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

Poetry:

The pool of cleansing the heart reflects the clarity of one's true nature; once the barriers of emotion are broken, the path to enlightenment naturally becomes clear.

I envy neither mandarin ducks nor immortals; let us cultivate together towards the snowy mountains.

After leaving the ancient city of Loulan, Su Qingxuan and his entourage sped westward.

The further west you go, the higher the altitude and the colder the climate.

Along the way, the poplars became increasingly scarce, and the red willows disappeared.

Only the hardy camel thorn and moss dot the yellow sand.

The world was a vast expanse of white, with only the intermittent sound of camel bells carried on the north wind.

On this day, an oasis appeared ahead.

This oasis is not large, only about four or five miles in circumference, with a pool of clear water in the center and some hardy shrubs growing around it.

Despite it being the dead of winter, the pool water had not frozen, and a faint white mist was floating on the surface.

The team set up camp on the edge of the oasis.

After days of arduous travel, both men and horses were exhausted, and the arrival of this place to rest brought joy to everyone in the delegation.

Su Qingxuan dared not be careless, so he ordered Zhou Wenjin to send out more scouts and personally went to the pond to investigate.

The pool water was crystal clear, revealing fine sand and pebbles at the bottom.

Su Qingxuan probed with his divine sense but detected no demonic or evil aura.

The pool water contains a faint spiritual energy, which is quite beneficial to cultivation.

He breathed a slight sigh of relief and was about to leave when he suddenly heard a woman singing from the pond.

The song was ethereal and otherworldly, not in Xia language, not in Tubo language, nor in any language of the Western Regions, yet it penetrated straight to the heart.

It carried an indescribable sorrow and lingering tenderness.

Su Qingxuan listened intently, and felt a slight tremor in his mind, as if a hallucination was appearing before his eyes:

Under the moonlit Jade Pool, fairies dance, and a beautiful woman turns her head and smiles, her beauty captivating the nation.

"Clear your mind and calm your spirit!" Su Qingxuan's heart tightened, and he silently circulated the "Righteous Qi Chapter".

The illusion vanished instantly.

He turned around and saw that more than ten soldiers had gathered by the pond.

Their eyes were glazed over as they walked towards the pool, murmuring "Wife" and "Fairy"...

What alarmed him even more was that strange movements were also coming from the four women's tents.

Inside the red-tasseled tent, the murderous aura intensified and subsided intermittently, with the faint sounds of clashing weapons audible.

Inside Xiao Lingxi's tent, the scent of medicine mingled with a strange, sweet fragrance that made one feel drowsy.

Inside Xiao Lingyue's tent, the chanting of Buddhist sutras rose and fell, revealing a hint of anxiety.

Inside Lin Wanqing's tent, a powerful and righteous aura surged continuously, and the pages of a book turned rapidly.

"There's something strange about this pool of water!"

Su Qingxuan leaped to the edge of the pool, used his finger as a sword, and with a flash of light, plunged it into the water.

With a hiss, the pool water boiled, and a white figure emerged from it.

Standing in mid-air.

It was a woman in white, with long, flowing hair and an exquisitely beautiful face, but devoid of any color in her skin, her pupils hollow.

She stood barefoot on the water, her clothes fluttering, looking like a ghost or a fairy.

"Why do you disturb my peaceful sleep, young master?"

The woman spoke, her voice as captivating as her earlier singing, penetrating straight to the soul.

Su Qingxuan focused his mind and became vigilant, saying coldly:

"What are you? Why do you deceive people here?"

The woman sighed softly:

"This humble woman is neither human nor ghost, but is formed from the thousand-year-old spiritual energy of this 'Purifying Heart Pool'."

This pool has a wonderful use—

It can reflect the deepest desires in people's hearts.

"What you see, young master, is all what you desire and think in your hearts. How can you say it's a sign of confusion?"

As she spoke, she waved her hand lightly.

The surface of the pool is like a mirror, reflecting all sorts of images:

Some soldiers saw a house full of gold and beautiful wives and concubines;

Some generals were granted titles and positions, wielding immense power in the court;

Some scholars, upon seeing their names listed on the imperial examination, produced a vast body of work.

The images projected onto the four women sent a jolt through Su Qingxuan's heart.

What Chi Ying saw was an ancient battlefield:

She stood before the army in silver armor and a red robe, spear in hand, with battle flags fluttering behind her.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, a figure in purple robes slowly walked towards them, leaving a trail of shadows in his wake.

The fighting ceased, and the flames of war gradually died down.

She looked at him, a stubborn fighting spirit flashing in her cold eyes—

I will fight for you forever!

What Xiao Lingxi saw was a secluded valley amidst green mountains:

She was busy in the herb garden, picking herbs, drying them, and preparing them, humming a little tune.

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from the valley entrance, and a man in purple robes dismounted and walked over, bearing injuries.

She rushed over to him, bandaging his wounds while muttering to herself.

He listened quietly, a smile in his eyes.

At that moment, all was peaceful and serene.

What Xiao Lingyue saw was an ancient temple with a green lamp:

She was chanting sutras before the Buddha, dressed in a black robe, her expression serene.

Suddenly, a pilgrim arrived, dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, with an elegant demeanor.

The two discussed philosophy under the Bodhi tree. He spoke of Confucianism, and she spoke of Buddhism, which unexpectedly coincided with the principles of Zen.

As the sun set, he rose to take his leave. She clasped her hands in farewell, but a ripple of emotion stirred within her—

The Buddha taught us to let go, but how do we let go?

What Lin Wanqing saw was the elegant room of the academy:

She was reading at her desk, while the bamboo shadows swayed outside the window.

Someone pushed open the door and entered, wearing a purple robe and loose belt, holding a book.

The two discussed classics and history, ranging from the pre-Qin philosophers to contemporary affairs.

I felt as if we had met too late.

Before he left, he gave her a jade pendant and said gently:

"I wish to be your confidante forever."

She held the jade pendant, still warm from her body, her eyes moist, and remained stunned for a long time.

Four scenes, four emotions, all reflecting the depths of the four women's hearts.

The most sincere affection and longing for Su Qingxuan.

It was something usually hidden deep within, but now it was drawn out by this "Purifying Heart Pool Spirit".

It was laid bare before Su Qingxuan.

Su Qingxuan was greatly shocked and momentarily forgot to speak.

Seeing this, the spirit woman said softly:

"The word 'love' is the most difficult to understand!"

"Young Master carries the great principles of the three religions and bears the responsibility for all living beings under heaven."

Have you ever thought about... how to accommodate these four deep affections?

Her voice possessed a strange magic, striking straight to the heart:

"If one is chosen, what wrong have the others done?"

If we take nothing, wouldn't that be heartless?

If we accept everything, social customs will be difficult to regulate, and the great principles will be obstructed.

"Young master, what do you intend to do?"

These words struck Su Qingxuan's heart like a heavy hammer.

This was precisely the problem he had kept hidden deep in his heart, one he dared not ponder.

He had thought time would heal the wound, but now the four women had awakened.

With daily progress in cultivation, this problem is now unavoidable.

In the midst of my confusion, I suddenly heard a clear shout:

"You fiend, how dare you disturb people's moral compass!"

Chi Ying burst out of the tent, her long spear like a dragon, piercing straight at Chi Ling.

Her eyes were clear and sharp, showing no trace of confusion.

He broke free from the illusion of inner demons through sheer willpower!

The woman with the pool-like spirit chuckled, her figure vanishing like smoke, only to coalesce again in another place:

"This girl has a strong killing intent. But..."

Can you kill the feelings in your heart?

The red-tasseled spear faltered.

At that moment, the other three women also came out of the tent one after another.

Xiao Lingxi formed the Heart-Clearing Mantra with her hands, and a stream of pure energy circulated around her body;

Xiao Lingyue twirled her prayer beads, her appearance dignified and solemn;

Lin Wanqing held a book in her hand, her righteous spirit soaring to the sky.

They all overcame their inner demons by relying on their own Dao realm.

The four women stood side by side, looking at Chi Ling with clear and firm gazes.

No need for you to worry.

Lin Wanqing spoke first, her voice gentle yet powerful.

"The word 'emotion' originates from the heart and ends with propriety."

Our feelings for Young Master Su are respect and admiration.

It is a friendship between close friends, a bond between fellow believers.

This feeling is so pure, why should it need worldly definitions?

What obstacle could hinder the progress of the Great Way?

Xiao Lingyue clasped her hands in prayer:

"Amitabha! The Buddha said that one should remain unchanged while adapting to circumstances, and adapt to circumstances while remaining unchanged. Affection is also a kind of circumstance."

The arising and ceasing of conditions are predetermined.

Clinging to things leads to suffering, and forcing things leads to delusion.

Going with the flow, remaining unchanged while accepting fate, is also the right path.

Xiao Lingxi said crisply:

"That's right! It's my business if I like Brother Su."

Who Brother Su likes is his business.

We can accompany him on this journey and help him fulfill his wish.

I'm already very happy! Why worry about so much?

Chi Ying didn't speak, but simply held his spear horizontally and stared coldly at Chi Ling.

The meaning was clear: If you dare to say another word, I'll stab you!

Chi Ling was stunned.

She has been sentient for thousands of years and has seen countless people here who are tormented by love.

Whether infatuated or mad, resentful or hateful.

But I've never seen anything like this before—

Deeply affectionate, yet broad-minded;

Cherishing sincerity, yet not bound by rigidity or obsession.

Looking at the four women, Su Qingxuan felt a huge weight lifted from his heart.

He suddenly smiled, a smile as warm and bright as a spring breeze melting snow.

"Thank you, ladies." He bowed solemnly.

"What merit or ability does Su possess to have met four close friends?"

The road ahead is long, but I wish to walk it together with you all.

These words were spoken subtly, but the deeper meaning was understood by all four women.

They looked at each other and smiled, their eyes glistening with tears.

There was no trace of sorrow, only joy and determination.

The woman from the pool watched this scene and sighed softly:

"Enough, enough. It was all my fault for being nosy."

Your minds are clear and your resolve is unwavering, far surpassing that of ordinary people.

After speaking, she seemed to be thinking about something, or—

Making a difficult decision.

Finally, the woman with the pool smiled.

The smile held understanding, relief, a touch of reluctance, and above all, peace...

A glimmer of light seemed to appear in her empty eyes:

"This... 'Purifying Heart Pool' has a thousand years of spiritual power, so I will give it to you all as a token of my apology."

"Thank you all, it was you who made me...feel 'love,' even if only for a moment, I am content..."

"Instead of continuing my cultivation here, I would rather... spread my path for you, for love..."

"And your affection, your love, will be my eternity..."

As she spoke, her figure gradually faded away, turning into specks of white light that scattered into the pool.

The pool water suddenly became brighter, and the spiritual energy became several times more concentrated.

The soldiers who had been misled gradually came to their senses and looked around in bewilderment.

Su Qingxuan bowed deeply to the pool: "Thank you, Miss Chi Ling, thank you for your kindness!"

A final, mournful sigh echoed from the pool:

"May you all... attain the Great Dao, and live up to the deep affection... and live up to... me."

The white light dissipated, and the spirit of the pool vanished.

The four women stared blankly at the vanishing spirit of the pool, returning to the Cleansing Heart Pool, remaining silent for a long time.

My mind remained unsettled for a long time.

This spirit, formed from thousands of years of spiritual energy, upon witnessing the five people's genuine affection, dispersed its spiritual form, bestowing upon them its millennia of cultivation...

Su Qingxuan remained silent for a moment, then said to the four women:

"Now, this pool is full of spiritual energy, which is very beneficial to cultivation."

We will rest here for three days. You may all enter the pool to cultivate and consolidate your spiritual realm.

The four women sadly agreed.

For the next three days, the four women practiced meditation in the pond.

Su Qingxuan protected the four women and witnessed their cultivation levels advance by leaps and bounds each day.

The intent of the crimson-tasseled spear solidified into a tangible form, conjuring up a phantom image of an ancient battlefield behind it.

With swords and spears, their might swept across ten thousand miles—

This is the pinnacle of the military strategist's "Battle Soul Realm"!

Xiao Lingxi's Dao body was flawless and perfect, and every gesture he made subtly aligned with the Dao of Heaven.

Preparing medicine and administering acupuncture were as if guided by divine intervention.

This is the threshold of the Taoist "Realm of Heaven and Man"!

Xiao Lingyue's Buddhist light was contained, and eight-treasure necklaces faintly appeared around her.

Sanskrit sounds arise from themselves——

This marks the initial attainment of the Buddhist state of "Sotapanna"!

Lin Wanqing's righteous spirit transformed into golden chapters, hovering behind her.

Every word is truthful, every word is precious; it can ward off evil spirits and enlighten the people.

This is the pinnacle of Confucianism's "establishing one's state of mind"!

The effort of three days is greater than the arduous cultivation of an ordinary person over a hundred years.

After leaving the Cleansing Heart Pool, the group continued westward.

After traveling for several more days, the scenery before them suddenly changed:

The yellow sand has receded, and the ground is covered with white snow.

In the distance, majestic snow-capped mountains stretch like dragons across the sky.

The cold wind was like a knife, whipping up snowflakes and hitting my face.

"We've reached the snow line." The guide pointed to a clear dividing line ahead—

Inside the line is the Gobi Desert, and outside the line is a snowfield.

"Beyond this line lies the Great Snow Mountain region."

The climate here is unpredictable, with frequent blizzards.

There are even rumors of snow demons that lurk, devouring the souls of travelers.

Su Qingxuan gazed at the snow-capped mountains, and the three treasures in his bosom seemed to sense something.

Pointing to the highest peak—

That is the main peak of the Great Snow Mountain, where the sacred spring is located.

"Order us to rest here for half a day. Check our equipment and ensure we have enough dry rations and fuel."

Tomorrow morning, we'll cross the snow line.

That night, at the camp on the edge of the snow line.

The cold wind howled, and the curtains fluttered.

Although a brazier was lit, the tent was still bitterly cold.

Su Qingxuan sat alone under the lamp, unfolding a complete map of the Western Regions.

The map shows many legends associated with the Daxueshan area:

Snow Fairy Valley, Ghost Lake

Unfrozen springs, ancient altars...

Behind every name may lie danger.

Just as he was concentrating, the curtain was lifted, and the four women entered together.

They each carried a bowl of steaming ginger soup.

"Young Master/Brother Su/Brother Qingxuan, have a bowl of ginger soup to ward off the cold."

The four spoke in unison, then exchanged knowing smiles.

After cleansing their hearts, the four women became more and more natural with each other.

That affection was no longer concealed, but instead became more open-minded.

They understood each other's feelings and felt no jealousy or competition whatsoever.

There was a strange tacit understanding—

It was as if it had been like this in a past life, where we assisted and supported each other.

Su Qingxuan took the ginger soup and drank it bowl by bowl.

The soup was warm, and my heart was even warmer.

"Is Young Master looking at a map of the snow-capped mountains?" Lin Wanqing leaned closer to examine it, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.

The label for "Ghost Lake"...

Wanqing had seen a related record in an ancient travelogue.

It is said that this lake never freezes and that a monster lives in it.

It can create illusions and lure people into the water.

Even more strangely, ancient figures are often seen appearing by the lake.

It appears to be some kind of sacrificial ceremony being held.

Xiao Lingyue interjected: "It is recorded in Buddhist scriptures..."

Within the snow-capped mountains lies the "Ice Hell," a place that imprisons souls frozen to death.

Those souls, unable to be reborn, condense their resentment and thus form snow demons.

To convert them, one must use the supreme Dharma to melt the ice in their hearts.

Xiao Lingxi blinked: "Then I need to prepare more 'Yangyan San' and 'Quhan Dan'."

The snow-capped mountains are frigid, making one highly susceptible to frostbite. If, in addition, pathogenic factors invade the body, the situation could become very serious.

Chi Ying was the most concise: "I'm going to check the soldiers' cold-weather gear."

If a snow demon appears, one shot will end it all.

As Su Qingxuan listened to the four women chatting away, he gradually felt at ease.

With them around, even the greatest dangers seem insignificant.

At dawn the next day, the troops broke camp and stepped into the snowy plains.

The moment you step inside, you feel as if you've entered a completely different world.

The cold wind was biting, stinging my face.

The snow was knee-deep, making walking difficult.

Looking out, the sky and earth are all white, except for the distant mountains, which are dark and inky, like ink staining rice paper.

They had traveled no more than ten miles when a sudden blizzard struck.

The wind whipped up snowflakes, obscuring the sky and making it impossible to see a person more than three steps away.

The team was forced to stop advancing and set up camp on the spot.

However, the blizzard came unexpectedly—

The sound of weeping could be faintly heard in the wind—the voices of adults, women, and children...

Sometimes near, sometimes far, like a lament or a sob.

"It's a snow demon." Xiao Lingyue focused her senses.

"Their resentment is palpable, numbering at least a hundred. They... are summoning their companions!"

Before he finished speaking, snow mounds suddenly rose up in the surrounding snow.

The snowdrift broke open, and dozens of white figures emerged.

Those figures were neither human nor inhuman, and were entirely white.

Its eyes were a deep blue, and it exhaled icy breath.

It is the Snow Demon!

They drift like ghosts, appearing and disappearing in the wind and snow, emitting a mournful shriek.

Several outer-line soldiers were caught off guard and pounced on by the snow demon.

Frozen instantly into an ice sculpture, life extinguished.

"The Imperial Guards, form a circular formation to protect the supply convoy!"

With a sharp shout, Chi Ying brandished his spear and charged forward.

Where the spear tip passed, the snow demon shattered, but in a moment, it coalesced again elsewhere—

These monsters are impossible to kill!

Xiao Lingxi hurriedly sprinkled the medicinal powder, which made a sizzling sound upon contact with the snow demon.

The snow demon slowed its movements slightly, but still did not retreat.

Xiao Lingyue sat cross-legged in the snow, chanting Buddhist hymns.

The Buddha's light shone like the sun, illuminating the wind and snow.

The snow demon howled mournfully amidst the Buddha's light, its form gradually fading.

But they are still struggling.

Lin Wanqing unfolded the book and began to read aloud.

The righteous spirit transformed into golden ripples that spread outwards.

Wherever it passed, the wind and snow subsided, and the snow demons retreated.

However, the snow demon seems to be... calling for its companions?

The number kept increasing.

Su Qingxuan did not move.

He focused his senses and discovered that these snow demons were not physical entities.

The so-called "companions" are actually countless resentments, formed by the wind and snow.

As long as the wind and snow continue, they will never perish.

Resentment is often intangible and difficult to eradicate completely.

However, it depends on wind and snow—

Let the wind and snow stop!

Su Qingxuan's heart skipped a beat. He looked up at the sky, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

The three treasures in my arms trembled simultaneously!

The Confucian mental cultivation method unfolded automatically, revealing an ancient sacrificial text—

"The Chapter on Stopping the Wind and Praying for Snow".

That's it!

This blizzard was not a natural disaster, but rather caused by the remnant soul and demonic thoughts of the Demon Lord.

The demonic thoughts released demonic energy, causing changes in heaven and earth, and controlling resentment.

To stop the wind and snow, we need to use the three treasures of Buddhism as a guide.

Reciting the eulogy, we comfort the heavens and the earth.

"Four ladies, protect me!"

Su Qingxuan said in a deep voice, having already sat down cross-legged, with the three treasures floating in front of him.

The four women understood each other and took their positions on either side, protecting Su Qingxuan in the center.

The red-tasseled spear danced like a dragon, preventing the snow demon from getting within three zhang of him;

Xiao Lingxi set up a medicinal array, circulating pure energy to block the cold energy;

Xiao Lingyue's Buddha-light shone brightly, dispelling the resentment in the vicinity;

Lin Wanqing stood firm as a screen, stabilizing the formation.

—The Four Symbols Return to Their Origin!

Su Qingxuan closed his eyes and concentrated, reciting aloud the "Prayer for Stopping the Wind and Praying for Snow".

With each recitation, the radiance of the Three Jewels shines brighter.

His aura immediately increased by one point.

When he reached the thirty-sixth line, he suddenly opened his eyes, bit his tongue, and...

He spat a mouthful of blood onto the three treasures.

"Heaven and earth have their order, and the four seasons have their time."

"A gentle wind brings good fortune, and snow brings auspiciousness."

"A demonic aura has arisen, disrupting the natural order."

With my lifeblood, I awaken the heart of heaven and earth—

The wind has stopped, the snow has ceased, and the demonic aura has dissipated!

The last three words exploded like a thunderclap!

The three treasures shone brightly into the sky, merging and intertwining.

It transformed into a pillar of light, piercing straight into the sky.

Where the beam of light passed, the blizzard stopped abruptly, and the dark clouds dispersed.

A clear blue sky was revealed.

Sunlight streamed down, shining on the snow-covered plain.

The snow demons shrieked mournfully in the sunlight, their forms rapidly dissipating.

It transformed into wisps of black mist, which were then purified by the light of the Three Jewels.

In a short while, all of the hundred-plus snow demons vanished.

The wind and snow stopped, and the world became clear.

The members of the mission, having survived the ordeal, collapsed onto the snow, panting heavily.

Su Qingxuan finished her practice and stood up, her face slightly pale.

The blood sacrifice I just performed consumed a considerable amount of my essence.

But he understood something even more profoundly—

These three treasures of the three religions are not simple ritual implements.

Rather, it is a medium for communicating the rules of heaven and earth.

Our ancestors may have already touched upon the origin of heaven and earth.

Only then can such treasures be forged.

The four women gathered around, all with worry in their eyes.

"It's alright." Su Qingxuan waved his hand and looked at the snowfield ahead.

"After this act of comforting the heavens and earth, those snow demons controlled by demonic thoughts..."

They dare not repeat the mistake in the short term.

We must hurry on our journey and reach the main peak of the Great Snow Mountain within three days.

After a short rest, the group continued their journey.

For the next two days, although there were occasional minor troubles caused by the snow demons, there were no major dangers.

In actual combat, the four women's cultivation became more and more refined, and their teamwork became more and more tacit.

On the third day at dusk, the majestic main peak of the snow-capped mountain finally came into view.

It was a giant, pure white peak that soared into the clouds.

The area above the mountainside is covered in snow all year round, which gleams with a golden-red luster in the setting sun.

At the foot of the mountain lies a vast glacial lake, its surface as smooth as a mirror.

Reflecting the snow-capped mountains and the sunset, it was a beauty that seemed otherworldly.

This is the legendary "Sacred Lake," and the "Sacred Spring"—

It is located on an island in the middle of the lake.

The mission camped on the lakeside.

Su Qingxuan stood by the lake, gazing at the island in the center of the lake.

The island has faint architectural remains that resemble an ancient altar.

Beneath the lake's surface, he could clearly sense that cold, evil consciousness.

Slowly awakening—

The fluctuations from the broken seal became increasingly clear.

"On the day when the four symbols return to their origin, the three teachings begin to unite as one."

The day the remnant soul breaks free of its seal will be the day of success.

Su Qingxuan muttered to himself.

"We're going to land on the island tomorrow?"

Lin Wanqing walked to his side and said softly.

"Are you scared?" Su Qingxuan asked.

Lin Wanqing shook her head, her eyes reflecting the snow-capped mountains and the sunset, clear and resolute:

"With the young master here and my sisters by my side, Wanqing has nothing to fear."

Chi Ying, Xiao Lingyue, and Xiao Lingxi also came over and stood side by side with the two.

None of the five spoke again, they simply gazed silently at the sacred lake and the snow-capped mountains.

Looking towards the end of this final journey.

As the sun sets and night falls, so too does the night.

At the summit of the snow-capped mountain, the first star shines.

Deep within the island in the lake, in that sacred spring, black vapors surged and boiled.

On the stone platform at the bottom of the spring, the illusory figure had completely solidified.

He slowly raised his head, his crimson eyes piercing through the lake water and the night sky.

It landed on the five figures on the lakeside.

A sinister smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Finally...it's here..."

Tomorrow... I... will break free, roar!!!

The night is still long.

And after dawn comes the final battle!

But at this moment by the lake, the five stood side by side, their minds as one.

Ten thousand years of reincarnation, past and present lives, all the causes and effects, all the karmic connections.

All destinies will come to an end here.

Regardless of victory or defeat, regardless of life or death, they are always together.

It is:

Side by side, armor in hand, we face the misty lake; through countless cycles of reincarnation, we cast aside all worldly tribulations with a single laugh.

Why bother asking about winning or losing? My heart is already soaring to the highest peak.