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

Poetry:

Alone, he deterred spies on the battlefield, and traveled among the heroes to discuss and resolve their disputes.

For ten days I painstakingly managed the overall situation, hoping to change the course of history with my humble will.

Meanwhile, Su Qingxuan began a conversation with Burns, the counselor of the Eagle Federation.

Upon hearing this secret, Burns was secretly surprised and wanted to ask for details...

"I can't tell you," Su Qingxuan shook his head, "but you can tell Sa Chaocheng:

Give me a week.

If I cannot persuade the city-states of Canaan to abandon the war within a week, it will not be too late for the Eagle Federation to take action.

But if I succeed, the Hawk Federation must return to the negotiating table.

Burns stared at Su Qingxuan, seemingly trying to discern the truth from his expression.

After a long silence, he slowly nodded.

"I will pass it on, but I can't guarantee anything."

Mr. Su, you must understand that in Sachao City, there are some people with a will...

It's not something that can be changed by one or two secrets.

"I understand," Su Qingxuan said, extending his hand. "Do your best and have a clear conscience."

Burns shook hands with him and suddenly asked, "Mr. Sue, do you believe in God?"

Su Qingxuan smiled slightly: "I believe in... the Dao."

"road?"

"The Way of Heaven, the Way of Humanity, the Way of the World." Su Qingxuan gazed into the distance.

"The way of Heaven is cyclical, the way of humanity is to do good, and the world... will eventually move towards the light."

Burns remained silent, watching Su Qingxuan disembark, and the yacht slowly sailed away from the dock...

Burns stood on the deck, watching the young figure.

After disappearing behind the areca palm trees, he suddenly said to his assistant:

"Send a message to the Commander-in-Chief: The target, Su Qingxuan, has been upgraded to the highest danger level."

It is suggested that… extreme measures may be taken if necessary.

The assistant was taken aback: "Sir, he's a high-ranking special envoy from the Great Xia Xuanmen. If something happens to him..."

"Then let's make it an accident," Burns said coldly.

"Car accidents, drowning, sudden heart attacks... Dark Falcon has plenty of ways to handle them."

This person knows too much and has too many strange abilities; he cannot be allowed to live.

"Yes."

……

Late at night, in the old town of Sands Cotai Central, an antique shop about to close.

As Su Qingxuan pushed open the door, the wind chimes tinkled.

The store was dimly lit, and the shelves were filled with crescent-shaped scimitars, Bosch carpets,

Ancient kiln porcelain, the air filled with the scent of sandalwood and dust.

Behind the counter, an elderly man from Ganan, wearing a small round hat and sporting a large beard, was keeping accounts.

Hearing the sound, he raised his head, his dim old eyes sweeping over Su Qingxuan's face.

"We're closed, sir," the old man said in the common language of the continent with a city-state accent.

"I'm looking for 'Night Owls'," Su Qingxuan said in the local ancient language of southern Canada.

The old man paused, then slowly put down the account book.

He stood up, walked to the door, hung up the "Closed" sign, and pulled down the roller shutter.

When he turned around again, his hunched back suddenly straightened, and his dim eyes became sharp as an eagle's.

"Mr. Su, you've got some nerve," the old man's voice changed, becoming younger and colder.

"Dare to come to the Dark Raven Hall alone."

"I'm not alone," Su Qingxuan said calmly.

"Outside, there are at least a dozen of our Demon Suppression Camp brothers, carrying anti-sniper firearms."

If I don't leave within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they will launch a full-scale attack.

"At that time, this shop, and everyone in it, will disappear from the world."

The old man—"Night Owl," a secret agent of the Dark Crow Hall—sneered: "Are you threatening me?"

"I'm stating the facts," Su Qingxuan said, walking to an antique chair and sitting down.

"Mr. Night Owl, we don't need to beat around the bush."

I've come to give you, to give Benjamin, a message.

"What did you say?"

Su Qingxuan took the pendant off again and placed it on the table.

Under the dim light, the pendant gleamed with an eerie tricolor light.

Tell Benjamin that I know about the "Gate of Truth," and that I know he is a member.

I know what he admires.

If the city-states of Canaan insist on war, I wouldn't mind sharing this information.

It was revealed to the city council and to the opposition.

This was revealed to *City-State News* and *State Watch*.

"Night Owl's" expression changed drastically, and he subconsciously reached for the firearm at his waist, but Su Qingxuan was faster—

He pointed his finger, and an invisible burst of energy shot out.

"Night Owl's" firearm flew out of his hand and landed on the ground with a thud.

"You really aren't an ordinary person..." Night Owl stared at Su Qingxuan.

For the first time, fear appeared in his eyes.

"Yes, I'm not." Su Qingxuan put the pendant away.

"So don't treat me the same way you treat ordinary people."

Go back and relay the message: First, immediately cease war preparations, and the vanguard battalion should withdraw to its garrison.

Second, release the seized Anglo-Saxon merchant ships.

Third, publicly express a willingness to return to the negotiating table.

"What if I don't send it?"

"Then you, and your family in Canaan, will die."

Su Qingxuan's tone was very calm.

"Don't doubt my abilities."

I can enter silently, and I can kill silently.

The Dark Raven Hall cannot protect you, nor can the Gate of Truth.

The "night owl" broke out in a cold sweat.

He worked as a secret agent for thirty years and had seen countless ruthless people.

But I have never seen such a...inhuman being.

The absolute confidence beneath that calm face, and the all-seeing look in her eyes, sent a chill down his spine.

"I...I will pass on the message." He finally lowered his head.

"Very good," Su Qingxuan stood up, "Also, tell Benjamin,

If he remains obstinate, I will personally go to the capital city of Canaan to see him.

At that point, it won't be as simple as just relaying a message.

After saying that, Su Qingxuan turned and walked towards the back door. When he reached the door, he suddenly turned back:

"By the way, your son is studying medicine at California City University."

My daughter is studying law at St. Law School, and she's doing very well...

I hope they graduate safely.

The "night owl" shuddered; this was a blatant threat—

Su Qingxuan even found out about his children's situation.

The back door opened and closed again, and Su Qingxuan's figure disappeared into the night.

The "night owl" slumped into a chair, and after a long while, her hands trembled as she did so.

He took out the encrypted Tianxing communicator.

"Headquarters... I am 'Night Owl,' mission... failed, target..."

Extremely dangerous, he asked me to pass on a message…”

He relayed Su Qingxuan's words without missing a single one.

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone, then a cold voice said:

"Understood. Continue monitoring and await further instructions."

The phone hangs up.

"Night Owl" sat in the dimly lit shop, staring at the firearm on the floor.

Suddenly, I felt a bone-chilling cold—

Who exactly is this Su Qingxuan?

……

The next seven days were the busiest and most agonizing seven days of Su Qingxuan's life.

He traveled between Sands City, White Sea City, and Star Harbor City, meeting with various figures:

Anxi Kingdom's special envoy, Eagle Federation's lobbyist, and the Prince of the Golden Sands Kingdom

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Emirate of Emerald Isles...

Every day, he has to say countless things and analyze countless pros and cons.

Strive for every possible sliver of peace.

In the Kingdom of Anshi, High Priest Rahim was shocked upon receiving the secret report.

Initiate internal cleaning immediately.

Deputy Minister Muhammad Reza, Commander of the Sacred Flame Brigade Ismail Qani

Council Speaker Mohsen Zare,

Two deputy priests and the other two were secretly arrested.

During the interrogation, they indeed confessed to their connection with the "Gate of Truth".

The Anshigu leadership was shaken and ordered a thorough investigation to be conducted.

Further purging of "internal traitors" has led to unprecedented national unity...

Arias transmitted a message to Su Qingxuan through secret channels:

Anxi is willing to return to the negotiating table and make concessions on the issue of the Mystic Crystal Core.

However, it requires the Eagle Union and the Canaan City-State to first lift the repression and disband their military presence.

On the Eagle-Sa Federation side, after Burns relayed Su Qingxuan's words back to Sachao City, the Eagle-Sa Federation's high-ranking officials split into two factions.

The hardliners, led by Bren, Austin, and Sariel,

They advocated taking immediate action to seize Anshi during its internal turmoil and take it down in one fell swoop.

With Chief Secretary Jenny Yellen and Minister of Commerce Gina Raymond,

The leading moderates, however, worried that war would cause the collapse of people's livelihoods and advocated for negotiations first.

After a heated debate, President Eugene Rodger made the final decision:

The start of the war was postponed, but the troops were not withdrawn, and a high-pressure posture was maintained.

At the same time, it was agreed to hold "preliminary negotiations" with Ancy in Saint Radiance City.

The event was hosted by the Neutral Confederation, with the Great Xia Xuanmen participating as an observer.

The reaction was the most intense in the city-state of Canaan.

After receiving the message from the "Night Owl," Benjamin flew into a rage.

He immediately ordered the Dark Crow Hall to eliminate Su Qingxuan "at all costs".

But no sooner had the order been given than he received even more terrible news—

His grandson, who was studying in Fog Harbor, "went missing" on his way home from school;

Also missing were his daughter's nanny in Star Alliance City, along with his three-year-old granddaughter.

Benjamin then realized that Su Qingxuan was not bluffing; this person...

They truly possess the capability to strike with precision across vast distances.

Faced with the safety of his family, he had no choice but to compromise and agree to postpone the start of the war.

However, they insisted that "Anshigu must first disarm."

The three parties finally sat down at the negotiating table—

Although it was indirect, with messages relayed through an intermediary.

Shenghui City, the office of the Continental Peace Council.

Deputy High Priest of Anshi Kingdom, Deputy Ruler of Eagle-Sar Federation, Deputy Foreign Envoy of Canaan City-State

Representatives from all three parties began difficult negotiations under the mediation of officials from the Neutral Federal Government.

Su Qingxuan, in his capacity as "advisor," sat in the back row, fulfilling his duty of "observation."

The negotiations were difficult.

Anxi Kingdom demanded the suppression be lifted first, while the Eagle Federation demanded the sealing of the Mystic Crystal Core first.

The city-state of Canaan demands the dissolution of the external alliance first...

They argued heatedly in every round, and several times they almost overturned the table.

But after all, negotiations have begun, and as long as there is talk, there is hope.

Su Qingxuan sat in the back row, watching the diplomatic officials in suits and ties.

A fierce debate ensued, neither side willing to back down, leaving me with a complex mix of emotions.

In his previous life, when he was an envoy to the Western Regions, it was the same; he met with the kings of various countries in a tent.

The tribal chief negotiated and exchanged silk, tea, and porcelain for the submission of thirty-six kingdoms in the Western Regions.

Today, the negotiating table is not set with treasures, but with documents, clauses, and lists of pressure.

But the essence remains the same—it's all about the exchange of interests and the struggle of human nature.

Seven days of negotiations have finally yielded initial results:

Anxi Kingdom agreed to suspend the development of Xuanjing Spirit Core;

The Eagle Federation agreed to lift some restrictions on civilian sectors, allowing Anshi to export Spirit Ore.

The city-state of Canaan agreed to suspend military action, but demanded that Ancy halt the alliance's Crescent Valley operations.

Although we are still far from the goal of a final agreement, at least...

The wheels of war were brought to an abrupt halt.

On the night of the tenth day, in Shenghui City, at the hotel where Su Qingxuan was staying.

Su Qingxuan stood by the window, looking at the night view of the Silver Wave River, and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After more than ten days of intense negotiations, he had barely slept and now felt utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.

The phone rang; it was an encrypted call from an adult.

"Qingxuan, you've worked hard," the adult's voice was filled with satisfaction.

"My lord, it's no trouble at all," Su Qingxuan said softly.

"The important thing is that war has been temporarily avoided."

But this is just the beginning; things will get even tougher from here on out.

The Eagle Federation and the Canaan City-State will not give up easily.

There's also backlash within Ahn'Qiraj... We must be prepared for a long-term struggle.

"I know." The adult paused. "Qingxuan, you should come back."

It's too dangerous for you to be out there. The Dark Falcon Division and the Dark Raven Hall are both watching you.

"Come back and rest for a while, and we'll talk again when the negotiations make progress."

Su Qingxuan was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "My lord, I cannot go back yet."

The negotiations had just begun to show promise, and if I left, the Eagle Federation and the Canaan City-State might back out.

I will stay here until the formal agreement is signed.

"But……"

"Don't worry, sir, I can protect myself." Su Qingxuan smiled.

"Besides, with my brothers from 'Candle Dragon' here, they can't touch me."

The person on the other end of the phone sighed, "Then be careful. Remember, safety first."

They can negotiate at their own pace, but you only have one life.

"Yes, sir."

After hanging up the phone, Su Qingxuan walked to his desk, spread out a sheet of white paper, and began to write.

This is a habit he has cultivated over many years: when he is upset, he practices calligraphy to calm his mind.

Su Qingxuan wrote twelve characters with flowing, powerful strokes:

Peace is the most precious thing, war is the worst; the policy of pacifying the people depends on the hearts of the people.

After writing it down, he put down his pen, looked at the twelve characters, and suddenly had a bad feeling...

It went so smoothly!

Would the Eagle Federation and the Canaan City-State so easily abandon their war plans that they had been preparing for for years?

Would a madman like Benjamin compromise just because his family was threatened?

And what about the "Gate of Truth"? Would they just stand by and watch their carefully planned sacrificial ritual be ruined?

No! There must be some other plan he doesn't know about.

Su Qingxuan walked to the window and looked northeast, towards the direction of the city-state of Canaan.

In the darkness of night, he seemed to see a blood-red light shooting into the sky and hear the cries of countless dead souls.

"Could it be..." Su Qingxuan murmured to himself, "that they have a backup plan?"

Just then, the communicator vibrated wildly. It was Old Chen calling, his voice tinged with panic:

"Mr. Su, something's happened! Ten minutes ago, the City-State of Canaan and the Eagle Federation..."

They suddenly announced their withdrawal from negotiations!

Their delegation has left Shenghui City and is on its way to the airport!

Su Qingxuan's heart sank: "What's the reason?"

"The city-state of Canaan says that the Kingdom of Ancy secretly transported explosives to the Crescent Valley during the negotiations, violating its promises."

The Eagle Federation says that Anshi has bases on the border.

A large number of mystic crystal spirit cores have been discovered, proving that they are still continuing development...

"Excuses," Su Qingxuan gritted her teeth, "these are all excuses; they've wanted to tear up the negotiation agreement for a long time!"

"And it's even worse..." Old Chen's voice trembled, "Our inside sources have sent word..."

The military command of the city-state of Canaan has entered a state of maximum combat readiness.

The air formation is in position, and the bomb squadron has disarmed its weapons...

"Mr. Su, they're about to make their move!"

Su Qingxuan suddenly looked out the window; the night sky over Shenghui City remained tranquil.

But he knew that war had already broken out in the southern part of the western continent, thousands of miles away.

Sure enough, the next second, Crystal Screen Video suddenly broadcast an emergency message:

Breaking news: Walter Benjamin, the Chancellor of Canaan, has just delivered a video address.

The government declared that the Kingdom of Anshigu had "seriously violated its promises" and "posed a direct threat to the city-state of Canaan."

The city-state of Canaan has decided to exercise its right of self-defense and take "necessary military action" against the Kingdom of Anshi...

Scene shifts to the Eagle Federation Commander's Mansion, where President Eugene Roder is located.

Standing before the podium, his face was grave:

"Tonight, we stand with our ally, the city-state of Canaan."

The Anshi regime is untrustworthy; they continue to make threatening actions while negotiating.

For the sake of peace and security, the Eagle Federation supports the actions taken by the Canaan City-State…”

Next, there was a live broadcast from the federal video conference – within the state of Canaan.

Dozens of explosive bombs rose into the sky, trailing plumes of flame, piercing the night sky towards the direction of Anshi.

War broke out!

The pen in Su Qingxuan's hand fell to the ground with a clatter.

He slowly closed his eyes, and it seemed as if he could hear the whistling of an explosion.

I heard the roar of the explosion, and I heard the screams of civilians...

Still... they couldn't stop it.

It is:

The newly formed alliance crumbled in an instant, with treacherous schemes threatening to destroy peace.

All attempts to maneuver have failed, and the flames of war illuminate the cold night.