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

Poetry:

Thunder and fire first rise over the vast sea, shattering the evil alliance's century-old scheme.

He recklessly used weapons to slaughter the common people, never expecting that his own life could save the day.

The flying boat lost its color in astonishment, a divine miracle; the overlord bowed his head and ceased his war plans.

The flames of war on earth are about to subside, and auspicious clouds have gathered in the sky above the tower.

At the same time that Su Qingxuan faced death and the four women ascended to immortality, thousands of miles away at the Eagle Alliance headquarters...

Meanwhile, the city-state of Canaan, a thousand miles away, was plunged into chaos.

Inside the Xuanqiong Hall of the Eagle Alliance, the Grand Commander and a group of high-ranking officials...

Staring at the Transmission Spirit Plate in the center of the hall, his face was ashen.

The spirit disc projects real-time images transmitted by the space-penetrating spirit kite:

That world-destroying thunderbolt, codenamed "Scorched Earth Dawn," containing five million jin of annihilating power...

It erupted in the sky above the desolate Gobi Desert, eight hundred miles away from Holy Flame City.

The anticipated destruction of the city and loss of life did not occur; the anticipated calamity did not materialize.

The scene of the entire city being covered did not appear.

Deep in the Gobi Desert, only a huge vitrified crater remains.

And a dark purple cloud of calamity slowly rising.

"What happened?" The Grand Commander's voice trembled, and the jade cup in his hand fell to the ground, shattering into several pieces.

"Why did it explode in the desert? Who altered the trajectory of the lightning?"

The commander of the war division was covered in cold sweat, and his fingertips were trembling: "I...I don't know."

The last message from the monk piloting the boat was that, in the last few dozen breaths before the attack, there was one...

A humanoid target grabbed Xuan Lei and forcibly changed its direction...

After that, all communication ceased completely.

"A humanoid target? Embracing the Annihilation Thunder?" The Grand Commander found it utterly absurd.

"Are you telling me that a cultivator could hug an eight-meter-long object with his bare hands?"

The world-destroying lightning, traveling at a speed of three thousand miles per hour,

"And they even changed its course?"

"That's how the cultivators who sailed the boat reported it... The Sky-Piercing Kite also captured a blurry image."

The scene changes; it's a clip captured by high-speed photography:

A golden spot of light shot into the sky from the direction of Holy Flame City.

Approaching the Ink Shadow Flying Boat at an incredible speed,

He then grabbed Xuan Lei from under his belly, turned around, and dashed towards the desert.

Although the image was blurry, it was still clearly discernible that it was a human figure.

Even more shocking are the scenes that followed:

After the Xuan Lei erupted, four pillars of light shot into the sky from the direction of Holy Flame City—

The four colors—blue, gold, white, and red—intermingle and shine.

Immediately, the four figures disappeared into the clouds amidst the golden light.

The Xuanqiong Palace was deathly silent.

After a long silence, an elder who believed in the Xuan Guang Sect spoke in a trembling voice:

"This...this is enlightenment and ascension to heaven? This is the return of a saint to his rightful place?"

Good heavens... what kind of being have we provoked?

"Terrifying divine power..." someone murmured to themselves.

"Is it the secret trump card of the Western Desert tribes?" someone else speculated, though they themselves didn't believe it as soon as the words left their mouths.

What trump card could allow someone to catch the world-destroying lightning with their bare hands?

What kind of cultivator can ascend to heaven in broad daylight?

Panic spread through the palace.

If Holy Flame City truly has the protection of a saint of this caliber,

No amount of world-destroying lightning could save them.

Today, one person altered the trajectory of a mysterious lightning bolt; what about tomorrow?

Could there be more saints who could directly block all the deadly weapons?

"Commander-in-Chief," the strategist began with difficulty.

"We probably need to... reassess the entire situation."

Using the World-Destroying Profound Lightning is already a taboo in the cultivation world.

It now seems that even using lethal weapons may not achieve the desired result.

On the contrary... it will enrage an existence we cannot possibly contend with.

The president slumped into his chair, feeling cold all over.

He recalled the ancient legends recorded in the alliance's books, and the dying words of the former Grand Commander:

Never underestimate the Taoist traditions of the East; beneath those seemingly declining appearances...

It holds an ultimate power beyond our comprehension.

At that moment, he believed it.

"Terminate all subsequent strike plans." His voice was hoarse, as if he had aged ten years in an instant.

"The official statement is... that this was an accidental misfire during a failed refining of Xuan Lei..."

No, let's just say that the Xuanlei encountered spatial turbulence during its transport and crashed in the desert.

Yes, it was an accident.

The order was then passed down to express apologies to all departments in Holy Flame City and to offer material and humanitarian aid.

"The battle situation in Holy Flame City..."

"Contact, negotiations." The president closed his eyes and wearily waved his hand.

"This battle... has come to an end."

The same panic also swept through the city-state of Canaan.

When they learned that the World-Destroying Thunder had been stopped by a mysterious force,

When they saw the four beams of light shooting into the sky and the scene of ascending to heaven, the entire city-state cabinet was stunned.

"This is a manifestation of a saint... an ancient god of the desert descending upon the world?!" the city-state leader exclaimed, trembling.

"We...we have committed a grave offense against the divine authority!"

"Immediately cease all military operations!"

Send a message of willingness to negotiate to Holy Flame City!

fast! !! !!

In addition, a letter of state was sent to the Great Xia in the East to express goodwill, saying that...

Let's say we are willing to uphold their civilization and traditions, and practice the way of coexistence among all races!

The Eagle Alliance and the Canaan City-State, two dominant forces that have roamed the western deserts for many years.

Faced with the power of an extraordinary saint, a deep-seated fear finally arose.

They didn't know the origin of that golden light, but they knew clearly that...

That was an existence they could not contend with even if they used all the strength of their entire clan.

Then, a bizarre scene unfolded:

The Eagle Alliance, which had boasted the day before that it would "flatten Holy Flame City and drive the tribes back to the wilderness,"

The next day, they suddenly changed their tune, claiming the explosion was an "accident" and offered to negotiate.

The city-state of Canaan went even further, with its chief personally announcing to the entire city that...

They expressed "deep regret" over the war and were willing to withdraw their troops "unconditionally".

The entire western desert was in an uproar.

Only a very few people know the truth—it was the sacrifice of a saint.

It reversed the course of the war and rewrote the landscape of the entire continent.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Land of Great Xia, after receiving a detailed secret report from the Western Wilderness Sand Sea,

After a long silence, he slowly spoke:

"For Mr. Su Qingxuan, and the four esteemed scholars Lin Wanqing, Xiao Lingxi, Xiao Lingyue, and Chi Ying,"

A shrine was erected in commemoration; the Five Saints Shrine was built.

The main ancestral hall is located in Longjing, and a branch ancestral hall will also be established in Shengyan City.

"To let future generations know that there were once five saints who sacrificed their lives for peace."

What price was paid for the continuation of civilization?

"We must also let all races under heaven know what the core of the Great Xia civilization is—"

It is 'benevolence,' it is 'love,' it is the commitment to sacrifice oneself for righteousness.

……

The Heavenly Realm, outside the South Heavenly Gate.

Auspicious clouds swirl around, and cranes flutter gracefully.

One hundred thousand heavenly soldiers and generals lined up on both sides, banners waving and celestial music playing.

Further away, disciples of the three religions and celestial beings gathered here to witness the ceremony.

This is the grandest event in the Heavenly Realm since Su Liebing unsealed the demon 100,000 years ago.

Beside the Heavenly Gate, the three sages, Wenru Tianzun, Taiqing Tianzun, and Rulai Shizun, had already taken their seats.

Suddenly, a golden light soared up from the lower realm and landed outside the Heavenly Gate.

It transformed into Su Qingxuan's true spirit body.

The true spirit is majestic and awe-inspiring, the soul intact, and the memories undamaged.

His whole body radiated a rich, golden light of merit, as if it were real.

"Qingxuan, you've worked hard." Wenru Tianzun sighed softly, his eyes filled with concern and praise.

"To sacrifice oneself for the cause is an immeasurable act of merit." The Supreme Celestial Venerable nodded, and lightly waved his whisk.

A stream of pure energy flowed into the true spirit, helping to stabilize its soul.

"The cause and effect are settled, and the sacred heart is perfected." The World-Honored One on the Lotus Throne smiled.

A golden lotus blooms at the fingertips and disappears into the true spirit.

Su Qingxuan's spirit bowed deeply:

"Disciple Su Qingxuan greets the three masters."

My mission in the human realm is complete.

The seeds of cultural revival have been sown, and the path to a civilized mind has been explored.

The fundamental way to deal with the Demon Lord—

The disciple has already grasped the principles of teaching and guiding.

"When the four fairies return, we will rekindle our past bond and together fight against the demonic calamity of the Void."

As soon as the words were spoken, four golden beams of light rose up from below the Heavenly Gate.

They landed outside the South Heavenly Gate and transformed into the forms of four women:

Lin Wanqing wore a Confucian crane-feather cloak, a scholar's cap, and held a jade tablet.

His body was surrounded by a righteous and awe-inspiring aura; he was none other than the Immortal Lord Wenqing.

Xiao Lingxi wore a blue Taoist robe with subtle cloud patterns.

A blue Daoist mark appeared between his brows; it was none other than True Lord Qingxi.

Xiao Lingyue wore an embroidered cassock, with a halo above her head and a vase in her hands.

With compassionate eyes and brows, she was none other than Lotus Moon Bodhisattva.

Crimson Tassel clad in crimson armor, wielding a demon-slaying spear.

With an imposing and heroic aura, she is none other than the War Goddess Li Ying.

All four women were at the mid-stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm, their auras soaring to the heavens.

"Young Master!"

Upon seeing Su Qingxuan's true spirit, the four women wept with joy.

"I promised you, we would meet again in the Heavenly Realm." Su Qingxuan smiled.

The true spirit gradually solidified under the nourishment of the boundless celestial energy.

"I did it."

The five people held hands, looked at each other, and smiled.

Through countless cycles of reincarnation, through life and death, they will eventually achieve fulfillment.

The Venerable Wenru Tianzun spoke:

"Your karma with the five of you has been resolved, and your merits are complete. You should return to the ranks of the immortals."

Su Qingxuan, you remain the sage of literature and scholarship, in charge of the Three Teachings Coordination Office, and oversee all matters of education and enlightenment in the heavens.

The four fairies returned to the Palace of Three Ones to assist Su Yasheng.

Two hundred years later, the Demon Lord of Guixu breaks free of his seal, and you five must join forces to completely eradicate this demonic threat.

Su Qingxuan and the four women bowed and said in unison, "We will obey the decree!"

"Furthermore," the Supreme Celestial Venerable added, waving his whisk, five beams of immortal light descended.

Transformed into five identity jade talismans,

"What you have done in the human realm has alarmed the three realms."

The Jade Emperor decreed that Su Qingxuan be granted the title "True Lord of Literary Splendor and Enlightenment".

He bestowed upon the four fairies the title of "Four Guardian Saints of the Way".

With this jade talisman, one can freely enter and exit all the heavens and myriad realms.

I hope you will live up to our expectations and achieve new successes.

"Thank you, Jade Emperor! Thank you, Heavenly Venerable!"

The celestial official who was to guide them stepped forward and led the five people into the Heavenly Gate.

The moment he stepped through the Heavenly Gate, a vast expanse of immortal energy surged forth, enveloping Su Qingxuan's true spirit.

Begin to reshape the immortal body—using the seals of the Three Teachings as bones, the golden light of merit as flesh, and the Daoist rhyme of the Sacred Heart as the soul.

Celestial energy gathers, and rays of light emanate from it.

A moment later, a flawless quasi-saint immortal body condensed.

His appearance was exactly the same as Su Qingxuan's, but his demeanor was even more magnificent.

The Taoist aura of the three religions flows around his body, and three halos of light shine on the heavens behind his head.

The four women also reverted to their previous incarnations, each revealing their true nature.

The five saints stood side by side inside the South Heavenly Gate, their aura soaring to the heavens.

One hundred thousand heavenly soldiers and generals shouted in unison:

"Welcome back to the True Lord Zhaosheng! Welcome back to the Four Guardian Saints!"

The sound shook the thirty-three heavens.

Su Qingxuan looked down and, through layers of clouds, could see the mountains and rivers of the human world.

He could see the western desert land he had just left.

Holy Flame City still exists, Great Xia still exists, and the flame of civilization still burns.

The Eagle Saga and the Kanambu were forced to retreat in fear, and the fighting was about to end.

The cultural revival of the Great Xia Dynasty is in full swing, and the seeds of moral civilization have been deeply sown.

His eternal karmic ties with the four fairies came to an end, and their love was fulfilled.

Everything is moving towards the light.

"I will protect all of this," Su Qingxuan said softly, turning to look at the four fairies beside him.

"Through education, through benevolence, and through the Way that unites the three teachings."

The four women stood beside him, their eyes equally resolute.

Yes, they will protect each other together.

From the mortal realm to the heavens, from the mundane world to the celestial court, this path protects civilization...

They will continue on the path of educating and enlightening all beings.

Until the Void is pacified, until the Three Realms are clear, until all sentient beings can understand their true nature and be free from suffering and attain happiness.

That is the ultimate goal of the unity of the three religions, and that is the true meaning of the path of the mortal and the saint.

It is:

Auspicious clouds rise outside the South Heavenly Gate, where the Three Teachers respectfully await the Holy Minister.

The cause and effect of countless ages have been resolved today; the bond of a thousand years is clear in our hearts.

He was granted a golden seal and title, and his immortal status was bestowed with imperial grace to protect his path.

May the benevolent winds bring peace to the land, and may spring reign in all realms, bringing tranquility to all things.

(Volume 4: Transcending Tribulations in the Mortal World - The End of the Flame of Civilization)

Postscript:

Su Qingxuan and the four fairies completed the tribulation and redemption in the mortal realm.

Returning to the Heavenly Realm, they are about to face the ultimate calamity of the Demon Lord of the Ruins.

How will they end this catastrophe?

How will Su Qingxuan truly achieve this?

"The three religions converge into one, and the common people and sages follow the same path?"

Please see Volume Five: The Unity of the Three Teachings and the Common Path of the Mortal and the Saint.