The Stars Beyond

Chapter 82: History Of The Old Arts

Old Chen shook his head, saying, "It's just a suspicion of mine. I haven't reached the enlightened status of a Bodhisattva to definitively point out their mistakes. It's challenging."

He had meticulously studied the ancient techniques, tracing the lineage from ancient times to the present, and identified potential discrepancies. However, pinpointing specific mistakes of the ascended ones proved to be a tall order for Old Chen. Nevertheless, the fact that he held such suspicions and identified possible pitfalls underscored his dedication. Of course, the difference in times played a role too. The ancients, shaped by their era, had their own limitations.

Today, in an age of information explosion and rapid technological advancements, perspectives have changed dramatically. Experiencing this era and being at the forefront of ancient techniques has certainly broadened Old Chen's vision. Wang Xuan urged him to outline all the problematic areas. This was crucial for him, as he would inevitably encounter pitfalls set by the ancients. Whether these ancient beings were dead or alive, the traps and schemes they set in place still had significant influence and needed to be cautiously navigated.

"During the Early Qin period, the focus was on core techniques, which were incredibly profound and still influence practitioners today," Old Chen began, methodically laying out the context.

These core techniques, which revolved around chi cultivation, meditation, and internal cultivation, were invaluable for enhancing one's physical and spiritual prowess. They were irreplaceable. Using their core techniques, practitioners made a breakthrough by accessing the Inner Landscape. This was a pivotal moment that reshaped the landscape of Old Arts, offering a path to true ascension and enlightenment.

"One of the hallmark achievements of that era was alchemy," Old Chen began. "Instead of the common herbs we think of today, they primarily focused on smelting rare minerals within alchemical furnaces. The goal? To refine and extract their purest essences, aiming to produce the ultimate elixir of immortality. Although records from that time are scarce, it's widely believed they used the rarest and most divine materials available."

Raising an eyebrow, Wang Xuan interjected, "I thought they turned herbs into elixirs?"

Old Chen smiled, "Initially, they did prioritize smelting rare minerals and celestial objects that fell from the heavens. The herbs came later."

It was only after the discovery of the secret path to divine herbs that practitioners expanded their methods, incorporating these exceptional plants into their alchemy. As Old Chen once mentioned, finding such a rare herb might be as elusive as capturing the moment where the evening glow meets the bustling world beneath.

Following the discoveries of both the Inner Landscape and the divine herbal path, the Old Arts soared to unprecedented levels of mastery. In that golden age, top-tier practitioners were often accompanied by several mythical beasts or divine birds. Travels became grand affairs, with journeys often undertaken atop a qilin beast or while soaring high above the East Sea on the back of an undying phoenix.

As future generations revisited this glorious era, they looked back in awe. Such grandeur seemed nearly impossible to replicate today. The world's divine creatures, once abundant, had been largely captured or vanquished by these masterful practitioners.

"During that period," Old Chen continued, "many elite practitioners embarked on their celestial journeys, facing fierce thunderous tribulations. A number succeeded in their transcendence. But as more and more ascended, the vibrant era of the practitioners came to a swift, echoing end."

Old Chen sighed, reflecting on the swift decline after the zenith of the practitioners' era, sparking a whirlwind of doubts and theories in his mind.

"Given what's happening with you and my past experiences, I'm convinced the Inner Landscape is deeper and more enigmatic than we know," he mused. "Moreover, the Divine Herbs have become almost mythical and notoriously hard to find, let alone harvest. The obstruction of these two vital pathways, I believe, led to the downturn of the practitioners."

He delved deeper into his hypothesis, "This is likely why, when Emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned the practitioners to find the elixir of immortality, Xu Fu, one of the alchemists, opted to escape overseas. By then, it was evident that the elixir was out of reach."

Emperor Qin's ambitious pursuit seemed destined to falter from the outset.

"I have this inkling that some prominent figures among the practitioners might've faced unforeseen calamities, contributing to their collective descent. Those who did ascend might've uncovered some perturbing truths along their journey," Old Chen remarked, his tone heavy with seriousness. He admitted that despite his rigorous exploration of ancient scriptures, he could only theorize without concrete proof.

Wang Xuan's brow furrowed in thought. The ancient arts' history was an intricate web of enigmas. To fully understand, he realized he'd have to strengthen his abilities and seek deeper insights.

Old Chen pressed on, "As the era of the practitioners waned, they began incorporating contemporary medicinal herbs into their alchemical practices, often merging them with precious minerals. This evolution laid the groundwork for Daoism, which took it a step further by weaving in a broader spectrum of fungi and various herbs into their concoctions."

In Old Chen's view, as eras shifted, newer generations discerned certain challenges, prompting them to expand their horizons.

"Early Daoism placed immense value on 'Xinzhai,' or the cultivation of a pure heart," Old Chen explained. "The focus was inner serenity and harnessing spiritual energy. Daoist teachings advocate that the supreme path embodies utmost emptiness and tranquility, striving to align one's heart and spirit with the cosmos."

Old Chen sighed deeply. "These ancient teachings were so elevated, almost out of reach for many. Consider the originators of these profound paths - Laozi and Zhuangzi. Laozi wrote in the Tao Te Ching about embracing simplicity and retaining tranquility. And Zhuangzi expounded on this in his writings, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a tranquil heart. But, truthfully, such a path is too esoteric for most."

Wang Xuan quickly checked his phone, raising an eyebrow. The early Daoist practices did focus on deep introspection and breathing techniques.

Old Chen noticed his reaction and continued, "Yes, the practice of 'Xinzhai' is lofty, necessitating tangible techniques to be accessible. That’s where Zhexi comes in - it's all about deep, controlled breathing that aligns our inner energies."

He quoted from Zhuangzi, "The True Man breathes from his heels, while ordinary people breathe from their throats."

Over time, Taoism introduced more concrete methods like channeling energy and specific breathing techniques. Without these adaptations, sticking strictly to Laozi and Zhuangzi's teachings would be a daunting challenge, given their abstract nature.

"In that era," Old Chen continued, "Daoism significantly refined alchemy, creating elixirs that, when consumed, transformed one's inner essence. This emphasis on the transformation from yin to yang energy is evident in Daoist philosophies."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And then there was the monumental discovery, a secret path parallel to the Inner Landscape and Divine Herbs – known as 'Seeking the Way.'"

He described it as an actual but hidden path, invisible to the ordinary eye, yet walkable for those in the know. Finding this way could offer benefits akin to accessing the Inner Landscape or harnessing Divine Herbs. However, as eons passed, the traces of this enigmatic path have faded, eluding seekers of the present.

Wang Xuan's eyebrows furrowed in thought. From what Old Chen was saying, it sounded like the time-honored techniques of ancient practices, though once radiant, might not be wholly relevant today. "The foundational techniques are timeless," Old Chen remarked. "They've always been the cornerstone from which subsequent methods emerged, ensuring their lasting significance. Yet, when considering the later sections of the early Qin bamboo slips, I'd suggest caution. While they might have been groundbreaking during the Early Qin era, they could have later faced certain challenges."

Old Chen then shifted to a discussion about the later evolutions within Taoist practices. "In the early stages, Daoist alchemy was largely centered around external elements, giving rise to what we know as 'External Elixirs' or Waidan."

However, as Daoism gained prominence, its methodologies adapted, leading to the inception of Neidan, or 'Internal Alchemy'.

"The union of the dragon and tiger's energies, coupled with a renewal process, results in the creation of the Internal Elixir," Old Chen detailed. In this context, 'internal' refers to processes within the practitioner's body, while 'elixir' symbolizes the fusion of the body's essence, vitality, and spirit.

"This evolution symbolized a pivotal shift in the ancient arts. The progression of Neidan later laid the foundation for the renowned Golden Elixir, believed to eventually give rise to one's 'Primordial Spirit' or Yuan Ying." Old Chen's voice carried a hint of reverence.

Prominent figures from this epoch included luminaries like Zhongli Quan, Lü Dongbin, and Chen Tuan.

"Zhongli Quan drew inspiration from 'Cantong Qi' and later integrated his insights with Sima Chengzhen's 'Zuowang Lun', giving birth to a distinct Neidan technique. His teachings and doctrines can be found in seminal texts like 'Lingbao Bifa' and 'Zhong-Lü Chuan Dao Ji'."

Old Chen's depth of knowledge held Wang Xuan and Qing Mu spellbound.

"And of course, the illustrious Lü Dongbin took this art to unparalleled heights. His renowned text, 'Lü Gong Golden Elixir Secrets', pioneered the majestic path of the Golden Elixir."

Wang Xuan massaged his temples, trying to absorb everything. "So, the intricacies of the ancient practices are why you were so hesitant to discuss the levels earlier?" he mused.

Old Chen nodded, picking up where he left off. "Beyond the core principles of Daoism, there was also the art of creating talismans. These powerful symbols had a myriad of uses and were primarily associated with the three major mountains: Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Maoshan, and Gezaoshan."

He sighed wistfully. "Later in Daoist history, another secret path emerged. But sadly, most details about it have been lost over time, leaving only tantalizing hints."

"And sword cultivation?" Wang Xuan probed, "It evolved after the Golden Elixir phase?"

"Yes," Old Chen confirmed.

Piecing things together, Wang Xuan pondered the age of the enigmatic female sword immortal. "She must have risen to prominence later, not belonging to the ancient times then?"

Old Chen nodded, shifting the topic. "But every era had its challenges. It's probably why these teachings diminished over time, becoming almost lost in the modern age."

Then, with a frown, he touched on Buddhism. "It's disconcerting how many ancient Buddhists chose to abandon their physical forms. Such practices always felt... unnerving to me."

He elaborated, "These 'Flesh Body Bodhisattvas' in Buddhism are essentially their preserved remains. While revered, they don't really have the ethereal qualities many claim. In fact, several such relics are simply stored away in modern facilities."

Clearing his throat, Old Chen continued, "And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are many sects and schools of thought I haven't covered, like the enigmatic Red-Robed Female Immortal. She's believed to have been a formidable force, perhaps even preying on elite mystics of her era."

Wrapping up, he mused, "All this to say, the real renaissance of these ancient arts hasn't even begun. It's waiting for people like us to reignite its glory."

Observing Old Chen's earnest demeanor, Qing Mu secretly thought, "If any of those ancient figures are still around, they'd definitely give my master a good thrashing. Who else would they go after?"

Before Qing Mu could continue his silent musings, he noticed Master Wang nodding gravely, declaring, "The ancients had their pacts; I think it's time for a new covenant."

Boom!

A thunderous explosion resonated in the heavens, startling Old Chen. Hastily, he interjected, "Master Wang, don't you think you should show some respect for our predecessors?"

Wang Xuan glanced outside, noting the thick clouds hiding the stars and the moon. The sky had turned overcast, and a heavy rain began to pour. He wasn't one to believe in superstitions.

Old Chen realized the atmospheric shift was merely coincidental and opted to remain silent.

"Alright, Old Chen," Wang Xuan said, breaking the momentary silence. "Give me your consolidated insights on the levels of attainment. How should they be categorized, suitable for both ancient and modern contexts?"

"The first level is 'Mist,' and the second is 'Illumination'..." Old Chen began, explaining that these stages have a universal application. From the Early Qin period to the present day, many have trod this path, and he believed it was devoid of issues or risks.

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