《浮黎鼻祖金華祕訣》

The Fuli Bizhu Jinhua Mijue (Secret Instructions on the Golden Radiance from the Primordial Ancestor of the Floating Realm) reveals the core principles of Daoist alchemy. The opening passage depicts the primordial chaos before creation—when Heaven and Earth were undivided, sun and moon unmanifested, yin-yang unestablished, and the Five Phases (Wuxing) unblended. Within this murky chaos lay concealed the luminous true essence (innate primordial Qi), which manifests through the dynamic interaction of Water (represented by the celestial stems Ren and Gui) and Fire (Bing and Ding).

The alchemical process hinges on refining true gold from lead: the initial black lead (symbolizing yin), when purified in the "Sacred Ash Pool" (an alchemical vessel) to remove yin energies, reveals its aqueous true form. Further refinement in the "Cauldron of Yin-Yang" (the alchemical furnace) through fiery purification blends the red (fire) with black (lead), ultimately producing genuine gold—yellow within and crimson without, radiating five distinct colors. This refinement unfolds in five stages: lead → Ren-water → Bing-fire → dragon-mercury (quicksilver) → true gold → Wu-Ji earth (central earth), mirroring the cosmic progression from Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) generating the two polarities (yin-yang), which in turn produce the four phenomena, and finally the Five Phases.

The perfected "Divine Chamber" (a Neidan term denoting either the Dantian or alchemical vessel) becomes the dwelling place for nurturing spirit and Qi. It possesses the dynamic qualities of opening and closing with respiration: during exhalation, spirit and Qi resonate and gather; during inhalation, they settle and abide. Through sustained cultivation, an inner "embryonic form" (the nascent Neidan) coalesces as the foundation for spirit and Qi, while an outer "protective shell" forms as their guardian. This transformation relies entirely on the mutual refinement of water and fire—fire being the parent of the elixir, and the elixir its offspring. Like bellows (tuoyue) stoking the furnace flames or the sun and moon ascending and descending, the dynamic interplay of water and fire accomplishes the Great Dao of the Golden Elixir (Jindan).

(Note: Terms like "yellow sprout" (huangya), "dragon-mercury" (longgong), and "embryonic form" (baotai) are specialized Neidan terminology referring respectively to the initial product of alchemy, purified quicksilver, and the nascent elixir. The "bellows" (tuoyue), an ancient leather wind-blowing device used in smelting, here symbolizes the regulatory mechanism of yin-yang movement and stillness.)

This scripture elucidates the core principles of Daoist alchemy, particularly explaining the profound relationship between "gold" and "fire":

The "gold" used in alchemy comes in two forms: tangible metal (such as gold contained within lead) and intangible gold within water (referring to primordial qi). The key to alchemy lies in combining intangible gold (primordial qi) with tangible gold (metal). Just as substances of the same kind readily interact, alchemical practice must follow the principle of "like seeks like."

Similarly, "fire" also manifests in two types: tangible fire (ordinary visible flames) and intangible fire (the vital fire of growth contained within wood). The scripture particularly emphasizes that intangible gold requires intangible fire for sublimation, while tangible gold needs tangible fire for refinement. This profound mystery of "being and non-being giving rise to each other" constitutes the secret alchemical formula transmitted by ancient immortals.

The alchemical process mirrors the creative transformations of heaven and earth: from emptiness emerges wondrous existence, which then returns to nothingness. Through the mutual generation and restraint of fire refining gold and gold overcoming wood, "true earth" eventually forms (an alchemical term referring to the essence of medicinal substances). After one hundred days of cultivation and nine cyclical transformations—approximately ten months—the Golden Elixir (Jindan) is perfected. When consumed, even tiles and pebbles can be transmuted into gold, while humans who ingest it may ascend to immortality.

The scripture further describes signs of successful elixir refinement: radiant light filling the chamber and dew-like condensation forming in the courtyard. The medicinal substances circulate within the cauldron, dissolving upon encountering water and solidifying upon meeting fire, ultimately taking on special forms resembling horse teeth or phoenix wings.

The most essential secret lies in the application of "divine water" (not ordinary well water, but mystical water imbued with gold qi). Simply by guiding this divine water into the "Flower Pool" (another name for the Dantian), the alchemical process is mostly accomplished. Legend holds that Guangchengzi used this very method to refine the Golden Elixir for the Yellow Emperor at Mount Kongtong, leaving behind the scripture Twelve Chapters on Golden Radiance (Jinhua Shi'er Pian).

This passage primarily discusses the origins and significance of the Daoist alchemical scripture The Golden Florescence Secret Instructions from the Primordial Ancestor of Floating Radiance. Let me explain it section by section:

The first section is the preface written by Zhang Boduan (the Purple Yang Perfected Being):

"The methods for alchemical fire tempering, tripod vessels, and furnace altars have all been clearly explained, but the most subtle mysteries concerning the 'intercourse of metal and water' (referring to the wondrous state of Yin-Yang union), the 'bellows of the mysterious pass' (key energy centers in bodily cultivation), and the true secrets of 'ash-pool Qi refinement' (an advanced alchemical technique) were never committed to writing due to strict celestial prohibitions. Sensing the compassionate intention of the Most High Lord Lao (Laozi) who wishes all beings to attain the Dao, I have now fully disclosed these never-before-revealed secrets in this text. May sincere seekers encountering this book find it as meeting their master in person, able to practice accordingly. Though we lack face-to-face transmission, those who cultivate accordingly are all my disciples. Alas, in this world filled with ordinary people, who will share this affinity with me? I have obtained the fire tempering and medicinal ingredients for alchemy, yet my virtuous merits remain insufficient for ascension. The greatest regret is threefold: attaining the Dao is difficult, finding worthy recipients is even harder, and after attainment, achieving immortal perfection is hardest of all. Those predestined to read this text must believe and practice it, thereby understanding the ineffable grace of the master and the divine work of creation!"

The second section is an inscription by the Recluse of One Valley:

"Previous commentaries on The Golden Florescence Secret Instructions by Ge Hong and a certain Wang contained errors. Upon careful reading, Wang's annotations even misunderstood the basic 'medicinal ingredients' (referring to the essential elements of Jing, Qi, and Shen for cultivation). Only the Immortal Elder's (likely Ge Hong) commentary and Zhang Boduan's preface truly grasped the secrets transmitted by Guangchengzi (the legendary immortal). Therefore, other scriptures exclude Wang's annotations while including this commentary; other texts omit prefaces while preserving this one. As for Wang's version, it has been excised. Future generations may judge me as they will—what matters is this scripture itself."

The third section provides textual analysis:

"The original title should be The Golden Florescence Secret Instructions—the character 'medicine' (药) being a longstanding scribal error for 'florescence' (华). Though this mistake persisted uncorrected for ages, the scripture's name demands clarification. As The Kinship of the Three states: 'Ancient records reveal the dragon-tiger, the Yellow Emperor prized golden florescence.' Ancestor Xu Xun's Stone Casket Records also mentions 'golden florescence,' while Sovereign Lü Dongbin composed The Golden Florescence Essential Meaning specifically explaining the term. This scripture itself declares: 'Open the tripod to behold golden florescence dazzling the eyes,' confirming it must be 'florescence' not 'medicine.' As the progenitor of ten thousand generations of alchemical scriptures, it contains the true secrets complemented by Patriarch Ge Hong's commentary that elucidates the most profound principles."

Notes:

1. In alchemical practice, "golden florescence" often refers to the golden light appearing during advanced stages, symbolizing the perfected Golden Elixir (Jindan).

2. "Intercourse of metal and water" denotes the alchemical union of metal (Yang) and water (Yin), representing the harmonization of Yin-Yang.

3. "Bellows of the mysterious pass" indicates crucial energy centers in cultivation, analogous to Dantian concepts in Qigong.

4. The mentioned figures—Ge Hong, Zhang Boduan (Purple Yang Perfected Being), Xu Xun (Xu Jingyang), and Lü Dongbin—are all eminent Daoist personalities.

Secret of the Golden Radiance from the Primordial Ancestor of the Floating Li Realm – A Vernacular Interpretation

Chapter One: Gathering Gold and Stabilizing Water

From the formless chaos (yaoming) before the division of heaven and earth arises spiritual nature, and a single spark of divine light gives birth to the essence of all things. To refine the Primordial True Unity Water (referring to original essence, Yuanjing), one must eliminate the turbid yin of the conditioned self (menstrual essence, Guishui), determine the number of the Supreme Unity (Taiyi), align with the warp and weft of heaven and earth, and resonate with the Spiritual Father (innate yang qi) to achieve the sacred body.

Ge Xuan’s Commentary: The Mysterious Unity Dao (Xuanyi) revered by the Supreme Dao Ancestor originates from the chaos of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji). The Floating Li Realm hangs suspended in the void, dividing into radiant mists and dispersing primordial qi (Yuanqi) to form divine light, connecting above and below. The first emergence of spiritual nature gives rise to True Unity (Zhenyi), which transforms into Mysterious Water (Xuanshui). This water, in turn, generates the two qi of yin and yang, which produce the Three Powers (Heaven, Earth, and Humanity), and the Three Powers give birth to the myriad things. The eternal method of refining the Golden Liquid Divine Elixir (Neidan, internal alchemy) all stems from this.

Black Lead (the original essence stored in the kidneys) conceals True Gold (innate qi) like a mother nurturing a fetus, while White Gold (the lung’s qi) resides within like a child in the womb. Within lies the golden-water essence of Primordial True Unity. When the turbid yin waters (Guishui and Renshui) are refined away, the True Fire extracts and refines them into Five-Colored True Earth (the Yellow Court, Huangting), forming the alchemical cauldron (Dantian). This is the foundation for refining the Twenty-Four Grades of the Great Elixir and the source of the Seventy-Two Medicines. Naturally, it enables the harmonious union of the Infant (original spirit, Yuanshen) and the Maiden (original essence, Yuanjing), the entwining of the Dragon (heart’s fire) and Tiger (kidney’s water) at the Mysterious Pass (Dantian), and the movement of the Golden Crow (yang) and Jade Rabbit (yin) along the Celestial Path (the Governing and Conception Vessels). Resonating with the qi of the Spiritual Father and Holy Mother, one achieves the indestructible immortal body. Truly profound!

Chapter Two: Seeking Truth and Cultivating Breath

Black Lead (yin) contains White Gold (yang), and through the transformations of heaven and earth, the body is refined. When the turbid yin is fully refined, the True Yang emerges, known as True Gold. When gold and water mutually generate each other, the True Fire never extinguishes. By refining the pure yang Dao, one transcends the mundane and enters sagehood. Stabilizing True Gold enhances True Water, causing the Spirit-Mercury (Yuanshen) to condense.

Ge Xuan’s Commentary: Black corresponds to yin, while white corresponds to yang. Refining yin with yang is like the masculine containing the feminine—within simplicity lies true flavor. The refining method is as follows: place Black Lead (Yuanjing) in the Ash Pool (Lower Dantian) and temper it long with True Fire. When the lead is exhausted and the water dried, the Silver Body (Yuanqi) naturally appears. Within it, the Mercury (Yuanshen) resembles white snow and takes the shape of horse teeth—this is called Pungent Gold (pure yang) or Silver Within Water (innate qi, Xiantian Yiqi), the root of Cinnabar (the Great Medicine). This True Gold is then placed in the Yin-Yang Cauldron (Dantian) and refined in harmony with Geng Gold (lung qi). Ultimately, it forms an outer-white, inner-yellow shape like an egg, symbolizing the Qian (Heaven) trigram and called Yellow Sprouts (the nascent form of the Great Medicine). This is the foundation of elixir formation, the origin of all things, and the vessel of heaven and earth’s true essence.

The Fuli Bizhu Golden Flower Secret scripture reveals the core principles of Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) practice:

On alchemical materials:

The true cinnabar (sha) and mercury (gong) used for elixir refinement are the most precious treasures for immortals. Once these celestial materials are obtained, all necessary components—medicinal substances, crucible, and firing times—are complete without requiring additional elements. How could ordinary people using common cinnabar and mercury ever achieve miraculous transformations?

On the structure of the alchemical furnace (divine chamber):

The furnace takes the shape of an egg, divided into upper and lower layers (symbolizing heaven and earth), with a one-inch central space (representing Taiji, the Supreme Ultimate). This core space is called the "Hall of Illumination," "Celestial Heart," or "Ancestral Earth"—the crucial intersection where Yin-Yang harmonize and all things originate. Encased by a tightly sealed metal vessel, its interior nurtures wondrous substances.

On alchemical principles:

Just as the North Star remains motionless while other stars revolve around it, the "luminous pearl" (embryonic Neidan) at the furnace's center attracts the Qi of the Five Phases and the essence of heaven-earth. Through regulated breathing (symbolized by the dark bird and white hare representing exhalation and inhalation), the two energies of Yin-Yang (hun and po souls) fuse together, generating dragon-tiger energies. This "luminous pearl" resides within nine-colored radiance, containing the entire cosmos.

Effects of cultivation:

The perfected Golden Elixir fills the crucible like golden millet grains, glowing with crimson light. Upon ingesting this elixir, practitioners transcend material constraints (earth, water, fire, wind) and surpass Yin-Yang transformations, attaining unfettered liberation. They gain the ability to alter physical form at will, rearrange constellations, cure all ailments, and dispel misfortunes.

Notes:

1. "Yellow-white" refers to gold-silver, symbolizing Yin-Yang

2. "Two eights" denotes sixteen taels, representing Yin-Yang equilibrium

3. "Dark bird and white hare" respectively symbolize exhalation and inhalation

4. "Golden millet" metaphorically describes the elixir's fine, grain-like particles

This scripture expounds the essential techniques of Daoist alchemical cultivation, primarily divided into two aspects: the arrangement of the altar, furnace, cauldron, and stove, and the method of refining through the interaction of water and fire.

Regarding the setup of the alchemical workspace:

One must select a geomantically auspicious site abundant in spiritual Qi (energy) to construct the alchemy chamber, erecting a three-tiered ritual altar. On the altar, a stove is placed, atop which sits a furnace. Within the furnace rests a cauldron, and inside the cauldron lies the "divine chamber" (the core vessel for alchemical refinement). The divine chamber should be adorned with hanging mirrors and colored banners, while talismans (Fulu) are affixed to ward off malevolent influences. The cauldron is shaped like a three-legged crow (symbolizing the sun) and must be tightly sealed to prevent any leakage. Specific dimensions are prescribed: a circumference of three and a half inches, an opening diameter of one and eight-tenths inches, a rim length of twelve inches, and uniform thickness throughout.

Concerning the method of refining through water and fire:

One must harmonize the essence of the sun (referred to as "Yu Yi") and the radiance of the moon (called "Jie Lin"), using mundane water and fire to refine the true water and fire. Water contains the nature of fire, and fire embodies the nature of water—Yin and Yang energies must intermingle above and below, aligning with the celestial patterns of cosmic movement. The precise operation must follow the fluctuations of time, meticulously observing shifts from two-hour intervals (Yao periods) to the grand cycles of years and generations. Through this method, one refines the "jade sprout millet grain" (a metaphor for the internal elixir, or Neidan), ultimately achieving the immortal embryo.

The text mentions Ge Xuan, a renowned Daoist master of the Three Kingdoms period, revered as "Immortal Lord Ge." The scripture emphasizes the necessity of integrating internal and external cultivation: one must not only properly arrange the external alchemical tools but also master the internal principles of Yin-Yang transformation.

This passage reveals the profound mysteries of Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) cultivation. The core teaching states:

Practitioners must comprehend the operational principles of heaven and earth, condensing the essential energies of a full year's 360 days into a single day's cyclical movement. By precisely apprehending the pivotal moments of Yin-Yang transformation and avoiding errors in fire regulation (the control of energetic processes during practice), one can multiply their vital essence (Jing) and Qi a hundredfold. When the masculine and feminine energies (Qian and Kun) achieve perfect fusion within the Dantian (Yellow Court energy center), they form the Golden Elixir (Mysterious Pearl), mirroring the celestial union of sun and moon. After ten to one hundred days of sustained practice, the lead and mercury within the body (metaphors for vital substances) transmute into the Golden Elixir - at this stage, even spirits and deities stand in awe, and the cultivator gains mastery over cosmic energies.

The text mentions "yellow and white" substances representing the fundamental alchemical ingredients, derived from the primordial essences of Qian and Kun. This "True Earth" substance, though formless and intangible, contains the generative power of all creation. Practitioners must calmly observe internal transformations for sixty days while maintaining mental serenity, then spend another hundred days tenderly nurturing the newly-formed elixir. Upon reaching advanced stages, the Five Phase energies (Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and Gouchen Star) manifest within the body, ultimately coalescing into a radiant Golden Elixir at the "Three-Five-One Capital" (a term for the Dantian). Ingesting this elixir dispels illness, prolongs life, concentrates spiritual power (Shen), and grants immunity to seasonal extremes.

The renowned Daoist alchemist Ge Xuan explains that while these alchemical substances appear insubstantial, they embody the supreme principles of creation. The crux of practice lies in maintaining the water-fire (Yin-Yang) equilibrium, allowing through Wuwei (non-action) the ascent of light, clear energies and the descent of heavy, turbid energies. When extraordinary signs like fish scales or horse teeth manifest internally, these signal the imminent perfection of the Golden Elixir.

The Scripture of Augmented Celestial Blessings records: If one ingests specially prepared "dead mercury" (processed mercury compounds), they can preserve their life and attain longevity, thereby becoming terrestrial immortals free from the cycle of birth and death.

Chapter Seven, "Absorbing Qi to Nourish the Spirit," explains:

When the body's Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) are insufficient, one can replenish them by gathering the Qi of heaven and earth. The southwest direction belongs to Yin and can condense Qi into the Golden Elixir (Jindan), while the northeast direction belongs to Yang and requires avoiding turbid Qi. During cultivation, one must master the rhythm of breathing: the Upper Dantian (between the eyebrows) opens and closes three times, and the Lower Dantian (abdomen) opens and closes three times. When purple powder like frost appears in the elixir chamber, golden elixir sprouts fill the space, and dust naturally floats by the window, one has reached the state of immeasurable lifespan.

Ge Xuan (a renowned Daoist master of the Three Kingdoms period) pointed out that the essence of the Golden Elixir path lies in refining the form and replenishing Qi. When Qi is abundant, spiritual nature arises spontaneously; when spiritual nature coalesces, it becomes a supreme treasure—this is what is called "Shen" (spirit). The so-called "Shen" refers to the mysterious force that governs all things. The universe is filled with vast, righteous Qi, and what propels this Qi is "Shen." The method of replenishing Qi need not be sought from afar—it is as natural as stars corresponding to celestial patterns or tides responding to earthly veins. If practitioners can grasp the directional properties of southwest (Yin) and northeast (Yang) and cultivate the spiritual embryo by absorbing the Qi of heaven and earth three times, why worry about the elixir's inefficacy? However, cultivation requires diligence—there must be no slackening.

Before the elixir chamber (a metaphor for the human body) takes form, the Dragon (original spirit, Yuan Shen) and Tiger (original essence, Yuan Jing) remain in their respective positions. Once the elixir chamber is complete, Mercury (consciousness) transforms from Lead (original essence). These two originally harbor the True One Qi (innate primordial energy), and when they merge, it is like plants flourishing under the interaction of Yin and Yang—vitality arises naturally. Alchemists must comprehend the transformations of Yin-Yang and deeply understand the laws of nature to succeed.

Chapter Eight, "Transmutation and the Division of the Embryo," states:

Forge the alchemical cauldron as the vessel of cultivation—the Golden Elixir is nurtured within. Just as shaping elixir pellets forms a spiritual image, wondrous transformations emerge naturally. When the true Shen within the elixir transcends mundane substance, continuous practice will elevate one to the ranks of immortals.

Ge Xuan explains: Though the alchemical cauldron is a physical object, the sages modeled its creation on the principles of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate). A single vessel contains both form and formlessness: in stillness, it is a mass of Qi; in motion, it divides into Yin and Yang. The miraculous Golden Elixir arises between existence and non-existence, its substance akin to yellow jade (symbolizing the pure Yang quality of the elixir), corresponding to the triad of heaven, earth, and humanity. During cultivation, with each breath, Yin and Yang Qi circulate within the body like the sun and moon, as if playing with two precious orbs between heaven and earth. If practitioners can grasp this mystery—letting the Qi of Water (kidneys) and Fire (heart) rise and fall externally while Lead (essence) and Mercury (spirit) fuse internally—they will penetrate the workings of creation itself.

This scripture reveals the mysteries of Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) practice and the process of Golden Elixir formation:

The essence of Golden Elixir cultivation lies in creating a special inner space (the chamber of the Golden Elixir) inhabited by the Great Lord of Longevity. Though the true Golden Elixir consists of pure primordial Qi, it requires the harmonizing power of Heaven and Earth's Yin-Yang interaction. Specifically:

1. Cultivation Principles:

• Requires balancing the dragon (representing Yang Qi) and tiger (representing Yin Qi) energies
• Facilitates the mutual transformation of water and fire essences within the Dantian (cauldron of creation)
• Absorbs the essences of sun, moon and stars (suspended above)
• Condenses the Qi of the Five Phases (gathered below)

2. Characteristics of the Golden Elixir:

The Golden Elixir possesses marvelous transformative abilities - it can become heavy or light, manifesting various colors and states. This represents the wondrous realm of "creation from nothingness." After ingesting the Elixir:

• The body turns golden
• Pores radiate light
• Exhaled breath transforms into flames
• Bodily impurities convert into medicinal elixirs

3. Cultivation Stages (Ten-Month Elixir Completion):

Detailed descriptions of the Elixir's morphological changes each month:

• Month 1: Resembles horse teeth or jade
• Month 2: Appears like fish scales
• Month 3: Takes form of interlocking dog teeth
• Month 4: Develops script-like patterns
• Month 5: Resembles lotus flowers or lingzhi mushrooms
• Month 6: Forms stalactite-like structures
• Month 7: Manifests pine flower patterns
• Month 8: Takes pagoda-like shape
• Month 9: Reveals sun and moon imagery
• Month 10: The Golden Elixir reaches perfection, elevating the practitioner to transcendent sagehood

4. Essential Techniques:

• The key lies in comprehending the principle of "emptiness"
• Harmonizing the celestial One-Water (kidney Jing) with earthly Two-Fire (heart fire)
• Aligning with the patterns of Three Powers, Four Seasons and Five Phases
• A moment's practice in the cauldron equals a year's progress in the mundane world

The perfected Golden Elixir practitioner attains:

• A violet-gold Dharmakaya
• Peacock-mounted divine form
• Immeasurable spiritual powers and wisdom
• Miraculous abilities transcending life and death

This scripture unveils the complete Neidan process from foundation to perfection, emphasizing how life's transcendence is achieved through Yin-Yang harmonization and Five Phases circulation.

This scripture expounds the profound states and miraculous effects of Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) practice. Let me interpret it section by section:

The first passage reveals that even decaying weeds can transform into fireflies when nourished by the qi of heaven and earth—how much more miraculous then is the human body as a "divine chamber" (referring to the Dantian or practitioner's physical form), which inherently contains the subtle mechanisms of Yin-Yang interaction and the mysteries of contraction and expansion, naturally capable of producing the wondrous "supreme medicine" (referring to Neidan). The text mentions how the "jade-emperor qi of heaven" condenses into "millet-sized mysterious pearls" (metaphor for the initial form of Neidan), all achieved through cultivation at the "correct position in the mystery" (the Dantian) to form the "sacred embryo" (perfected Neidan).

Next comes the secret of the "golden cauldron penetrating the mysteries": through cultivation, the practitioner's body (the golden cauldron) transforms from an ordinary iron-like state into a golden vessel capable of nurturing celestial blossoms (Neidan). Ge Xuan (the renowned Three Kingdoms-period Daoist) explains that sages comprehend true meaning by observing celestial phenomena. During internal refinement, "mercury" (symbolizing Jing-essence and qi) is alchemized into Neidan, then further transformed into "golden liquor" (a higher stage of Neidan), ingestion of which enables daylight ascension. These internal changes manifest externally through wondrous signs like an iron cauldron turning to gold.

The scripture emphasizes these mysteries can only be discussed with the wise, being incomprehensible to ordinary people. Authentic cultivation means "using the false to cultivate the true" (employing the physical form to refine the formless true nature), requiring proper application of water and fire (Yin-Yang harmonization). The secrets of the cauldron (body), medicinal ingredients (vital essences), and firing times (cultivation rhythms) all reside in the "mysterious pass" (critical point in practice). The cauldron is the medicine, the medicine is the cauldron—their union constitutes Neidan.

Later passages describe miraculous phenomena after cultivation achievement: when "numinous treasures" (Neidan energy) accumulate, practitioners roam freely through the three realms (desire, form, and formless realms) in unity with the Dao. Celestial fragrances fill the air, auroras illuminate the "Three Terraces" (star constellations), stubborn illnesses vanish, and dragon deities with mountain spirits come to pay homage. Ancestors attain liberation while descendants flourish. This wondrous fragrance dispels calamities, even reviving the dead or enabling daylight ascension.

Ge Xuan concludes: by harmonizing with seasonal qi through a year's cultivation, one masters the mysteries of heaven-earth's sun-moon and the Five Phases, gathering the "three million seven hundred and twenty thousand righteous qi" (symbolizing the totality of cosmic energy). Within the creative transformations of Qian-Kun (heaven-earth), all wondrous phenomena arise. This natural sublime fragrance reaches up to the Three Heavens (Qingwei, Yuyu, and Dachitian) and down to the nine springs—it is the "supreme medicine of celestial ascent" (ultimate Neidan realization) capable of uplifting entire families to immortality.

This scripture reveals the esoteric methods of Daoist alchemy for achieving immortality, presented in two parts:

The first section critiques the misguided approaches of ordinary people seeking longevity. The text states: Most practitioners lack proper cultivation yet pursue heretical paths using cinnabar, mercury, and various metals and minerals to make elixirs. They fundamentally misunderstand the authentic "Golden Liquid Reverted Elixir" (Jinye Huandan) - the marvelous method enabling daylight ascension. How could such misguided practitioners ever hope to behold the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) or Lord Lao (the deified Laozi)?

The second section details the miraculous effects and preparation of the divine elixir:

1. Consuming even a minute dose called "knife-point measure" (Daogui) enables one to become an immortal, appearing or disappearing at will while sharing heaven and earth's longevity.

2. Ge Xuan (the renowned Daoist alchemist) explains this elixir's name derives from requiring only a knife-tip's worth of material.

3. Preparation method: By observing celestial patterns and harmonizing yin-yang, one refines gold using mercury (representing Water phase), then uses this gold to create the "Blossoming Pool" (Huachi) crucible, ultimately condensing the Golden Liquid Reverted Elixir.

4. Effects: A single pellet grows wings for celestial ascent. For entire household ascension, dissolve three pellets in pure water to sprinkle upon the dwelling.

5. Ge Xuan's testimony: He required thirty years of practice to truly master this method, urging later practitioners not to doubt - sincere cultivation guarantees success.

The "Golden Liquid Reverted Elixir" represents the pinnacle of internal alchemy (Neidan), where through specific practices one condenses essence (Jing), vital energy (Qi), and spirit (Shen) into a "Golden Elixir" (Jindan) for immortality and celestial ascension.