Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 110 Gods can control Qi, and martial arts can unleash Qi

Jiang Yi's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly composed himself, his breathing returning to normal as he quietly got back on track.

He took a few deep breaths, sat cross-legged, and quietly reviewed the strange experience of that moment in his mind.

The more I thought about it, the stranger it seemed.

That movement just now didn't seem to be caused by the spontaneous movement of qi.

It's more like... the thought arises and the breath follows.

It's not a clash of fundamental sources, nor is it a blockage of meridians.

Just because a thought flashed through his mind and a movement occurred in his abdomen, the energy flowed in response.

This is somewhat illogical.

The circulation of Qi throughout the body follows a specific method, following the meridians and collaterals, and is always a matter of steady progress.

How can one be so easily manipulated simply because one's heart is in turmoil?
Jiang Yi lowered his eyes in deep thought, but his heart couldn't help but feel a little hot.

Thoughts move and breath follows...

If that's really the case, then this "state of divine prosperity" is probably the threshold for "controlling qi with spirit and controlling breath with thought".

Once this gate is opened, cultivation will be accelerated, and in battle, one can control the mind at will, and the energy will be as swift as an arm, with endless wonders.

Thoughts raced through my mind, and just as I felt this path was viable, my heart suddenly sank.

When that aura became chaotic, it was already extremely dangerous.

If it weren't for my years of mental and physical training that have made me stable and solid, I would probably have already suffered a surge of qi and blood and felt like my internal organs were burning.

This sounds incredible, but it's actually just a hair's breadth away from crisis.

Jiang Yi composed himself and suppressed his excitement.

In the path of spiritual cultivation, the most important thing to avoid is reckless action.

Although there are signs of trouble now, we cannot act rashly.

It's better to ask Master Liu for details another day and then consider it carefully.

Jiang Yi got up with a flick of his sleeve, went to the backyard first to settle those mundane affairs, and then slowly returned to the house.

The morning breeze in the courtyard carried the scent of grass and trees, refreshing and invigorating. No smoke had risen from the chimneys, and the houses remained quiet.

He wasn't in a hurry. He walked around the house and quietly asked about the situation of his meditation the night before.

Unfortunately, the answers were all pretty much the same, saying only that they felt "more clear-headed" and "more at ease," which was reassuring but ultimately lacked substance.

Even Jiang Ming, who was the first to reach the pinnacle of his spiritual energy, merely shook his head, his tone indifferent:

"It's still a fog. When I try to probe into it, it's like trying to catch the wind in the air. I can't find even the slightest shape."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi simply smiled, nodded slightly, and offered a few words of encouragement.

Originally, I thought that since my eldest son had laid a solid foundation early and my daughter was also very intelligent, they should be the ones to take the lead.

Unexpectedly, aside from the child who accidentally saw the blood light during the blood array's dramatic change that day, the first person to glimpse the soul image was himself.

This matter is rather mysterious, and cannot be forced.

After the meal, the group went to the cold grass behind the old house as usual.

From afar, one could see that the young man from the Liu family was already waiting at the edge of the field, his sleeves rolled up, standing upright.

Jiang Ming stood at the front, reciting scriptures as usual. His voice was not loud, but his words were clear and distinct, each sentence falling into the cold wind.

Jiang Yi didn't listen much today; his mind was wandering, and a hint of leisure lingered in his eyes and brows.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw two servants from the Liu family carrying empty baskets, heading towards the newly cleared, cold land.

This year, more Illusionary Yin Grass was planted than in previous years. The Ancient and Modern Clan needed it urgently for training, so they had to harvest a new batch every few days, in a continuous cycle.

Jiang Yi was preoccupied with the strange phenomenon in his body this morning and couldn't bear to listen to the scriptures anymore.

On a whim, he got up, went back into the house to find a sickle, grabbed a basket, and headed over there.

When the two servants saw him coming, they looked at each other and did not stop him. They simply said politely, "Thank you for your trouble, Master Jiang," and then they both lowered their heads and got back to work.

The three of them each collected a basket of cold grass, carried it on their shoulders, and walked at a leisurely pace toward Liu Family Village.

As soon as I entered the front yard, I saw Master Liu swinging a millstone, grinding a steel fork as thick as an arm. Sparks flew all over the ground, and heat hit my face.

Seeing Jiang Yi arrive, he quickly put down the millstone, shook his wrist, and greeted him with a smile, saying:
"How could I trouble Brother Jiang to do such a simple job in person?"

Jiang Yi casually put the basket on the ground and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

The two servants were taken over by others, and bundles of cold grass were carried into the house.

Jiang Yi didn't move. He stood in the courtyard, looking at the steel fork, and said with a smile:

"These cold herbs are meant for the village children to cultivate their minds. I'm just doing my part, so it's not a trouble for me."

He changed the subject, and his tone softened somewhat:
"As for me, I must thank the Master for the Wind Fox Medicine. I benefited greatly from meditating on it last night."

Upon hearing this, Master Liu's eyes flashed, but his expression remained unchanged; he merely nodded slightly.

He kept it in mind, and secretly probed its aura.

I felt that Brother Jiang across from me was clear-headed and his blood and energy were more vibrant than before.

However, the realm of the soul is ultimately different from that of the muscles, bones, and meridians; though the energy moves, the divine will remains hidden.

Without focused observation and careful contemplation, it is extremely difficult to discern the true form.

Jiang Yi, however, did not seem like someone who would hide his true intentions.

He has always been honest and straightforward, and even when he has a sense of gain or loss, he speaks with tact and discretion.

Now, without beating around the bush, I will recount my feelings during my morning meditation.

In particular, he described the strange phenomenon of "qi moving with thought" in great detail, with a hint of doubt in his words, clearly indicating that he came to ask for guidance.

As for the first signs of that wisp of divine soul appearing, he didn't elaborate, only saying it lightly:
“There was a slight movement in my mind, as if I could vaguely see a thread.”

He did not describe the appearance of the two points of light in detail, leaving room for interpretation.

Master Liu listened intently, his brows remaining unchanged, but his heart was in turmoil.

That scroll, "The Classic of Constant Purity and Tranquility Spoken by Laozi," was passed down by him personally.

That wind fox was a spiritual creature that he hunted after crossing two mountains.

It was combined with the ancestral recipe that made this medicine a complete set.

Originally, I had hoped to lend a helping hand to the Jiang family and gain their favor.

Unexpectedly, in just one night, this Brother Jiang began to glimpse the appearance of the divine soul.

Although the form is not clearly defined, the phrase "felt something" is already quite remarkable.

However, upon closer reflection, the unexpected events that the Jiang family has brought him in recent years are far more than just one or two.

When that breathing method is practiced to its extreme, it is almost identical to the orthodox methods of Taoism.
That staff technique was so skillful that the force shifted at will, and the moves were steady and deliberate, far surpassing any ordinary martial arts style.

At first I was surprised, but after seeing it more often, I got used to it.

Master Liu's thoughts raced, his expression impassive, but he nodded slightly, a genuine hint of approval appearing on his face:

"Brother Jiang is indeed extraordinary in terms of aptitude and talent. Not only did he manage to glimpse the boundaries of the divine soul in just a few years, but he also comprehended its principles and gained some understanding of it."

His smile widened as he introduced:
"This 'state of spiritual prosperity' refers to the gathering, clarity, and abundance of the spirit and soul. When the spirit is clear, one's senses are readily available; when the spirit is gathered, one's thoughts can control one's vital energy."

"The wonder of it, Brother Jiang, has already noticed it. It is that the Qi follows the thought, and the spirit can control the Qi."

"Once this method is mastered, it can be a life-changing event, whether it is regulating breathing and nourishing life or fighting to the death."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, yet there was a sense of composure between his brows.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi was slightly pleased, but still had some unresolved questions.

After a moment's hesitation, he finally spoke:
"If that's the case, why was it that just now, when a thought arose in my mind, although my energy was stirred, I was unable to control it and instead created chaos, almost going astray?"

"Could it be that my soul has not yet solidified and is not strong enough?"

His tone remained calm, but his eyes held a hint of sincerity.

This matter concerns life and death; I cannot remain silent. Upon hearing this, Master Liu merely smiled slightly, gently shook his head, and spoke as softly as the wind rustling through withered leaves:

"No, no."

“The strength of your soul does have an impact, but it only determines how much energy you can mobilize and how long you can sustain it.”

"But whether this energy can obey commands and be controlled ultimately depends on another aspect, namely the power of one's state of mind."

Before Master Liu could finish speaking, he raised his hand and lightly stroked his beard, his voice unhurried and gentle, like the wind rustling through the treetops, as he continued:

"Liu had previously said that 'Shenwang' belongs to fate, while 'Xinggong' belongs to the mind."

"Although they are not from the same source, they are separated by a stream and their waters are secretly connected. Only by cultivating both paths can they complement each other. If one only cultivates one path, it will eventually be like a tree that cannot support the sky, like an arm that tries to hold up the sky, but it always feels like it is not strong enough."

As he finished speaking, his gaze lingered on Jiang Yi, his expression softening with a scrutinizing look and a hint of regret.

"Brother Jiang is truly remarkable in the art of cultivating life force. His Qi flows smoothly and naturally, which suggests that you have a special innate talent and opportunity."

"But this practice of cultivating sexuality has been slow to achieve, only calming the mind and not achieving mental stillness."

He sighed softly and continued:

"When the spirit and soul are first formed, inspiration naturally arises. With a calm mind, one can naturally guide the flow of energy, which is not surprising."

"But if one does not enter the state of 'settled mind,' it is difficult for the mind to harmonize with the vital energy. It cannot be adjusted or controlled. Although one can move, it is difficult to remain stable; although one can feel, it is difficult to maintain."

"A single misstep can lead to chaos. At best, it can cause disordered breathing and difficulty in regulating one's breath; at worst, it can cause the spirit and energy to flow backward, damaging the five internal organs and rendering all previous efforts futile."

"This is the principle of 'when one's anger is too great, one is harmed by it.'"

Having said this much, he seemed to feel that he had said enough.

With a flick of the wrist, no light shone from the palm, yet a subtle meaning arose within it.

Jiang Yi stood to the side, feeling that although he hadn't moved an inch, his aura flowed slowly through his joints and veins like a soft, flowing thread.

Suddenly, his aura subsided and solidified, and a palm struck down as if it were nothing.

The whetstone, originally used for sharpening steel forks, was silently and neatly split in two.

The broken edge is as smooth and fine as a mirror, as if it had been gently broken by someone with an extremely gentle breath, without any trace of violence.

Jiang Yi had long known that this manor lord was extraordinary, but seeing him in person now, he felt that he was even more remarkable than the rumors suggested.

That energy was neither sharp nor imposing; it was gentle and continuous, smooth and unhindered. In the space between movement and stillness, it had already demonstrated the ultimate way of controlling energy.

The key to this technique lies not in the force of the palm strike, but in the word "controllable".

Master Liu, however, did not take it to heart. He lightly flicked his sleeve, as if the previous slap had merely brushed away some dust.

"But..."

He shifted his tone slightly, his voice softening as if he were making a casual conversation:
"In the end, such methods are just ordinary skills. The ability to move one's breath freely and the strength to be fluid and agile are nothing more than using them skillfully and moving gracefully."

At this point, a glint flashed in his eyes, but his expression remained calm, and his tone lowered slightly:
"If one can cultivate one's sexual cultivation to the 'divine' state, and further enhance the strength of one's spirit, that wisp of spirit will be illuminated clearly and thoroughly."

"That's when you can truly grasp this life force in your own hands."

He spoke slowly and softly, yet his words were like spring rain falling on tiles, each one deliberate and impactful.
"At that time, Qi will not only circulate through the meridians, and intention will not only control the body. Internally, it can regulate the five internal organs, nourish the spirit, and prolong life and maintain youth; externally, it can leap and ride the wind, transforming Qi into a blade, taking the enemy's head from a distance as easily as taking something out of a bag."

"There is even a greater chance of embarking on the path of 'refining essence into qi,' washing away the mortal body and breaking free from the shackles of the mundane."

He paused abruptly, his eyes narrowing slightly, a hint of wistfulness appearing in his expression.

With a soft sigh, he said:

"But that level of attainment... is beyond the reach of ordinary mortals."

"One must have a great opportunity and a strong foundation. In the opening and closing of heaven and earth, there is a sliver of opportunity to enter the Tao. Only then can one barely glimpse the path. Even if one is exceptionally talented, without the help of good fortune and favorable timing, it is ultimately just drawing a cake to satisfy hunger or listening to the rain in an empty mountain."

He spoke very calmly, his voice was flat and even, as if he were chatting casually.

Jiang Yi frowned slightly upon hearing this, and his heart sank a little.

Although his life cultivation has made some progress and his spirit has begun to solidify, he has finally begun to glimpse the path of visualization.

However, the practice of cultivating one's nature still lacks a method of "concentrating the mind." As soon as the mind moves, the energy flow becomes turbulent.

This kind of predicament of "being able to see it but not being able to use it" is the most heartbreaking.

Master Liu noticed the strangeness in his expression at a glance and had already guessed seven or eight parts of what was going on.

He smiled, shook his head slightly, and his tone relaxed, carrying a hint of carefree ease:
"Brother Jiang, there's no need to be upset about this. What I just said was simply a method of cultivating both body and mind."

"This 'Realm of Divine Prosperity' is the ultimate hurdle in the path of life cultivation. It speaks of the gathering and refining of the spirit and soul, and the natural clarity of the sea of ​​consciousness. It has a thousand wonders, so how can it be entirely driven by the cultivation of nature?"

He paused here, his gaze drifting slightly:

"There are countless martial arts practitioners in the world, but seven or eight out of ten only cultivate their life force and know nothing about visualization or spirit."

"Among them, there are those with amazing talent, and those who are lucky enough to encounter great dangers. They have faced life and death, and their spirits suddenly regroup and their spirits change dramatically. They have entered the 'Divine Prosperity' realm."

He chuckled softly, his tone slightly teasing yet respectful:
"They don't know how to control their qi with their will, and they don't understand 'calmness and observation', but when they throw a punch, they can still shatter mountains and split rocks, and when they sweep their blades, they can take a person's head from several feet away."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi felt a slight tremor in his heart, and a figure immediately appeared in his mind.

It was none other than his youngest son, Jiang Liang.

The child was trapped in the blood array, and in the midst of his turmoil, he managed to perceive that blood-red soul image.

Upon realizing this, he quickly cupped his hands and asked for guidance.

Master Liu simply waved his hand, his smile subtle, and said:
"It's not really a matter of giving advice."

"This kind of method, which can drive the Qi and awaken the spirit without 'fixed intention' or 'clear mind', is ultimately just the result of martial arts being practiced to the extreme, and its wonders arise naturally."

He paused, his tone neither hurried nor slow:
"Those martial artists who only cultivate life force and not spiritual cultivation may not have heard of the two words 'observation of phenomena'."

"But as long as you master fist, footwork, sword and knife skills, you can pour all your energy and spirit into every move."

"Their spirits will respond naturally, and their energy will naturally flow. Even if they never know what realm they have entered in their entire lives, they can still shake their enemies with a punch and cut the wind with a slash."

He spoke these words in a leisurely and unhurried manner, as if he weren't talking about any particular level of attainment.

Jiang Yi understood perfectly, bowed deeply, and said:

"Thank you for pointing this out, Master."

Master Liu smiled without saying a word, his hands still calmly twirling within his sleeves.

Jiang Yi didn't linger. He picked up the empty basket placed at the door, gathered his sleeves, and left the village along the familiar path.

He didn't rest after returning to the courtyard; he rolled up his sleeves and took a long stick that was always kept at home.

He casually picked it up, flicked his wrist, and with a light flourish, a set of skillful stick techniques was unleashed.

While wielding the stick, he focused his mind and sensed the energy within his body, which flowed slowly and steadily through his meridians.

As the staff moves and the body shifts, the breath moves accordingly:

Sometimes the energy gathers in the arm, driving the tip of the stick, making a whooshing sound;

Sometimes, sinking into the waist and hips, the lower body suddenly becomes as stable as a mountain, and when the feet land, there is a sense of solidity.

Although not as skilled as Master Liu, whose mind follows his breath and whose body moves with his breath.

But it possesses a certain aura, subtly revealing an unusual strength.

The newly sprouted weeds beside the courtyard were flattened by the gust of wind.

Seeing this, Jiang Yi pursed his lips and didn't rush to practice anymore.

He casually leaned the wooden stick against the corner of the wall, shook his sleeves, and turned to go back into the house.

He ground ink and spread out paper under the lamp, and after a moment of concentration, he wrote a few lines of text, stroke by stroke.

……

Once the New Year was over, Liu Xiulian got ready, took her maid, and boarded the carriage sent by the Li family.

Jiang Yi escorted him to the old locust tree at the village entrance.

Standing under the tree, I handed over the letter filled with writing, speaking solemnly and explaining each word carefully:

"Keep this letter safe. When you arrive at your destination, be sure to hand it to Liang'er personally. Don't delay."

(End of this chapter)