Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

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"What Fellow Daoist Luo says is absolutely right."

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and replied, "The properties of medicine are like the firewood for a fire, and the timing of the fire is like the hand that handles it. Since the firewood and the handle are different, the methods must also be different."

Take the [Condensing Essence and Transforming Truth Foundation Building Pill] mentioned by that fellow Daoist as an example. The auxiliary medicine, Purple Ginseng, is warm and thick but tends to be stagnant. It should be activated by the strong properties of Three Yang Grass.

When the fire attacks fiercely, one must pay extra attention to the opportunity for enlightenment, using yin to balance yang, and preventing its intense heat from damaging the source.

The precise control of heat and temperature in this process lies in the smallest details, requiring a thorough understanding of the properties of all the medicinal ingredients to use them with ease.

Chen Jiao presented the name of the pill and its ingredients, which was the Foundation Establishment Pill formula that Luo Daoren was most familiar with, and the key point he pointed out was one of the crucial factors for the success or failure of this pill.

The surprise in Luo Daoren's eyes deepened.

"Hahaha!"

Jin Guang Zhenren suddenly burst into laughter, his voice shaking the roof tiles. He clapped his hands and said:

"Excellent! What you both say is perfectly reasonable. However..."

"I believe that the true interest of alchemy sometimes lies in seeking the extraordinary and in taking risks."

The roles of ruler, minister, assistant, and envoy are the norm, but how can all living beings in the world be bound by such norms?

That extremely yin place may give rise to a bit of pure yang; a very hot medicine may not necessarily be unable to be countered by an extremely cold one.

The same applies to the control of heat; sometimes, going against the grain, using gentle heat to temper the fierce and strong, and using vigorous heat to nurture the gentle, can yield unexpected and delightful results.

Upon hearing this, Daoist Luo frowned slightly, clearly not agreeing with the unorthodox methods mentioned by Master Jin Guang.

However, it must be admitted that what Jin Guang Zhenren said was indeed an effective unorthodox approach.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Fellow Daoist Jin Guang's method is unconventional and can certainly achieve remarkable results, but it also doubles the danger. Only those with a firm will and meticulous control can do it."

Master Jin Guang chuckled and flicked his whisk.

"In the alchemy furnace, there are only successful pills and unsuccessful pills, and only whether the medicinal power is pure or not."

Fellow Daoist Luo, you are being too rigid.

Seeing that the two had slightly clashed in their ideas, Chen Jiao smiled slightly, poured them both a cup of tea, and continued:

"What you two have said contains profound truths."

Fellow Daoist Luo upholds righteousness, while Fellow Daoist Jin Guang displays extraordinary abilities. However, the Dao has its constants, but the laws are not fixed.

The way of alchemy is like the way of swordsmanship, and also like the way of talismans. Orthodox swordsmanship has a strict foundation, which is the foundation for building a sword; unpredictable sword moves are unexpected, which are the means to defeat the enemy.

The art of talismans also emphasizes forming patterns according to principles and communicating with spirits by following the flow of energy. However, at the highest level, isn't it also about doing whatever one wants without overstepping the bounds?

Fellow Daoist Jin Guang's method is a different path from the norm, and it is not something that ordinary people can control; otherwise, it will backfire on them.

Fellow Daoist Luo seeks stability and long-term goals, and has a solid foundation.

Ultimately, it still lies in the harmonious integration of reason and energy.

Understanding the properties of medicinal herbs, their fire-like nature, and discerning the waxing and waning of Yin and Yang, allows for the application of both orthodox and unorthodox methods, while the unorthodox also contains elements of orthodox principles; it is simply a matter of following the natural order.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang Zhenren's smile faded. He gave Chen Jiao a deep look before slowly nodding and saying:

"What Fellow Daoist Jiangxiao said makes sense."

However, alchemy is inherently defying the will of Heaven, seizing the power of creation to compensate for one's own deficiencies. If one were to simply follow the natural order, what would be the point of alchemy?

How should one grasp the boundary between following and going against the grain? I humbly request your guidance, fellow Daoist.

Seeing that the problem was becoming increasingly profound and had touched upon the fundamental debate of spiritual practice.

Chen Jiao pondered for a moment before speaking:

"What Fellow Daoist Jin Guang said is quite right. The Dao of alchemy is inherently a defiance of Heaven, its purpose being to steal the secrets of Heaven, mend what is incomplete, and seek the profound mysteries."

However, the process, especially the control of the heat, must be done in accordance with the timing of the weather.

Just like the growth of plants, which follows its own rhythm.

Refining elixirs to extract their essence is going against the natural order; but controlling the heat to simulate the process of growth and storage, and alternating between gentle and forceful methods to correspond to the cycle of the four seasons and the alternation of day and night, is going with the natural order.

Perhaps the correct principle of alchemy lies in following the natural order to act against fate and change destiny.

Forcing things against their nature and being impatient for quick success often backfires; this is the meaning of "the dragon soaring too high will regret it."

Master Luo listened intently, and murmured to himself:

"To go against the grain... I see."

No wonder ancient alchemical texts often mention "waiting for the right time," which refers not only to waiting for the right time for the fire to be lit, but also to waiting for the right time for the interaction of the Qi of heaven and earth.

It requires not only human effort, but also the right timing and location.

After a long silence, Jin Guang Zhenren suddenly sighed, looked at Chen Jiao with a complex expression, and said:

"Fellow Daoist's insight is indeed outstanding."

This discussion on the relationship between following and going against the grain has also resolved a long-standing question in my mind.

When I was refining certain rare elixirs and poisons, I often felt that human strength has its limits and that I could not force things.

What was missing was this skill of following the natural order, and a sense of awe for heaven and earth and the ability to leverage their power.

It's easy to say, but it's just about following the natural order and taking advantage of the favorable circumstances.

However, the secrets of heaven are elusive and the great way is formless, so how can one accurately perceive and grasp its 'timing' and 'momentum'?

This is something that can only be achieved with exceptional spiritual insight and profound understanding of the Dao.

I observed that you, my fellow Daoist, possess a pure and tranquil aura, with your yang energy contained within, devoid of any signs of decline, yet you have such profound insights.

This truly piques my curiosity. Who is your master, fellow Daoist? And what wondrous methods do you cultivate?

Master Jinguang asked directly, but it also reflected his genuine doubts.

Luo Daoren also held his breath and looked over.

Chen Jiao met their gazes, his expression calm.

He didn't answer directly, but instead took a sip of his slightly cooled tea and slowly said:

"Heaven and earth are the furnace, creation is the craftsman; yin and yang are the charcoal, and all things are the copper."

We cultivators are like copper and charcoal in the furnace, yet we can also be those who wield the fire. What we see and feel is simply a matter of being either involved or detached from the situation.

My knowledge is quite diverse, and any insights I have gained are merely parroting others' ideas. I cannot easily reveal the names of my teachers, and I hope my two fellow Daoists will understand.

As for perceiving the timing of the weather, it is nothing more than calming down, listening to the wind, watching the clouds move, observing the withering and flourishing of plants, and appreciating the alternation of cold and heat.

When the mind is calm, one can hear the rhythm of the universe.

This state of mind and condition may not be absolutely related to one's level of cultivation or age.

His words were calm and understated, gently deflecting Jin Guang Zhenren's question and leading the conversation to a broader realm of meaning.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang Zhenren stopped asking questions and instead smiled, saying:

"What a profound statement, 'Listening to the Breath of Heaven and Earth'! Fellow Daoist's state of mind is beyond the ordinary. Come, let us toast with tea instead of wine to your insightful discourse!"

Luo Daoren also quickly raised his cup, his evaluation of this Jiangxiao Zhenren had risen to an unfathomable level.

The three then discussed in detail the records of fire control in some ancient alchemical formulas, as well as the timing and methods of "gathering the pure and spiritual energy of heaven and earth" when the elixir is completed.

The sky outside the window was dark and gloomy, and the tea inside kept getting cold.

As their conversation deepened, the three forgot their initial formalities and became immersed in the joy of sharing the same profound truth.

Until the guards gently knocked on the door to announce that the treasure exchange ceremony was about to begin, King Yu Rong had already prepared a banquet.

The three of them suddenly realized how much time had passed, exchanged a smile, and all felt there was still something left unsaid.

"Today's discussion with my two fellow Daoists was truly exhilarating!"

Jin Guang Zhenren stood up, full of vigor and high spirits.

"When we have time in the future, we must get together again. Perhaps we can find a quiet room, start the furnace, and test our skills to verify the principles."

Master Luo nodded in approval, saying, "That is indeed my wish. I will need to learn a great deal from you two at that time."

Chen Jiao nodded and said, "You two fellow Daoists have profound Daoist skills, and I have also benefited greatly from them."

"If the opportunity arises in the future, I will certainly seek your guidance again."