Chapter 0007 The Essence of Cultivation, Where Are You?

Moreover, this era has witnessed countless instances of premature death due to issues related to diet, hygiene, and diseases

"Away from the Great Wall?" Zhang Bairen was taken aback: "Does that mean we are right in the heart of the Turks?"

However, Sun Simiao seems to be a Daoist practitioner; are Daoist practitioners so easily deceived?

In this world, the greatest expectation of ordinary people is to have enough to eat, not daring to wish for good food; as long as they can be full, it suffices, regardless of whether it is grass or tree leaves, as long as they can eat their fill

How can one develop their potential? Potential is elusive and hidden within the depths of the body; how can it be unlocked?

It is not the abdomen, but it is already close to the abdomen Zhang's mother sighed softly

It is a pity that even a powerful empire like the Sui Dynasty still finds it difficult to fulfill the simplest wishes of the common people

The essence of cultivation lies in self-refinement, indeed it is self-refinement, the development of one's own potential

Zhang Bairen smiled wryly upon hearing this, set down the chicken cage in his hand, and decisively chose not to continue entangling himself in this issue

However, in terms of cultivation, it should be referred to as refining essence and transforming qi

To develop the ethereal potential with the same elusive consciousness, this is the significance of meditation in Taoist practice

As the saying goes, refining essence into qi is not merely about refining essence into air

Although the northern region is bitterly cold, it is free from the suffering of war. Five years ago, the imperial army suddenly arrived beyond the Great Wall and established a foothold here, far from the Great Wall, which has drawn the attention of the Hu people, who watch us closely and monitor us in secret. They have placed us, these refugees, in a perilous situation; otherwise, in this desolate place, the Hu people would not linger here at all. They would have long since fled!" Mother Zhang gritted her teeth and said: "We have sought refuge in the land of the barbarians, far from the Central Plains, yet we still find it difficult to escape the suffering of war."

Zhang Bairen feels no affection whatsoever for his biological father. After all, he is an adult, and to call someone who has shown him no nurturing whatsoever 'father' would be far more painful than killing him.

After a long time, a fragrant aroma wafted through the air, and Zhang's mother awoke, saying: "The pot is boiling, you go wait, and I will bring it to you."

The loss of teeth in a person signifies a transformation of the body, representing the activation of latent potential within. Cultivation is the process of gathering this potential and harnessing it, enabling one to possess incredible power

Sigh, Hebei is experiencing a severe drought this year. It is already fortunate to have enough to eat, yet you still find fault. You have no idea how many families have resorted to exchanging children for food..." Mother Zhang sighed softly, sitting beside Zhang Bairen and embracing him.

Without hybrid rice, although the 21st century has seen reform and opening up, flourishing like a garden, it does not necessarily mean that everyone can eat well; being full is not a problem. Zhang Bairen looked at the chicken thrown into the pot, instinctively licked his lips, and inwardly cursed the chicken thief for stealing one of his wild chickens. If he were to catch him, he would make him understand why the flowers are so red.

"Is it too early? It's not early at all. You are already four years old, and you can get married at twelve. By thirteen, your mother can hold her grandchild. How can it be too early?" Mother Zhang turned around and shot a glare at Zhang Bairen.

"What is Bai Ren thinking?" Mother Zhang set the chicken coop in place, turned around, and glanced at Zhang Bai Ren: "Why aren't you hurrying to get inside? Your constitution is already weak, and if you catch a cold, your mother won't be able to bear it.

What is meant by a restless mind and distracted thoughts

The Sui and Tang dynasties were certainly not the 21st century; in this world, anything could happen. Early marriage was a common phenomenon, as the population was sparse during the Sui and Tang periods. Although this era represented a peak in Chinese history, the population was less than one-twentieth of that in previous dynasties

In the 21st century, there is evidence showing that a mother, who was widely talked about at the time, overturned a car to rescue the child trapped underneath. One might ask, how could a woman possess such strength

Even if the chicken is cooked, it is still just grass roots, not tasty at all

What is known as materialism has, in fact, deviated from the great path

"As the weather turns cold and the ground freezes, why don't we go ice fishing?" Zhang Bairen could not contain his inner confusion

This is the potential of the human body, possessing infinite greatness. An ordinary person, in fact, may never develop even one billionth of their body's potential before death, merely wasting it away.

Zhang Bairen said nothing, his eyes merely gazing at the thatched roof of the cottage, as if he could see the stars in the void, where the aura of the divine resided

Zhang Bairen fainted upon hearing this; he had previously thought he was in Hebei, but it now seemed that things were not quite as they appeared

"Since there is a divine realm, why do the people still suffer from severe drought?" This is the question that Zhang Bairen harbors in his heart

Zhang's mother smiled bitterly and said: "This is outside the pass; if one wishes to enter the pass, a travel permit is absolutely necessary! Without a travel permit, it is utterly impossible to enter the pass."

Muttering to himself, Zhang Bairen suddenly recalled Sun Simiao. Sun Simiao is the pinnacle of medical expertise in this era. It would be worthwhile to discuss medical techniques with him. The numerous pharmacopoeias from the 21st century and after the Sui and Tang dynasties would surely pique Sun Simiao's interest. If such a talent could be brought under his wing, it would undoubtedly attract countless powerful figures.

Although human consciousness is elusive and intangible, under normal circumstances, individuals are able to perceive it. For instance, human thinking and similar processes are all manifestations of consciousness at work

Dried leaves were ignited in the stove, and Zhang Bairen slowly sat down, watching his mother's frail figure. He thought bitterly: "I don't even know where that scoundrel of a father has gone, leaving my mother, a woman as beautiful as a flower, to suffer here. A mother and her orphaned child, fortunately, the local customs are simple and honest. In today's world, if something unexpected were to happen, who knows? This father is truly irresponsible."

The atmosphere fell into silence as Zhang's mother gently stroked Zhang Bairen's forehead, seemingly lost in thought.

Sometimes, the things you do not acknowledge may still exist. Take consciousness as an example; everyone is aware of its existence because we all think. However, how do you express consciousness?

Sun Simiao

In this era, doctors are undoubtedly deserving of respect, and even the powerful must bow to good doctors

The Huai River is frozen three feet thick, an extraordinary cold, and breaking through it is quite difficult. Zhang's mother looked at the howling north wind outside and said, "Why think so much? It's good enough to have something to eat. You are weak, so don't go up the mountain tomorrow."

The room was dim, approaching dusk; houses from ancient times did not possess the high transparency characteristic of the twenty-first century

It is a pity that even if you know these things, you will not develop your potential, because you lack mentorship

In Taoism, it is believed that this world is a realm of energy and qi, and it is said that transforming essence into qi is quite commendable

Isn't human consciousness also elusive and intangible?

"Route guide?" Zhang Bairen was taken aback

"No, it is not possible. Nowadays, winter is desolate, and many medicinal herbs that only mature in winter can only be harvested in this cold northern wind. These herbs will surely fetch a good price." Zhang Bairen resolutely rejected the idea, then spoke: "Mother, I have heard that the Central Plains are prosperous, and the south is a land of fish and rice, with greenery all year round. Why should we suffer in this bitter cold land instead of going to the Central Plains or the south to enjoy prosperity?"

Refining essence into qi and refining essence into gas have the same pronunciation, but their meanings are absolutely worlds apart

Looking at his frail body, Zhang Bairen shivered and said, "Mother, isn't it a bit too early to say that?"

"Yes, yes, yes, I have worried my mother." Zhang Bairen tightened his own clothing. During these days of hunting, he had managed to acquire quite a few furs from rabbits and wild chickens. Zhang's mother, skilled with her hands, had sewn him a garment. It is more accurate to call it a cloak than merely a garment.

What is Qi? It is the potential of the human body. Looking at the characters, the meaning can be inferred: there are four small teeth beneath the molars. What are these small teeth? They are referred to as deciduous teeth

Mother, if the child remembers correctly, the branch of the Huai River is not far away

Zhang's mother was cooking porridge on the stove, adding some dried plant roots and stems into the porridge. Zhang Bairen's small face instinctively turned pale, while Zhang's mother chuckled lightly, cutting a piece of chicken and placing it into the pot.

Although a considerable amount of grass roots and tree bark was added to the dinner, under the stern gaze of Zhang's mother, Zhang Bairen had no choice but to swallow his grievances, as if he were on a battlefield, and finished the meal.

What a simple wish

Listening to his mother, Zhang Bairen could not help but recall the snotty three-year-old from Uncle Zhang's family, a little girl who followed him around all day, dirty all over

"Hmm, yes!" Zhang Mu looked at Zhang Bairen with a puzzled expression

The Three Treasures of Taoism, why is the master listed as one of them? The key to apprenticeship lies here

Sitting there, Zhang Bairen began to contemplate the path of cultivation. What, in essence, is the nature of cultivation?