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

Poetry:

The spiritual veins of the three religions converge to form a path, and the five immortals unite to establish a sacred foundation.

With skillful hands, the desolation was restored; the temple was newly established amidst low purple clouds.

After Su Qingxuan and his four companions bid farewell to the Celestial Venerable Wenru at the Spring and Autumn Hall,

They then temporarily stayed at "Zhuxi Valley" on the east side of Wenrutian.

Bamboo Creek Valley is rich in spiritual energy, and its bamboo houses are serene and secluded, making it a perfect place for immortals to cultivate themselves.

That morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the sea of ​​clouds,

The Wenru Tiantian was illuminated with golden brilliance.

Su Qingxuan stood by the window of the bamboo house.

Looking out at the sea of ​​clouds, one can vaguely see the mountains of books and the sea of ​​learning.

They already had a plan in mind.

"Young master, you've gotten up so early."

Lin Wanqing brought in tea and saw him deep in thought.

She asked softly, "Are you contemplating matters concerning the dojo?"

Su Qingxuan took the teacup and nodded with a smile:

"good!"

"The Heavenly Venerable has granted me the authority to establish a Taoist temple and to teach disciples and spread the Tao."

This is no small matter.

The location, layout, and name of the dojo—all require careful consideration.

"In your opinion, young master, where should the temple be located?"

"Last night, I used my divine sense to explore Wenru Heaven and discovered a wonderful place."

Su Qingxuan pointed northwest:

"There are three streams of spiritual energy converging there."

One is the upright and righteous spirit of Confucianism.

Secondly, it is the natural and pure spiritual energy of Taoism.

Thirdly, it embodies the compassionate and peaceful spirit of Buddhism.

Although situated within the realm of Confucianism and literature, it possesses the essence of the three fundamental teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism).

This is indeed the site of a divinely ordained sacred site.

Lin Wanqing's beautiful eyes lit up: "The spiritual energy of the three religions converges?"

Could it be... "Three Talents Peak"?

"Does Wanqing know this place?"

"Wanqing happened to see the record while browsing through the classics in the Wenrutian Library these past two days."

Lin Wanqing recalled: "Sancai Peak is located on the northwest edge of Wenrutian."

Legend has it that these were the ancient Confucian deities, the Supreme Celestial Venerable, and the Buddha.

We once discussed the Dao here for three days, and each of us still retains traces of our own Daoist principles.

The three streams of Daoist principles form three spiritual veins.

However, because the spiritual energy here is mixed, it is not pure.

The disciples of the ancestral temple all avoided him.

It has been a desolate land for thousands of years.

Su Qingxuan clapped his hands and laughed, "This is the place!"

To outsiders, the mixture of spiritual energy is a drawback.

But for us, it is an excellent place to practice.

The unity of the three teachings

Isn't this precisely where the spiritual energies of the three religions converge?

Just then, Xiao Lingxi's clear voice came from outside the bamboo house:

"Brother Su, Sister Wanqing, what good news are you talking about?"

Then Xiao Lingxi, Chi Ying, and Xiao Lingyue arrived together.

The three women were all ready.

Xiao Lingxi wore a light blue Taoist robe.

Chi Ying was still dressed in a red, close-fitting outfit.

Xiao Lingyue changed into a moon-white monk's robe.

Each has its own unique charm.

Su Qingxuan explained the matter of choosing a location for the Daoist temple, and all three women praised it as excellent.

Chi Yingdao:

"Now that we've made our choice, let's go and check it out."

If it's truly suitable, we can begin construction today.

Xiao Lingyue clasped her hands together: "Good. May things settle down soon so that we can all cultivate ourselves."

The five immediately took off on the clouds and flew northwest.

The vast and boundless Wenrutian region is dotted with countless floating islands amidst a sea of ​​clouds.

After flying for about half an hour, three strange mountain peaks appeared ahead.

The three peaks stand like a tripod, with a valley in the middle.

From afar, the three peaks each display their unique splendor:

The eastern peak shimmered with golden light, surrounded by the illusory shadows of Confucian scriptures;

The clear air flows around the North Peak, and the Taoist charm transforms into cranes dancing in flight.

The western peak is immaculate and pure, with faint echoes of Buddhist chants.

The valley between the three peaks, however, was desolate.

Overgrown with weeds and littered with jagged rocks.

The three streams of spiritual energy converged and collided here, creating a chaotic flow of energy.

Even ordinary immortals would find it difficult to ride the clouds steadily at this point.

The five people descended from the clouds and landed in the valley.

The moment they landed, they felt three distinct Daoist auras rushing towards them.

The righteous spirit of Confucianism inspires awe and reverence.

The pure energy of Taoism makes one's mind clear;

The pure and tranquil atmosphere of Buddhism brings peace of mind.

However, the three streams of Daoist energy intertwined and also clashed with each other.

If it weren't for the mutual understanding and integration of the five teachings and three schools of thought...

I'm afraid he'll lose his breath on the spot.

"What an amazing place!"

Xiao Lingxi took a deep breath and closed her eyes to feel:

"If these three spiritual energies can be harmonized, the concentration of spiritual energy in this place will increase."

It is probably no less than the core blessed land of the ancestral temples of the three religions.

Su Qingxuan had already deployed his divine sense to investigate carefully.

A moment later, he opened his eyes, a look of joy flashing in them:

"There truly are three root veins beneath this valley!"

"It's actually the primordial spiritual vein of the three religions!"

"At the foot of the East Peak lies the Confucian 'cultural and spiritual vein'."

Below the North Peak lies the Taoist "Taiqing Spiritual Vein".

Below West Peak lies the Buddhist "Prajna Spiritual Vein."

The three spiritual veins are pure and untainted, each containing the original essence of the three religions.

Here, spiritual energy should be soaring to the heavens.

However, due to mutual suppression, the spiritual energy was contained within, leaving the land barren.

Lin Wanqing pondered and said, "If we can set up the Three Teachings Formation,

To harmonize the three spiritual veins, allowing the spiritual energies of the three religions to blend and coexist.

This place must be a top-tier cultivation ground in the celestial realm.

"That's exactly right." Su Qingxuan nodded, then said to the four women:

"I wish to establish a temple here, but I must first harmonize the spiritual veins."

This matter cannot be accomplished by me alone; I need the assistance of four fairies.

Chi Ying gripped her spear: "How can I help?"

"We need to set up the 'Four Symbols Returning to Origin Three Powers Formation'," Su Qingxuan explained.

"This formation was created by our ancestors and was specifically designed for the characteristics of the five of us."

"The spiritual veins here cannot be used by any of us five."

"This is because each of the five needs to occupy a separate area, using their own sect's cultivation level as a guide."

Guiding the three spiritual veins to merge.

Wanqing, you cultivate Confucianism and Taoism, sit in the East, and guide the spiritual veins of culture;

Lingxi, you cultivate Taoist magic, reside in the North, and draw upon the Taiqing spiritual veins;

Lingyue, you cultivate Buddhism, reside in the West, and guide the Prajna spiritual vein.

"What about me and Brother Qingxuan?" Chiying asked.

Su Qingxuan smiled and said:

"The Crimson Tassel Dharma Gate belongs to the military school, cultivating the spirit of the army, military formations, and the way of war, and its element is fire."

When he sits in the south, he will use the scorching flames of war spirits to burn away the barriers between the three spiritual veins.

I, on the other hand, will sit in the center, overseeing the overall situation.

By integrating the three teachings into one, harmonizing and merging them,

May the four elements return to their origin, and the three realms unite!

All four women understood the principle and immediately took their places.

Su Qingxuan stood in the center of the valley and summoned the three supreme treasures of the three religions.

At this moment, the Three Treasures have been restored to about 70%, though not completely.

Its manifest power should not be underestimated.

The Spring and Autumn Annals were hung in the east.

The seal of mountains and rivers hangs in the north.

Bodhi root hangs in the west,

The three treasures are arranged in a triangular formation, radiating light.

"Gentlemen, prepare for battle!"

At Su Qingxuan's command, the four women simultaneously activated their cultivation techniques.

Lin Wanqing unrolled the book, and a surge of righteous spirit rose to the sky.

It transforms into a long golden river, stretching eastward towards the peak;

Xiao Lingxi made a hand seal, and pure energy circulated.

It coalesced into a blue lotus platform, supporting the northern peak;

Xiao Lingyue clasped her hands together, and a Buddha wheel appeared behind her head.

Auspicious Buddhist light shines down, enveloping the western peak;

Chi Ying let out a clear whistle, pointing her spear to the sky.

A raging flame of war, carrying an unstoppable momentum, erupted from the tip of the spear.

Go straight into the sky.

The flames ignited instantly at the point where the three streams of spiritual energy converged.

A crack actually appeared!

Just then, Su Qingxuan made a move.

He formed a mudra with his hands and chanted the mantras of the three religions.

The three words "benevolence," "stillness," and "emptiness" are spoken.

It transformed into three large golden characters, which flew towards the three supreme treasures respectively.

Inspired by this, the Three Jewels shone brightly.

A golden ray of light suddenly appeared between them.

Connect the three treasures.

The three spiritual veins seemed to sense something and began to vibrate.

Beneath the East Peak, the Wenhua Spiritual Vein transformed into a golden dragon of light, roaring towards the sky.

Beneath the North Peak, the Taiqing Spiritual Vein transformed into a blue phoenix, spreading its wings and soaring high.

At the foot of West Peak, the Prajna Spiritual Vein transformed into a white light image, causing the earth to tremble with its footsteps.

The strange phenomena arising from the three spiritual veins were inherently mutually repelling.

However, guided by the Four Symbols Returning to Origin Three Talents Formation, it began to slowly approach.

The fissures created by the flames became a conduit for the convergence of three spiritual veins.

"melt!"

Su Qingxuan shouted loudly.

The three streams of spiritual energy, as if receiving a command, began to converge and merge...

Gold, blue, and white light intertwined in the valley.

Gradually merging into a thicker,

A three-colored beam of light, imbued with even more spiritual energy, shot into the sky, reaching straight into the clouds.

Within the pillar of light, one could vaguely see golden dragons, azure phoenixes, and white elephants swirling and dancing.

Ultimately, the three merged into one, transforming into a three-colored phantom of a Qilin.

Howling up to the sky.

The phantom of the Qilin circled in the valley for a few weeks before disappearing into the ground.

Immediately afterwards, the entire valley shook violently.

The barren ground began to crack, and countless spiritual springs gushed forth from the earth.

Plants and trees grow at a rate visible to the naked eye.

In a short while, the barren valley transformed into a fairyland filled with spiritual energy:

A clear spring flows gently, and exotic flowers and rare herbs bloom everywhere.

Three-colored spiritual mist flowed in the air, its spiritual energy as thick as water.

Its aroma is refreshing and invigorating.

And those three mountain peaks have also changed at this moment.

The golden light of the eastern peak subsided, transforming into a mountain of books.

Countless scriptures appeared on the mountain;

The pure energy of the North Peak condensed and transformed into a crimson cliff.

Dao patterns are faintly visible on the cliff face;

The Buddha's light on West Peak receded, transforming into a lotus platform.

Sanskrit script flows on the lotus platform.

The valley between the three peaks has now become a blessed land.

At the confluence of the three spiritual veins, the spiritual energy was so dense it liquefied.

This forms a three-colored spiritual pool.

The lotus flowers in the pond are in full bloom, and the petals are even in three colors: gold, blue, and white.

"It's done!" Xiao Lingxi exclaimed joyfully. She sensed...

The concentration of spiritual energy here is more than ten times stronger than that of Zhuxi Valley.

Su Qingxuan finished his practice and landed on the ground. Looking at the scene before him, he felt gratified.

He turned to the four women and cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your help, my four fairies."

All four women laughed.

Lin Wanqing said softly, "This is the young master's training ground."

This is also where we will often gather in the future, so we will do our best.

Just then, two streaks of light flew in from the horizon.

The flowing light landed, revealing the two immortal masters, Kong Shen and Xun Mu.

Upon seeing the scene before him, Kong Shen was first taken aback.

He then stroked his beard and laughed heartily:

"Wonderful! Wonderful! Sage Su is indeed no ordinary person."

This Three Talents Peak has been desolate for thousands of years, and no one has been able to harmonize the three spiritual veins.

Unexpectedly, the Sage Su transformed the barren land into a blessed place in a single day.

I admire you!

Xun Mu also exclaimed, "The spiritual energy here is no less than that of the 'Spring and Autumn Academy,' the core of the Wenru Heaven."

The sage Su established his temple here, a truly blessed place.

Su Qingxuan humbly replied, "My two elder brothers are too kind. It was merely a coincidence."

Kong Shen said solemnly, "It is not a coincidence."

The Celestial Venerable already knew that the Sage had chosen the Three Powers Peak as his site.

He specially ordered me to deliver this congratulatory gift.

As he spoke, he took out a jade scroll, a token, and a set of array flags.

"This jade slip records the method for establishing a sacred site in the celestial realm."

And various architectural drawings.

"This token is the 'Wenru Tiantongxing Token'. Holding this token..."

They can travel freely throughout most of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

"This set of 'Zhou Tian Xing Chen Array Flags' can be used to set up a mountain-protecting array."

Even if a peak Golden Immortal were to attack, it could be held off for a time.

Su Qingxuan solemnly accepted it: "Thank you, Heavenly Venerable, for your generous gift!"

Thank you both for making this trip.

Xun Mu laughed and said, "The Heavenly Venerable also asked me to convey a message:

Once a temple is established, it should have a name.

"I wonder what name the sage would choose to bestow upon it?"

Su Qingxuan had already planned this out, and said loudly:

"I would like to name it 'Trinity Palace'."

"The Trinity Palace?" Kong Shen seemed to be deep in thought.

"Is it meant to 'reunite the three religions'?"

"Exactly." Su Qingxuan nodded.

"The three teachings are of one origin, all laws return to one source, and the path of the ordinary and the holy is one."

Hence the name Trinity.

"What a magnificent palace!" Xun Mu exclaimed, clapping his hands in praise.

"This name is Da Shan, which is in line with the way of cultivation of sages."

"I will now report this to the Heavenly Venerable; I believe the Heavenly Venerable will be pleased."

Kong Shen then said, "The establishment of the Taoist temple should be in accordance with the rules of the Heavenly Realm."

There will be a three-day "Grand Opening Ceremony".

Fellow Daoists from all walks of life will come to witness and offer their congratulations.

When will the sage's desire be finalized?

Su Qingxuan pondered for a moment and asked, "What about three days from now?"

I need to make some arrangements first.

We can't welcome guests in such a shabby manner.

"Very well. Then I will make the arrangements. The grand opening ceremony will be held in three days."

Kong Shen cupped his hands in greeting and departed with Xun Mu on a cloud.

After they left, the four women surrounded them.

Xiao Lingxi exclaimed excitedly:

"Brother Su, we have the Trinity Palace now!"

"Quick, let's see how to decorate!"

Lin Wanqing had already unfolded the jade slip and was using her divine sense to probe its contents.

After a moment, he said, "The jade slip records thirty-six palace styles."

Seventy-two types of garden layouts

There are also alchemy rooms, weapon-refining rooms, scripture pavilions, and lecture platforms.

Methods for constructing various buildings, such as disciples' residences.

Which ones would you like to choose, young master?

Su Qingxuan smiled and said, "Since this is where the five of us often gather..."

Let's choose together.

However, before that, a protective array for the mountain must be set up.

He took the set of Zhou Tian Xing Chen array flags, totaling 365 flags.

It corresponds to the number of stars in the celestial sphere.

Su Qingxuan flew into the air and launched the array flags one by one.

The battle flags fell into various places on the Three Talents Peak and disappeared into the void.

"The Celestial Star Array, activate!"

Su Qingxuan made a hand seal, and all 365 array flags lit up simultaneously.

They intertwine in the sky to form a star map.

The star map slowly descended, covering the entire Sancai Peak area.

Then it disappeared.

However, if an external enemy attacks, it will be automatically triggered, causing the celestial bodies to evolve and attack the enemy.

With the protective array in place, we can build with peace of mind.

The five people gathered by the spirit pool, carefully selecting the style of the palace.

Ultimately, a "natural and harmonious" layout was chosen:

Instead of building grand palaces, the buildings primarily consist of pavilions, terraces, bridges, and flowing water.

The buildings are nestled against the mountains and beside the water, blending seamlessly with nature.

"The main hall was built beside the Spirit Pool and was named the 'Hall of Trinity'."

It is a place for deliberation and preaching.

Su Qingxuan pointed out, "Build the 'Wenhua Pavilion' on the East Peak to collect Confucian classics;

On the north peak, the Qingxu Pavilion was built to house the alchemy furnace and other utensils.

Xifeng built the "Prajna Pavilion" as a meditation room.

"Where will we stay?" Xiao Lingxi asked.

Su Qingxuan smiled and said, "Then we will build five small courtyards around the Spirit Pool."

I am in the center, and the four of you are in the east, south, west, and north respectively.

They each cultivate their own practices on ordinary days, but when they wish to gather, they arrive quickly.

Chi Ying rarely showed such a bright smile: "That's good."

Xiao Lingyue clasped her hands together: "This arrangement is both distinct and intimate."

Lin Wanqing has already begun planning: "We also need to build a 'Discussion Pavilion,' a 'Star Gazing Platform,' a 'Herbal Garden,' and a 'Spirit Beast Garden'..."

Xiao Lingxi added, "The alchemy room needs to be huge! I want to refine lots of immortal pills in the future!"

After the five people discussed and agreed on the plan, they began construction.

Celestial architecture requires no mortal craftsmen.

Simply use magic to shape and enlighten the spiritual materials.

Su Qingxuan retrieved the various spiritual material seeds recorded in the jade slip.

Scattered into the soil, it is nurtured by the spirit.

Within half a day, spirit bamboo sprouted from the soil, and spirit trees rose from the ground.

Rare and exotic flowers and plants bloom everywhere.

The four women each displayed their unique talents: Lin Wanqing used her righteous spirit as her pen.

The outline of the building is drawn in the void, and spiritual energy automatically condenses and takes shape.

Xiao Lingxi used his Taoist magic to transform the petrified wood, making it as hard as jade.

With a light touch of the tip of the red-tasseled spear, mountains were cleaved and rocks split, and foundations were carved out;

Xiao Lingyue's Buddha-light shines forth, purifying impurities and giving the building its own pure aura.

In just two days, the Trinity Palace had already taken shape.

Beside the Spirit Pool, an elegant main hall stood majestically.

The plaque bears the three large golden characters "Sanyi Hall," inscribed by Su Qingxuan himself.

The characters contain the true meaning of the three religions.

The plaza in front of the palace is paved with white jade, with a Tai Chi Bagua diagram carved in the center.

It is surrounded by lotus patterns.

The three auxiliary pavilions each occupy a peak: the Wenhua Pavilion is resplendent in gold and filled with rows of bookshelves.

Although it currently lacks a collection of books, it already exudes a scholarly air;

The Qingxu Pavilion is filled with a pure and refreshing atmosphere, and contains a pill-making room and a tool-making chamber.

The alchemical furnace has been set up, and the earth fire has been ignited;

The Prajna Pavilion is tranquil and peaceful, complete with prayer cushions, scriptures, and a wooden fish drum.

Upon entering, one immediately feels a sense of peace and tranquility.

Around the Spirit Pool, five small courtyards are scattered in a pleasing manner.

Su Qingxuan's residence, "Guiyi Courtyard," was located in the very center.

A tricolor Bodhi tree in the courtyard swayed in the wind.

This tree is a branch of the Bodhi tree, which can help one attain enlightenment.

The four girls' courtyards are each named after them:

Chi Ying's "Chixia Courtyard" is simple and neat, with a martial arts training ground in the courtyard;

Lin Wanqing's "Wenqing Courtyard" is elegant and tranquil, complete with a study and a music room;

Xiao Lingxi's "Qingxi Courtyard" is full of vitality, with a complete medicine garden and alchemy room;

Xiao Lingyue's "Lotus Moon Courtyard" is pure and otherworldly, with solemn meditation rooms and Buddhist halls.

In addition, it has everything from the Discussion Pavilion and Star Gazing Platform to the Herb Garden and Spirit Beast Garden.

The entire Trinity Palace is laid out in a natural and harmonious manner, imbued with spiritual energy.

It is already a superior Buddhist center.

On the morning of the third day, the grand ceremony for establishing the government was held.

Before dawn, guests arrived.

The first to arrive was none other than the chief disciple of the Celestial Venerable Wenru—

The second saint, Yan Wen,

He was acting on the orders of the Heavenly Venerable to deliver congratulatory gifts:

Three thousand volumes of Confucian classics, one hundred sets of writing implements, and one hundred sets of Confucian scholar's clothing.

"I am terrified that Senior Brother Yan has come in person." Su Qingxuan hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

Yan Wen, a refined and gentle middle-aged scholar, smiled and said:

"Junior Brother Su, you don't need to be so polite."

The Heavenly Venerable has high expectations for you and specially sent me to offer my congratulations.

This Trinity Palace has an extraordinary aura; given time...

It will surely become a sacred land within the Thirty-Three Heavens.

As they were talking, several more streaks of light flew in from the horizon.

The visitors turned out to be messengers from the Three Pure Ones Heaven, the Blissful Heaven, and the Martial Star Heaven.

The one who came from the Three Pure Ones Heaven was a pageboy under the Taiqing Heavenly Venerable.

The "Bright Moon" of the Great Luo Golden Immortal Realm sends a congratulatory gift:

Three Nine-Turn Golden Elixir pills can help a Golden Immortal break through their bottleneck.

The Taiqing Danjing, a single volume, records the essentials of alchemy.

Those who came from the Pure Land were before the Buddha's throne—

The Vajra Arhat "Kashyapa" sent a congratulatory gift:

A bottle of water from the Eight Treasures Merit Pool can purify the mind and enhance spiritual cultivation.

One volume of the original Sanskrit version of the Diamond Sutra.

The one who came from Wuqutian was a divine general under the command of the True Martial Emperor.

Wang Lingguan, from the Great Luo Golden Immortal Realm, sent a congratulatory gift:

Ten thousand catties of celestial iron can be used to forge divine weapons and magical treasures.

The book "Zhenwu Battle Formation Diagram" is a volume that records the secrets of military battle formations.

Each of the four women's sects sent someone, clearly indicating that they were highly valued.

The four women received the congratulatory gifts from their sect, their hearts filled with warmth.

Subsequently, guests arrived in an endless stream.

There were scholars and literati from the same sect, and wandering immortals from the heavens who came upon hearing the news.

There were even representatives from some smaller factions in the lower three days.

Within half a day, hundreds of guests had gathered in the square in front of the Trinity Hall.

Su Qingxuan wore a Qing-style robe and a lotus crown.

He stood before the palace with four fairies to welcome the guests.

Although he had just entered the Heavenly Realm, news of his attainment of sainthood on earth and his ascent to the summit of Heaven had already spread.

In addition, Wenru Tianzun clearly valued him, so many people came to offer their congratulations.

At noon, the auspicious time arrives.

It is:

The Sanyi Palace is shrouded in auspicious mists, and celestial beings from the heavens celebrate in the colorful courtyard.

The appearance of the Qilin is an auspicious sign, establishing the Daoist tradition; from then on, its profound message spreads to all spirits.