The Elixir Dao had a saying: "Following the flow begets life, reversing it forms the elixir."
Following the flow referred to the conception vessel.
In ordinary people, the conception vessel and governing vessel were separate. The qi in the conception vessel flowed downward, leaking essence and consuming spirit. Their own essence and qi were mere passing streams, constantly draining away, difficult to retain. Reversing the flow formed the elixir, and what was reversed was precisely the governing vessel.
The conception vessel ran along the front and the governing vessel along the back, both on the body's centerline. Ordinary people could hardly change that downward flow in their entire lives, but if they opened both vessels through training and turned the descending qi upward, their qi could complete a lesser heavenly circuit, circulating endlessly without leakage or depletion, bringing attainment in the Elixir Dao.
Yet going against the flow had always been the hardest thing.
The governing vessel had three great barriers: the coccyx gate, the spinal gate, and the jade pillow gate.
Three vital acupoints, each a difficult barrier to break through.
This was unlike opening the conception vessel before. A person's qi naturally flowed downward, and with Lian Youming's vigorous qi-blood and sustained inner breath, it was like water wearing through stone. Though it took some effort, it was hardly difficult.
And what Iron Shirt had broken through at Headquarters today was the coccyx gate.
Lian Youming had not returned to his residence. Instead, he went alone to the Martyrs' Cemetery, found a secluded spot, and sat motionless, observing his inner state. Strangely enough, although he had used the yang qi of the midday sun to break through, a trace of coolness remained at his heart, steadying his fundamental mind. It was as though a deity presided there, keeping