Chapter 58

Cultivating Qi, Gāngshà, Dragon-Tiger, Golden Elixir, and Inner Womb.

These are precisely the five major realms of Daoist cultivation.

In the current world, the realms of Daoist cultivation are clearly defined, unlike the ancient times when only the depth of cultivation was considered, without distinguishing the levels of realms.

"During the ancient times, there were no realms; only the depth of cultivation was considered. They cultivated a single breath of true qi, hence they were called Qi Cultivators," said the scholar in the blue robe, sitting cross-legged. "This Zǐfǔ Shéntíng Huányuán Zǔqì True Art cultivates the primordial qi of the human body, which is different from ordinary true qi. It can be said to point directly to the Great Dao. Even among the Qi Cultivation techniques of ancient times, it is considered of the Immortal grade. Alas, the changes in the world have led to the current realm divisions."

The scholar in the blue robe continued, "Daoist Master Guānxū created this cultivation technique, but he only recognized the Qi Cultivation realm and did not understand the current realm divisions. Therefore, he missed many subtleties, causing this remarkable technique to fall into the realm of the mundane."

Qin Xianyu, puzzled, asked, "May I ask, how do the realm divisions differ from the ancient Qi Cultivators?"

"In ancient times, Qi Cultivators were skilled in breathing techniques, cultivating true qi. They could gather the essence of the clouds and mists, cultivating only a single breath of true qi," the scholar in the blue robe explained. "This single breath of true qi had no realm restrictions. It grew daily with cultivation. This gradual method of cultivation is like water droplets, accumulating bit by bit, gradually forming rivers, lakes, and seas."

"Later, the world's qi became turbid, not as pure as before."

"In other words, the spiritual qi became sparse, not as pure as in the past."

"Subsequently, cultivation techniques evolved from Qi Cultivation."

The scholar in the blue robe sighed, with a tone of regret, and said, "Compared to the gradual, bit-by-bit accumulation of Qi Cultivators, Daoist cultivation is different."

He paused, somewhat wistful.

This high-minded attitude of speaking and then stopping made Qin Xianyu smile bitterly, and he asked again, "May I ask, Mr., how are they different?"

"Daoist cultivation has realm divisions, which makes it different."

The scholar in the blue robe said, "The Qi Cultivation realm is like a water basin. When your true qi is sufficient and you reach the peak of Qi Cultivation, it is like the water basin being full. Even if you sit in meditation and cultivate more, the increased true qi cannot be contained and will dissipate."

Qin Xianyu nodded thoughtfully.

Comparing the Qi Cultivation realm to a water basin and true qi to clear water.

When one reaches the peak of Qi Cultivation, it is like the water basin being full. No matter how much one cultivates and meditates, the increased true qi will flow out. It is like pouring water into an already full basin, which will always overflow and cannot be retained.

From this perspective, the restriction is significant, far inferior to the gradual accumulation of the ancient Qi Cultivators.

However, Qin Xianyu was certain that Daoist cultivation was not limited to this.

Sure enough, the scholar in the blue robe continued, "Breaking through from the Qi Cultivation realm to the Gāngshà realm is like changing from a water basin to a water jar."

Qin Xianyu could not help but say, "So, each realm advancement is like changing from a water basin to a water jar, from a water jar to a reservoir, and so on? From a pond to a lake, and from a lake to the sea?"

"Exactly!" the scholar in the blue robe smiled. "Compared to the gradual accumulation of ancient Qi Cultivators, such realm advancements make cultivation faster. However, if one cannot break through the realms, they will be like your master, Daoist Master Guānxū, stopping at the peak of a realm, unable to advance further. The true qi gained from cultivation and meditation will be like pouring water into an already full basin, eventually dissipating."

"Breaking through realms is not easy. The bottleneck between realms is the greatest obstacle for cultivators. It is common for Daoists to be stuck for a lifetime, unable to break through despite their best efforts. Such examples are countless."

The scholar in the blue robe spoke calmly, his voice like the sound of flowing water.

Qin Xianyu listened with great interest and gained a deeper understanding of Daoist cultivation. However, he knew this was not enough and asked in a low voice, "Sir, I see that the Qi Cultivation realm is divided into three stages: Qi Sensitivity, True Qi, and External True Qi. So, the subsequent Gāngshà, Dragon-Tiger, Golden Elixir, and Inner Womb realms, which are profound and divine, should also be divided into realms, right?"

The scholar in the blue robe laughed softly and said, "Indeed, you are meticulous. No wonder you can notice the subtle details and observe the transformation of the golden cicada. You have obtained these two secret techniques not only because this cultivation technique is extraordinary but also because of your clear mind and meticulous nature."

Qin Xianyu humbly replied, "Sir, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise."

"You deserve it."

The scholar in the blue robe smiled and said, "As you said, the Qi Cultivation realm is divided into three stages, and the other realms naturally have their own detailed divisions."

"The Qi Cultivation realm is divided into three stages: Qi Sensitivity, True Qi, and External True Qi."

"The Gāngshà realm is divided into Condensing Earthly Gāngshà and Forming Heavenly Gāngshà."

"The Dragon-Tiger realm involves finding and condensing the Dragon and Tiger, and subduing them for your use. Afterward, the Dragon and Tiger converge, giving birth to the Golden Soup and Jade Liquid."

"The Golden Soup and Jade Liquid are the foundation of the Golden Elixir. When they reach a height of nine inches, the Golden Elixir can be condensed."

At this point, the scholar in the blue robe nodded slightly and said no more.

Qin Xianyu was afraid of being impolite and did not want to urge him, but he was very anxious and curious.

The scholar in the blue robe sighed and said, "The Golden Elixir is divided into nine transformations. By the time one reaches the stage of condensing the Golden Elixir, they are already among the Immortals, hence they are also called Earthly Immortals."

Earthly Immortals? Qin Xianyu was immediately shocked and wanted to ask more, but the scholar in the blue robe shook his head.

Qin Xianyu, being a perceptive person, understood from the scholar's attitude that the realm of Earthly Immortals was too distant and beyond his current reach, so the scholar was unwilling to reveal it. Additionally, the scholar might have his own reasons for not disclosing this level of information.

"Actually, this cultivation technique has few flaws; it just lacks some details about realm changes."

The scholar in the blue robe lowered his head and pondered, "If it is deduced and supplemented with the changes, it should be feasible, and it could even be compared to the great techniques of the secret lands."

Hearing this, Qin Xianyu's eyes showed longing, surprise, and anticipation.

The scholar in the blue robe did not say this lightly; he must have intended to perfect the technique.

The scholar in the blue robe said solemnly, "After deduction, adding the methods for condensing Earthly Gāngshà and forming Heavenly Gāngshà will complete the Gāngshà realm."

"If the methods for finding the Yin and Yang Dragon and Tiger within the body, subduing them, and making them converge to give birth to the Golden Soup and Jade Liquid are added, the Dragon-Tiger realm will also be completed."

"Condensing the Golden Soup and Jade Liquid into the Golden Elixir is another step."

"The Golden Elixir is divided into nine transformations, which is another step. After the nine transformations of the Golden Elixir, forming the Inner Womb, one can then follow the path of the ancient Qi Cultivators without the need for realm changes."

The scholar in the blue robe muttered to himself, "Moreover, at that stage, it is truly profound and wondrous, and I cannot deduce it."

He spoke much, and Qin Xianyu listened much.

Finally, the scholar in the blue robe looked at Qin Xianyu and said slowly, "The Ghost Suppressing Seal and the煞qi within it are of great use to me. If you are willing, I will deduce and perfect the cultivation technique for you, and the Ghost Suppressing Seal will belong to me."

Qin Xianyu was overjoyed and said, "Thank you, sir. I am willing!"