internal alchemy
Internal alchemy is the labyrinth of the mind where one pours Qi into the human body as if it were an alchemical crucible, chasing the mirage of immortality. Practitioners build a tiny furnace in their lower abdomen, burning ephemeral faith into what they call mystical energy. Under the guise of practice they meditate and fast in endless repetition, only to realize it was merely a contest of endurance. The true secret, of course, always lies outside the furnace.