Chapter 32 : The Method of Preserving the Spirit
Chapter 32: The Method of Preserving the Spirit
“According to this, the Head-Descending Curse does not cultivate nature, nor does it cultivate life,” Li Zhen said thoughtfully.
This point was made quite clear in Li Zhen’s own case.
He was ill and growing weaker by the day; it was impossible for him to cultivate “life.” That Twelve Curses manual never even mentioned such a thing.
As for “nature,” that was even less of a topic.
Since when had the Head-Descending Curse ever spoken of internal cultivation of the heart and mind?
It was, by nature, a fast-track sorcery known for its bloodiness and cruelty, with an easy entry path—completely unrelated to “cultivating the heart.”
Master Danyang’s gaze showed a trace of surprise.
Head-Descending Sorcerers were usually ruthless and vicious.
But Li Zhen seemed quite different from the others.
Not only did he have principles, he also possessed a clear understanding of the art he practiced.
That made Master Danyang all the more pleased.
It was a great thing that the other could actually listen to his advice.
“The Head-Descending Curse is indeed an evil art,” Master Danyang said. “It does not cultivate life, nor does it cultivate nature. When ordinary mortals, with their limited willpower, manipulate the power of evil creatures to harm others, how could disaster not follow?”
“Those who practice this art are often extreme in temperament. Once they come into contact with blood and violence, they become even more extreme and irritable. When their hearts are corroded by malevolent energy, how could they not fall into depravity?”
“The ancient texts say: the art of sigils and incantations is meant to summon gods and drive away ghosts; if one’s heart is impure, one only invites disaster upon oneself. That is precisely what it means.”
After a moment of silence, Li Zhen asked, “Does Master Danyang have a method to cultivate ‘nature’ internally?”
If he could obtain such a method, perhaps it could lessen some of the negative effects of the Head-Descending Curse—make him less extreme, less prone to rage.
“Of course,” Master Danyang nodded. “My sect cultivates life mainly through regulating the body’s vital energy with breathing techniques and talismans, and cultivates nature primarily through the Method of Preserving the Spirit.”
“Although my master passed away many years ago, I have never dared forget his teachings and have always persisted in cultivating both life and nature.”
Li Zhen’s mind stirred, and he continued asking, “What does this Method of Preserving the Spirit mean?”
Master Danyang patiently explained, “The Method of Preserving the Spirit is a way of cultivation that refines and nourishes the primordial spirit, elevating one’s state of mind. It clears the heart and brightens the thoughts, gradually freeing the practitioner from worldly desires.”
As straightforward as when he had asked for blood before, Li Zhen directly said, “Can this Method of Preserving the Spirit be passed on?”
He thought Master Danyang might hesitate, or even refuse outright. To his surprise, Master Danyang replied, “It can.”
Li Zhen was greatly astonished.
In his impression, such sect-transmitted methods were never easily shared with outsiders.
He had not expected Master Danyang to agree so readily.
It completely exceeded Li Zhen’s expectations.
To be honest, he had originally just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity while asking Master Danyang to deliver those two ghosts for transcendence—perhaps to “shear some wool” in passing, to ask for some sigils and a bit of blood.
Now it seemed there might be an unexpected harvest…
No doubt, his handing over those two ghosts had earned him a better impression in Master Danyang’s eyes.
As for whether he could actually practice it—well, that was not important. He could at least get it first and study it later.
Seeing Li Zhen’s surprise, Master Danyang smiled and shook his head. “Don’t think too much about it. This isn’t ancient times anymore—many things are no longer secret.”
“Besides, the spirit preserved by the Method of Preserving the Spirit is a righteous one. As long as you meditate upon it daily, it clears the mind and stabilizes the spirit. If you can persist in practicing, I’d be happy to see it. So why shouldn’t I teach it to you?”
Li Zhen sincerely said, “Master, your heart is truly broad.”
Master Danyang chuckled. “I don’t deserve such praise. I simply don’t wish to see you fall astray and would like to lend you a hand.”
“Also, don’t treat this method as some extraordinary secret manual. It teaches one to contemplate righteous deities—but in this age, do you think righteous gods would easily give feedback to ordinary people?”
“I simply treat it as a method of self-cultivation. You shouldn’t hold excessive expectations.”
“However, during the meditation process, this Method of Preserving the Spirit also requires circulation of qi and blood. It can enhance physical vitality and thus has some effect on cultivating life as well.”
“Judging from your sickly appearance, you should diligently practice this method more often, commit fewer killings, and avoid letting an impure heart summon misfortune.”
After offering sincere thanks, Li Zhen lifted his teacup and casually asked an unrelated question: “Master Danyang, do immortals truly exist in this world?”
Hearing this, Master Danyang immediately shook his head. “If you mean living immortals, I cannot say whether they exist or not—I can only say I have never seen one. Neither my master, nor my master’s master, had ever seen one.”
“And within my lifetime, I do not believe I will ever see an immortal.”
“Ordinary people see me draw a few sigils, understand some Feng Shui secrets, and perform rituals on occasion—they think I possess great powers. But in truth, these are merely petty techniques.”
Li Zhen’s tone held a trace of melancholy. “Has no one ever cultivated to immortality?”
Master Danyang again shook his head. “I don’t know if such people existed in ancient times, but in all my knowledge, there has never been anyone like that.”
Li Zhen whispered, “That’s truly a despairing thought.”
But Master Danyang disagreed. “Longevity is determined by Heaven. All men must die. To obsess over lifespan only leads one down a lower path. Conforming to the natural Dao of Heaven is the higher one.”
Li Zhen smiled. “According to that, if a man has a terminal illness, should he just quietly wait for death?”
The question was heavy.
Master Danyang paused a moment to find his words. “Life and death are of the same path; they are not two. Why not face what remains of your life with greater openness? Of course, I don’t oppose seeking treatment—I only oppose excessive anxiety and fear.”
Li Zhen nodded silently, seeming to agree with him.
After a while, he looked up and smiled. “May I learn your art of sigils, Master?”
Master Danyang replied, “To learn the art of sigils, one must first be initiated. If you are willing to abandon your Head-Descending Curse, I will gladly teach you the art of sigils.”
Li Zhen shifted the topic. “I will soon be traveling far away and do not know when I’ll return. Before I leave, I’d like to ask Master Danyang for some yellow talismans—and a bit of your blood.”
“That’s a small matter.” Master Danyang looked slightly regretful but spoke with generosity. “I drew some sigils earlier this morning; I’ll give them to you later. As for my blood…”
Li Zhen had clearly already considered how to collect it. “There’s no need for Master Danyang to wound himself. I can invite someone to come and use professional blood-drawing equipment to take a bit.”
Master Danyang froze.
He had intended to say that only a little blood could be taken.
He had not expected Li Zhen to call a professional to draw it.
Just how much blood did this man plan to take?
After chatting a while longer, Li Zhen took the yellow talismans Master Danyang had given him and left.
Before he departed, Master Danyang reminded him once more: “Your eyes are bloodshot—that’s a sign of rising heart-fire.”
“Your face is sallow and bloodless, showing illness; and with a bluish hue on your complexion, that’s a sign of evil energy invading your body.”
“You’d best cultivate calmness, avoid bloodshed, refrain from contention with others, and use your dark arts less. Do not let violent emotions control you, or your body may not last long.”
Li Zhen smiled, about to speak, when he suddenly remembered something and said to Master Danyang, “The situation at the base of the building is not simple. Those evil spirits arose entirely due to human causes. If you have the chance, you should investigate it further.”