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

Poetry:

Frost paints the ginkgo leaves in the western suburbs, and undercurrents stir up turbulent waves in the universe.

The Demonic Sect secretly plots calamity for all living beings; war is about to break out and the blue sea will be at peace.

The western suburbs of Longjing are ablaze with autumn colors.

The autumn wind swirled the ginkgo leaves, like golden foil, and they rustled down onto the bluestone path.

It had accumulated into a thick layer, and when you stepped on it, it made a soft, rustling sound.

When Su Qingxuan stepped into that villa with its blue bricks and gray tiles once again,

It was already late autumn afternoon.

Sunlight streamed through the carved wooden window frames, cutting obliquely into the study.

On the polished nanmu wood floor, dappled light and shadow are cast.

A faint scent of ink and tea lingered in the air.

There was also a faint, almost imperceptible scent of sandalwood...

The adult remained bent over the enormous continental map that occupied half the wall.

His back was slightly hunched, yet he exuded a steadfastness like a mountain.

He held a gleaming red pencil in his hand.

The pen tip slowly drew a circle across the vast land of the ancient Parthian Kingdom.

He paused, then emphasized the location of "Canglan Strait" again.

The pencil lead left a deep red mark on the paper.

It was like a wound about to tear the earth apart.

"They've arrived." The adult didn't look up; his voice was low and hoarse.

Bearing the authority of someone who has long held a high position,

Yet, there was also a hint of weariness that was barely perceptible.

Su Qingxuan sat down quietly in the rattan chair by the window.

The tea is brewed; it's Wuyi rock tea, the tea soup is a deep, bright red, and steam rises gently.

It condensed into a wisp of white mist in the cool air.

Su Qingxuan picked up the teacup, his fingertips touching the warm porcelain.

But his gaze fell on the adult's profile.

In four years, the man's temples had turned almost completely white, gleaming a dazzling silver light in the sunlight.

The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were so deep they looked like they'd been carved with a knife; each one...

They all bear the marks of time and the heavy burdens of family and country.

"The analysis report you submitted last time regarding the situation in the Western Desert Sea,"

I read it three times, and even had the Military Affairs Department study it overnight.

The adult finally straightened up and rubbed his aching back.

He walked slowly to the opposite side of the tea table and sat down.

His gaze was as deep as an ancient well, as if it could see through all the fog of the world.

"Tell me about the military cooperation between the Eagle Empire and the Canaan City-State."

What stage have we reached so far?

Su Qingxuan put down his teacup and took out his black leather bag.

Take out a manila envelope, and pull out a stack of high-definition video recordings.

Gently push it in front of the adult.

The first photo was taken at a secret military port in Dongcanghai.

On the azure sea, three silver-gray Xuan Tie-class cruisers...

Quietly moored at the dock, the massive cranes are busily unloading cargo.

Each item was marked with the words "Military Supplies - Ministry of Defense of Canaan City-State".

Dark blue containers are being continuously loaded onto trucks.

In the corner where the video was taken, you can see several armed men.

Eagles fly over the Marine Corps soldiers on alert.

The second photo was taken deep in the Jinsha Desert.

Amidst the swirling yellow sand, a newly built dome-shaped base is beginning to take shape.

The long track gleamed white in the sunlight.

Through the half-open hangar door, the Xuan Tie Falcon stealth aircraft could be vaguely seen.

The iconic diamond-shaped tail fin gleams with a cold metallic sheen in the shadows.

The third video is the most shocking one.

The image is somewhat blurry, clearly indicating it was recorded from a distance.

However, it was still possible to vaguely discern that he was the Chief of Military Affairs of the Eagle Federation Empire.

And the face of the Minister of Defense of the city-state of Canaan.

The two sat at a long table, their heads close together, talking in hushed tones.

Spread out on the table was a detailed military map of the Kingdom of Anshigu.

The capital city, the Mystic Crystal Core, and other names were densely marked in red pen.

Key targets such as missile bases and the Holy City's garrison.

Each mark resembles a blood-red cross.

"According to our latest intelligence," Su Qingxuan said calmly.

But every word he uttered carried immense weight.

"As of last week, the Eagle Empire had already sent troops to the city-state of Canaan."

Two complete squadrons of Xuan Tie Fei Jun A fighter jets were delivered.

A total of 24 aircraft were deployed at the newly built base in the Jinsha Desert.

Also delivered at the same time were three battalions of "Xuangang-3" air defense and anti-missile arrays.

And 120 ship-launched and land-based "Breaking the Might" cruise missiles.

Su Qingxuan paused, took a deep breath, and his tone suddenly became serious:

"More importantly, half a month ago, the Eagle Empire's Flight Department..."

A Giant Spirit strategic transport plane secretly landed in,

Geneva, the capital of the city-state of Canaan

The aircraft was carrying sixty of the latest Type B nuclear explosive bombs.

The yield of this type of explosive bomb can be between 300 tons and 50,000 tons.

It features stepless adjustment and extremely high precision, enabling it to penetrate concrete structures tens of meters thick.

Currently, these explosives are stored in the underground arsenal of the Jinsha Desert base.

It is jointly controlled by the Flying Department of the Eagle Empire and the Defense Department of the Canaan City-State.

The study fell silent instantly.

The old-fashioned wall clock ticked away, each tick striking a chord in one's heart.

The adult picked up the teacup, brought it to his lips, but hesitated to drink it.

Su Qingxuan could clearly see that his calloused hands were trembling slightly.

The surface of the tea water rippled with tiny waves.

After a long while, the adult slowly put down the teacup, the bottom of the cup clinking against the table.

It emitted a dull, soft sound.

"What do they want?" His voice was low and somewhat suppressed.

"Are they really planning to launch a preemptive strike against the Kingdom of Anshigu using spirit core bombs?"

"That's not all." Su Qingxuan then pulled out an encrypted document from his bag.

The cover is stamped with a red "Top Secret" seal.

"This is a secret message just sent back by the 'Torch' team, concerning the 'Gate of Truth'."

This refers to the latest infiltration situation of the Black Lotus Society in the Western Desert region, as you know it.

He opened the document and pointed to the list on it:

"The Anshigu Kingdom currently has at least five core members among its high-ranking officials."

They have been deeply corrupted by demonic thoughts, including the Vice Minister of Defense,

A high-ranking commander in the Holy City's Guardian Army.

And two personal deacons of the High Priest of the Holy Church.

Once war breaks out, these people will create chaos immediately.

Assassinate pro-war generals, disrupt the command system, and undermine the security of the Anshigu Kingdom.

It collapsed from within in the shortest possible time.

"And on the side of the Canaan city-state," Su Qingxuan's gaze turned cold.

"The current governor of Canaan is himself a core official member of the 'Gate of Truth'."

His grandfather suffered the annihilation of his tribe in his early years and endured immense torment in dire straits.

His mind became completely twisted, and he joined a secret cult that worshipped dark forces.

This organization was absorbed into the "Gate of Truth" in the mid-20th century.

His grandfather also became one of the early core members of the "Gate of Truth" on the Western Continent.

The adult closed his eyes, leaned back in his chair, and took a deep breath.

When I opened my eyes again, all the shock and anger had faded.

All that remains is a cold, iron-like decision.

"Qingxuan, do you know what all of this means?"

"I know." Su Qingxuan nodded slowly.

"Once the Kingdom of Anshigu is destroyed, the Canlan Strait will fall entirely into the hands of the city-state of Canaan."

It is under the control of the Eagle Federation Empire.

More than 40% of the maritime trade of Lingyuan minerals across the mainland passes through this narrow strait.

Once they cut off the supply, the price of spiritual ore across the entire continent will more than triple overnight.

The Western Continent countries, which rely on imports of spirit-source ore, will be the first to experience a spirit-source crisis and economic turmoil.

Next came the Dongju Islands, the Goryeo city-states... The global economy would fall into an unprecedented depression.

Only the Eagle-Slaying Federation Empire possesses abundant spiritual stone veins on its own soil.

It boasts the world's largest grain production, as well as military and economic hegemony.

They could reap the benefits of this crisis, and even seize the opportunity to plunder the wealth of the entire continent.

"This is just the economic aspect."

The adult stood up and walked once more to the enormous map of the entire continent.

The finger traced a slow arc from the East China Sea, extending all the way to Anxi Bay.

"Militarily, if the city-states of Canaan were to annex the Kingdom of Anshigu,

This would allow the construction of a system extending from the eastern shore of the East Canghai Sea all the way to Anxi Bay.

The Greater Southern Region of Influence.

At that time, all the spirit stone resources in the entire Western Desert will become part of the Eagle Empire.

And the city-state of Canaan was already in their grasp.

They can use spirit-source ore as a weapon to coerce the various countries of the Western Continent into completely binding themselves to their cause.

Coercing the struggling Northern Rin Federation to make concessions on the Northern Border issue.

They will also use this to blackmail us in places like Canglan Island and the South China Sea.

Compromises were made on issues of core interests.

The adult turned around abruptly, his gaze sharp as a hawk's:

"What's even more deadly is the strategic situation."

Once the Western Desert Sea completely collapses, the Eagle Empire will be able to extricate itself from this quagmire.

They mobilized all their military, economic, and foreign affairs forces to completely contain our Great Xia.

To the east, they will fully arm the Dongzhou Islands and accelerate the support for the separatist forces on Canglan Island;

To the south, they will incite the city-states surrounding the South China Sea to oppose us;

To the west, they will redeploy troops to the Western Wilderness Plateau.

This directly threatens our northwestern border and the Silk Road's Spirit Stone passage...

At that time, we will be strategically surrounded by enemies on three sides.

The situation would be a hundred times more difficult than it is now.

Su Qingxuan remained silent.

He wrote all of this clearly in that analysis report.

Hearing this from an adult at this moment added an extra layer of heaviness.

"And there's the most terrifying thing," the adult's voice lowered even further.

With a deep sense of worry,

"Once the war breaks out in full force, the western desert region..."

Tens of millions of people will be displaced and become refugees.

The accumulated hatred of tradition, tribal conflicts, and territorial disputes over the past century,

It will be completely ignited.

The negative emotions generated by that scale of killing, despair, and hatred

That's enough to give the demonic soul behind the "Gate of Truth" a good feast.

If we allow it to grow uncontrollably using this opportunity...

At that time, it will not just be a crisis for the Great Xia Dynasty.

It is a catastrophe for all humanity.

The study fell silent once again.

Only the clock on the wall continues its tireless ticking.

Tick-tock, tick-tock, each sound is like...

The countdown to this turbulent world has begun.

After a long silence, the adult slowly spoke, breaking the suffocating silence:

"Qingxuan, I have a task for you."

Upon hearing this, Su Qingxuan abruptly stood up from the rattan chair.

His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his expression was solemn.

"Sit down, sit down and talk." The adult waved his hand, signaling him to relax.

I sat down again at the opposite side of the tea table.

"On the surface, we will do our best to mediate this matter through normal diplomatic channels."

The Ministry of Rites has issued a strongly worded statement calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

An immediate ceasefire and return to the negotiating table to resolve differences.

We have already submitted a proposal to the Council of Cities and States.

An emergency special meeting was requested to discuss the current situation in the Western Desert.

He paused, a hint of helplessness in his voice:

"But we both know that diplomatic rhetoric can never stop a real war."

As long as the Eagle Empire is determined to fight, the council will be nothing more than a powerless figurehead.

Therefore, we must make a good public appearance, but secretly...

We need someone to do things that even the Minister of Rites cannot or should not do.

The adult raised his head, looking directly into Su Qingxuan's eyes, his gaze filled with trust and reliance:

"I need you to secretly travel to the Western Desert as a private scholar."

As the owner of "Trinity Abode," he lobbied the decision-making level of the Eagle Empire.

And the highest leadership of the Kingdom of Anshigu, doing everything possible,

"Bring them back to the negotiating table and stop this devastating war."

Su Qingxuan's heart skipped a beat; how similar this scene was.

In a previous life, during the Jinghe era, the kingdoms of the Western Regions were in chaos, and the Silk Road was blocked.

At that time, he was in the same situation, in the Golden Palace, from Emperor Jinghe's hands...

He accepted the heavy staff, was entrusted with a critical mission, and was sent as an envoy to the Western Regions.

At that time, he wore a crimson robe, the robe of a chief minister, and a Liang crown.

Officials lined the long pavilion for ten miles to see them off, while the people of Luoyang knelt and bowed along the roadside.

Now, he was dressed in ordinary casual clothes, without any entourage or farewell party.

He couldn't even let anyone know his true purpose.

But the burden on my shoulders is heavier than in my previous life.

Because this time, what he needs to protect is not just a country.

Rather, it refers to all living beings in the human world.

"I can." Su Qingxuan replied without hesitation, his voice as firm as steel.

"Have you thought this through?" The adult's expression became extremely serious.

"This is not a formal diplomatic visit, and you do not have a diplomatic exemption."

The intelligence agency of the Eagle-Sar Federation Empire has long listed you as its number one priority monitoring target.

The moment you set foot on the land of the Western Wilderness Sands, you'll encounter the Shadow Guard, the Secret Investigation Bureau, and the Mysterious Academy.

All the intelligence agencies will swarm around like sharks smelling blood.

On the surface, they won't dare to do anything to you openly... but it's hard to guard against attacks from the shadows.

Car accidents, falling objects from heights, sudden heart attacks... they have a hundred ways to deal with these.

"To give you a 'reasonable death,' and without leaving any room for doubt."

"The situation in Anshigu is equally dangerous."

Since the "Gate of Truth" has already infiltrated their inner circle, you should try to reconcile them.

If you cut off their path, they will stop at nothing to get rid of you.

And then there's the Dark Raven Hall in the city-state of Canaan, the coldest place in the world...

One of the most efficient intelligence agencies, they were working on the so-called "Millennium Plan."

They're capable of anything.

The adult stood up, walked to the window, and opened it.

The autumn wind, carrying ginkgo leaves, blew in and ruffled his gray hair.

The adult gazed at the apricot leaves covering the mountains and fields outside the window, his voice low and hoarse:

"Qingxuan, you are the most 'capable' person I have ever met."

But no matter how extraordinary your abilities, you are still only made of flesh and blood.

Unable to withstand psionic bullets, unable to withstand psionic core bombs, this mission...

"Nine times out of ten, they survived."

Su Qingxuan also stood up and walked to the adult's side.

We stood side by side, gazing at the autumn colors outside the window.

"My lord, four years ago, beneath the towering ice cliffs deep in the Kunlun Mountains..."

The Demon Lord's split soul once asked me: "Do you think you are protecting the human world?"

It's ridiculous that the human world is a breeding ground for evil.

"The masses are foolish and not worth your sacrifice."

Su Qingxuan's voice was soft, yet it carried a clarity and unwavering resolve that transcended eternity:

I replied to him at the time: "It is precisely because the human world is imperfect, precisely because all living beings suffer, that..."

That's why someone needs to step forward and sow the seeds of kindness in this land.

Su Qingxuan turned her head and looked at the adult, her eyes filled with a clear understanding of life and death.

It is a clear and serene state:

"This trip to the Western Desert and Anxi is to sow seeds."

If we can successfully prevent this war, it will be a blessing for all living beings.

If it doesn't work, I've done my best. As for life and death...

He smiled slightly, a smile that carried a carefree air of having seen through the ways of the world:

"I've lived too long and witnessed too much life and death."

It has also experienced too many dynastic changes.

If my death can awaken the conscience of some people,

It could delay or even prevent this catastrophe.

Then, this life was worthwhile.

The adult gave Su Qingxuan a deep look and remained silent for a long time.

Suddenly, he raised his hand and patted Su Qingxuan's shoulder heavily.

"Good!" said the elderly man, who was over sixty and had long since stopped showing his emotions.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Our Great Xia Dynasty is fortunate to have a national hero like you; it is a blessing for the country and the nation!"

"You already possess the highest command authority over the 'Torch' team."

You have complete control over all domestic intelligence and military resources.

In addition, you should immediately recruit from the elite forces of the Zhulong Demon Suppression Camp.

The twelve top-tier team members must be the cream of the crop among elite soldiers.

They were to infiltrate the Western Desert and the Kingdom of Anxi in batches, under different identities.

Protecting your safety from the shadows.

The adult took a small red notebook out of the drawer.

Handed to Su Qingxuan:

"This is our record from the Western Desert..."

Contact information.

Do not use it unless absolutely necessary.

Every person's identity is hard-won.

Then, he handed over a silver encrypted USB drive:

Here is all the information you need:

Within the Eagle Empire's decision-making hierarchy, which figures are pacifists worth winning over?

Who are the die-hard warmongers?

Who truly holds real power among the political factions within the Kingdom of Anshigu?

The detailed military deployment of the city-state of Canaan, and the "Gate of Truth,"

List of key local locations and core members...

Go back and study it carefully.

Su Qingxuan took the laptop and USB drive with both hands, feeling the heat burning in her palms.

What they are holding is the expectation and trust of hundreds of millions of compatriots.

"There's one more thing," the adult paused, his tone softening slightly.

"If you want to bring those four women from 'Sanyi Abode,' then go ahead."

They each have their own expertise, and in crucial moments, they might be of great help to you.

But I must remind you, taking them along is tantamount to taking them...

It has also dragged us into a life-or-death situation. You need to think this through carefully.

Su Qingxuan remained silent for a moment, the images of the four of them flashing through her mind.

Finally, he slowly shook his head.

"I'll go alone."

"Sure?"

"I'm sure." Su Qingxuan's voice was incredibly firm.

"They stayed in the country, promoting the revival of civilization and educating people's hearts."

Eradicating the breeding ground for demonic thoughts at their root is equally important.

Even further into the future.

And... in case I really don't come back, they can continue this cause.

The flame is passed down from generation to generation, never to be extinguished.

The adult sighed deeply and said no more.

For the next hour, the two locked themselves in the study and carefully discussed all the details:

The travel route, the disguised identity, and the contact methods at each point in the journey.

Emergency response plans for unforeseen circumstances, and evacuation plans for the worst-case scenario.

By the time everything was settled, dusk had already fallen outside the window.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the western suburbs in a warm golden-red hue.

The calls of returning birds echoed through the mountains.

"When are we leaving?" the adult asked.

"Tomorrow morning," Su Qingxuan said. "The longer we stay, the more things can go wrong. Let's set off a day earlier."

That gives us a glimmer of hope.

"Alright." The adult personally escorted him to the entrance of the villa.

The two stopped under the tall ginkgo tree.

Golden ginkgo leaves fell one by one onto their shoulders.

"Qingxuan, I have a piece of advice for you," the adult said slowly.

"Ancient military texts say: The best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans; the next best is to disrupt their alliances; the next best is to attack their army; and the worst is to besiege their cities."

Your trip this time represents the highest level of "strategic maneuvering" and "diplomatic maneuvering."

But if the plan fails and the alliance is not established, and the other party insists on "attacking the army" or "sieging the city"...

You should also prepare for the worst.

Su Qingxuan bowed deeply: "Qingxuan understands."

"And another thing," the adult stepped forward, lowering his voice, his tone filled with deep concern.

"Remember, no matter what happens, survival comes first."

Where there is life, there is hope.

Great Xia needs you, and this world needs you too.

Su Qingxuan felt a warmth in his heart and bowed deeply again:

"Please rest assured, my lord, Qingxuan will do his utmost to live up to your expectations."

After saying that, he turned and left.

As dusk deepened, his back stood tall and straight like a pine tree, resolute and determined.

It gradually blended into the vast night.

The adult stood under the ginkgo tree, gazing for a long time in the direction where he had disappeared, motionless.

The autumn wind is bleak, and fallen leaves are flying everywhere.

Until a whispered reminder came from behind:

"Sir, it's getting cold and the wind is picking up. Please go back inside."

The adult seemed not to hear, and after a long while, slowly spoke:

"Xiao Chen, tell me, are there really people in this world who aren't afraid of death?"

Xiao Chen was stunned for a moment, unsure how to answer.

The adult asked and answered himself, his voice deep and resonant:

"Yes, those who are not afraid of death are those who are driven by their beliefs, ideals, and the well-being of all people."

Because they know that in this world,

There are things more important than life.

The adult turned around and slowly walked towards the study, his steps somewhat heavy.

That night, in this villa on the western outskirts of Longjing,

The lights remained on until the first light of dawn appeared in the east...

It is:

He lightly resigned from the capital to venture into the perilous frontier, disregarding life and death to protect the vast wilderness.

A loyal heart shines as brightly as the sun and moon, its flame forever burning to calm the vicissitudes of life.