Chapter 7: On the Way of Knowledge
Different people have different destinies, so one cannot compare everything with this kid; otherwise, it would be too provoking
Certainly, this is something he can remember today; perhaps after a night's sleep, he will forget it the next day
Look at the time, it is already 7:00 in the morning
This fellow has already entered a state of cultivation! How is this possible!
Well, where is the master
The path of cultivation begins with visualization, using the Dao as a guiding thread and thought as a catalyst, to connect with one's own vital energy. Through repeated refinement, this energy transforms into qi, circulating through the eight extraordinary meridians, solidifying without dispersing, thus forming one's own magical power
Jiang Le sat upright on the bed, wearing a faint smile, appearing to be in a state between sleep and wakefulness, as if entering a peculiar realm
I wonder if this fellow can experience joy upon joy, directly reflecting on his own vitality
However, now that he remembered, Jiang Le could not help but begin to cultivate according to the teachings of the Dao.
Without hesitation, Jiang Le stuffed the money into his pocket and ran out of the house
Of course, he still did not dare to think that Jiang Le could directly cultivate magical power. If that were the case, he would even begin to suspect whether Jiang Le was the reincarnation of some great immortal.
However, there are still five yuan on the table in the living room, which is the breakfast money that Jiang Hua leaves for Jiang Le every day
Young one, to cultivate the Way, one must first understand the principles, and only then can one attain enlightenment. The ancients said, "Sincerity of heart brings forth spiritual insight." This saying aptly describes the Way; only with genuine intent in your heart can you perceive the essence of the Way. With the essence of the Way, you can then practice its methods. If your heart is not sincere, you cannot even enter the door, let alone discuss true transmission. Therefore, you must remember, the Way resides in your heart, and all evils shall not invade.
"Hehe, hasn't this been abused by scammers too much? After hearing it so often, one naturally won't believe it. Master, you wouldn't tell me that this is the cultivation method you mentioned, would you?" Jiang Le asked with a conflicted expression.
Mao Xiaofang looked at Jiang Le, her eyes filled with a mix of speechlessness, envy, and a hint of jealousy.
Jiang Le frowned and said: "Since someone has cultivated to the realm of a half-immortal, how has it become a legend?"
Entering a state of cultivation is one thing, but whether one can achieve any results from the cultivation is another matter
Mao Xiaofang chuckled in disbelief and said, "Of course not. Just these sixteen characters alone cannot lead one onto the path; even a reincarnated immortal cannot do so. However, these sixteen characters encapsulate the entirety of cultivation, and you must remember them well."
It seems that some great upheaval has occurred in the world, deliberately causing the decline of the Daoist sects and allowing technology to flourish
I recall that I was once referred to as a prodigy in cultivation, yet during my initial training, it took me a whole week to enter a state of cultivation.
Hehe, Xiao Le, did you not have dinner last night? Why do you need to eat so much in the morning? In the breakfast shop, a cheerful middle-aged woman in her forties, busy with her work, looked at Jiang Le with a smile.
Feeling her belly and glancing towards the window, Jiang Le was once again taken aback
Lost in thought, Jiang Le gave up the search and quickly got dressed and got out of bed
I remember when I first practiced, it took seven days to enter a state, then another seven days to perceive my own vital energy, and finally a whole month to condense that vital energy and transform it into magical power
In the living room, my mother Jiang Hua is no longer present; she must have gotten up early to work on the handmade goods that need to be completed today
"Master, what about the realm of the half-immortal? You haven't mentioned it yet," Jiang Le asked curiously.
I am so hungry that my stomach is protesting strongly. Jiang Le just wants to hurry out, find a breakfast shop, and have a hearty meal
Mao Xiaofang said: "I have only a limited understanding of this matter. I know that after the late Ming Dynasty, the principles of the universe became much more obscure. Since then, the path of cultivation has become arduous; not only within the Daoist sects, but even among demons and spirits, there are few who achieve success. Over the past few centuries, those who have attained the true essence of the Yuan Shen are exceedingly rare. Moreover, having sealed the Blood Demon for several decades, based on the information I gathered from Old Jin, I fear that even cultivators at the Dao Soul level are now hard to find."
Upon arriving at the entrance of the community, from a distance, Jiang Le shouted at a breakfast shop: "Aunt Yang, please give me a bowl of noodles and a steamer of buns, no, make it two steamers of buns"
Jiang Le's expression became serious
The cultivation methods of the Daoist sect are meticulously categorized into five major realms:凝法 (Ningfa), 通脉 (Tongmai), 道魂 (Daohun), 元神 (Yuanshen), and 半仙 (Banxian). Ningfa serves as the foundation; only by condensing one's magical power can one be considered a cultivator. Following this is Tongmai, which involves the eight meridians. When all eight meridians are connected, one possesses boundless magical power. At this stage, one can be regarded as having made some progress in cultivation, allowing for travels across the land, subduing demons and vanquishing evil, and accumulating merit. After Tongmai comes Daohun. The realm of Daohun represents the union of magical power and soul; when the法魂 (Fahun) becomes one, one has already established a foundation for becoming an immortal. Even if the path to immortality seems hopeless, one can still seek a position in the underworld and become a deity of high standing. Following Daohun is Yuanshen, which is a higher existence than Daohun. The Yuanshen can exist outside the body, manifesting in daylight, and with a mere thought, one can ascend to the heavens or delve into the depths of the underworld. At this stage, one is specifically referred to as a真人 (Zhenren) within the Daoist sect.
Not right, these are only four realms, and there is still a half-immortal? If the Primordial Spirit True Person is so impressive, then wouldn't becoming a half-immortal be extraordinary?
Jiang Le, disregarding the heat, picked one up and took a big bite.
At this moment, the sky outside the window has already brightened significantly
Turning his head to look around, Mao Xiaofang had long since vanished, leaving only a Pure Yang Bagua on the bed
Suddenly, his eyelids twitched, and then he slowly opened his eyes
I have actually been cultivating for such a long time
Upon careful reflection, Jiang Le began to comprehend a profound truth, echoing the saying, "To truly understand a single phrase is better than to superficially read countless scriptures." Mao Xiaofang's words, though seemingly ordinary, are imbued with deep meaning; they represent the foundational teachings of the Daoist path. If one cannot absorb this wisdom, they will remain outside the Daoist realm. Only by internalizing it can one truly grasp the path of the Dao.
However, in conjunction with Mao Xiaofang's words, there are also some thoughts.
The master is in a state of spiritual essence; could it be that he, like a ghost, cannot see the sunlight
The methods for condensing Qi are few, straightforward, and the process is not complicated. Mao Xiaofang repeated it several times, and Jiang Le committed it to memory.
Unknowingly, time quietly passes by
Very well, discussing these matters with you is futile, as you do not understand them. Overthinking is of no benefit. Your current task is to focus on the method of condensation, so that you may soon become a true practitioner of the Dao. Young man, concentrate and listen to my teachings.
This cultivation is quite something; the master never mentioned it would be this exhausting. I must confront him properly tonight; this is too much.
I am really hungry. At first, it wasn't obvious, but as time goes by, my stomach feels increasingly uncomfortable. It seems that everything I ate last night has already been completely consumed.
Cultivating within the Daoist tradition requires a gradual and systematic approach, emphasizing the fundamentals. The so-called fundamentals refer to magical power, and the depth of this magical power determines how far you can go on your journey
However, it now appears that technological advancement is not necessarily a good thing. The improvement of material living standards is accelerating the deterioration of the Earth's environment. If this continues, humanity is heading towards self-destruction
Jiang Le's eyes sparkled as he asked, "Then Master, how should I concentrate my magical power?"
Mao Xiaofang sighed and said, "The realm of the semi-immortal, this is a legend"
Seeing Jiang Le's confusion, Mao Xiaofang smiled and said: "Don't guess blindly. The realm of the Half-Immortal does exist, and it is the final stage before becoming an immortal. Those who reach this realm possess boundless magical power, capable of instilling fear in gods and spirits. In the Daoist community, there is a specific title for this, which is 'Tianshi' (Heavenly Master). However, this realm is exceedingly difficult to attain. Throughout history, countless diligent cultivators have strived for it, yet very few have achieved the Half-Immortal realm, each of whom is a legendary figure in the Daoist tradition."
Mao Xiaofang also smiled; a wise disciple is like this, requiring only a slight hint to achieve profound understanding. This is a true insight that belongs to him, which surpasses arduous practice in the pursuit of the Dao. Only ordinary disciples need constant explanations, which makes the master's teaching exhausting and the disciples' learning burdensome.
Mao Xiaofang had some whimsical thoughts.
Mao Xiaofang laughed and scolded, "This is a summary of cultivation by the esteemed predecessors of the Daoist school, and you actually think it's just a trick, you rascal"
Jiang Le quickly agreed and then eagerly said: "Master, please tell me the detailed cultivation methods as soon as possible. Perhaps I will succeed at once when I practice them."
As Jiang Le assumed a posture of serious listening, Mao Xiaofang's expression also became solemn, and she spoke in a serious tone
However, seeing Jiang Le's strong desire for knowledge, he felt quite gratified. As long as one is willing to learn, they can embark on the right path sooner and carry forward their family's legacy.
Jiang Le remained silent.
This is Jiang Le's private savings. He is really very hungry now and fears that five yuan will not be enough for him to eat.
Jiang Le felt a surge of excitement. This is how it should be; in the Daoist practice, how could there possibly be only sixteen characters? This classification of realms provides a general understanding of cultivation.
"Alright, don't rush, I'll be right there." The middle-aged plump woman glanced at Jiang Le in surprise, skillfully took down two baskets of buns, and placed them in front of Jiang Le
Mao Xiaofang begins without transmitting the teachings of the Dharma, nor does he discuss the principles of the Dao; instead, he states this passage, which is evidently of great importance
Alright, since you understand, I will now teach you how to cultivate at https://www.hetushu.com
Previously, he listened to the conversation between Mao Xiaofang and Old Jin, feeling utterly bewildered and confused
Gradually, Jiang Le's expression became more natural, her brows relaxed, a smile gracing her lips, and she seemed to fall into a state that was neither fully awake nor fully asleep
Mao Xiaofang had been observing Jiang Le's performance and was greatly astonished upon witnessing it
Jiang Le smiled wryly and said, "Aunt Yang, please don't ask for now; I'm about to starve."
Subsequently, Mao Xiaofang suppressed various distracting thoughts and looked at Jiang Le with anticipation
Mao Xiaofang smiled and said: "Refining essence into qi, refining qi into spirit, refining spirit into emptiness, and refining emptiness to unite with the Dao"
Mao Xiaofang was at a loss for words; this young man truly embodies the saying that the ignorant are fearless of tigers
Jiang Le had a look of exasperation and said, "Could you be more specific? Those so-called qigong masters online use these phrases as the general principles for their practice, and it feels somewhat deceptive."
After some thought, Jiang Le ran back to his room and took out a stack of small denomination bills from a metal box in a drawer. He counted them and found there were one hundred and thirty-six yuan
Listen to my decree, focus your mind and calm your heart, let the spirit chamber be clear and bright, with intentions as perfect as a round pearl, communicate with the vital energy, blend like lakes and seas, transform energy into spirit, circulate the eight meridians, and the magical power will manifest on its own
Understanding quickly in her heart, Jiang Le nodded and smiled, saying: "I have noted it down, Master"
This young man, having just listened to the instruction, has entered a state of cultivation without needing my explanation or guidance. Has his talent already reached such a monstrous level?
"Ah, this feels really comfortable. I feel warm all over, and my spirit is quite invigorated, without the previous sensation of grogginess upon waking up." As she twisted her body, a look of surprise appeared on Jiang Le's face. Could this be what cultivation is? Even if one cannot attain magical powers through cultivation, it is still quite worthwhile.
Jiang Le was surprised, what does this mean? Is it possible that no one has reached this level? What is the point of this
However, I am very hungry; it seems that cultivation consumes a lot of energy, and my stomach keeps growling.