A Momentary Trance, Immortals

"The methods of cultivation in the world can be broadly divided into categories such as Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang, the Four Seasons, and the Five Elements. The several Taoist temples on Mount Yi practice Yin and Yang cultivation, while those at the foot of the mountain mostly focus on Heaven and Earth cultivation. These two are the most common."

Wang Ji Zi said loudly:

"Although we cultivate Yin and Yang Spiritual Law, we still need to explain the other types to you. As they are all Spiritual Charms of the world, the relationship between them is far more than just learning from one to understand another; many aspects are interconnected.

"The Taoist temples at the foot of the mountain absorb the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth, also known as Heaven and Earth miscellaneous Qi, and the spiritual charm of mountains and rivers. Their cultivation is the simplest, moderate and peaceful. After cultivation, they can perform various magic with ease.

"Spirits and Monsters absorb the essence of the sun and moon, also known as Yin and Yang Spiritual Charm. Some people cultivate Yin and Yang Spiritual Law, which is more difficult, mainly due to the need for Yin and Yang balance. However, Yin and Yang Spiritual Charm itself is more profound and mysterious, so reaching a high level naturally leads to longevity. After cultivation, there are no obstacles in performing various magic.

"Five Elements Spiritual Energy is hidden within all things in Heaven and Earth, making it more mysterious and ethereal. The wise among mortals can comprehend one element, but very few can comprehend all five and integrate with them. Therefore, Taoist temples that cultivate Five Elements Spiritual Law are rare, and it is more common among reclusive scholars who live in seclusion. After cultivation, they often naturally understand the simplest Five Elements Magic. Learning and performing other Five Elements Magic is also much easier and more powerful than for Taoists cultivating other types of Spiritual Law.

"Many skills in the world's combat techniques are within the Five Elements. Therefore, those who cultivate Five Elements Spiritual Law are mostly skilled in combat.

"The last type, Four Seasons Spiritual Law, is the most ethereal and mysterious. Cultivators must comprehend the differences of the four seasons and absorb the spiritual charm of the time. It has extremely demanding requirements for the cultivator's talent. This humble Taoist has only seen it in ancient books and has never heard of anyone cultivating it, nor do I know its wonders."

Occasionally, young Taoists would ask questions, and the old Daoist would patiently answer them all.

Perhaps due to his age, he seemed to have a good temper, not as unapproachable as he initially appeared.

At times, young Taoists would whisper to each other or turn their heads to look at Lin Jue and Junior Sister sitting behind them, quickly averting their gaze, each with their own expressions.

"The first sentence of the Yin Yang Scripture is, 'Heaven has Five Qi, Earth bears Yin and Yang.' Let's start with the first sentence.

"'Heaven has Five Qi, and all things are formed.'

"In fact, it's not just Heaven; humans also have Five Qi.

"Human Five Qi are also divided into Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Besides differences in strength, there is also a distinction between pure and turbid.

"An ancient book states: 'Wood pure then benevolent, Fire pure then courteous, Metal pure then righteous, Water pure then wise, Earth pure then thoughtful. If all Five Qi are pure, then sage-like virtues are complete. Wood turbid then weak, Fire turbid then licentious, Metal turbid then violent, Water turbid then greedy, Earth turbid then stubborn. If all Five Qi are turbid, they are the lowest of people.'"

Junior Sister naturally couldn't understand. She only felt as if she were listening to her senior brother recite the Yin Yang Scripture in the Mountain Moving Hall of their temple every morning. She needed her senior brother to explain it to her, so she habitually glanced at him.

Lin Jue, on the other hand, was deep in thought.

He inexplicably thought of the ancestral hall in Heng Village and the first time he met that Spirit and Monster. It had also mentioned its Five Qi, and it seemed possible to vaguely infer one's character from it. Could this be the reason?

At the same time, he noticed Junior Sister's gaze.

However, since they were in someone else's territory, he couldn't explain it to her immediately.

Fortunately, after Wang Ji Zi finished reciting, he provided an explanation:

"It means that Heaven has Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth Qi, and all things change and are produced from this.

"Humans also have these Five Qi.

"Human Five Qi are profoundly mysterious and wondrous. As long as one is human, no matter how high your cultivation, you cannot see them. Only a few Spirits and Monsters, and some Ghosts and Monsters, can perceive them.

"If your Wood Qi is pure, it indicates you are kind and benevolent; if your Fire Qi is pure, it indicates you are gentle and courteous; if your Metal Qi is pure, it indicates you are righteous and strong; if your Water Qi is pure, it indicates you are intelligent and wise; if your Earth Qi is pure, it indicates you are honest and sincere. If all Five Qi are pure, you possess the virtues of a sage.

"If Wood Qi is turbid, you will become weak; if Fire Qi is turbid, you will become licentious and impulsive; if Metal Qi is turbid, you will become violent and aggressive; if Water Qi is turbid, you will become greedy and insatiable; if Earth Qi is turbid, you will become stubborn. If all Five Qi are turbid, your character will be poor.

"So, you little cubs, remember this well: cultivation is not just about self-cultivation, nor is it just about absorbing the spiritual charm of Heaven and Earth; it is also about nurturing your character. Otherwise, you will eventually fall into demonic ways.

"Even if you don't fall into demonic ways, if you go out in the future and encounter Spirits and Monsters, or if you don't go out and are seen by the mountain god of Mount Yi, even while on Mount Yi, they will know what kind of being you are.

"..."

The young Taoists below listened in a daze and were startled by the sudden warning.

Can character also be seen?

Do spirits and gods truly know the good and evil of mortals?

Isn't this too mysterious?

Some, though they didn't understand the reason, easily accepted it and firmly remembered it. Others frowned, unable to stop thinking and questioning why.

It was hard to say which of these two types of people would achieve higher in their future cultivation. Someone asked:

"Is this true?"

"Master Abbot, I don't understand. The Five Elements and Five Qi originate from Heaven and Earth, and it's understandable that humans have them too. But why are they related to a person's thoughts, and why is a person's character influenced by them?"

"Yes! May I ask, Master, why is pure or turbid Water Qi associated with intelligence and wisdom, or greed and foolishness? Why is pure or turbid Metal Qi associated with righteousness and strength, or violence and aggression?"

Wang Ji Zi smiled and said nothing, only scanning the crowd.

Almost all the disciples were confused.

Some were already suffering from headaches.

Wang Ji Zi observed their expressions. It wasn't to test their correctness, but rather to find some insights. However, there was no one with clear eyes who met his gaze.

His gaze finally stopped at the back of the main hall.

There sat the only two lay observers not wearing Taoist robes. One was scratching his head in deep thought, the other was frowning as if pondering something.

"What were your names again?"

"Reporting to the Master Abbot, Lin Jue."

"Reporting to the Master Abbot, Liu Qing Yao..."

Both were slightly surprised and then replied.

"Your Floating Hill Temple is renowned for choosing disciples well. I will test you on behalf of your masters," Wang Ji Zi said to them. "What are your thoughts?"

"I don't know..."

Junior Sister replied honestly, lowering her head.

"And you?" Wang Ji Zi looked at him and couldn't help but smile, "Heh, it seems that old Taoist Yun He really knows how to pick disciples."

"Replying to the Abbot, this junior doesn't know the reason, but I have some thoughts after listening."

"Tell me."

"Just some random thoughts."

"You're all beginners, what's there to be shy about? The concept of the Five Elements is inherently ethereal. Any insight counts as an insight. Moreover, some statements might not even be distinguishable as right or wrong by a sage."

The many young Taoist priests turned around, looking at Lin Jue.

"..."

Lin Jue organized his thoughts before speaking:

"Senior just said that heaven gives birth to the Five Qi, and also that the world has Yin and Yang Spiritual Charm. This leads me to wonder, if there are Five Elements Spiritual Charm, mountain and water Spiritual Charm, and the four seasons' Spiritual Charm, then doesn't heaven give birth to more than just 'Five Qi'? It's just that people pick out five Qi from them and call them by the name of the Five Elements, while others are given different names."

"Oh?"

Wang Ji Zi couldn't help but smile.

"Continue."

"A few days ago, I heard my master talk about the relationship between humans, cultivation, and heaven and earth. Since heaven and earth have Qi and Spiritual Charm, and humans are also a part of heaven and earth, do we also have them?

"Humans perceive the Great Dao from the changes in heaven and earth, and absorb the Spiritual Charm of heaven and earth to cultivate themselves. Therefore, it's not surprising that changes in humans would be reflected in heaven and earth. The so-called Five Qi of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, in my speculation, are like the many Spiritual Charms and Five Qi of heaven and earth. They are merely five types of Qi in humans, named by people using the Five Elements. These five Qi are precisely some changes in the human body that are reflected in heaven and earth. Just as the changes in heaven and earth can be perceived by those with cultivation, attainment, and knowledge. Perhaps humans have more than just these five Qi.

"I don't know what these Five Qi of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth truly are, whether it's right or wrong. But I once heard a divine doctor near my hometown say that 'sadness' isn't really in the heart, and 'kidney deficiency' isn't really in the kidneys. They are just names used to refer to them, making them easier to understand. Therefore, knowing the function is enough, and there's no need to delve too deeply."

Lin Jue paused. Seeing that no one spoke, he added:

"Senior spoke of the Five Qi before discussing Yin and Yang, and discussed the Five Qi of heaven and earth after discussing the Five Qi of humans. I suspect it wasn't to make us know what the Five Qi of humans are, but rather to advise us that before cultivating, we must first cultivate our hearts and minds.

"It's like some stories told in books at the foot of the mountain. Some of them don't need to be debated for truth or falsehood. As long as they are helpful to people, can provide lessons, and encourage people to be better, they are already good books."

Wang Ji Zi's eyes lit up halfway through Lin Jue's speech. By the end, he finally retracted his gaze. Looking at Lin Jue again, he felt a mix of jealousy and regret.

After pondering for a moment, he didn't comment on whether Lin Jue's words were right or wrong, but simply said to him:

"Yun He has good judgment."

When the other young Taoist priests heard this, they knew that their Abbot had at least affirmed this person's words. Although they still kept turning to look at them and whispering, their expressions now held a bit more respect.

Wang Ji Zi continued to lecture the crowd.

This time, he truly spoke of the Five Qi of heaven and earth, and of Yin and Yang.

He lectured for nearly a day.

Lin Jue and Junior Sister had brought dry rations, but since Immortal Source Temple provided them with a meal at noon, they saved them.

Needless to say, although the food here was ordinary, it was much tastier than that at Floating Hill Temple.

When the two left the temple, the sun was already setting deeply in the west. They hurried down the stone steps, seeing ancient pine trees leaning against the distant cliffs, their shadows stretched out by the setting sun, and their own shadows cast down the cliff.

"Ah!"

A crow flew by, leading the way for them.

"Senior Brother, why do the young Taoist priests at Immortal Source Temple keep looking at us?"

"You should call them fellow Taoists."

"Fellow Taoists!"

"They are from Immortal Source Temple, and we are from Floating Hill Temple. We didn't know each other before, and this is our first meeting. It's normal for them to be curious, comparative, and even a bit resistant towards us."

"Oh..."

Junior Sister replied obediently, then added, "Dao Master Wang Ji Zi is quite nice. He seemed fierce at first, but he even gave us food at noon."

"I think so too."

"Senior Brother, look, the flowers on this tree look like small hanging bells. They're so tiny, not even as big as my thumb. They're so cute."

"These are called Bellflowers."

"Bellflowers... Senior Brother, did you understand?"

"I understood some of it."

"I didn't understand."

"Don't worry, it might be too ethereal. It's best to teach through practice. Just remember it, and you'll understand slowly. It's just that I've been learning the Qi Nourishing Method longer than you."

"Then when can we start cultivating and learn the magic like Master?"

"No need to rush, it should be soon."

Lin Jue wasn't someone who was usually lazy or unhurried. However, since arriving at Floating Hill Temple, he could clearly see from the attitudes of the old Taoists and his senior brothers that they didn't intend to withhold teaching from them, but rather had a more complete plan for imparting the Dao. Such a plan was naturally much more reasonable than what an outsider like himself would think.

"Senior Brother, you can already use magic!"

"Just a minor escape technique."

"It's magical! If you went to a temple fair in the city, people would mistake you for an Immortal!"

"How can this be called an Immortal?"

"Then what is an Immortal?"

"Naturally, to be free and unfettered, and to live forever, that is an Immortal."

"……"

Junior Sister fell into thought, then finally said:

"That's an Immortal too!"

Before Lin Jue could respond, she looked up at the sky. Seeing that it was getting late, she reached into her satchel, took out two small bottles, and handed one to Lin Jue.

The small bottles were only about the size of a thumb and looked very cute. The first time Lin Jue saw them, he was curious where Second Senior Brother got such small bottles, as if they were made specifically for a single pill. He later learned that they were made by Fifth Senior Brother, who was skilled in medicine. Almost all the bowls and porcelain ware in the sect were made by him.

"When we left this morning, Second Senior Brother gave each of us a Divine Speed Pill. He said if we finished listening to the scriptures too late, we should take one to get back early for dinner and not walk in the dark."

As she spoke, she lowered her head and tapped the small porcelain bottle on her palm, trying to pour out the pill. Her fair palm was immediately reddened.

"I wonder what it feels like to take it!"

The young girl's eyes were full of curiosity and excitement, yet also a little apprehension.

After pouring it out, she stared directly at Lin Jue. Seeing him swallow it, she then followed suit and put the pill into her mouth.

"Gulp…"

Once the pill was down, it immediately became Spiritual Charm.

Lin Jue felt another strange sensation.

He savored it carefully, only to feel the Spiritual Charm turn into a warm current, flowing down from his throat to his chest and abdomen, then gradually spreading throughout his entire body. His feet, being the farthest away, were the last to be reached.

He took a light step forward—

His feet felt warm yet numb and tingly. He didn't know where the strength came from, nor how his body had become so light. With just a slight exertion, he was airborne, almost flying. A single step covered half a zhang, barely missing the ancient pine tree in front of him. With a little more force, he might have brushed past the ancient pine and plunged into the cliff.

A cry came from behind him.

"Ah ya…"

A figure flew past him.

Lin Jue silently reached out and grabbed her.

The young girl was pulled back, still shaken, but instead of screaming, she solemnly said to him first, "Senior Brother, I haven't told you yet. Second Senior Brother said that after taking it, we should first walk slowly to adapt."

"……"

A moment later—

The setting sun cast its rays on the strange peaks and ancient pines, crows led the way, and the two of them moved through the mountains. They were as light as swallows and moved with the wind beneath their feet, sometimes even weaving through the pines. Stepping on pine branches was enough to cross difficult mountain paths. It felt thrilling, their hearts pounding like thunder, yet the mountain wind blowing through the treetops, scattering pine needles and blossoms, made them feel incredibly free and at ease, a wondrous, indescribable feeling.

If one were to ask what freedom was, perhaps this was it.

If one were to ask what an Immortal was, those below the mountain would indeed think them Immortals.