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

Poetry:

The enemy is lured away by feigned waves, and tigers and leopards are separated; suddenly, the elixir cauldron appears to test the medicine.

The withered gold awaits nourishment to devour creation; the remnant formation stealthily shifts to avoid snow and frost.

Chi Ying transmitted her voice to the four people:

"About thirty feet to the southeast, three people are moving cautiously, seemingly searching."

Everyone immediately held their breath.

Su Qingxuan extended his faint divine sense, and with the help of the concealment runes enhanced by Lin Wanqing, he concealed the aura of the five people to the extreme, making them almost blend into the surrounding rocks and gray mist.

Soon, three figures appeared at the edge of the stone forest.

They did not advance together, but rather cautiously in a triangular formation.

The leader was a tall, thin Taoist priest who held a compass as a magical artifact. The compass needle spun slightly, pointing towards the depths of the stone forest, but it seemed to be disturbed and was not stable.

On the left is a burly man with broad shoulders and a thick waist, carrying two axes on his back, with a fierce look in his eyes.

On the right is a hunched old woman, leaning on a snake-head cane, her eyes flashing green light.

"The compass indicates that there is something unusual about this stone forest. There seems to be residual fluctuations of an array, but they are very weak."

The tall, thin Taoist priest stared at the compass and said in a low voice.

The burly man said in a deep voice, "Who cares if they have them or not, just search them."

Brother Lingyunzi said that there would be a great reward for providing the exact location of Su Qingxuan, and if his head could be taken... a post-natal spiritual treasure!

That's enough for us to live a carefree life for hundreds of years!

The old woman chuckled sinisterly, "Hehe, Su Qingxuan fought the ancient demon to a standstill in the Illusionary Heart Cave, and he is currently at his weakest."

My wife's "Tracking Gu" also detected a very faint, unusual trace of spiritual energy in the outer area.

Although it was deliberately obscured, someone definitely stayed there, and it couldn't have been for very long.

The three exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with greed and wariness, and slowly made their way deeper into the stone forest.

Their divine senses also spread out, carefully scanning every crack in the stone and every shadow.

Inside the depression, the hearts of the five people pounded slightly.

These three were all powerful cultivators, all at the late stage of the Celestial Immortal realm.

Moreover, it has a sinister aura, is skilled in tracking and using poison, and is not easy to deal with.

Normally, any one of the five could take them down.

However, they are not in good condition at the moment, and once they engage in combat, the commotion will inevitably attract more pursuers.

As the three drew closer, they were less than twenty feet from the depression.

The old woman's snake-headed cane suddenly trembled slightly, and the green light from the snake's eyes on the cane turned towards the concave area.

"Over there!" the old woman whispered.

Just then, a cold glint flashed in Su Qingxuan's eyes, and he transmitted his voice to the four women: "Lingxi, remove the concealment array in the southeast corner to simulate a slight fluctuation of magical power."

Wanqing, prepare to "draw a circle around yourself and imprison yourself".

Lingyue, her Buddhist light contained within, protected herself.

"Red tassel, seize the opportunity."

The instructions were clear and swift.

Xiao Lingxi immediately did as instructed and secretly manipulated the formation.

About fifteen feet away in the southeast corner, a very faint fluctuation of spiritual energy was created in a crevice in the rock, as if someone had hastily set up an array but failed to completely cover it up.

The compass needle in the tall, thin Taoist priest's hand suddenly veered off course, pointing towards the crevice in the rock.

"Over there!"

He gave a low shout, instantly drawing the attention of the three men, who sped toward the crevice in the rock.

Just as they passed the side of the depression, their backs to the entrance—

"Make your move!" Su Qingxuan shouted telepathically.

Lin Wanqing had already prepared her Spring and Autumn Annals brush, which hovered in the air and made a virtual dot.

A giant golden "prison" character instantly formed, enveloping the old woman who was at the back!

This "drawing a circle on the ground as a prison" is not a forceful attack, but rather a way to trap and disrupt the enemy.

The golden cage flashed by, but it made the old woman pause, interrupting the warning from the snake-headed cane.

Almost simultaneously, Chi Ying moved!

Instead of unleashing a powerful spear technique, she concentrated the little remaining military energy she had regained into a single point at the tip of her spear.

The man followed the gun, transforming into a dim red line that almost blended into the gray mist, piercing straight into the strong man's back!

Fast! Accurate! Ruthless!

Nothing fancy, just a deadly blow in the deadly battlefield!

The burly man was startled by the approaching gust of wind from behind, but Chi Ying's timing for the shot was impeccable.

It was at the very moment when his momentum was not yet exhausted and his mind was drawn to the ripples in the crevice.

He roared and barely managed to turn to the side, parrying backward with both axes.

"laugh--!"

The red-tasseled spear grazed the axe blade, and although it was blocked, it still pierced the strong man's ribs!

With a burst of battle aura, the burly man screamed as he was sent flying, crashing into a stone pillar, spitting out blood, and fainting.

At the same time that Chi Ying made her move, Su Qingxuan also forcefully gathered his inner energy.

The gentleman's sword was not drawn; he simply pointed his fingers together like a sword and pointed at the back of the tall, thin Taoist priest from a distance.

A strand of chaotic sword energy, as thin as a hair yet incredibly refined, shot out.

He had barely recovered any magic power at this moment, and this finger strike was not intended to kill the enemy, but only to disrupt and severely injure them.

Hearing his companion's screams, the tall, thin Taoist realized he had been tricked. He turned around in horror and saw the chaotic sword energy already in front of him.

He frantically activated his protective spiritual light, summoning a small shield.

The sword energy struck the small shield, producing a soft "ding" sound. The shield dimmed and a crack appeared.

Although most of the sword energy was blocked, the remaining trace of chaotic energy lingered like a persistent, intractable disease.

The energy penetrated the Taoist's meridians, causing his blood and qi to surge, disrupting the flow of his magical power, and turning his face pale.

"This idea is a disaster! Let's retreat!"

The tall, thin Taoist priest was still in shock when he saw the old woman break free of the golden cage, and Chi Ying had already turned his spear and locked onto him.

He had no more will to fight. Without hesitation, his figure transformed into a streak of blue light and sped away from the outside of the stone forest, not even caring about his companions.

Seeing the burly man severely wounded and lying on the ground, and the Taoist priest fleeing, leaving her alone to face a powerful enemy (she didn't know the true strength of Su Qingxuan and his companions, only that Chi Ying was fierce and possessed a sharp sword aura), the old woman also felt fear.

With a scream, the snake-headed cane spewed out a foul-smelling black smoke that enveloped itself. Its body merged into the black smoke, and it used a technique to burrow underground, disappearing instantly.

From luring the enemy to striking, it only takes two or three breaths.

Of the three, one escaped, one fled, and one was seriously injured.

Chi Ying looked at the heavily wounded and unconscious strongman, and without hesitation, she stepped forward and shot him, ending his life.

Chi Ying was about to pursue the old woman who had burrowed underground when Su Qingxuan shouted in a low voice:

"Don't pursue a cornered enemy. Clean up the scene and move out immediately!"

Upon hearing this, Chi Ying stopped and quickly took the burly man's storage bag. Following Xiao Lingxi's instructions, she sprinkled corpse-dissolving powder to treat the body.

Lin Wanqing and Xiao Lingyue quickly erased the slightest traces and lingering scents of the battle.

"Although the commotion was small, it's hard to guarantee it didn't attract attention."

"After the Taoist priest and the old woman escape, they will surely attract even more people."

Su Qingxuan swallowed a pill to replenish his vital energy and said quickly.

"We headed northwest towards the Stone Forest, where the fog was even thicker."

The map also shows an "Echo Valley," a complex terrain that may offer some opportunities for use.

Without hesitation, the five set off immediately, using the stone forest and thick fog as cover to stealthily head northwest.

Before leaving, Xiao Lingxi made sure to set up several simple, trigger-based illusion arrays and traps around the depression.

Although not very powerful, it can serve as an early warning and delaying measure.

Sure enough, less than an incense stick's time after they left, seven or eight figures found their way to the vicinity of that depression.

Among them was the tall, thin Taoist priest who had escaped.

His face was still somewhat pale as he pointed to the hollow and described it with lingering fear.

"Such a sharp, murderous aura! It's definitely the woman with the gun!"

A cultivator with a scar on his face examined the traces of corpse-dissolving powder left on the ground and said in a deep voice.

"They were indeed hiding here to heal their wounds! And their reaction was extremely quick and their attack ruthless. It seems that although their injuries are severe, they are not entirely defenseless."

Another monk, dressed as a scholar, analyzed the situation while waving a feather fan.

"Hmph, they're just at their last gasp! The more they rush to silence witnesses and relocate, the more guilty they seem!"

A cold voice rang out; it was the old woman who had fled earlier, who had somehow sneaked back, her eyes flashing with resentment.

"My 'Earth-Walking Insect' has followed the last trace of their presence, heading northwest. They can't have gone far!"

"Chase!" The scarred monk waved his hand, and the group immediately gave chase in the northwest direction.

The tall, thin Taoist priest and the old woman hesitated for a moment, then followed, though they lagged behind.

Clearly, he was being hypocritical; he spoke with great bravado, but in reality, he harbored deep-seated fears.

Su Qingxuan and his group of five traveled swiftly and soon emerged from the stone forest.

Ahead lay an even more desolate hilly area, riddled with potholes of all sizes.

The gray fog here takes on an eerie pale purple hue, carrying a faint fishy smell that can cause dizziness if inhaled for too long.

"Be careful, this mist is poisonous. Although it's not intense, it will slowly erode your magical power and paralyze your consciousness."

Xiao Lingxi reminded everyone to hold an antidote pill in their mouths.

According to the map, passing through this "poisonous fog hills" leads to "Echo Valley".

Echo Valley is not a real valley, but a broken basin shrouded in a strange force field.

Because of its unique terrain, any sound or magical fluctuation will be repeatedly reflected and echoed within it, making it difficult to discern the true source.

Furthermore, it can easily trigger unpredictable chain reactions, so ordinary cultivators are unwilling to step into it lightly.

At this moment, however, this place has become an ideal refuge for Su Qingxuan and the others.

However, just as they were about to step into the poisonous fog hills, Su Qingxuan suddenly had a premonition.

He abruptly stopped, his sharp gaze fixed on a thick purple mist to his left.

"Since you're here, why hide?"

Su Qingxuan said coldly, secretly signaling the four women to be on guard.

A surge of purple mist erupted, and four figures slowly emerged.

The four were dressed uniformly in dark blue Taoist robes, with a small bronze tripod embroidered on their chests.

The leader was a middle-aged man with a stern face and a deep, imposing presence.

It was clearly the cultivation level of the early stage of the Golden Immortal realm.

The other three, two men and one woman, were also at the late stage of the Celestial Immortal realm.

"The Pill Cauldron Sect?" Xiao Lingxi recognized the other party's origin at a glance, and her brows furrowed slightly.

At the Three Teachings Dharma Assembly, she also presented the "Three Ones Pure Heart Pill" to the Dan Ding Sect.

The Dan Ding Sect is renowned in the Heavenly Realm for its alchemy skills and has complex relationships with various forces.

Overall, they are neutral to conservative and have limited interaction with the Trinity House.

The stern-looking middle-aged man's gaze swept over Su Qingxuan and his group of five, lingering for a moment on Su Qingxuan's pale face before he cupped his hands and said:

"I am Mo Chen, an elder of the Dan Ding Sect."

"I have met Palace Master Su of the Sanyi Palace and the four fairies."

Su Qingxuan remained calm: "Elder Mo, what advice do you have for me?"

Could it be that they've also come because of Ling Yunzi's bounty?

Mo Chen remained calm: "Palace Master Su, you misunderstand. Our Dan Ding Sect has no interest in bounties."

However, we are searching for some special medicinal herbs in the Illusionary Demon Sea.

We happened to track down a 'Seven-Aperture Poisonous Mist Mushroom' here, which is quite important to our sect.

I just sensed the convergence of several people's auras here, which might cause unforeseen events and disrupt my herb gathering, so I revealed myself to investigate.

His words were calm and sounded reasonable, but his appearance at this time and place was too coincidental.

Moreover, although the Dan Ding Sect claims to be neutral, its high-ranking members have long-standing ties with the conservative faction, so it cannot be entirely trusted.

"I see," Su Qingxuan said calmly.

"Then we will not disturb Elder Mo's herb gathering any longer. Please go ahead."

As he spoke, he began to lead his men around from the other side.

"Palace Master Su, please wait," Mo Chen suddenly said.

Su Qingxuan paused, his tone stiff: "Elder Mo, is there anything else?"

Mo Chen seemed to consider his words carefully before slowly saying:

"Palace Master Su demonstrated the profound mystery of the unity of the three religions at the Dharma Assembly. Our Dan Ding Sect has also heard about this and is very impressed."

It seems that Palace Master Su is currently facing some trouble.

Our Dan Ding Sect is unwilling to get involved in the conflict, but perhaps...

We can make a deal.

"A deal?" Su Qingxuan raised an eyebrow.

"good."

Mo Chen nodded.

"I observe that Palace Master Su's aura is unstable and her internal injuries are quite severe. Could it be that her Golden Core origin has been damaged?"

Ordinary elixirs would likely be insufficient to restore the body in a short period.

As it happens, I happen to possess a "Qian Yuan Creation Pill," a secret recipe of my Dan Ding Sect.

It has remarkable effects on stabilizing the Golden Core and repairing injuries to the fundamental source.

This is a closely guarded secret of our sect, a supreme healing remedy for those below the Golden Immortal level.

A strange light flashed in Xiao Lingxi's eyes. "Qian Yuan Creation Pill!"

She was an expert in alchemy and had naturally heard of this pill's great reputation; it was one of the most prized pills kept secret by the Dan Ding Sect.

It is extremely difficult to refine, and the materials are rare. It is said to have the power to seize the creation of heaven and earth, and it does have incredible healing effects on the injuries to the origin of cultivators such as Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Relics.

It is much better than the "Nine-Turn Purple Gold Pill" that I am currently refining.

"Conditions?" Su Qingxuan asked directly.

There is no such thing as a free lunch, especially in this treacherous Phantom Demon Sea.

Mo Chen said, "There are two conditions."

First, Palace Master Su needs to exchange with me her insights on the unity of the three elements of "essence, energy, and spirit" within the framework of the Three Teachings Unifying.

Our Dan Ding Sect emphasizes the harmony of the dragon and tiger, and the balance of yin and yang in alchemy. The deeper one's understanding of essence, energy, and spirit, the more proficient one's alchemy skills will be.

Palace Master Su's doctrine of the unity of the three religions must have unique insights into this matter.

"Second," he paused, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Lingxi.

"This must be Fairy Xiao Lingxi, right? I've heard that she received the true teachings of the Taiqing Heavenly Venerable on alchemy."

Our sect is quite interested in the processing methods of several auxiliary ingredients in the 'Nine-Turn Purple Gold Pill,' and we hope that you, Fairy, will be generous in sharing them."

These conditions are not harsh, nor are they excessive.

After all, these are just insights and some alchemy techniques, not the core inheritance.

But to bring it up at this moment seems like taking advantage of someone's misfortune.

It also conveys a sense of exploring the path of the unity of the three religions and the mysteries of Taiqing alchemy.

Lin Wanqing, Xiao Lingxi, and the others all turned cold.

Chi Ying gripped the gun barrel even tighter.

Su Qingxuan suddenly laughed, but his smile was somewhat cold: "Elder Mo is quite well-informed, even knowing the details of our injuries."

This deal sounds good, but…

He then changed the subject, "How can I be so sure that Elder Mo took out a genuine pill, rather than a poisonous one?"

And how can we be sure that after the transaction, the Dan Ding Sect won't turn around and sell our whereabouts to Ling Yunzi for a good price?

His dark, stern face remained completely expressionless from beginning to end: "It's only natural that Palace Master Su doesn't trust you."

I swear to the heavens that the elixir is absolutely genuine.

Furthermore, after this transaction, neither I nor my disciples will proactively disclose your whereabouts.

Nor will I cooperate with Ling Yunzi and the others against you. What do you think?

The oath of Heaven has a strong binding force on cultivators, and Mo Chen's willingness to make this oath suggests considerable sincerity.

Su Qingxuan remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options.

Faint sounds could be heard from behind, clearly indicating that pursuers were approaching.

"Young master, do not trust them so easily!" Lin Wanqing transmitted her voice.

"Lingxi's pills may not be much worse than the Qian Yuan Creation Pill. We should just be careful to regulate our breathing," Xiao Lingyue said.

Su Qingxuan shook his head slightly at the four women, then looked at Mo Chen and slowly said, "Elder Mo, I can agree to your conditions."

However, I have one condition.

"Please speak, Palace Master Su."

"I need the pills now. As for the insights and techniques, I will imprint them onto the jade slip with my divine sense after we have safely left the Illusionary Demon Sea, at least until the trial is over."

Su Qingxuan stared into Mo Chen's eyes, "Elder Mo, since you dare to make a vow to Heaven, you probably don't mind waiting a few more days, right?"

Or is it that Elder Mo... can't wait?

A very subtle flicker of emotion flashed in Mo Chen's eyes, before he quickly regained his composure: "Palace Master Su, do you not trust the credibility of my Pill Cauldron Sect?"

"It's not that I don't believe it, I'm just being cautious," Su Qingxuan said firmly.

"Under circumstances where safety is not guaranteed, Su will not hand over anything."

"Similarly, if Elder Mo doesn't trust me, he can turn around and leave, and our deal will be void..."

Elder Mo, if you are truly sincere, you should know my concerns.

The sounds from behind grew closer, and one could even faintly hear breathing.

Mo Chen remained silent for a few breaths before finally nodding, "Alright! As Palace Master Su wishes!"

He was quite decisive, flipping his hand to take out a chilling jade box.

As soon as a crack was opened, an intensely rich fragrance of medicinal herbs, mixed with vibrant life, filled the air, instantly invigorating the senses.

Even the surrounding pale purple poisonous fog seemed to have been somewhat dispelled.

Inside the box lay a pill the size of a longan, pure white, with nine cloud-like patterns on its surface—undoubtedly the Qian Yuan Creation Pill.

Mo Chen publicly made a vow to Heaven, the content of which was consistent with what he had said before, and then threw the jade box to Su Qingxuan.

Su Qingxuan took the jade box and carefully examined it with his divine sense to confirm that it was correct.

The elixir is pure and flawless, brimming with vitality, and contains absolutely no hidden tricks.

He gave Mo Chen a meaningful look, put away the jade box, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, saying:

"I thank Elder Mo in advance. After the trial concludes, wherever I may be, I will deliver the jade slip containing my insights. Farewell!"

"Palace Master Su, take care." Mo Chen returned the greeting with a cupped hand, then led his three disciples and quickly retreated into the purple mist, disappearing from sight.

As expected, they completely ignored the approaching pursuers.

Without further hesitation, Su Qingxuan swallowed the Qian Yuan Creation Pill. The pill melted upon entering his mouth, transforming into a warm and mellow torrent that surged into his limbs and bones, especially heading straight for the Chaos Golden Core in his dantian.

The Three Treasures have repaired his meridians and dantian, pulling him back from the brink of death, but it will take quite some time for him to recover to his peak condition.

But the Qian Yuan Creation Pill is different; the power of the elixir is wondrous.

Wherever it passed, the damaged meridians felt numb and itchy, and were quickly stabilizing.

The dim Chaos Golden Core seemed to receive timely rain after a long drought, rapidly absorbing the medicinal power, and its luster was restored at a visible speed.

"Let's go! Into Echo Valley!"

Su Qingxuan's spirits lifted slightly, and he let out a low shout.

He led the four women and quickly rushed into the poisonous fog hills ahead, speeding towards Echo Valley.

They had barely left when a dozen or so people, including the scarred monk, the old woman, and the tall, thin Taoist priest, arrived in pursuit.

"The energy flow becomes disordered here, with residual pill energy remaining..."

"It's a top-grade elixir!" The old woman's nose twitched, her face filled with surprise and doubt.

"I think I saw people from the Dan Ding Sect lingering here just now," the tall, thin Taoist said uncertainly.

"The Pill Refining Sect? How did they get involved?"

The scarred monk frowned, looking at the hills shrouded in purple mist ahead, and the basin further away from which strange echoes faintly emanated.

"Ahead lie the Poisonous Fog Hills and Echo Valley... Did Su Qingxuan escape into Echo Valley? He's practically courting death!"

"Should we chase them or not?" someone asked.

The scarred monk hesitated for a moment. Echo Valley had a notorious reputation and was not a safe place.

But thinking of the generous reward promised by Ling Yunzi, especially the acquired spiritual treasure...

"Chase them! They're badly injured, and entering Echo Valley will only trap them in a deadly situation! We outnumber them, so be careful!"

Divide into three groups, support each other, maintain distance, and communicate using communication talismans!

The scarred monk finally gritted his teeth and gave the order.

With such a generous reward, there are bound to be brave men, and most of the others, driven by greed, also chimed in.

The group of more than ten people split into three groups and carefully stepped into the poisonous fog hills, heading towards Echo Valley.

At this moment, Su Qingxuan and his group of five had already passed through the poisonous fog hills and officially entered the area of ​​Echo Valley...

It is:

Behold the unpredictable nature of the heavens; who says that there are few wise strategies in remote lands?

Once the pill enters the stomach, the winds and clouds stir; once again, we strive to swim upstream against the treacherous shoals.