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

Poetry:

A century-old dream comes true in a single day; chaos is accomplished and all things are renewed.

Revisiting your kind face, joy and sorrow intertwine; reuniting with our old kinship.

It is said that Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi had their physical bodies reconstructed by Su Qingxuan.

It automatically enters a cultivation state during recovery, and its aura steadily increases...

On this day, within the Yun Shen Cave, the chaotic energy had already receded.

Only the purest and most refined celestial energy remained, flowing like a thin veil.

On the warm jade couch in the center

Two brand-new bodies trembled slightly, their eyelashes fluttering...

It was as if it were struggling to rise from the deepest dream.

Su Wenyuan was the first to wake up.

The moment his consciousness returned, it was not the cold, dark underworld he had known for the past century.

It was not a dissipated void of the soul, but rather an unprecedented lightness and fullness.

The limbs and bones are filled with surging vitality, and the blood and qi flow under the skin like a great river.

With each breath, it felt as if the surrounding spiritual energy was being swallowed up.

He suddenly opened his eyes!

What comes into view is the domed ceiling of the cave, and several stunningly beautiful faces looking down and gazing anxiously.

"Uncle, Aunt, you're awake?!"

Lin Wanqing was the first to react and quickly stepped forward to help him up.

Feeling it was inappropriate, she stopped halfway through reaching out her hand, her pretty face slightly flushed.

At the same time, a long sigh came from the other side.

She also woke up.

Liu's gaze fell on Lin Wanqing...

That gentle, lotus-like face, brimming with scholarly elegance, instantly...instantly reminded her of something...

As her memories unfolded, she recalled that rainy day, and that oil-paper umbrella…

Those few lines of conversation about the scenery and culture of Jiangnan, and the subtle expressions in poetry...

And there was that handkerchief embroidered with orchids, carrying a faint orchid fragrance.

"Wanqing... little girl?"

Liu's voice was weak, but it carried undisguised affection.

"Auntie, it's me."

Lin Wanqing had tears in her eyes, but she smiled sweetly, and was also a little shy.

"Wanqing is now Su Gongzi's Daoist partner."

You've just woken up and are still weak, so please don't talk too much.

Her movements were delicate and meticulous as she helped Liu Shi slowly sit up.

Every frown and smile exudes the grace and virtue of a housewife.

There's not a trace of the naivety of the young girl who went on her studies abroad back then.

Liu recalled Lin Wanqing's letter...

That apricot leaf bookmark outlined in gold thread, that hidden girlish sentiment.

Looking back now, it seems that they had already fallen deeply in love back then.

"Auntie, have some ginseng dew to soothe your throat."

Xiao Lingxi, carrying a jade cup, approached lightly.

She has shed her former impetuousness and gained more composure and competence.

But in those bright almond-shaped eyes, there was still undisguised concern and joy.

She carefully tested the temperature before bringing it to Liu's lips.

"Don't worry, young master, your foundation is very solid. You'll be fine after a period of seclusion."

"But you and Uncle, these new bodies need careful recuperation."

Liu took a sip from Xiao Lingxi's hand.

The ginseng dew is clear, sweet, and a warm current instantly flows through the body.

She perked up, turned her gaze to Xiao Lingxi, and was overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

Back then, he was like a ball of fire, clamoring to go to the temple fair.

The lively princess was clumsy at weaving grasshoppers.

Now she possesses such ethereal beauty and grace, and acts with such thoughtfulness.

"Good, good boy..."

Liu's eyes reddened, and she wanted to reach out and touch Xiao Lingxi's head.

But then I felt my sleeve being gently pulled by another hand.

She turned her head and saw Chi Ying.

This was the little girl who used to live next door to them.

She later became a formidable female warrior who dominated the frontier.

He was kneeling by the couch, his eyes red-rimmed.

Her lips were pressed tightly together, as if she was about to cry but was desperately trying to hold it back.

She looked at Liu Shi, opened her mouth, but didn't make a sound for a long time.

In the end, he simply tucked the blanket around Liu's head, one corner at a time.

Her movements and demeanor were exactly the same as when she was busy by the stove back then.

"Atao..." Liu finally couldn't hold back her tears.

He called out her childhood nickname from the human world, "It's you...it's you..."

That one word, "A-Tao," caused Chi-Ying's tears to burst forth instantly.

She nodded vigorously, her throat tightening, and after a long pause, she managed to utter a single sentence:

"Auntie...Atao...Atao will cook porridge for you every day from now on."

I'll cook your favorite osmanthus porridge...

As she spoke, she wiped her eyes hard with her sleeve, like a child.

Decades of frontier bloodshed, over a century of celestial trials.

At this moment, they all transform into the softest inner armor when facing family.

Su Wenyuan also saw Chi Ying.

This upright and honest old scholar was also moved to tears at this moment.

He recalled that quiet, reserved girl who always saved the best for Qingxuan.

I recall the legends of how she later traveled thousands of miles to protect her master, overcoming countless obstacles.

He reached out and gently patted Chi Ying's shoulder, everything understood without words.

"Uncle, Aunt..." a clear and gentle voice rang out.

Su Wenyuan turned his head, his voice a mixture of certainty and uncertainty:

"Ling...Ling Yue?"

Su Wenyuan called out the name, and memories rushed out like a tidal wave.

More than a hundred years ago, in the old house of the Su family in Qingxi Town…

The woman in white, who arrived through the morning mist, stood quietly under the osmanthus tree.

He left behind a scroll of the Heart Sutra and the words, "May the people in this monastery be blessed and free from all sorrows and suffering."

He never imagined that he would see this person again in his lifetime...

Her Highness is like a Bodhisattva!

"Uncle, I am Xiao Lingyue."

Xiao Lingyue nodded slightly, put her hands together, and bowed.

She remained aloof and reserved, but Su Wenyuan keenly noticed it.

A fleeting warmth, like ice melting away, appeared deep in the depths of her eyes.

She is no longer the woman who only knew how to worship Buddha a hundred years ago.

A princess shrouded in a thin mist,

Her concern became even more genuine.

On the other side, Liu was being helped to sit up by Lin Wanqing and others.

Xiao Lingyue bowed to Madam Liu with her palms together, her voice gentle and clear:

"Auntie, are you well?"

Chi Ying was somewhat at a loss; for over a hundred years,

Especially after her bloodline awakened, she became accustomed to fighting.

But more than a hundred years ago, she had also taken care of the two elderly people with the same meticulous care.

Overwhelmed with mixed feelings, he could only stammer out one sentence:

"Uncle, Aunt... Ah Tao... whatever you need... just tell me!"

For a moment, the atmosphere inside the cave was both warm and bittersweet.

Four women, of different statuses and personalities, surrounded the couch.

But that heartfelt concern and affection,

Yet it enveloped Su Wenyuan and his wife like a warm current.

From initial unfamiliarity and surprise...

The shock and emotion of recognizing each and every one of them...

And now, surrounded by the comfort of deep family love,

My mood fluctuated like a rollercoaster.

They saw the terrible price their son paid to resurrect them.

I also truly felt that these four women,

The deep affection she held for Su Qingxuan.

This is no longer just about the filial piety of a "daughter-in-law".

It is a bond that transcends blood ties and has withstood the test of life and death.

Su Wenyuan looked at these "daughters-in-law,"

Then he felt a completely different, powerful force and vitality within his body.

Then I thought back to what I perceived in my drowsy state.

The son's filial piety and deep remorse were heart-wrenching.

This old Confucian scholar, who adhered to etiquette and was of upright character throughout his life,

My eyes welled up with tears, and my voice became hoarse.

"Good, good... Xuan'er is blessed to have you all."

We... have burdened you.

"Uncle, please don't say that!" the four women said in unison.

Lin Wanqing said solemnly, "Young Master is willing to sacrifice himself to save the two elders."

It is our duty and our willingness to do our part for our parents.

We only hope that the two elders will recover soon and reunite with their son and family.

After drinking a few sips of ginseng dew, Liu felt a little better.

His gaze swept gently over the four women, growing more fond of them with each look, and he said softly:

"You're all good kids... You've worked so hard these past few days."

Xuan'er... he's so foolish, how could he hurt himself like this...

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes again.

"Auntie, please don't be sad. The young master has a profound foundation and will surely recover."

Now that you and your uncle have been reborn, your immortal bodies are complete, and you can look forward to eternal life in the future.

The young master's filial piety is enough.

Lin Wanqing gently comforted her, then took out a handkerchief to wipe away Liu's tears with tender movements.

Xiao Lingxi nodded repeatedly, while Xiao Lingyue silently wiped away her tears.

Chi Ying clenched her fist tightly, indicating that the young master was definitely alright.

……

In the days that followed, Trinity Palace seemed to become the most lively and warmest place.

Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi recovered at an astonishing speed.

This was thanks to Su Qingxuan, who used his own flesh and blood, which contained the origin of the Great Dao, as a foundation.

With the nourishment of the celestial energy of the cave and the meticulous care of the four women, he was also blessed with a peaceful and healthy life.

Lin Wanqing always manages to arrange all the trivial matters at the most opportune time.

From dietary planning to herbal remedies, the approach is clear and organized.

This way, Mr. and Mrs. Su Wenyuan wouldn't have to worry about anything.

She often chatted with Liu about everyday matters, reminiscing about interesting stories from Pingjiang Prefecture and Qingxi Town a hundred years ago.

The words expressed both remembrance and appreciation for the present reunion.

Xiao Lingxi, with her lively personality, became the "joker" of the cave.

She would come up with all sorts of novel and exotic fruits and wines in different ways.

They recounted vividly their experiences in the northern and western regions.

The amusing anecdotes they encountered made Mr. and Mrs. Su Wenyuan laugh heartily.

Sometimes, she would quiet down and comb Liu's hair.

Although her movements were not as skillful as Lin Wanqing's, they were exceptionally gentle.

He was humming an unknown tune.

Xiao Lingyue remained taciturn.

But she would do it every morning, when the yang energy in the cave was at its peak.

We recited a passage of scripture for Mr. and Mrs. Su Wenyuan.

The chanting of Buddhist scriptures cleansed their minds and helped them stabilize their newly acquired immortal bodies.

She would also gently guide them to feel the new life force within their bodies using Buddhist secret methods.

This section explains the essential points for beginners in Taoist cultivation.

Her care, like spring rain nourishing all things, is silent yet profound.

Chi Ying took on all the "physical labor."

She would personally go to the spiritual spring outside the cave to catch the freshest spiritual fish;

They would go and pick the sacred grains that were covered with morning dew;

He even personally stood by the stove, cooking that bowl of osmanthus porridge with a century-old flavor.

Although she is now a Golden Immortal, doing these things is a waste of her talents.

But she did it with utmost seriousness, as if this was the only way.

Only then can we make up for the regret of not being able to serve for a century.

Su Wenyuan and his wife ate the porridge she cooked, though the taste might not have been the best.

But that sentiment is more precious than any divine dish.

……

The four women took meticulous and thoughtful care of the two elderly people.

They were either dignified and composed, and made proper arrangements;

Or perhaps lively, meticulous, and knowledgeable in pharmacology;

Or calm and gentle, soothed by Buddhist teachings;

They may be heroic and straightforward, silently protecting each other.

Despite their different personalities, they all cared for Su Wenyuan and his wife.

But they were all expressions of heartfelt respect and concern.

That subtle mindset of a "daughter-in-law" serving her parents-in-law

It was fully demonstrated in the subtle and meticulous gestures.

Serving tea and water, tasting medicine and checking its temperature, massaging shoulders and backs, chatting to relieve boredom... they did everything with utmost care.

Su Wenyuan and Liu were initially a little unaccustomed to it.

But with the four women's sincere care, he quickly relaxed... his heart was filled with relief and gratitude.

They observed the four women's words and actions, and the tacit understanding between them.

And the natural affection that shines through her eyes when she mentions her son.

It was then known that these women were deeply in love with Xuan'er.

And their harmony made them happier than anything else.

After a century of suffering, his soul returned to the underworld, only to awaken again to find himself reborn in an immortal body.

And to top it all is such a wonderful and filial daughter-in-law...

It felt like a lifetime ago, yet also like a dream.

Under the meticulous care of the four women and nourished by the abundant spiritual energy of the grotto,

Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi recovered very quickly.

In just over a month, the two were able to move freely, and their new bodies had fully adapted.

His cultivation level has been completely stabilized at the early stage of Earth Immortal!

This is certainly because Su Qingxuan's physical and mental foundation is too strong.

This is also related to the fact that their minds have become more enlightened after experiencing hardships.

The two began to try simple cultivation and made rapid progress.

……

Su Qingxuan finally emerged from seclusion after two months.

His body has recovered, and the damage to his body has been initially stabilized.

His cultivation level had stabilized at the late Golden Immortal stage. Although his complexion was still somewhat pale, his spirits were still good.

When he saw that his parents not only had intact souls, but also possessed vibrant bodies with the cultivation level of earth immortals.

When the family of three was finally able to truly embrace and reunite,

All the effort and pain felt worthwhile.

The Trinity Palace was filled with joy.

Su Qingxuan formally introduced his parents to all the elders and core disciples in the palace.

Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi were dignified and kind, and had a great presence, which quickly earned them the respect of everyone.

A family reunion, enjoying the warmth of family life, a truly joyful occasion.

With four women attending to them, the warmth and joy of this reunion were made even more perfect.

……

However, the turmoil in the celestial realm did not subside as a result.

Shortly after Su Qingxuan's parents' condition stabilized, an angel suddenly arrived from Heaven...

The Jade Emperor decreed that Su Qingxuan must immediately attend the court assembly at the Lingxiao Palace.

Su Qingxuan knew that something important must be happening, so after settling things in the palace, he followed the envoy.

In the Lingxiao Palace, immortals and gods were lined up, and the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

The Jade Emperor sat regally on the Nine Dragon Throne.

The phantom images of the Three Pure Ones appear and disappear on both sides, along with important immortals and deities from the three religions and the chief officials of various departments.

After Su Qingxuan finished bowing, the Jade Emperor praised him gently for his meritorious service in saving his relatives and eliminating demons.

He bestowed many rewards upon him and formally conferred upon him the title of "True Lord of Manifesting Virtue and Manifestation," increasing his rank.

Immediately, the Jade Emperor changed the subject, his expression becoming solemn:

"However, although the matter of the Netherworld Emperor Song has been quelled, it has exposed hidden dangers in the Three Realms."

The demonic path has infiltrated, penetrating every nook and cranny.

Although the three religions all belong to the orthodox path, they each have their own superiors and different rules of conduct.

When facing the enemy, coordination is inevitably rusty.

A calamity is brewing beneath the surface, and strange occurrences are frequently occurring in the Ruins of Return.

In order to integrate resources and effectively cope with future calamities.

After consulting with the sages of the three religions, it was decided to establish a permanent institution.

The immortals in the hall tensed up and listened intently.

The Jade Emperor slowly said, "This institution is called the 'Three Religions Coordination Office'."

Its duties include coordinating the three religions, dealing with demonic calamities, and spreading the teachings in the mortal realm.

Cooperation in all matters, including talent selection and resource allocation.

The department has one chief official, one deputy official, and several subordinate officials.

The highest-ranking officials are the Supreme Celestial Venerable, the Sage of Literature and Confucianism, and the Great Enlightened Golden Immortal Tathagata, who oversee the three religions...

Each sent their most virtuous and respected Grand Immortals.

They take turns serving, changing every three hundred years.

The deputy positions are filled by talented individuals selected by the Heavenly Court.

His gaze swept across the hall, finally settling on Su Qingxuan:

"Su Qing, you are a disciple of the Three Teachings."

In the matter of rescuing his relatives from the underworld, he was both loyal and filial, possessed both wisdom and courage, and also received the true teachings of the three religions.

I hereby appoint you as the temporary deputy head of the "Three Religions Coordination Division," your first full-time assistant position.

Guangchengzi, a celestial master under the tutelage of Yuanshi Tianzun, was in charge of administrative affairs.

We hope you will fulfill your duties diligently and live up to the high expectations of the three religions and the Heavenly Court!

These words caused all the immortals in the hall to ponder.

The "Three Religions Coordination Office" is a first in history!

This means that the three religions will engage in in-depth and regular cooperation at the official level.

Su Qingxuan, having reached the Golden Immortal realm, was appointed as the deputy.

Although it was a "temporary appointment," the importance of his position and the significance of his responsibilities were evident.

This clearly shows that the Jade Emperor and the sages of the three religions highly valued and devoted themselves to cultivating him.

Su Qingxuan was also startled and quickly stepped forward and bowed:

"Your subject, Su Qingxuan, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"

"I will certainly do my utmost to live up to the trust placed in me by Your Majesty and the Sage!"

The Jade Emperor nodded, then turned to a man with an air of otherworldly grace...

The middle-aged Taoist priest with a simple and unadorned face said:

"Immortal Master Guangchengzi, thank you for your trouble."

That Taoist was none other than Guang Chengzi, an ancient Golden Immortal of the Great Luo, a man of utmost esteem.

He bowed slightly: "It's my duty."

Young friend Su is promising and possesses a natural talent for Taoism; I, this humble Taoist, also look forward to working with him.

After the court session ended, Su Qingxuan was stopped by Guang Chengzi for a brief conversation.

They agreed to officially begin their duties at the newly established "Three Religions Coordination Office" three days later.

The news was brought back to Trinity Palace, and everyone was delighted.

Yunmiaozi stroked his beard and laughed:

"The deputy head of the Three Religions Coordination Office... although there is no specific rank."

However, his power and influence are probably no less than that of a chief official.

"Palace Master, this is both a great opportunity and a great responsibility."

Su Wenyuan and Liu were also pleased and urged their son to be diligent in his duties and to keep the overall situation in mind.

The four women were overjoyed, and Lin Wanqing personally cooked the meal.

They prepared a feast of celestial dishes to celebrate.

During the meal, the family was reunited, the parents were healthy, the lovers were by their side, and the future was bright.

Su Qingxuan felt that after a century of trials and tribulations, he had finally achieved fulfillment.

My heart is filled with peace and joy.

……

That night, Su Qingxuan stood alone atop the cave.

Gazing at the eternal Milky Way in the heavens, my thoughts surged.

Parents are reborn, their path is bright, but the responsibility is as heavy as a mountain.

The road ahead is fraught with entanglement between the three religions, and demonic calamities lurk in the distance.

My support comes from my dearest loved ones, a bond that lasts forever.

He clenched his fist slightly.

Feeling the still powerful force within my body, though not fully recovered.

A hint of determination flashed in his eyes.

The road is long and arduous, but if you keep going, you will reach your destination.

No matter what the future holds, he, Su Qingxuan,

I will not betray the Buddha, nor will I betray you!

It is:

The joyous reunion is celebrated, and the imperial edict is presented; the three religions work together to establish true divinity.

I will not betray the Buddha, nor will I betray you; I stand alone by the starry river, my sword gleaming coldly.