Energy-Infused Alchemical Gold 感气十六转金丹

The compiler is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between the Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty. Consisting of one volume, it is included in the Methods category of the The Dongshen Section in The Daozang.

This book elaborates on External Alchemy. Its elixir-refining process consists of sixteen transformations, hence the name "Sixteen Transformations Golden Elixir". First, refine cinnabar to produce mercury, then successively add mercury and nurture with fire while observing its transformations. The mercury undergoes changes into states such as fish-like radiance, jade dog teeth, horse-tooth langgan (precious stone), jade forest and jade tree, and yellow sprout. By the ninth transformation, the yellow sprout is extracted, which then undergoes eight more refinements including stir-frying the sprout, bathing, red powder, bright window dust, great elixir, purple river cart (placenta hominis), yellow chariot, and purple gold powder, before proceeding to transform into the great elixir.

The book records The Method of Transforming the Great Elixir, which involves placing the previously refined purple gold powder into a golden cauldron, sealing it tightly, and nurturing with fire for ten months. The medicinal substance condenses into five grades of elixirs, including the Great Return Elixir and the Divine Talisman White Snow Elixir. It is claimed that those who take the highest-grade elixir can become heavenly immortals or earthly immortals; those who take the middle-grade one can ascend to immortality; and those who take the lowest-grade one can live a long life with clear vitality. The efficacy of the elixir varies depending on whether the taker has cultivated internal skills.