The Three Teachings Converge into One: The Path of the Mortal and the Saintly is the Same

Poetry:

For a hundred years, he struggled to save his loved ones in the netherworld; now, he returns home and finds his heart warm with the fragrance of incense.

My sleeves are covered in the blood of a cuckoo's cry, my heart aches with pain, and my tears have dried.

Meanwhile, Su Qingxuan rescued the souls of his parents from the Netherworld Black Water Prison.

He dared not delay for a moment, and rode the clouds back to the Wenru Tian Sanyi Palace at the fastest speed he had ever traveled.

The warm, luminous cocoon in his arms, bound together by the true meaning of the three religions, the light of Bodhi Buddha, and a pure silk handkerchief, was his entire world.

Inside the cocoon of light, the parents' souls were as ethereal as candles flickering in the wind.

The breath was so faint it was almost imperceptible.

Only through Su Qingxuan's continuous infusion of the purest and gentlest original essence.

And Xiao Lingxi's elixirs, the medicinal power of which transformed into spiritual mist,

Fang barely managed to cling to that last glimmer of life.

Yunmiaozi and Chiying followed closely behind.

Both of them knew that Su Qingxuan was anxious, and remained silent the whole way.

Push the speed to its limit.

Crossing the Thirty-Three Heavens of Gale, Thunder and Fire,

The familiar, ethereal aura of Wenrutian, along with the auspicious clouds and mist surrounding the Sanyi Palace, were already in sight.

"The Palace Master is back!"

Outside Guiyi Academy, Lin Wanqing, Xiao Lingxi, Xiao Lingyue, Zhou Ruolin, Qian Duoduo, Sun Bushao, Li Changfeng, and others waited anxiously...

In the distance, a hazy, three-colored streak of light could be seen on the horizon.

He immediately shouted excitedly.

Xuanqing and Liaochen had emerged from seclusion and were waiting at the gate with Elders Longyuan and Lingxu, their expressions solemn.

As the light fell to the ground, Su Qingxuan appeared.

Clutching the tricolored cocoon of light tightly in his arms, his face was pale.

Bloodshot veins were visible in his eyes, and his aura was slightly weak due to the exertion of his true intent all the way.

"Young Master!" Lin Wanqing and the other two women hurried forward.

Within the light cocoon in Su Qingxuan's arms, the two illusory, almost transparent, and quietly sleeping soul figures were none other than Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi.

My heart ached instantly, and my eyes welled up with tears.

Xiao Lingxi covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.

Xiao Lingyue's prayer beads trembled slightly, her beautiful eyes filled with tears.

"Qingxuan, quickly send the souls of the two elders into the palace. This is not the place to talk."

Elder Longyuan said in a deep voice.

He could tell the condition of Su Wenyuan and his wife's souls at a glance.

It has deteriorated to an extreme degree and could dissipate completely at any time.

Su Qingxuan said no more and, surrounded by the crowd, strode into the Sanyi Palace.

He had made arrangements beforehand, and went straight to the "Spirit-Nourishing Cave Heaven," the palace with the most abundant spiritual energy and the most rigorous array protection.

This grotto-heaven was originally created by Su Qingxuan specifically for his two masters.

It was provided as a place for him to retreat and meditate.

Drawing upon the spiritual veins beneath the Three Talents Peak, and gathering the power of the celestial bodies.

Furthermore, it contains layers of formations that nourish the soul and isolate external evils.

It is truly a first-class place for spiritual cultivation and nourishing the soul in the Sanyi Palace.

In the center of the grotto, a warm jade altar had already been prepared.

A soft mat woven from the ancient warming grass was laid on the tatami mat.

The surrounding area was slowly permeated with purifying incense.

Su Qingxuan carefully placed the light cocoon in his arms on the couch.

The movements were so gentle, as if they were holding the most fragile treasure in the world.

The cocoon of light slowly unfurled, revealing its inner contents.

Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi's souls lay flat on the warm soul-warming straw mat.

His eyes remained closed, and his face was slightly contorted with pain.

But compared to when they were in Blackwater Prison, that waning momentum has been halted.

Two strings of Bodhi prayer beads emanated a soft Buddhist light from their wrists.

It blends in with the plain white handkerchief covering it.

It forms a stable protective light film.

The spiritual mist formed from Xiao Lingxi's Soul-Stabilizing Pill

Like silk threads, it continuously seeps into the soul.

However, the soul itself remains almost transparently ethereal.

It seemed as if a gentle breeze could disperse it.

That was a consequence of being tormented by the Soul-Devouring Demon Chains for a century, which had completely drained my primordial soul power.

If Su Qingxuan hadn't rescued him in time, using the true meaning of the three religions and numerous treasures to forcibly prolong his life, he would have already been annihilated.

"Father, Mother, Xuan'er is back."

We're safe now. This is Xuan'er's home in the Heavenly Realm.

Su Qingxuan knelt before the bed, holding his father's and mother's intangible hands.

Her voice choked with emotion, but she forced herself to remain calm, afraid that the slightest fluctuation might disturb her fragile soul.

"Xuan'er is unfilial, causing you two to suffer for a hundred years... Xuan'er swears that I will definitely wake you up, no matter what the cost."

He turned around and quickly gave instructions to the people behind him:

"Wanqing, fetch that bottle of 'Nine-Turn Rejuvenating Jade Elixir' from my storeroom."

"Ten Thousand Years of Nourishing Purple Ganoderma", "Nine Heavens' Pure Dew".

Lingxi, go to the alchemy room immediately.

We will obtain all the top-grade elixirs that nourish the spirit and strengthen the body.

It especially focuses on nourishing the original soul power.

Lingyue, please recite the Diamond Sutra and the Medicine Buddha Sutra here.

The compassionate essence of Buddhism helps stabilize the soul and dispel residual demonic thoughts and death energy.

Chi Ying, you and Chang Feng will take turns guarding the area outside the cave from this moment on. No one may approach without permission.

Master Xuanqing, Master Liaochen, I'm temporarily entrusting you with the management of all affairs in the palace.

Elder Yun, Elder Long, Elder Ling, please help me stabilize the formation.

Gathering the spiritual energy of the universe.

The series of instructions were decisive and clear, and everyone obeyed them with awe, immediately splitting up to take action.

Soon, Lin Wanqing retrieved the top-tier spiritual artifact that Su Qingxuan had treasured.

Xiao Lingxi returned carrying dozens of jade bottles and boxes.

Inside are precious items, the culmination of her centuries of alchemy expertise.

Xiao Lingyue was already sitting cross-legged on the edge of the bed, her eyes closed as she softly recited Buddhist scriptures.

Gentle, pale golden light emanated from her, like a spring breeze and gentle rain, merging into the souls of Su Wenyuan and his wife.

Heaven cherishes life and always leaves a glimmer of hope for all living beings in the world.

The essence of the formation within the cave is to gather together the vast yet gentle spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Transformed by the array, it becomes the purest life force of heaven and earth, which the soul absorbs, gradually nourishing its soul power.

Su Qingxuan personally dissolved the "Nine-Turn Rejuvenating Jade Liquid" with his own true essence.

Little by little, it enters the space between the parents' brows.

Then, the juice of the "Ten Thousand Year Nourishing Purple Ganoderma" was extracted and mixed with "Nine Heavens Clear Dew".

Use a cleansing cloth to gently wipe the entire body of the soul.

Xiao Lingxi took out several kinds of pills, either turning them into mist for fumigation or condensing them into liquid and applying them.

These are all remedies specifically for the deficiency of the soul's fundamental essence.

With everyone working together, each person can give full play to their strengths.

Inside the grotto, spiritual energy swirled like mist, mingling with the fragrance of medicine and precious herbs.

The interplay of Buddhist light and Taoist charm creates a peaceful and tranquil nurturing environment.

Su Wenyuan and Liu's souls were continuously and gently nourished.

The illusory situation was finally stabilized and no longer became transparent.

The contorted, pained expression gradually calmed down.

I drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.

However, that's all.

The soul remains fragile, and the source remains depleted.

Like a riverbed that has dried up to its limit, it is moistened by a light rain and no longer cracks.

But to revitalize it and gather the water flow...

However, this cannot be accomplished overnight; it requires a constant source of fresh ideas.

For ten days and ten nights, Su Qingxuan never left his bedside.

He continuously transforms his purest and most fundamental essence into a gentle stream.

He slowly entered his parents' souls, not daring to be in a hurry.

This is a slow and meticulous process; it cannot be rushed or hasty.

His face was thin, his eyes were sunken, and he stared intently at every subtle change in his parents' souls.

Lin Wanqing, Xiao Lingxi, and Xiao Lingyue are three women.

They also took turns assisting, either by delivering elixirs, using secret methods, or reciting scriptures to soothe the soul.

They were heartbroken to see Su Qingxuan looking so haggard.

But knowing that persuasion was useless, all he could do was pour out his tenderness and concern.

It transforms into more meticulous care.

Lin Wanqing silently adjusted the flow of spiritual energy within the cave to make it more suitable for the soul's absorption;

Xiao Lingxi continuously fine-tuned the combination and dosage of the pills based on the state of the soul.

Xiao Lingyue's chanting remained peaceful and melodious, like a calming anchor, soothing all restlessness.

Chi Ying and the others faithfully guarded the perimeter, keeping all other matters at bay.

Everyone in the entire Sanyi Palace knows that the Palace Master is doing everything in his power to save his parents.

Everyone spontaneously fell silent, each performing their duties, and silently praying.

On the morning of the eleventh day, when the first rays of sunlight pierced through the cave's array and transformed into soft spots of light that fell upon the immortal bed.

Liu's soul-body fingers twitched almost imperceptibly.

Su Qingxuan, who had been staring intently, trembled violently and suddenly bent over...

Her voice trembled so badly it was almost incoherent: "Mother? Mother, can you hear me?"

Liu's soul remained with its eyes closed, but those illusory eyelashes...

It seemed to tremble very slightly.

Beside him, Su Wenyuan's soul seemed to sense something as well, his brows twitching slightly.

"Father! Mother!" Su Qingxuan burst into tears.

He held his parents' illusory hands tightly and gently pressed his forehead against the edge of the bed.

The guilt, longing, pain, and lingering fear suppressed for a century

At this moment, it surged forth like a river bursting its banks.

He was no longer the powerful Lord of the Three Palaces who commanded respect throughout the heavens.

No longer a Protector of the Way bestowed by the ancestral temples of the three religions.

He is just a child who almost lost both parents and is now finally seeing a glimmer of hope.

"Xuan'er is unfilial... truly unfilial..." His voice was hoarse, tears streaming down his face as he spoke haltingly.

"More than a hundred years ago, Xuan'er ascended to heaven, saying that there was plenty of time ahead..."

With their accumulated merits and blessings, the two elders will surely enjoy the blessings of both the human and heavenly realms.

But unexpectedly... unexpectedly, it caused the two elders to suffer the torment of a hundred years of soul refining!

What kind of pain must it be when those demonic chains are attached to the body and drain the soul power?

Xuan'er felt as if her heart was being torn apart just thinking about it, wishing she could take her place!

"In the past hundred years, Xuan'er has built the Sanyi Palace in the Heavenly Realm, taken in disciples, and gained a false reputation. He seems to be living a glamorous life..."

But whenever the night is quiet and I think of the kindness of my parents in raising me, then...

Xuan'er inquired everywhere about her parents' whereabouts, assuming they had already been reincarnated and were enjoying the blessings of heaven and earth...

Who would have thought, who would have thought that the two old people would... have their souls captured by villains and suffer endless torment!

Xuan'er... Xuan'er was completely unaware!

For the past century, the two elders have suffered in a dark and hopeless prison.

Xuan'er, however, lived a peaceful life under the so-called "saint's" halo...

Xuan'er is unworthy of being a son! Unworthy of being a son at all!

He cried his heart out, every word he uttered was filled with deep-seated self-blame and remorse.

Behind them, Lin Wanqing and the other two women were already in tears.

It was Chi Ying, Zhou Ruolin, and the others who were guarding the outer perimeter.

Even sensing it through the array, I couldn't help but feel a lump in my throat and tears welling up in my eyes, and an endless sorrow welling up in my heart.

"Father, you often taught Xuan'er that a scholar should establish himself with 'filial piety, brotherly love, loyalty and trustworthiness'."

Xuan'er... Xuan'er failed to even fulfill the most basic filial piety!

Mother, you are the kindest of all. When Xuan'er was young, he was naughty, but you never scolded him harshly. You always taught him gently...

But Xuan'er, you have suffered this inhuman pain!

Xuan'er... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...

He wept as he recounted his longing, worries, achievements, and regrets from the past century...

And the overwhelming rage and endless regret that followed the discovery of the truth poured out.

The heartfelt lament echoed within the tranquil cave.

Those who heard it were all moved, and those who saw it were all heartbroken.

Perhaps it was this sincere filial piety and grief that touched the unseen bond of blood ties.

Perhaps the careful care over the past few days has finally paid off.

On the immortal bed, a single, crystal-clear tear, formed entirely from soul power, slowly slid down the corner of Liu's soul's eye.

Immediately afterwards, Su Wenyuan's soul body's lips also twitched extremely slightly.

It seemed as if it wanted to say something, but ultimately it was unable to utter a sound.

But for Su Qingxuan, this single tear of soul and this movement of his lips were nothing less than the first ray of dawn in the chaos!

This proves that the parents' consciousness has not completely vanished.

They can sense his presence and hear his words!

"Father! Mother! You can hear me! You can hear Xuan'er speaking, right?"

Su Qingxuan was overjoyed and carefully wiped away the tear of her soul from her mother's eyes.

"Don't worry, Xuan'er is here. Xuan'er will definitely save you!"

No matter what, we will make sure you are all back to normal, our family is reunited, and we will never be separated again!

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions, and regained his rhythm as he entered into the true meaning.

At this moment, the anxiety and unease in his heart gradually dissipated, leaving only an unwavering belief.

He knew that his parents, hearing his confession and feeling his determination, had ignited their last bit of will to live.

The next step is to add enough fuel to this faint spark so that it can burn brightly until it illuminates the entire soul.

……

The treatment has entered a new phase.

The souls of Su Wenyuan and his wife began to respond slightly to the nourishment from the outside world.

The efficiency of absorbing medicinal power and vitality is much higher than when it was passively enduring it before.

Although it was still slow, it was indeed becoming more solid, and the illusory transparency was fading away little by little.

Su Qingxuan was even more meticulous.

Based on the reactions of his parents' souls, he continuously adjusted the frequency and attributes of the true meaning he infused.

Sometimes he would use the Confucian spirit to inspire his desire for life.

Sometimes, he uses the natural rhythms of Taoism to regulate the flow of his soul power.

Sometimes, the compassionate light of Buddhism can soothe the marks of wounds.

Lin Wanqing and her three daughters also did their best to take care of the two elders in every possible way.

And so, another ten days passed.

……

During this period, the True Martial Emperor sent officers from the Xuanwu Guard to come.

A batch of precious soul-nourishing elixirs was delivered to the Heavenly Court's Medicine Immortal Department, along with an update on the situation in the Netherworld:

The Song emperor has been stripped of his divine status and cast into the eighteenth level of hell to suffer eternal torment.

Its jurisdiction has been temporarily taken over by Zhenwu the Great, and all those involved in the case are being thoroughly investigated.

Although the other Yama Kings of the Ten Courts were shaken, they have not yet made any unusual moves under the supervision of the True Martial Emperor and the 100,000 Xuanwu Guards.

The Jade Emperor is aware of the whole story and highly praises Su Qingxuan for his actions in saving his family and eliminating the demon. Specific rewards will be discussed later.

Su Qingxuan thanked the angel and accepted the elixir, but his thoughts were still entirely on his parents.

He skillfully combined the medicine bestowed by the Heavenly Court with the palace's reserves and the elixirs refined by Xiao Lingxi, using them specifically for better results.

By the thirtieth day, the souls of Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi had become noticeably more solidified.

Although it is still weaker than an ordinary living soul, it is no longer in danger of dissipating at any time.

They could even communicate with Su Qingxuan gently using his divine sense.

It gave some extremely faint and vague mental responses.

Most of them are simple words like "all is well" or "don't worry".

For Su Qingxuan, this was already a great comfort.

However, another serious problem has arisen.

The soul can be nourished and strengthened, but the physical body was lost when it died a hundred years ago.

A soul without a physical body is ultimately a rootless duckweed.

They cannot live long, let alone truly "resurrect" and enjoy the perceptions and spiritual practice that the living should have.

The methods used to reshape the body from the soul are usually rare and precious natural materials.

With the resources of the Trinity Palace and the support of the Heavenly Court, it might be possible to gather the necessary funds.

However, the reconstructed physical body often fails to resonate adequately with the soul.

With limited aptitude, his future path of cultivation is almost entirely cut off.

This is absolutely not what Su Qingxuan wanted!

What he wanted was for his parents to truly "come alive".

With a healthy body, one can even embark on the path to immortality, live a long and healthy life, and enjoy family bliss.

That night, Su Qingxuan stayed by his parents' bedside alone, gazing at their peaceful sleeping faces.

Thoughts raced through my mind, exploring all sorts of possibilities.

Suddenly, an old case brought forth a resolute thought.

Like a lightning bolt flashing in the darkness, it struck his mind—

"I'll return my bones to my father, and my flesh to my mother..."

It is:

With frequent administration of medicine, the soul gradually stabilizes; though the compassionate countenance remains, where can it find refuge?

Desiring a complete reunion is futile; to repay the kindness of one's parents, one would gladly sacrifice one's life.