Chapter 1093
Top-Tier Cultivation Technique
Chapter 1093 Top-Tier Cultivation Technique
Standing in this half-courtyard, Zhang Liuzhen took a deep breath, exhaled, and felt refreshed: "As expected of a cultivator, this is truly a natural place for cultivation."
Pan Yun's gaze swept across the corner of the half-courtyard, and she could feel the spiritual energy gathering from all directions.
She knew that this was because of the formation.
Zhang Liuzhen came to ask Xue Shao for help.
In the past two years, his Qi-guiding technique has been promoted in the army, and many soldiers have successfully guided Qi into their bodies. Even those who cannot guide spiritual Qi into Yuan Qi can use this technique to circulate Jing Qi into internal force, which has greatly increased the army's combat strength.
However, this set of techniques still has its flaws. It makes people increasingly irritable and difficult to control themselves when fighting. Soldiers in the army are often injured or disabled during sparring.
Xue Shao looked bewildered: "I... I know a little about swordsmanship, but I'm not good at any martial arts. How can I help you?"
Zhang Liuzhen glanced at Pan Jun, then looked Xue Shao up and down before saying, "Of the three Dao bodies in the world today, mine is crippled, Pan Jun's killing intent is too strong, but you are gentle and kind, with a compassionate heart. If anyone can improve this technique, it must be you."
Pan Yun turned to Xue Shao and said, "That's how he coaxed me back then too."
Then, he retorted to Zhang Liuzhen, "Senior Brother, I've also improved it for you, okay? At first, your technique could cause people to suffer a qi deviation."
Zhang Liuzhen glanced at her and said, "Yes, they are short-tempered after you changed, but a cultivator should be calm and composed. How is this like a cultivator?"
"That's because your foundation in martial arts is weak. I've already improved it for you."
Zhang Liuzhen looked at Xue Shao with a sincere expression: "I think it can be improved a bit more."
Xue Shao: "I... I'm not good at this. I only know how to cultivate by observing qi, and the cultivation method I use is the most ordinary."
The sword technique is the simplest Taoist sword technique, the Shangqing Xuan Yue Sword Technique; the fist technique is the Five Animal Fist...
Normally, I use Tai Chi or Five Animal Frolics to circulate my vital energy, both of which are easy to learn.
Zhang Liuzhen said, "Brother Xue, don't underestimate yourself. It's precisely because you've learned basic techniques that you are both steady and firm, and they are in line with your personality, that I think you are the only one who can improve these techniques."
Xue Shao pondered.
Zhang Liuzhen continued to persuade him: "How many people in this world spend their entire lives learning only one kind of martial art? For example, the predecessors of Wudang Mountain, Tai Chi Chuan is now spread all over the world, but very few people can truly bring out the essence of Tai Chi Chuan. It is difficult for anyone to defeat the head of Wudang Mountain with Tai Chi Chuan. But Brother Xue, you can turn fist into sword, and your technique is stable and not restricted by changes. I think you can do it."
Xue Shao looked at Pan Yun: "What is the probability of someone in the army being able to transform Qi into Yuan Qi now?"
"Thirty-five percent."
Xue Shao: "That's too little."
"But only 60% of the remaining people can use this technique to cultivate internal energy. And if one's internal energy reaches the third level, there is an 80% chance of transforming internal energy into Yuan energy." Pan Yun said, "Although it is a bit roundabout, it can indeed achieve universal cultivation."
Xue Shao: "Chivalry uses martial arts to break the law. Have you ever thought about what the world will be like if so many people practice martial arts?"
He was worried about future developments.
Pan Yun said, "This is also one of the reasons why the ministers in the court have always opposed the promotion of the Qi-inducing method."
Do you really think that cultivators and mortals were separated in the past because cultivators were mysterious and unwilling to pass on their techniques?
No, the biggest reason was that the imperial court refused to allow the practice of cultivation techniques to spread among the common people.
Pan Yun said, "If only 30% of people can truly enter the path of cultivation, then I share the same view as all the officials: cultivation techniques should be banned from spreading among the common people and eradicated under the guise of a heretical cult. But now, in addition to the 30% who can directly draw qi into their bodies, the remaining 60% can, through hard work, first cultivate internal strength and then convert it into primordial energy. Although it is a bit more circuitous, its essence is still cultivation."
“This is almost a trend of everyone cultivating immortality,” Pan Jun said. “If you want to make the country strong, you must make the people strong. And if the people are strong, they must be physically strong and healthy. Isn’t this the way to improve the health of the whole nation? Why be afraid of talking about cultivating immortality?”
Xue Shao: "If 30% of them are ahead of everyone else, how can we guarantee they won't cause trouble? Cultivation methods are unpredictable; how will the imperial court manage them?"
Pan Yun raised an eyebrow and glanced sideways at Zhang Liuzhen: "That depends on Master Zhang."
Zhang Liuzhen said, "The biggest advantage of this Qi-inducing method is its low entry threshold. This advantage also means that it is very difficult to reach the highest level with this method. I designed this method so that more fellow disciples could enter the Dao earlier and then use another more refined method after their cultivation and comprehension have reached a higher level. Compatibility is the second advantage of this method."
Pan Yun translated for him: "What he means is that it is impossible to surpass the disciples of the academy, the Celestial Master's Mansion, and the Daoist Records Bureau with just this set of techniques. Everything is under his control."
Xue Shao raised an eyebrow, understanding that they had taken precautions from the very beginning of their research.
He fell into deep thought.
Pan Yun was right about one thing: the court could use national weapons to fight against a very small number of cultivators; if the number increased to 30%, the world would be on the verge of collapse; but if more than 96% of the population could enter the ranks of cultivators through this method, then it would be a nationwide cultivation movement.
Xue Shao felt that this was somewhat similar to the current situation in China.
When the interests of a very small minority are seized by another small minority, chaos easily ensues. So, what if we break down these interests and distribute them among all the people?
While it's impossible to claim absolute fairness and impartiality, the risk is significantly reduced when interests are sufficiently dispersed.
A look of joy flashed in Xue Shao's eyes, and he nodded to Zhang Liuzhen: "Okay, I'll help you."
Pan Yun opened her mouth: "How about we ask for some more benefits?"
Zhang Liuzhen pulled her back a little: "Don't set a bad example and think everyone is like you."
Pan Yun muttered to herself, "I didn't ask for anything when I helped you comprehend the cultivation technique back then, and now I'm the Imperial Preceptor, and I still can't get a single benefit from it..."
That's right, this project isn't just something Xue Shao did; it still requires the participation of three people.
After all, one was the founder and the other was the first-generation improver. As the second-generation improver, Xue Shao needed their joint participation.
Zhang Liuzhen stayed in the capital to study and improve the cultivation method.
The Zhang family of Longhu Mountain holds a noble title and owns a mansion in the capital bestowed by the emperor. Furthermore, if he so desires, he can attend the morning court sessions every day and be among the first to attend.
After all, in addition to his noble title, he also held a third-rank official position.
Both are hereditary honors, something that everyone in the world envies, but Taoist priests don't really envy them.
Looking at Zhang Liuzhen's increasingly pale face, no one thought he could live past thirty.
Zhang Liuzhen said to Xuanmiao and Tao Ji, who came to treat him, "They used to say I wouldn't live to adulthood. After I turned twenty, they said I wouldn't live past twenty-five. Now that I'm over twenty-five, they're starting to talk about me at thirty. I guess when I turn thirty, they'll claim I won't live past thirty-five."
Xuanmiao glanced at his pale face, then turned to Tao Ji, who was taking his pulse, and asked, "How is he? Hasn't he repaired his dantian and can start cultivating again?"
Tao Ji withdrew his hand and said, "This is caused by exhaustion and hunger."
Xuanmiao frowned, looking at Zhang Liuzhen with puzzlement: "When did you start practicing asceticism? Hasn't your Zhang family always been known for its love of food and clothing, indulging in whatever luxury you desire?"
"..." Zhang Liuzhen said speechlessly, "It's our Zhang family! Besides, when has our Zhang family ever been like this? Don't spread rumors."
He glanced quickly at Pan Yun, who was sitting next to him drinking tea, and said, "If someone with ulterior motives hears this, who knows what kind of rumors will spread."
Pan Yun paused, her hand holding the osmanthus cake still, and looked up: "Are you talking to me?"
Zhang Liuzhen vehemently denied it: "No." Tao Ji: "Then it was me?"
Zhang Liuzhen couldn't help but laugh: "How could it be my senior brother? I know you always speak your mind to my face, you don't talk about people behind their backs."
Pan Yun figured it out: "You should still choose me."
Xuanmiao slammed his sword down on the table with a bang, his gaze sweeping over the three of them before finally settling on Zhang Liuzhen's face.
The room fell silent, and the atmosphere gradually became heavy. Zhang Liuzhen nervously swallowed, constantly glancing at Pan Yun and giving her meaningful glances.
Pan Yun looked down at her fingers, not daring to lift her head.
Tao Ji silently tidied up the pulse pillow, ignoring Zhang Liuzhen's gaze.
"explain."
Zhang Liuzhen swallowed hard and whispered, "I want to try the new method of purification cultivation."
Tao Ji and Xuanmiao looked up together, their gazes falling on a certain spot on him.
Zhang Liuzhen's face darkened, and he gritted his teeth as he explained, "It's not this purification ritual. It's just that I have too much poison and impurities in my body, and I want to try a fasting and lightening my body before practicing a new method."
Xuanmiao's eyes flashed with sarcasm: "Aren't you afraid of starving to death?"
Tao Ji also expressed his disapproval: "You've been practicing Taoism since childhood, you should know the conditions for fasting. The primary requirement is that one's Qi and blood must be abundant for fasting. Your body..."
He frowned and said, "Although your dantian has been repaired, it is still very weak. You have to be more careful than the average person when you cultivate. Forget about seeking longevity, you'd be lucky to even recover to a normal lifespan with your body. And yet you keep pushing yourself like this..."
Xuanmiao was even more direct, standing up with his hand on his sword: "Ignore him, you can't reason with a suicidal ghost, let's go."
Tao Ji then fell silent and picked up his medicine box.
Pan Yun hurriedly dropped a plate of osmanthus cakes and ran after the two.
Xuanmiao even took her anger out on Pan Yun, turning around to glare at her: "Did you already know this?"
Pan Yun raised two fingers and swore, "If I had known beforehand, may I be punished twice as severely next time."
Xuanmiao's expression softened, and she began to believe her.
Pan Yun followed closely beside her and asked, "Senior Sister, I see that the cultivation methods of your Longhu Mountain are mainly steady and powerful, which are obviously not suitable for Senior Brother's current physical condition, not to mention his self-created mental cultivation method. With Senior Brother's talent, I'm afraid that from the very beginning, the spiritual energy will sweep into his meridians like a whirlwind, making his already fragile meridians and dantian even worse. Why not find him a gentler cultivation method?"
Xuanmiao paused slightly: "I looked for him, but he didn't like him."
"You think it's too slow?" Pan Yun scolded him in front of Xuanmiao, "Honestly, you've already suffered such a big loss, and you're still so unreliable. Senior Sister, does the cultivation technique he wants even exist in this world?"
Xuanmiao's expression turned solemn, and after a long silence, he finally said, "Yes."
Pan Yun's eyes lit up: "What kind of cultivation technique? Whose is it?"
Xuanmiao looked down at her, and seeing that she was truly curious, he said, "It's from our family."
Pan Jun was taken aback: "Your family?"
Tao Ji flicked her forehead: "Fool, it's our family! Sanqing Mountain is a place of Taoist medicine. The Ten Thousand Trees Return to Spring technique we cultivate is the number one technique. There are only five number one techniques in the world. The Kun Yuan technique you cultivate is one of them, but Sanqing Mountain only has half of it. The other half is in the Celestial Master's Mansion, the Five Thunder Orthodox Method passed down by the Zhang family, the immortal technique from Penglai overseas, and the Return to the World technique secretly passed down in Buddhism."
Xuanmiao sneered: "What 'returning home'? It's nothing but reincarnation and cultivation, given a grand-sounding name. A bunch of monsters who disregard human ethics."
Xuanmiao disliked the Buddhist concept of reincarnation. She believed that once a person crossed the River of Oblivion and was reborn as a human, he would be a new person with new parents, new friends, and new wife and children.
Many reincarnated Buddhas, due to insufficient spiritual cultivation or lack of affinity with the Buddha, did not remember their previous lives in the second half of their reincarnations. They lived a good life in the human world, taking good care of their parents, getting married and having children. As a result, whether actively or passively, they remembered their previous lives and immediately abandoned their present lives to cultivate the Buddha of their previous lives.
In her opinion, it was simply a sign of illness.
Life is not easy to be born into; since we are born into this world, we should do our best to be good people in this life.
Tao Ji: "But it cannot be denied that the Buddhists rely on reincarnation to be the people who are closest to another world. Before the appearance of the junior sister, the most likely person to break through the void and go away was Master Huiyuan, who had long been living in seclusion. Legend has it that he has reincarnated six times and was a person from the Southern Song Dynasty."
Pan Yun gasped in surprise: "Really?"
"Although it's just a legend, it's been passed down for so long and many details have been revealed, so I think it's probably true."
Pan Yun stroked his chin and said, "So, our Sanqing Mountain may look weak, but we actually possess one and a half top-tier martial arts techniques?"
Tao Ji smiled and said, "At Sanqingshan, we value quality over quantity."
"So, the most suitable cultivation method for Zhang Liuzhen at this stage is the 'Return of All Trees to Spring' technique from our Sanqing Mountain?"
“That’s right,” Tao Ji said. “The return of spring to all trees is gentle and healing, and it can prolong life. How much more so for one’s own cultivation?” Tao Ji glanced at Pan Yun and said, “Don’t look down on me just because I’m only a first-rank marquis now, while you’ve entered the third rank. If we don’t make any progress in the rest of our lives, your third-rank marquis level might not be able to outlive me.”
Pan Yun: ...
She understood now. No wonder Zhang Liuzhen remained silent. He knew that he couldn't learn the "Return of All Trees to Spring" technique from Sanqing Mountain, just as no one in the Zhang family except him could cultivate the Five Thunder Orthodox Method.
This is the most secret cultivation technique of the sect or family, how could it possibly be passed on to outsiders?
Even Xuanmiao didn't think of speaking.
Because she knew that if she spoke up, she would only be shifting her own predicament onto Wang Feiyin.
So she won't speak.
Pan Yun looked at Tao Ji, then at Xuanmiao, and said, "Perhaps Senior Brother is willing?"
Xuanmiao frowned and said unhappily, "Junior Sister, don't mention it to Senior Brother. He has sacrificed enough for us."
Pan Yun has a headache.
Pan Xiaohei squatted on her shoulder, chuckling and laughing.
Pan Yun was so angry that she pinched it off and rubbed it repeatedly.
Pan Xiaohei: "Why are you taking your anger out on me? If you're so capable, go talk to Xuanmiao."
Pan Yun sat on the rooftop, her face cupped in her hands, watching the sunset paint the sky a vibrant red: "I still think Senior Brother will agree."
Pan Xiaohei lay sprawled at her feet, basking in the sun, and said lazily, "Since you have doubts, then go and ask."
(End of this chapter)