Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Li Yan stared at the options.

"Choose option C."

"I seek a method that can help me open three orifices smoothly and without revealing my abilities within a month."

Thirty strands of karmic energy rose up.

The clouds and mist on the mirror of the heart surged and gradually condensed into the phantom image of a scroll of silk.

The silk book is bluish-gray with slightly curled edges, and contains five ancient seal characters.

The Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter

There are small annotations below it.

[A dragon in hibernation lies dormant in the abyss, waiting for its time to rise.]

This method was passed down from the ancient Zhelong Temple, specializing in nourishing acupoints and opening the meridians without making a sound.

[During cultivation, the Dragon and Snake Guiding Technique is used to slowly draw in the earth's spiritual energy, allowing it to gradually permeate the body. The opening of the acupoints is like a spring bud breaking through the soil, a natural and effortless process, without any outward signs.]

However, this method progresses relatively slowly and requires the assistance of dragon-related spiritual objects or the essence of water and wood to achieve twice the result with half the effort.

This aligns perfectly with your "The Classic of Simplicity," acting in accordance with the natural order and subtly conforming to the Way of Heaven.

The entire story takes place in the cave of the third ancient pine tree on the east side of the cold pool in Hidden Dragon Stream behind the mountain.

The ink must be ground with morning dew at dawn and then held up to the moonlight for the writing to become visible.

The illusory image fades away, and the mirror of the mind shines again.

[Aura of Destiny: 17/80]

"The Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter" requires the assistance of dragon-related elements or the essence of water and wood.

The Moon Lotus is a combination of water and wood, the Peach Blossom is a gathering of wood essence, and the Water Spirit Jade can harmonize them.

The sunken iron in the icy pool could perhaps be used to form an array, drawing upon the earth's spiritual energy.

"Right now, we should first take the Hidden Dragon Chapter."

The next day, at the end of the Yin hour (3-5 AM), the morning mist had not yet dissipated.

Li Yan carried a bamboo tube and headed towards Yinlong Ravine, upstream of the cold pool behind the mountain.

The ravine is nestled between two peaks, deep and narrow, shrouded in mist all day long, with the sound of flowing water.

Ordinary disciples disliked its dampness, and few people went there.

Li Yan, with his ears fully open, stepped on the pebbles and went upstream.

By observing the aura, one can see that the spiritual energy in this place is a mixture of blue and black, resembling a dragon or snake coiled and flowing slowly.

After walking about three miles, the water flow gradually slowed down and turned into a pool.

The pool water was a deep, dark blue, its bottom unseen, and its chill penetrated to the bone.

On the east bank stand three ancient pine trees, side by side, each as thick as a person's embrace, their bark cracked like scales.

Li Yan walked to the third pine tree and observed it closely.

Seven feet above the ground, there is an inconspicuous burl on the trunk, hollow inside and covered by moss.

He reached in and touched something.

Upon taking it out, it was a roll of bluish-gray animal hide, soft and cool to the touch, as if it had been specially tanned and was impervious to water and fire.

Unfold it, and there's not a single word on the skin.

Li Yan carefully rolled up the animal hide and put it away.

They then took a bamboo tube and collected morning dew from the tips of pine needles.

The dewdrops were crystal clear, carrying a hint of the fresh scent of pine.

Having filled half a tube, he turned and left, not lingering in the ravine any longer.

First, go and tend to the medicinal herb garden.

The herb garden is quite lively today.

Several disciples gathered outside the garden. Upon seeing Li Yan arrive, they all bowed respectfully.

The leader was a round-faced boy surnamed Qian, who said with a smile:

"Senior Brother Li, I heard that you guided Master Sun yesterday, helping him condense his innate Dao seed. You are truly remarkable!"

Li Yan calmly:

"Junior Brother Qian, you flatter me."

Junior Brother Sun is exceptionally talented; his success came naturally. I merely offered a few words; how could I dare to claim credit?

Another tall, thin disciple spoke:

"Senior brother is too modest."

Nowadays, everyone in the sect knows that although Li Yan of the Herb Garden is not highly skilled, he is a man of true insight.

If my fellow disciples have any questions in the future, they will inevitably have to come and bother me.

Li Yan understood immediately.

This is because of the matter of Sun Wukong; he has been noticed by many people.

He nodded slightly.

"It is only natural for fellow disciples to exchange skills. However, my knowledge is limited, and I fear that I might mislead your cultivation."

After exchanging a few more casual words, everyone dispersed.

Li Yan walked into the herb garden and bent down to examine the medicinal herbs.

However, his ears picked up the whispers from afar.

"...This Li Yan is quite composed."

"How could I not remain calm?"

"With only three apertures of cultivation, the ability to enlighten the innate Dao seed suggests either genuine wisdom or exceptionally deep-seated talent."

"Let's see what happens to him. If he truly has exceptional abilities, he won't be able to hide them sooner or later."

Li Yan remained calm as he meticulously loosened the soil and watered the plants.

At noon, Li Yan returned to the courtyard.

He took out the radiant peach, cut it into thirty-six thin slices, placed them in a jade dish, and put it under the window to absorb the essence of sunlight.

Then, a small section of the Queyue lotus root was cut off, mashed into a paste, mixed with spiritual spring water, and placed into a jade bottle.

Leave the lotus seeds for now; their effects are most potent, so save them for a crucial moment.

Take out a lotus leaf, tear it into thin strips, and dry it on a bamboo sieve. After it has dried in the shade, it can be used to make talismans and refine elixirs.

The remaining spiritual items were all carefully stored away.

Afterwards, based on his understanding from the "Guardian of Simplicity" scripture, he sat cross-legged and regulated his breathing.

The mind's light flows freely, causing resonance in the eyes and ears.

The breath circulates continuously through the three orifices, gradually forming a circle.

The internal energy within his body was even more abundant and solid than yesterday.

End of Shen Shi (3-5 PM).

Li Yan was drawing the Qingfeng Talisman in his quiet room when a knock came from outside the courtyard.

The door opened, and there stood Zhou Ming.

Holding a bundle of oil paper in his hand, he smiled and said:

"Senior Brother Li, the alchemy room distributed some newly made Poria cocos cakes today. I took an extra portion and came to share it with you."

Li Yan stepped aside to let him in: "Senior Brother Zhou, you're too kind."

The two sat down at the stone table in the courtyard.

Zhou Ming opened the oil paper, revealing four snow-white pastries inside, faintly exuding a medicinal fragrance.

He pushed two pieces over: "This Poria cocos cake is made primarily with century-old Poria cocos powder, supplemented with honey, and has a slight effect on warming and nourishing the spleen and stomach."

Li Yan thanked him and accepted the food, but didn't eat it right away.

Zhou Ming took a bite of the cake and said casually:

"Senior brother, are you aware that since Master Sun condensed his Dao Seed yesterday, there have been undercurrents within the sect?"

Li Yan raised his eyes: "I would like to hear the details."

"Sun Zhenchuan possesses extraordinary talent and has obtained the innate Dao seed; his future achievements are limitless."

Zhou Ming lowered his voice,

"Now, among the seventy-two peaks, quite a few people have already set their sights on it."

Some wanted to befriend them, some wanted to suppress them, and some were plotting how to leverage their power.

Several people who were close to Sun Zhenchuan were also targeted.

He looked at Li Yan with a meaningful gaze.

"My senior brother enlightened Sun Zhenchuan in the herb garden yesterday. Although it was well-intentioned, it inevitably caught the eye of some people."

You need to be more careful with your words and actions in the future.

Li Yan was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"Senior Brother Zhou is right. I am merely a registered practitioner, seeking only peaceful cultivation, and have no intention of getting involved in trouble."

Zhou Ming nodded:

"It's good that you understand, senior brother."

However, fortune and misfortune are intertwined.

Sun Zhenchuan is a man of great loyalty and affection. Having received your guidance, he may offer you assistance in the future.

After saying this, he stood up and cupped his hands in greeting: "The cake has been delivered. Junior brother has other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

Li Yan escorted him to the courtyard gate, watching his figure disappear into the twilight mountain path, lost in thought.

Li Yan walked back to the stone table, picked up a piece of Poria cocos cake, and put it in his mouth.

The cake is soft and fluffy, with a light and refreshing sweetness that transforms into a warm and soothing sensation after entering the stomach, gently nourishing the middle burner.

He carefully considered Zhou Ming's words, pondering them repeatedly.

Night fell, and the moon rose over the eastern mountains.

Li Yan took out animal hide, pine soot ink, and morning dew.

Grinding ink with dew produces a clear, bright ink with a subtle pine scent.

He spread the animal hide on the table, opened the window, and let the moonlight shine in obliquely.

The moonlight shone on the bluish-gray leather surface, and at first nothing seemed amiss.

When the moon rose to its zenith and its radiance was at its peak, a silvery halo suddenly appeared on the surface of the animal hide.

The silvery halo gradually revealed the words.

At first, they were scattered runes, which then connected to form a sentence.

In less than half an incense stick's time, the entire "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter" had clearly emerged.

The handwriting is ancient and unadorned, with strokes that meander like dragons and snakes.

Li Yan observed intently.

General outline:

"Dragons lurk in the abyss, snakes hibernate in their caves. The nine orifices connect to the depths, and the universe is naturally complete."

Accumulate strength without striving, nurture truth without displaying. The earth's veins are the root, spiritual energy the guide, water and wood in harmony, and the dormant dragon is born.

The main text is divided into nine chapters, corresponding to the nine orifices.

Li Yan has already opened the three orifices of the eyes, ears, and heart, so we will start by examining the coccyx.

"The coccyx is the base of the spine, and its orifice connects to the heel. Its nature is water, and it corresponds to the Black Tortoise of the North."

To open this gate, one should face north at midnight, visualize the black water sinking into the abyss, and draw the cold, yin energy of the earth's veins slowly upwards from the gushing spring at the soles of the feet.

It ascends along the back of the leg, past the ankle, and then spirals and warms the coccyx.

When the acupoints feel sore and swollen like ants crawling, and a warm current gradually arises, this is a sign that the acupoints are opening.

The following details the breathing rhythm, visualization techniques, and necessary supplementary materials.

"If you obtain water-based spiritual items such as the juice of the Moon Lotus or the marrow of the Cold Pool, you can transform them into spiritual spring water and soak your feet to help draw in the earth's energy."

Upon seeing this, Li Yan understood.

He continued flipping through the pages.

The fifth acupoint, Jiaji Gate, is located in the middle of the spine, one on each side, like two doors.

To open this gate, one must do so at noon, facing south and visualizing the blazing sun overhead, drawing the essence of fire from the Baihui point on the top of the head and directing it down the Du meridian.

Passing through the jade pillow and penetrating the spine, it must be done in one go.

"The two points on the spine are like the ribs of a dragon. When they are opened, qi and blood surge and power flows throughout the body."

However, fire is extremely potent and can easily damage the meridians. It needs to be balanced with wood-elemental spiritual objects such as the Peach of Dawn and the Green Wood Ganoderma.

The sixth acupoint, Yuzhen Gate, is located at the junction of the back of the head and the cervical spine, and is the gateway to the brain.

"The jade pillow is the pivot where spirit and energy converge. To open this gate, one must do so during the hours of Mao and You, when the east and west are in transition."

Visualize the purple aura in the east and the white rainbow in the west intertwining, entering from both temples and merging at the jade pillow.

This is the most dangerous section; the slightest mistake will result in a splitting headache and a tremor in one's soul.

It requires the protection of calming and stabilizing substances, such as lotus seeds that have been tempered by the moon, or incense that has been used to stabilize the soul.

Li Yan noted down the key points and then read the last three chapters.

The upper dantian, located deep between the eyebrows, is the abode of the spirit.

The middle dantian is located in the chest, at the center of the abdomen, and is the pivot of qi and blood.

The lower dantian, located three inches below the navel, is the source of vital essence.

These three fields are the foundation of the primordial spirit.

Only after the first six orifices are opened and the Qi channels are smooth can one proceed gradually and slowly to open them.

At the end of "The Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter", there is an attached picture of a hibernating dragon lying in the abyss.

The illustration depicts a person lying on their side like a dragon, with nine acupoints marked by stars.

The energy channels within it meander like dragons and snakes.

Li Yan gazed at the painting, his mind clearing and a subtle feeling arose within him.

The person in the picture seemed to have come to life, their breath in sync with the heavens and earth.

He closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. When he opened them again, the writing on the animal skin had gradually faded and eventually returned to blank.

Only the image of the hibernating dragon remains, its outline still faintly visible.

Li Yan rolled up the animal hide and put it away.

The technique has been obtained; we can begin tonight.

It's almost midnight.

Li Yan took out a wooden basin and filled it halfway with spiritual spring water.

Then, take out the juice from the Qu Yue lotus root and pour about one-tenth of it into the water.

The clear water instantly turned pale blue, filled with a chilling aura, and wisps of white mist rose from the surface.

He took off his shoes and socks and immersed his feet in the basin.

A cool sensation instantly came over me, and my Yongquan acupoint on the sole of my foot throbbed slightly.

Li Yan calmed his mind and sat facing north, following the method of the "Hibernating Dragon Chapter," visualizing himself sinking into the deep abyss of the Northern Sea.

All around was pitch-black, icy water, stretching to the horizon.

Only a faint light on the soles of their feet resonated with the earth's veins.

Slow down your breathing, each inhale like drawing a thousand threads, each exhale like exhaling clouds and mist.

Gradually, the Yongquan acupoint on the sole of the foot generates suction.

The pale blue medicinal power in the basin, mixed with the cold, yin energy of the earth veins, seeped into the acupoints in wisps.

It ascends along the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.

At first, it was slow, with the stream babbling gently.

When passing the ankle, the meridians feel slightly swollen and painful.

Li Yan remained calm and focused, using his mind to control his inner energy and guide it slowly.

The medicine's effects travel through the shinbone, up the lower leg, and slowly along the back of the leg.

Wherever it passes, the meridians are cleansed by the cold spring, with a stinging sensation mixed with cool comfort.

As you walk towards the bend of your knees, the resistance increases.

This is the point where the Foot Shaoyin and Foot Taiyang meridians meet, resulting in a complex interplay of Qi and blood.

Li Yan focused his mind, guided his Qi to circulate three times, and slowly broke through the barrier.

"laugh!"

The flow of Qi suddenly became unobstructed, rising straight up to the thigh.

Li Yan perked up and continued to guide him.

Halfway through midnight, the Qi has passed the buttocks and reached the coccyx.

The Tail Pass is right in front of us.

At this point, the medicinal liquid in the basin had turned from pale blue to transparent, and the coldness had completely dissipated.

Li Yan felt a slight numbness in his feet, and a warm current slowly rose from his tailbone, gradually dispelling the chill throughout his body.

He maintained his visualization, guiding the heat to swirl around his tailbone.

After nine cycles, the heat gradually condensed, transforming into a point of warm, lustrous light that settled steadily in the coccyx.

Li Yan slowly exhaled and opened his eyes.

The moonlight outside the window was like water, and the chill in the quiet room had not yet dissipated, but he felt warmth in his feet and strength in his back.

Reflection in the Mirror of the Heart:

Using lotus root juice extracted during the quenching of the moon as a guide, the tailbone gate is opened at midnight, and the water flows naturally into the channel.

[Coccyx Stability: 15/100]

[An Introduction to the "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter"]

[The "Guardian of Simplicity" resonates with the Hidden Dragon Method, comprehension +5.]

Li Yan finished his practice and wiped his feet clean.

The tailbone has just been opened, and it still needs to be stabilized.

He took out a Nourishing Qi Pill and swallowed it, then regulated his breathing for half an hour before resting.

For the next two days, Li Yan stayed at home and rarely went out.

During the day, he tends to the medicinal herb garden; in his spare time, he draws talismans and studies "A Brief Explanation of Wind and Thunder".

At midnight, practice the "Hibernating Dragon Chapter" with the remaining lotus root juice to nourish the coccyx.

By the third day, the stability of the tailbone had reached forty.

On a night with a full moon.

Li Yan took out the dried lotus leaf from the Quenching Moon Pavilion.

The lotus leaves have shrunk to the size of a palm, as thin as cicada wings, crystal clear, with interwoven veins.

He ground pine soot ink, dipped it in morning dew, and carefully drew a talisman at the intersection of leaf veins.

This talisman is the Dragon Concealment Talisman recorded in the "Hibernating Dragon Chapter".

As the talisman was completed, the lotus leaf flashed with a faint light, which then disappeared into the shadows.

It looks like just a slightly delicate dried leaf.

Li Yan applied it to the Tanzhong acupoint on his chest and covered it with a Taoist robe.

Instantly, the surrounding spiritual energy was slowly drawn in and converged upon him.

This is precisely the way of the hibernating dragon.

Unassuming and unassuming, quietly accumulating strength.

At the end of Hai hour (9-11 PM), a knock came from outside the courtyard.

The door opened, and there stood Sun Wukong.

The monkey changed into a genuine Taoist robe with indigo trim and gold trim, and a purple-gold token hung at his waist.

He was radiant, his aura was harmonious and stable.

"Senior brother! I've brought you some good stuff!"

Sun Wukong grinned and took out three items from his robes.

A section of purple-gold bamboo, over a foot long, with naturally formed cloud and thunder patterns on its joints.

A handful of green, glistening fruits, shaped like pine nuts, with a jade-like luster.

There was also a palm-sized black stone, its surface covered with fine pores, from which the wind seemed to whisper.

"This is Purple Thunder Bamboo, which grows on the back cliff of my new cave. It survived three lightning strikes and has a wisp of thunder essence hidden in its heart."

Sun Wukong pointed at the bamboo.

"These are Qingyu pine nuts, from the thousand-year-old pine tree on the back mountain. It takes ten years for them to ripen to produce such a small handful. Eating them can strengthen your bones and muscles."

"This is a wind-whistling stone. If you put it near your ear, you can hear the sound of the mountain wind passing through the cracks. It should be somewhat useful for cultivating the ear."

It was all shoved into Li Yan's hands:

"I am now a true disciple, with a generous monthly allowance, and there is also a lot of output around my cave."

These things aren't very useful to me, they're perfect for my senior brother!

Li Yan took it; it felt solid in his hand.

The purple thunder bamboo tentacles are slightly numb, with a hint of thunder.

The green pine nuts have a refreshing fragrance and are full of vitality.

When the wind-whistling stone was placed close to the ear, a soft whisper of wind could be heard, as if it were telling a story or expressing longing.

All of them are treasures.

Li Yan solemnly cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your generous gift, Junior Brother."

"No need to thank me!"

Sun Wukong waved his hand, his golden eyes sweeping over Li Yan.

Suddenly.

"Huh!"

"Senior brother, you seem a little different these past two days?"

Li Yan felt a slight chill run down his spine, but smiled outwardly: "How is it different?"

I can't quite explain it.

Sun Wukong scratched his face.

"It just feels like... my breathing is heavier, like... like a stone sinking to the bottom of the water, not clearly visible."

Li Yan thought to himself that this monkey's senses were indeed sharp.

He said gently, "Perhaps you have gained some insights into your cultivation recently."

Sun Wukong nodded, not asking any further questions, and then excitedly said:

"Senior brother, I followed your advice to seek stillness in movement. These past few days, I've been consciously feeling the flow of wind and clouds while doing somersaults, and it's truly wonderful!"

Now I can somersault ten miles in one go, and land very steadily!

Li Yan smiled and said, "Junior brother has extraordinary talent; he grasps things instantly."

"hey-hey!"

Sun Wukong was smug, then lowered his voice.

"By the way, senior brother, there's a rather strange place behind my cave."

At night, there are often flashing green lights and sounds like a baby crying.

I went to explore it once and found it was an abandoned alchemy room. The alchemy furnace inside was rusted through, but there were a few glowing grasses in the corner.

I picked one and brought it back. Can you tell what it is?

As he spoke, he took out a small jade box from his pocket.

Open it, and inside is a strange plant that is three inches tall.

It is entirely emerald green, and its stems and leaves are as transparent as glass.

A tiny white flower, the size of a grain of rice, blooms at the top.

A faint green glow flickered slowly at the center of the flower.

Li Yan observed it through his eyes, and his mind reflected it in his mirror:

【Resurrection Grass (Incomplete)】

[Note: Ancient alchemists used secret methods to cultivate this, which can nourish the soul and repair hidden injuries to the spirit.]

This plant, due to the abandonment of its alchemy room, lacked sufficient spiritual energy, resulting in incomplete growth and only retaining 30% of its medicinal efficacy.

[It can be used to refine Soul-Stabilizing Pills, or directly soaked in Moon Dew for consumption; it has a remarkable effect on opening the Jade Pillow Gate.]

Li Yan's heart stirred.

The Jade Pillow Pass is treacherous and requires the protection of something to calm the mind and stabilize the spirit.

Although this resurrection herb is incomplete, it is just right for use.

He looked at Sun Wukong: "This is called the Resurrection Grass, which is beneficial to the soul. Where did you obtain it, Junior Brother?"

"In that dilapidated alchemy room."

Sun Wukong didn't care at all, "There are still several more over there, but they're all wilted."

"Senior brother wants some? I'll pick them all for you tomorrow!"

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then shook his head:

"Since it belongs to Junior Brother's cave, then it is Junior Brother's good fortune."

I only need this one plant for my cultivation.

The other junior disciples should take good care of it, or transplant it to the medicinal herb garden; it may be of great use in the future.

Sun Wukong blinked: "Senior brother, you're always so polite! Alright, I'll keep it for now, and come get it whenever I need it!"

After chatting for a while, Sun Wukong took his leave.

Li Yan escorted it to the courtyard gate, watching it leap into golden light and disappear among the mountain peaks in a few leaps.

Back in his quiet room, he looked at the four spiritual objects on the table and sighed with emotion.

This monkey really does cherish old memories.

Purple Thunder Bamboo can be used to refine thunder-attribute magical artifacts or to extract thunder essence for cultivating thunder magic.

Green pine nuts can strengthen muscles and bones and are very beneficial for opening the spinal joints.

Wind-whistling stones can nourish the ears or help one comprehend the Daoist arts of wind.

The resurrection herb was a timely and much-needed help.

Li Yan carefully put away the spiritual object and sat down to regulate his breathing.

At midnight, continue practicing the "Hibernating Dragon Chapter" to nourish the coccyx.

Three days later, the stability of the coccyx reached 80%.

Li Yan paused his cultivation at this stage and switched to cultivating at the Jiaji stage.

At noon, the sun is at its zenith.

He sat cross-legged facing south in the courtyard, took out a piece of the Radiant Peach, and put it under his tongue.

Then take three jade pine nuts and hold them in your palm.

According to the method of "The Hidden Dragon Chapter", visualize the red sun soaring in the sky, with the essence of fire cascading down like a waterfall.

When you inhale, draw the sunlight in through the Baihui point (crown of the head).

The heat flow, like lava, descends along the Du meridian.

When passing through the jade pillow, Li Yan used the bright light of his heart aperture to protect and gently guide the flow.

The heat flowed through the spine, where the two gates were tightly shut like doors.

Li Yan was not in a hurry; he guided the fire energy to circulate and nourish it.

At the same time, the peach blossoms under the tongue melt, and the sweet juice flows down the throat, transforming into a cool, woody energy that harmonizes the fire element.

The jade pine cone in the palm exudes spiritual energy, nourishing the spine and bones.

After burning an incense stick, the two points on the spine gradually loosened.

Li Yan focused his mind and unleashed a sudden burst of fiery energy.

"Click!"

A faint sound came from the back.

The left gate suddenly opened, and a surge of heat rushed in.

The right gate then loosened, and after another surge, it opened as well.

In an instant, Li Yan felt his blood and qi surge like a river, and his strength increased exponentially.

Its spine stands tall like a dragon, with a faint rumbling sound like thunder.

He exhaled slowly, the warm current returning to his double breaths, gently nourishing him.

Reflection in the Mirror of the Heart:

[Use the ingredients of rosy peach and jade pine nuts to harmonize the fire, and open the double gates at noon.]

[Stableness of Jiaji Gate: Left Gate 20/100, Right Gate 18/100]

[With surging blood and energy, and strengthened muscles and bones, my understanding of the "Hibernating Dragon Chapter" has deepened.]

For the next five days, Li Yan nourished his spine during the day and warmed his coccyx at night.

He also placed the Wind-Whispering Stone by his pillow, so that his ears would spontaneously absorb the wind spirit within it while he slept.

By the eighth day, the coccyx gate was completed, and the stability of both the spine gates exceeded fifty.

Li Yan began preparations for the Yuzhen Pass.

The Jade Pillow Pass is the gateway to the brain, and it is extremely dangerous.

He took out the resurrection grass and soaked it in moonlight dew for three days. The grass leaves gradually unfurled, and the faint green glow became three times brighter.

The seventh day after the full moon, at midnight.

Li Yan set up a simple calming array in the quiet room.

Sprinkle calming pollen into a circle, and place a Quenching Moon Lotus Seed at the center of the array.

He sat cross-legged in the formation, ingesting the juice of the resurrection grass, and then applying the moon dew that had been soaked in the grass leaves to his temples and the back of his neck.

A refreshing sensation penetrates the mind.

According to the method of "The Hidden Dragon Chapter", visualize the purple aura in the east and the white rainbow in the west coming from the void.

Purple energy entered from the left temple, and a white rainbow entered from the right temple.

Two streams of energy converged in the brain and slowly flowed toward the jade pillow.

The journey was initially smooth, but upon reaching Yuzhen Pass, it was suddenly blocked.

This vital point is as solid as an iron wall or copper wall, and is closely connected to the soul.

Even the slightest impact would cause a splitting headache and blurred vision.

Li Yan calmed himself and guided the patiently.

Purple mist and white rainbows, like threads, repeatedly washed over the passes.

Each rinse brought a stinging pain, like being pricked with needles.

But his breathing remained steady and his rhythm unchanged.

The revitalizing herbs gradually dissolved, and the cool airflow nourished the soul, relieving the pain.

The lotus seeds in the array emit a gentle moonlight, calming the mind.

This continued for half an hour.

Yuzhen Pass finally loosened its grip a little.

Li Yan seized the opportunity, drawing the two streams of air together, and then charged forward.

"Buzz!"

My mind was buzzing, and I seemed to see a white light explode before my eyes.

Immediately, the key points were opened.

The purple and white auras converged and merged, transforming into a cool current that flowed into the brain.

In an instant, Li Yan felt his mind clear and his senses sharpened several times over.

You can hear the rustling sound of ants crawling dozens of feet away.

With eyesight, one can see through thin walls and discern the texture of the old plum leaves in the courtyard.

Thoughts can be swift as lightning.

Yuzhen Pass, open.

He slowly finished his practice and regulated his breathing for a long time before he calmed down.

Reflection in the Mirror of the Heart:

[With the protection of the Resurrection Grass and the Moon-Refining Lotus Seed, the Jade Pillow Gate opens at midnight.]

【Jade Pillow Pass Stability: 25/100】

With a strengthened spirit and heightened awareness, the "Hibernating Dragon Chapter" has reached its full potential.

This concludes the three stages of the spine.

The coccyx, spine, and occipital bone have all been opened.

Li Yan's cultivation level has reached the Six Apertures Realm.

However, its aura remained calm due to the "Hibernating Dragon Chapter" and the Dragon Concealment Talisman.

Unless one's cultivation level is two major realms higher than his, it is difficult to discern the truth from falsehood.

For the next ten days or so, Li Yan tended the herb garden during the day and cultivated at night.

Using the remaining lotus roots, lotus seeds, and lotus leaves from the Quenched Moon Lotus, along with ordinary Nourishing Aperture Pills obtained through exchanging Spirit Shells, the six orifices were slowly and gently nourished.

The three gates of the coccyx, spine, and occipital bone gradually become more stable.

The eyes, ears, and heart are also nourished and each benefits, and the heart is already fully developed.

Sun Wukong visited twice during that time, bringing some local specialties from the back mountain. They chatted for a few minutes and then left.

When Zhou Ming bumped into him, he would nod in greeting but not talk to him further.

Zhao Yuanqing once sent someone to the herb garden to take away three calming flowers, paying double the amount of spirit shells, and was very polite.

Li Yan remained unperturbed by either favor or disgrace, and everything proceeded as usual.

The medicinal herbs in the herb garden are growing better and better, and gradually, lower-level disciples come to buy them.

Li Yan welcomes all customers and offers fair prices, which has gradually earned him a good reputation.

However, he never reveals his cultivation level when making transactions, only appearing as an ordinary disciple.

January is almost over.

Li Yan's six orifices are stable, his coccyx gate is perfect, both his spine gates are at seventy, and his jade pillow gate is at forty.

The mind, nourished by the three gates of the spine, has also made progress and is now complete.

That night, Li Yan sat cross-legged in his quiet room, examining himself.

The mirror of the heart reflects light.

【Li Yan】

【Destiny: Listener of the Wind (Blue-green)】

[Cultivation Level: Opening Stage (Six Apertures)]

[Technique: The Classic of Simplicity and Cunning (Comprehension: 85/100)]

【The Nine Aperture Hidden Dragon Chapter (Comprehension: 50/100)】

【"A Brief Explanation of Wind and Thunder" (Comprehension: 60/100)】

[Supernatural Powers: Mind Mirror Reflects Objects, Initial Listening, Enlightenment, Hidden Dragon Conceals Breath]

[Hidden Dragon's Aura: A skill gained from cultivating the "Nine Apertures Hidden Dragon Chapter," capable of concealing one's aura and hiding one's cultivation level, making it difficult for anyone less than two realms higher to detect.]

[Aura of Destiny: 22/80]

A month of arduous training resulted in a complete transformation.

However, Li Yan felt neither joy nor sorrow.

The path to immortality is long and arduous; the six orifices are merely the starting point.

The real challenges lie in the three fields, the Niwan point, the Jianggong point, and the Qihai point.

Furthermore, the further one progresses in cultivation, the greater the resources required.

Now that most of the spiritual items in my possession have been used up, I will have to proceed slowly and methodically from now on.

Just as he was pondering this, his ear suddenly twitched.

From a distance, hurried footsteps echoed along the mountain path, heading straight for Courtyard No. 7, Section C.

Li Yan got up, pushed open the door, and went out.

Under the moonlight, a round-faced boy came running up, panting. It was Junior Brother Qian.

His face turned pale when he saw Li Yan:

"Senior Brother Li, something terrible has happened! The herb garden... something's happened at the herb garden!"

"What is it?"

"Tonight, a demonic beast broke into the various herb gardens and destroyed most of the spiritual herbs!"

The senior disciple in charge is investigating, and he says... he thinks someone might have deliberately lured them here!

Junior Brother Qian was panting.

"Now all the disciples who have managed the herb garden must go to the site for questioning."

Senior brother, you should go and take a look!

Li Yan's gaze sharpened slightly, and he straightened his Taoist robe: "Alright, I'll go now."