Chapter 2, The Primordial Dragon and Tiger Great Elixir Thunder Method
It is a pity that this brother of mine seems to have little interest in holding an official position
What opportunities do children from collateral branches like Wang Ling, who are orphaned and have only one or two hundred mu of thin farmland at home, have?
Gradually refine one's essence, blood, and vital energy into true qi, and use true qi to nourish the primordial spirit.
Therefore, what needs to be done now is to gradually cultivate the primordial spirit, nourishing and strengthening it, which is referred to as refining qi to return to the spirit
However, in this world, there is a system of recommendation, and there is no imperial examination; those who wish to strive have no place to exert their efforts
This is the proper path for officials in today's world; only those who come from a background of filial piety and integrity can be said to have a truly bright future, with the potential to attain positions among the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers in the future
However, this is not the most important aspect; the most important is the mirror
What a pity, what a pity
Wang Ling slightly shook her head, it would be better if there were imperial examinations in this world
Wang Yue sincerely said: "Younger brother, do not be anxious. Focus on studying at home and nurturing your aspirations. In the future, even if I cannot recommend you for the position of a filial and honest official, I will at least help you to become a high-ranking official!"
Equivalent to being a successful candidate in the imperial examination of one's previous life
Seeing that she could not persuade Wang Ling, Wang Yue let out a faint sigh
Wang Yue smiled slightly, and this is indeed a good thing. The court has always placed great importance on the selection of filial and incorrupt officials.
Only the vital energy, also known as essence, can be transformed into internal energy
This is the original self, also known as the primordial spirit
This is one of the most authentic and profound secret arts within the Daoist tradition, encompassing the practices of contemplation, breath regulation, internal refinement, and the gathering of vital energy within oneself
However, at present, Wang Ling does not possess this ability; what is reflected in the heart mirror is merely a blur, with a faint glimpse of a snow-white shadow.
Those who are recognized for their filial piety and integrity are often required to enter the Imperial Academy of the State of Lu to study, after which they are sufficiently qualified to serve as officials, with the minimum rank being that of a county magistrate at the seventh grade
However, at present, Wang Lingyuan's spirit is weak and cannot be cultivated, ultimately remaining a vague entity
At present, Wang Yue was drinking joyfully with Wang Ling until Wang Yue, supported by two young attendants, staggered away, at which point Wang Ling let out a slight sigh
To put it plainly, Wang Ling, as a member of the Danling Wang clan, can only be considered qualified to hold an official position.
However, before cultivating Qi and spirit, there is another condition, which is called refining essence into Qi.
At least now, the system of recommendation in this world is all about relying on one's father and family.
After some thought, he said to Wang Ling, "Shisan Lang, do not be discouraged. The county lady has already stated that she will recommend me for the position of a filial and incorrupt official. Just wait for a few years; once I enter officialdom, I will definitely find a way to recommend you, Shisan Lang!"
After all, although the power of the family is strong, it is at most applied to just a few of his main lineage brothers.
As a high-ranking official in the county court, it is equivalent to the leaders of various departments in the county in the previous life, already possessing considerable power
Although the Danling Wang family is a prominent clan, the territory of Danling County is not inferior to the Wang family, with at least two or three other families, if not ten
Moreover, he seeks eternal life and freedom, showing no interest whatsoever in what his cousin referred to as becoming a deity after death or anything of that sort
It is said that by cultivating to a profound level, one can reflect various aspects of the heart, and even one's true self can be manifested within the mirror of the heart
In his view, among this generation of brothers in the family, the most talented and the one most likely to bring glory to the Wang family of Danling is Wang Ling.
Wang Ling immediately laughed and clasped his hands, saying: "This is a good thing, congratulations to Brother Qi, congratulations to Brother Qi!"
After all, in this world where the laws of the Dao manifest and spiritual energy abounds, coupled with the fact that after being reborn, the soul seems to have become significantly stronger.
Indeed, under normal circumstances, it is relatively easy for a side branch descendant like Wang Ling to become a minor official in a county, but aspiring to hold a government position is truly difficult
Yet this sense of dynamic balance is the most difficult to conceive.
Even though I have had a bit to drink, it is merely rice wine now, with a low alcohol content. However, I do feel somewhat tipsy, so I will go to bed to rest
At this moment, Wang Ling was, however, in a state of contemplation, slowly observing through the mirror of the heart, gazing into the fields of his own home, gradually rotating.
The ignorant often believe that those who practice cultivation directly transform the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into internal energy
The mirror is ancient yet exquisite, with small teeth carved along its edges resembling door frames
In today's court, officials are unified, and there is no rule that prohibits officials from holding office.
On the contrary
Although the imperial examination system had various shortcomings, it was relatively fair in that, as long as one made an effort, there was at least hope for a reward, if not a guarantee of one
On the second day, early in the morning, as I tidied up, I closed my eyes and focused my mind, contemplating a pattern.
Among the descendants of the Danling Wang clan, this generation alone has already produced more than twenty or thirty individuals. Additionally, there are those from the previous generation, aged thirty to forty, who have not held official positions. Altogether, there are at least forty to fifty individuals.
It possesses a beauty that is both remarkably simple and yet vibrant
Thus, with a slight calmness of the heart, one can envision a bright mirror within the sea of consciousness
It is not impossible, even if one were to ascend to the ranks of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers
It was as if a massive vortex was spinning, drawing in all the spiritual energy from the surrounding mountains and fields, continuously flowing into Wang Ling's body
Moreover, just like in the previous life, there are still opportunities for promotion, to become a county magistrate, a prefect, and other local officials, as well as high-ranking officials in charge of territories
To put it bluntly, the system of recommendation is all about relying on one's family background
However, there are many qualified individuals, and it is not so easy for him to don the official uniform
Therefore, practitioners must consume various grains for nourishment, take various medicines, and even harness the spiritual energy between heaven and earth to replenish their essence, vitality, and blood.
Wang Ling naturally understood Wang Yue's good intentions. Although she did not take it too seriously in her heart, she was still touched by this gesture and could not refuse it. She could only smile and say, "Thank you very much, Seventh Brother!"
However, a person's essence, blood, and vital energy are limited. If one only focuses on refining one's own essence without providing nourishment, it is very easy to deplete oneself.
Wang Yue laughed heartily and patted Wang Ling on the shoulder: "You and I are brothers, why say such things? In the future, let us unite as brothers and bring glory to the Wang family of Danling!"
In summary, Wang Yue's commitment is of utmost importance
Or one might say there is not much confidence
The disordered food and drink had been cleared away, Wang Ling closed the doors and windows, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes to contemplate.
This is referred to as the harmony of spirit and energy, where the essence and energy of the body are in alignment with visualization, gradually circulating
On the glossy black surface, one can see their reflection clearly, hence it is called the heart mirror
Those families with good reputation and great fame can be appointed by the government to serve as officials, and they are also qualified to advance step by step
Meanwhile, as the breath flows between the mouth and nose, these vital energies circulate through the meridians and ultimately settle within the five internal organs, nourishing the blood and vital energy
Wang Yue, the Seventh Brother, has always taken good care of him, so Wang Ling is now sincerely congratulating him
The effect of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth on practitioners is actually similar to that of the subtle energies of the five grains, both serving to supply energy and strengthen the vital essence.
Those families with prominent lineage and great renown, capable of assisting the government, can obtain the title of filial and incorrupt, thus achieving success in one leap