Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Diagram of the Dao

"Our Fangxian Sect's literary cultivation method is called the Heart Abode Technique. It is divided into five levels: Nurturing, Circulation, Rebirth, Forgetting the Self, and the Mysterious Pearl."

"Have you studied the Azure Void Technique of your Qingwei Dao Palace?" Yang Yuanzi asked.

"I have," Qin Yi replied.

"Good. The Azure Void Technique and the Heart Abode Technique share the same origin, though there are differences. Since you've practiced the Azure Void Technique, it should make learning this one a bit easier for you."

"Let me first explain the content of the first level, Nurturing..."

Half an hour later.

"I've explained the first level several times now. Try to nurture your Heart Abode along with me. Do you see the Daoist diagram behind me? Observe it with me, remember its appearance, etch it into your mind, and begin to meditate on it. At the same time, regulate your breath, gather the fluid beneath your tongue, and swallow it..."

Qin Yi looked at the Daoist diagram hanging on the wall. It depicted an elder in azure robes seated cross-legged atop a bronze Daoist palace.

"That elder in the azure robe is the same person as in the Azure Void Technique’s visualization diagram, except in the Azure Void, he is floating above the Nine Heavens," Qin Yi thought to himself.

"Uncle Master Yang Yuanzi, does practicing literary cultivation always require meditating on a Daoist diagram?"

"Of course! I can’t speak for other schools, but our Daoist tradition has always been this way," Yang Yuanzi replied with a hint of surprise. Had Wang Qingxuan not mentioned this to him?

"Is there anything special about these diagrams?"

"Not particularly. They're just objects for meditation. It’s said that the figure in the diagram, the Daoist in azure, was the founding patriarch of our Supreme Purity Dao Palace!"

"Are all these diagrams handed down from the Supreme Purity Dao Palace?" Qin Yi asked curiously.

"No. It's said that our version was painted by our own founding ancestor of the Fangxian Sect, then copied by each successive generation. Every student of the literary arts has a copy. The diagram is merely a reference for meditation. Cultivating the literary arts is mainly about breath control and nurturing one’s character," Yang Yuanzi explained.

"I see." Qin Yi nodded.

In a flash, seven days had passed.

Qin Yi had now learned the entire Heart Abode Technique, but to truly enter its gate, he would still need to cultivate diligently for some time.

In the quiet chamber, Yang Yuanzi handed Qin Yi two identity certificates. "Qin Yi, I’ve prepared your identity papers."

"Thank you, Uncle Master." Qin Yi received the documents. His new name was Qin Feng, and his father was now Qin Min—these would be their new identities.

"Where do you plan to settle now?" Yang Yuanzi asked.

"I plan to stay in the city of Jiangning."

"That’s wise. Several counties in Jiangning Prefecture are in revolt; the other counties are conscripting soldiers everywhere, and there are refugees all over. At least the prefectural city is relatively stable. By the way, what level is your martial strength now?"

"Second tier," Qin Yi replied.

"With second-tier strength, you could consider applying to be a constable or join the city garrison. Both are short-handed at the moment. If you can get in, you'll have a relatively stable job," Yang Yuanzi suggested.

"I’ll think about it," Qin Yi nodded.

"Uncle Master, I have one more question."

"Go ahead."

"In Jiangning Prefecture, where can one learn first-class martial arts?" Qin Yi asked.

"There are two places. First, the imperial government—if you become the city’s military commander, the court will reward you with a first-class martial art of the seventh tier. If you become the Prefect’s Deputy, you’ll be granted an eighth-tier first-class martial art. The chief and deputy constables also receive a seventh-tier first-class martial art as a reward.

"The second place is the Vajra Sect in the north of the prefecture. Their signature technique, the Vajra Method, is an eighth-tier first-class martial art. However, only the elders and direct disciples of the sect may practice it. Moreover, the Vajra Sect forbids bringing outside martial arts when apprenticing, so you can forget about that. In fact, all the ancient great sects of Dayong have this rule. So, learning first-class martial arts is very difficult," Yang Yuanzi said with a sigh.

"I see," Qin Yi replied, a trace of disappointment in his voice.

It seemed that learning first-class martial arts was truly a challenge.

Bidding farewell to Yang Yuanzi, Qin Yi took his father down the mountain toward Jiangning’s city.

By midday, the two of them arrived at the city gates.

"It’s a grand city!" Qin Yi marveled at the ten-meter-high walls.

It was said that the resident population inside reached three hundred thousand! In ancient times, that was a major city.

"It’s my first time here, too," Qin Zumin said with emotion.

With their identity papers, the two queued for half an hour before finally entering the city.

Father and son had a meal, then spent the afternoon with a broker looking for a house.

In the west of the city, they entered a small courtyard.

Qin Yi found the house quite satisfactory—a hall, three rooms, and a small courtyard with a wall.

"How much are you asking for this house?" Qin Yi asked the middle-aged agent.

"Sir, this courtyard is in a fine location, close to the west market. The price is one thousand taels," the man replied, raising a finger.

"One thousand taels?" Qin Yi’s brows knitted. He had just over two hundred taels at hand.

"That’s far too expensive!" Qin Zumin exclaimed, eyes wide.

"It’s not expensive at all. The environment and location are excellent. If you want a worse location, there are some for a few hundred taels," the agent explained.

"Can we rent this house?" Qin Yi asked. He was quite taken with the place.

"Of course! Ten taels a month, or one hundred taels for a year."

"Still too expensive!" Qin Zumin winced in pain. He had worked as an accountant in a rice shop; how many years would it take to save ten taels?

"There’s nothing to be done. For a courtyard of this size and in this location, that’s the going rate. You can check with any other agent if you like," the man said with a smile.

"Very well, I’ll rent it for a year," Qin Yi decided.

Money—he would find a way to earn more in the future.

"Sir, you are straightforward!"

Soon, both parties signed the contract, and the matter was settled.

After the agent left, Qin Zumin said with some pain, "Fourth son, that's so expensive!"

"Father, it’s fine. I still have money. At least now we have a stable roof over our heads," Qin Yi replied.

"True enough. Sigh… I just wonder how your third brother is faring now." Qin Zumin’s expression grew complicated.

Since the uprising in Jinyuan County, they had lost all contact with the third brother.

"Third brother is kind-hearted; fate will look after him," Qin Yi could only offer comfort.

"I hope so."

...

In the following days, Qin Yi and Qin Zumin kept a low profile.

On the night of the fifth day—

"I've finally entered the gate!" Qin Yi looked at his system interface.

"Advance to perfection!"

He felt a refreshing coolness in his mind, his spirit even more vigorous than before.

In his mind, the image of a figure seated in meditation continued to practice the Heart Abode Technique, day and night.