Alchemical Sites in External Alchemy 道教炼丹术的炼丹场所

Alchemy appears extremely mystical and enigmatic in cultivation activities or processes. For instance, it is believed that the selection of an alchemical site should be in famous mountains and sacred places that are inaccessible to humans and frequented by immortals; otherwise, "evil qi will intrude, and the medicine will not succeed." When opening the cauldron, the alchemist must fast, keep their head clean, wear a Taoist crown and robe, kneel and hold the medicine furnace, face south, and pray to the Supreme Taoist tianzun (Celestial Venerable).

Furthermore, when entering the mountains to practice alchemy, one must choose an auspicious day and time during the "mountain-opening months (the 3rd or 9th lunar month)"; when building an altar, talismans must be burned, and ancient swords and mirrors must be placed in the furnace and cauldron. All such practices are filled with a mysterious aura.