Under One Person: Starting with the Dual Cultivation of Body and Soul.

"The rules governing the natural cycle of change can be described in one sentence."

"A person's primordial energy travels through the coccyx at midnight, through the back of the head at 1-3 AM, through the Xuan Shu point at 3-5 AM, through the spine at 5-7 AM, through the Tao Dao point at 7-9 AM, through the Yu Zhen point at 9-11 AM, and through the Ni Wan point at 11 AM."

"The three acupoints that the primordial qi passes through during the period from midnight to noon are called the coccyx, the spine, and the jade pillow. Cultivating the River Chariot Transport requires passing through these three acupoints."

"These three trials are more difficult than the last, but you can overcome them one by one. Once you break through the Jade Pillow Trial, your vital energy will flow straight into your Niwan (upper dantian)."

"Niwan, also known as Niwan Palace or Upper Dantian, is an important place for cultivation and the highest point of the human body. There is a poem that describes it well: 'The Five Ridges undulate like waves, and the Wumeng Mountains surge like the Niwan.'"

"Climbing over the Five Ridges and crossing the Wumeng Mountains, all the way to the highest point of Niwan, cultivation is the same. It is a difficult process of Qi climbing and operating."

"After the Niwan point, the primordial Qi flows straight down, reaching the Mingtang point at Wei hour, the Tanzhong point at Shen hour, the Zhongwan point at You hour, the Shenque point at Xu hour, and returning to the Qihai point at Hai hour."

"This is a complete natural circulation. When we practice the microcosmic orbit, we must also follow this procedure."

“In this step, the Qi is transported from the coccyx to the Niwan point. This is a process of cultivation, a process that is extremely arduous and full of bitterness.”

"The process of descending from Niwan to Qihai is a harvest process, a process that is like being enlightened by nectar, wonderful beyond words. The benefits of cultivating one's nature and life lie in this stage."

After explaining, Lu Jin sighed, "Whether it's cultivation or learning, it's all the same process. Without enduring the bitter cold, how can the plum blossoms exude their fragrant scent?"

"Little Chang'an, did you understand what your grandfather just said?"

"I understand!"

Li Chang'an nodded repeatedly: "Grandpa, you explained it very clearly. This route of circulating Qi throughout the body is actually guiding the Qi from the coccyx to the top of the head, drawing a semicircle, circulating once, and then returning to the lower dantian. The whole process..."

Li Chang'an thought for a moment and described it as: "It's like a waterwheel pumping water to irrigate, irrigating the 'water' in the human body into the three dantian."

"Haha, little Chang'an, you really understand things instantly!"

Lu Jin smiled and nodded: "You're absolutely right, that's exactly it, that's why it's called the River Chariot."

"The 'circulation of the river' involves passing through twelve acupoints, but only three can be considered checkpoints: the coccyx, the spine, and the jade pillow, as I mentioned earlier."

"Although I have already taught you the acupoints of the human body, theory is theory and practice is practice. To avoid you making mistakes, I will point out the acupoints to you."

Chapter 5 Cultivating Both Body and Spirit

As she spoke, Lu Jin walked behind Li Chang'an and pointed to a certain spot on his body:

"This is the coccyx, also called the Changqiang acupoint. It is located at the midpoint of the line connecting the tip of the coccyx and the anus, which is right below your buttocks, at the point between the very end of the coccyx and the anus."

Then, Lu Jin's fingers slowly moved upwards along Li Chang'an's spine, saying:

“From here upwards, this bone structure is like an abacus, one after another, until the area above the seventh vertebra is the Jiaji point.”

His finger continued upwards, finally stopping at the back of Li Chang'an's head:

“From the Jiaji Pass upwards, push upwards to the beginning of the hair, and you will feel a protruding bone. Below this bone is a depression, which is the Yuzhen Pass.”

Having said that, Lu Jin moved her hand away, slapped Li Chang'an on the forehead, and continued:

“I’ve explained the three passes to you. As for how to apply them, it’s based on the principle of ‘the birth of Yang at the winter solstice.’ This means that the Yang energy rises from the tailbone at the bottom of the sea, all the way up through the months of Zi and Chou, until it reaches the top of the Qian trigram. This upward route is called the ‘Du Meridian.’”

Upon hearing this, Li Chang'an said, "Grandpa, my standing meditation started with the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang, gradually moving upwards to circulate Qi. The higher the level, the wider the range of Qi circulation. If one can reach the Ren and Du Meridians, in my grandfather's words, that would make one a top-notch martial artist in the world, someone everyone would treat with respect. I've seen many martial arts movies say that opening the Ren and Du Meridians makes one a top master. How come the Ren and Du Meridians are the starting point for cultivating both body and mind?"

Lu Jin smiled and said, "This is about making choices in cultivation. Of course, starting from the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang and going all the way to the Ren and Du Meridians is definitely different from starting directly from the Ren and Du Meridians. The two cannot be equated."

Li Chang'an nodded: "I understand."

Lu Jin continued, "Once you pass through the last three stages of Qi circulation, you've completed half of the Small Heavenly Circuit. What follows is the benefit of cultivating both body and mind."

"This benefit is also known as the Three Barriers, but I prefer to call it the Three Treasures."

"These three treasures are the spirit of the upper elixir, the qi of the middle elixir, and the essence of the lower elixir."

"The upper dantian is also called the Niwan Palace, located in the middle of the eyebrows."

"The middle elixir is also called the Crimson Palace, located between the two breasts."

"The lower dantian, also known as the sea of ​​qi, is located below the navel."

"These three treasures correspond to essence, energy, and spirit respectively. As the saying goes, 'Jade liquid and fine wine descend from the twelve-story tower and go straight to the Crimson Palace.'"

"It means that when your Qi (vital energy) starts to flow down from the Niwan Palace (the area below the head), it will transform into saliva."

"This saliva is different from the usual bland saliva; it is light and sweet, so it is also called 'jade nectar'."

“‘Jade liquor’ is not swallowed like water or food. Instead, you have to lift your tongue up a little so that it goes down the cartilage of your throat segment by segment.”

"The cartilage has twelve segments, so it is also called the Twelve-Story Building, which leads directly to the Crimson Palace, which is the middle dantian."

"After arriving here, some of these precious liquids will transform into Qi and remain in the middle dantian, while another part will fall into the lower dantian to nourish the whole body."

"This Qi circulation route encompasses all three Dantian. Each time you circulate Qi, it nourishes the Shen (spirit) of the Upper Dantian, the Qi (vital energy) of the Middle Dantian, and the Jing (essence) of the Lower Dantian."

"The unity of essence, energy, and spirit is the essence and life, so this method is also called the dual cultivation of essence and life."

"Of course, cultivating both body and mind is a very complex process. The rotation of the chariot is only the basic entry point for cultivating both body and mind. There is still much more to learn about the training of both sex and mind later on."

“The standing meditation you practiced before focuses on the essence of the lower dantian, so it is more about improving physical strength.”

After speaking, Lu Jin looked at Li Chang'an:

"Now you understand the benefits of cultivating both body and spirit, right?"

"Grandpa, I understand!"

Li Chang'an thought for a moment and said, "If we take care of both essence, energy, and spirit at the same time, wouldn't it be faster to cultivate only one of them?"

"Hahaha!"

Lu Jin laughed loudly: "Is there a way to have it all in this world? You have to give up something to gain something. Cultivating both body and mind is definitely not as fast as cultivating only one, but in terms of cultivation level, those who cultivate both body and mind will definitely have an absolute advantage."

"However, cultivation is not just about fighting and killing. Cultivation is more about transcending oneself. Sexuality and life are like a person's two legs."

"Both legs must be intact and strong to walk properly; how can a lame person go far?"

"As for how to choose, that's up to you."

Li Chang'an said, "Grandpa, when I was reading a book before, I saw that Lu Zu once said, 'Cultivating only one's nature and not one's destiny is the first disease of cultivation. If one only cultivates one's ancestral nature and not one's elixir, one's yin spirit will find it difficult to become a saint even after countless eons.' I definitely want to have both nature and destiny."

Lu Jin smiled and said, "It is said that if you want both life and health, it is easier said than done. Even if you understand the principle, it is not easy to actually do it."

"Master leads you through the door, but the cultivation depends on the individual. Little Chang'an, you need to take this step yourself."

"Now, sit quietly and meditate to feel the natural circulation of Qi within your body. When you are confident, you can begin to practice Qi circulation."

"Yes, sir!"

Li Chang'an sat cross-legged, about to circulate his Qi.

Lu Jin added, "Even if you feel confident, don't rashly practice Qi. Be sure to tell Grandfather beforehand, and he will protect you."

Circulating Qi is a very dangerous thing, and he didn't want his great-grandson to mess things up and ruin himself.

"Grandpa, I've got it."

After Li Chang'an finished speaking, he cleared his mind of all distractions and began to meditate.

After entering a meditative state, his consciousness began to slowly rise, gazing at himself below from a strange perspective.

Even though he had many experiences with this, Li Chang'an still felt somewhat uncomfortable every time he entered this perspective.

Because it's very similar to the experience of being near death.

He remembered that in his previous life, when he was about to die, his consciousness was elevated like this, and he was gazing down at himself and the medical staff who were coming in and out to save him.

At the same time, Li Chang'an also felt that this was somewhat like the perspective in a dream.

People who dream frequently often have this feeling: when they see themselves in their dreams, it is often from a third-person perspective.

From this perspective, Li Chang'an can not only see his own body, but also the subtle flow of Qi within his body.

Li Chang'an first entered this perspective when he was learning Zhan Zhuang (standing meditation). He set up his knowledge, suddenly felt a surge of awareness, and then he gained Qi.

It is precisely from this perspective that he is able to practice swordsmanship with divine assistance.

This perspective allows him to transcend his own limitations.

Seen sideways as a peak on the side of the ridge, the height varies from far to far.

I don't know the true face of Lushan, I am only in this mountain.

When your perspective transcends your own limitations, you can see your shortcomings and correct them, which is why his swordsmanship improved so rapidly.

As for why this state occurred, Li Chang'an wasn't quite sure. He guessed it might be a special ability brought about by time travel, since it was similar to his experience when he was on the verge of death.

……

Li Chang'an focused his attention on the Qi that circulated with the natural universe.

He could clearly see that the Qi was moving slowly.

As for the surrounding meridians and acupoints, Li Chang'an couldn't see them yet; he could only see the surface of his body.

Meridians and acupoints are extremely subtle parts of the human body, and it is said that only people with very high spiritual attainments can "see" them.

However, he can sense things through Qi.

The flow of Qi in the meridians is like a person carrying a lamp and walking at night. To walk well and steadily, one must be able to see clearly and discern the specific road conditions.

Which roads are easy to travel, which are difficult, which are straight, and which are winding...

Li Chang'an began to immerse himself completely in it.

He could sense that when the primordial energy of the natural circulation passed through, the condition of the surrounding meridians and acupoints would be clearly illuminated.

His meridians are very wide.

"If that's the case, then the difficulty of cultivating both body and mind doesn't seem as high as the legends say."

But soon, Li Chang'an put away these distracting thoughts and continued to observe the various details of Qi flowing through his meridians, memorizing them with his photographic memory.

Chapter 6 Circulating Qi in the Small Heavenly Circuit

Li Chang'an remained in meditation for twenty-four hours. When he woke up, he found Lu Jin still sitting beside him.

Are you hungry?

Lu Jin handed over some bread and milk.

He originally thought that Li Chang'an would stop meditating after a few hours, but he did not expect that he would meditate for 24 hours.

Having strong focus and the ability to endure loneliness is also a kind of talent...

Lu Jin looked at Li Chang'an with eyes full of admiration.

"Grandpa, have you been here the whole time?"

Li Chang'an took the bread and milk and ate them heartily. He hadn't eaten for 24 hours. He hadn't felt it when he was in meditation, but after waking up, he realized that his stomach had been growling with hunger for a long time.

"Grandpa said he would protect you," Lu Jin said with a smile.

Although Li Chang'an acted very calmly, he was still worried that the child's curiosity might lead him to recklessly use his Qi and harm himself, so he stayed by his side. As it turned out, he had worried too much.

"How's the observation going?" he asked.

While eating, Li Chang'an said, "I have clearly felt the specific route of Qi circulation. Now I can try circulating Qi through the Small Heavenly Circuit."

"Pulsing Qi is no small matter, do you want to take a break?"

"No need, I'm full of energy right now."

Li Chang'an bent his arms, striking a strong pose.

Lu Jin smiled and said, "Meditation is also a form of rest. Since you feel good, you can give it a try."

"But you must remember that the first time you practice Qi circulation, you must do it slowly and carefully feel and experience the various sensations in your body as the Qi flows through your meridians."

Lu Jin patiently gave her instructions.

The "River Turning" technique he's teaching now is just the most basic part of cultivating both body and mind, and it's not very risky. But it's important to cultivate good habits from a young age, since the difficulty and risk of reversing one's birth is far greater than that of the River Turning technique.

"Grandpa, I will be careful."

Li Chang'an nodded, closed his eyes, and assumed the five-heart-facing-the-sky posture.

Lu Jin smiled as he looked at Li Chang'an. Although he had explained the circulation of Qi in the Small Heavenly Circuit very clearly and Li Chang'an understood it, cultivation is always easier said than done. There is a huge difference between understanding and doing.

If cultivating both body and mind were so easy, then the streets would be full of people who possess both.

Speaking of which, when he first started cultivating, he was stuck at the Jiaji Pass for a period of time.