The Shang Qing Jiu Dan Shang Hua Tai Jing Zhong Ji Jing 上清九丹上化胎精中记经

As one of the early classic texts of the Shangqing School (Supreme Clarity School), it likely originated during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420 CE).

In Volume Five of The True Declarations (Zhengao), it is stated: “The Immortal Dao includes the Inner Record on the Transformation of Embryonic Essence by the Nine Elixirs”; The Catalogue of the Supreme Clarity Great Cavern True Scripture (Shangqing Dadong Zhenjing Mu) records “One scroll of the Supreme Clarity Scripture of the Inner Record on the Transformation of Embryonic Essence by the Nine Elixirs”—this refers precisely to this scripture.

The original text consists of one scroll and is included in the Zhengyi Bu (Orthodox Unity Section) of the Daozang (Taoist Canon). Texts such as The Essential Secrets of the Supreme (Wushang Miyao) and The Seven Slips of the Clouds’ Satchel (Yunji Qiqian) also frequently quote from this scripture.

Falsely attributed to be “transmitted by the Supreme Emperor Lord (Taidijun)”, the scripture expounds on the method of untying the “knots of the embryo and fetus”.

It claims that all humans are formed into embryos by the convergence of the qi (vital energy) of the Nine Heavens. After birth, they carry twelve knots from the embryo and fetus, which are firmly entangled and blocked in twelve parts of the human body, causing illness, suffering, and premature death.

Therefore, Taoist practitioners must first untie these twelve embryonic knots before they can become immortals. For the method of untying the knots, practitioners should select an auspicious day to enter a chamber, then practice cunsi (visualization meditation) on the Twenty-Four True Entities within the body as well as deities such as the Profound Father (Xuanfu) and Profound Mother (Xuanmu). They should also wear the following talismans: the Talisman of the Yang Spirit for the Transformation of the Nine Elixirs, the Talisman for Refining the Spirit with Embryonic Essence, the Inner Talisman for the Three Passes and Twelve Embryonic Knots, and the Talisman of the Flowing Essence of the Nine Elixirs for Preserving Life. By doing so, the embryonic knots will naturally be untied.