**Chapter 17: Lessons on Yinhun and Immortals**
"Awaken." A soft call roused Qingyun from his deep meditation on Yuan.
Unable to fully detach from the wondrous experience, he slowly opened his eyes and saw Chixiao standing before him, brows slightly furrowed.
"Master," Qingyun hurriedly stood, noticing a hint of weariness in his master's demeanor.
"Sit. Let me teach you some fundamental principles of cultivation," Chixiao said, pointing his *fuchen* toward the cushion behind Qingyun before taking out another for himself.
Once Qingyun was seated, Chixiao began, "When it comes to cultivation, we must first discuss *Yinhun*. You've studied the Taoist scriptures for days and likely understand *Yang Yuan*. But do you know of *Yinhun*?"
Qingyun recalled the scriptures he'd read, then shook his head after a moment. "The scriptures mention little about *Yinhun*. I remain quite ignorant of it."
"Scriptures on *Yinhun* are mostly found on the third floor of the library," Chixiao remarked briefly, then continued, "Speaking of *Yinhun*, we must address the *Yinhun Scripture*. Let me test whether you can grasp its basic teachings."
With that, Chixiao lightly tapped Qingyun's forehead with his *fuchen*, signaling him to focus.
Then, the old Taoist recited, "'What is the power of *Yinhun*? For humans, to act, it is essential. To move one's flesh, one uses its power. Then, what moves the *Yuan*? Where does the power of the *Dao* reside? It is *Yinhun*. *Dao* techniques are driven by *Yinhun*. Yet, even so, techniques only strengthen the body, not the *Yinhun*. Thus, *Yuan*-based techniques must be restrained. Otherwise, the soul dissipates, *Yuan* scatters, and one cannot endure.'"
After reciting the foundational passage of the *Yinhun Scripture*, Chixiao silently observed Qingyun.
After a brief moment of thought, Qingyun spoke, "The power of *Yinhun* is fundamental to humans. To move our flesh, we need our own strength to act, not merely command it to twist. So, what drives the *Yuan*? It's *Yinhun*. But when we use *Dao* techniques to move *Yuan*, we only strengthen the body, which aligns with *Yuan*, while *Yinhun* gains no benefit. Thus, *Yuan*-based techniques must be used sparingly, or *Yinhun* will be harmed, the body's *Yuan* will destabilize, and one will dissolve and vanish between heaven and earth."
Chixiao's lips parted slightly, surprised by Qingyun's insight. Stroking his beard, he smiled with approval. "To grasp the teachings of the *Dao* so swiftly after Enlightenment—excellent, excellent."
But Qingyun, as if deaf to the praise, frowned in confusion. "Master, this still doesn't explain what *Yinhun* is or where it comes from."
Chixiao chuckled, "*Yinhun* is the counterpart to *Qian Yuan*. *Qian Yuan* can be touched, seen, used, even consumed. But *Yinhun* cannot be touched, seen, or even perceived."
Still puzzled, Qingyun asked, "Then how do we know *Yinhun* exists?"
"Through the *Immortals*," Chixiao replied.
"Through the *Immortals*?"
Chixiao nodded gravely. "*Immortals* consume *Yinhun*. Unlike us Taoists, Buddhists, Confucians, or warriors, *Immortals* advance and gain intelligence by feeding on *Yinhun*."
Qingyun's expression shifted, stunned.
Chixiao continued, "*Yinhun* is scattered throughout the world, unrecognized. Only one thing, like a candle in the dark, clearly reveals itself as condensed *Yinhun*."
"What is it?" Qingyun pressed.
Sighing, Chixiao pointed his *fuchen* at Qingyun's forehead. "The living soul of beings, the spirit of animals."
Shocked, Qingyun murmured, "No wonder it's called *Yinhun*… no wonder Master says *Immortals* are marrow-sucking fiends!"
Seeing understanding dawn on his disciple, Chixiao shook his head and revealed a deeper secret. "In this world, the passage to the Upper Realm is controlled by *Immortals*. Taoists can no longer ascend, effectively barred. To ascend, one must face the *Violet Heaven True Tribulation* set by *Immortals*, but who below the *Dao* realm can withstand it? They'd only turn to ash."
Seeing Qingyun's shocked and disheartened look, Chixiao shifted the topic. "Qingyun, do you know why the *Great Evolution Void Travel Technique* is so named?"
"I do not," Qingyun admitted.
"It comprises three volumes: *Great Evolution Scripture*, *Azure Void Scripture*, and *Following Path Scripture*. I know Chi Yan has seen it and noted its profundity allows only one to achieve the *Dao*. She thought I'd sacrifice my cultivation for another, but am I so noble?" Chixiao laughed, shaking his head helplessly.
Qingyun stirred, thinking, *So, Senior Sister dissuaded me because of Martial Aunt?*
"Actually, the *Great Evolution* part splits into *Great Evolution Scripture* and *Lesser Evolution Scripture*. Only the *Lesser* remains in our records. I practice the *Lesser Evolution Void Travel Technique*, not the path to the *Dao*. Yet, it points beyond the *Dao* realm—truly wondrous."
Sighing, he added, "But Chi Yan hasn't shortchanged you. Among the *Three-Eye Dynasty*'s four supreme techniques, the *Kunwu Body Refining Technique* is one."
Qingyun nodded. "I understand."
"It's late, the moon is out. We'll stop here. After you enter the *Dao*, I'll teach you the *Great Evolution* technique. Someone volunteered to guide you; she's outside. Go."
Seeming weary, Chixiao gestured toward the door and retired to the inner chamber.
Qingyun glanced outside. Absorbed in his master's teachings, he hadn't noticed time slip by until the moon hung high. Seeing Chixiao's fatigue, he wanted to express concern, but hearing of the visitor, his heart leaped, and he stepped out.
"Junior Brother, your Second Senior Brother has waited long," Qingshu said, draping an arm over his shoulder.
Recognizing Qingshu, Qingyun felt a pang of disappointment—perhaps because it wasn't who he'd hoped for.
"I heard you're struggling to enter the *Dao*. Here," Qingshu handed him a scripture titled *Insights on Entering the Dao*.
Touched, Qingyun looked up, then past Qingshu to the woman waiting in the courtyard.
Under the faint night, she stood gracefully, her brow like snow on pine, her laughing eyes reflecting the moon.
Stunned, Qingyun couldn't believe his eyes. Joy surged within—he hadn't realized how much he missed her. With a chuckle, Qingshu patted his shoulder and drifted away.
Snapped back, Qingyun approached, stammering, "Senior Sister, you…"
Qingxuan smiled radiantly. "I promised to guide you into the *Dao*. Have you forgotten, Junior Brother?"
---
Meanwhile, another woman listened to her master's teachings.
"Chan'er, do you understand today's lesson?" The luminous figure sat quietly in Lu Chan's room.
"Master, I have a question," Lu Chan said, her face full of confusion.
"Speak," the woman encouraged.
"Why do you say *Immortals* can be good or evil? If they consume *Yinhun*, how can there be good *Immortals*?" Lu Chan asked, bewildered.
The woman sighed. "Taoists classify cultivators by their practice: those who cultivate *Qian Yuan* are Taoists, those who cultivate *Yinhun* are *Immortals*. But the world isn't so simple. Harmony between *Dao* and *Immortals* is possible; it often comes down to interests."
Seeing Lu Chan's confusion, she continued, "Not all *Immortals* feed on living souls. Some arise from *Yinhun*-rich places or naturally over millennia without consuming souls. To slay them is unjust."
Lu Chan nodded, understanding.
"Moreover…" the woman hesitated.
Lu Chan looked up inquiringly.
"I am a lotus that cultivated *Yinhun* to gain human form, never having consumed a soul. Do you think me evil, Chan'er?" the Lotus Immortal asked, a hint of sorrow in her voice.
"No, Master, how could you be evil? If you say *Immortals* can be good or evil, it must be so. I was foolish to doubt you; please don't hold it against me," Lu Chan soothed.
"I don't blame you. I just recall a dear friend I admired. When I confessed, he said, '*Immortals* and Taoists are worlds apart; friendship is enough, no more.' Can there truly be no love between them?" the Lotus Immortal mused, her voice tinged with melancholy.
"I…" Lu Chan, regretting her question, sought to change the subject. "Master, you are an *Immortal*, and I am your lotus core reincarnated. Am I also an *Immortal*?"
The Lotus Immortal smiled gently. "Not so. You cultivate *Qian Yuan*, so you are not an *Immortal*. But in terms of *Yinhun* cultivation, you have an innate foundation—indeed an *Immortal* body."
Half-understanding, Lu Chan was relieved to know she wasn't an *Immortal*, fearing the stigma among human Taoists.
"But, Chan'er, be cautious. Once you enter the *Dao* realm, I'll send you to that man's sect for his care. Though you don't practice *Immortal* arts, beware of those who might covet your *Immortal* body," the Lotus Immortal warned.
"Master, are you abandoning me?" Lu Chan asked, alarmed.
"No, how could I abandon my own flesh? It's just that your destined tribulation lies there, and you must face it," the Lotus Immortal explained, easing her fears.
"Oh."
原始中文文本
「醒來.」一聲輕喚,將青雲由入定觀元中驚醒.
未能從剛才的奇妙體驗中完全抽離,徐徐睜開眼,赤霄正站在他身前,眉頭微蹙地看著他.
「師父.」青雲連忙起身,仔細一看,師父的身姿似乎有些萎靡.
「坐下,師父和你說些基本的修行之法.」赤霄拂塵朝青雲身後蒲團一指,自己也取出一塊蒲團坐下.
待青雲端坐後,赤霄才開口說道:「說到修行,便要先提到陰魂.你觀看道經多日,想必對陽元多有瞭解,可知陰魂?」
青雲回憶起自己看過的道經,片刻後搖搖頭說道:「道經中對陰魂所述甚少,青雲對陰魂仍然懵懵懂懂.」
「講述陰魂的道經,多在藏書閣三層.」赤霄提了一下,未在此處多做討論,繼續說道:「說到陰魂,便要提到陰魂經.老道便考考你,能不能讀懂這陰魂經中講述陰魂的基礎.」
說罷,赤霄拂塵輕點,觸在青雲額頭,示意他專心致志.
然後老道士便開始講述:「『何為陰魂之力?夫人者,欲行事,必須有也.扯己皮肉,亦用其力.則元之動,道力何在?其乃陰魂也.道術之為,乃陰魂之所動.然即便於此,術卻僅壯其身,而陰魂不得壯之.故元體之術,必有節制.否者,魂消元散,不可存之.』」
講述完陰魂經的基礎篇,赤霄便默默地看著青雲,一語不發.
青雲略一尋思,便張口說道:「陰魂之力乃人之根本.我們扯動自身皮肉,也需要用自身的力氣去施為,而不能夠直接下令皮肉扭曲.那麼驅動元的力量,來自何方?便是來自於陰魂.但我們施展道術,驅動元時,只能夠強壯與元相同的肉體,卻不能對陰魂有絲毫幫助.所以施展元體之術時,必須要有節制,否則陰魂將會受創,組成身體的元也會無法維持,自然會形消神散,消失於天地間.」
赤霄雙脣微張,似乎對青雲的悟性感到詫異.隨後伸手輕撫鬍鬚,眼中滿是讚賞,他笑道:「開光後竟能如此,對道之所述一聞便知,很好,很好.」
青雲卻像是沒聽見赤霄的誇讚,他蹙著眉疑惑地問道:「師父,可這終究沒有提到陰魂是什麼,又從何而來啊.」
赤霄笑道:「陰魂,乃對應於乾元.乾元可觸之,可見之,可用之,亦可食之.可陰魂卻摸不著,見不著,甚至我們無法察覺其存在.」
青雲臉上依舊疑惑,再度問道:「那麼我們如何得知陰魂的存在?」
赤霄答道:「因為仙.」
「因為仙?」
赤霄頷首,面容沉重地回答道:「仙者,食陰魂也.與吾等道者,佛者,儒者,兵者⋯⋯皆不同.仙乃食陰魂而晉,食陰魂而生靈智.」
青雲臉色微動,瞠目結舌.
赤霄繼續向下說道:「陰魂散落於天地間,卻無人可識.僅有一物,如同黑夜燭光,清楚地昭示自己乃陰魂凝成之物.」
青雲追問道:「何物?」
赤霄嘆了口氣,提起拂塵指向青雲眉心,說道:「便是生者之生魂,動物之魂魄.」
青雲大驚,喃喃自語道:「難怪被稱為陰魂,難怪⋯⋯師父要說,仙是敲骨吸髓的存在!」
見徒弟聽明白了,赤霄搖搖頭,說出令青雲更震驚的秘密:「而此世間,上界通道已被眾仙把持,道者不可再飛升上界,便形同無路可進.若要飛升便得面對仙所設立的紫霄真劫,但對於道境以下者,又有何能面對紫霄真劫?徒落個灰飛煙滅罷了.」
赤霄看著青雲震驚又帶著一絲頹喪的表情,話鋒一轉,說道:「青雲,你可知道『大衍空行訣』為何如此稱呼?」
「徒兒不知.」
「大衍空行訣.分為『大衍經』,『蒼空經』,『隨行經』三卷.貧道知曉赤煙看過本訣,得知此法開篇便闡明其太過玄奧,世間成道者只允一人.便誤會貧道想犧牲道行,成全後人,可貧道又哪有這般偉大?」赤霄搖頭笑道,面容上頗多無奈.
青雲神色一動,心想:原來,師姐是因為師伯才來勸阻自己?
「其實這大衍空行訣,在最重要的大衍訣部分,又分『大衍經』與『小衍經』.而道經紀載中,卻僅剩小衍經.貧道所修,不過是『小衍空行訣』,又何來成道之說?雖說如此,小衍空行訣卻已經直指道境之上,可謂玄妙莫測.」
說到這裡,赤霄嘆了一口氣,又接續道:「不過赤煙也未虧待你,三目王朝中僅有四部道訣直指道境之上,『昆吾煉體訣』便是其一.」
青雲頷首表示明白:「青雲明白.」
「天色已晚,月娘都出來了.今日便說到此處,入道後貧道便傳你『大衍空行訣』.有人自告奮勇想要領你入道,她已到門外,自己去罷.」
說到這裡,似乎是有些困乏.赤霄難掩倦色地朝門外一指,便起身朝內室走去.
青雲看向窗外,自己初聞師父講述道理,忍不住沉迷其中,卻是沒有注意到時間飛逝,早已月上中天.看見師父神色間的疲倦,本想要開口關心兩句,卻聽聞師父所述,腦中出現一人,心頭難耐,索性便直接踏步而出.
「師弟,二師兄在這裡等你好久了.」甫一出門,便被院子中等候多時的二師兄一把攬住肩膀.
青雲聽見聲音,確認是二師兄後,心頭忍不住泛起一陣失望.或許是因為,來者並非他所期待那人.
「聽說你入道遇上了一點困難,這給你.」二師兄遞來了一本道經,青雲低頭一看,上面寫著『入道心得』.
他不由得感動地看向二師兄,抬起頭時,卻從二師兄身側看見那名等在院中的伊人.
微亮的夜色下,女子亭亭而立,自有眉間松花雪,笑眼如波映月華.
青雲神色發楞,無法相信親眼所見,巨大的欣喜從心底湧了上來,他都不知道自己竟然如此想念對方.輕笑一聲,青書拍了拍青雲肩膀,沒有多話便飄然而去.
被笑聲驚醒的青雲連忙上前,有些侷促地問道:「師姐,妳⋯⋯」
青璇嫣然一笑,說道:「師姐說過要帶你入道,師弟可未曾忘記罷?」
此時,一名女子同樣在聽她的師尊講述修行.
「嬋兒,今日所述可都明白了?」依舊是那道泛著白光的身影,靜靜坐在路嬋房內.
「師父,嬋兒有一事不明.」路嬋臉上堆滿疑惑,忍不住問道.
「說罷.」女子說道.
「為何師尊會說,仙亦分善惡?若是食陰魂修練,怎麼會有好的仙呢?」路嬋目光迷茫地問道.
女子嘆了一口氣,解釋道:「道者以修練法將修者分類.以乾元修練者為道,以陰魂修練者為仙.但天下間豈有如此簡單,道與仙之間並非無法調和,不過是利益二字而已.」
見路嬋仍然不解,女子繼續說道:「仙者並非多以生魂為食,亦有生於陰魂濃郁之地,或自然存在千萬年而修成者.這些仙從未食過生魂,便為道者打殺,何其無辜?」
路嬋聽懂了,點點頭認同了師父的話.
「何況⋯⋯」女子欲言又止.
路嬋抬起頭,向師尊遞去探詢的目光.
「吾乃蓮花修陰魂而得人身者,幼時身處陰魂濃郁之地,便未曾食過生魂,難道嬋兒妳也認為師尊並非善類嗎?」蓮花仙輕啟唇齒問道,神色間帶著一抹悲傷.
「不,師尊怎麼會是壞人.師尊說仙亦分善惡,那便自然如此,嬋兒太笨了,竟敢懷疑師尊,請師尊別和嬋兒一番見識.」路嬋連聲安撫道.
「為師自然不會怪妳,只是想起為師曾有一名好友,吾思慕之.便向其道出心中所想,可他卻如此回答:仙道兩隔,為友已甚,不可過之.妳說道和仙之間,真的不能產生情感嗎?」蓮花仙黯然神傷,似是自言自語,又像是在和路嬋傾訴.
「這⋯⋯」路嬋沒想到一個問題,卻牽扯出師尊往事,忍不住在心底暗罵自己多嘴.
她只得趕緊轉移話題.路嬋向蓮花仙問道:「師尊,那麼您是仙.而嬋兒也是您的蓮芯轉世,豈非也是仙?」
蓮花仙看向她,溫柔地笑道:「非為如此.妳主修乾元,又怎麼會是仙?不過若以陰魂修為而言,嬋兒具有天生底蘊,卻是仙體無誤了.」
路嬋似懂非懂,雖然不能詳細明白其間差異,卻已然知曉了自己並非屬於仙.雖說對師尊感到抱歉,但這對於她同樣是一個好消息,畢竟路嬋年紀尚淺,又以人身生活多年,豈會希望自己是一名受人族道士喊打喊殺的仙.
「不過,嬋兒,妳也需得小心提防.待妳初入道境後,師尊便會將妳送往那人道觀,請他代為照顧.妳雖未曾修行仙法,卻得謹防他人見妳仙體而生糾纏,知道嗎?」蓮花仙忍不住叮囑道.
「師父,您不要我了?」路嬋卻是一驚.
「非也.師父又怎麼會不要自己身上的一塊肉呢?不過是因為,妳命中注定劫難於此,不得不前往應對罷了.」蓮花仙解釋道,以免路嬋胡思亂想.
「哦.」