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Regarding the method of conception, there are numerous discussions by ancient scholars: For instance, *Guangsi Jue* (Prescriptions for Prolonging Lineage) suggests that when menstruation has just ceased and the uterus is open, it is appropriate to engage in intercourse promptly to sow the seed. The *Daozang Jing* (Scriptures of the Daoist Canon) states that after menstruation stops, odd days belong to Yang and result in male offspring, while even days belong to Yin and result in female offspring. Li Dongyuan believed that conception within one or two days after menstruation ends results in a boy, while conception four or five days later results in a girl. Zhu Danxi held that if fertilization occurs in the left uterus, it produces a male, and if in the right uterus, a female. *Shengji Jing* (Holy Relief Scripture) claimed that fetal movement on the left side indicates a male, and on the right side, a female. *Chushi Yishu* (Remnant Book of Master Chu) argued that blood wrapping the essence produces a male, while essence wrapping the blood produces a female. These theories vary widely, each claiming validity, yet none achieve perfect efficacy. The method said to yield perfect results is "reducing desires" (abstaining from excessive sexual activity). Reducing desires prevents reckless intercourse, allowing one to gather essence and spirit, acting only at the proper time; thus, what could be unattainable? However, reducing desires must begin with clearing the mind (purifying mental state), as the Heart governs blood and houses the Shen (Spirit). If the Heart is stirred, the Shen scatters outward. Although ejaculation may not occur externally, the essence has already left the uterus, and Kidney Qi becomes internally chaotic. Mild cases manifest as nocturnal emission, stranguria, or turbid discharge; severe cases lead to yangmei jiedu (hard chancres/toxicities associated with sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis). Even if these are fortunately avoided, during intercourse, lacking the true Qi of tranquility and purity, the expelled material is merely corrupt and turbid. How can such matter transform and nurture an embryo? The Heart is the master of the body. If one can sweep away evil thoughts and employ quiet sitting practices to nourish the spirit, preventing ministerial fire from stirring, waiting until yang essence is abundant before uniting according to timing, success will be achieved in one attempt. Thus, reducing desires ensures spiritual completeness, leading not only to many children but also to longevity.

Essence is formed from blood. It is not only sexual fatigue that damages our essence; in daily affairs, many things damage our essence. For example, visual overexertion consumes blood through seeing; auditory overexertion consumes blood through hearing; mental overexertion consumes blood through thinking. By regulating ourselves according to these activities, blood receives nourishment and accumulates day by day.

The Kidney governs closure and storage, while the Liver governs dispersion and excretion. Both organs contain ministerial fire (Ministerial Fire residing in the Liver and Kidney), and their connections extend upward to the Heart, which governs sovereign fire (Heart Fire). Anger injures the Liver and stirs ministerial fire. Once stirred, the function of dispersion takes precedence, and the function of closure fails in its duty. Even without intercourse, essence flows secretly and dissipates covertly.