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In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) was born with spiritual endowment. In his infancy, he could speak; in childhood, he was quick and thorough; in youth, he was honest and diligent; upon adulthood, he ascended to the throne. He then asked the Heavenly Master (Tianshi, referring to Qibo): I have heard that people in ancient times lived to over a hundred years of age without showing physical decline in their movements. However, people nowadays begin to show signs of decline before reaching fifty. Is this due to differences in the times, or is it because people have lost the proper way?

Qibo replied: Those in ancient times who understood the Dao (Way) modeled themselves on Yin and Yang, harmonized with proper methods, regulated their diet and drinking, maintained regular habits of rising and resting, and did not exert themselves recklessly. Thus, they were able to keep their Form (Xing) and Spirit (Shen) together, completing their natural lifespan and passing away only after living beyond a hundred years. People nowadays are different. They treat wine as if it were water, make irregularity their norm, engage in sexual intercourse while drunk, exhaust their Essence (Jing) through lust, and dissipate their True Qi (Zhenqi). They do not know how to maintain fullness, fail to govern their Spirit at appropriate times, seek only immediate gratification, act contrary to the joy of life, and lack regularity in their daily routines. Consequently, they decline by the age of fifty.

The sages of ancient times taught their followers, saying: Avoid empty evils and thieving winds (pathogenic factors taking advantage of deficiency) at the proper time. Maintain tranquility and emptiness (a state of mental calmness), so that True Qi follows along; guard the Spirit within, and how could disease arise? Therefore, their wills were leisurely with few desires, their hearts were peaceful without fear, their bodies labored but did not feel fatigued, their Qi flowed smoothly, each satisfied their wishes, and all obtained what they desired. They found pleasure in their food, wore whatever clothes they had, enjoyed their customs, and did not envy those of higher or lower status. Thus, the people were called simple and unadorned. Desires did not labor their eyes, and perverse influences did not confuse their minds. Whether foolish or wise, virtuous or unworthy, they were not disturbed by external things, thus conforming to the Dao. This is why they could live beyond a hundred years without physical decline: because their Virtue (De) was complete and they were not endangered.

The Emperor said: When people grow old and lose the ability to reproduce, is it because their material strength and vitality are exhausted, or is it simply the decree of Heaven (natural destiny)?

Qibo said: At the age of seven, a girl's Kidney Qi (Kidney Energy) becomes abundant; her teeth change, and her hair grows. At fourteen (two sevens), Tian Gui (a substance promoting sexual maturity) arrives, the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) becomes unobstructed, and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) becomes vigorous. Her menstruation occurs regularly, and she gains the ability to conceive. At twenty-one (three sevens), her Kidney Qi is balanced; wisdom teeth emerge, and her body reaches its full height. At twenty-eight (four sevens), her sinews and bones are firm, her hair reaches its maximum length, and her body is in its prime. At thirty-five (five sevens), the Yangming Meridian begins to decline; her face starts to wither, and her hair begins to fall out. At forty-two (six sevens), the Three Yang Meridians decline above; her face completely withers, and her hair turns white. At forty-nine (seven sevens), the Ren Mai becomes deficient, the Chong Mai declines, Tian Gui is exhausted, the pathway for reproduction is blocked, her form deteriorates, and she can no longer bear children.

At the age of eight, a boy's Kidney Qi becomes solid; his hair grows, and his teeth change. At sixteen (two eights), his Kidney Qi becomes abundant, Tian Gui arrives, his Essence (Jing) overflows and is emitted, Yin and Yang harmonize, and he gains the ability to procreate. At twenty-four (three eights), his Kidney Qi is balanced, his sinews and bones become strong, wisdom teeth emerge, and his body reaches its full height. At thirty-two (four eights), his sinews and bones are robust, and his muscles are full and strong. At forty (five eights), his Kidney Qi declines; his hair falls out, and his teeth become dry. At forty-eight (six eights), Yang Qi fails above; his face withers, and his temples turn gray. At fifty-six (seven eights), his Liver Qi declines, his sinews cannot move freely, Tian Gui is exhausted, his Essence is scant, his Kidneys decline, and his entire form reaches extremity. At sixty-four (eight eights), his teeth and hair fall out. The Kidneys govern Water and receive the Essence from the Five Zang and Six Fu organs to store it. Therefore, only when the Five Zang are abundant can the Kidneys discharge Essence. Now that all Five Zang are declining, sinews and bones are loose and weak, and Tian Gui is exhausted. Hence, his temples turn gray, his body feels heavy, his gait is unsteady, and he loses the ability to procreate.

The Emperor said: Some people who are already old still have the ability to procreate. Why is this?

Qibo said: This is because their natural longevity exceeds the average, their Qi and vessels remain constantly open, and their Kidney Qi remains surplus. Although such individuals may have children, men do not exceed the limit of eight eights (64 years), and women do not exceed the limit of seven sevens (49 years); by then, the Essence and Qi of Heaven and Earth are entirely exhausted.

The Emperor said: Can those who have grasped the Dao, who live to be over a hundred, still have children?

Qibo said: Those who grasp the Dao can delay aging and preserve their physical integrity. Although their chronological age is advanced, they are still capable of procreation.

The Emperor said: I have heard that in ancient times there were "True Men" (Zhenren) who held sway over Heaven and Earth, mastered Yin and Yang, breathed in Essence and Qi, stood alone guarding their Spirit, and kept their muscles unified. Thus, they could live as long as Heaven and Earth, having no end. This is what is meant by attaining the Dao and achieving longevity.

In middle antiquity, there were "Perfect Men" (Zhiren) whose virtue was pure and who fully embodied the Dao. They harmonized with Yin and Yang, adjusted to the four seasons, left behind the world and worldly customs, accumulated Essence, and preserved their Spirit. They roamed between Heaven and Earth, with hearing and sight extending far beyond the eight directions. These individuals enhanced their lifespan and strengthened their constitution, ultimately returning to the state of True Men.

Next were the "Sages" (Shengren). They dwelled in the harmony of Heaven and Earth, followed the principles of the Eight Winds (winds from eight directions), moderated their desires within secular society, harbored no anger or resentment, conducted themselves without separating from the world, wore appropriate attire, and behaved in ways not intended to shock or oppose common customs. Externally, they did not strain their bodies with affairs; internally, they had no worries or thoughts. They pursued tranquility and joy, achieved self-contentment, prevented their form from decaying, and kept their spirit from scattering. Thus, they could also live to a hundred years.

Lastly, there were the "Worthy Men" (Xianren). They took Heaven and Earth as models, imitated the sun and moon, distinguished and arranged the stars, followed or opposed Yin and Yang, differentiated the four seasons, and aligned themselves with the Dao of ancient times. Through this, they could extend their lifespan, though it would still have a limit.