sect, a set of blue robes woven from an unknown material, which were exactly what the servants wore, two Qi training pills that could strengthen the body, and a scroll of Qi training techniques with a somewhat damaged cover. He then led Fang Yuan through the mountains and temples, chattering on about the rules.

The disciple understands

Under this steadfast determination, Fang Yuan spent seven or eight consecutive days in meditation and breathing exercises. Even though he initially could not meet the requirements stated in the Qi training methods, he persevered. Finally, on the night of the ninth day, he inadvertently entered an extraordinarily profound state, feeling as if he had disappeared and merged with the universe, akin to a plankton in the vast ocean

Manager Sun is correct; the wind is cold and the dew is heavy in the mountains, and indeed ordinary people cannot withstand it

On the first day after entering the Qingyang Sect, Fang Yuan spent his time in this repetitive and tiresome attempt, not knowing how many times he had failed, and he could not even remember if he had ever succeeded. It was not until he woke up the next day to the sound of birds chirping and insects buzzing that he realized he had unknowingly fallen asleep, feeling a bit of bitter amusement in his heart, for cultivation was indeed not an easy task

He secretly thought to himself, and his gaze fell upon the cultivation manual on the table, his eyes brightening slightly.

In the past few days, he had been unable to control his mind and spirit, nor could he sense the presence of spiritual energy. He also did not take the qi-enhancing pills distributed by the sect, because he had heard Mr. Zhu say that in the path of cultivation, understanding the heavens and the earth, meditating, and practicing qi are the essence.

It seemed that Sun Guan was about to say something, but upon seeing Fang Yuan's cheerful demeanor, he held back and continued to lead the way, chattering away as he introduced Fang Yuan to everything, from the rules of the sect to local customs, and even the likes and dislikes of a certain elder, leaving nothing out. He brought him to the back of a grand hall in the mountains, in front of a dilapidated house built at the foot of the slope, and said with a smile: "From now on, you will live here. Your duty is to clean the Everbright Hall in front of the mountain. Currently, it is unoccupied, but this task must not be delayed, otherwise..."

After entering the Qingyang Sect, Fang Yuan separated from the others and was sent to a low mountain on the edge of the sect. In front of a somewhat ancient hall, he encountered a tall and thin steward with a somewhat shifty appearance, dressed in green. This steward, surnamed Sun, was an old man who had served in the Qingyang Sect for over ten years and was currently in charge of a dozen or so miscellaneous workers like Fang Yuan.

If one cannot achieve the state described in the breathing techniques of "calming the mind and spirit, and being as humble as a valley," then it is naturally impossible to sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth through the method of guiding breath. He could only helplessly rise to attend to his tasks, planning to continue later in the evening

Haha, good, this is what you, junior brother, have said. When the time comes, we must drink and celebrate, and not return until we are drunk

So... can the miscellaneous servants of the immortal sect also become disciples of the immortal sect

The first step in this practice of cultivating energy is to draw the spiritual energy into the body, which is a process of improving one's physical constitution. To achieve this goal, one must first sense the spiritual energy that is omnipresent in the world yet elusive. The teachings on this aspect are quite clear, and the methods for guiding breath and circulating spiritual energy within the body are thoroughly and meticulously documented.

I have cultivated my first strand of spiritual energy

What is known as cultivation is the inhalation and exhalation of the universe, the improvement of one's physical constitution, and the gradual mastery of the forces between heaven and earth

The dining area is located here, where meals are served three times a day. The place to collect the monthly stipend is over there; remember to come on time at the end of each month. That area is where the disciples of the Immortal Gate engage in quiet cultivation, and entry is not permitted without permission. As for the back mountain, it has not been explicitly stated that entry is forbidden, but it is home to many ferocious beasts. Therefore, if you do not wish to offer your flesh and blood to feed them, it is best to refrain from entering casually

However, no matter how good the elixir is, it ultimately remains merely an auxiliary means. He does not wish to rely on the power of the elixir as soon as he embarks on the path of cultivation

Become a disciple of the immortal sect

This point, however, is not easy to achieve; distractions arise at the slightest provocation, and the mind seems to run wild like a wild horse, beyond one's control

When Fang Yuan realized the changes happening to him, he was even somewhat incredulous.

The path of cultivation is divided into six realms: Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, Golden Elixir, Nascent Soul, Spirit Transformation, and Great Ascension

When the steward Sun introduced Fang Yuan to the young woman selling tofu pudding in the small town ten miles west of Qingyang Sect, who had recently raised a litter of puppies, one of which looked like a cat, Fang Yuan couldn't help but ask a question.

It is estimated that for a long time to come, he will have to live here, and Fang Yuan does not really mind. He comes from a poor background and did not live any better at his uncle and aunt's house in Taiyue City. At least this house looks relatively sturdy and does not leak. However, the wind in the mountains is strong at night, and after sitting for a while, he felt a chill all over his body, so he hurriedly got up to close the window.

He hurriedly followed the instructions of the mind method to look inward and sensed a faint trace of spiritual energy within his body that was almost undetectable, and he immediately smiled.

Then, Manager Sun was slightly taken aback, looking at Fang Yuan's excited expression, and surprisingly fell silent for a while. After a long pause, he gently shook his head and smiled, "Our Qingyang Sect has this rule. It is said that three thousand years ago, one of the sect masters of Qingyang Sect came from a humble background. Since then, this rule has been passed down. If a disciple from a humble background can cultivate to the third level of Qi Refinement or above before the age of eighteen, and then pass the assessment by the elders, they can officially join the immortal sect for cultivation..."

Fang Yuan automatically silenced his subsequent words and eagerly asked a crucial question

Isn't it natural? Haven't I given you both the Qi cultivation techniques and the Qi cultivation elixir?

Smiling with great satisfaction

Although this cultivation method was extremely difficult at the beginning, he persevered through it

Indeed, Steward Qiao did not deceive me

Senior brother, can we also cultivate?

There is no need for you to trouble yourself, Senior Brother. Today, I still need to clean the house. In a few days, I will invite you back, Senior Brother...

That Manager Sun said with a smile: "We usually live in this deep mountain, where the wind is cold and the dew is heavy. If one has no cultivation at all, their body cannot withstand it. The immortal sect allows us, the miscellaneous disciples, to practice some Qi training methods for this very reason. Some of the miscellaneous disciples, however, are lazy and do not practice, and as a result, when it rains, their joints ache unbearably. Therefore..."

At that moment, he still habitually practiced the breathing techniques from his Qi cultivation method, inhaling and exhaling without awareness or sensation. It seemed as if something intangible was being generated from nothing, and faintly, a certain elusive force appeared to enter his body from the universe. Despite the heavy chill of the morning wind in the mountains, he felt a warmth, as if a small snake was slithering within him, gradually making him forget the cold wind around him

Fang Yuan was merely engaging in casual pleasantries, yet this Manager Sun was overjoyed and continued to chatter on about many things, only leaving reluctantly after a long while

The steward Sun spoke incessantly; at first, Fang Yuan listened patiently, but later he could not help but lose focus, his heart filled with joy as he gazed at the Qi cultivation technique of the Qingyang Sect in his arms along with the two Qi cultivation pills. Meanwhile, Steward Sun seemed unconcerned whether Fang Yuan was listening or not; he continued to speak in front, his demeanor full of excitement, as if his own happiness in speaking was sufficient.

Fang Yuan expressed his gratitude to him, then entered the small room in front of him. However, he found it to be quite dilapidated, with very simple furnishings: just a bed, a table, a chair, and a cabinet. On the table was an oil lamp, covered in cobwebs, and it was unclear how long it had been since it was last lit. Fang Yuan took out a flint and struck it a few times, managing to ignite the lamp. With the dim light, he tidied up the room before finally sitting down.

Therefore, having made up his mind, he vowed not to consume any elixirs until he had cultivated his first strand of spiritual energy

However, Fang Yuan is very perseverant and patient; he knows that this matter cannot be rushed. If it does not succeed the first time, he will try a second time

Then let us begin our training to resist the cold!

Thus, Fang Yuan quietly began his life in the Immortal Sect. During the day, he was required to clean the vast Changming Hall, which, although referred to as a hall, actually comprised nineteen rooms in four wings at the front and back. In addition, there were the deities in the main hall and the scripture repository in the side hall. Each day involved sweeping, tidying, and even repairing the roof tiles, and after completing the day's tasks, he often felt sore in his waist and back, utterly exhausted

I have finally embarked on the path of cultivation

Fang Yuan had a good memory; after only a few readings, he memorized the first article on the guiding breath method. He then carefully reviewed it in his mind, confirming that he had thoroughly understood it. He sat cross-legged on the bed, regulated his breathing, and attempted to empty his mind.

Alas, the sun is about to set. Junior Brother Fang, since you have just entered the sect, how about I go fetch a couple of jars of wine and slice half a jin of pig's head meat? This way, not only can I welcome you on behalf of the senior brothers, but I can also continue to introduce you to the customs and culture of our sect...

However, what he looked forward to the most was the evening practice