Chapter 1, Reborn as a Human, Cultivating the True in the Mystical Path

He can only move forward, not backward

Zhang Yan had just left not long ago when a middle-aged scholar in his thirties hurriedly arrived, only to find that the place was already empty. He couldn't help but stamp his feet in frustration, his face filled with disappointment.

Almost all Taoist texts are written in this script, which can be said to be the fundamental basis of cultivating the Dao

Just by taking this step forward, there is no turning back.

Cangwu Mountain, Shanyuan Temple

Of course, those who are exceptionally gifted and chosen by their masters are naturally a different matter

Min Lou's expression stiffened, and he exclaimed, "Oh, you don't use bamboo sticks for divination?"

Zhang Yan did not raise his head, and although his tone was calm, the confidence within it was enough to influence those around him. Although Min Lou still felt half-convinced and half-skeptical, his expression had unconsciously shifted from playful to somewhat serious.

To understand, this set of principles is named "The Classic of One Qi Purification". As the saying goes, the Dao produces One, One produces Two, Two produces Three, and Three produces all things. The term "One Qi Purification" is derived from the character "One", which can be said to be the origin of all great paths.

Min Lou was taken aback for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter: "Senior Brother Zhang is indeed a remarkable person!"

"Very well, I can still afford the trifling amount for rice and grain. Here, I have a book for you." Min Lou was also a straightforward person; he took out a thin book from his bosom and slapped it heavily on the stone table, his expression quite mocking. "Please take a look!"

Upon this realization, he felt a wave of relief wash over him, clearly indicating that after releasing his thoughts, he had finally achieved a perfect harmony with his physical body

Zhang Yan smiled without speaking; not everyone is as confident as Min Lou. However, since he mentioned being willing to have his fellow disciples take care of his "business," it would be better to make the matter clear from the outset, leaving him no room to decline. Moreover, it seems that Min Lou is not an ordinary disciple of the Dao; through mutual interactions, they can naturally build a friendship, so why not take advantage of this opportunity

"Millet and silver can both be exchanged." Zhang Yan pointed to a line of small text at the inconspicuous corner of the long banner. His primary concern was to resolve the issue of livelihood, as this was the most pressing matter at hand

But this alone is still not enough

In recent days, Zhang Yan has been deeply contemplating how to resolve the predicament before him. He has come up with a solution that, if planned appropriately, could not only address the immediate challenge but also allow him to enter the sight of the Master of the Good Abyss.

Before ascending the mountain, he was merely a simple and honest youth, lacking any experience in the ways of the world, and without guidance from others. He truly believed it to be so, dedicating himself to diligent practice regardless of the scorching summer or the frigid winter, spending three hours each day on this particular technique

In Zhang Yan's view, the inscriptions are more accurately described as the "codes" of cultivators rather than mere characters. Each inscription conveys a thousand meanings, and once formed into sentences, they become as incomprehensible as celestial scripts. To understand them, one must not only rely on innate talent and insight but also use bamboo slips for divination and reasoning to outline the general ideas. Only through careful contemplation can one gain insights.

Having experienced the cataclysm of the previous world, in the face of various natural disasters and viruses, Zhang Yan deeply felt the powerlessness and insignificance of mortals. Therefore, at this moment, his desire for enlightenment was far more fervent and intense than anyone else's

Cultivation is not about retreating into the deep mountains and avoiding the mundane world; rather, it is an endeavor that consumes a significant amount of resources. Those from affluent families may find it feasible, but others should not expect to sustain it.

Zhang Yan immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and said: "In that case, I thank you, Senior Brother, for your support"

It is already difficult to make a living, so how can one talk about pursuing the path of immortality

Min Lou received it with a smile that seemed to be both genuine and insincere, glanced at it, and casually praised, "A good character, a good character"

His doubts are evidently not unfounded. Generally speaking, the ability to interpret inscriptions is closely related to a person's cultivation level. If you have not reached that stage yourself, how can you explain the meaning of the text to others? The deeper the pool, the more water it can hold; this is an undeniable truth.

However, having lived here alone for three years, he had long since become accustomed to the scenery before him. Naturally, he walked with ease, heading straight out of the boardwalk and along the mountain path.

Seeing Zhang Yan's calm demeanor, which seemed to suggest he had some expertise, the person could not help but feel a sense of curiosity. He also cupped his hands and said: "I am Min Lou, a disciple of the De Xiu Temple. May I ask how this junior brother is addressed?"

Zhang Yan could only respond with a bitter smile; this person is indeed too honest, actually believing this line of reasoning

Zhang Yan, one of the three lower houses of the Mingcang Sect, is a named disciple of the Shanyuan Temple.

About half an hour later, Zhang Yan's brush paused heavily and then lifted; he finally finished writing. Subsequently, he picked up the white paper and blew on it to dry, handing it over to Min Lou

The content at the beginning of this book is not particularly significant; however, there are several points that are quite perplexing. Initially, he consulted a senior apprentice to gain a better understanding. Even so, there are still some obscure details that remain questionable to this day. He does not believe that a mere named disciple could decipher them.

However, this method carries certain risks; a single misstep could lead to irretrievable consequences. Nevertheless, since heaven has granted him this opportunity, it is absolutely impossible for him to abandon his path and descend the mountain.

Only by unblocking the celestial meridians and cleansing oneself of all impurities can one cultivate the legendary celestial techniques and enter the profound path. However, even if one practices the ordinary breathing techniques for another thirty to fifty years, they will still be unable to gain entry into the realm of the immortals

The so-called arrow is on the string, and it must be released

Zhang Yan calmly took the Taoist scripture, casually flipped through a few pages, and smiled slightly. He dipped his brush into the ink without any hesitation and began to write swiftly on the blank paper.

Min Lou laughed heartily, sat down in front of Zhang Yan, and said: "I wonder what particular considerations you have regarding the interpretation of the eclipse text, Junior Brother?"

Although he has not occupied this body for long, he can discern from certain clues that what is referred to as opportunity is nothing more than wealth and filial piety. Without wealth, and lacking exceptional talent, who would pay attention to you, an inconspicuous named disciple?

Zhang Yan fell into deep thought; although he had long calculated the gains and losses, when it came time to take that final step, it was inevitable to feel a mix of hope and fear of loss

Zhang Yan cupped his hands and said: "I am ashamed; I rely solely on this for my livelihood"

Not long after, a person walked over the stone steps in front of the pavilion. He glanced at the bamboo banner, then looked at Zhang Yan, and said with wide eyes: "Explaining the inscriptions and the Daoist scriptures? My brother, seeing that your cultivation is not high, how dare you speak such grand words?"

Fortunately, with every loss comes a gain. What comforts Zhang Yan is that after years of hard practice, this body has established an incredibly solid foundation. It is likely that no one in the entire Shanyuan Temple pays as much attention to the foundational techniques as he does.

However, there was no expression of joy on his face

Only those seekers like Zhang Yan, who actively ascend the mountain, must bear all expenses themselves

He originally came from a family of officials. At the age of sixteen, he was guided by a master to the Shanyuan Temple to seek the Dao and pursue immortality. However, three years passed in a hurry, and aside from learning some breathing techniques for strengthening his body, he did not acquire the legendary methods of the immortals.

He subconsciously held a piece of translucent, lustrous jade in his hand and began to gently rub it. Immediately, a delicate sensation, akin to the smoothness of congealed fat, emanated from his fingers, and his slightly agitated mood gradually began to calm down

Certainly, if someone dedicates their entire life to the study of erosion texts, it is possible for them to achieve something. For instance, those who are aware that they have no hope of attaining enlightenment yet possess a profound interest in metaphysical principles. However, these individuals are first and foremost free from worries about food and clothing, and they are all people who have devoted their lives to the pursuit of knowledge.

Although he possesses great determination and perseverance, there are more pressing matters to consider at present. After three years of cultivation, he has not engaged in any productive work, and the money he brought to the mountain is nearly exhausted. Now, apart from a small cooking pot and a complete set of writing materials, he has no remaining wealth, and each day he can only fill his stomach with wild vegetables

The phrases in this interpretation of the Daoist text are remarkably concise and incisive. It is evident that Zhang Yan is not only well-educated but also possesses considerable expertise in the art of interpretation. Furthermore, he has clearly articulated all of his previous doubts. It is worth noting that this was accomplished in less than one hour.

Cangwu Mountain comprises eighteen peaks and thirty-six streams. At the summit of the ninth peak, Yueqiong Peak, there is a flat and smooth giant rock known as "Qianren Rock." Every time the sun rises in the east and colorful clouds fill the sky, hundreds of disciples from Shanyuan Temple rise early to gather here, expelling the old and welcoming the new, consuming the essence of heaven and earth.

As the cultivation of the practitioner deepens, there will be distinctions in the levels of cultivation methods; however, in the beginning, they all converge towards the same goal, differing only slightly. Most of the orthodox schools of the world regard this breathing technique as the fundamental basis for entry into their teachings.

Zhang Yan nodded slightly and said, "Everyone, please wait for a moment."

If this cannot be achieved, then one should simply abandon the thought of pursuing immortality

Since we have come to this world, we must not miss the path to immortality

Donghuazhou

Zhang Yan returned the greeting and said: "I am honored, I am Zhang Yan, a disciple of the Shanyuan Temple."

Perhaps benefiting from the experience of two lifetimes, Zhang Yan, who already possessed considerable talent in deciphering inscriptions, now felt even more agile and quick-witted. When engaging in divination and deduction, he not only made very few mistakes but also worked several times faster than usual. He could easily rely on assisting others in interpreting inscriptions to earn wealth.

This is actually referring to the first threshold that practitioners must face on their path to cultivation—opening the meridians

If one is unwilling to spend time in arduous practice, one may seek guidance from the master at the temple. However, it is essential to consider whether you possess sufficient "opportunity" for this.

The person is approximately in their twenties, broad-shouldered and stout, wearing a blue Daoist robe with sleeves rolled up to the forearms, revealing solid muscles. Their eyes are spirited, and their complexion has a subtle jade hue, indicating a successful foundation in cultivation. It is evident that they have entered the realm of "Condensing Yuan and Manifesting Intent." A person with such cultivation level is likely to have a significant background

Zhang Yan flipped through more than ten pages without feeling any difficulty. Indeed, if it were a profound text, the other party would surely not be willing to casually let him view it. However, after turning a few more pages, he furrowed his brow and paused slightly in his writing.

Min Lou caught a glimpse of Zhang Yan's expression and couldn't help but smile to himself

Although he encountered a difficult challenge, Zhang Yan remained calm. Instead, he quietly grasped the remaining jade in his sleeve with his left hand, immersing his mind into it. After a short while, he continued to write.

His residence is a cave dwelling carved out of the cliff at Shanyuan Temple, providing a place for those seeking enlightenment to meditate and reside. Outside the cave, a wooden plank walkway has been constructed for passage, with no guardrails on the outer side, and within three steps lies a sheer precipice, instilling a sense of awe in those who gaze upon it

Zhang Yan, who had struggled for seven long years in a post-apocalyptic world, unexpectedly died while covering the retreat of the camp, but was able to be reborn in the body of a young man with the same name.

Ultimately, without opening the meridians, one cannot attain immortality

A certain master once informed him that to enter the realm of the mysterious, one must first cultivate the primordial spirit, open the celestial meridians, transcend the mortal body, and plant the mysterious root

No need

He was not in a hurry to turn back, and the servants displayed no signs of impatience, quietly waiting at the side. This scene naturally attracted quite a few onlookers.

In his view, the previous Zhang Yan only knew how to cultivate in seclusion and did not understand how to tap into his own wealth

He couldn't help but smile lightly; since he was no longer the original Zhang Yan, he should act according to his heart's desire and return to his true self, casting aside all past concerns.

Typically, when interpreting the Taoist scriptures, one would use bamboo sticks for divination. Without the bamboo sticks, his ability in this regard has only been witnessed among a few senior disciples with profound cultivation.

He spent three years repeatedly practicing the foundational teachings. Whenever he went to seek further teachings from the master, the master would only tell him that the time was not yet ripe and that his efforts were insufficient, urging him to devote himself even more diligently to his practice

Min Lou's gaze towards Zhang Yan immediately changed; he replaced it with an expression of admiration and sincerely said, "Senior Brother, your skills are remarkable, I am in awe." His previous doubts about Zhang Yan stemmed from his disbelief in the latter's capabilities. Now that he recognized Zhang Yan's genuine talent, his attitude and tone became significantly more respectful.

Min Lou waved the paper in his hand and laughed, saying: "With such skills, Senior Brother, what is there to worry about regarding livelihood? I, along with those fellow brothers, intend to frequently disturb you in the future."

He looked up at the sky; it was already the hour of Chen. The daylight outside was bright, and the mountain mist had dissipated. He stood up tall, shouldered the bamboo basket he had prepared earlier, and held a bamboo banner in his hand as he walked out slowly.

Zhang Yan appeared to be under twenty years old, having not even succeeded in building the foundation, which could be said to reflect a lack of cultivation. How could he command any credibility?

However, this is ultimately just the most superficial of principles; without the superior methods to guide one, even the best foundation cannot sprout and bear fruit

Ten days ago, a meteor fell from the sky on the back mountain of Cangwu. The original owner of this body inadvertently picked up this piece of fallen jade, but before they could even take a closer look, they collapsed and died on the spot

He held the broken jade in his hand and couldn't help but smile; with it, he felt more assured

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and a nine-story platform rises from a pile of earth. Opening the meridians is not achieved in one go; it first requires the cultivation of vital energy and the establishment of the foundation. However, even this initial step left Zhang Yan feeling quite helpless.

However, after taking a few more glances, he was taken aback. As he continued to look, his expression of surprise deepened, and in the end, he actually stood up abruptly, staring at Zhang Yan in a daze.

Min Lou glanced at it and found that Zhang Yan was not asking for much. If he could truly interpret the eclipse script, it would be considered a "bargain sale".

Such interpretations rely partly on divination and partly on speculation, often consuming a great deal of time and, of course, lacking in efficiency. There are not a few who, despite holding sacred texts, spend three to five years without grasping their meaning, which causes considerable frustration for most practitioners.

Min Lou then took his leave, and as he departed, he made no mention of wealth. Zhang Yan did not inquire further, his demeanor resolute, as if they had both forgotten this matter.

On this day, apart from Min Lou, no one else came to attend to his business. Only a few people asked a couple of questions. Regardless of who it was, Zhang Yan answered each one individually, and only when the sun began to set did he close up shop, taking four servants with him to push the wheelbarrow back to his residence

Although this breathing technique makes me lighter and healthier, surpassing ordinary people to some extent, it ultimately is not the right path. Even if I practice it until I grow old and die, I will only achieve a light body and keen senses. If I continue to wait for an opportunity, not only is the great path difficult to attain, but even my livelihood will be hard to sustain. It seems that today I must take a risky course of action.

In Min Lou's view, Zhang Yan merely closed his eyes for a moment in contemplation before picking up his pen to continue writing. This caused a look of confusion to appear on his face, but he soon realized that Zhang Yan must have skipped this section. However, this is a common occurrence when interpreting the inscriptions. This time, he was simply indulging a whim, with a hint of playful mockery, and thus did not expect any particular outcome.

Zhang Yan slowly emerged from his meditative state, feeling clear-headed and alert, with his breath barely perceptible. His entire being was enveloped in a sense of lightness and comfort, indicating a noticeable improvement in his cultivation.

With just a meager amount of money for rice, one can interpret the Daoist scriptures; for him, that is indeed a great bargain! Although Zhang Yan is currently down on his luck, he is bound to have his day in the sun in the future. If one does not befriend such a person now, there may not be another opportunity later.

At noon, four servants, each dressed appropriately, pushed a unicycle to the pavilion in front of Qianzhang Rock. The foremost servant respectfully bowed to Zhang Yan and said: "Are you Young Master Zhang? We are the servants of Young Master Min, and we have been instructed by him to deliver these grains and money to your residence"

Because my origins are rooted in scholarly pursuits, I have devoted considerable effort to studying the script known as "Shiweng" used by practitioners of the Dao.

Zhang Yan smiled gently, his expression very warm and courteous. He stood up, cupped his hands in salute, and said: "You may give it a try"

The De修观 and the 善渊观 are both among the three major lower sects of the 溟沧派. The disciples of the two sects often engage in discussions and exchanges. However, a significant event has recently occurred on 苍梧山, attracting many disciples from the three sects. Most of them are residing at 悦穹峰, which has a relatively flat terrain.

From Wangxing Peak, where Zhang Yan resides, to Qianzhang Rock, it takes approximately half an hour on foot. By the time he arrived here, the morning class had long since dispersed, and only a few disciples were gathered in small groups, discussing their insights on cultivation. He paid them no mind and sought out a spacious pavilion with a clear view. Sitting down on a stone bench, he lifted the bamboo banner, set out his writing materials, and sat there in silence with his eyes closed.