The next day, in the early morning.
Zhang Qian woke up, crying out in pain as soon as he opened his eyes, completely devoid of the heroic demeanor of the man who had bravely faced death yesterday.
Chen Yun saw that Zhang Qian was in good spirits, so he sought out a doctor to inquire about his condition. He was told that Zhang Qian was not seriously injured, but needed to rest in bed for two or three days. Therefore, the doctor gave him some medicine and then carried it back to the inn, where he placed it down and helped Zhang Qian back into the inn.
In the guest room.
Chen Yun first looked down the corridor outside to make sure there was no one around, then closed and locked the windows and doors.
Then he returned to the bedside and blinked at Zhang Qian, saying, "Brother Zhang, during this trip down the mountain, do you still want to ask for immortality?"
Zhang Qian, who was groaning in pain on the bed, said with a helpless look, "Now that our five-year term is up and we've descended from the mountain, what hope do I have for seeking immortality?"
Sitting down at the edge of the bed, Chen Yun asked with a smiling face, "What if I told you that I have the secret art of immortality?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Qian abruptly sat up, his voice tense as he said, "Brother Chen, I know that the master entrusted you with great Buddhist teachings. However, there are rules in the temple for the transmission of sutras: only to those who are worthy, not to outsiders. Please do not break the rules of the temple out of compassion for me."
Evidently, the other party wanted to seek immortality but was still thinking about himself.
Chen Yun felt that it was not in vain to have made Zhang Qian his friend.
He spoke candidly, "The immortality secret I possess is not the Buddhist teachings of the temple, and I have not yet begun to practice. If you truly want to seek immortality, we can discuss cultivation together. But if you just want to live a peaceful life, then forget I mentioned it."
"Aha?" Zhang Qian's eyes lit up. "You have a secret art of immortality that is not passed down by the temple?"
Chen Yun nodded affirmatively, "Yes."
Zhang Qian was overjoyed and shouted excitedly, "I must learn the secret art of immortality!"
Chen Yun said, "All right. Then I will orally narrate the practice method of exiting the spirit realm for you to hear. You must remember every word without leaving any out, as practicing is a serious matter and cannot be taken lightly. If there are any problems during your practice, I won't be able to save you."
Zhang Qian said with a joyful expression, "I know! I know!"
Chen Yun slowly imparted the method of exiting the spirit realm: "As for the human body, it is permeated with yin and relies on its ability to transform yin into yang, which is achieved through the eyes. Therefore, the first step in exiting the spirit realm is to internally gaze upon oneself. Hm, internal gazing is to consolidate spirituality and observe internally. With this understanding, one can truly comprehend and aspire to open up the mystical gate. The eyes focus on themselves and return their light... One said: Washing Marrow Method. Close your eyes, adjust your breath, consolidate your spirituality and observe internally... Two said: Washing Heart Method. When you shine light onto Dian Xuan and hold it for a long time... Three said... Ten said: Water flows in the Yangtze River while the moon shines in the sky; this kind of internal gazing method uses a bright moon hanging above your head as a symbol of balance. When you have finished cultivating your mind, imagine yourself climbing up three stories of a red chambered tower. When you reach the top, make a strong leap, and your spirit will emerge."
This imparting of the practice method took a stick of incense in time.
After imparting the method, Chen Yun asked, "Brother Zhang, have you memorized the practice?"
Zhang Qian stared at him with a look of speechlessness, "With so much content, do you think I can remember it just by hearing it once?"
Chen Yun thought for a moment and said, "You're right. Well, I'll write it down later, and you should memorize it carefully. We'll try to practice at night, as the method says it's not advisable to practice in the daytime or else you might be injured by the sunlight."
Zhang Qian was over the moon and nodded excitedly, "Okay, okay. At that time, we can compare who can emerge the spirit realm faster."
Chen Yun laughed heartily, "Alright, let's see who's faster."
Subsequently, he wrote down the practice method on paper.
He discussed the practice method with Zhang Qian in depth for the entire day.
Upon confirming the accuracy, they finally decided to begin practicing exiting the spirit realm after midnight.
......
When first emerging the spirit realm, great care must be taken, as any gusts of wind or rainstorms could pose a danger.
Before starting the practice, Chen Yun, apart from bathing and changing clothes, checked the house several times to make sure there were no leaks.
After confirming there were no leaks, he took out a stick of golden sandalwood incense and lit it.
In no time, the room was filled with a mist, and the sandalwood incense was incredibly enticing.
Zhang Qian, sitting cross-legged on the bed with his shirt off, asked curiously, "Brother Chen, why are you lighting sandalwood incense?"
Chen Yun explained, "This sandalwood incense can protect the spirit realm. In case of any emergencies, it won't cause us to be scattered into a thousand pieces."
"Oh, I see."
Zhang Qian nodded in understanding.
Chen Yun casually said, "When we get to Luoyang, I'll give you some of this sandalwood incense so you can continue your practice on your own."
"Okay." Zhang Qian answered, "Is there anything else we need to pay attention to before starting the practice?"
Chen Yun thought for a moment and said, "If you truly emerge the spirit realm, do not leave the room."
Zhang Qian again responded with a "Good."
Subsequently, Chen Yun found a flat spot in the corner and sat down on it, using a cloth cushion to make it more comfortable.
He began following the practice method as recorded.
The method to exit the spirit realm is quite simple.
It's simply about visualizing three or seven stories of red towers or pagodas, then climbing to the top and leaping with all your might.
However, the spirit realm cannot be exited randomly.
Because if the "spirit" is not sufficiently powerful, there are dangers associated with exiting the body.
Therefore, before exiting the spirit realm, one needs to use the method of cultivating yin and restoring yang to nurture and empower the spirit realm, so that it can emerge safely.
This process might take a long time.
Chen Yun had just warned Zhang Qian not to wander around after exiting the spirit realm, but he didn't actually expect Zhang to be able to exit the spirit realm that night; he was just giving a precautionary instruction.
He gathered his thoughts and began to cultivate the spirit realm according to the "Method of Cultivating Yin and Restoring Yang."
"The first step is the Washing Marrow Method."
Chen Yun closed his eyes, regulated his breath, and focused his spirit inwardly.
Generally, when first practicing the Washing Marrow Method, one wouldn't be able to detect any light.
Only after long-term practice, step by step, figuring out the method, and then one will feel the existence of light.
Due to his experience in cultivating internal elixirs, Chen Yun completed the regulation of his breath in a short while and concentrated his mind on his brain.
At this moment, he looked up slightly towards the direction of the ceiling, noticing brightness, as if it was moonlight in the night.
Then he guided this light with his mind to shine onto Dian Xuan.
He wasn't sure if it was because he had a natural talent or because he had already cultivated true Qi.
Chen Yun had just tried such visualization, and he felt that there was a bright light in his brain, as if his head was made of crystal.
"Is the first step so easy?"
He was rather surprised.
Since the Washing Marrow Method was so easy, then it's time for the Washing Heart Method.
Chen Yun let the "moonlight" shine onto Dian Xuan for a long time, then guided the light down through Chong Lou to reach Hsiang Gong.
After half a moment in Hsiang Gong, he felt that the chamber was pure white and radiant.
At this moment, it seems as if the mind has been purified.
"Hmm, the second step was also easily accomplished?"
Chen Yun was surprised at his own quick progress.
Continue to try the third step, the Pure Land Method.
He then guided the white light with his mind to descend to Zhong Huang, storing it for a long time, and feeling that Zhong Huang was completely white.
The third step was also easily mastered!
Chen Yun decided to put aside his surprise and fully concentrate on cultivating the spirit realm.
The fourth step, the Qing Hai Method.
He felt that the light followed the Qi and descended to the lower dantian.
Soon, Chen Yun felt that the dantian gradually became spacious and deep like the sea.
The fourth step was also successful.
He then began the fifth step, "Dragon Emerging from the Depths of the Sea."
Because he had been gazing at the dantian for a long time, the more he looked, the brighter and wider it became.
Over time, Chen Yun felt the Qi moving within the dantian.
He knew it was time for the sixth step, "Tiger Flipping from the Water's Bottom."
With a thought of purity, he gently guided his gaze, looking backwards from the bottom of the sea, and felt that this light had penetrated through the huiyin point.
At this time, it had reached the seventh step, "The Yellow River Reverses Its Current."
Chen Yun guided the light from the huiyin point straight through the tailbone, ascending upwards along the Governing Meridian from below.
"The seventh step has been accomplished as well, it's time for the eighth step of Refining Elixirs and Nourishing the Brain."
Chen Yun felt the Qi in his body moving with the light, descending from the dantian to the huiyin point, penetrating through the tailbone, and following the Governing Meridian to reach Dian Xuan Gong in his head.
The eighth step was also easily completed.
He continued with the ninth step, "Saint Sun and Saint Moon Shine on Golden Lotus."
Chen Yun used the method of watching light at both ends, visualizing his two eyes' light existing in the sky for half a day, like the sun and moon, shining down on the top of his head, penetrating through the three gates and reaching the deepest part of the sea, that is to say, the huiyin point.
After completing the ninth step, Chen Yun reached the final step before exiting the spirit realm, which was "Water in the Yangtze, Moon in the Sky."
Chen Yun was surrounded by silence, and he used only one intention to ascend and penetrate from above and below, following the principle of simultaneous action without obstruction.
After a long time, he felt that the clear light penetrated through the sky nine times and broke through the deep abyss nine times.
Upon completing this step, Chen Yun felt "a surge of spirit."
At this time, he felt as if he had entered a wonderful realm where his body seemed to no longer exist.
There was something inside his body that was eagerly trying to jump out.
He knew it was time to exit the spirit realm!
Chen Yun visualized three stories of red towers on top of his head, and a vast moon above. When he stepped onto the topmost tier, he suddenly leaped with all his might.
Hmm?
Why didn't the spirit realm emerge?
Chen Yun imagined jumping and opening his eyes, but he didn't see anything abnormal.
It's still me.
He pinched his thigh.
He still felt pain.
Zhang Qian, who was not far away, was also meditating with his eyes closed.
The surroundings had not changed in any way.
"Why can't the spirit realm emerge? Is there someplace that was neglected?"
Chen Yun calmed down again and repeated the above steps. Then he visualized climbing up the three stories of red towers and leaping with all his might again.
It still didn't work.
Thus, he fell into deep contemplation.
"I remember the method of practice recorded in the text, feeling a shiver in my heart, then the spirit realm will emerge. But how can I feel a shiver in my heart?"
Suddenly, Chen Yun thought of something.
This "heart-thumping" probably refers to the heart-pounding, fearful sensation when looking down from the top of the three-story red towers.
People might lose their spirit if they are scared to the extreme.
Exiting the spirit realm might also require a similar feeling.
Chen Yun decided to give it a try.
He repeated the above steps again.
Finally, when it was time to exit the spirit realm, he did not visualize the three-story red towers as he had done just before.
Chen Yun imagined himself climbing up to the top of the 88-story Jinmao Tower and looking down.
He remembered that in his previous life, he had spent 388 yuan just to experience the "walking on the top of Jinmao Tower" project.
The Jinmao Tower has a total of eighty-eight floors, and from one floor to the next, it can almost overlook the entire metropolis.
Chen Yun visualized himself taking the elevator to the top floor and being blown by the wind, looking down, where small cars below looked like ants.
Suddenly, he felt dizzy and his legs were weak.
"That's the feeling!"
Although it was just visualization, Chen Yun remembered the first time he climbed to the top of the Jinmao Tower and looked down, he still felt a chilling sensation.
Suddenly, he decided to take a bold step and visualize himself jumping off from the top of the Jinmao Tower!
Boom!
The world has changed!
The moment he jumped in his mind, Chen Yun suddenly felt his body become lighter as if he was floating.
The scenery in front of him was still the same, with four walls of white, and Zhang Qian sitting cross-legged on the bed meditating.
The only difference is that Chen Yun saw his own body!
I…have successfully exited the spirit realm?
(Chapter ends)
