Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 266 Discussion on Taoism at Zhongnan Mountain

After finishing his tea, Lin followed Master Zhang to the flat ground outside. "Master," Lin said, "I am very interested in Taoist culture. I heard that Lao Tzu once taught the Tao Te Ching in Zhongnan Mountain. Could you tell me about the Taoist practice methods?"

Master Zhang Zhishun stroked his long beard, a gentle light shining in his eyes: "You have asked the fundamental question. When the Daoist Master lectured on the *Tao Te Ching* at Louguantai, he began by saying, 'The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao.' This path of cultivation lies precisely in the four words 'the source and flow of Qi.'"

He picked up a withered twig and drew a circle on the sand: "'Qi' is the chaos before heaven and earth were separated, the foundation for the growth of all things. It is formless and without appearance, yet it is everywhere—like the moisture in the air, which you cannot see but can feel."

Lin Yan pondered, "So the first step in cultivation is to perceive this 'Qi'?"

"Perception is only the beginning," the Taoist priest shook his head. "One must also understand its 'body,' know its 'source,' and observe its 'flow.'" He pointed to the ancient well in the courtyard. "The human body is like this well; the primordial Qi is the spring at the bottom. People always seek externally, but they don't realize that the treasure lies within themselves."

"Then how should we develop this well?" Lin Yan pressed.

"Foundation building comes first." The Taoist priest stood up and demonstrated a simple standing meditation posture. "Adjusting the body, breath, and mind is like clearing silt from a well. Once the Ren and Du meridians are unblocked, the 'Small Heavenly Circuit' begins, and only then does the well water start to flow."

He composed himself and continued, "Next, 'Refining Essence into Qi' transforms the essence of the five grains into primordial Qi, like rainwater flowing into a well. Then comes 'Refining Qi into Spirit,' nourishing the spirit with Qi, like watering the heart with a clear spring."

Lin Yan, reflecting on his own cultivation, couldn't help but ask, "What if someone possessed extraordinary talent and could directly absorb the essence of heaven and earth?"

The Taoist priest smiled slightly: "That's like digging a ditch next to a well to draw water. It seems convenient, but if you don't cherish it, the well will dry up. The path of cultivation values ​​gradual progress and the accumulation of knowledge before unleashing its full potential."

The Taoist priest concluded, "Upon reaching the state of 'Refining the Spirit and Returning to Emptiness,' one will break through the well's walls, allowing the well water to merge with rivers, lakes, and seas. Only then will one realize that one is, in fact, a part of this universe."

As dusk settled, a mountain breeze swept through the vegetable patches in the courtyard.

Lin Yan watched Zhang Zhishun's departing figure, his mind in turmoil. The discussion about the "source and flow of Qi" he had just heard was like a key that unlocked a door he had never thought about deeply before.

"I see……"

He looked inward at the pure true essence within his dantian, which he had obtained through the arduous cultivation of the nine levels of Foundation Establishment, drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth through the "Qiankun Creation Technique." This system was clear and well-defined—guiding qi into the body, condensing liquid into elixir, transforming the infant spirit into a refined spirit, with each step having corresponding supernatural abilities: flying on a sword, summoning wind and rain, array formations and talismans... like climbing a clearly visible ladder to heaven.

But the road ahead led in a completely different direction.

They do not seek external spiritual energy from heaven and earth, but rather delve into the "treasure trove" within themselves. They transform the essence of grains and food into primordial energy through seemingly simple methods such as standing meditation, sitting meditation, and guided breathing. They do not possess any earth-shattering supernatural powers, but rather pursue "unobstructed meridians, preventing all diseases," a harmony between their mind and the natural world.

"One is like a precision device that is constantly being charged, and the other is like a seed that is complete on its own and only needs sunlight and rain to grow..." Lin Yan silently compared them in his mind.

His own path of cultivation was undoubtedly powerful. The "Heaven and Earth Creation Technique" directly pointed to immortality, with numerous methods and the power to reach the divine. However, relying too much on external resources like "spiritual energy" meant that without the resources left by his ancestor, he would be living off his savings in this "world devoid of spiritual energy." Moreover, along the way, he had focused more on improving his "strength," and apart from the enlightenment he gained during his advancement in the human realm, he didn't seem to have developed a systematic method for cultivating his "heart."

In contrast, this "Qi Body Source Flow" seems more like a different kind of wisdom developed by practitioners when they are driven to desperation in a resource-depleted "Dharma-ending Age." It does not pursue illustrious supernatural powers, nor does it have strict distinctions between realms. Rather, it is more like a philosophical system of self-cultivation, a supreme method for forging the "Dao Heart."

"Isn't this just like a branch that has evolved from the cultivation of 'humanity'?" Lin Yan suddenly realized.

It focuses on exploring the potential of humanity itself, emphasizing harmony with oneself and with nature. This is an excellent complement to his practice of "humanity"!

"If we can learn from this concept of 'Qi Body Source Flow', focus on introspection, and temper our character, so that our Dao heart is like a deep spring in an ancient well, calm and flowing far and wide, then when we face more powerful forces or even the test of the Heavenly Dao in the future, our foundation will be more solid."

Supernatural powers are the "application," while the Daoist mind is the "essence." Focusing only on the "application" without solidifying the "essence" ultimately results in castles in the air.

Having grasped this point, Lin Yan felt that the illusory image representing "humanity" in his sea of ​​consciousness seemed to have become more solid, and a sense of harmony and understanding flowed through his heart.

He gazed into the depths of the mountains, his eyes growing profound. This trip to Zhongnan had yielded far more than he had expected. Not only had he encountered this reclusive true cultivator, but he had also found a viable path to remedy his own shortcomings in cultivation.

"It seems that to go further on this lonely path of cultivation, learning from others and cultivating both inner and outer strengths is the right way," he murmured to himself, already having a new plan in mind.

As dusk deepened, a cool mountain breeze swept through the thatched hut.

Lin Yan stood up and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting to Daoist Zhang Zhishun, who was tidying up the tea set: "Daoist, your words today have truly benefited me greatly. I have a favor to ask. I wonder if you have any books on the 'Origin and Flow of Qi' that I can borrow? Even just making a copy would be appreciated."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhang paused slightly in wiping the teacup. He turned around, and in the dim light of the oil lamp, his face showed a hint of regret, yet also a subtle determination.

"May the Heavenly Venerable grant you boundless blessings." He sighed softly. "It is truly rare for a benefactor to have such a heart for the Dao. However..." He shook his head. "To be honest, the principles of 'Qi Body Origin and Flow' are mostly still in my mind and have not yet been truly put into writing. Occasionally, I may have some notes, but they are mostly scattered and unsystematic."

He looked at Lin Yan with clear and honest eyes: "Writing a book is a momentous matter. I am aware that my cultivation is shallow and my knowledge is limited. If I were to start writing hastily, I fear I would mislead others and be ashamed of my ancestors. I must wait until I have truly walked this path and understood it before I dare to make my insights public."

At this point, his tone softened, carrying a sense of expectation: "If that day ever comes, I will compile these insights into a book and find a way to print it. As long as you remember our promise today and are still willing to come to Zhongnan Mountain, I will personally present it to you, without any falsehood."

His words were simple, yet they conveyed the rigor and weight of a commitment unique to spiritual practitioners.

Lin Yan felt a little disappointed upon hearing this, but even more so, he felt admiration for this ascetic Taoist. He bowed again: "In that case, I will await your good news, Taoist Master. If the opportunity arises in the future, I will certainly come to visit again and listen to your teachings."

The two parted ways in front of the thatched hut, as the mountain moon had already risen high in the sky.