| | Tianmensi was surnamed Wang and named Gang. He especially understood the essentials of nourishment, so his treatise says: "Yang sheng originates in Yin, the pure essence of wood; Yin sheng originates in Shen, the pure essence of metal." When wood is placed into metal, there is no instance where it does not suffer damage; therefore, Yin can moisten Yang. Yin people applying powder and rouge do so to emulate the whiteness of metal. Therefore, true sages and Daoist priests have always paid close attention, focused their minds, refined the subtle principles, and examined the waxing and waning. I advance with Qinglong, they proceed with Baihu; they lead with Zhujiao, I follow with Xuanwu—this is the way to immortality. Moreover, the nature of Yin people is urgent like Yang, yet they can restrain themselves externally and refuse to seek help from Yang, demonstrating clearly that metal does not bend for wood. Yang's nature is strong and impetuous, with a character that is careless and unrefined. However, when they reach leisure and ease, their tone becomes harmonious and gentle, their words humble and deferential—this shows clearly the fear of wood toward metal." Tianmensi, having practiced this Dao, lived to be 280 years old, his appearance as that of a child. He then consumed pearl nectar and attained immortality, entering Xuanzhou and departing.
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