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

Poetry:

A blue phoenix leads the way, breaking through the clouds, and the memory of ten thousand reincarnations begins to unfold.

The four beauties returned with heartfelt vows, washing away the past and severing old ties.

The visitor was none other than Xiao Lingxi.

After three years apart, her figure has become even more slender.

She wore a light blue Taoist robe woven from silkworm silk, with cloud patterns and Bagua symbols embroidered on the cuffs and hem, which swayed gently with her movements.

A jade gourd hangs from his waist, its surface naturally forming a tai chi pattern.

A flash of inspiration appeared.

Her eyes and brows remained lively, and her gaze was radiant.

But deep within those clear eyes, there was something indescribable...

With its weathered appearance and accumulated history, it resembles an ancient jade that has endured thousands of years.

It has a gentle warmth that reveals a profound depth.

"Brother Su!" Xiao Lingxi called out, her voice still clear and melodious.

Yet it carried a barely perceptible tremor.

Su Qingxuan was overjoyed and was about to greet him...

But then he saw Xiao Lingxi walk to within three feet of him.

Suddenly he knelt down, bowed his head, and kowtowed.

He performed an extremely solemn ceremony.

"Disciple Qingxi greets Young Master."

After a separation of ten thousand years and countless reincarnations, I am finally able to return today.

In her previous life, she served the young master for tens of thousands of years, refining elixirs and assisting in the Dao, without complaint or regret.

In this life, we meet again in reincarnation, and our memories are reopened.

Qingxi is willing to serve you again, young master, through life and death, and never betray you.

Her voice was clear and melodious, each word distinct, echoing throughout Guiyi Courtyard.

Upon hearing the name "Qingxi," Su Qingxuan felt as if struck by lightning.

A sudden "boom" echoed in my mind, and countless blurry images flashed through my head—

Inside the Purple Cloud Palace, a boy in green robes squatted before the alchemy furnace, adding fuel to the fire.

She turned back and gave him a sweet smile;

In the late-night alchemy room, she held the newly refined pills, her eyes filled with anticipation;

On the eve of the decisive battle, with tears in her eyes, she said, "I have no regrets..."

Deep within his bloodline, a dormant memory was stirred.

Su Qingxuan staggered, her face pale, and quickly stepped forward to support her:

"Lingxi, what... what are you doing? Get up!"

What past lives, what maidservants? I have never regarded you as a maidservant!

You will always be my beloved...little sister!

Xiao Lingxi looked up, her face already streaked with tears.

Tears streamed down her bright face like broken pearls.

She smiled, a smile that held the longing of millennia and the suffering of reincarnation.

There was joy at the reunion: "Young Master doesn't remember clearly, but Qingxi remembers it clearly."

Ten thousand years ago, in the Purple Cloud Palace, you often came to discuss the Dao with the Celestial Venerable.

She always calls me "Little Qingxi" and brings me little trinkets from the human world.

In the alchemy room, you taught me the art of fire control, saying that I have innate talent for alchemy.

On the eve of the great battle, you told me that if there were an afterlife, you would never betray me...

Qingxi remembers all of this, and dares not forget it for a moment.

She knelt with utmost sincerity, letting her tears flow freely, and recounted her past life in detail.

From their first encounter at Zixia Palace, to traveling with him through the Three Realms, from alchemy to assisting in the Dao,

She ultimately died a martyr. She spoke with deep emotion, every word...

All of these struck Su Qingxuan's heart like heavy hammer blows.

As Su Qingxuan listened, the hand that was supporting her trembled slightly.

Although the memories of our ancestors have not been fully unlocked, the resonance of our bloodline is so strong.

I knew she wasn't lying. Those images were becoming clearer and clearer—

The boy in blue robes who always gazed at his ancestor with admiration in his eyes...

The girl in front of me, her face streaked with tears,

It turns out that the promise that spanned 100,000 years has actually continued to this day.

Just as my heart was surging with emotion, a great light of Buddha shone brightly in the western sky.

Seven-colored lotus flowers opened the way, chanting Buddhist hymns filled the air, and heavenly flowers rained down.

A golden lotus platform slowly floated over, and Xiao Lingyue sat cross-legged on it.

She wore a celestial robe adorned with jewels, the robe woven with lotus patterns in gold thread.

A beam of light emanated from the Buddha. He held in his arms a beautifully melodious pipa, a pipa that was neither wood nor metal.

Resembling jade and bone, the strings are crystal clear, and with a slight tremor, a pure and tranquil Buddhist chant flows forth.

The lotus platform landed, Xiao Lingyue stood up, and walked to Su Qingxuan's side.

They knelt on both knees, clasped their hands together, and kowtowed deeply.

"Disciple Lianyue greets Young Master."

In a past life, I heard you discussing the Tao with the Buddha in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I felt deep reverence for you.

Later, I followed you in carrying out compassionate and enlightening deeds, traveling throughout the three realms to liberate sentient beings with the Buddha's teachings.

Having been fortunate enough to meet you again in this life's cycle of reincarnation, and with my Buddha-nature restored to clarity, Lotus Moon wishes to once again serve as your maid.

"Using the Dharma to assist the Great Way, we can alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings and ultimately attain enlightenment."

Her voice was gentle, like a flowing spring, yet it contained boundless affection.

Su Qingxuan looked at her and saw that her eyes were brimming with tears.

Those tearful eyes reflected an eternity of time—

Beneath the Bodhi tree, the Dragon Girl played music, and the scholar in white robes praised her performance.

She traveled throughout the three realms, recording his insights into Buddhism;

On her deathbed, she said, "With Buddha in my heart, with you in my soul, where is not a pure land..."

"Lingyue..." Su Qingxuan's voice was hoarse.

Before he could react, a powerful roar filled the southern sky, as if war drums were thundering.

A crimson battle cloud rolled in, and a slender figure stood atop it.

Crimson armor and long spears, scarlet cloaks fluttering in the wind.

It was indeed a red tassel.

She descended into the courtyard on a cloud, her boots striking the ground with a resounding clang.

She knelt on one knee before Su Qingxuan.

They clasped their hands in a salute, the clanging of their armor ringing out crisply.

"This humble general, Liying, greets the young master."

In his previous life, he was the Po Jun Star Envoy under the command of the True Martial Emperor, and was instructed in military strategy by the young master.

Follow the young master to conquer the three realms, quell chaos and bring peace to the people.

Reincarnated in this life, her fighting spirit remains; Liying is willing to once again serve as the spear in the young master's hand.

The armor before you will protect you completely, vanquishing all invading enemies until death!

She looked up, her gaze as intense as the blazing sun, yet tears glistened in her eyes.

Those tearful eyes reflected unwavering loyalty and courage—

During a sparring match on the training ground, she dropped her spear, and he patiently offered guidance.

Fighting side by side, she charged ahead, and he protected her from behind;

In our final embrace, she said, "If there is an afterlife, and the world is at peace, I will let my horse roam freely in the southern mountains."

"I'll accompany you to see the magnificent landscapes of our country..."

Su Qingxuan's breath hitched.

At this moment, the majestic aura of the East soared into the sky, and the Wenhua Cloud descended from the heavens.

Lin Wanqing arrived on a cloud, dressed in a moon-white scholar's skirt, with a light blue vest over it.

Holding a writing brush in hand, and a flute with clear, melodious notes hanging from his waist.

She was surrounded by a pure aura, and with each step she took, illusory characters appeared beneath her feet.

That is the Confucian supernatural power of "rising step by step".

She approached Su Qingxuan, bowed and kowtowed in the ancient manner, and performed the ritual with solemnity and elegance.

"Disciple Wenqing greets Young Master."

In his previous life, he was a disciple of the Venerable Wenru, in charge of books and records.

Having met this gentleman, I wholeheartedly follow him.

He then followed the young master for ten thousand years, organizing the orthodox tradition and recording his words and deeds, without complaint or regret.

Having met again in this life, Wenqing's heart has been forged anew, and she is willing to once again serve as the young master's scribe and maid.

I will accompany you to see the magnificent landscapes, to create peace in the three realms, and to remain faithful until death.

Her voice was gentle, yet every word carried immense weight.

Su Qingxuan looked at her, and for a moment he seemed to see a hundred thousand years ago—

In the Spring and Autumn Palace, she was writing at her desk, occasionally glancing up at him with gentle eyes;

In the study late at night, she grinded ink and brewed tea for him, adding fragrance to his life.

In their final farewell embrace, she said, "Ten thousand years is too short; I only hope to continue our journey in the next life..."

Four women knelt on the ground, each performing different gestures and rituals.

Yet they looked up at him, their eyes reflecting a vision spanning millennia of reincarnation.

The unwavering dedication, deep affection, and longing have never faded.

Those gazes were like four bolts of electricity, striking directly into Su Qingxuan's heart.

It completely shattered his frozen defenses.

Su Qingxuan stood there, stunned, his heart churning with emotion, unable to contain himself.

Fragments of ancestral memories kept flashing through my mind.

It intertwines and overlaps with every little detail of this life.

He understood once again why he felt an immediate connection with Wanqing upon their first meeting.

Why does Lingxi always cling to him?

Why does Lingyue always look at him with such a meaningful gaze?

Why did Chi Ying trust him so completely?

Everything has a cause and effect.

Every drink and every bite has its predetermined course.

The cycle of reincarnation continues endlessly, and the law of cause and effect is inescapable.

But precisely because of this, he could not accept the title of "maid".

They sacrificed so much for him, waited so long, how could he...?

How can we let them work as "maids" again?

"You... get up quickly." Su Qingxuan's voice was hoarse and choked with sobs.

He stepped forward, intending to help them up one by one, but he was flustered and didn't know who to help first.

"If the young master does not respond, we will remain kneeling and not rise," the four women said in unison, their gazes resolute.

Su Qingxuan took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He stepped back and bowed solemnly to the four women.

This bow reveals true feelings and unwavering loyalty.

This bow was made with utmost sincerity.

"I know your hearts, I know our past lives, I know our deep affection spanning millennia."

Su Qingxuan spoke each word carefully, tears welling in his eyes.

"But in my heart, Su Qingxuan, you have never been maids."

You are Lingxi, lively and agile, skilled in alchemy, and prone to laughter and playfulness.

She is my beloved younger sister, and I want to protect your innocence for a lifetime;

You are Lingyue, compassionate and empathetic, with profound knowledge of Buddhist teachings. You are a fellow Daoist I cherish.

I want to explore the Great Dao with you;

You are Chi Ying, valiant and loyal, with divine marksmanship; you are a trusted family member of mine.

I want to fight alongside you;

You are Wanqing, gentle yet resilient, exceptionally talented, and a confidante whom I admire.

I want to hold your hands...forever.

His voice trembled, yet grew ever more resolute:

"In this life, I am Su Qingxuan, not my ancestor."

You are all new versions of yourselves, and you have met, gotten to know, and accompanied me.

This affection is pure and innocent, and should not be bound by past life identities.

I don't want you as maids, I want you as confidants, as fellow believers, as family, as...

For those who walk hand in hand. We can watch the clouds drift and the flowers bloom and fade together.

They can stand side by side and share the heavy responsibilities of the Three Realms.

Is this not good?

The four women were already in tears.

Xiao Lingxi sobbed uncontrollably: "Young Master, you don't understand..."

You don't understand what the word "maid" means to us.

That's not being lowly, that's belonging, that's peace of mind.

Ten thousand years ago, we accompanied you in this very capacity.

That's where we feel most at ease.

In this life, we don't want equality, we don't want to stand side by side, we just want a title.

A legitimate identity that allows me to stay by your side and share your burdens.

"Please, young master... grant us this small token of our devotion."

Lin Wanqing, her eyes blurred with tears, sobbed as she said:

"Young master, whether you are a maid or a fellow Daoist, you are nothing more than a name."

The important thing is that we can be by your side.

We walk the great path together and share the heavy responsibilities.

We, as 'maids,' sincerely address you as 'young master';

The Dao resides in our hearts; you are still the Palace Master, Brother Su, and Brother Qingxuan.

But please understand, sir, that regardless of how we address you, the hearts of the four of us remain the same.

Lifetimes upon lifetimes, my heart is bound to you alone.

Though the world changes, my heart remains unchanged!

Through countless reincarnations, this love will never change!

Xiao Lingyue clasped her hands together, tears streaming down her cheeks:

The Buddha said that all forms are illusory. Names and forms are empty; only the mind is true.

Young master, the title of 'maid' is a choice we four willingly made.

It is the bond and connection between us and you.

Chi Ying raised her head, her gaze intense, each word filled with deep affection and unwavering resolve:

"If the young master does not respond, Liying will remain kneeling here forever."

I'll kneel until the seas dry up and the rocks crumble, until the end of time!

Su Qingxuan looked at the four women, and into their eyes...

That unwavering dedication, which has endured countless reincarnations, has never faded.

Look at the deep affection contained in the tears on their faces.

Look at the resolute determination in their kneeling posture.

He knew they were serious; this "maid" status meant nothing to them.

It is a bond, a sense of belonging, an emotional connection, and a vow of unwavering loyalty.

It is the only real connection that can be grasped after waiting for a hundred thousand years.

This affection is too heavy, too burdensome; how can he bear it?

But how could he bear to refuse?

Seeing them kneeling there, heartbroken and unable to rise, what could they possibly do?

After a long silence, the only sound in the courtyard was the rustling of bamboo leaves in the breeze.

And the sobbing of the four women.

Su Qingxuan closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

That sigh contained helplessness, emotion, and heaviness.

There is also a sense of resigned acceptance.

He stepped forward and gently helped them up one by one.

It was as if they were handling a fragile treasure.

"I agree." His voice was soft, yet carried a weight of a thousand pounds.

"But remember, in my heart, you will always be equal to me."

This title of 'maid' is what you wanted.

What I give you is respect, trust, appreciation, and... sincerity.

From this day forward, the five of us will share life and death, fortune and misfortune.

Let's walk the path of unifying the three religions together.

We will face the tribulation of sealing the Demon Lord together.

Let us work together to achieve the wish for peace and tranquility in the Three Realms.

The four girls, with tears streaming down their faces, broke into smiles, their smiles as fresh and captivating as lotus blossoms after a rain.

They bowed again in unison, their voices choked with emotion yet filled with joy: "Thank you, young master, for your kindness!"

Xiao Lingxi was the first to jump up, wipe away her tears, and regain her lively demeanor:

"Young master, I haven't been idle for the past three years! I've been personally guided by the Supreme Celestial Venerable."

I have successfully refined the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir! Look—"

She proudly presented a jade bottle as if it were a treasure.

A purple-gold pill was poured out, emitting a wonderful fragrance.

Xiao Lingyue smiled with her palms together, three halos of Buddha light appearing behind her head, her aura perfectly harmonious:

"Lotus Moon received a year of Buddhist sermons from the Buddha and merged with the true form of the Dragon Girl."

His Buddhist practice has made some progress, and he has regained the three supernatural powers of "divine eye," "divine ear," and "telepathy."

"Supernatural powers may help the young master discern good from evil and understand people's intentions."

Chi Ying rose, her spear clapping slightly, her battle aura subdued, her bearing heroic and dashing.

"Liying received the 'Heavenly Gang Battle Formation' and 'Nine Demon-Slaying Techniques' from the True Martial Emperor."

Their combat power has greatly increased. Now, they dare to fight even a late-stage Golden Immortal!

Lin Wanqing gazed at him tenderly, the Spring and Autumn Annals pen in her hand gleaming softly:

"Wenqing studied the 'Spring and Autumn Annals Writing Technique' under the Heavenly Venerable and has already achieved the ability to write characters realistically."

Words are law. Any books or documents the young master may require in the future...

Wenqing can handle all of this.

Su Qingxuan looked at the four women, feeling both moved and shocked.

He suddenly sensed the presence of the four people and exclaimed in surprise:

"Your cultivation level... late-stage Celestial Immortal?"

The four women nodded.

Xiao Lingxi smiled and said, "With the memories of my past life unsealed, my cultivation level will naturally advance."

However, it will take time for him to return to the peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Or perhaps we will have to overcome those three calamities and nine tribulations again.

However, now that we are at the same cultivation level as you, young master, we can fight side by side.

I won't hold you back, young master!

Su Qingxuan felt reassured and a surge of pride welled up within him.

With the help of four women, all of whom possessed late-stage Celestial Immortal cultivation and unique skills, he was able to achieve his goal.

The power of the Sanichi Palace has more than doubled!

We will have a better chance of facing future calamities.

Just then, he suddenly remembered something and asked:

"When you returned just now, the carriage you rode in, the lotus platform, the battle clouds, and the literary clouds..."

"These are all priceless treasures; were they gifts from our sect?"

The four women exchanged a smile.

Lin Wanqing said softly, "That's right. The Heavenly Venerable bestowed upon Wenqing the 'Wenhua Cloud' and the 'Spring and Autumn Annals Brush'..."

"Voiceless Flute";

The Buddha bestowed upon Sister Lianyue an "Eight-Treasure Lotus Platform" and a "Wonderful Sound Pipa";

The True Martial Emperor bestowed upon his younger sister, Li Ying, the "Mysterious Heaven Battle Cloud Boots" and the "Demon-Slaying Spear."

(This spear is a weapon from a previous life, nurtured by the Great Emperor for ten thousand years.)

The Supreme Celestial Venerable bestowed upon Lingxi, her younger sister, the "Purple Cloud Carriage," the "Purple Cloud Furnace," and the "Azure Jade Gourd."

These are all treasures used in a previous life, being returned in this life.

Su Qingxuan sighed, "The three sages and the emperor have truly shown you great kindness."

"It's also an expectation for the young master," Lin Wanqing said softly.

"The Celestial Venerable once said that the return of these magical treasures was in the hope that we would diligently assist the young master."

May this help you achieve sainthood soon and solidify the seal.

Upon hearing the mention of the seal, Su Qingxuan's expression turned solemn.

He discussed the affairs of the Xuanhuang Realm, as well as the three Quasi-Saints.

He recounted to the four women the difficulties they faced in repairing the sealed nodes.

Finally, he said in a deep voice, "It seems that time is of the essence."

We must accelerate our cultivation and acquire the power to deal with demonic tribulations as soon as possible.

All four women looked solemn.

Xiao Lingyue clasped her hands together and said, "This is indeed a matter of utmost importance. Young Master, we must take good care of ourselves."

Planning.

Just then, a disciple's voice came from outside the courtyard:

"Palace Master, Elder Kong Shen has come to visit."

Su Qingxuan hurriedly said:

"Please come quickly!"

I wonder what brings Kong Shen here.

To be continued...

It is:

Tears well up as our past lives are already destined; I wish to remain a maidservant forever.

Though the road ahead may be fraught with peril, we will sail together, vowing to face new dangers together.