Start with push-ups to gain experience

Chapter 426 The Difference Between Visualization and Meditation, Water Prison Retreat
"What 'Dragon Protector Clan,' 'Martial Arts Family,' they're just remnants of the previous dynasty..."

Upon hearing this, Ma Donghe couldn't help but mutter to himself:
“From childhood to adulthood, I have never seen my family give me an extra penny. I have to pay for my own water, electricity and gas bills. Finding a job or taking the civil service exam requires me to beg and plead with everyone I can to pull strings.”

Although his voice was soft, Ma Jianguo heard it clearly. He immediately glared at him, his pent-up anger about to erupt into a rebuke.

Ma Donghe shrank back and preemptively retorted:

"Dad, don't rush to scold me. I just want to ask, our ancestor was so powerful, but who was more powerful, the former head of the special investigation team named Li Guizhen?"

This question stumped Ma Jianguo. He stroked his beard and swallowed back the reprimand that was on the tip of his tongue.

After a moment's hesitation, he said somewhat vaguely:
"Hmm... Our ancestor was a grandmaster who was bestowed a title by the imperial court and was revered by all. He held a high position in the martial arts world."

"Senior Li is indeed very capable. He has shouldered heavy responsibilities, safeguarded national security, and made great contributions. However, he is, after all, a newcomer."

In an attempt to regain some ground, he cleared his throat and added:

"Moreover, back then, in order to break through the bottleneck, he even borrowed this auspicious place of our Ma family from my grandfather to cultivate the visualization method in seclusion, which allowed him to successfully advance to the realm of inner vision manifesting outwards."

His previous recounting of the Ma family history, while containing elements of boasting about ancestral glory, was not without its share.

However, he also clearly conveyed the core concept of this school's visualization method to Fang Cheng—"In the most yin and darkness, visualize the most yang and most powerful thunder and fire."

Taking advantage of this conversation, Ma Jianguo then went on to explain in detail the key points of cultivation for the three levels of visualization.

As Fang Cheng listened intently, he rapidly compared and analyzed these theories in his mind with his daily meditation practice.

The first step Ma Jianguo mentioned, "establishing a theme," is to establish an eternal and unchanging core in the spiritual world.

Fang Cheng immediately thought of the ever-burning spiritual fire in his mind.

Is this the "intention" in the visualization method?
The second step, "Shaping the Realm," involves creating a complete interior world based on the core concept.

This reminded him of the "memory palace" he had gradually built in his mental world using speed reading skills.

The two may seem similar, but one’s own palace is more like a tool for storing information, a room where consciousness can linger briefly.

The "inner world" that Ma Jianguo mentioned sounds like a nearly real, self-sustaining little world.

What puzzled him most was the third step, "the true self."

According to Ma Jianguo, one must visualize an "I" that is completely integrated with one's own martial arts philosophy and qigong cultivation in the inner vision, as the master of this inner world.

Fang Cheng was unsure what the mysterious golden sphere in his memory palace actually was.
In any case, when I enter it normally, I can only use the ability of telepathy to establish a spiritual connection with others.

They are not yet able to control the entire spiritual realm, let alone modify the environment inside according to their own will.

At least, this memory palace remains shrouded in boundless darkness, making it impossible to see its true full form.

These questions concerned his greatest secret, so naturally he couldn't say them out loud.

After a moment's consideration, Fang Cheng asked in a tone of seeking advice:

"Master, what is the difference between the 'shaping realm' you mentioned and the mental space that is simulated in the mind through imagination using information from the external environment and that exists based on memory?"

"Furthermore, how do we define and shape our 'true self'? Do we need to refer to external objects and draw inspiration from nature?"

"You've hit the nail on the head."

Ma Jianguo gave him an approving look and explained:
"These questions actually involve the essential difference between visualization techniques and ordinary meditation methods."

"Our traditional martial arts philosophy focuses on one's inner world."

"For example, visualize the 'dantian' as a chaotic ocean, visualize 'consciousness' as a sun or moon shining brightly, and visualize 'meridians' as rivers flowing endlessly throughout the body."

"Through this kind of concrete imagination, we can absorb the external energy of heaven and earth more efficiently, and then use our mind to guide the energy to circulate in our body."

"At the same time, by visualizing the environment in which energy interacts with the body, and constantly evolving, one can ultimately achieve the goal of transforming oneself. This is a path that originates from within."

"Many other cultivation systems focus on visualizing external targets and follow the 'outside-in' approach."

"For example, many religious sects will have their disciples visualize the appearance of deities and the solemnity of Buddha statues."

"For example, those aristocratic families with a long lineage can sense the ancestral spirits formed by the ancestors of their ancestors through their bloodline."

"They borrow power from these external beings through faith and spiritual resonance, strengthen their own spirit, and thus awaken special abilities."

"Although this path is also very risky, it is much safer than the visualization method we martial artists practice."

"Because they always have a clear external goal that they can refer to and rely on."

After listening, Fang Cheng lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then looked up at Ma Jianguo and tried to summarize:
"So, in the end, the way we martial artists practice is to seek within ourselves, to refine and transform our bodies little by little, and to have complete control over our cultivation."

"And those who rely on meditation goals tend to draw strength from external sources. The extent to which their strength increases is actually greatly influenced by the external force they rely on, right?"

"That's the truth."

Ma Jianguo nodded slightly, quite satisfied with the comprehension of his exceptionally talented apprentice.

His expression immediately turned serious, and his tone became solemn again:

"Acheng, do you know why I keep emphasizing the dangers of visualization techniques?"

"Because on this path of spiritual practice, you have no external goal to connect with, and no deity to believe in."

"The only person you can rely on is yourself."

"But this characteristic of 'being able to rely solely on oneself' is precisely where the greatest weakness lies."

Ma Jianguo paused, deliberately giving Fang Cheng a moment to process the information, before continuing:

“There are two major dangers in the process of practicing visualization. The first is ‘going astray’, which means that the visualization becomes distorted.”

He held up one finger, his gaze growing increasingly solemn:

"Your inner vision is essentially a manifestation of your own will. If your will is not firm, the sun you visualize may become a black hole that devours everything; the rivers you visualize may also overflow uncontrollably and destroy the dam of your physical body."

"At that time, at best, one's qi and blood would be disordered, damaging one's foundation; at worst, one's consciousness would be trapped in a collapsing world of one's own making, turning one into a complete madman."

"Secondly, it is 'possession by demons'."

He then raised a second finger, his tone becoming even more serious:
"The human spirit is never a pure land. Your consciousness may contain many dark and negative emotions, and even some external spiritual pollution that you may pick up during your spiritual practice may turn into 'inner demons' when you are deeply meditating."

"They will disguise themselves as the sights you most desire to tempt you, disturb your mind, and pollute your inner vision."

"Once inner demons take control of one's consciousness, the consequences are unimaginable."

“Especially when you reach the stage of shaping your ‘true self,’ you need to resonate with the universe and all things to verify the ‘Tao’ you have come to understand. This is what is called ‘communication between heaven and man,’ which is also the most dangerous stage in the entire cultivation process.”

Ma Jianguo looked at Fang Cheng with a serious expression and gave a simple analogy:
"It's like a computer without any antivirus software installed, directly connected to the internet. You have no idea what it will sense or download."

"It could be insights left by predecessors, or it could be malicious fragments of the spirit that have been scattered from some unknown entity."

Fang Cheng was taken aback when he heard this, not expecting the old man to come up with such a fashionable metaphor.

Ma Jianguo smiled slightly and stroked his beard:
"Therefore, I specially chose this time of day and had you worship in front of the ancestral tablets, hoping to use the right timing and the right people to add an invisible layer of protection for you."

"In this way, during the visualization process, you can more easily connect with the positive and powerful spiritual imprints left by my ancestors, and let them guide you, instead of other messy things."

Only then did Fang Cheng fully understand Ma Jianguo's deeper meaning.

Although this Tai Chi master's skill level is not top-notch, his theoretical knowledge is extremely profound, worthy of the martial arts heritage passed down for hundreds of years.

The detailed explanation lasted for more than an hour.

As the sun began to set in the west, it cast long shadows of the trees in the courtyard.

"I've said everything I needed to say." Ma Jianguo took a sip of tea to clear his throat.
"If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask now."

Fang Cheng mentally reviewed all the key points and shook his head:

"I've memorized everything, Master. Shall I begin practicing visualization here?"

Ma Jianguo was taken aback when he heard this. Looking at Fang Cheng's confident expression, he recalled his extraordinary learning ability.

In the end, he simply nodded and stood up.
"Come with me, we're going to the back of the mountain."

He had just taken a step when he remembered something, turned around and asked:

"By the way, I told you before that learning visualization takes at least a week. Have you asked for leave from your company and family?"

Fang Cheng immediately nodded:

"Everything was arranged before we came."

In fact, in order to digest the flesh and blood of the Crimson Eye in his stomach with peace of mind, he had already asked for a long leave from the company and told his mother that he was going on a business trip to another province.

With the Noah organization facing a severe crackdown and now preoccupied with its own problems, it no longer poses any threat.

In the short term, nothing trouble should happen to you.

Seeing the two preparing to leave, Ma Donghe quickly waved his hand and said:

"You guys go ahead, I won't keep you company. I spent over a month in that awful place, and I never want to go back there again in my life."

As he spoke, he patted Fang Cheng on the shoulder and encouraged him with a smile:

"Acheng, good luck!"

However, his words couldn't hide the schadenfreude in them.

After saying that, fearing his father would call him back, he dashed into his room.

Fang Cheng watched his retreating figure and shook his head speechlessly.

....................................

The hill behind the village is actually just a mound of earth a few dozen meters high.

The trees, however, grew quite densely, lush and green, blocking out most of the sunlight.

The air was filled with the scent of grass, trees, and humus, and the chirping of insects and birds blended together.

"When visualizing, remember not to force it."

"If you feel agitated or experience terrifying hallucinations, it's better to pause your cultivation than to forcefully resist them, otherwise it's easy to breed inner demons..."

As Ma Jianguo led the way, he continued to give instructions.

Fang Cheng, carrying a satchel, followed behind him, nodding and occasionally replying "Yes."

The two walked up a narrow path that had been trodden along, and the path became narrower and narrower, almost swallowed up by the bushes on both sides.

Pushing aside a clump of thorns blocking the way, an inconspicuous cliff face appeared before me, covered with green vines.

Ma Jianguo reached out and pressed a few times on a moss-covered rock.

A stone door silently slid open on the cliff face, revealing a dark cave entrance.

A cold, damp aura, as if imprisoned for hundreds of years, instantly rushed towards me.

"Let's go."

Ma Jianguo said something and stepped inside first.

After walking down the stone steps for dozens of meters, the sounds of insects and birds outside completely disappeared.

Only the dull footsteps of the two men and the dripping sound of water from somewhere echoed in the cave.

The air grew colder and colder, and the dampness seemed to seep into your bones.

Finally, the two reached the bottom of the cave and opened another stone door.

Inside is a man-made water prison, about ten square meters in size.

A pool of water occupied most of the space; the water was dark and deep, and it was impossible to tell how deep it was.

In the middle stands a stone platform just big enough for one person to sit cross-legged.

There is a natural crevice in the top of the cave.

A sliver of light pierced through the darkness and fell directly on the stone platform, becoming the only source of light in the darkness.

At the end of the beam of light, a bronze bell hung down, covered with green patina, its age unknown.

Fang Cheng looked up and surveyed his surroundings in the dim light.

The stone wall was covered with densely packed characters.

In many places, the writing on the surface is even covered with moss, but the words can still be faintly discerned:
"As long as the fire in my heart burns, my mind will never dry up..."

"To see the body as not the body, to see myself as not myself..."

"The Qi circulates throughout the body, and the spirit roams freely in the vast emptiness..."

The handwriting is either vigorous and powerful or elegant and graceful, and the content is mostly about insights and reflections on cultivation.

"This is the water dungeon that our Ma family ancestors dug at great expense to comprehend the meaning of the 'Thunderfire Cauldron'."

Upon seeing this, Ma Jianguo immediately explained:
"The inscriptions above were carved by the ancestors of the Ma family and the predecessors of the Taiji School when they were in seclusion here."

"There are many valuable experiences among them. You can study them on your own while you are contemplating them, and you may find them beneficial."

"Alright, now that the time, place, and people are all in place, you can stay in this cave and cultivate in peace."

He pointed to the stone platform and added at the end:

"If you encounter a problem you can't solve, or if you want to get out, ring this bell. Seven days later, I will come down to bring you food and water."

After giving a few more instructions, and seeing that Fang Cheng had taken them all to heart, Ma Jianguo said no more and turned to walk out along the steps.

With a muffled "boom," the stone door slowly closed.

The whole world was instantly plunged into darkness and deathly silence.

The surrounding rock walls were narrow, and the air was thick with the pungent smell of earth and the chill of water.

Only that faint ray of light and the occasional crisp sound of dripping water preserved a trace of life in this place.

Fang Cheng took a deep breath, the cold air rushing into his lungs, instantly invigorating him.

The intense heat throughout my body seemed to be somewhat dispelled by this chill.

He tossed his satchel aside, then leaped into the air, landing steadily on the central stone platform, where he sat down cross-legged.

Despite feeling the solitude that isolated him from everything, his eyes were calmer than ever before.

"Now is the time to prove your skills..."

(End of this chapter)