Under One Person: I Have a Billion Taoist Gods Within Me

Chapter 49 Zhuge Qing: Thank you, Ancestor, for the Samadhi True Fire.

Li Yuan ignored the gazes around him.

He simply watched Zhuge Yunting quietly, waiting for him to calm down.

a long time.

Zhuge Yunting finally took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart.

He solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and bowed deeply to Li Yuan once again.

"Michiko..."

Zhuge Yunting's voice choked with emotion, yet his tone remained unusually firm: "I...I have no merit whatsoever..."

Li Yuan shook his head slightly, interrupting Zhuge Yunting's next words.

"Mr. Zhuge."

"This is not a question of what merit or ability you possess."

"This is Zhuge Liang's last wish, and the final destination that this fragment of the Eight Trigrams Formation has been waiting for for 1,700 years."

"Your Zhuge family has guarded this scroll for 1,700 years, passing it down through generations without ever slacking off."

"This perseverance, this loyalty, is worth all of this."

"Moreover—"

His gaze met Zhuge Yunting's directly, his eyes still gentle, yet seemingly able to see into the deepest ripples of the heart: "The Marquis of Wu has passed these things down to me, so that I may inherit them."

"And I, this humble Taoist, am passing these things on to you so that these traditions may truly return to their rightful place."

"Return it to where it belongs, return it to those who have protected it for seventeen hundred years."

"This is true perfection."

Having said that, Li Yuan said no more.

He raised his right hand, fingers slightly spread, palm facing upwards.

at the same time...

Inside the interior, deep within the Daluo Palace.

On the newly erected divine throne, the phantom of Marquis Wu slightly raised his eyes, as if he were watching something.

The river of light, carrying all of Wuhou's lifelong learning, flowed slowly from the divine position, following Li Yuan's will, and dissipated from the ancestral aperture between his eyebrows.

It condensed and took shape three feet above Li Yuan's palm.

That was a ray of light.

A light that flows continuously, containing infinite information.

Within that light were the complete Eight Trigrams Formation: Heaven Covering Formation, Earth Bearing Formation, Wind Rising Formation, Cloud Hanging Formation, Dragon Flying Formation, Tiger Wing Formation, Bird Soaring Formation, and Snake Coiling Formation.

The Eight Formations are complete, operate smoothly, respond to each other, and are endlessly regenerating.

Within that light lay the renowned Zhuge Liang's divine calculations, capable of foretelling celestial secrets, measuring yin and yang, deducing cause and effect, and predicting good and bad fortune.

Within that light was the complete Wuhou Qimen, which was more profound, more exquisite, and closer to the origin of heaven and earth than ordinary Qimen Dunjia.

It can mobilize the power of heaven and earth, alter the yin and yang energies, and reverse the order of cause and effect.

Within that light, there was an array—

The Eight Trigrams Formation, the Nine Palaces Formation, the Ambush Formation from Ten Sides, the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation...

Within that light were talismans—

They can use talismans, water, and incantations to help people and save them; they can use talismans to summon ghosts and gods; and they can use talismanic magic to exorcise evil spirits and subdue demons.

Within that light were military strategies for marching, deploying troops, conquering cities and seizing territory, winning with fewer troops and defeating the strong with the weak.

Within that light, there were Yin and Yang and the Five Elements—

It can understand the principles of mutual generation and restraint of all things, and can control the flow of the five elements.

Within that light, there was an astrological calendar—

They can observe the stars to know the general trend of the world, and they can deduce the calendar to understand the order of the four seasons.

Everything, everything, is contained within it.

As Zhuge Yunting gazed at the ever-flowing river of light, his body trembled slightly with excitement.

Simply because he "sensed" it.

That's the aura of our ancestors.

That is the wisdom of our ancestors.

That was the ancestor's lifelong enlightenment, which he condensed with his last bit of strength before he perished at Wuzhangyuan 1,700 years ago.

Zhuge Yunting's eyes reddened again, but he forced himself not to let the tears fall.

He took a deep breath and solemnly knelt before the rivers of light.

Three kneelings and nine kowtows.

This is the most solemn ceremony performed by the Zhuge family.

This grand ceremony is only used when worshipping ancestors.

At this moment, he was not kneeling before Li Yuan.

Rather, it is the river of light that carries the lifelong learning of our ancestors.

It is the legacy of our ancestors who, after 1,700 years, finally returned to the embrace of the family.

After the three kneelings and nine kowtows are completed.

Zhuge Yunting straightened up and his gaze returned to Li Yuan.

That gaze was utterly devout and unwavering.

"Michiko...I'm ready!"

Li Yuan nodded slightly.

He pushed gently with his palm facing forward.

The ever-flowing river of light slowly drifted towards Zhuge Yunting.

As it drifted along, the River of Light gradually changed.

From a single ray of light, it transforms into countless points of light.

Each point of light contains a piece of wisdom from our ancestors.

Each point of light was pulsating gently, as if calling out to something.

The light drifted to Zhuge Yunting and slowly enveloped him.

Then-

They began to integrate.

Immerse yourself in Zhuge Yunting's mind and spirit.

It is integrated into Zhuge Yunting's bloodline.

It integrates into Zhuge Yunting as the "root" of the Zhuge family descendants.

Everything, everything, merged into one at this moment.

I don't know how much time passed.

The ever-flowing river of light finally merged entirely into Zhuge Yunting's body.

Zhuge Yunting slowly opened his eyes.

Those eyes, now devoid of their usual composure and restraint, held only one thing—

It was as if I had just experienced a rebirth, a sense of sudden enlightenment and clarity.

He looked down at his hands.

Those hands, which inherited the bloodline of the Zhuge family, seemed somewhat different from before.

It's not an increase in strength, nor an improvement in cultivation.

Instead—

Something deeper.

This confirms the "root".

It is a return to the "source".

It is the certainty of knowing where you come from and where you are going.

Zhuge Yunting raised his head and looked at Li Yuan.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something more to express his gratitude, but for a moment he couldn't find the words to express it.

Because any language seems inadequate at this moment.

Any gratitude seems inadequate at this moment.

In the end, he simply bowed deeply to Li Yuan once more.

Li Yuan stood quietly and accepted his bow.

Then, he slightly raised his hand to help him up, saying, "Mr. Zhuge, please rise."

Zhuge Yunting straightened up, his eyes still red and wet with tears, but they were brighter than ever before.

It was a kind of brightness, as if one had finally found their home.

"Michiko..."

"I... no, I belong to the Zhuge family, and I will forever remember the great kindness of Master Daozi."

"Passed down through generations, never to be forgotten."

Li Yuan shook his head slightly: "Mr. Zhuge, you flatter me."

"I am merely returning the item to its rightful owner."

"The legacy of Zhuge Liang has finally returned to where it belongs."

"Your Zhuge family's 1,700 years of protection has finally come to an end."

"That's the most important thing."

"It is by the power of fate that I was able to witness this moment."

The words fell.

Li Yuan was about to withdraw his right hand when he suddenly froze slightly.

He lowered his eyes and looked at his palm.

There, a very faint trace of light was quietly flowing.

That was the lingering afterglow left behind by the river of light that carried all of Zhuge Liang's lifelong learning, after it had completely merged into Zhuge Yunting.

No.

It's not the aftertaste.

Yes—the final gift.

With a slight thought, Li Yuan entered the inner realm, deep within the Great Luo Palace.

The newly erected statue of Marquis Wu suddenly emitted a faint light once again.

He paused slightly, his mind immersing itself in the inner landscape, re-establishing a connection with the illusory image of the Martial Marquis atop the divine throne.

The phantom of Zhuge Liang remained seated, adorned with a feather fan and a silk turban, his face gaunt and refined.

Those eyes, which seemed to see through the ages, were now quietly watching him.

It seemed like he had something to say.

As soon as Li Yuan's thoughts stirred, the illusory figure spoke.

His voice remained steady and calm, yet it seemed to carry a solemnity that could only be perceived at this moment.

"What was previously said was all a trick."

"Formations, talismans, divination techniques, and military strategy can all be called 'techniques'."

"Technique is the last aspect of the Way; it is applied externally and used in response to events."

However

The illusory figure of the Marquis of Wu paused, and in those eyes that seemed to see through the ages, something even more profound now appeared to be reflected.

The more fundamental truth: "What I have realized throughout my life, the most precious thing, is not technique, but law."

"The law is the application of the Way; it is practiced internally and aligned with the truth."

"With this method," then all techniques can be developed...

Without this method, all other techniques are like rootless duckweed, destined to vanish.

Li Yuan listened quietly.

He knew that what Wu Hou was about to say was the real core of the matter.

The phantom of the Marquis looked at him, his gaze filled with expectation, relief, and a sense of relief as if he could finally entrust something to someone.

This method is called...

"Samadhi Fire"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuan's mind stirred slightly.

Samadhi Fire

One of the highest secret techniques of Taoism!

It is a true fire that is condensed from the essence, energy, and spirit of the human body and can burn and purify all things.

The *Zhi Xuan Pian* states: "I have three true fires: the heart is the sovereign fire, also called the divine fire, its name is Shang Mei..."

"The kidneys are associated with the ministerial fire, also known as the essence fire, and its name is Zhongmei..."

"The bladder (i.e., the Qihai point below the navel) is the fire of the people, and its name is Xiamei..."

"When gathered, it becomes fire; when dispersed, it becomes air; rising and falling, circulating in cycles, follows the way of the universe..."

This is the foundation of the Samadhi True Fire.

The divine fire of the highest realm originates from the mind and spirit, and is characterized by purity and clarity, capable of illusory perception.

The essence of the middle burner, originating from the kidney essence, governs the vigorous growth of life and nourishes the source of all things.

The fire of the lower realm originates from the sea of ​​qi, governs the flow and transformation of qi, and can drive all changes.

Only when the three fires are combined into one can the true fire of Samadhi be formed.

This fire is unlike any ordinary flame.

Ordinary flames, the form of burning things.

Samadhi Fire, the soul that burns all things.

Those burned by this fire may have their bodies intact, but their souls will suffer the pain of being burned alive.

That is pain from the very source of life, which cannot be escaped, resisted, or resolved.

If one is burned to ashes by this fire, one's soul will be completely scattered, and one will not even have the chance to be reincarnated.

This is the Samadhi Fire.

The supreme method of subduing demons in Taoism, the legendary flames of true immortals.

It can burn away all karmic obstacles, attachments, and evil spirits; it can purify all filth, darkness, and impurity; it can refine all tangible and intangible things, bringing them back to their original source.

The highest realm of Samadhi True Fire is described in the "Pointing to the Profound" as the path of the superior celestial immortal: "Using the Great Void as the cauldron, the Supreme Ultimate as the furnace, purity as the foundation of the elixir, non-action as the elixir field, nature and life as lead and mercury, concentration and wisdom as water and fire, suppressing desires and restraining anger as the interaction of water and fire, and uniting nature and emotions as the harmony of metal and wood..."

"Washing the mind and cleansing thoughts is like bathing; maintaining sincerity and firm resolve is like solidifying the body; precepts, concentration, and wisdom are the three essentials; the center is the mysterious gateway; understanding the mind is the realization; seeing one's true nature is the solidification..."

"The three elements are unified to form the sacred embryo; life and nature are integrated to form the elixir; having a body outside the body is the rebirth; breaking through the void is the attainment of the true self."

The Great Void is the cauldron, and the Taiji is the furnace for refining elixirs. It is not within the body, but between heaven and earth.

The method of refining elixir is based on purity and non-action, and the dantian is the key. It is not about deliberate effort, but about naturalness.

Life itself is the lead and mercury, while concentration and wisdom are the materials for refining the elixir with water and fire. The essence lies not in external things, but within oneself.

The three essentials are discipline, concentration, and wisdom. Upholding discipline helps to stop evil, entering concentration helps to generate wisdom, and developing wisdom helps to dispel delusion.

The center is the gateway to the Great Way, perfectly balanced, neither too much nor too little.

The proof comes from a clear mind—if the mind is like a clear mirror, it can naturally reflect the true nature of all things.

Seeing one's true nature is the condensation of reality—only by seeing one's own true nature can one know that I am one with all things, without any difference.

The three elements of essence, energy, and spirit unite to form the sacred embryo, marking the beginning of a new life.

When nature and life become one, the elixir is formed—nature and life are no longer separate, and I and the Dao are no longer two.

The body outside the body is a Dharma body that can be separated from or combined with the physical body, and is free and at ease.

Breaking through the void means no longer clinging to even the concept of "void"—that is true "cessation."

If one can cultivate to such a level, one can achieve "perfect harmony of form and spirit, and unite with the Dao."

This is the ultimate secret of Samadhi Fire.

This is not just about "fire".

This is the Way.

The voice of the illusory Marquis Wu continued to echo in Li Yuan's mind: "Back then, on Wuzhang Plain, knowing that my time was coming to an end, I condensed all my life's insights into a method, waiting for someone with the right destiny."

"Among these, formations, talismans, divination, and military strategy are all employed."

"And this method of Samadhi True Fire is the essence."

"Only with this body can all functions arise."

"Only with this fire can all magic be refined."

"With this root, all paths to enlightenment can be achieved."

"Today, I, the Marquis, pass on the method of the Samadhi True Fire to you, hoping that you can use this fire to illuminate all the darkness in the world."

"With this fire, all the filth in the world can be burned away."

"With this fire—"

'

"Protect those you wish to protect, and uphold the principles you wish to uphold."

The words fell.

The phantom of Zhuge Liang raised his hand and gently waved his feather fan.

A beam of light emanated from between his brows.

That light was completely different from the previous river of light.

The previous river of light was as warm and smooth as jade, as vast as the sea, carrying information about countless "techniques".

And this light—

Burning fiercely like fire!

Pure as fire!

Deep as fire!

It was not the color of ordinary flames, but a colorless light that seemed to encompass and purify everything.

Within the colorless light, three colors could be faintly seen flowing.

A single, clear, and bright color, like a mirror reflecting objects, is the divine fire of the heart.

Its color is warm and gentle, like spring water nourishing the body—that is the essence of the kidneys.

The color flows endlessly, like a rushing river—that is the fire of the sea of ​​qi.

The three colors combine to form this colorless light.

Fang Cheng—

Samadhi Fire!

The Samadhi True Fire surged from the center of the illusory image of Marquis Wu's brow and slowly drifted towards Li Yuan.

Li Yuan neither dodged nor resisted.

He simply stood there quietly, letting the Samadhi Fire enter his ancestral aperture between his eyebrows.

They disappeared into the depths of the inner palace of the Great Luo Palace.

The moment when the Samadhi True Fire enters the body—

Li Yuan was startled.

He "senseed" it.

That was not an injection of "power" or an increase in "energy".

It is something deeper and more fundamental.

It is the awakening of the "Dharma".

This confirms the "root".

Everything that already existed within him—his mind, kidney essence, and dantian—was gently "ignited" by this seed of light in that instant.

It's not burning.

It means "awake".

Like a seed that has been dormant for thousands of years, it finally encounters sunlight and rain, and sprouts from the soil in that instant.

Like a volcano dormant for thousands of years, it finally erupts and surges forth in that instant, responding to the call of heaven and earth.

Within his mind, that spark of "ruler's fire" was ignited.

Clear, bright, and unblemished—it can see through all illusions and penetrate all truths.

Deep within the kidney essence, that spark of "ministerial fire" was ignited.

Warm, gentle, and vibrant—it nourishes all things from their source and nurtures all possibilities.

Within the Qi Sea, that spark of "People's Fire" was ignited.

It flows, ceaselessly, and endlessly transforms—it can drive all changes and accomplish all undertakings.

The three flames, each occupying its own place and performing its own function, yet they echo each other, blend together, and complement each other.

They flowed slowly within his body, like three rivers of light converging in his dantian.

Then-

"boom!"

Colorless light surged forth from every acupoint on Li Yuan's body!

The light was not dazzling, yet it seemed to penetrate everything.

The light was not scorching, yet it seemed capable of burning everything.

The light was not ostentatious, yet it seemed to illuminate everything.

It enveloped Li Yuan, making him appear like a god who had come from eternity and was about to enter eternity.

The next moment...

Li Yuan raised his right hand, his five fingers slightly spread, his palm facing the sky.

There were no hand gestures, no incantations, and no ritualistic actions.

He simply raised his hand quietly.

However, at that very moment—

Zhuge Yunting's pupils suddenly contracted!

He "senses" it!

An indescribable "intention" quietly emerged from Li Yuan's palm.

That was no ordinary flame.

It was a kind of "existence" that he had never felt before, yet was all too familiar with.

Within that "intention," three primordial sources flow through the divine essence of the upper elixir, like a bright mirror hanging high, illuminating everything.

The Qi of Zhongdan flows continuously like water, circulating throughout the body.

The essence of the lower elixir is as deep as the earth, bearing all things.

The spirit, energy, and essence slowly converged, blended, and harmonized in Li Yuan's palm.

Like three clear streams flowing into the same deep pool.

Like three rays of light converging on the same bright moon.

The moment they met—

A flame quietly bloomed in Li Yuan's palm.

The flame wasn't burning intensely, but it was impossible to ignore.

The color of the flames was simply indescribable.

It is not red, not orange, not the color of any ordinary flame.

It is—

colorless.

Yet it seems to contain a myriad of colors.

It is—

invisible.

Yet it seems capable of burning everything tangible.

Zhuge Yunting stared intently at the colorless flame, his whole body trembling.

Because he recognized at a glance what the colorless flame in Li Yuan's palm was.

It is the Samadhi True Fire, which ranks first among the unique skills passed down through generations of the Zhuge family!

It's something I've never experienced before, yet it feels all too familiar.

This is because, for the past hundred years, not a single member of the Zhuge family has been able to truly master the Samadhi True Fire!

It's not that they didn't work hard enough, or that they were too incompetent.

Rather, it is the Samadhi True Fire, which is too profound and too dangerous.

To master the Samadhi Fire, one not only needs to master all the Qimen magic, but also needs to undergo rigorous training such as pouring oil hammers on the head and striking the ribs with an iron ruler.

When attempting to condense the Samadhi True Fire, even the slightest deviation could result in a near-death experience.