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

Poetry:

Reunited in the vast ocean, we find solace from our tribulations; the heavenly winds cleanse us, and we awaken to the true path.

A deep bond of affection, heavy as a thousand pounds, suddenly sounds like war drums echoing across the snowy mountains.

After Su Qingxuan successfully "discussed the Dao" in Khotan and achieved a state of enlightenment, he led a small entourage on a continued westward journey.

Along the way, he deliberately slowed down his journey, sometimes riding a horse to admire the desert scenery during the day, and sometimes getting off the vehicle to visit the oasis market to understand the local customs.

When we camped at night, we would often sit around the campfire with the accompanying scholars and craftsmen, listening to them recount their experiences in the Western Regions. We would occasionally offer our own comments, and our conversations would be less aloof than those of high-ranking officials, but more warm and intimate with the everyday life of ordinary people.

This continued for more than ten days.

That afternoon, the group was resting and watering their horses beside a grove of poplar trees when suddenly a cloud of dust rose from behind and a train of horses came winding its way.

The first rider galloped forward; it was the Imperial Guard Captain who was stationed in Kucha.

He dismounted and reported, "Reporting to Prime Minister Su! Lord Zhou, leading the rear guard, has escorted Miss Xiao and is catching up!"

Su Qingxuan was squatting by the stream, watching an old craftsman brew milk tea in a copper kettle. Upon hearing this, the leather bag he was using to scoop water paused slightly.

He straightened up, clapped his hands, and said calmly, "Understood. Pass on the order to set up camp on the spot and wait for the rear guard to join us."

The order was given, and the guards began their work.

Chi Ying silently checked the security around the camp.

Lin Wanqing and Xiao Lingyue got off the car one after the other.

The former looked back the way they came, a complex emotion flashing in his cool eyes; the latter held prayer beads and chanted a Buddhist mantra softly.

About half an hour later, the convoy arrived.

Zhou Wenjin stepped forward and bowed deeply to Su Qingxuan, his voice filled with excitement and relief: "Prime Minister Su! This humble servant has successfully escorted Miss Xiao here safely!"

"Wenjin, you've worked hard."

Su Qingxuan helped him up, her gaze already passing over Zhou Wenjin's shoulder and landing on the familiar carriage that slowly came to a stop.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and two accompanying maids stepped out first.

Then, a slender white hand rested on the car door frame, the knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

Xiao Lingxi lowered her head, carefully leaned out, and stepped onto the carriage bench with the help of a maid.

Today she wore a pale yellow, narrow-sleeved Hu-style dress, with a light blue cloak trimmed with silver fox fur over it, which made her face look somewhat pale.

But compared to his near-death state a month ago, it's a world of difference.

However, he was still thin, and when he got off the train and stood up, his right shoulder involuntarily twitched slightly, clearly indicating that the wound had not yet healed.

She raised her head, her gaze searching timidly through the crowd.

When they saw the figure standing before them, clad in purple robes and jade belt, with an elegant and refined demeanor, their eyes lit up instantly.

But then, as if burned, she quickly lowered her eyes, her long, thick eyelashes casting two shadows on her pale cheeks.

She pursed her lips and, supported by her maid, walked step by step toward Su Qingxuan.

The surroundings suddenly became quiet.

All eyes, whether intentionally or unintentionally, were focused on these two people.

Chi Ying turned her face away and looked at the distant sand dunes;

Lin Wanqing lowered her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the jade flute hidden in her sleeve;

Xiao Lingyue's speed in turning the prayer beads increased imperceptibly by one point.

Xiao Lingxi stopped three steps in front of Su Qingxuan, intending to bow, but her movements were stiff and awkward due to her shoulder injury.

Su Qingxuan spoke first, his voice as gentle as ever, revealing little emotion: "Was the journey safe? How is your injury healing?"

"Replying to...Replying to Brother Su..."

Xiao Lingxi's voice was soft, weak from recovering from a long illness, and trembled slightly.

"The journey was smooth, Lord Zhou made excellent arrangements. My injuries... are much better now. The physician said that after a few more days of rest, I'll be fine."

She kept her head down the whole time, not daring to look at him.

"Hmm." Su Qingxuan nodded, his gaze lingering for a moment on her slightly hunched right shoulder.

"In that case, rejoin the team. There's no rush; do what you can and don't push yourself."

After saying that, he turned to Zhou Wenjin and inquired about the arrangements for the follow-up matters in Kucha, as well as what he had seen and heard along the way.

Xiao Lingxi stood there, stunned, listening to him and Zhou Wenjin discuss serious matters.

His gentle yet distant tone was completely different from how he had anxiously fed her medicine orally and stayed by her side for most of the night in the Kucha palace a month earlier.

The secret joy that rose in my heart because of the reunion deflated silently like a balloon punctured by a needle, leaving only an empty and bitter feeling.

She silently turned around and, with the help of her maid, walked toward the carriage assigned to her.

Over the next few days, the teams merged into one place and their size was restored, but their pace of movement slowed down.

Su Qingxuan did not say anything more to Xiao Lingxi.

She would simply have her servants deliver a specially made blood-nourishing and qi-boosting soup, brewed with medicinal herbs from the Western Regions, to her every day, along with a light diet tailored to her injuries.

Sometimes it's red dates and goji berries stewed with snow pigeon, sometimes it's yam and poria porridge, and sometimes it's a warming meat soup with spices from the Western Regions but without the spiciness.

The servant who delivered the medicine would always respectfully relay: "Prime Minister Su instructed that the young lady must take it while it's hot, as it will aid in the recovery of her injuries."

Xiao Lingxi always obediently finished the drink, never complaining about the bitterness or being picky.

Holding that warm bowl, I felt a mix of emotions that were hard to describe.

This silent care was so thoughtful, yet so... routine.

She would rather he were like before, tapping her forehead and saying she was "being silly," or shaking his head and sighing helplessly, than be like this now, perfect and thoughtful, yet separated by thousands of miles.

She became much quieter.

They no longer acted as they did before, shouting and asking Su Qingxuan questions like "Brother Su" repeatedly.

Most of the time, she stayed quietly in the car, occasionally lifting the curtain to look at the scenery outside.

She began to actively seek medical advice from the accompanying female physician and learn to identify herbs along the way.

The female physician was initially surprised, but seeing her serious expression and good comprehension, she taught her everything she knew.

Xiao Lingxi studied very diligently. She said that she had read some Taoist medical classics at home when she was young, so she had some basic knowledge.

Only she knew that she wanted to be closer to him—

He was well-versed in medicine and had personally saved her life.

Perhaps understanding these things will one day... be able to help him a little bit, instead of always being a burden and trouble for him.

Her gaze increasingly and involuntarily followed that figure.

She watched him dismount and walk into the roadside market, speaking in broken Khotanese, gesturing as he talked to the white-bearded old man selling melons. In the end, he exchanged a silk handkerchief he had brought from the Central Plains for two golden melons.

He returned carrying the melon, a childlike smile on his face, and casually handed it to the guard beside him: "Share it, everyone can have a taste."

At that moment, the setting sun gilded him, making him look less like a high-ranking prime minister and more like a refined scholar returning from a spring outing.

She watched as he set up camp at night, having the accompanying musicians play "Yangguan Sandie," the desolate melody echoing across the wilderness.

They then invited a pipa player from Kucha in the group to play the lively and unrestrained "Hu Xuan Dance".

The different melodies initially seemed somewhat incompatible, but gradually, they miraculously blended together, with the gentleness of the Central Plains and the boldness of the Western Regions resonating with each other, creating a unique and magnificent charm.

He sat by the campfire, his fingers tapping lightly on his knees, a faint smile playing on his lips, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight, deep and bright.

She watched him and Chi Ying practice swordsmanship in the morning light. No, mainly he was instructing Chi Ying.

Chi Ying's moves are ruthless and deadly, each strike is a skill for battlefield combat.

Su Qingxuan simply held a tree branch casually, pointing, guiding, leading, and leading, seemingly effortlessly, yet always managing to neutralize Chi Ying's fierce attacks.

"Your gun is too aggressive; it's too fragile and easily broken."

He said gently, "Now learn more about the way of the sword, combining strength and gentleness. Try to match your breathing with the sword's movements, leaving room for maneuver. It's not for the enemy, but for yourself. Once you've mastered it, you can then use a spear, which is also a way to learn by analogy."

Chi Ying pursed her lips and remained silent, but adjusted as instructed. After a few rounds, the sword light indeed became less violent and more lingering and profound.

Xiao Lingxi hid behind the carriage and watched secretly, thinking to herself, "He looks so handsome when he's pointing people out."

She watched as he and his aunt, Xiao Lingyue, sat facing each other on a quiet sand dune, a simple stone chessboard in front of them. Both moved their pieces slowly, remaining silent for a long time.

My aunt looked serene, and the prayer beads on her fingertips turned slowly.

Su Qingxuan's gaze was calm as he stared at the chessboard, as if the nineteen lines represented the entire universe.

Occasionally, her aunt would speak, her voice ethereal: "This young man, Su Xiang, has a knack for turning adversity into opportunity, displaying the compassion and courage of the Buddha who sacrificed himself to feed a tiger."

Su Qingxuan smiled and replied, "Your Highness flatters me. It's simply a matter of seeing mountains as mountains and water as water."

Xiao Lingxi couldn't understand their witty banter. She only felt that the two people sitting quietly opposite each other were like an ancient painting, making her afraid to disturb them, and also inexplicably feeling...ashamed of herself.

She saw him talking to Lin Wanqing under the makeshift awning.

Lin Wanqing played white, her pieces fell lightly, and the layout was grand yet subtly ingenious.

Su Qingxuan plays black, and his moves seem casual, yet he often manages to turn the tide of battle unexpectedly.

The two rarely spoke; the only sound was the crisp sound of chess pieces falling onto the wooden board.

However, occasionally Lin Wanqing would ask questions about the laws and regulations of an ancient Western Region kingdom, and Su Qingxuan would be able to quote extensively from classical texts and speak eloquently, from historical origins to changes in customs, offering insightful observations.

Lin Wanqing listened attentively, sometimes nodding, sometimes frowning in deep thought. Her cool and beautiful profile seemed to glow in the light filtering through the gaps in the shed.

As Xiao Lingxi watched, a bittersweet feeling spread through her heart like weeds.

She knew that Sister Lin, with her profound knowledge and composed demeanor, was the kind of person who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him and share a deep connection with him.

What about yourself?

Besides causing trouble, besides that insignificant affection that might even bother him, what else is there?

Zhou Wenjin and the other members of the delegation also noticed the change in Prime Minister Su.

This was once the Grand Secretary, a figure of great authority and strategic brilliance in the imperial court, inspiring awe and reverence akin to a deity.

It seems that ever since he left Yumen Pass, especially after experiencing the life-and-death ordeal in Kucha and the Daoist debate in Khotan, the invisible aura that isolated him from all living beings is slowly fading away.

He became more vibrant, more... down-to-earth.

He would linger for a long time upon discovering a desert plant he had never seen before, shaped like a small tower, and carefully dig it up by the roots, handing it over to the accompanying agricultural expert for study.

They might chuckle and shake their heads with amusement at a vulgar yet vivid joke told by a caravan guard.

He would sigh helplessly upon discovering Xiao Lingxi secretly pouring a bowl of extremely bitter medicine into the sand. The next time, he would personally hold the bowl of medicine in front of her car, watching her drink every last drop before turning away.

Although he didn't say much more, what flashed in his eyes in that instant was clearly the indulgence and helplessness he felt when facing a naughty child.

This change made everyone feel a sense of familiarity and even joy.

However, Zhou Wenjin, especially those close to him such as Chi Ying, Lin Wanqing, and Xiao Lingyue, felt a deeper unease amidst their closeness.

They felt that Su Xiang had not become ordinary, but rather had achieved a kind of "return to simplicity" in his spiritual realm.

He remains unfathomable, but that "depth" no longer inspires awe; rather, it is like the ocean, calm and gentle on the surface, yet containing immeasurable power and wisdom within.

Moreover, they could all sense that Su Xiang's aura was becoming increasingly harmonious and complete.

The connection with heaven and earth and nature becomes clearer and clearer. Sometimes when I stand still, it feels as if I might merge with the vast desert at any moment and ride away on the wind.

That evening, the group arrived at a huge Yardang landform group.

Looking around, one sees mounds and stone pillars formed by wind and sand erosion over millions of years, each with a unique shape.

Some resemble towering castles, some resemble silent behemoths, and some resemble sharp swords piercing the sky.

Under the blood-red glow of the setting sun, it presents layers of magnificent yet eerie colors, including golden red, ochre yellow, dark purple, and iron gray.

The wind howled as it passed, adding to the desolate and mysterious atmosphere.

"This is the 'Devil City' mentioned in ancient books."

Zhou Wenjin consulted the map and said to Su Qingxuan, "Prime Minister Su, the terrain here is complex, and there are often strange winds at night. It is not advisable to go deep into this area."

"Why don't we set up camp at the foot of this largest mound on the edge today and proceed at dawn tomorrow?"

Su Qingxuan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing up at the magnificent natural landscape.

The afterglow of the setting sun stretched his tall figure into a long shadow.

His face was expressionless, but his deep eyes were filled with the most magnificent colors of the world, as if he were absorbing and comprehending them.

Upon hearing this, he withdrew his gaze and nodded:

"As Lord Zhou said. Pass down the order that the camp be securely set up, and that the carts, horses, and supplies be surrounded in a sheltered spot and secured with ropes. Everyone must be on high alert tonight."

Once the order was given, the well-trained team immediately sprang into action.

Soon, tents were erected on the leeward side of the huge, lion-shaped mound.

A campfire was lit, and wisps of smoke rose, bringing a touch of human warmth to this desolate and lifeless place.

Night deepened.

The stars in the northern frontier hang low and shine brightly, with the Milky Way stretching across the sky like a ribbon.

But the wind tonight seemed more restless than usual, its howling rising and falling, whipping up fine sand that rustled against the tent.

Xiao Lingxi lay in the tent covered with thick felt, her shoulder injury throbbing, and she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

She simply put on her coat and quietly stepped out of the tent.

The guards on night watch recognized her and did not stop her.

The night wind carried a biting chill, and she tightened her cloak, looking up at the starry sky.

The starry sky in the Western Regions seems more vast and colder than that in the Central Plains.

Those billions of stars coldly gaze down upon the earth, making one feel utterly insignificant.

She couldn't help but turn her gaze toward the main tent.

The lights were off, and it was pitch black. Was he... asleep? Or was he meditating and practicing martial arts?

Thinking of his solitary figure sitting under the moon, and his increasingly ethereal and otherworldly demeanor, that empty panic once again gripped my heart.

Just then, something unexpected happened!

Without warning, the wind suddenly intensified!

The whimpering turned into a piercing shriek, as if thousands of ghosts were crying out at the same time!

What was originally just fine sand flying around has now turned into a raging sandstorm that blots out the sky!

Huge columns of wind raged through the yardang formations, whipping up millstone-sized boulders that slammed down on the camp!

"Black storm! It's a black storm! Get up—" The piercing alarm was instantly torn apart by the raging wind.

The entire camp erupted in chaos!

The tents were tossed about like kites in the gale, the ropes securing them snapped, and several tents were swept into the air and disappeared into the dark sandstorm!

The camels' panicked neighing, the horses' mournful neighing, the people's screams and cries, and the sounds of objects overturning and shattering were mixed with the howling wind like ghosts wailing and wolves howling, creating a scene of apocalyptic chaos!

"Protect Prime Minister Su! Protect all the lords!" the guard commander shouted hoarsely, but his voice was swallowed up by the gale after only a few steps.

The soldiers braved the sand and stones raining down on them, desperately trying to calm the frightened livestock and reinforce the tents.

But in the face of the power of heaven and earth, human strength seems so insignificant and laughable.

Xiao Lingxi was blown off balance by the strong wind and almost lost her footing. The sand and stones stung her cheeks, and she couldn't open her eyes.

She was horrified, and her first thought was: Brother Su!

She staggered against the wind, desperately running towards the main tent.

The sand whipped up by the gale lashed at her like countless tiny whips, her breath filled with sand that choked her and caused her to cough violently. A tearing pain shot through her shoulder wound.

The area around the main tent was in complete disarray. The tent was torn in half, and several guards were desperately trying to hold down the corners of the tent with their bodies, but they were about to give way.

Chi Ying appeared beside Su Qingxuan like a ghost, her long hair dancing wildly in the wind, her hand on the hilt of her sword, her eyes scanning the surroundings like lightning.

We must be vigilant against potential dangers (such chaos is most likely to breed trouble) and resist the terrifying wrath of Heaven.

However, Xiao Lingxi noticed that Su Qingxuan did not hide behind the relatively stable shelter formed by the vehicles.

Instead, they went against the raging sandstorm, walking step by step toward the edge of the camp, toward a huge, solitary mound on higher ground!

There was no shelter there, which was where the wind was strongest!

"Brother Su! Come back! Danger—"

Xiao Lingxi screamed, but her voice was drowned out by the howling wind.

Without a second thought, she rushed over.

Just then, Su Qingxuan suddenly turned around and glanced in her direction.

The wind howled, sand and stones flew, and the two were dozens of steps apart, so they could not see each other's faces clearly.

But Xiao Lingxi strangely felt that he saw her, and even... smiled slightly at her.

Then, he raised his finger and pointed to his ear, then to the dark, raging sky above.

Xiao Lingxi was startled and subconsciously focused her attention to listen carefully.

Aside from the deafening howl that seemed to tear the heavens and earth apart, the crackling sound of sand and gravel colliding, and the chaotic commotion within the camp...

She seemed to have actually heard something else.

It was a deep, resonant, and powerful sound, as if it came from the deepest part of the earth, or as if it were a sob and a roar from the heavens.

It is not a single tone, but a symphony of thousands upon thousands of sounds:

Air currents, moving at various angles and speeds, frantically pierce through the countless craggy rocks, crevices, and canyons of this Yardang landform...

Squeezed, rubbed, torn, reassembled...

This creates a natural, primitive, and wild symphony of heaven and earth, yet it contains a certain timeless rhythm!

This movement is desolate, tragic, and magnificent, carrying the breath of the primordial wilderness.

It was as if this land, silent for billions of years, was now, with the help of the raging wind, letting out its deepest roar and lament to the sky and to the intruders!

Xiao Lingxi was deeply moved by the indescribable "music".

For a moment, I forgot my fear and my shoulder pain, and just stood there blankly, letting the wind and sand beat against me.

Su Qingxuan, with firm steps, climbed to the top of that solitary hill.

He ignored the fierce wind that could sweep a person away and the sand and stones hitting his head, sat down cross-legged, and closed his eyes.

The next moment, a scene that would be unforgettable for all who witnessed it appeared.

Centered on Su Qingxuan, it was as if an invisible protective shield quietly opened up.

It wasn't about completely isolating him from the sandstorm, but rather about forcing the raging sandstorm to stay within a foot of his body...

It's like hitting a soft yet resilient wall; the flow naturally separates and slides away.

He remained seated, his purple robe fluttering in the wind, his hair flying, yet strangely, his face and body were not covered in much dust.

His expression was serene, with a hint of deep contemplation and understanding in his eyes.

It felt as if we weren't in the midst of a devastating black storm, but rather listening to the grandest concert in the world.

He sat there quietly, seemingly becoming one with the massive mound beneath him that had stood in the wind for millions of years, the only calm and stable "reef" in this turbulent world.

Chi Ying gripped the sword hilt tightly, her knuckles turning white, but she did not step forward.

She simply stared intently at that figure, her eyes filled with extremely complex emotions—

There was shock, there was awe, and even more so, a deep, almost desperate panic.

She felt that the figure was drifting away from this world.

Lin Wanqing had arrived nearby at some point, and she was being helped by a maid to stand up.

Gazing at the ethereal figure atop the mound, a surge of emotion welled up within his cool, aloof eyes.

Finally, it turned into a barely audible sigh, and he slowly closed his eyes.

Xiao Lingyue's tent was not far away, but she did not come out.

But the low, resolute chanting from inside the tent, piercing through the wind and sand, carried a heartbreaking power.

The storm raged for almost half the night.

As the first rays of dawn struggled to pierce the still hazy, yellow sky, the devastating roar gradually subsided and subsided.

The camp was in a mess.

Nearly half of the tents collapsed, and a lot of supplies were lost. Everyone looked covered in dust and dirt, as if they had just been dug out of a sand dune.

Fortunately, thanks to Zhou Wenjin and his guards' desperate efforts, most of the people were safe, with only a few suffering minor injuries from flying stones, and the livestock were also largely stabilized.

The group crawled out of the shelter, still shaken, and cleaned the sand and dirt off their faces and heads.

Looking at each other's disheveled state, they felt a sense of relief, as if they had survived a disaster.

Then, everyone's gaze turned to the hill at the edge of the camp.

Su Qingxuan remained seated there.

The first rays of dawn outlined a pale golden contour around him.

His long hair was loose, and there wasn't a speck of sand on his purple robe. He didn't look as disheveled as the others.

But when he slowly opened his eyes, they were incredibly clear and bright.

As if thoroughly cleansed by this storm, it shines brighter and deeper than the purest snow-capped mountains and lakes, bathed in the rising sun.

Gone was the gentle refinement of the past, and the deep scheming of those in high office.

There was only a vast tranquility and an ineffable, all-encompassing "divinity".

He gently brushed the dust off his sleeves, which were spotless to begin with, with a calm and natural movement, then stood up and faced east.

There, a bright red sun was bursting forth, its golden light shining brightly.

The boundless, desolate sea of ​​sand and the bizarre, silently towering Yardang landforms were dyed a magnificent, burning golden-red.

The world was filled with a kind of splendor and silence, like a phoenix rising from the ashes after a period of tyranny.

Su Qingxuan gazed at the scene quietly for a long time.

Then, he suddenly began to chant in a low voice, which, though not loud, was strangely clear and reached the ears of everyone below who had just recovered from their shock:

"Heaven and earth possess great beauty but do not speak of it; the four seasons follow clear laws but do not discuss them; all things have inherent principles but do not explain them..."

He paused, then slowly raised the corners of his mouth to reveal a smile.

That smile was clean and bright, like the freshest sunlight in the desert morning.

There was no longer any deliberate attempt to maintain a gentle perfection, nor any aloofness or indifference, but rather a pure, heartfelt joy, even tinged with a childlike delight.

"I see."

He murmured to himself, his voice so soft it sounded like a sigh, yet so heavy it could strike a chord in some people's hearts.

"Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles."

"No matter how many principles are written in books, nothing compares to seeing the vastness of the world with your own eyes, experiencing the everyday life of humanity, and feeling and practicing them with a childlike heart!"

"The way of the sage is found both in the high halls of the court and in the far reaches of the common people."

"In the classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections, there is also the sound of sand and wind, and the laughter of children."

"I used to... really put myself under too much pressure."

These words touched everyone below, from civil officials like Zhou Wenjin to martial artists like Chi Ying, and even intelligent women like Lin Wanqing and Xiao Lingyue, causing them to fall into deep thought.

As Xiao Lingxi gazed at the pure, joyful smile on his face from afar, her heart felt as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, the pain almost suffocating her.

The smile was so beautiful, yet it filled her with an unprecedented sense of panic.

Because she clearly sensed that the once gentle and refined "Brother Su," who was also down-to-earth, was "shedding" something and "integrating" into something at an incredible speed.

He seemed to have grown even further away from the mundane world.

Su Qingxuan did not care about the gazes of the crowd.

During last night's storm, he completely opened his mind and used himself as a "vessel" to feel and accept the most violent and primal power in the world.

Under the erosion of that heavenly power, the hard and cold "shell" he had long deliberately built out out of responsibility, goals, and cultivation finally began to crumble and melt away...

He remembered many things.

The humiliation and resentment of his family's decline and being rejected in his youth;

He studied diligently under the dim light of a lamp for years, all for the sake of his unwavering belief that one day he would bring glory to the Su family.

Upon first entering the imperial court, one feels as if walking on thin ice, enduring the hardships of scheming and struggling amidst treacherous political winds;

Amidst the flames of war in the northern frontier, he engages in strategizing and laughter, deliberately maintaining composure and calmness amidst a vast army, while his mind remains taut like a string...

He always believed that spiritual practice was like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind.

Therefore, he dared not relax in the slightest, dared not show weakness, and dared not indulge his desires.

They even... dare not openly face the soft, human parts of their hearts.

He was like a tightly wound, precisely operating machine, moving forward alone and wearily toward the goal called "saint".

But a sage must first and foremost be a "human being".

As human beings, we experience joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, and we have worries and attachments.

I would feel warmed by the cheers of the children in Gaochang when they received clean water;

They were moved by the suffering of the people in the plague-stricken villages of Kucha;

He would feel anxious and heartbroken when Xiao Lingxi sacrificed herself to shield him from a knife;

They would be delighted by the laughter of Khotan children weaving grasshoppers.

Sometimes, under the moonlit sky when no one is around, a faint sense of melancholy may arise for one's homeland and loved ones.

I feel a sense of longing and bewilderment for the few remaining threads of emotion behind me, and a slight sense of awe for the uncertain road ahead.

Acknowledge, accept, and even embrace these human aspects, making them a part of yourself.

Instead of viewing it as a weakness or obstacle that one wants to eliminate as quickly as possible—

This, perhaps, is the true essence of reaching the realm of "sacredness".

Otherwise, what one cultivates is nothing more than the ruthless laws of heaven, or a high and mighty, yet cold and rigid clay puppet.

Once this thought arises, all obstacles will be overcome!

He felt a sense of lightness throughout his body, as if he had been freed from the invisible shackles he had carried for many years.

The original true energy of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism that had long been integrated within his body surged and circulated with unprecedented vitality, without the slightest stagnation.

His divine sense spread like mercury across the land, instantly reaching thousands of miles.

Every grain of sand in the desert rolls by, every change in the direction of the wind, the terrified trembling of gerbils in their burrows in the distance, the drought-resistant grass struggling to sprout on the edge of the oasis...

Even nearby, Xiao Lingxi's gaze was filled with a dazed look, yet also with fear.

The suppressed emotion was palpable as Chi Ying gripped the sword hilt tightly, her knuckles turning white.

The complex emotions in Lin Wanqing's closed-eye sigh;

The sound of chanting, filled with compassion and sympathy, drifted endlessly from Xiao Lingyue's tent...

All things in heaven and earth, all aspects of human life, are vividly depicted, yet harmoniously integrated into one, all residing within the "heart".

He did not deliberately exert his power.

But a gentle, bright, boundless yet profound and inclusive aura has naturally spread out from him.

It enveloped the entire ravaged camp and continued to gently ripple across the surrounding desert.

This aura was not domineering or intense, but rather like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, silently nurturing all things.

In the camp, the soldiers who were frustrated and cursing because of their heavy losses suddenly felt a sense of calm and their agitation subsided.

The physician, who was bandaging the wound, was now more steady in his work;

The camels and horses, still shaken, gradually calmed down and lowered their heads to catch their breath.

Even the withered grass that had been broken and lay flat on the ground seemed to straighten its stems a little as the wind blew by.

Everyone involuntarily stopped what they were doing and looked again at the figure on the mound.

The morning light grew stronger, gilding him with an ever-growing golden edge.

Secluded from the world, yet hidden in the dust and smoke, amidst the endless yellow sand, it cannot conceal the pure and perfect tranquility that emanates from within.

He was clearly standing there, undeniably real, yet he gave off a strange, unsettling feeling—

It was as if, in the next instant, he would transform into a wisp of breeze, merge into the boundless golden light, and dissipate into the vast sky, never to be found again.

Chi Ying bit her lower lip hard, the metallic taste of blood spreading in her mouth.

She finally understood what she had been panicking about.

She was always afraid he would leave, and even more afraid that he would... "leave" in this way.

As Xiao Lingxi gazed into the distance, tears welled up unexpectedly, instantly blurring her vision.

She strained to open her eyes, trying to see his figure more clearly, but all she felt was that his figure becoming more and more blurred and distant through her tears.

"Clear the camp, treat the wounded, and take stock of the losses. At the beginning of the fourth hour of the morning, break camp and set off."

Su Qingxuan's voice came calmly, as clear and steady as ever, carrying a reassuring power.

He walked slowly down the mound, his steps unhurried, as if the awe-inspiring scene had never happened.

Everyone seemed to wake from a dream, responded enthusiastically, and got to work.

But when they looked at Su Xiang again, in addition to the usual awe, there was an indescribable, almost devout worship.

The team rested for two more days at the edge of the Yardang landforms before continuing westward.

The further west you go, the higher the altitude becomes, and the air becomes increasingly crisp and dry.

The outlines of the distant snow-capped mountains became increasingly clear and majestic, like a towering barrier cleaved by a giant axe of the gods.

Oases are becoming increasingly rare and precious. It often takes several days to find a small patch of life that relies on snowmelt from the mountains, inhabited by small tribes or scattered herders who move with the water and grass.

The atmosphere along the way was also subtly changing.

There were noticeably fewer caravans, and when they were encountered, they were always in a hurry, their faces showing vigilance and unease.

The herders we encountered no longer looked at us with mere curiosity or wariness, but with a deep sense of fear.

They didn't even dare to do much trading with the mission, often exchanging only some necessities before quickly leaving.

On this day, the team set up camp in a sheltered valley.

In the valley, there is a small patch of tenacious grassland and a nearly dried-up stream, which is the only water source within a hundred miles.

Su Qingxuan sent out scouts to keep watch from high places all around.

Night fell, and the chill was biting.

The campfire was lit, but it couldn't dispel the heavy atmosphere in the air.

Zhou Wenjin held a ridiculously rudimentary map that she had just obtained from a passing, panicked Sogdian caravan.

Pointing to the shadows of the snow-capped mountains roughly drawn with charcoal, he whispered to Su Qingxuan:

"Minister Su, we are less than three hundred li from here, which is the eastern edge of the Pamir Mountains. Beyond those mountain passes lies the area where the Tibetan forces frequently operate."

"The caravan leader said that in the past month, Tibetan scouts and sentries have been unusually active, and several small caravans have mysteriously disappeared without a trace. They also escaped by the skin of their teeth..."

Su Qingxuan gently poked at the campfire with a twig, the firelight dancing on his calm profile.

He listened without saying a word.

Just then, a short and sharp bamboo whistle sounded as a warning from the perimeter of the camp!

Immediately following were the rapid sounds of horses' hooves and shouts approaching from afar!

"Alert! Something's up!" The guard commander's shout echoed throughout the camp.

All the campfires were instantly kicked away and buried, plunging the camp into tense darkness.

The soldiers quickly took their positions, swords drawn and arrows nocked, tightly protecting Su Qingxuan and the tents of several women in the center.

The sound of horses' hooves stopped not far from the camp.

A rough, high-pitched Xia language, with a heavy foreign accent, carried from afar, echoing through the night sky, aided by internal energy:

"Listen up, you people inside! This is the hunting grounds of the Zanpu (King of Tibet)! State your origins, numbers, and purpose! Hand over all weapons, valuables, and horses, kneel down and surrender, and perhaps you may be spared!"

Before the words were finished, another, more arrogant and younger voice rang out, speaking in Tibetan, full of contempt:

"Why waste time arguing with these two-legged sheep! Look at this camp, they seem like some fat sheep with some status! Charge in, kill all the men, take the women and their valuables! That biggest tent is mine!"

A murderous glint flashed in Chi Ying's eyes, and she gripped the red-tasseled spear tightly.

Zhou Wenjin's face turned pale as she looked at Su Qingxuan.

Su Qingxuan slowly stood up, patting the grass clippings off his robes as he walked forward.

His expression was indistinct in the darkness, except for his eyes, which shone brightly and calmly under the faint starlight.

"Light the torches," he ordered casually.

"Prime Minister Su! No!" Zhou Wenjin exclaimed urgently.

"Light it up." Su Qingxuan's tone remained unchanged.

After a moment's hesitation, the guards around him quickly relit several torches, and the light illuminated a small area in front of the camp, clearly revealing Su Qingxuan's figure.

About a hundred paces outside the camp, there were roughly twenty or thirty riders indistinctly visible.

They were all tall and strong, wearing fur coats and fur hats adorned with bird feathers or fox tails, and carrying long lances or scimitars, resembling a pack of wolves ready to devour their prey in the darkness.

The two men in the lead were a bit older, with a dark, rough face and fierce eyes.

The other was a young man in his early twenties, dressed in more luxurious clothes, with an arrogant and cruel smile on his face.

He was pointing his riding whip in Su Qingxuan's direction and speaking to his companion in Tibetan, which drew a burst of lewd laughter.

When the Tibetan elder saw the torches light up in the camp and the imposing, distinguished figure in purple robes standing before it, his pupils contracted slightly. He then shouted again in broken Xia language, "Are you the leader? State your name!"

Su Qingxuan stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calmly sweeping over the group of Tibetan cavalrymen, without answering his question.

Instead, he spoke in fluent and pure Tibetan, in a slow and gentle voice, not loud, but clearly overpowering the howling night wind, reaching the ears of every Tibetan cavalryman:

"Which 'Ru' (a military administrative division in Tibet) are you soldiers from? Which 'Lun' (a noble official title in Tibet) do you belong to? Why have you left your defensive zone and ventured deep into this territory, robbing merchants and harassing friendly diplomatic missions?"

The most troublesome opponent on this mission to the Western Regions is the Tibetans, so Su Qingxuan did his homework well in advance, such as learning the pure Tibetan aristocratic language.

The purest Tibetan Mandarin, with a rhythm and majesty unique to the highland nobility, was spoken by the young man in purple robes, leaving all the Tibetan cavalrymen stunned.

The arrogant young man's smile froze, and the older Tibetan man's expression changed, his eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty.

The other party not only spoke Tibetan, but their tone was also... extraordinary!

Mission? What mission?

"Who...who exactly are you?" the older Tibetan asked sharply, his tone no longer as arrogant as before.

Su Qingxuan remained silent and continued speaking in Tibetan:

"I am Su Qingxuan, the Imperial Envoy of the Great Xia Emperor and Grand Secretary, here to inspect the Western Regions and forge alliances. Gaochang, Kucha, and Khotan have all pledged brotherhood and friendship with our Great Xia."

"Your acts of violence here, are you trying to challenge the might of my Great Xia Dynasty, or are you trying to create a powerful enemy for your king out of thin air?"

The name "Su Qingxuan" resounded like thunder in the ears of the Tibetan cavalry.

Perhaps the small kingdoms of the Western Regions do not have a deep understanding of this name.

But the Tibetans, who had fought against the Xia dynasty for centuries and were always concerned about the situation in the East, were also a force to be reckoned with.

The name "Su Qingxuan" is associated with the fall of the Golden Horde in the Northern Frontier, the reorganization of the Great Xia Dynasty, and his recent trip to the Western Regions.

It had already reached the palaces and frontier garrisons of Lhasa through various channels!

This name represents the pinnacle of power in the Great Xia Dynasty, and also represents a kind of immeasurable strength and danger!

The older Tibetan's expression changed drastically, and he instinctively reined in his horse and took a half-step back.

The arrogant young man didn't believe it, or rather, his arrogance clouded his judgment.

He scoffed and said to his companion in Tibetan, "Who are you trying to scare? The Grand Secretary of Great Xia would come here with only this many people? (The night was too dark, and the torches only illuminated what was in front of him, so he couldn't see the entire delegation.) They must be imposters!"

"I think he's just a caravan leader of some status, or an envoy from some small country! If we kill him, who will know it was us? Maybe the king will even reward us!"

With that, he spurred his warhorse, raised his spear, let out a strange cry, and charged towards Su Qingxuan!

A commotion arose among the cavalry behind him; a few instinctively charged forward, while most remained on the sidelines, observing.

"Protect Prime Minister Su!" Zhou Wenjin shouted in horror.

The figure in red tassels had already darted out like a ghost, arriving first despite being behind, and actually charged towards the young Tibetan cavalryman!

In the darkness, a flash of dark light appeared, followed by a loud clang, and the spear in the young Tibetan cavalryman's hand was knocked away by a tremendous force.

The figure with the red tassel passed him on horseback, the red-tasseled spear in her hand already silently piercing towards his throat!

The young man was also brave and fierce. In the critical moment, he suddenly leaned back and drew his curved knife from his waist to parry.

With a sharp "sizzle," the curved blade and the red-tasseled spearhead sparked as they rubbed against each other. The young man narrowly avoided a fatal blow, but a long gash had been cut into his leather coat, from which blood seeped.

He broke out in a cold sweat, looking at the slender woman before him with a mixture of anger and shock. She was as ruthless as a demon.

Just then, Su Qingxuan made a move.

He had no weapon in his hand, and he didn't even move a step.

He simply raised his right hand and gently pressed it into the air towards the young Tibetan cavalryman and the few cavalrymen who followed him.

There was no earth-shattering sound, no dazzling brilliance.

But the young Tibetan cavalryman at the forefront, along with his powerful warhorse, seemed to have suddenly crashed into an invisible, tough wall of bronze and iron!

With a muffled thud, the warhorse reared up and let out a painful neigh.

The young cavalryman was struck as if by a heavy blow; his chest tightened, his vision went black, and he almost fell off his horse.

The cavalrymen behind him also reined in their horses, looking on in surprise and uncertainty, as if what lay ahead was not an open space, but a bottomless cliff.

Su Qingxuan lowered his hand and looked calmly at the still-shaken young man.

He spoke slowly in Tibetan: "For the sake of your fathers' bloodshed for Tibet, I will spare you this time."

"Take your men and go back. Tell your 'general' stationed here that the Great Xia delegation from the Celestial Empire is passing through this area on its way to Bolu and other countries, intending to establish friendly relations, not to wage war."

"However, if there is any further obstruction or attack, it will be considered a declaration of war by Tibet against our Great Xia. At that time, do not say... you were not warned!"

His voice was still not loud, but every word was clear, carrying an unquestionable authority and power.

It was not a threat, but a statement of an impending fact.

The young cavalryman's face was deathly pale, and his chest heaved with blood.

Looking into Su Qingxuan's unfathomable eyes.

Then look at the woman beside him, holding a red-tasseled spear, her eyes as cold as frost, and the guards in the camp who, though silent, exuded a fierce aura.

He finally realized that he might have really bitten off more than he could chew.

He gritted his teeth, glared fiercely at Su Qingxuan, turned his horse around, and roared in Tibetan, "Let's go!"

The dozens of Tibetan riders came quickly and left just as fast, disappearing into the darkness like a tide, leaving only the fading sound of their hooves.

The camp was silent except for the crackling of the torches.

The way everyone looked at Su Qingxuan was no longer just awe, but also a kind of shock, almost like looking up to a god.

With a flick of his wrist, he forced back the fierce cavalry; with a few words, he rebuked the powerful enemy...

This is almost like the legendary skills of immortals and gods!

Su Qingxuan acted as if he had only done a trivial thing.

He turned to Zhou Wenjin and said, "Strengthen security and set off early tomorrow morning. We should not linger here."

He nodded slightly to Chi Ying, "Well done."

Chi Ying pursed her lips, sheathed her gun, and retreated behind him, remaining silent as before.

No one could sleep that night.

The appearance of the Tibetan cavalry was like a piercing alarm bell, announcing that the mission had finally entered the most complex and dangerous region of the Western Regions.

The Pamir Mountains are a place where various forces are intertwined and powerful enemies surround them.

Su Qingxuan's unfathomable cultivation and demeanor were once again deeply imprinted in everyone's hearts.

Xiao Lingxi stood in the shadow of her tent, gazing towards the main tent.

She heard everything and saw that terrifying scene.

The pride and sense of security that arose in her heart because of his strength were overwhelmed by a deeper fear.

The more powerful and transcendent he became, the further he seemed to distance himself from her and from this mortal world.

The appearance of the Tibetans made her feel that the road ahead was full of thorns and bloodshed.

She clutched the front of her dress tightly.

There, a faint trace of his cool, refreshing scent still lingered, along with the memory of the bitter taste of medicine on his lips that day.

In the distance, the majestic snow-capped mountains stand silently under the starry sky, like ancient giants, coldly watching over this land that is about to be stirred up again.

It is:

Having broken through the barriers of emotion, one's heart remains pure; amidst the vast ocean and the thunderous winds, the dust of calamity is cleansed.

The divine power repelled the barbarian cavalry; the majestic snow-capped mountains await the arrival of the expeditionary force.