Cangmang Asks the Way 1: Guardian of the Lamp

Tianci's cultivation has entered a new stage. Under Chen Jiren's almost strict guidance, the practice of "Hibernating Dragon Breathing Technique" is no longer limited to the quiet meditation of morning and evening. Chopping wood, carrying water, decocting medicine and brewing tea, and even walking, sitting and lying down all require circulating the mental technique to integrate that "continuous and subtle" breathing rhythm into every minute and second of daily life.

The initial integration was exceptionally difficult. His body felt as if it had been split into two parts—one part was the instinct for power and speed honed through years of martial arts training; the other part was the slow, deep internal energy required by the "Dragon's Lair Technique." When fetching water, he tried to integrate his breath into his steps, but the disordered rhythm caused the buckets to sway, splashing half of his body with icy well water; when decocting medicine, he was completely focused on controlling the heat, and even the slightest rapid breathing caused the fire to fluctuate wildly, almost boiling a whole jar of precious medicine dry. Each failure made him anxious, and the anxiety further disrupted his breathing, as if he were trapped in a vicious cycle. But with astonishing perseverance, Tianci treated each failure as an opportunity for adjustment, stubbornly etching this focus into his instincts.

One day, Tianci was chopping wood in the courtyard. He glanced at the cane leaning against the corner of the wall, took a deep breath, and decided to give it a try. He steadied himself on one leg, raised the heavy axe with both hands, and aimed at a piece of hardwood as thick as a bowl. His first swing caused him to sway violently due to his unstable center of gravity, his breath caught in his throat, and the axe blade veered off course, leaving only a shallow white mark on the wood. He steadied himself, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and the Hidden Dragon Technique flowed naturally, his breath sinking into his dantian, like an ancient tree taking root in the earth. That warm power rose from his spine, flowing to his right leg, supporting the injured area and bearing the weight of his body, bringing a strange feeling of soreness yet full of strength. He opened his eyes again, his gaze sharp and focused, exhaled sharply, and the axe sliced ​​through the air, bringing down with a precise and powerful strike!

With a crisp "crack!", the hardwood split in two, the cut smooth. Tianci stood firmly, feeling the energy in his dantian surge and flow naturally with the split, his right leg providing unprecedented support.

An indescribable joy welled up within him; it wasn't just about splitting the wood, but also about breaking free from the long-standing sense of powerlessness that had gripped his heart. Just then, a mountain breeze swept by, bringing with it the clear, cheerful sound of snowmelt flowing into a stream. The sound seemed to resonate wonderfully with the exhilarating flow of energy within him and the solid strength that had broken free of its cocoon.

He could clearly feel that his bones and muscles, once deemed "congenitally rigid," were undergoing a silent transformation. When he stretched his body in the morning, his joints would emit a subtle yet clear crackling sound, like bamboo shoots sprouting—not pain, but a vibrant release. The lines of his muscles became more supple and fluid, as if removing excess stiffness and containing greater explosive power and endurance.

The cultivation of "Ling Shu Finger-Pointing Hand" has become even more refined. Chen Jiren no longer had him touch himself or the cotton sachet, but instead gathered various herbs from the mountains, instructing him to close his eyes and concentrate, relying solely on the touch of his fingertips to distinguish the texture, consistency, dryness, and hot or cold properties of the herbs. The dense texture of Poria cocos, the oily texture of Angelica sinensis, the bitter and rough texture of Coptis chinensis, the pungent texture of Asarum heterotropoides... each tactile sensation must correspond to the medicinal properties and be integrated into his memory.

During the identification of medicinal herbs, Chen Jiren mixed in several pieces of herbs that looked extremely similar and were all irregularly shaped. He said in a deep voice, "There is a herb called 'raw Pinellia' mixed in here. It has a strong medicinal property. If it is mistaken for another herb, it will at least numb the throat and tongue, and at worst, it will damage the internal organs. If you can identify it, it shows your skill; if you can't, today's lesson will have been in vain."

Tianci ran his fingertips over each herb, noticing subtle differences in texture: one was dry and rough like gravel, while the other had a barely perceptible stickiness. He concentrated, activating the Hidden Dragon Technique to its fullest extent, his fingertips sensing the invisible "qi" emanating from the depths of the herbs. One herb faintly emitted a pungent, tingling "killing energy," which made his skin tighten slightly as it penetrated his fingertips; the other had a more stagnant, dry heat. He suddenly opened his eyes, beads of sweat forming on his forehead—the one emitting the pungent, tingling sensation was unprocessed raw Pinellia ternata! And the slightly sticky, stagnant heat of the other herb was the extremely hot Tianxiong.

A glint flashed in Chen Jiren's eyes, and he nodded slightly: "Indeed. Raw Pinellia ternata feels like a needle pricking the skin, while Aconitum carmichaelii feels like scorching embers burning the heart. Touch is the surface, but Qi is the foundation. The wonder of finger dexterity lies in discerning the slightest difference and perceiving the mechanism of benefit and harm. To identify the properties of a medicine, one must not only know its uses but also understand its harms, only then can one have a firm grasp of its properties." This near-real-world test deepened Tianci's understanding of "distinguishing Qi and perceiving the mechanism," sharpened his fingertips' perception, and planted a deep reverence for the "benefit and harm" of medicinal properties in his heart.

On another occasion, Chen Jiren had Tianci close his eyes, placing his fingertips on his wrist pulse. Tianci held his breath, focusing his attention on his master's steady, long pulse. Suddenly, Chen Jiren's mind stirred, and he deliberately stagnated a wisp of Qi and blood at the "Quchi" acupoint on Tianci's left arm. In an instant, Tianci felt an extremely subtle resistance at his fingertips, like a small pebble thrown into a flowing stream. His heart skipped a beat, and he blurted out, "Master, the Qi... is there stagnation at the 'Quchi' acupoint on my left arm?" Chen Jiren nodded slightly. This ability to use the mind as eyes in the darkness to touch the invisible Qi was quietly taking shape under Tianci's fingertips.

The thin layer of snow on the mountainside gradually melted under the warm sun, forming babbling brooks. As Tianci regulated his breathing, he could feel his internal energy flowing like this melting snow, initially gentle and slow, yet continuously washing away the subtle blockages in his meridians left by injuries and reckless training, bringing a refreshing and invigorating sensation. The rushing water seemed to announce the imminent passing of winter, and also to wash away the dust from the young man's heart.

At dawn, Cang Tianci got up as usual. He didn't reach for his cane by the bedside, but instead took a deep breath, circulating the Hidden Dragon Technique naturally throughout his body. A warm and solid power rose from his dantian, like a young dragon awakening, flowing along his meridians into his legs. He felt a long-lost, vibrant sense of support in his right knee. The slight limp was still there, but it no longer affected his balance or walking.

He pushed open the wooden gate and stepped into the courtyard. The crisp air, carrying the fresh scent of thawing earth, rushed towards him. He tentatively took his first step, then the second… his steps gradually became smooth and natural, moving from initial cautious attempts. Although a slight abnormality could still be seen in the movement of his right leg, the cane that had accompanied him for more than twenty days had been completely forgotten behind him. He stepped onto the slightly soft soil, each step leaving a clear footprint, steady and powerful.

Instead of immediately starting his morning exercise, he walked to the medicine rack under the eaves, his gaze sweeping over the rows of herbs drying in the sun. In the morning light, he suddenly stopped, picked up a piece of Poria cocos, examined its texture closely against the light, then brought it closer to his nose and gently sniffed it. He then walked to Chen Jiren, who was tidying up his tools, and handed the herb to his master, gently touching the center of the Poria cocos with the tip of his other hand.

"Master...look...look here," he said, his voice tight, but he tried to speak clearly, "the dampness...hasn't dissipated."

Seeing his master's gaze fall upon him, he turned to the side and pointed to the stove not far away, saying briefly, "Urgently needed... by the stove... to dry with the residual heat."

After a pause, he added the most critical risk: "If it's not baked, the inside...the inside and outside will be uneven...and eventually...it will mold."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiren stopped what he was doing, his gaze falling on the boy's calm and focused profile. Not long ago, this boy's eyes held only the anxiety of wanting to prove himself and the resentment towards injustice; his every move carried a tense, ever-ready-to-retaliate force. Now, however, he could stop to observe, smell, and carefully consider the minute details of a medicinal herb, offering sound advice. The mountain breeze brushed against his straight back; though still somewhat thin, he possessed the resilience of a newly grown pine tree. The sharp, resentful edge born of hardship and anger had long been replaced by a calm that had sunk into the essence of things. His eyes were clear and focused, like a deep pool after a snowfall.

Tianci suddenly knelt down, kowtowed deeply, and said in a choked voice, "Master, I will never forget your kindness in giving me a second chance at life!"

Chen Jiren reached out and gently helped his disciple to his feet. As his fingertips touched Tianci's arm, he could clearly feel the restrained vitality and stable flow of qi and blood hidden beneath the thin clothing—a stark contrast to the restless, congested youth of a month or so ago. What stirred his heart even more was the boy's almost instinctive sensitivity to "qi," a sensitivity so naturally aligned with the "inner observation" and "subtlety" required by the "Hibernating Dragon" and "Pointing to the Profound" methods. This alignment wasn't merely the result of arduous practice, but rather a natural innate quality. The boy's calm focus and unwavering resilience were the perfect vessel to carry this path. Thinking of this, even the deepest, calm heart of the old man couldn't help but feel a ripple of relief at this rare harmony between "the Way and the vessel."

He gazed intently at Tianci, as if he could see Tianci's future brimming with infinite possibilities. Then, he looked over Tianci's shoulder and gazed at the snow-covered mountains and fields outside the courtyard, where the snow had just cleared and the mountains rose in layers. Melted snow flowed through the mountain streams, and sunlight pierced through the thin mist, illuminating the winding path leading downhill.

"When the snow melts and the ice disappears, it is not that the road appears, but that the dust on the mirror of the heart has been wiped away. The hibernating dragon has just awakened; though its scales and claws are still immature, the momentum to leap into the nine heavens is already contained." Chen Jiren's voice was as peaceful as a mountain stream.

He continued, "You have only just begun to grasp the basics of 'Foundation Building and Breath Regulation' in 'Hibernating Dragon Breathing.' This path is profound, with subsequent stages including 'Turtle Breathing to Accumulate Truth,' 'Hibernating Dragon Returning to Hidden Realm,' and even 'True Yang Returning to Its Original State.' Each step requires a calm mind and focused spirit, and the ability to comprehend the flow of Yin and Yang. It is not something that can be accomplished overnight."

Chen Jiren paused, then turned his gaze to Tianci's hands:

"You've already laid the foundation for 'Ling Shu Zhi Xuan Shou' (灵枢指玄手) with your 'Bone-Touching Path' (摸骨寻径). However, the true essence of this path lies in recognizing acupoints and discerning qi, mastering the techniques of needle manipulation, and reaching the realm of 'Nine Needles Connecting to the Divine' (九针通神). Each of these three hurdles—'Discerning Qi and Understanding the Mechanism' (辨气识机), 'Manipulating the Needle to Obtain Qi' (通针得气), and 'Nine Needles Connecting to the Divine' (九针通神)—requires using your heart as your eyes and your fingers as your needles to perceive the subtle and profound changes in qi." He paused slightly, his gaze like an ancient mirror, reflecting the growing understanding and determination in Tianci's eyes. "Tianci, you once asked how to protect those you want to protect, how to see through the world's fallacies. The Hidden Dragon Technique (蛰龙诀) is to first protect your own 'inner lamp' (心灯), to cultivate your own 'confidence' (底气); this Zhi Xuan Shou and the following silver needles will be your 'eyes' and 'methods' for discerning the world and people's hearts, upholding righteousness and eliminating evil. A doctor's needles discern the flow of qi and blood; on your future path, you will observe the truth and falsehood of people's hearts, and the warmth and coldness of the world."

At this point, he suddenly flipped his wrist, and somehow picked up a dry twig, which he swiftly and lightning-fast pointed at the inside of Tianci's left forearm, which was hidden by his sleeve! The target was the "Ximen acupoint"! Tianci's pupils contracted slightly. With the Hidden Dragon Technique activated, his body reacted faster than his thoughts. His wrist twitched and flipped, and his index and middle fingers came together like a sword, precisely blocking the trajectory of the dry twig, protecting the location of the "Ximen acupoint".

A satisfied smile flashed across Chen Jiren's eyes as he touched the withered branch and immediately withdrew it. "Good, instinct is formed. Remain calm in the face of danger, discern opportunities before acting, and protect yourself instinctively. Remember this feeling. In the future, if you encounter treacherous and cunning individuals who attempt to ambush you, you will need this kind of clear mind and swift, decisive action."

He slowly took out an antique indigo cloth bag from his wide sleeves. Embroidered with a few verdant bamboo leaves, the stitches were fine and contained a warm, mellow luster accumulated over time. He solemnly placed the bag in Tianci's palm. The bag felt slightly heavy in his hand, and inside were several fine needles of varying lengths, shimmering with a warm, restrained silver light.

"This set of silver needles has been with me for many years. Its nine-inch size corresponds to the celestial order and subtly aligns with the changes in the Nine Palaces." Chen Jiren's voice became incredibly solemn, his piercing gaze striking Tianci's heart. "Though the silver needles are small, they weigh more than a thousand pounds. A single piercing can be fatal. It is not merely a skill, but also a responsibility and awe. Holding these needles signifies holding onto the initial intention and ability to 'see clearly' and 'correct the wrongs.' Be cautious! Be cautious! I hope you will keep this in mind, living up to the name 'Ling Shu,' and even more so to the hardships and questions you have faced along the way!"

Chen Jiren gently patted the boy's shoulder again, the warm and gentle current penetrating through his clothes and reaching his heart.

"Experiences in the mortal world are also a form of cultivation. A hibernating dragon needs to find stillness within movement to breathe, and a masterful hand needs to be honed through worldly affairs. The gathering and scattering of fates will have their own time. Go down the mountain now and walk your path with a focused mind. When you have some doubts, gains some insights, or feel that the path beneath your feet needs to be looked back upon for clarity, you may return to the foot of this cliff. Though the mountain gate is secluded, it will open when the heart is there."

Cang Tianci straightened his back, his palms tightly clutching the silver needle pouch that carried expectations, inheritance, and endless responsibility. He felt the lingering warmth on his shoulders and the profound and lofty realm of cultivation outlined in his master's words, as well as the heavy responsibility brought by the phrase "holding a pure heart and ability to 'see clearly' and 'correct the wrongs'." Meeting Chen Jiren's deep, unfathomable gaze, he solemnly nodded and firmly replied, "Disciple...will...remember...master's...teachings! I will certainly...diligently...cultivate without ceasing, and live up to...master's kindness! I will not...let down...this needle!"

He took a deep look at his master, then turned around and looked down the mountain.

The mountain mist was rising from the valley floor, obscuring his view of the path ahead. But he knew that the needle his master had given him was more than just a needle.

He touched his chest—there lay Wanqing's good luck charm and his father's letter. Now, there was something else.

He gripped the cloth bag tightly and stepped into the fog. The thread was still there.