Under one person: I, Zhang Zhiwei, the arrogant Zhang.

"The choice between fish and bear's paw mainly reflects the way of aligning with the Tao!"

Zhang Zhiwei said, "Take the Quanzhen School for example. Although they cultivate both body and mind, when they reach an extremely high level of cultivation, they will produce a Yang Spirit. This Yang Spirit is actually one of the ultimate manifestations of sexuality."

"If we compare 'sex' to fish and 'life' to bear's paw, when we reach a higher level of spiritual cultivation, we will face a problem. I desire fish, and I also desire bear's paw, but I cannot have both. How should I choose?"

Upon hearing this, Master Zuo said, "The Quanzhen School is one that would rather give up the bear's paw for the fish, meaning they value sex more."

Zhang Zhiwei nodded: "That's true. It's not just the Quanzhen School; most schools of Buddhism are like that. Even the Buddha himself passed away in this way."

"But some people want to have their cake and eat it too, and don't want to give up either sex or life. That's why Taoism also has the saying of ascending to heaven in broad daylight."

Master Zuo suddenly realized: "I understand now. My Three Ones Ancestor's method of cultivating against the current and transforming his own Qi is also a way of preserving his own life in a different way. So it is like having the best of both worlds."

“That’s absolutely right!” Zhang Zhiwei nodded and said.

"With both life and health intact, and the possibility of reaching the heavens, does this mean the Sanyi Sect has a chance to return to the Xuanmen?!"

A hint of joy appeared on the left sect leader's face, even though he felt that this method was somewhat unorthodox. But if it really succeeded, he could maintain the reverse-generation Qi transformation state indefinitely. It wouldn't be right to say that he wouldn't have both life and health, since the innate Qi was produced by the combination of life and health.

At this thought, Zuo Ruotong recalled the concept of the unity of body and mind that her friend Zhiwei had mentioned during their last discussion, and suddenly realized that there were many similarities between the two.

However, Zhiwei's path of achieving oneness with life is based on reality.

The approach of Sanyimen starts from the virtual.

It's really hard to say who will win or lose.

The effects of starting from practical application are immediate: a physical body stronger than that of a master of external martial arts, and a powerful soul that is almost unshakeable.

However, the benefits of starting from the void are also considerable, because once successful, the acquired construction can be transformed into an innate wholeness, allowing one to remain in a state of reversal forever.

It's equivalent to having the strength of a dragon and tiger at all times, and a body that is impervious to water and fire. In fact, it's no less powerful than simply having a strong life force.

Thinking of this, a thought suddenly popped into Zuo Ruotong's mind: what if we divide it according to the three treasures of essence, qi, and spirit?

Traditional Neidan (internal alchemy) emphasizes the "spirit" in the practice of "emerging Yang Shen" (the

Zhiwei, my little friend, is of one mind and one body.

The San Yi School's reversal of life emphasizes Qi.

……

Seeing the Left Gatekeeper's shifty eyes and racing thoughts, Zhang Zhiwei coughed lightly and said:
"In my opinion, the ways to achieve harmony with the Dao are all secondary and not worth being too attached to. Just let things take their natural course. The important thing is the step of returning to emptiness, which is especially crucial."

Master Zuo collected his thoughts and said with deep agreement, "To be honest, I was stumped by this very hurdle."

Zhang Zhiwei said, "The patriarch brought forward the original content of refining the spirit and returning to emptiness, which seems to be a direct path to the Great Dao, but it has greatly increased the difficulty of cultivation, especially the difficulty of getting started."

"But this difficulty is only relative to ordinary cultivators who have just started. For you, Master Zuo, no matter how difficult it is, you should not be unable to enter the gate."

He paused, then continued, "I think there are probably two reasons for this."

"Firstly, you've gone too far down your original path, making it difficult to see things with a fresh perspective in a short period of time."

"Secondly, your obsessions run too deep, preventing you from seeing through many things you should be able to understand!"

Upon hearing this, Master Zuo remained silent for a moment. His deep-seated obsession was indeed something he found difficult to overcome.

Because of his deep-seated obsession, he couldn't break through the third level of rebirth; because of his deep-seated obsession, he couldn't see through the truth of his cultivation; and now, because of his deep-seated obsession, he finds it difficult to start anew...

"Please enlighten me, young friend Zhiwei!" Master Zuo said sincerely.

Zhang Zhiwei thought for a moment and said, "This kind of cultivation is very idealistic and difficult to explain in a few words. In fact, the more extraordinary a person is in creating something, the more difficult it is for ordinary people to understand it."

Zuo Ruotong nodded in deep agreement: "There is a ready example. Isn't the Tiantong Qimen created by my friend Zhiwei a perfect example? Even Master Li, a master of numerology, felt that he could not cultivate it."

Zhang Zhiwei glanced at the red-faced old Taoist in the main seat and smiled, "Although Master Li's numerology technique, Tian Tong Qi Men, is difficult for everyone to learn, Master Zuo, you might be able to learn it in no time."

"Similarly, what you, Master Zuo, find difficult to comprehend and master in the new Reverse Life Triple Realm, Master Li may be able to master instantly and make extremely rapid progress."

Zuo Ruotong pondered for a moment and realized that it was indeed true. For example, he had been cultivating for decades but had not been able to reach the third level of the Reverse Rebirth, while his young friend Zhiwei had reached it very quickly.

He sighed and said, "People are always unable to see clearly in the direction they are fixated on. I am like that, and so is Master Li. That is why it is necessary to seek out young friend Zhiwei to discuss the Dao, and to use your clear mirror to reflect on our own shortcomings."

Zhang Zhiwei said, "In this respect, no one can escape the common fate, and I am no exception. I haven't encountered it yet, perhaps because my obsession is not with cultivation. If I do encounter it one day, I may have to ask Master Zuo for help."

"If that day ever comes, I, Zuo, will certainly do my utmost to help!" Master Zuo said in a deep voice.

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony!” Zhang Zhiwei laughed. “Let’s get back to the main topic and analyze this new triple rebirth step by step.”

Zuo Ruotong immediately adopted a posture of attentive listening.

Zhang Zhiwei continued, "Before founding the Sanyi School, the founder of the Sanyi School, Lin Zhaoen, was a disciple of Wang Yangming, the Sage of the Mind. Later, he abandoned Confucianism to study Buddhism, and then abandoned Buddhism to study Taoism. Therefore, his starting point was very high, and it is normal that the path he established also started at a high level. As for how to enter the gate..."

Zhang Zhiwei paused for a moment, then continued, "Although refining the spirit and returning to emptiness is a hurdle that one faces only after reaching a very deep level of cultivation, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all began practicing this kind of cultivation from the very beginning. Even your Sanyi Sect is the same, but you haven't realized it, or rather, you've misunderstood the principles behind it."

"Didn't realize it? They misunderstood the reasoning." Master Zuo frowned slightly, pondering these words.

Zhang Zhiwei continued, "As for how to cultivate in this aspect, each school and sect has its own specific requirements."

"For example, the morning classes at my Celestial Master's Mansion are usually between 3 and 6 a.m., in spring, summer, autumn and winter, rain or shine. Especially in winter, when the weather is cold, the body will instinctively send a 'don't want to get up' signal to the brain, affecting people's consciousness."

"What is this signal? It can be called thought, or it can be called delusion, instinct... Different sects have different names for it."

"If you translate it into the system of the Three Ones Sect, you can understand it as the influence of heaven and earth on you."

"The cultivation philosophy of the Sanyi Patriarch is to reverse the influence of heaven and earth on you and return to the state at the beginning of your life."

"So what you have to do is reject the influence of heaven and earth. If the objective external world tries to influence you and prevent you from rising, then you have to reject it."

"It's easy to refuse once, but it's quite difficult to refuse every time, for decades."

Zuo Ruotong nodded and said, "That's right. When our Sanyi Sect accepts disciples, there is always a trial period. The disciples stay in the lower courtyard for a period of time to chop wood and carry water to test their minds and see if they are sincere in their cultivation and in their own hearts. This is the first step on the path of cultivation, and it is also the simplest step, but even so, many people cannot do it."

"Master Zuo, you are mistaken!" Zhang Zhiwei said. "Sincerity is the essence of things, and honesty is the foundation of all things. To be frank, this test is too much for those who are new to cultivation. They cannot handle it. Your Sanyi Sect is bullying honest people." "Why do you say that?" Master Zuo was very puzzled. His Sanyi Sect treated people kindly and generously. Even if someone was not suitable to join the sect, they would make proper arrangements for them. How could it be considered bullying honest people?

Zhang Zhiwei laughed and said, "I just remembered what you told me before about recruiting Lu Jin, Li Muxuan, and Liu Deshui."

"You can take these three into the lower house. There are no special requirements. Just let them do their jobs normally."

"Of the three, Liu Deshui was the most diligent, like a tireless machine, squeezing out every last bit of strength to chop wood and carry water, just to perform well."

"Lu Jin only does what he can each day, and does not force himself to do anything beyond his ability. He does not cheat or shirk his duties, nor does he overwork himself."

"Li Muxuan would rest when he was tired and sleep when he was sleepy. He would also leave the lower courtyard and go up the mountain to the inner courtyard to observe how much water and firewood the Sanyi Sect used every day. Then he would cut and select firewood according to that standard. He did everything perfectly, and you gave him a very high evaluation."

“But you know his past, you know he’s always been a naughty kid, so you’re waiting for him to be honest with himself.”

"If he can reveal his true nature, you will take him on. If he can keep acting for three years, you will still take him on and ask him for advice."

"So, in this test, you were actually most satisfied with Li Muxuan."

Upon hearing this, Master Zuo's expression turned to one of reminiscence, and he nodded, overwhelmed with emotion. "I did indeed have high hopes for him!"

Zhang Zhiwei said, "But I have a different opinion. All three have their merits and shortcomings. If it were me, after disregarding aptitude and comprehension, I think Liu Deshui performed the best."

He also wanted to find out what they looked like... he added in his mind.

"Why?" Zuo Ruotong said, "I didn't make any special demands on them. He was exhausted both physically and mentally, yet he still insisted on chopping wood and carrying water. Isn't that a lack of sincerity?"

Zhang Zhiwei said, "It's not exactly sincerity; their level of understanding at that time wasn't high enough to warrant using that word, but it's still a kind of sincerity!"

"What 'sincerity'?" Master Zuo asked.

Zhang Zhiwei explained, "Perhaps our views are different. What I'm testing is their ability to eliminate delusions."

"Liu Deshui was physically and mentally exhausted from chopping wood and carrying water. This is an objective law and one of the influences of heaven and earth on him. Yet he was able to overcome it, which is very commendable. Being sincere in what he was doing is also a kind of sincerity."

"On this basis, if he has even a sliver of comprehension, he might be able to step into the next realm. Of course, this sliver of comprehension is sometimes more important than his previous efforts."

"But hard work is the most important factor. Just like your founder Lin Zhao'en, the Left Master, don't you think he was even more hardworking than Liu Deshui?"

Upon hearing this, Master Zuo recalled the life of his patriarch, who had studied under the Confucian sage since childhood, abandoned Confucianism for Buddhism in order to seek the Dao, then abandoned Buddhism for Daoism, and finally abandoned Daoism to create the Trinity.

With such a knack for causing trouble, Master Zuo felt he definitely couldn't do it.

"The patriarch's dedication to cultivation is truly admirable," said Master Zuo.

“Actually, Master Zuo, aren’t you the same kind of person yourself?” Zhang Zhiwei said.

"Me?" Master Zuo shook his head. "I am far inferior."

“Master Zuo, being too modest is also a form of insincerity,” Zhang Zhiwei reminded him.

Master Zuo was taken aback for a moment: "Now that you mention it, I can indeed be considered diligent."

Zhang Zhiwei continued, "How do you think your talent compares to Si Chong's?"

“We are disciples of the same generation, and we entered the academy around the same time. As for talent…” Master Zuo paused and said, “I may be a little more talented than him, but the difference is not so great.”

“Yes!” Zhang Zhiwei said, “Of all the people from your generation who have cultivated to this point, only you and he are still alive. His talent is naturally not bad, but why is his cultivation level so far behind yours?”

After a moment's thought, Zuo Menzhang said, "I am indeed much more diligent in my cultivation than he is."

Zhang Zhiwei nodded and said, "When Si Chong talked to me, he said that you can persist in reversing life for decades, but he can only persist for twenty days before he can't hold on anymore."

"Why couldn't he bear it? It wasn't that he couldn't persevere, but that he couldn't withstand the influence of heaven and earth on him."

"He wanted to persevere, but it was too painful, and he couldn't keep going."

Do you think he's being sincere, or not?

The Left Gate Master remained silent, deep in thought. If it were before, he would have thought that the inability to persevere was a genuine feeling.

Therefore, he never asked his apprentices or junior brothers to learn from him.

Even he himself was the same.

Otherwise, why would he be in so much pain if he were maintaining this reversed life?!
He was just gritting his teeth and persevering because he had no other choice.

If he had a choice, he wouldn't have done it this way.

If it weren't for Zhiwei healing his injuries and freeing him from relying on his reversal of life to survive, he might not have been able to hold on when his triple dream shattered and would have passed away on the spot.

……

Zhang Zhiwei was unaware of the Left Sect Master's inner thoughts, and he continued, "Back then, during the Lower Academy test, you felt that Lu Jin was tired and suggested he rest, which was sincere."

"Although Lu Jin wanted to leave the lower courtyard and go to the upper courtyard, he dared not step out of the lower courtyard. This is not sincere."

“Li Muxuan does what he wants, goes where he wants, sees who he wants, and chops as much firewood as he wants. This is from the bottom of his heart, so you are very satisfied.”

"But after you understand his true nature, you feel that he is not sincere, so you need to continue to test him."

"But have you ever considered that what they want to do and don't want to do at this stage may not be what they truly want in their hearts?"

"The so-called sincerity of heart is not true sincerity of one's own heart, but sincerity of the influence of heaven and earth on one's body."

"If we are influenced by the rules of the objective world and then take the easy way out, to whom are we being sincere?"

"I remember there's an old saying in the Trinity Gate."

"Go with the flow to avoid disasters, go against the flow to achieve the ultimate power!"

"Go against the flow, Chief Zuo!" (End of Chapter)