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

Poetry:

The north wind gradually subsides, quelling the dust on the border; wild geese fly south, bringing spring to our hometown.

A heart full of filial piety returns home, a courtyard filled with warmth for the departed.

It is said that Su Qingxuan implemented benevolent policies in the northern frontier, educated the barbarians, turned swords into plowshares, and brought spring to both the Hu and Xia peoples. In the blink of an eye, four years have passed.

Since the bloody battle that cleansed the demonic flames and established dominance in the northern frontier came to an end, and after several years of cultivation, the once demonic and war-torn northern wilderness has long since been transformed into a different world.

The Taiping Stone in front of Mingli Hall stands majestically. The eight large characters on the stone, "May the border be forever peaceful and the Hu and Xia peoples live in harmony," have become more vigorous after weathering the storms of time. Every engraving hides the peace after the war, and every line carries the expectation of coexistence among all ethnic groups.

On the grasslands, there was no longer any demonic shadow to ravage the land, no more fighting. Herdsmen's felt tents and cultivated farmhouses were scattered among the fields, and flocks of sheep drifted like clouds across the green pastures. Merchants from the Central Plains drove camels and horses, carrying tea, salt, and cloth, and traded fairly with the Di and Man herdsmen for furs and dried meat. Shouts, laughter, and children's playful noises mingled together, creating the most touching scene of human life.

The soldiers of Anbian Camp patrol the border, protecting the safety of merchants and helping herders solve their problems. The Xia soldiers and the young and strong Di people share the same clothes and food, and the old barriers have long been eliminated, and they are as close as brothers.

The lectures at Mingli Hall have never stopped. The profound principles of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have been transformed into simple and easy-to-understand language and integrated into the daily lives of the grassland people. The atmosphere of respecting the elderly and caring for the young and living in harmony has become increasingly strong. Even the most unruly herdsmen in the past will bow and pay their respects when they see their elders, and there is no longer any trace of their fierce and aggressive nature.

Su Qingxuan was stationed in the northern frontier, managing all affairs in an orderly manner. Zhou Cang was calm and steady, commanding military affairs and guarding the border to ensure its safety. Chi Ying was meticulous and thoughtful, assisting in civil administration and managing education, trade, and other matters with great care.

Both men were trusted confidants who had followed Su Qingxuan for many years. They knew his ambitions and understood his heart. With the northern border pacified, the laws established, and the people at peace, there was no need for them to remain stationed in the north. However, Su Qingxuan had not yet mentioned returning home, and the two men did not ask any questions. They simply assisted him silently and waited for their commander's instructions.

On this clear autumn day, with a refreshing breeze, Su Qingxuan strolled beside the Taiping Stone, gazing at the peaceful scene on the grassland, and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He was dressed in a simple blue robe, without armor or weapons. At the age of thirty, his figure had become even more upright and imposing, his face as handsome as jade, and his eyes as bright as stars. He had shed the immaturity of his youth and gained a more composed and dignified air of someone who had experienced the ravages of war and ruled a region, yet he was still gentle and insightful.

The essence of the three religions has long been ingrained in his bones and blood, contained within his heart, never outwardly displayed, yet possessing a natural and innate elegance. The Confucian ideal of moderation and benevolence, the Taoist ideal of ethereal grace, and the Buddhist ideal of compassion and inclusiveness are perfectly integrated in him, without the slightest incongruity.

If ordinary people saw him, they would feel that he was like a gentle breeze and a bright moon, like warm sunshine and sweet rain. They could not see his specific appearance clearly, but they felt a sense of closeness to him and wanted to be close to him. If scholars and literati saw him, they would feel that he was full of scholarly air, gentle and refined, like a humble gentleman. If practitioners saw him, they could sense the unfathomable depth of his inner strength, his uprightness and peace, and his enduring righteousness. If soldiers saw him, they could feel his calm and dignified presence, like a majestic mountain, which made them feel at ease.

She was truly a celestial being descended to earth, with unparalleled grace and beauty that made one forget the mundane world.

He stood before the Taiping Stone, his fingertips gently brushing over the inscriptions on the stone, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

In those years in the northern frontier, from bloody battles to vanquish demons to educating and pacifying the people, he ultimately lived up to the legacy of his ancestors, the countless people of the northern border, and the soldiers on the frontier, bringing lasting peace and stability to this land.

Now that the northern frontier is stable and everything is in order, Zhou Cang is capable of handling things on his own and there is no need for him to stay here any longer. However, he always misses his parents in his hometown in Jiangnan. Since leaving home at a young age to study in various places and then joining the frontier to fight for several years, more than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye, and he has never been able to properly serve his parents.

Moreover, as his cultivation deepened, he had suppressed his realm for many years, and he felt more and more clearly a pulling force from the heavens above. It was a sign of ascension brought about by the laws of heaven and earth after breaking through to the half-step human immortal realm.

From a young age, he learned from his father, Su Wenyuan, that the world was not just the human realm, but divided into three realms: the upper realm was the celestial realm, the abode of immortals; the middle realm was the human realm, the dwelling place of mortal beings; and the lower realm was the underworld, which governed the cycle of life and death.

However, the three realms are isolated from each other, and ordinary people have no way of knowing about them, regarding them only as myths and legends. Only those with long-standing lineages of the three religions, secret family traditions, and top cultivators know the truth about the three realms.

Although the Su family was a family of scholars and farmers, their fortunes had declined, but they still had secrets passed down from generation to generation. Su Wenyuan had told him about the Three Realms back then, but Su Wenyuan's cultivation was shallow, and he did not know the specific details of the Three Realms, let alone the secret of ascension.

Su Qingxuan cultivated the Way of the Unity of the Three Teachings, and his realm had already surpassed the peak of the human realm. Naturally, he could sense the pull of ascension—once he broke through to the Human Immortal Realm, he would be guided by the laws of the Heavenly Realm, leave the human realm, and ascend to heaven, making it difficult to return to the mortal world at will.

He still has heavy responsibilities on his shoulders. The hidden danger of the Demon Lord of the Netherworld has not been eliminated, the great path of the unification of the three religions has not been perfected, the peace of the common people still needs to be protected, and more importantly, his parents are old and he has not yet fulfilled his filial duties. How can he ascend to heaven now?

Therefore, since he sensed the pull of ascension three years ago, he deliberately suppressed his own realm, stabilizing his cultivation at the half-step Human Immortal realm, not seeking a breakthrough, but only seeking to accumulate a solid foundation. This suppression not only did not cause his cultivation to decline, but also made his Dao foundation more solid, and his true energy of the three religions more harmonious. His foundation was so profound that it far surpassed that of ordinary Human Immortal realm cultivators. Even if he really encountered an immortal who had ascended to the Heavenly Realm, he would have the strength to fight and would not be at a disadvantage in the slightest.

But he also knew that this kind of suppression was not a long-term solution. The laws of heaven and earth could not be defied, and the day of ascension would eventually come. His time in the human world was running out.

The more this was the case, the more he cherished the time he spent with his parents. Having left home at a young age, they had been separated for long periods. Now that the northern frontier was at peace, his first thought was to return home to visit his parents. He would first go to Luoyang to report to the court, and then return to Qingxi Town in Jiangnan to be with his parents and fulfill his filial duty as a son.

Having made up his mind, Su Qingxuan immediately returned to the commander's tent, summoned Zhou Cang and Chi Ying inside, and instructed them on matters concerning returning home.

"The northern frontier is now stable. Laws, education, and military affairs are all on track. General Zhou, from now on, the military affairs and border defense of the northern frontier will be entirely in your hands. You must strictly guard the border, appease all ethnic groups, and continue the harmonious relationship between the Hu and Xia peoples. There must be no slackening." His tone was calm and his gaze earnest as he entrusted Zhou Cang with all the military power and important matters of the northern frontier.

Zhou Cang immediately knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist, and said solemnly, "This humble general will obey the commander-in-chief's orders and will certainly stabilize the border, protect the peace of the northern frontier, and live up to the commander-in-chief's trust and the people of the northern frontier!" He had followed Su Qingxuan for many years and was already sincerely convinced of his abilities. Now that the commander-in-chief had returned home, he would do his best to guard the area and never let the flames of war break out again.

Su Qingxuan helped him up, then looked at Chi Ying beside him and said gently, "Chi Ying, you have been with me for many years. We are from the same hometown. This time, when I return to the capital to report for duty and then go back to Qingxi, you will come with me south to visit our hometown and neighbors. You haven't been back for many years. You will leave your capable deputy to handle the civil affairs and education matters in the northern frontier. All matters should be discussed with General Zhou. Do not act on your own initiative."

Upon hearing this, Chi Ying's eyes flashed with joy. She had been from the same hometown as Su Qingxuan since childhood. She left home at a young age to fight alongside him in various battles and had not returned to Qingxi Town for many years. She had long missed her hometown and was naturally overjoyed to be able to return home with her commander.

She immediately bowed and accepted the order: "Your subordinate obeys and will follow the commander's orders!" She was tall and beautiful. Having been tempered by the flames of war, she had shed her girlish naiveté and gained a touch of heroism. Yet, in front of Su Qingxuan, she still possessed a gentle and tender side. Her respect and affection for Su Qingxuan were already hidden in the little things in their daily lives.

With everything arranged, Su Qingxuan traveled light, accompanied only by Chi Ying and a few personal guards, bidding farewell to Zhou Cang and the people of various ethnic groups in the Northern Frontier, and embarking on his journey home.

When the people of the grasslands heard that Marshal Su was returning home, they came to see him off, bringing cheese, dried meat, and mare's milk wine. They were reluctant to part with him and accompanied him all the way to the border before bidding him farewell with tears in their eyes.

Heading south, away from the vast and desolate northern frontier, one gradually enters the gentle and beautiful Central Plains, and further south lies the serene and elegant land of the Luo River.

Su Qingxuan and his entourage traveled at a leisurely pace, resting by night and observing the daily life and peaceful lives of the people along the way, which filled them with comfort. The once devastated Central Plains had long since recovered its vitality. Farmers were working in the fields, merchants were bustling in the markets, and the people lived in peace and contentment, free from the oppression of corrupt officials. This was the peaceful and prosperous world he had sought all his life.

Arriving in Luoyang, the majestic imperial city stands on the banks of the Luo River.

Su Qingxuan straightened his clothes and entered the palace to meet the emperor. Emperor Jinghe of the Great Xia Dynasty summoned him to the Xuanzheng Hall. The hall was resplendent with gold and jade. Emperor Jinghe sat upright on the dragon throne. He was over forty years old, with a lean face and wise eyes. When he heard the eunuch announce that "Grand Secretary and Grand Marshal of the Northern Frontier, Su Qingxuan, has come to pay his respects," his eyes immediately showed eager anticipation.

Su Qingxuan entered the main hall, paid his respects according to etiquette, and meticulously recounted the achievements of the Northern Frontier over the past four years, the stability of the border, and the integration of the Hu and Xia peoples. He analyzed everything from eliminating the demonic threat to establishing agricultural settlements and promoting education, from the prosperity of trade to the submission of the people, with earnest and detailed words.

Emperor Jinghe nodded repeatedly as he listened. After Su Qingxuan finished his report, the emperor was overjoyed and clapped his hands in praise: "Minister Su is truly a pillar of the nation! In the past, the northern border was engulfed in war, and the barbarian tribes were a menace. I was deeply worried day and night. You, a mere scholar, took up your sword to pacify the border, not only purging the evil forces but also turning swords into plowshares, spreading civilization in the wilderness, and transforming the northern frontier into a paradise. This unparalleled achievement should be recorded in history!"

The emperor immediately issued an edict, bestowing upon Su Qingxuan the title of "Marquis of Zhenbei," a hereditary title, and awarding him ten thousand taels of gold, a thousand bolts of brocade, and a thousand acres of fertile land in his hometown in Jiangnan. He was also granted an iron certificate with a red inscription to signify his extraordinary honor. All the officials in the hall were filled with envy and admiration.

Emperor Jinghe then said gently, "The northern border has been pacified, and my dear minister has made great contributions. I wish to retain you in the central government as the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces, overseeing all military affairs and assisting in governing the country. What do you think?"

Su Qingxuan bowed again, his words earnest and respectful: "Your Majesty's great kindness moves me to tears. However, I left home at a young age and spent more than ten years on the northern expedition to secure the border. My parents back home in Jiangnan are old and frail, their white hair leaning against the door. In these past ten years, I have been unable to serve them medicine at their knees. Whenever I think of this, I feel ashamed and remorseful."

"Now that the northern frontier has been pacified and there is no longer any worry about war on the border, I humbly request Your Majesty to grant me a few months' leave so that I may temporarily return to my hometown to fulfill my filial duties and comfort my parents who miss me. Once I have settled my family affairs and done my filial work, I will return to the court as soon as possible to continue to serve Your Majesty and contribute to the well-being of the people."

"I have already properly assigned all military and political affairs in the northern frontier. Generals such as Zhou Cang and Zhao Feng are all trustworthy. If there is any emergency, send it to Jiangnan by express courier, and I can return in one day."

Emperor Jinghe gazed at Su Qingxuan for a long time, and seeing his sincere expression and deep filial piety, he was deeply moved. He sighed and said, "You have not forgotten your roots, and your filial piety is commendable. The ancient saying, 'To find loyal ministers, one must look to the families of filial sons,' is indeed true. How could I not grant your wish to fulfill your filial piety?"

His request was granted, and he was given a six-month leave with his full salary. The emperor also personally inscribed a plaque with the words "Loyalty and Filial Piety Complete" and ordered him to take it back to his hometown and hang it above his door to commemorate his virtue.

He then instructed, "My dear minister, return soon. The court and the border both need a pillar of talent like you." Su Qingxuan solemnly kowtowed to express his gratitude to Heaven.

After bidding farewell to the officials of the court, Su Qingxuan, carrying the red tassel, the imperial gifts, and the imperial plaque inscribed with "Loyalty and Filial Piety," immediately set off for Qingxi Town in Pingjiang Prefecture, Jiangnan.

The closer he got to his hometown, the more uneasy he felt, yet his heart was filled with warmth. If we count from when he left home as a child, he was only eight or nine years old. After more than twenty years of trials and tribulations, he is now the Marquis of Zhenbei and a master of the three religions in his thirties. His parents' temples are now gray. He wonders if the small courtyard in his hometown is still the same as it used to be.

That afternoon, a misty rain shrouded the town, a scene unique to Jiangnan. Fine rain, like silk threads, like smoke and mist, enveloped the white walls and black tiles, the clear streams and painted bridges. Qingxi Town remained exactly as remembered: houses nestled along the river, bluestone paths glistening with rainwater, willows drooping along the banks, the fragrance of osmanthus wafting in the air, the babbling brook, and the bustling street life, all as gentle as ever.

Upon reaching the east end of the town, the Su family courtyard came into view. The low wall remained the same, and the two century-old osmanthus trees in the courtyard were lush and vigorous, even more so than more than ten years ago. The vegetable patch in the corner was verdant, and the stone table and benches were neatly arranged, exactly as I remembered.

Su Qingxuan dismounted, dismissed his guards, and walked slowly to the courtyard gate with only Chi Ying by his side. Overwhelmed with emotions, he raised his hand and gently knocked on the gate.

With a creak, the courtyard gate opened, revealing Madam Liu. Over fifty years old, her temples were streaked with white, her face kind, and fine lines lined the corners of her eyes. She was about to go out to tend the vegetable patch when she looked up and saw Su Qingxuan, dressed in a plain blue robe and standing tall and straight, outside the gate. She was first stunned, then tears welled in her eyes as she stared at him blankly. After a long while, she finally spoke in a trembling voice, "You…you are Xuan'er? My son!"

"Mother!" Su Qingxuan's eyes welled up with tears. He quickly stepped forward and gently took Liu's arm, his voice choked with emotion. "Your son is back. Your unfilial son, Qingxuan, has come back to see you and Father!"

After more than a decade of separation, upon seeing her son again, Madam Liu could no longer hold back her tears. She reached out and stroked her son's face, choking back sobs as she said, "It's good you're back, it's good you're back! Your mother has been waiting for you day and night, thinking of you every night. We've finally got you back! Come in quickly, come inside. Your father is reading inside. He'll be overjoyed if he knows you're back!"

Liu took Su Qingxuan's hand and walked into the courtyard. She then saw Chi Ying standing to the side.

Seeing her dressed in a close-fitting outfit, with a slender figure, a beautiful face, and a blend of heroic spirit and gentleness, standing respectfully and obediently beside Su Qingxuan, his eyes lit up. A smile flashed in his eyes, and he took Chi Ying's hand, asking gently, "And this young lady is...? She looks very familiar, could it be...?"

Upon seeing this, Chi Ying quickly bowed and greeted her, her tone respectful, obedient, and even a little mischievous: "Junior Zhang Atao greets Aunt Su. Junior and Brother Qingxuan are from the same hometown. I have lived next door to your house since I was a child and grew up with Brother Qingxuan. Over the years, I have been fighting alongside him in the northern frontier. This time, I am returning home with him to visit you two elders."

She deliberately introduced herself "formally," but she was actually a little nervous.

Madam Liu naturally knew Zhang Atao, but after not seeing her for many years, she had grown into a beautiful young woman and didn't recognize her at first. However, after Chi Ying mentioned it, Madam Liu immediately remembered that this was the lively and clever little girl next door back then, who had now grown into a graceful and beautiful young woman.

"So it's Ah Tao!" Madam Liu was overjoyed. She tightly grasped Chi Ying's hand, looking her up and down, becoming more and more satisfied with her. "Good child, it's been so many years, you've grown into a beautiful young lady. You're so pretty and sensible! Come inside, come inside, don't stand outside in the rain!"

At this moment, Su Wenyuan heard the commotion in the courtyard and came out of his study. Su Wenyuan, who was over sixty years old, was still dressed in a scholar's robe, gentle and refined, but his beard and hair were all white and his figure was slightly thin.

Seeing Su Qingxuan standing in the courtyard, the scroll in her hand nearly fell to the ground. Her eyes filled with joy, and she rushed forward, her voice trembling, "Qingxuan? It really is you! You're finally back!"

"Father!" Su Qingxuan bowed deeply, his eyes filled with respect. "Your unfilial son has been away for many years, causing you and Mother much worry."

Su Wenyuan waved his hand, his eyes slightly red, patted his son's shoulder, and nodded repeatedly: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back! Your mother and I have already heard about what happened in the Northern Frontier. You quelled the demonic threat, stabilized the border, and protected the people. You are the pride of the Su family and the pride of the Confucian school. How can you say you are unfilial!"

The family of four entered the main room, and Madam Liu bustled about, serving tea and water, bringing snacks and fruit, while constantly asking him about his experiences over the years, whether he had suffered at the border, and whether he was used to the food and lodging, her words full of a loving mother's care.

Su Wenyuan sat to the side, listening to his son recount his experiences of fighting in the northern frontier, educating and pacifying the people, and even requesting leave from the emperor to return home. He nodded in approval at times, stroked his beard and sighed with satisfaction in his eyes.

Chi Ying stood aside, obediently helping Liu with household chores, serving tea and water, tidying up tables and chairs. She was quick and efficient, and exceptionally sensible. She treated Su Wenyuan and Liu with great respect, calling them "Uncle" and "Aunt" affectionately and sweetly.

Knowing that Su Qingxuan's parents were old, she deliberately softened her attitude and took meticulous care of them, afraid of being in the slightest bit negligent. This demeanor pleased Liu Shi and Su Wenyuan even more.

After some casual conversation, Madam Liu pulled Chi Ying to sit on the stool next to her, looking at her with increasing delight. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she gently patted Su Qingxuan's hand, deliberately putting on a stern face, but her tone was filled with barely concealed amusement: "Xuan'er, you're always talking about important matters outside. Mother has a very important 'little matter' to tell you about."

Seeing his mother's demeanor, Su Qingxuan had already guessed what was going on and said gently, "Mother, please speak."

Instead of answering him directly, Madam Liu turned to Chi Ying, smiling as she took her hand and gently patted it: "Little Tao, your hands have developed calluses from practicing swordsmanship. You must have suffered a lot these past years running around with this silly boy, haven't you?"

Chi Ying quickly said, "Auntie, it's not hard. Following Brother Qingxuan is what I should do."

"Listen to this, what a lovely girl!" Madam Liu immediately gave Su Wenyuan a look, and Su Wenyuan stroked his beard, smiled, and nodded without saying a word.

Having gained support, Madam Liu turned to Su Qingxuan and said, "Look at that girl, Atao. She's as beautiful as if she stepped out of a painting, has a good temperament, is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and is completely devoted to you. You, on the other hand, are already thirty years old, and you're still thinking about the common people and the cultivation of the Great Dao all day long. How could the common people and the Great Dao not allow you to settle down and start a family?"

As she spoke, she leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice, but it was enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly: "Let me tell you, Aunt Li on the front street and Granny Zhang in the back alley have been trying to find you a match since before the New Year. They've been introducing you to daughters of magistrates from prefectures and counties, or daughters of wealthy and powerful families. I've turned them all down for you."

"Why? Because Mother knows that when our Xuan'er chooses a spouse, he doesn't care about power or status, he wants to be with the best girl in the world! Look, we've found her, haven't we?" After saying that, her eyes kept glancing at Chi Ying, and a smile spread from the corners of her eyes.

Chi Ying was already blushing from her cheeks to her ears, and even her neck was tinged with a light pink.

Her head was bowed low, almost buried in her collar, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes tightly. Her voice was barely audible, tinged with panic: "Auntie...you...you mustn't be joking with me...Brother Qingxuan...he has ambitions for the world..."

Seeing that the time was right, Su Wenyuan put down his teacup, cleared his throat, and said gently with a hint of teasing, "Qingxuan, your mother's words, though blunt, are not unreasonable. Your mother and I are getting old, and we have no other wish than to see you settle down, start a family, and have someone who cares for you. Look at Miss Atao..."

He smiled and pointed at Chi Ying, who wished she could disappear into the ground, "We grew up together, were kindred spirits, and went through life and death together. Such a bond is hard to find in this world. We Confucianists often say, 'Cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.' How can one govern the state and bring peace to the world if one's family is not well-regulated?"

Looking at the earnest and warm expectations in her parents' eyes, and then glancing at the shy anticipation and trepidation hidden in Chi Ying beside her, Su Qingxuan felt a mix of warmth and guilt in her heart.

He was well aware of Chi Ying's feelings and was grateful for her unwavering support over the years, but...

He carefully chose his words and said slowly, "Father, Mother, Miss Chiying is kind-hearted, virtuous, and resolute. She is a rare woman in this world. I know this well and am deeply grateful for her kindness."

"However, the demonic scourge of the Netherworld is not yet eradicated, and the world may change. My own path is also at a crucial juncture, and the road ahead may not be smooth. Discussing marriage at this time would likely cause delays and would be unfair to Chi Ying. I have been granted permission by His Majesty to return home for only a few months, after which I must return to court to report on my duties and shoulder heavy responsibilities. If I were to settle down now, and something were to happen, wouldn't that ruin Chi Ying's life?"

"What's unfair? What's delayed?" Upon hearing this, Madam Liu playfully poked Su Qingxuan's forehead, the touch light but full of affection. "You always overthink things! Getting married and establishing a career is a man's duty. If Atao was afraid of delays or unfairness, would she have waited for you for so many years? What do you, a blockhead, understand about a young woman's thoughts!"

She turned and took Chi Ying's hand again, her tone softening with heartache and gentle persuasion: "Good child, your parents passed away early. When you went out to explore the world alone with your master, you were only seven years old! Heaven knows how much suffering you endured. If it weren't for your master, your Uncle Su and I would have taken you in as our daughter."

"Don't just keep your head down. Uncle Su and I are on your side. Just tell your aunt something from the bottom of your heart. Are you... willing to wait for this silly boy who always takes on everything and thinks bigger than the sky? Don't worry, with your aunt's support, if he dares to let you down, I'll be the first to object!"

After saying that, she deliberately glared at Su Qingxuan.

The main room fell silent instantly, even the sound of the fine rain outside the window could be clearly heard. All eyes were on Chi Ying. Chi Ying's face flushed even more, her heart pounding like a drum, as if it would burst from her chest. She secretly raised her eyes and quickly glanced at Su Qingxuan. Seeing his gentle gaze filled with apology and encouragement as he looked at her, courage surged within her.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her wildly beating heart. Though still too shy to look up at the two elders, she answered softly and clearly, "Auntie, Uncle... I... I'm willing. Brother Qingxuan has the world in his heart; he's a great hero. To follow him and assist him is my willing choice. No matter how long it takes, no matter what lies ahead, whether it's a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire, I'm willing to wait for him and stay with him."

The last few words were almost inaudible, yet they carried an undeniable power.

Upon hearing this, Madam Liu beamed with joy and patted Chi Ying's hand several times, exclaiming, "Good! Good! Good child! Your aunt has been waiting for you to say that!"

She turned to look at Su Wenyuan, raising her eyebrows triumphantly, as if to say, "See, I told you so." Su Wenyuan stroked his beard, smiled, and nodded, his eyes filled with satisfaction and admiration for Chi Ying.

Su Qingxuan was deeply moved, and his gaze toward Chi Ying became even gentler and deeper.

He understood his parents' feelings and did not want to betray Chi Ying's deep affection, nor did he want to hurt their hearts by refusing them at this time. So he said gently, "Father, Mother, I understand. I am deeply grateful for Miss Chi Ying's kindness and affection."

"However, marriage is a major life event and should not be rushed. I humbly request that you grant me some time. After this holiday, I will return to the capital and arrange things more thoroughly. When the world is more peaceful, I will give you both, as well as Miss Chiying, a solemn and satisfactory explanation. For now, let Chiying stay at your home as a younger sister of a family friend, to keep you company. Is that alright?"

Seeing that her son hadn't immediately agreed to the marriage, but his attitude had softened and his words made sense, Madam Liu decided to stop while she was ahead, smiling and saying, "Alright, alright, whatever you say. As long as you keep it in mind and remember it, that's fine. But let me make it clear, Mother will remember this!"

She then affectionately took Chiying's hand, "Atao, just stay here comfortably, make yourself at home, and chat with your aunt, okay? Let this boy see how warm it is to have a close friend at home!"

A slight tear welled up in Chi Ying's eyes, a mixture of emotion and relief. She nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion, "Yes! Thank you, Auntie, thank you, Uncle... I... I will take good care of you both."

After saying that, she glanced quickly at Su Qingxuan and added in a voice barely above a whisper, "Thank you... Brother Qingxuan."

The last "Brother Qingxuan" was uttered very softly, yet it seemed to carry an indescribable affection and sweetness than usual.

Su Qingxuan nodded slightly to her, his eyes filled with reassurance and a solemn promise.

His words were full of warmth, without any coercion, only the love and expectations of parents. Chi Ying was moved and nodded repeatedly, her eyes slightly reddening.

Looking at the heartwarming scene before him, Su Qingxuan was filled with emotion. This kind of worldly life and the warmth of family affection were the most precious comforts for him during his bloody battles on the border and on his path of cultivation. It was also the meaning behind his desperate efforts to protect all living beings.

For the next few days, Su Qingxuan stayed in the Su family courtyard, keeping his parents company.

Every morning, he would accompany his father, Su Wenyuan, to read under the osmanthus tree, revisiting Confucian classics and discussing the principles of the three religions. The father and son would sit down and have a long talk, enjoying each other's company.

During the day, he helped his mother, Liu, tend the vegetable plots, water and fertilize them, do some chores within his ability, and listen to his mother tell stories of the old town, about her childhood playmates, how some of them have started families, others have established careers, and how they live stable lives.

As evening fell, he and Chi Ying strolled along the banks of the Qingxi River, watching the misty rain of Jiangnan, admiring the beautiful scenery of the water town, reminiscing about their youth, and chatting casually. The seriousness of the military was replaced by a sense of leisure.

Chi Ying took meticulous care of Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi's daily life, doing laundry, cooking, serving tea and water, and was even more considerate than a biological daughter.

Liu Shi doted on her even more, taking her by her side all day, teaching her needlework, telling her stories of the Su family, and treating her like a daughter-in-law.

When the villagers passed by the Su family's courtyard, they saw the gentle and refined Su Qingxuan and the beautiful and sensible Chiying. They all praised him, saying that Su the scholar was very lucky to have raised such a good son and found such a good daughter-in-law.

In an instant, the courtyard was filled with laughter and warmth, and the long-lost human touch filled every corner of the courtyard.

As Su Qingxuan immersed himself in the scene, he felt the love of his parents, the friendliness of his neighbors, and the gentleness of his hometown. The tension in his heart caused by cultivation and heavy responsibilities gradually eased.

He knew that such time was incredibly precious. The day of his ascension was drawing ever closer, and the days he could spend with his parents were becoming fewer and fewer. Only by cherishing the present and fulfilling his filial duties could he avoid any regrets.

As for the hidden dangers of the Demon Lord of the Netherworld and the Great Dao of the unification of the three religions, he had already planned in his heart. After spending some time with his parents, when the holiday came, he would set off again to seek the true meaning of the Great Dao, eliminate the hidden dangers in the world, and protect the world's peace and tranquility for eternity.

The misty rain of Jiangnan remains as gentle as ever, and the Su family courtyard is overflowing with warmth. Having left home in his youth, he returns now in his thirties, carrying on filial piety, reminiscing about family ties, and enjoying the joys of family life. This warmth of humanity is the most precious practice and the most moving chapter on the journey of the mortal and the saint.

It is:

Reuniting in our hometown warms our hearts; sharing joyful moments with family, from dawn till dusk.

The mother and daughter smile as they watch the marriage, while the brocade zither hides the secrets of their separation.