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

Poetry:

The north wind whips up the earth, war clouds loom overhead, and demonic flames surge to the heavens, threatening to engulf the city.

Three thousand righteous spirits are forged into swords and spears, a loyal heart stands firm on the border.

As Su Qingxuan's consciousness returned to its place, he understood the tragic dying wish of his ancient ancestor who sacrificed himself to suppress the demon. The shock in his heart receded like a tide, leaving only a clear, mirror-like, and unwavering understanding. The divine light in his eyes was restrained, yet it possessed a profound, majestic, and unassailable righteous aura. The bronze holy seal in his palm was no longer merely warm and smooth ancient jade; the mountain, river, bird, and beast patterns on its surface seemed to come alive, and the three colors of light—pure white, azure gold, and pale gold—flickered and flowed like breath, subtly harmonizing with the rhythm of heaven and earth. The new buds of the spiritual wood branch in his hand unfurled, shimmering with emerald mist, radiating an ancient yet vibrant Daoist vitality. The "Righteous Qi Chapter" within his body circulated on its own, the harmonious and unimpeded true qi of the three religions surging and roaring through his meridians, blending seamlessly with the qi of the two treasures outside his body. The resonance was clear and resonant, neither metal nor stone, yet it seemed to contain boundless principles, piercing through the chilling battle clouds and reaching the highest heavens. That righteous qi, originating from the ancient inheritance and the grand aspirations of his ancestors, burst forth, forcefully pushing back the surging, viscous demonic qi by more than ten feet. Even the howling, biting north wind that reached within three feet of him seemed to be smoothed out by an invisible force, transforming into a gentle breeze.

At this moment, on the desolate wasteland, the two armies faced each other, the air pressure so low it was suffocating. In the far north, thick, leaden clouds piled up, obscuring the sun. Deep within the clouds, dark red blood light and eerie green flames writhed like evil dragons, weaving a bizarre and grotesque scene. A muffled roar, like that of a giant beast, mingled with countless frenzied howls, shaking the earth and sending dust flying. The vanguard of the demonized Di Man army had advanced to within two miles, appearing as a dark, endless tide, slowly crawling and approaching. The completely demonized monsters took on various forms, some bloated like mountains of flesh, others slender like ghostly shadows. Their claws and fangs dripped corrosive, black slime, and the surging demonic energy around them coalesced into phantoms like swords and spears, sizzling and charring the ground wherever they passed, even quickly corroding away stubborn rocks. The number of half-demonized soldiers was even greater, their eyes cloudy and bloodshot, their faces distorted, uttering meaningless hoarse sounds. The scimitars and bone clubs they wielded were shrouded in a tangible black aura, their steps frantic yet swift. The ferocious, deathly aura of hundreds of thousands of soldiers condensed into a visible, pale black mist, hanging low above the army formation. Even the sunlight filtering through the gaps was tinged with a dim, yellowish hue. The air was thick with a pungent stench of rotting, decay, and sulfur, making one want to vomit.

In contrast, the Great Xia army stood solemnly, tens of thousands of soldiers standing tall. Though facing the terrifying demonic army, not a single one stirred, nor did they retreat a single step. Eight years on the frontier, immersed daily in the righteous teachings of the three religions and practicing the righteous methods of cultivation at night, had long since forged these former border soldiers into a uniquely spirited "Daoist army." Their armor gleamed, their spears and halberds like a forest, their formations perfectly aligned, imbued with a strange rhythm. Each soldier's face lacked the fear or fanaticism of ordinary soldiers before battle, only a calm, unwavering resolve, and a flame of "protection" flickering in their eyes. Within their chests, a righteous energy flowed spontaneously, subtly connecting with the aura of their comrades, forming a pale golden, almost imperceptible "canopy of righteous energy" above the army. Though not as dazzling as the radiance surrounding Su Qingxuan, it was rich and enduring, steadily resisting the oppressive demonic mist. Zhou Cang stood with his sword at the center of the army, his figure like an iron tower. His blood and qi surged, subtly resonating with the righteous energy of the entire army, radiating a solid and imposing aura. Chi Ying stood at the vanguard, her dark red outfit highlighting her agile figure. Her beautiful eyes were slightly narrowed as she stared intently at the surging demonic figures. Her spear pointed diagonally at the ground, a clear light flowing from its tip. The three thousand elite guards were like unsheathed swords, their auras condensed and unified, ready to strike.

Su Qingxuan, his blue robes fluttering, slowly stepped out from the crowd, reaching the center of the open space between the two armies. Though not particularly tall, he seemed to have become the central axis of heaven and earth. His gaze calmly swept over the boundless demonic shadows before him, then looked back at the silent and resolute steel jungle behind him, and further away, a thousand miles away, at the homeland of the Central Plains, where smoke curled from chimneys. He spoke, his voice not loud, yet strangely overwhelming the wind and the demonic roars, clearly imprinted on the minds of every soldier: "Listen, soldiers! In this battle, the enemy falls into two categories: First, those whose souls have been utterly destroyed, whose bones are tainted by demonic energy, and who possess only the instinct for destruction—these are the scourge of heaven and earth, the enemies of all living beings. They must be swiftly and decisively annihilated and purified, without any mercy! Second, those barbarian soldiers whose minds have not been completely extinguished, who are still entangled by demonic energy, and who retain a sliver of clarity—these are not enemies we must kill. We must surround and trap them, guiding them towards goodness with the righteous energy of our three religions and the compassionate light of Buddha, dispelling the demonic atmosphere and restoring their true nature! Our Great Xia army is a righteous and benevolent army, upholding the will of Heaven and the way of humanity, punishing the wicked and exterminating evil, rescuing the drowning and protecting all living beings! Anyone who dares to disobey orders, indiscriminately kill, or bully those who surrender will be mercilessly executed according to military law!"

"We obey the Marshal's command! Slay the demons, protect the living! Uphold righteousness, defend the right path!" Tens of thousands of people responded in unison. The sound was not a roar, but contained a unified belief and righteousness, like a great bell, resounding outwards! This sound wave, along with the radiance of the three treasures around Su Qingxuan and the pale golden canopy of righteousness above the entire army, complemented each other. In an instant, a transparent barrier, visible to the naked eye and rippling with gold, white and blue, appeared out of thin air in front of the army formation, pushing forward dozens of feet! The fierce aura of the demon army's vanguard crashed into the barrier, and immediately melted away like boiling water splashed on snow, making a strange "hissing" sound. The dozens of demons at the forefront crashed into the barrier, their demonic flames surging and trying to erode it, but they were devoured by the Confucian principles of benevolence and forgiveness, the Taoist tranquility, and the Buddhist compassion flowing on the barrier. They screamed in pain, rolled backwards, and the demonic aura on their bodies dimmed a bit.

The demonized Khan, positioned in the center of the army, witnessed this scene. His already bloodshot eyes nearly burst open, and an uncontrollable rage surged within him. "Su! Qing! Xuan!" he roared hoarsely, each word carrying a piercing, metallic scraping sound. The demonized spiked club in his hand, now fused to his own flesh, slammed heavily into the ground! "Boom!" The earth trembled violently. Centered on his position, dozens of spiderweb-like black cracks exploded, spewing forth viscous demonic energy several meters high. "You have corrupted my divine path, disrupted the morale of my army! Today I will devour your flesh, drink your blood, and use your soul to fuel my demonic lamp for ten thousand years! My men, kill! Slaughter these hypocritical southerners, leave no one alive, mountains of corpses, rivers of blood!"

"Kill—!!!" The demonized Khan's roar was like the fuse that ignited a powder keg. The last vestige of order in the hundreds of thousands of demonized troops completely collapsed, transforming into a torrent of pure destruction that erupted with a deafening roar! The completely demonized monsters abandoned all formations, relying on their powerful demonic bodies and instincts to run wildly on all fours or fly low into the air, transforming into twisted black lines that were the first to rush towards the Great Xia army formation. The half-demonized soldiers followed closely behind, like madmen, wielding weapons that exuded demonic energy, forming a black tide that made one's scalp tingle, crushing in with overwhelming force! The sound of hooves, footsteps, roars, the clash of weapons, and the howling of demonic energy blended into a symphony of destruction. The earth trembled, the air shrieked, and the yellowish sand, tainted by demonic energy, was swirled up, blotting out the sun, as if the end of the world had arrived.

"Vanguard Battalion, wedge formation, charge! Break their edge!" Chi Yingqing shouted, her voice like tearing silk, igniting the boiling fighting spirit and killing intent of the three thousand vanguard soldiers behind her. Her figure transformed into a streak of crimson light, taking the lead. Her red-tasseled spear rang out with a long "clang," and a clear, autumn-water-like spear aura shot out like a bolt of lightning. The spear aura carried the principles of military strategy, as well as the true characters of the Confucian "righteousness" and the cloud seal script of Taoism, clearing the air wherever it passed. The three wolf-shaped demons at the forefront bravely met the spear aura, but were cut in half at the waist. Their demonic bodies suddenly stiffened, and then pure white light burst forth from the cut, instantly purifying the demonic energy and turning their bodies into ashes. However, the sheer number of demons was overwhelming. As soon as the spear's energy dissipated, several swift, cat-like demons pounced from both sides. Chi Ying swung her spear, deflecting them one by one, but the third demon's claws were already at her ribs. She twisted and dodged, but her clothes were still torn by the claw's force, and her skin burned. Fortunately, her righteous energy protected her, preventing serious injury. The three thousand elite vanguard soldiers roared in unison, forming an incomparably sharp cone-shaped battle formation, closely following Chi Ying, like red-hot daggers, fiercely wedging themselves into the surging black tide! Their weapons all shimmered with similar pure righteous energy, their auras linked through the battle formation, their advances and retreats precise, their offense and defense perfectly integrated. Amidst the flashing blades and shadows, demons howled, spraying black blood, only to be quickly purified and dissolved by righteous energy. Yet the demonic tide surged on, relentlessly attacking. Though the vanguard was brave, it was like rowing against the current; every step forward came at a price. A young soldier bravely pierced the throat of a pig-shaped demon, but before he could react, a slender demon hidden in the sand on his flank suddenly thrust out a bone spike, piercing his shoulder blade. The soldier roared in pain, slashing the bone spike away with his backhand. Black energy spread from the wound, but fortunately, a comrade beside him quickly pressed his acupoints, injecting righteous energy to resist the attack and dragging him back into the formation. However, his face had turned bluish-black, indicating that the demonic energy had penetrated his body to a considerable degree. Chi Ying caught a glimpse of this out of the corner of his eye, his heart aching. He increased the speed of his spear thrust, shouting repeatedly, trying his best to clear a path and relieve the pressure on the soldiers behind him. However, several shallow bloodstains appeared on his arms and back, all caused by the demonic energy, requiring him to divert his attention to using his true energy to resist and purify it. Although the vanguard battalion's charge successfully tore open a gap in the demonic tide and slowed its advance, they themselves were like torches in a storm, their light intense but flickering, with sparks (wounded soldiers) constantly falling from their flames.

Almost the instant the vanguard battalion engaged the enemy, the central command flag waved, and Zhou Cang's booming voice, like a bell, drowned out the clamor of the battlefield: "The Three Powers Righteous Qi Formation, activate! Protect my comrades, and cleanse the demonic atmosphere!"

At the command, the formation moved! The 50,000 soldiers of the central army moved swiftly and precisely, their armor clanging and their footsteps thundering. It was not a simple charge, but rather a movement following a profound trajectory. In an instant, a magnificent formation covering several miles in radius, its energy connecting heaven and earth, suddenly took shape! As soon as the formation was completed, the righteous energy canopy of the entire army, which had been slightly fluctuating due to the impact of the demonic tide, suddenly stabilized, its light intensified, and even illuminated the demonic clouds pressing down overhead.

At the core of the grand formation was the "Confucian Loyalty Formation," composed of 20,000 elite soldiers. The soldiers did not charge, but stood in place, their long spears planted firmly on the ground, reciting in unison the "Ode to Righteousness" by the Sage of Literature: "Heaven and earth possess righteous energy, which manifests in myriad forms..." The recitation, initially soft, carried a strange resonance, connecting with the righteous spirit within each soldier, with the canopy of righteous energy above the entire army, and subtly echoing the aura of Su Qingxuan at the formation's core. As they recited, visible pale golden characters rose from their mouths, noses, and the Baihui acupoint on the top of their heads, not scattered, but following profound laws, weaving, condensing, and stacking in the air, transforming before the formation into a "Wall of Righteousness Light," spanning east to west, over ten zhang high, several chi thick, and as majestic as a mountain! The wall of light was not inanimate; countless tiny golden characters, like grains of sand in a galaxy or flowing rivers, swirled and rose slowly, embodying the Confucian virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, trustworthiness, loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and courage. It exuded a dignified and awe-inspiring presence, radiating a sense of righteousness, inviolability, and the power to repel all evil. Its soft yet resilient light illuminated the backs of the vanguard soldiers fighting fiercely on the front lines, stabilizing the entire army's formation. The first target of the demonic tide was this wall of light. The completely demonized monsters, with their flesh and blood, claws, and demonic energy, frantically attacked and tore at it. Where the wall was struck, the golden characters flowed faster, rippling like waves, yet it remained as stable as a mountain. Instead, it shook the attacking monsters, causing their demonic energy to dissipate and them to roar and retreat. Furthermore, wisps of pure righteous energy, following the recoil from the monsters' attacks, invaded their cores, scorching them and causing them to emit black smoke and hiss. However, the demonic forces were immense and relentless. The soldiers maintaining the formation behind the light wall felt waves of chilling power emanating from afar, their blood churning. Those with weaker cultivation levels gradually paled, needing to exert their righteous energy to share the pressure with their comrades. Occasionally, a powerful demon would launch a concentrated attack on a single point, causing the corresponding section of the light wall to tremble violently. The dozens of soldiers maintaining that point would groan, blood seeping from their mouths and noses, yet they would grit their teeth and endure, none retreating a single step, until their comrades beside them shared the pressure, the formation shifting and dispersing the impact borne by that single point.

On either side of the "Confucian Loyalty Formation," two "Taoist Yin-Yang Formations," each composed of ten thousand soldiers, quietly began to operate. While connected to the central formation, each formation possessed its own unique function. The left formation, belonging to Yang, had its soldiers' steps subtly aligned with the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) directions. Their weapons were not used for blind slaughter, but rather to draw upon the pure Yang energy and the essence of fire from heaven and earth. Heat rose within the formation, and countless blazing white sparks emerged from the void. Wherever the weapons pointed, these sparks either coalesced into dazzling, scorching "Fire Arrows" that shot forth, piercing through demons; or extended into raging "Flaming Dragon Whips" that swept and lashed out, melting away any demonic energy they passed through, leaving a pungent, acrid smell; still others used powerful footwork to activate underground fire, making large areas of land in front of the formation unbearably hot, slowing the demons' advance. The right flank, belonging to Yin, consisted of soldiers whose movements were elusive and ghostly, a stark contrast to the masculine and fierce left flank. As their weapons drew the air, moisture rapidly condensed, transforming into countless azure ice crystals and sharp, icy "Kan Water Swords," which rained down on the demon army's flanks, freezing and slowing their movements. Alternatively, they would conjure winds from the ground, whipping up countless invisible yet incomparably sharp "Xun Wind Blades," specifically targeting weak points in the demonic energy's connections to cut and disrupt their formation, cutting off the flow of demonic energy. The wind fueled the fire, the fire borrowed the wind's power, and the water below quenched the demonic fire. The Yin-Yang formation complemented each other, the pure and ethereal energy evolving into natural power. Though not as solid as a Confucian light wall, it was agile and unpredictable, its killing intent fierce, completely disrupting the seemingly unified flanks of the demonic tide. Countless demons were caught in the web of wind, fire, and water, unable to advance or retreat, trampling each other.

At the rear of the grand formation, the "Buddhist Compassion Formation," composed of ten thousand soldiers, numerous accompanying monks, lay Buddhists, and martial artists well-versed in Buddhist principles, was now filled with the low, resonant chanting of Buddhist hymns, a stark contrast to the fierce battle ahead. They did not attack directly, but instead sat cross-legged or stood with palms together, chanting mantras such as the *Śūraṅgama Mantra*, the *Great Compassion Mantra*, and the *Rebirth Mantra*. The deep, resonant, and compassionate chanting blended strangely harmoniously with the resounding recitation of the *Ode to Righteousness* and the howling wind and fire generated by the formation. Far from appearing chaotic, it formed a grand background sound that soothed the mind and suppressed evil. With the chanting, a soft yet resilient golden Buddhist light, full of life's warmth, spread from within the formation. This light was not dazzling, but like mercury seeping into the ground, it was all-pervasive, carrying boundless compassion, inclusiveness, purification, and awakening. It primarily enveloped the large number of half-demonized Di barbarian soldiers charging at the rear. As the Buddha's light enveloped them, the soldiers trembled violently, their eyes flashing a murky crimson, their faces contorted in extreme pain and struggle, as if two opposing consciousnesses were locked in a fierce battle within them. Some clutched their heads and howled, staggering and wildly swinging their weapons; others were struck as if by lightning, their demonic weapons clattering to the ground, kneeling and trembling, tears streaming down their faces; and a few, whose will still retained a sliver of clarity, briefly regained their lucidity, their eyes revealing deep fear, regret, and bewilderment, before being enveloped by an even denser Buddha's light. The tangible black aura surrounding them vanished and evaporated like frost in the morning sun. The Buddhist Compassion Array, not for killing, but for salvation, dismantles the enemy's will to fight, soothes restless souls, and saves the fallen heart. It is the "heart" of the "Three Powers Righteousness Array," infusing the army's murderous aura with a touch of compassion.

The three grand formations did not operate in isolation. Their aura, through the profound formation trajectories and energy channels, subtly connected with Su Qingxuan, who sat at the formation's core and commanded the entire operation. Furthermore, they resonated with the righteous energy canopy above the entire army and the three treasures in Su Qingxuan's hands, forming a vast, ever-renewing, integrated offensive and defensive system of purification and redemption. The Confucian formation's light wall served as the "body," as solid as a rock, stabilizing the formation and resisting the most violent impacts. The Taoist formation's water, wind, fire, and lightning served as the "application," infinitely variable, attacking demons and weakening their power. The Buddhist formation's compassionate light served as the "heart," purifying and redeeming, dismantling the root of the problem, and eliminating the source of the problem. For the first time, the essence of the three religions, within this iron-blooded battle formation, displayed its supreme power and complementary applications in such a direct, vast, coordinated, and exquisite way! A "righteous energy net," both sparse and leak-proof, combining strength and flexibility, had been unfurled, firmly binding, cutting, and wearing down the seemingly world-destroying, frenzied attacks of hundreds of thousands of demonic troops before the formation. However, the demonic army was simply too numerous, and their attack too fierce. Although the great formation was sturdy, the pressure it endured was unprecedented. Within the Taoist formation, some soldiers had flushed faces and blood trickling from their mouths due to excessive use of their magical power to generate wind and fire; within the Buddhist formation, the chanting of incantations was also intermittent, clearly indicating that their mental and spiritual energy was greatly depleted. War is never just theoretical; every victory comes at a price.

The demonized Khan, deep within the demon army, witnessed his vanguard crumble at the light wall, his flanks thrown into chaos by the strange array formations, and a large number of his rear guard soldiers losing their will to fight and even surrendering on their knees under the Buddha's light. Overwhelmed with shock and rage, he nearly went mad. He realized the key lay with Su Qingxuan at the array's core, and those three strange arrays connected by their auras, which he instinctively loathed and feared. "We can't afford to waste any more time! Demonic energy gathers, ten thousand souls ignite! Break through that shell for me, and take Su Qingxuan's dog head!" the Khan roared, his demonic flames soaring into the sky, engulfing several of his demonic guards and refining them into pure demonic energy. He instantly connected with the eight thousand "Demon Guards," the most elite, deeply demonized, and almost devoid of human form, their only remaining instinct for slaughter. These eight thousand demonic guards were the most valiant warriors in the Di barbarian army, chosen from among the best. Their strength had increased dramatically after their demonic transformation. Now, receiving the Khan's command, they roared in unison, unleashing their demonic energy without reservation. This energy merged with the Khan's demonic flames to form a destructive torrent composed entirely of pitch-black demonic energy, grotesque demonic bodies, and boiling killing intent! This torrent was incredibly condensed, abandoning all flank protection. Like a world-destroying demonic spear tempered for millennia and saturated with blood, it tore through the air, emitting a shrill, ghostly wail. Disregarding its wings and rear, it launched a most desperate and relentless concentrated charge towards the core of the great formation—the location of Su Qingxuan and the center of the Confucian light wall! During the charge, the demonic energy condensed to a high degree, manifesting at the forefront of the torrent a towering, three-headed, six-armed, indistinct-faced yet terrifyingly powerful ancient demon god phantom! The demon god's phantom roared silently, its six arms wielding a giant axe, spear, demon hammer, scythe, poisonous python, and ghost banner formed from the purest demonic energy, carrying an aura of annihilation as it slammed into the towering golden light wall!

"Boom! Crack—Bang!"

This impact was far more powerful than any before! The majestic, mountain-like wall of righteous energy trembled violently, the ceaseless torrent of golden characters flowing across its surface momentarily halted, and the golden light at the central point struck by the demon god's six arms dimmed abruptly, emitting a teeth-grinding cracking sound. Several clear cracks spread rapidly outwards from the point of impact, like a spider web! The hundreds of Confucian loyalists maintaining this wall of energy were struck as if by a heavy hammer, spitting out a mouthful of blood, their faces instantly turning ashen. Dozens of them swayed and collapsed to the ground, clearly suffering severe internal injuries. The wall of energy flickered, its thickness visibly reduced by nearly a third! The demon god's phantom pressed its advantage, its six arms flailing wildly, its demonic soldiers bombarding the cracks like a storm. The wall of energy trembled incessantly, the cracks widening, and fragments of golden light crumbled and dissipated from the surface. The pressure on the soldiers in the formation increased dramatically, and casualties began to occur. One soldier after another collapsed, coughing up blood, only to be snatched away by his comrades and replaced by reserve soldiers. However, these newcomers also endured terrifying pressure, their faces rapidly turning from red to white. The entire Confucian Loyalty Formation seemed to be teetering on the brink of collapse!

Su Qingxuan's gaze sharpened, realizing that ordinary methods would be insufficient to quickly thwart this desperate charge, which contained the last essence of the demon army and the Khan's natal demonic energy. If this attack were to completely shatter the light wall, the great formation would be broken, and demonic energy would penetrate unimpeded. Even if they won, their own casualties would be devastating, and all previous efforts would likely be in vain. He no longer stood still, taking a step forward. A golden lotus shadow flashed in the void beneath his feet (Buddhism), yet his figure seemed to merge with the gentle breeze of heaven and earth, natural and without trace (Taoism). His aura suddenly became righteous and vast, filling the universe (Confucianism), profound and indescribable. With his left hand, he held the bronze holy seal, while with his right hand, he crossed a branch of spirit wood in front of his chest. He cleared his mind of all distractions, completely merging his spirit with the ancestral heritage, the true meaning of the three religions, the supreme treasure in his hand, and the grand formation beneath his feet. He chanted aloud, neither poetry nor incantation, yet each word resonated like metal striking the ground, containing the fundamental truths of the three religions: "Confucianism speaks of utmost sincerity, Taoism speaks of returning to oneness, Buddhism speaks of wisdom; the three religions share the same origin, righteous energy returns to its source—Suppress!"

The chanting, like the divine pronouncements of heaven, resounded across the battlefield. The bronze holy seal hanging above his head responded with a burst of light, no longer rotating in three colors, but completely merging them into a chaotic halo of pure white, azure, and pale gold—a truly magnificent sun hanging above Su Qingxuan's head. Under its light, demonic energy dissipated, righteous energy surged, and even the attacks of the demonic phantom slowed. The branches of the spiritual tree gushed forth verdant light like a spring, the boundless vitality and Daoist essence originating from the spiritual roots of heaven and earth spreading out, like a spring breeze and rain, rapidly nourishing and repairing the cracks in the light wall, soothing the soldiers' exhausted spirits and injuries, and pulling those on the verge of collapse back from the brink of death. Meanwhile, he himself, the "Treatise on Righteous Qi" transformed into a golden light, flying into his dantian, causing it to operate at an unprecedented level. The vast, boundless, and unimpeded true qi of the three religions poured out without reservation and with unwavering resolve!

A surge of pure and refined Confucian energy erupted from every pore of his body, his Baihui acupoint, and even from every thought, manifesting in the air not merely as light and radiance, but as countless ancient-looking yet tangible golden swords of righteous energy. The swords clearly displayed the ancient characters of Confucian principles such as benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, trustworthiness, loyalty, and forgiveness. Each sword was upright, solemn, and dignified, embodying the grand vision of educating all beings and warding off all evil. Meanwhile, the pure and ethereal energy of Taoism swirled and manifested in countless forms, transforming into a sky full of brilliant, clear light and the illusory shadows of stars moving along mysterious trajectories. This starlight, instead of being cold, transformed into strands of ethereal, translucent light, containing the principles of natural birth and death—a "light of tranquility." Wherever it shone, the turbulent and violent demonic energy was as if imprisoned and frozen by the invisible laws of the Great Dao, its movement sluggish and its power greatly diminished. Buddhist compassion and wisdom emanated from his brow and heart, weaving into a slowly rotating, thousand-petaled golden lotus that seemed to contain the three thousand worlds. As the lotus petals opened and closed, the endless gentle and compassionate "Buddha's Light of Salvation," capable of relieving all suffering, descended like sweet rain, carrying the strongest purifying power and the deepest soothing and awakening intent, enveloping every corner of the battlefield, especially those beings still struggling in demonic energy.

Three distinct yet shared primordial energies, under Su Qingxuan's painstaking control, the harmonization of the Three Treasures, and the guidance of the ancient ancestral legacy, did not simply mix. Instead, they spiraled and intertwined, mutually reinforcing and progressively advancing, converging before him into a "Pillar of Righteous Energy of the Three Teachings Returning to One's Origin"—a beam of light no thicker than a person's waist, so dazzling it stung the eyes of those who looked directly at it, seemingly capable of illuminating the very origin of all things! At the very core of the pillar was a pure, flawless golden-white color, symbolizing utmost sincerity (Confucianism); the middle layer flowed with ever-renewing, life-evolving azure starlight and natural Daoist rhythm (Daoism); and the outermost layer was enveloped in a gentle yet resilient platinum Buddhist glow, embodying universal compassion (Buddhism). The three radiances coexisted harmoniously, mutually enhancing each other, forming a unified whole, radiating a magnificent pressure that transcended ordinary magical power and supernatural abilities, almost reaching the very essence of the "Great Dao"! The moment the pillar of light appeared, all sound on the battlefield seemed to be taken away, except for the faint Taoist sounds coming from inside the pillar, which seemed to be a mixture of ancient sages chanting scriptures, Taoist priests reciting mantras, and Buddhist monks chanting.

"Evil heretics, disperse!"

Su Qingxuan pointed his fingers like a sword, his face solemn, and gently pointed forward. The "Pillar of Righteous Qi Returning to the Origin of the Three Teachings" shot out silently, without a sharp whistling sound or an energy explosion. Like the first wisp of primordial light that separated the pure from the impure at the beginning of creation, it ignored spatial distance and arrived in an instant, striking the very center of the chest of the ferocious, roaring demon god phantom at the forefront of the demonic torrent—the very point where the demonic Khan and his eight thousand demon guards were most closely connected by demonic energy, and also the most vulnerable point!

There was no earth-shattering explosion, only a grand and continuous hissing sound of purification, like the sun melting snow, water cleansing impurities, or a spring breeze thawing ice, accompanied by dazzling light filling every corner of the world. The phantom of the demon god emitted a silent wail filled with extreme pain and resentment. Its solidified, iron-like demonic body rapidly disintegrated and purified from the point where the pillar of light struck its chest, transforming into primordial pure energy that dissipated into the world, nourishing the land ravaged by demonic energy. The pillar of light continued its trajectory without diminishing, following the pure demonic energy connection between the eight thousand demon guards and the Khan, as if possessing a spirit of its own, instantly piercing through the entire torrent of destruction!

The demonized Khan was the first to be affected. His eyes were bloodshot as he roared and poured all his demonic arts, his life's cultivation, and even the life-bound demonic energy condensed from devouring countless living beings into the wolf-tooth demonic staff that had become one with his arm. The staff erupted with unprecedented dark demonic light, transforming into a "Ten Thousand Souls Demonic Shield" engraved with countless faces of pain, seemingly capable of absorbing all light and life force, which stood before him. However, before the pillar of righteous energy containing the legacy of the ancient ancestors' self-destruction, the true essence of the fusion of the three religions, and the essence of Su Qingxuan's life's cultivation, this demonic shield, which was enough to shatter the souls of ordinary cultivators, only lasted for less than a breath before silently melting away like ice and snow under the scorching sun, even the resentment of the myriad souls within it was instantly purified and transcended. The beam of light struck his body, and the tangible protective demonic flames surrounding the Khan extinguished like boiling water poured on snow. His grotesque, swollen body, covered in demonic runes, cracked inch by inch, from which burst forth pure, dazzling, and impure platinum light. "No... impossible... Demon God... forever..." Before his last remaining consciousness vanished, he uttered only these few blurry, broken words, filled with incomprehensible horror and despair. Then, his entire demonic body, along with the demonized spiked club that had accompanied him in committing countless atrocities, completely turned into nothingness, leaving not even a speck of dust or a wisp of remnant soul, as if it had never existed in this world.

The eight thousand demon guards following closely behind, along with the numerous elite demonized creatures swept by the aftershocks of the pillar of light, all faced the same fate under this ultimate strike—representing the origin of righteousness, the flame of civilization, and the hymn of life—no matter how ferocious or powerful they had been before. They were purified, dissipated, and returned to the world to nourish all things. After piercing the core of the enemy formation and annihilating the demon leader, the pillar of light did not immediately disappear. Instead, it burst apart, transforming into a shower of brilliant yet gentle light that fell softly, covering the entire battlefield. The light rain that touched the remaining scattered demonized creatures brought complete purification and annihilation; when it touched the half-demonized Di barbarian soldiers still struggling between the Buddhist light and their own inner demons, it perfectly merged with the chanting of the Buddhist Compassion Array, transforming into the strongest force to accelerate the dissipation and purification of the deep-rooted demonic energy within them, while bringing coolness, peace, hope, and a deep sense of repentance.

This miraculous strike, akin to the creation of heaven and earth and the reshaping of the universe, utterly shattered the demon army's last shred of morale, its last pillar of support, and its will to resist. Though the remaining demonic creatures lacked sentience, they instinctively felt an extreme fear originating from the level of life and the very source of their souls. They let out incomprehensible screams of terror, no longer obeying any chaotic commands, and scattered and fled like headless flies. However, they were intercepted and purified separately by the Three Religions Formation, which was operating continuously and under greatly reduced pressure. The numerous half-demonized Di barbarian soldiers, after the Khan's fall, the destruction of the Demon Guard, and the direct baptism of the aftershocks of the "Three Religions Returning to Origin Light Pillar" and the gentle call of continuous chanting and Buddhist light, had their demonic energy completely lose its backbone and source of support. Like a tree without roots or water without a source, it rapidly disintegrated and evaporated. The turbid and violent crimson in their eyes receded like the tide, revealing their original brown or blue pupils. However, at this moment, they were filled with confusion, fear, deep-seated exhaustion, the disorientation of surviving a catastrophe, and... deep regret for their own actions, for the countless souls that died at the hands of their demonized comrades, and for this land that they had trampled upon. They knelt down in droves, like harvested wheat. Some covered their faces and wept, their cries hoarse and desperate; some pounded their heads on the ground, their foreheads bleeding profusely; some looked around blankly, as if they didn't know where they were; and some bowed deeply towards the direction of the Great Xia army formation and towards the sky that was once again bathed in the clear light, remaining prostrate for a long time.

This final battle, which began at dusk and raged until dawn, deciding the fate of the northern frontier and even the world, finally subsided as the sun struggled to leap above the horizon, casting its first golden rays upon the scarred wasteland. The dust settled. On the wasteland, the contrasting scenes were stark, like two different worlds: on the Great Xia army's side, the righteous canopy, though slightly dimmed and thinned by the fierce battle, still stubbornly hovered in the air, proclaiming the undying righteous path. Although the soldiers all wore heavy fatigue, and many were wounded—some bandaged and resting, others helped or carried off by their comrades—their formation remained largely intact. Silently and methodically, they carried out their tasks: rescuing their comrades, guarding surrendered soldiers, purifying the battlefield, and extinguishing the demonic flames. The air was thick with the stench of blood and burnt flesh, yet also mingled with the fragrance of herbs and the chanting of sutras. The side that had once been filled with overwhelming demonic energy and whose roars shook the land was now littered with corpses—the remains of utterly corrupted, soulless, and beyond redemption. These corpses were being completely incinerated by the Great Xia soldiers in a raging fire lit with specially made oil mixed with righteous talismans, to prevent any lingering demonic energy from harming future generations. Even more numerous were the kneeling, dark mass of surrendered Di barbarian soldiers, stretching to the horizon. A rough estimate puts on their number at forty to fifty thousand. Their eyes held fear, numbness, or regret, and under the watchful eyes of a few Great Xia soldiers, they remained silent, awaiting their unknown fate. Under the morning light, the broken spears and arrows, shattered armor, scorched earth, and still-wet pools of blood left from last night's fierce battle were a horrifying sight, silently testifying to the cruelty of war. The price of victory was equally heavy. Roughly estimated, the Great Xia army suffered over a thousand dead and nearly ten thousand wounded in this battle, including many highly skilled generals and veterans who had trained diligently for eight years, a truly devastating loss. However, compared to the achievements of completely eradicating the demonic scourge, saving countless lives, and laying the foundation for the eternal stability of the northern frontier, this sacrifice was heavy yet necessary in the hearts of Su Qingxuan and every surviving soldier.

Su Qingxuan landed gracefully, his body swaying almost imperceptibly. The all-out "Three Teachings Return to Origin" strike had nearly drained most of his true energy and spirit, leaving his face as pale as paper and his breath somewhat weak. He immediately began to silently circulate his profound energy, regulating his internal breathing. The "Righteous Qi Chapter" in his dantian slowly circulated on its own, drawing meager but steadfast energy from the world, from the earth beneath his feet, from the soldiers behind him, and even from the pure energy that had been replenished after the demonic energy had dissipated, nourishing his nearly depleted dantian and purple palace. He focused his senses and felt the intense stench of blood and the overwhelming malevolent aura on the battlefield rapidly dissipating under the influence of the remaining righteous energy and Buddhist light. However, the cold, pure, and malicious source of demonic energy, originating from the abyss in the far north, retreated and fled at an unimaginable speed the moment the Khan fell and the demon army was completely defeated. It was exceptionally swift and decisive, even "hasty," as if staying even a moment longer would lead to utter destruction.

He immediately focused his mind, silently circulating his profound inner energy, activating the Confucian scroll in his dantian, and connecting the bronze sacred seal with the spirit wood. He hoped to use these three treasures to trace the retreating trajectory and ultimate end of the demonic energy, a connection rooted in an age-old conflict, through the subtle interplay of mutual restraint and mutual generation. He hoped to pinpoint the seal's precise location, laying the foundation for completely eradicating the root of the evil in the future. The sacred seal warmed slightly, and from its base emanated an extremely faint, almost imperceptible, flickering sensation, like a candle in the wind, pointing towards the far northwest—a place even more desolate and colder than the Di Man royal court, a legendary "perpetually frozen wasteland" that even birds could not cross. The spirit wood branches also swayed gently, their newly sprouted leaves pointing in the same direction, as if in response. However, this faint sensation, barely appearing before it became clear, quickly blurred, drifted away, and faded, as if obscured or interfered with by an invisible yet incredibly resilient mist or veil, or as if the retreating demonic energy itself possessed extremely high spirituality, actively erasing all traces. No matter how much Su Qingxuan concentrated his mind and channeled his remaining divine sense and the power of the Three Treasures to track it, the sensation could not become clear or stable; instead, it grew fainter and fainter until it finally vanished completely, leaving no trace whatsoever. The retreat of the demonic energy seemed to have been deliberately disrupted, concealed, and erased by a higher power far exceeding the current battlefield level, almost like the laws of heaven and earth.

Su Qingxuan frowned slightly, understanding dawning on him, and a sense of gravity arose within him: with this defeat of the demonic energy, the "being" beneath the abyss must have clearly sensed the terrifying power of the "Three Teachings Returning to the Origin of Righteous Qi," especially the familiar yet terrifying aura contained within it—the primordial aura of the opponent who sealed him with their life ten thousand years ago. Therefore, he didn't hesitate to sever ties with the demonic energy and puppets that had been spawned, even at a cost, to completely conceal the location of his seal, preventing this "new opponent," who inherited his ancestor's will, from finding the root cause and jeopardizing his millennia-long plan. Currently, he was heavily depleted, his soldiers exhausted, and the time was not yet ripe. Forcing a search would likely be futile, or even alert the enemy, triggering unpredictable changes. He sighed inwardly, deciding to temporarily suppress his desire to investigate and plan for the future.

Just as his mind was completely absorbed in tracing the distant source of the demonic energy, and he was slightly dazed due to the loss of his senses, and his mind relaxed for a moment, the bronze holy seal hanging at his waist, which had just been stirred by the use of a special technique and was now slowly calming down, at the very bottom of the core of the "Mountain and River Seal," which contained the origin of the "Mountain and River Seal," the most ancient and profound core, which seemed to contain the veins of heaven and earth, a tiny trace, smaller than the finest dust, darker and purer than the eternal night, and seemingly able to absorb all light, flickered without warning and with unparalleled speed. The process was so brief that it exceeded the scope of ordinary time perception. Immediately, the trace vanished like a dream, completely disappearing and dissolving beneath the vast, rich, millennia-old azure-gold hue of the seal itself and the majestic righteous energy it constantly exuded. There was no trace of abnormality, as if that fleeting flicker was merely an illusion caused by excessive mental exertion, never having truly occurred. Even Su Qingxuan, whose mind was connected to the Holy Seal and whose energy was intertwined with it, was completely focused on tracking the now-vanished source of demonic energy. His mind was slightly affected by the "failure," but he only felt a faint, indescribable, and almost imperceptible stagnation, like a gentle breeze brushing the surface of a deep pool. The feeling was so faint that it was almost impossible to grasp, let alone ponder. It was quickly overwhelmed and replaced by a clearer sense of exhaustion, the complexities of post-battle affairs, and the definite perception of "failed tracking." He neither had nor was able to delve into this momentary anomaly.

The great battle had finally come to a complete end. Su Qingxuan, suppressing his physical weakness and mental exhaustion, rallied his mind and issued a series of clear and specific orders: Zhou Cang, leading his troops and those with minor injuries, was responsible for clearing the battlefield, ensuring the proper collection, registration, and burial of all the fallen heroes of Great Xia, giving them a military funeral and erecting a monument in their memory; simultaneously, using specially made oil mixed with righteous energy talismans, all the remains of demonic creatures were thoroughly purified and burned, ensuring no demonic energy remained to pollute the land. Chi Ying, leading his personal guard, military doctors, and some personnel fluent in the Di language, were responsible for guarding, comforting, and identifying the tens of thousands of surrendered Di soldiers, treating the wounded, distributing water, dry rations, and warm clothing, and handling them according to their injuries and recovery status. He once again issued a strict order to the entire army, reiterating military discipline: no one was allowed to plunder or destroy the ruined Di Man royal court; no one was allowed to bully, insult, or privately punish any Di Man soldiers who had surrendered, or the tribal people who would later return trembling from all over the grasslands; all necessary food and supplies had to be registered through the logistics officer and obtained through supplies transported from the Central Plains or through fair trade. Anyone who disobeyed this order would be dealt with according to the strictest military law, regardless of their previous military merits or status, without any leniency!

Several days later, the army, having completed its initial rest and reorganization, set off in an orderly fashion, settling into the ruins of the royal court area. Instead of occupying the core, they established a series of camps near the surrounding water sources. Several small teams were dispatched to help the elderly, women, and children of the Di barbarians, who were returning trembling from caves, valleys, and remote pastures across the grasslands. They set up temporary tents to protect them from the cold, distributed grain, salt, tea, and warm clothing from the Central Plains, and treated the sick. These Di barbarians were mostly ordinary herders who had been forcibly taken by the demonized army or had fled elsewhere. They had witnessed firsthand the ferocious, murderous demonized army that had devoured their families being reduced to ashes in a beam of light. They had also seen and experienced firsthand that the legendary "Southern Marshal's" army not only refrained from killing, robbing, and abducting women and children, but instead offered assistance, treated the wounded, and distributed sustenance. The fear and generations of accumulated hatred in their hearts were gradually replaced by immense bewilderment, unbelievable astonishment, and a faint hope of survival. They hid in the tent, peeking through the cracks to observe and whisper among themselves, their eyes filled with complex and indescribable emotions.

Su Qingxuan knew that while war could quell temporary chaos, it could not quell long-term unrest, much less eradicate the seeds of hatred. The root of the troubles on the northern border, aside from the natural disaster caused by the corrupting influence of the demonic energy of the Netherworld, lay in the vast differences and conflicts between the nomadic lifestyles of the borderlands and the agricultural civilizations of the Central Plains. To truly turn swords into plowshares and secure the northern border forever, sustained education through benevolence, economic integration, and cultural exchange was essential. Therefore, he decided to postpone his triumphant return south and instead establish himself at the former site of the Di barbarian royal court, carrying out subtle and pervasive education to transform this land, won through bloodshed, into a truly peaceful and harmonious paradise.

He ordered his men to choose a high, open, and gentle slope near a water source beside the ruins of the royal court, where he personally laid the first foundation stone. Then, leading his soldiers, whose injuries had largely healed, and the young and strong Di people who had initially mustered the courage to help, he used local materials—logged timber and quarried stone, mixed mud and rammed earth—to build the first large-scale stone and wood structure on the northern grasslands, a multi-functional building for teaching, deliberation, medical care, and storage—the "Hall of Enlightenment." Although not as ornately decorated as the palaces of the Central Plains, this hall was sturdy, spacious, and imbued with a rustic grandeur, symbolizing the starting point of civilization taking root in this wilderness. Every morning and evening, barring storms, Su Qingxuan would personally ascend the high platform built in front of the Hall of Enlightenment to lecture the gathered Di people. When lecturing these still-uncivilized Di people, he no longer used classical texts or profound doctrines, but instead explained the principles of the three religions in simple terms, using the familiar pastoral and hunting life of the Di people as an example. When discussing Confucianism, one speaks of "filial piety between father and son, harmony between husband and wife, order between elders and juniors, and trustworthiness among friends," describing how herders honor their tribal elders, how couples work together to raise their offspring, and how tribes establish trust and trade sheep, horses, and hides fairly, avoiding unnecessary disputes and not encroaching on others' pastures. When discussing Taoism, one speaks of "spring brings forth life, summer fosters growth, autumn brings harvest, and winter brings storage, following the natural order and adapting to the seasons," explaining how to plan nomadic routes based on the abundance of water and grass and seasonal changes. One can also try cultivating small plots of land in fertile, sheltered valleys near water to plant hardy millet, wheat, and vegetables, storing hay, and repairing sheds to prepare for blizzards and severe cold. This is not abandoning tradition, but rather adapting to the seasons, having multiple paths to survival, and seeking peace and security through wisdom. When discussing Buddhism, he said, "All beings suffer; with compassion in your heart, you will find freedom." He explained that both the people of the grasslands and the Central Plains face the suffering of natural disasters, wars, and the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Letting go of generations of blood feuds and refraining from easily harboring thoughts of killing and plundering is not only about showing compassion to others but also about releasing oneself from the shackles of hatred that fill one's heart. Only then can one attain true peace, and only then can future generations be spared the suffering of displacement and bloodshed. His words, spoken through translation or in his increasingly fluent Di language, flowed like a gentle stream into the hearts of those herders who had endured hardship and whose spirits were parched.

Talk is cheap and action is not enough to convince people, let alone change age-old habits. Su Qingxuan knew the nomadic people's deep attachment to the freedom of "living by water and grass," as well as their natural suspicion and resistance to unfamiliar settled production methods such as farming and textiles. He did not issue orders by force, but insisted on leading by example. He had Zhou Cang urgently transfer a group of soldiers, farmers, and craftsmen skilled in farming from the army and the rear, bringing with them a large number of iron farm tools such as curved plows, hoes, and sickles improved from those in the Central Plains, as well as carefully selected cold-resistant wheat and rapeseed. On a flat, sheltered, and sunny spot by a small river near the royal court, he personally marked out several dozen acres of "demonstration fields" with wooden stakes and ropes. Then, he took off his blue robe, wearing only a single layer of clothing, rolled up his sleeves, and like the most ordinary old farmer, took the lead in picking up the plowshare, commanding the oxen to turn over the black, fertile soil that had never been touched by a plow for thousands of years, and which carried the fragrance of grass roots. The fragrance of earth mingled with sweat, dripping into the newly cultivated furrows. Seeing this, Chi Ying also shed her strong armor, donned simple, neat cloth, and led a troop of skillful women soldiers and many curious Di and Man women to set up spinning wheels and looms beside the Mingli Hall. She patiently taught them how to comb and spin the collected wool and camel hair into even threads, and how to weave them into rough yet thick and warm woolen cloth using simple looms. Zhou Cang, meanwhile, took on the heavy responsibility of reorganizing and educating the tens of thousands of surrendered Di and Man soldiers. He didn't simply imprison or release them. Instead, he first conducted a rigorous screening, eliminating a small number of incorrigible, deeply ingrained, and difficult-to-teach troublemakers, and placing them under separate supervision for education. The majority of genuinely repentant, peace-loving, and physically strong young men were mixed with some experienced and reasonable veterans of the Great Xia Dynasty, forming several "Border Protection Battalions." They were given uniforms and insignia, trained together in Great Xia military discipline and battle formations, patrolled the vast grasslands together, and eliminated any remaining scattered monsters or roaming bandits, protecting traveling caravans and migrating tribes. At the same time, "literacy classes" and "law halls" were established in the camps to teach them to recognize simple Great Xia characters, learn basic Great Xia laws and military orders, gradually integrating them and subtly changing their undisciplined habits, cultivating a sense of collective honor and responsibility for defending the territory.

At first, many Di-Man tribesmen watched, pointing and whispering, but few actually participated. They observed coldly, suspecting that this Southern Marshal was merely putting on a show to win people over, or perhaps had ulterior motives. But as the days passed, the spring snow melted, and the wild grass turned green. Su Qingxuan spent his days lecturing and demonstrating farming, and his nights handling complex military and political affairs, or mediating disputes between tribes over pastures and water sources. Su Qingxuan never used his supernatural powers to protect himself while working; the wind and sun roughened his skin, and his hands developed calluses like those of an old farmer, yet he remained calm and patient. He reasoned with and virtuously reformed any Di-Man who came to inquire or even provoke him. Chi Ying sat with the Di-Man women in tents or side rooms of the Mingli Hall, patiently teaching them weaving techniques, chatting and laughing without any barriers, even learning simple Di-Man songs and humming them together. Zhou Cang was strict in his military discipline and his laws were like mountains, but he was also clear about rewards and punishments. He promoted and rewarded the Di and Man soldiers in the "Anbian Camp" who trained hard, obeyed discipline, and patrolled diligently. He treated them the same as his Xia army comrades. Those who made meritorious contributions were awarded medals and given increased rations. Gradually, he won the sincere respect and sense of belonging of some Di and Man soldiers.

Change, amidst doubt and observation, quietly broke through the soil like sprouting grass in early spring, happening bit by bit. First, some bold and mischievous young Di people, unable to resist their curiosity, ran to help Su Qingxuan lead the oxen and plow, or curiously touched the strange and sharp iron farm tools. Su Qingxuan always smiled gently and patiently explained their uses. Then, some experienced and far-sighted old herders, seeing the "demonstration field" by the river, where lush, neat wheat seedlings and tender vegetables were sprouting under careful care (although their growth was not as vigorous as in the Central Plains due to the climate and soil), showed surprise, contemplation, and eagerness to try. They began to privately consult with the old farmers from the Central Plains about the methods of seasonal changes, fertilization, and weeding. The women discovered that the yarn spun on that strange wooden frame (spinning wheel) was indeed much more even, stronger, and faster than the yarn they spun by hand with a spinning wheel. The resulting cloth, though rough, was thick and smooth, enough to keep them warm. Moreover, if they could weave it even better, they might be able to exchange it with caravans from the south for much-needed tea, salt, iron pots, needles and thread, which would be more profitable than simply selling furs. As for the Di and Man soldiers in the "Anbian Camp," for the first time, they received their full, fair, and unrestricted rations and rewards on time. For the first time, they received serious guidance from their instructors (often veterans of the Xia army) instead of insults during training. For the first time, they received sincere praise and grateful looks from the tribespeople after successfully driving away bandits and rescuing small tribes. For the first time, they experienced the taste of not being discriminated against, but earning respect, honor, and a stable life through their own abilities and sweat... This subtle shift in mentality was difficult to describe, but it was undeniably real. When they encountered small tribes or scattered herders on the grasslands during their patrols, they no longer acted as fiercely as before. Instead, they learned from the old soldiers of Daxia around them and earnestly preached "Marshal Su's benevolent rule," persuading them to submit to the area around Minglitang and work together for a peaceful life.

Through the changing seasons, from autumn harvest to winter storage, three years have quietly passed in a flurry of activity and hope. The once desolate and fearful grasslands, tainted by demonic energy, have been revitalized. The pastures have grown exceptionally lush after several seasons, wildflowers dot the landscape, and the once murky rivers are now crystal clear, teeming with fish. Beside the former royal court, not only are there neat barracks, warehouses, and drill grounds, but also orderly fields. Though not yet large in scale, the fields are crisscrossed, the wheat fields ripple in the breeze, the vegetable patches are lush and green, and cattle and sheep graze peacefully in their designated pastures, creating a harmonious scene with the horses still galloping in the distance. A simple yet increasingly bustling open-air market spontaneously formed. The Di people traded furs, cheese, dried meat, and handmade cloth for cloth, ironware, tea, porcelain, medicinal herbs, and books brought by merchants from the Central Plains. During the trade, they even began to imitate the gesture of bowing and saying awkward "thank you," "please accept my thanks," and "come again next time." At first, the children only dared to look at the Mingli Hall from afar, but later they gradually approached, squatting under the windows and by the doors to eavesdrop on the recitations and explanations coming from inside. Now, some of the bolder ones were allowed to enter and listen in, reciting "At the beginning of life, man is inherently good" and "Heaven and earth were dark and yellow, the universe was vast and desolate" with the teacher (an old soldier who understood the Di language or a poor scholar from the Central Plains who volunteered to stay). At night, under the starry sky, around the campfire, one can often hear the desolate and melodious long songs of the Di people and the cheerful and melodious folk tunes of the Central Plains alternating. Although the languages ​​and lyrics are different, the reverence for nature, the love for life, and the hope for the future in the melodies gradually resonate and connect with each other. A new way of life, different from the purely nomadic lifestyle of the past and also different from the purely agricultural lifestyle of the Central Plains, with a distinct borderland integration flavor, is sprouting and taking root in this land that has suffered from war and demonic calamities.

On this day, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and a refreshing autumn breeze was blowing. The respected elders and chieftains of the major tribes on the grasslands gathered in the spacious square in front of the newly renovated Mingli Hall. They were all dressed in their tribes' most solemn and neat attire, some even wearing ancient ornaments passed down through generations, their expressions solemn. They presented white hada scarves, carefully selected plump lambs, fragrant mare's milk wine, and various grassland specialties to Su Qingxuan, who stood before the hall. The eldest, an old man with white hair and a face etched with the marks of time, supported by two strong men from his tribe, stepped forward shakily and, towards Su Qingxuan and the Mingli Hall, slowly and solemnly performed the most solemn salute of the Di-Man tribe, almost touching his forehead to the ground. Then, in his broken yet clear Xia language, tinged with a mix of Di and Man languages, he spoke excitedly, word by word: "Honorable Marshal, Eternal Heaven and Mother Earth above! We... the people of the grasslands, today, on behalf of all tribes, offer you our sincerest respect and gratitude! You... you are not the storms and wolves that destroyed our homes and plundered our cattle and sheep, you are the spring rain and sunshine that nourished the parched grasslands and awakened slumbering life! You drove away the demons that devoured our souls and made us unlike ourselves, you gave our flocks peaceful pastures to graze, you gave..." You restored our clear, flowing river and gave us... a peaceful life that our ancestors never dared to dream of, a life free from the fear of our tents being burned or our loved ones being killed! You taught our children to read and understand reason, taught our women to weave cloth for warmth, and led our warriors to lay down their blood-stained steppe swords and take up the steel blades of the Great Xia to protect their homeland, taking on a new and glorious duty! We... we, the various tribes of the Di and Man, hereby swear to honor you as our eternal "Sugte" (wise and benevolent ruler) of the steppe, and will never forget your kindness, as vast as the mountains and the sea! We will never again be enemies of the Great Xia, and may our descendants, and our brothers within the Great Wall, be like the grass and flowers of this steppe, interdependent, living in harmony, and never to be separated!

As soon as he finished speaking, all the chieftains and elders behind him, as well as the growing number of Di and Man people gathered around, knelt down in unison, their eyes burning with fervor as they looked at Su Qingxuan.

Su Qingxuan strode forward, disregarding his own dignity as a marshal, and personally helped the elderly man to his feet. He then gestured for all those kneeling to rise. His gaze, gentle yet firm, slowly swept over these weathered faces, now brimming with sincerity and renewed hope. He cleared his slightly hoarse throat and spoke in a clear voice, not loud, but resounding throughout the square and reaching the hearts of everyone present: "Elders, chieftains, brothers and sisters of the grasslands, please rise! I, Qingxuan, am young and lack virtue; what merit do I possess to deserve such a grand gesture? My actions are not for the sake of becoming the master of the grasslands or receiving the worship of all people, but rather to uphold the legacy of our ancestors who sacrificed themselves to protect the world, to adhere to the righteous path of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism—teaching people to do good and protecting all living beings—and to fulfill my duty as a citizen of Great Xia and a border general! All living beings under heaven, whether dwelling within or outside the Great Wall, north or south of the desert, are all born of heaven and earth. Their bloodlines may differ, but their wisdom is the same. What distinction is there between Hu and Xia? In the past, we fought each other..." "For years, war has raged, whether driven by the necessities of survival, instigated by treacherous individuals, or plagued by evil influences—truly not what the people desired. So much blood and tears, so much separation—all tragic human dramas. Today, to resolve this conflict, to forge swords into plowshares, is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people, an inevitable trend. I do not seek your submission or tribute, nor do I covet an inch of the grasslands. I only wish that from this day forward, wherever the sun and moon shine, within and beyond the Great Wall, north and south of the Yellow River, all lands nourished by the civilization of my Great Xia will be nurtured; wherever living beings dwell, all will be my brothers and sisters! Agriculture and herding will be conducted according to law, each finding their proper place; propriety and righteousness will flourish, customs will be harmonious; trade will flourish, blood ties will be intertwined; we will support each other in times of trouble, and celebrate joyous occasions together. In this way, the borders will forever be free from the alarm of war, the people will forever enjoy the blessings of peace, and we will not have failed the blood and sacrifices of our Great Xia's northern expeditionary soldiers, nor this vast and beautiful land, nor the initial vow we made here today!"

Having said this, before anyone could react, he ordered Chi Ying to lead his personal guard to fetch a massive, thick, and heavy bluestone, over ten feet high, sourced from the hard rocks of the northern mountains. Su Qingxuan concentrated his mind, regulated his breathing, and then, with his fingers like a halberd, used them as a brush, employing the pure and vast "Three Teachings Returning to the Origin True Qi" as ink, slowly carving on the smooth stone surface. With a soft hissing sound, stone chips fell, and on one side, in the upright and powerful Xia script, and on the other, in the scripts of several major Di and Man tribes, eight large characters, powerful and imbued with Daoist rhyme, were simultaneously engraved—"May the border be forever peaceful, and may the Hu and Xia share the same spring!" Below these eight characters, in smaller characters, he detailed the beginning and end of this northern expedition, which cleansed the demonic atmosphere, turned war into peace, promoted education, and the oaths of alliance among the various tribes, and inscribed the names and marks of the tribal leaders who participated in the oath. Upon completion, the monument, weighing immensely, was slowly moved by dozens of strong men using rolling logs and ropes to the most prominent and open spot in front of the Mingli Hall, where it was deeply buried in the ground and stood majestically. Under the sunlight, the inscription on the monument gleamed with golden light, exuding an aura of righteousness. It was revered by all the Di and Man people as the "Peace Stone" or the "Sugete Monument," regarded as a symbol of the rebirth of the grasslands and a sacred covenant of peaceful coexistence among the various tribes.

From then on, the northern frontier underwent a complete transformation, as if reborn. The demonic aura and gloom vanished, even the slightest remnants replaced by the continuously purified righteous energy of heaven and earth and the ever-growing atmosphere of peace and harmony among people. While retaining the essence of their nomadic culture, the various Di and Man tribes gradually adopted and mastered settled civilization skills such as farming, weaving, house building, and medicine. Their way of life quietly changed, and they began a true and profound integration with the Central Plains civilization. Border trade flourished like never before, merchants thronged the roads, cultural customs influenced and learned from each other, and intermarriage increased daily. A new, inclusive, and diverse frontier culture was taking shape. Su Qingxuan, stationed in the northern frontier, continued to hone his cultivation, striving for the ultimate unity of the three teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism), while tirelessly promoting education. He sowed the seeds of the three teachings' righteousness—benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness; reverence for heaven and love for the people; and compassion—deeply instilling them in the land and the hearts of the people through the Mingli Hall, the "Panbian Camp," and everyday actions. Meanwhile, he never forgot the age-old threat lurking beneath the abyss of the far north. During his quiet meditation and border patrols, he silently observed and deduced, waiting for the perfect opportunity to uncover the root of the seal and completely end this millennia-long demonic calamity. A bloody war that began with defending the homeland and ended with saving the world and helping the people concluded with the most thorough benevolent governance and education. The century-long border troubles were thus laid with a solid foundation for lasting peace and national integration.

It is:

After the battle, the demonic flames in the wasteland were extinguished, and benevolent influence spread far and wide, transforming the barbarian tribes.

The border troubles of a thousand years have been resolved today, and righteousness will forever protect the nine barbarian tribes.