Chapter 25
In the quiet solitude of his dimly lit abode, 621 sat cross-legged on the threadbare rug, the weathered tome of the Veiled Serpent Path cradled in his hands. With a sense of anticipation, he turned to the first chapter, his eyes scanning the pages that spoke of the foundational principles of Qi cultivation.
The text described the importance of harnessing and refining one's Qi energy as the cornerstone of cultivation practice. Like a master craftsman shaping raw ore into a fine blade, cultivators must diligently refine their Qi to lay the groundwork for future spiritual ascent.
The initial chapters of the Veiled Serpent Path outlined unique meditation techniques designed to draw forth and refine Qi energy from the surrounding environment. Through focused breathing exercises and visualization, practitioners learned to attune their minds and bodies to the subtle currents of Qi that permeated the world around them.
As 621 read on, he found himself drawn deeper into the intricacies of Qi cultivation. The text spoke of Qi as the essence of cultivation itself, flowing through every living being like a river of energy. By honing their ability to sense and manipulate this energy, cultivators could unlock hidden potentials within themselves and transcend the limitations of the mortal realm.
One such technique described in detail was the "Whispering Breeze Meditation." This meditation involved sitting in a quiet, secluded place and focusing on the sensation of the gentle breeze against the skin. As the practitioner breathed deeply and relaxed their body and mind, they visualized themselves as a vessel, gradually filling with the Qi carried by the breeze.
Another technique, known as the "Golden Sunrise Exercise," was said to harness the radiant energy of the rising sun. Practitioners would stand with their arms outstretched, facing the horizon as the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon. With each breath, they absorbed the warm, golden light into their bodies, allowing it to suffuse their meridians with revitalizing energy.
As 621 delved deeper into the pages of the Veiled Serpent Path, he felt as though he were unraveling the wisdom of an ancient and mysterious cultivator. The text seemed to echo with the voice of this unknown master, their observations and insights guiding the way.
One such observation spoke of the fluid nature of Qi, likening it to a flowing river that meandered through the meridians of the body. The author described how they had come to understand the ebb and flow of Qi through years of quiet contemplation and introspection.
Another insight focused on the power of intention and visualization in shaping and directing the flow of Qi. The author recounted moments of clarity and insight when they had felt the boundaries between mind and matter dissolve, allowing them to wield Qi with effortless precision.
As 621 absorbed these teachings, he felt a sense of awe and reverence for the unknown cultivator who had paved the way before him. The simplicity and elegance of their observations spoke volumes about the depth of their understanding and the mastery they had achieved.
Afterwards, he found himself immersed in the profound observations and warnings regarding Qi control and manipulation. The unknown cultivator's words were stern and sincere, emphasizing the critical importance of mastering these aspects of cultivation.
One observation spoke of the delicate balance required to control Qi effectively. The author cautioned against the dangers of allowing Qi to run rampant, unchecked and uncontrolled. They warned that without proper discipline and focus, Qi could become like a wild beast, unpredictable and uncontrollable, leading to disastrous consequences for the practitioner and those around them.
Another warning focused on the consequences of improper Qi manipulation. The author recounted tales of cultivators who had pushed themselves too far, attempting to wield Qi beyond their level of mastery. The result, they cautioned, was often catastrophic, leading to Qi imbalance, energy overload, and even irreversible damage to the body and spirit.
As 621 absorbed these teachings, he felt a growing sense of responsibility weighing heavily upon him. The Veiled Serpent Path was not just a path to power—it was a path fraught with peril, requiring utmost caution and diligence at every step.
But amidst the warnings, there was also a glimmer of hope. The unknown cultivator spoke of the transformative potential of mastering Qi control and manipulation. They described how, with disciplined practice and unwavering determination, cultivators could unlock new levels of power and insight, transcending the limitations of the mortal realm.
As 621 finished reading the extract about Qi manipulation and control, he couldn't help but feel a surge of trepidation. The warnings and observations resonated deeply with him, stirring a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
"Qi control... and manipulation, huh…" 621 murmured to himself, his mind racing with possibilities.
"What’s the deal with the emphasis on these two factors?", he thought passively.
As he pondered the implications of the unknown cultivator's words, 621 couldn't shake the feeling of urgency that gripped him.
"I've observed my Qi countless times before, but it seems like there’s something I failed to understand,"
“Exactly what did I miss?” he mused internally, his brow furrowing in concentration.
As 621 turned the pages of the ancient tome, he came upon a section that outlined the concept of meridians as pathways for Qi flow, leading to the dantian—a vital Qi reservoir nestled somewhere in the lower abdomen. The text painted a vivid picture of these ethereal channels, describing them as invisible pathways that crisscrossed the body, carrying the life force energy known as Qi.
The author explained that meridians served as conduits for the flow of Qi, connecting various parts of the body and facilitating the exchange of energy between them. Each meridian was said to correspond to specific organs and bodily functions, forming a complex network that regulated the body's overall energetic balance.
As 621 delved deeper into the intricacies of meridian theory, he found himself captivated by the depth and complexity of the system. The text detailed the twelve primary meridians—each associated with a different organ or bodily system—and their respective pathways throughout the body.
But it was the dantian that truly intrigued him. Described as a reservoir of Qi located in the lower abdomen, the dantian was said to be the focal point of Qi cultivation, serving as a central hub where energy from the meridians converged and accumulated.
The author likened the dantian to a wellspring of power, a source of limitless potential waiting to be tapped into. They explained that through diligent practice and cultivation, practitioners could increase the capacity of their dantian, allowing them to store and wield ever greater amounts of Qi.
The text elucidates that while the standard understanding posits twelve primary meridians, the Veiled Serpent Path delves deeper, revealing that individuals possess a variable number of meridians within their bodies. These additional meridians are not commonly acknowledged in mainstream cultivation practices but are integral to the teachings of the Veiled Serpent Path.
The elusive chapter explains that the number of meridians one possesses is determined at birth and varies from person to person. While most individuals are born with the standard twelve meridians, some may possess additional meridians, ranging up to a maximum of twenty-four.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“This coincides with the handler’s words…”, 621 contemplated.
However, the book went into more details. It said that each additional meridian serves to bolster and strengthen the corresponding primary meridian, enhancing the individual's capacity for Qi manipulation and cultivation.
For example, the thirteenth meridian supports the function of the first primary meridian, while the fourteenth supports the second, and so forth.
The significance of these additional meridians lies in their ability to augment the practitioner's Qi reserves and refine their control over Qi flow. With each additional meridian, the practitioner gains greater sensitivity to Qi fluctuations and increased proficiency in harnessing its power.
Additionally, the text also cautions that possessing a greater number of meridians is not without its challenges. The increased complexity of Qi circulation can lead to greater strain on the body and require more diligent practice to maintain balance and harmony within the meridian system.
621 thought that perhaps this was the reason why they emphasised on Qi control.
Next, he encountered a section that delved into the actual visualization of meridians and the dantian—a crucial aspect of understanding Qi cultivation. The text described meridians as ethereal channels, akin to invisible ‘tubes’ that crisscrossed the body, carrying the flow of Qi.
To aid in comprehension, the book included intricate illustrations depicting the meridian pathways in vibrant detail. Each meridian was depicted as a translucent tube, weaving its way through the body like a network of intricate veins. As 621 traced his finger along the illustrations, he could almost feel the energy pulsating beneath his touch, as if the meridians themselves were physical.
The dantian on the other hand was illustrated as a radiant sphere nestled deep within the lower abdomen, the picture seemed to glow with a soft, golden light, emanating a sense of warmth and power. It was depicted as a glasslike structure which was transparent thus showcasing the flow and storage of Qi inside.
The images brought to life the abstract concepts described in the text, allowing him to visualize the flow of Qi with clarity and precision.
Embedded within these illustrations was a clear emphasis on the power of visualization in successfully cultivating the technique. The author reiterated time and again that visualization was not merely a passive exercise, but a fundamental aspect of Qi cultivation.
By vividly visualizing the meridian pathways and the dantian within their minds, practitioners could forge a deeper connection with their Qi, enhancing their ability to manipulate and control it.
“Hmm, again there is the emphasis on those two factors…”
Finally, he came upon the revelation of its unique purpose—a purpose that set it apart from all other cultivation techniques. The text spoke of a singular goal: to hide one's Qi from detection through an ingenious method of emptying the dantian.
The author's message unfolded vividly, painting a picture of a world where the ability to conceal one's Qi was not just a matter of skill, but of survival. In a realm where strength and power were measured in Qi, the ability to remain hidden from prying eyes was paramount, especially for assassins alike.
But the path to achieving this elusive goal was fraught with challenges. The text revealed the existence of techniques specifically designed to detect and discern the Qi of others. These techniques, honed by skilled practitioners and organizations, posed a constant threat to those who sought to conceal their presence.
Faced with this daunting reality, the unknown cultivator behind the Veiled Serpent Path embarked on a journey of innovation and discovery. Drawing inspiration from the concept of the dantian. The unknown cultivator stated that they devised a revolutionary method for hiding one's Qi from detection.
The solution lay in the creation of pockets on the external surfaces of the meridians—the invisible tube-like pathways through which Qi flowed. These pockets, derived from the concept of the dantian itself, served as clandestine chambers where Qi could be stored and concealed, shielded from prying eyes and detection techniques alike.
“Interesting, to hide Qi where one wouldn’t usually expect them to be”, 621 murmured, clicking his tongue in wonder.
He marveled at the creator's genius. The text detailed how the author had ingeniously adapted the principles of the dantian to create a solution that was both simple and seemingly effective.
But the brilliance of the technique did not end there. The author had also devised a means of regulating the flow of Qi into these pockets, ensuring that practitioners could control their energy reserves with precision and finesse.
With each revelation, 621 gained a newfound appreciation for the depth of thought and ingenuity that had gone into the creation of the Veiled Serpent Path. It was more than just a cultivation technique—it was a testament to the boundless creativity and resourcefulness of a cultivator.
In the next section, the author brought it back to visualization, the following text informed 621 why this factor was so important; it was specifically for this next section—the creation of the pockets themselves, elusive words depicted a complex detail of a new concept.
The text vividly described the process of stretching the meridians, likening it to the stretching of a rubber band to create more space.
The unknown cultivator had envisioned the meridians as elastic tubes, capable of stretching and expanding to accommodate the formation of concealed chambers. Through focused visualization and intent, practitioners were instructed to visualize the meridians elongating, gradually creating pockets of additional space within their walls.
As the meridians stretched, they closed in on themselves, forming sealed chambers that could house Qi. The text emphasized the importance of precise control and visualization during this process, ensuring that the chambers were formed with exacting precision.
But it was the creation of the valves that truly showcased the cultivator's ingenuity. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, the author had envisioned the valves as intricate mechanisms akin to the valves found in the human body. Just as the pylorus valve in the stomach regulated the flow of food, these valves controlled the flow of Qi, opening and closing with precision to conceal the presence of the concealed chambers.
An analogy was drawn to the workings of a lock and key, where the valve acted as the key to unlocking the hidden chambers of Qi. Through focused visualization and intent, practitioners were instructed to manipulate the valves, regulating the flow of Qi with careful precision.
It was also within these valves which contained the unknown cultivator’s insights; the text illustrated seals to embed into the valves themselves acting as the concealing mechanisms to actually hide the created ‘pockets’ from being seen.
Yet, even as the technique took shape, the author harbored a sense of regret. In a hint of vulnerability, they confided their remorse in the pages of the tome. They lamented the inability to conceal the dantian itself—a task that had proved insurmountable in the face of countless obstacles.
Despite their best efforts, the dantian remained a beacon of Qi, impossible to hide completely. And so, they had been forced to devise this ingenious method instead—a method that required unwavering focus and dedication to master.
As 621 neared the end of the ancient tome, the text delved into the potential dangers and disadvantages inherent in the practice of the Veiled Serpent Path. With each word, a sense of caution and apprehension settled over him, as he braced himself for the sobering realities that lay ahead.
The text warned of the risks associated with the manipulation of Qi, emphasizing the delicate balance that must be maintained within the meridian-dantian system. Practitioners were cautioned against overexertion and reckless experimentation, as excessive strain on the meridians could lead to Qi imbalance and energy overload.
Furthermore, the text highlighted the inherent vulnerability of the concealed chambers within the meridians. While the technique offered a means of hiding one's Qi from detection, it also introduced new vulnerabilities and weaknesses. The sealed chambers were not impervious to external threats, and practitioners risked exposure if their defenses were breached.
Another danger highlighted lay in the potential consequences of Qi depletion. As practitioners emptied their dantian to conceal their presence, they risked depleting their energy reserves to dangerous levels. Without a sufficient supply of Qi to sustain them, they faced the very real possibility of physical and spiritual exhaustion, leaving them vulnerable to attack and manipulation by external forces.
Most importantly, the text finally revealed the reason for the importance of Qi control and manipulation in the successful practice of the Veiled Serpent Path. It was deemed ultimately necessary for the practitioner to regulate the flow of Qi from the meridian and into the created pockets with supreme proficiency. Similarly, to empty the dantian, one must reverse the flow of Qi and redirect them towards the meridian and eventually into the pockets.
"So that's why, I see." 621 finally understood the implications of the mysterious author; indeed he saw through the technique's inherent requirements.
All of this required time and patience and the author warned that these were a crucial disadvantages that must be resolved.
As 621 absorbed these warnings, a sense of unease settled over him. It became apparent that the Veiled Serpent Path was not without its risks, and the path to it's mastery was seemingly fraught with peril. Yet, despite the dangers that lay ahead, he remained undeterred for he saw the potential benefits of the ingenious technique.
Rather, he felt an increasingly profound sense of respect for the unknown cultivator who had poured their heart and soul into the creation of such a cultivation technique.
He had thought that the first volume of the series which contained information about the Mortal Transformation realm was already deeply confounding but no he found this subsequent volume to only be richer and more insightful. 621 truly felt respect as he began to ponder the identity of this mysterious cultivation techniques’ creator.
He speculated that it could be the figure depicted as a statue in the main courtyard with it’s arms stretched outwards, after all; there wouldn’t be a need for such a physical idol to exist if it stood for nothing at all.