What A Dream Wants

Where had his last bag of takeout gone?

Steven looked around, but couldn't find an answer.

Oh wait, he remembered. He had eaten it.

It seemed only like a short second, but it was actually only a short minute.

He sighed and flipped to the last book, which was aptly named "Cultivation 101" By Vincent Baker.

"This book is called Cultivation 101 and it will teach you everything you need to know about cultivation!

Cultivation is sustained by special energy from nature. These energies are referred to as Qi, mana, and vital energy. By gathering enough of this energy, condensing it, and purifying it, you're able to break through the boundaries of a normal human.

Everyone is born differently. Talent is the result of constitutions, aptitudes and also innate Qi. Some humans are born with a strong affinity to Qi. Humans are born with Qi already in them, but to varying degrees. This is called "Primordial" or "Genuine" Qi. This inborn energy usually comes from the kidney, but can also be derived from other areas of the body."

Steven was feeling Déjà vu. Did he hear this before? He read to the end of the introduction.

"... This can occur because your Qi is not pure enough, you cannot gather enough, or you are not allowing your Qi to flow in the correct way.

But luckily, this book is here to show you how to cultivate!"

Strange.

Where could he have possibly heard... read this? He never read a book named "Cultivation 101", before.

Truly mystifying.

And for some reason, he kept hearing Chapter 19 in his mind. He decided this was a bit creepy and decided not to read Chapter 19.

He then proceeded to read a few more chapters.

"The Qi that is cultivated has to be stored somewhere. Innate Qi is usually stored in the kidney. Kong Qi is stored in the lungs. Nourishing Qi is stored in the Bloodstream. Defending Qi is stored outside the meridians. Gu Chi is a Zhong Qi*, which is found in the spleen and stomach. Digestive Fire* is responsible for the Gu Qi. Kong and Gu Chi form Zong Qi*, which is found in the C.h.e.s.t. Defensive Qi (Yang Qi) is a Zheng Qi*.

Zhong Qi*- Translates to Central Qi.

Zong Qi*- Also known as Great Qi and Pectoral Qi, forms the Spiritual Sea and Dan.

Zheng Qi- Upright Qi.

Digestive Fire*- A Yang Qi that helps convert food into nutrients.

The Dantian* are the three center of Qi. It is separated into three sections: Lower, Middle, and Upper. Xia Dantian*, also known as the Golden Stove, turns essence (Jing) into Vitality Qi*. Zhong Dantian*, also known as the Crimson Palace, where Vitality and Death Qi is refined into the Shen*. Upper Dantian*, also known as the muddy pellet, when Shen is refined into WuWei*, and also the location of the third eye, or "divine eye" responsible for divine sense. Divine sense is a third-dimensional vision.

Dantian*- Two words in Chinese, also known as the sea of Qi.

Xia Dantian*- Translates to Lower Dantian, around the navel.

Vitality Qi*- Also known as Life Qi, responsible for lifespan.

Zhong Dantian- translates to Middle Dantian, around the heart.

Shen*- Spirit

Shang Dian- Upper Dantian, between the eyebrows.

WuWei*- Means "nothing" or "emptiness" in terms of ancient Taoist beliefs. WuWei actually is used to expand the spiritual limit of cultivators, along with other usages. WuWei can temper the Dao Heart."

Steven continued reading.

. . .

"Cultivation is comprised of The Three Treasures: Qi, Jing, and Shen. The Mingmen, also called the Gate of Life, holds the Genuine Energy in one's body. The Mingmen is located in the kidneys. A wise scholar in the Ming Dynasty, by the name of Zhang Jing Yue, once said:

"The Gate of Life is the mansion of Water and Fire*, the house of Yin and Yang*, the sea of Essence and Qi*, and the nest of life and death*. If the Gate of Life is depleted and damaged, the five solid organs and six hollow organs will lose their attachment, resulting in the imbalance of Yin and Yang and causing diseases."

*-They refer to the area around the kidneys."

Steven yawned and looked at the time.

'9:36'

The prolonged silence outside told him it was time to sleep. He took a shower and brushed his teeth, and collapsed on his bed...