Chapter 26

A day later, 621 closed an emerald backed book before storing it safely in his dimensional bag. He had spent an entire day reviewing the second volume of the Veiled Serpent Path multiple times, dissecting each concept and techniques in order to grasp its underlying mechanics and implications.

His meticulous personality allowed for deeper introspection ensuring that he had a thorough understanding of the principles at hand.

He knew that the meditation techniques were the main sources of garnering Qi in order to advance through his cultivation, but the crux of the problem still lay in the meridians. If all he needed to do was to meditate and refine Qi to advance, then why would the book and the handler both emphasise on the latter?

This thought provoked 621’s curiosity throughout his thorough review.

“Perhaps, the Qi Condensation stage is the only realm which allows for changes to occur within the meridians?”

He thought for a moment calculating the probability of such a theory. “But..wouldn’t that mean…”, he paused.

“That the creator never had the chance to alter their own meridians?”

He assumed that the unknown cultivator was of a much higher realm compared to his own. He knew for certain that if this was the case then external experiments must have occurred in order to procure such a method.

“Human experiments…”, 621 mused. “Just how did they do it?”

He wasn’t necessarily intimidated by such a concept, in fact he often indulged in the thought of carrying out external experiments to satisfy his own curiosity. For instance, 621 always pondered the results of a Qi overcharge; he understood the inevitable, but he wanted to understand the nuances, exactly how it starts and from where.

His simple rationale was, if he understood something down to it’s very core then he would create a sure-proof solution that was both effective and efficient. This rationale is what often propelled his inner curiosity and meticulous approaches.

621 thought about the concept of the lengthening of the meridians in order to form external ‘pockets’ which aim to house Qi like a mini-dantian. He found it rather intriguing and unique, it wasn’t creation from nothing, rather it was a process of altering what was already present.

As he read the enigmatic texts, he often pondered the possibility of the creation of new meridians as he was inspired by the handler’s words and about the taboo arts however, it would seem that such an innovation of creation from nothing was rather difficult if not impossible. After all, if he had thought up to this point then surely the unknown creator of the Veiled Serpent Path could have stated something along these lines, but they obviously didn’t.

Instead, what was described was the concept of change and adaptation; it was a shame that the book didn’t specify how to ‘stretch’ the meridians causing a slight disappointment in 621’s eyes but he wasn’t one to give up without trying.

Another problem that stumped 621, was the inevitable placements of these so-called pockets, does he just form them all along the meridians or should he space them out at certain distances; how can one tell?

Next, he focused on the two factors of Qi control and manipulation since he knew that these concepts were the natural progression route of the cultivation technique i.e. the start. He was keenly aware that without these two factors, the concept of the pockets wouldn’t matter in the first place even if he succeeded in the latter.

One thing that stuck out to him, was the concept of reverse flow mentioned in the text, it was an oddity. He was instinctively aware that the Qi flowing within his meridians were flowing in a specific direction towards the dantian, none of them had differed. Therefore, the thought of reversing such an established flow struck him as both dangerous and intriguing.

He was certain that attempting such a concept would inadvertently cause an imbalance of Qi to occur within his meridians if he wasn’t careful. 621 vividly imagined a scenario where he had caused a blockage inside his meridians, a shiver crawling down his spine as he thought of the possible results.

But he had to start somewhere.

..

In the serene confines of his lonely abode, 621 sat with his legs crossed and his back straight, his focus sharpened to a razor's edge as he prepared to embark on his meticulous exploration of Qi control and manipulation. With a calm and measured breath, he began by centering his awareness inward, attuning himself to the familiar subtle rhythms of his inner body.

He decided to hone in with thread-like precision on a single meridian: the primary pathway that encapsulated his heart, it was the first meridian that he had observed as he advanced to his current realm. With deliberate intent, he directed his inner Qi to flow along this central conduit, focusing his awareness entirely on its movements and nuances.

Closing his eyes, 621 visualized the meridian as a luminous tube-like thread of energy, shimmering with a vibrant intensity as it wound its way through his body. With each beat of his heart, he felt the pulse of Qi coursing through the meridian, like a steady rhythm that echoed the cadence of his own life force.

With unwavering focus, 621 keenly observed how the Qi ebbed and flowed within the meridian. He noted how it swirled and coalesced at certain points along the pathway, gathering in subtle pools of energy before continuing on its journey.

But as his scrutiny intensified, 621 began to detect subtle irregularities in the flow of Qi. At certain points along the meridian, he noticed areas where the energy seemed to slow and stagnate, as if encountering resistance from unseen obstacles. These blockages manifested as areas of heightened tension within the meridian's inner walls, creating subtle distortions in the flow of Qi.

It was a revelation that sent a surge of excitement coursing through him—a discovery that held the promise of unlocking new depths of understanding and mastery. However, he had some feelings of doubt about the new discovery.

“I thought all the blockages have been purified by the lightning-like tendrils of Qi, perhaps there are still some remnants?”

With focused intent, 621 directed his awareness to these areas of resistance, probing them with a newfound curiosity and determination. He visualized the Qi penetrating the blockages, breaking through their barriers with a surge of energy that reverberated through his entire being. As he did so, he felt a palpable release of tension within the meridian, as if a weight had been lifted and the flow of Qi unleashed with renewed force.

It was a moment of profound significance for 621, a breakthrough that opened his eyes to the intricacies of Qi cultivation in ways he had never before imagined. He realized that by isolating and focusing on a single meridian, he had uncovered hidden truths and insights that had remained obscured when he viewed the meridians as a whole.

But amidst the blockages, 621 also encountered moments of unexpected acceleration in the flow of Qi. At certain junctures, the energy seemed to quicken its pace, racing forward with a sudden burst of speed that took him by surprise, it seemed to defy the natural rhythm of the meridian.

Upon closer examination, he realized that these moments of acceleration coincided with areas of heightened sensitivity within the meridian. These points of increased intensity acted as catalysts for the sudden surge of Qi, triggering a chain reaction that propelled the energy forward with increased momentum.

Intrigued by this phenomenon, 621 redoubled his efforts, applying greater concentration and scrutiny to his observations. With each passing moment, the pattern became increasingly clear; the accelerated sections of the meridian coincided with specific sections where the energy gathered and intensified, it seemed like there were focal points within the meridian.

In that moment of revelation, he realized the significance of these focal points as pivotal hubs of energy. They seemed to act as accelerators for the flow of Qi, propelling it forward with a velocity that surpassed the natural rhythm of the meridian.

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”Interesting…what if,” he pondered.

Thinking back upon the theory of pocket creation, 621 suddenly found himself contemplating an obscure idea—the potential advantages and disadvantages of creating Qi pockets in close proximity to these focal points.

He reasoned that positioning Qi pockets near these focal points could potentially amplify their effectiveness, allowing for a more efficient storage and utilization of energy reserves. The prospect of both concentrating and accelerating the Qi stored in the hypothetical Qi pockets using these focal points, held undeniable appeal for him.

It was akin to attaching wings to something moving slow. This hypothesis remained as a possibility for his assumed problem of placement and spacing when it came to the pockets.

Yet, even as he entertained the possibilities, 621 couldn't shake the lingering doubts and concerns that gnawed at the edges of his consciousness. He recognized the inherent risks of overloading the meridian system with a sudden surge of concentrated and accelerated Qi, especially if it were to occur in close proximity to vital organs or sensitive energy channels.

After all, his first meridian coiled itself around his heart.

Furthermore, he acknowledged the potential for imbalance and disruption within the meridian network, should the flow of Qi become destabilized or misaligned due to the presence of these concentrated dynamics. The risk of Qi stagnation, blockages, or even injury loomed large in his mind, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his deliberations.

621 knew that the journey ahead would require him to navigate the delicate balance between ambition and prudence, innovation and caution. He continued to observe the flow of Qi with unwavering focus, tracing its movements with a precision born of years of dedicated practice.

Eventually, 621 happened across the first opening which meandered from the distinct pathway of the first meridian. Here, he was introduced to a bridge-like structure which connected the 1st meridian to its supporter: the 13th meridian.

From this bridge flowed additional sources of Qi originating from the 13th meridian which coiled around the 1st meridian like a dragon connected by multiple bridge like structures all along the 1st meridian’s length.

The 13th meridian, in this instance, functioned as a secondary meridian, a tributary to the larger stream of the first primary meridian. As Qi flowed from the 13th meridian across the bridge and into the first meridian, it mingled and merged with the energy already present, creating a harmonious blend of forces that enriched and enlivened the entire system.

This system was exactly how the extra meridians past the 12 primary meridians worked to support the latter, it had the sole purpose of Qi equalization and concentration, which is why many cultivators alike wished to obtain even more meridians.

In fact, 621 had not only just one, but four additional primary meridians with similar structures containing a secondary counterpart. This meant that he possessed a total of five extra meridians, bringing the grand total to 17 meridians within his body.

Yet, even as he observed the complexity and intricacy of his meridian system, 621 couldn't shake the nagging sense of incompleteness that lingered in the back of his mind. The knowledge that he possessed only 17 meridians out of a possible 24 left him with a profound sense of longing—a yearning to unlock the full potential of his body's energy pathways.

..

Soon a whole week passed as 621 continued to embark on his journey of deep introspection and focused observation, immersing himself in the intricate workings of his meridian system. With unwavering patience and meticulous attention to detail, he dedicated himself to the task of purifying the flow of Qi within his 17 meridians, seeking to eradicate any remnant blockages that impeded the smooth circulation of energy.

With steady focus and unwavering intent, he applied gentle pressure to blocked and hindered areas, coaxing the stagnant Qi to disperse and dissipate into the surrounding energy field.

Similarly, with each blockage cleared, 621 felt a surge of vitality coursing through his veins, as the purified Qi flowed freely and unimpeded along its designated pathways. However, this whole process was not without consequences as a familiar black substance that was both vile and pungent, escaped from his orifices as he cleared the remnants.

But 621's exploration did not end there. In his quest for understanding, he sought out the focal points scattered throughout his 17 meridians—those key junctures where the energy converged and intensified, creating sections of concentrated power within the network of pathways.

With keen insight and acute perception, 621 identified these focal points, marking them in his mind's eye as he made himself intimately familiar with their presence and significance. He recognized their importance in the regulation and control of Qi flow, understanding that mastery over these key junctures was essential to his development as a cultivator.

Of particular interest to 621 were the five primary meridians that had been supported by the extra secondary pathways. These meridians were linked to the heart, brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys; all of which converged to his dantian. He considered them as his core channels of energy.

Over the course of those seven days, 621 delved ever deeper into the realm of Qi control and manipulation, immersing himself in a series of rigorous experiments designed to test the limits of his abilities and expand his understanding of the subtle forces at play within his meridian system.

With unwavering focus and meticulous attention to detail, he subjected his Qi to a battery of tests, pushing the boundaries of his control with each calculated maneuver. At times, he forced his Qi to slow down, exerting a precise degree of pressure to regulate its flow and observe the effects on his being. With measured precision, he monitored the subtle shifts in energy as the pace of Qi circulation ebbed and flowed under his command.

In those moments of deliberate deceleration, 621 experienced a profound sense of stillness and calm, as the slowed pace of Qi flow enveloped him in a cocoon of serenity. It was as if time itself had slowed to a crawl, allowing him to savor each moment with heightened clarity and awareness.

But 621's experiments did not end there. With equal determination, he also explored the opposite end of the spectrum, pushing his Qi to accelerate with controlled bursts of energy reminiscent of the focal points he had encountered within his meridian system. As he unleashed the full force of his willpower, he felt the surge of energy coursing through his veins, electrifying his senses and imbuing him with a newfound sense of vitality and vigor.

Yet, even as he reveled in the exhilarating rush of heightened energy, 621 remained ever vigilant, keenly aware of the potential risks and pitfalls that lay ahead. With each accelerated heartbeat and each slowed breath, he meticulously tracked the subtle nuances of his body's response, gauging the impact of his actions on his overall well-being.

In his quest for mastery, 621 left no stone unturned, meticulously documenting his findings and analyzing the data with a keen eye for detail. He even timed himself with precision, measuring the amount of time it took for a strand of Qi to traverse the whole length of his meridian pathways under various conditions—from normal flow to deliberate manipulation.

Likewise, 621 devoted himself wholeheartedly to the practice of the "Whispering Breeze Meditation" in order to refine his Qi as depicted by the ancient tome. The other technique required sunlight for optimal efficacy thus he chose the former for safety reasons.

In those times of meditation, 621 dedicated himself to mastering the Whispering Breeze Meditation. He even dared to manipulate the amount of Qi entering his meridians via the cultivation technique.

Through practiced visualization and concentration, he regulated the flow of energy, allowing just the right amount to permeate his meridians while maintaining a delicate balance of harmony and equilibrium.

As he delved deeper into the practice, 621's understanding of Qi manipulation expanded, revealing new insights and possibilities. With each breath, he felt the subtle shifts in energy, guiding it with precision and finesse as he navigated the intricate pathways of his meridian network.

Overtime, 621 keenly observed subtle changes in the quality of his Qi. Though initially minuscule, he discerned a faint but discernible improvement—a refinement in the texture and potency of the energy coursing through his meridians.

He knew that each improvement, no matter how small, represented a step forward on the path toward enlightenment.

621 acknowledged this small progress he had made, resolving to continue his diligent practice with renewed vigor and determination. He knew that true greatness was not attained overnight, but through the persistent dedication and unwavering resolve to push beyond the limits of what was thought possible.

..

Now in the present, on the eight day, 621 found himself meditating in his dimly lit chamber still ensconced in a state of deep introspection, his breaths measured and deliberate as he prepared for the task at hand. With each inhalation and exhalation, he sought to attune his senses to the subtle rhythms of his inner world, honing his focus with unwavering determination.

As the final breath escaped his lips, 621's awareness turned inward once more, his consciousness plunging into the depths of his meridian system with single-minded purpose. With a surge of willpower, he directed his attention to the fourth primary meridian connected to his liver, his intent clear and resolute.

With intense effort, 621 commanded a strand of Qi within the fourth meridian to slow its pace, exerting his influence with precision and control. As the energy slowed to a crawl, he felt a subtle shift in the flow of Qi, a palpable resistance building within the meridian like a dam holding back a torrent of water.

With mounting determination, 621 pressed on, channeling his focus into the task of reversing the flow of Qi, his brow furrowed with concentration as sweat beaded upon his brow. With each passing moment, he poured every ounce of his willpower into the endeavor, his senses keenly attuned to the subtle nuances of the energy coursing through his meridian.

Yet, despite his best efforts, the strand of Qi remained stubbornly inert, its motion stymied by an unseen force that defied his attempts to manipulate it. It trembled and shook under the weight of his exertions, but no amount of effort could compel it to reverse its destination; it simply stood at a standstill like a rock in the middle of a river.

Frustration welled within 621 as he grappled with the enigmatic resistance of the Qi, his mind racing with questions and doubts. What unseen force lay behind this stubborn defiance? Was it a natural phenomenon, or perhaps a manifestation of his own limitations?

With a heavy sigh, 621 reluctantly released his hold on the strand of Qi, conceding defeat for the time being as it blended in with the rest of his Qi flow. Though thwarted in his efforts, he knew that this setback was but a temporary obstacle on the path to mastery.