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

Poetry:

Evil locks the perilous cliffs and abysses, demons invade and seal, disturbing the heavens.

Alone, I fear not the words of evil spirits; my original intention remains unchanged, and my path remains steadfast.

So, Su Qingxuan entered the cliffside cave alone.

After walking about a hundred feet, the passage ends at a huge stone chamber.

There was a huge spatial rift in the room, where chaotic energy and demonic energy intertwined, which was the core of the Guixu Seal!

Runes flickered at the edge of the crack, extending from the ancient runes on the cliff face, firmly locking the crack and preventing the demonic energy from leaking out.

However, the runes were now covered in cracks, and the sealing power was greatly reduced.

From a distant place within the crack, a low, demonic roar could be heard, and a powerful, evil will touched Su Qingxuan's consciousness through the seal.

"Su Qingxuan...a descendant of the Su family...the inheritor of the supreme saint..."

A hoarse, chilling voice echoed in his mind's sea; it was the Demon Lord's will.

"Your ancestor Su Lie was immortal and indestructible, yet he sacrificed himself to seal me away; how utterly foolish..."

Those immortals, clinging to life and afraid of death, beg me to grant them immortality—how utterly laughable…

Since you have inherited the lineage of the most holy sage and possess the Three Treasures of the Source, why not cooperate with me?

"You helped me break the seal with the Three Treasures, and I will help you break through to a higher realm, becoming immortal and indestructible, ruling the Three Realms. This is far more satisfying than upholding that so-called righteousness..."

Su Qingxuan remained unmoved, his Dao heart steadfast, and coldly replied:

"Demon Lord, you need not say more."

Our ancestors sacrificed themselves for righteousness, not out of foolishness, but because they upheld the great principles.

The immortals' fear of death was not out of helplessness, but rather a result of their loss of their true nature.

I, Su Qingxuan, inherit the will of my ancestors and have a steadfast heart for the Dao.

I only wish to protect all living beings in the Three Realms and will never associate with demons.

If you remain law-abiding and obedient, the seal will remain, and the void will remain.

If you dare to act rashly, I will follow the example of my ancestors and use the power of the Three Treasures to disperse the Dao within the seal. I will then guard the Ruins together with you, never to emerge again!

"What a fine example of upholding the Great Dao..." The Demon Lord's voice was filled with mockery and venom.

"When the five signs of decay appear, all living beings are filled with fear."

You will eventually face it, and I want to see how long you can hold onto your principles...

The day I break the seal will be the day the Three Realms are destroyed…

The sound gradually faded, the Demon Lord withdrew his will, and all around was silent.

Su Qingxuan stared at the crack in the Ruins of Return, his mind already understanding.

Although this trial in the Illusionary Demon Sea defeated the main force of the conservative faction.

However, the seal has loosened, the Demon Lord's will has been awakened, and a catastrophe for the Three Realms is not far off.

The secrets of the conservative faction allowed him to see the true nature of the path of cultivation:

Cultivation is not for the sake of immortality, but for the greater good, for the great path, and for protection.

Immortality is not the ultimate goal; upholding one's original aspiration and maintaining an undying Daoist heart are the true essence of cultivation.

Our ancestor, Su Sheng, sacrificed his immortal body and used his weapons to seal the Demon Lord; this was the very path he followed.

He raised his hand and summoned the Three Treasures, infusing them with the power of the three religions' origins.

The three treasures shone brightly, with runes flowing within them, resonating with the ancient runes that were sealed.

Golden rays merged into the cracks, which gradually healed, and the outer seal of the Ruins was temporarily stabilized.

After finishing his business, Su Qingxuan turned and left the cave.

The fog outside the cave had mostly dissipated, and the eerie atmosphere of the Illusionary Demon Sea had largely dissipated.

The Four Fairies, Chu Lingxiao, and a group of righteous cultivators waited quietly at the cave entrance. They all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Su Qingxuan return safely.

"Young Master, how is the seal?" Lin Wanqing asked anxiously.

Su Qingxuan shook his head slightly, then nodded gently:

"The seal is temporarily stable, the Demon Lord's aura has subsided, and there is no danger of the seal breaking in the short term."

However, the Demon Lord's will has awakened, and calamity is imminent.

He looked up at the sky; the three-month trial of the Illusionary Demon Sea was about to begin.

From afar came the call of the ancestral temples of the three religions, clear and melodious, spreading throughout the Illusionary Demon Sea.

"The trial is over, it is time to return."

Su Qingxuan said softly, his gaze firm.

"This trip to the Illusionary Demon Sea, though revealing secrets and dismantling the old faction, also made us realize that a great calamity is imminent."

Upon returning, we must quickly regroup our forces, propagate the Great Dao of our ancestors, and awaken all cultivators in the Three Realms to uphold their Daoist convictions and jointly resist the demonic calamity!

The four women looked at each other and nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with determination.

Chu Lingxiao and the group of righteous cultivators responded in unison:

"We are willing to follow Palace Master Su to fight against the demonic calamity and uphold the righteous path!"

Su Qingxuan looked at the people around him, and his heart was filled with warmth.

He inherited the great righteousness of his ancestors who sacrificed themselves for justice.

He shouldered the responsibility of protecting all living beings in the Three Realms.

He understood the true meaning of spiritual practice.

Even if the future holds perilous roads and catastrophic catastrophes.

But if one remains steadfast in one's principles and unchanged in one's original aspirations, one will have no fear of a thousand obstacles and ten thousand difficulties.

The group packed their belongings, carrying what they had gained from this trial, and followed the call of the three religions on their return journey.

The mist over the Illusionary Demon Sea gradually dissipates, and the seal on the Ruins of Return is temporarily secured.

However, the catastrophe that would determine the survival of the three realms was also brewing.

Su Qingxuan turned around, gazing into the depths of the Ruins of Return, a glint of light in his eyes, and whispered:

"Ancestor, Qingxuan will live up to your expectations, protect all living beings in the Three Realms, uphold righteousness and justice, and never let your sacrifice go to waste."

Su Qingxuan and his group of five gained a great deal from this trial in the Illusionary Demon Sea.

They gathered countless Illusionary Sea Crystals, defeated the main force of the conservative faction, and exposed their secret collusion with the demonic path.

Having glimpsed the truth of the Guixu Seal, one's Dao heart becomes more complete and one's cultivation deepens.

However, the end of this trial is not the end, but the beginning of a great calamity against demons in the Three Realms.

Su Qingxuan and his group joined Chu Lingxiao and others, reorganized the team, and took a headcount.

The Qingming Sword Sect disciples who came with Chu Lingxiao originally numbered twelve, but after the fierce battle, only seven remained, and all of them were injured.

Disciples from various sects were trapped in the Demon-Attracting Array.

There were twenty-three cultivators from small and medium-sized sects such as Xuantian Sect, Beast Taming Valley, and Liuyun Pavilion.

Although he was rescued, his essence, blood, spirit, and soul were greatly depleted, and his cultivation was severely damaged. He needs a long period of recuperation to recover.

The group stood together, supporting each other, their gazes towards Su Qingxuan filled with gratitude and relief at surviving such a calamity.

Su Qingxuan took a short breath and noticed that although everyone was tired, their eyes were still clear.

Knowing that this experience, though a near-death ordeal, was also a tempering of his Daoist heart.

He looked around at everyone and said loudly, "This matter is over, but the troubles of Guixu have not been completely eliminated, and the remnants of Yuxiaozi still exist."

We should return to Duanjie Mountain immediately to inform the elders of the three religions and discuss countermeasures together.

If any of you are injured, you may take this elixir to stabilize your vital energy.

After saying this, he took out several jade bottles and distributed them to everyone.

Inside are all Xiao Lingxi's secret recipe, the "Rejuvenating Pills" for healing and strengthening the body, with mild and mellow medicinal properties, just right for this use.

Everyone gratefully accepted the pills and took them to regulate their breathing.

The four fairies, Lin Wanqing, Xiao Lingxi, Xiao Lingyue, and Chi Ying, also took a short break to recover their depleted magical power.

After about half an hour, everyone's breathing had recovered somewhat.

The distant call from the ancestral temples of the three religions grew clearer, guiding the way home.

"Walk!"

Su Qingxuan took the lead, riding his sword and leading the way with the four fairies.

Chu Lingxiao and the other cultivators followed closely behind, transforming into dozens of streaks of light.

We sped through the dissipating mist towards Broken Boundary Mountain.

On the way back, the remaining demons and evil spirits remain in the Illusionary Demon Sea.

Sensing the atmosphere of the previous great battle and the temporary stabilization of the Guixu seal, they all lay dormant, not daring to show themselves easily.

The journey was much smoother than the way there.

Only the mournful sound of the wind seemed to recount the thrilling battle that had just taken place...

Lin Wanqing approached Su Qingxuan and asked telepathically:

"Young master, the root of the conservatives' actions lies in their impending death and unwillingness to perish. Should this matter... be brought to light publicly?"

Su Qingxuan remained silent for a moment, then replied telepathically:

"This matter concerns the very foundation of cultivation in the Heavenly Realm, and also involves the secrets hidden in the hearts of countless Golden Immortal cultivators."

If this is publicized, it may cause unrest, or even drive some cultivators who are also struggling with bottlenecks and feeling fear to extremes.

However, if we do not warn others, there is a risk that others will follow in the footsteps of Yu Xiaozi and others, resorting to any means necessary in their pursuit of immortality.

The four women were of one mind, and Xiao Lingyue possessed a profound and compassionate heart.

She also sighed softly and transmitted her voice:

"Your concerns are very valid."

"The desire for immortality is the greatest obsession of cultivators, and also their greatest obstacle."

The greatness of Su Shengren lies not only in his sacrifice, but also in his understanding of life and death, his lack of attachment to his own immortality, and his pursuit of peace and tranquility for all people.

"Such a level of understanding is not attainable by everyone. This matter must be handled properly, both to serve as a warning to others and to avoid causing panic."

"good."

Su Qingxuan nodded, her eyes clear.

"Upon returning, we should first consult with the three religions to ensure fairness and justice, and secretly inform the senior venerable ones of the details."

Then they will decide how to announce it to the world.

Perhaps through preaching and admonishment, one can awaken those who are obsessed with the illusion of immortality and have forgotten the true nature of spiritual practice.

Chi Ying retorted, "Who cares about all that!"

"Those cowards, if they dare to collude with evil spirits again and harm people's lives..."

I'll shoot them one by one, killing them all!

"If one cultivates to the point of caring only for one's own life and disregarding the lives of others, how is one different from a demon?"

Xiao Lingxi chuckled: "Sister Chiying is quick-witted and outspoken."

However, this is a problem of human nature, and it cannot be solved by killing everyone.

Ultimately, it comes down to whether one's resolve in the path is firm and whether one has clearly understood the true meaning of cultivation.

Su Qingxuan felt comforted by the words of the four women.

He pondered for a moment and said, "This matter certainly needs to be considered carefully."

"The most important thing right now is to return safely and report the current state of the Guixu seal and the remnants of the conservative faction."

As for the secret to immortality and the suffering of reincarnation, perhaps...

This is also a hurdle we must overcome on our path of spiritual cultivation.

As they spoke, the fog ahead dissipated, and the outline of Duanjie Mountain came into view in the distance.

On the mountaintop platform, figures gathered, with elders and disciples from various sects already assembled, clearly waiting for the return of the trial participants.

Su Qingxuan and the four fairies used their escape light to land on the platform.

The moment they landed, they felt countless gazes converge upon them.

It contains concern, curiosity, and scrutiny.

This trial in the Illusionary Demon Sea was fraught with unexpected events, resulting in the loss of disciples from all factions.

Even sects like Xuantian Sect and Liuyun Pavilion...

Almost all of the elite disciples sent out were wiped out, and the elders left behind were extremely anxious.

The appearance of Chu Lingxiao and his group immediately caused a commotion.

The disciples from various sects who had escaped their predicaments rushed forward to their masters, recounting their ordeal with sorrowful cries.

In an instant, the platform was filled with grief, anger, and incredulous exclamations.

"What? Elder Yuxiaozi actually colluded with the Demon Lord?"

"Master Uncle Ling Yunzi... he set up the Nine Netherworld Demon-Summoning Array, intending to sacrifice his fellow cultivators?"

"It was also Zen Master Fayan..."

"Uncle-Master Meng Xingjian... How... How is this possible?!"

"If it weren't for Palace Master Su's righteous intervention, we would all be innocent victims in this battle!"

The truth is like a boulder thrown into water, creating ripples.

The elders who remained were from various factions, especially those who originally belonged to or were close to the conservative faction.

Upon first hearing it, one might turn pale with anger and vehemently rebuke it as "nonsense" and "defamation of elders"...

Or their faces turned deathly pale, and they murmured in disbelief.

However, seeing the surviving disciple, his injuries could not be faked.

Its narrative is detailed and supported by evidence from Chu Lingxiao and disciples of the Qingming Sword Sect.

Su Qingxuan and the four fairies stood to one side, their auras calm and their righteousness awe-inspiring, leaving no room for doubt.

The Taoist master in charge of guiding them this time was an elderly man with white hair and a gaunt face.

It was none other than the "Mingde Zhenjun" of Su Qingxuan's grandmaster, a highly respected and upright sage in the Taoist sect.

He stepped forward from the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the surviving disciples before finally settling on Su Qingxuan, and said in a deep voice:

"Qingxuan, are all the things people say true?"

Did Yu Xiaozhi, Ling Yunzi, and the others truly collude with the Demon Lord, using living people to create an array in an attempt to achieve immortality?

Upon hearing this, Su Qingxuan pondered to himself, since the True Lord had personally inquired...

Then let me be frank: the decision will be made by the True Lord.

Immediately, Su Qingxuan stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and her clear, melodious voice resonated throughout the hall:

"Reporting back to Grandmaster Mingde, everything I have said is true."

"Yu Xiaozi, Ling Yunzi, Fa Yan, and Meng Xingjian all personally admitted it."

Because their lifespan is about to end and the five signs of decay for celestial beings are imminent, they fear being swept away by the cycle of reincarnation and are unwilling to abandon all their spiritual practice.

Therefore, he secretly colluded with the Demon Lord of Guixu, using the Demon Lord's demonic energy to plot a breakthrough and help him loosen the seal.

The remains of the Nine Netherworld Demon-Summoning Array can serve as evidence.

Most of his disciples and the evil cultivators he colluded with were executed.

Yu Xiaozi's physical body was severed, and his remnant soul escaped into the misty void of Guixu, its fate unknown.

The disciple has temporarily stabilized the outer seal of the Ruins of Return using the three ancestral treasures and the power of the three teachings left by the ancestors.

However, hidden dangers remain; the Demon Lord's will has already partially awakened.

His words were clear, logical, and without the slightest exaggeration.

It possesses a convincing power.

Especially when mentioning phrases such as "lifespan is about to end", "five signs of decay in the heavens and man", and "fear of being wiped out in the cycle of reincarnation".

Many senior cultivators with profound cultivation who were also facing this challenge all had slight changes in their expressions and complex emotions.

These words strike directly at the deepest fears and desires in the hearts of practitioners, carrying more weight than any accusation.

Mingde Zhenjun sighed deeply, his face seemingly aging instantly, his eyes filled with deep sorrow:

"well……"

"The limits of lifespan and the allure of immortality... have led them astray to this state."

He fell into the demonic path, harmed his fellow practitioners, and caused several great disasters!

Qingxuan! You turned the tide, exposed the evil, and stabilized the seal; you have rendered a great service to the Three Realms.

A Confucian scholar, with white hair and beard, holding an ancient scroll, known as the "Second Sage of Profound Mystery,"

A dignified Buddhist monk, clad in a golden robe, known as "Venerable Huijue."

They also spoke one after another, affirming Su Qingxuan's contribution.

They also strongly condemned the actions of Yu Xiaozhi and others, and stated that they would thoroughly investigate the remaining members and clean house.

However, there were also dissenting voices in the audience.

An elder of the Daoist sect, who had been on good terms with Yu Xiaozhi for many years, said in a gloomy voice:

"Su Qingxuan, this is only your side of the story."

Although there were witnesses, Yu Xiaozi, Ling Yunzi, and others were dead and could not provide corroboration.

How could it not be you, plotting and framing someone to seize power and eliminate dissidents?

The seal on the Ruins of Guixu has loosened; who knows if it was caused by your battle with the demons?

The desire for immortality and the suffering of reincarnation are indeed great taboos for practitioners.

However, is it too arbitrary to conclude that the elders have betrayed the Way based on this alone?

These words immediately garnered support from some cultivators who were deeply connected to the conservative faction or harbored resentment towards Su Qingxuan's rise to power.

The scene became somewhat noisy for a moment.

Chu Lingxiao angrily said, "More than ten disciples of my Qingming Sword Sect have died tragically."

What I saw with my own eyes, heard with my own ears, and experienced with my own body.

How could it be false? If it weren't for Palace Master Su's rescue, we would have all become sacrifices, you…”

Su Qingxuan raised her hand, stopping Chu Lingxiao from speaking.

He looked at the elder, his gaze calm and unwavering:

"What the senior said is not without reason."

However, Qingxuan's actions are solely based on a clear conscience and a commitment to the Way.

It is a fact that Yu Xiaozi and others colluded with the Demon Lord, harmed their fellow cultivators, and loosened the seal.

My Su family has three ancestral treasures, all of which can sense the source of the seal's disturbance.

The remains of many of our fallen comrades and the lingering aura of the great formation can all be examined.

As for the power grab and framing…

He paused slightly, his tone softening:

"Qingxuan inherited the legacy of his ancestors and was valued by the elders of the three religions, and established and took charge of the Sanyi Palace."

What they seek is nothing more than to inherit the Great Dao and protect all living beings.

What power do I have to add?

If the senior still has doubts, Qingxuan is willing to accept the judgment of the three schools.

They used the Mirror of Inquiry and the Platform of Soul Revelation to examine the soul's memories and prove their innocence.

I wonder if the spirits of those who died unjustly can rest in peace?

His words were neither humble nor arrogant, and were well-reasoned and supported by evidence.

He even proactively offered to prove himself using secret methods, showing utter candor.

The Mirror of Inquiry and the Platform for Reflecting the Soul are both supreme treasures for examining the soul's memories and distinguishing truth from falsehood.

Very few people dare to voluntarily undergo investigation, because the secret of the soul is something they are unwilling to easily reveal to others.

Su Qingxuan's willingness to make such a proposal demonstrates his upright heart and honest conduct, which has moved the vast majority of people.

The old man was speechless for a moment, his face turned pale, and he snorted and said nothing more.

Upon seeing this, True Lord Mingde solemnly said:

"Qingxuan, there's no need for this. As for right and wrong, Brother Xuanwei, Master Huijue, and I will make a fair judgment."

The evidence against Yu Xiaozhi and others is conclusive and irrefutable.

The most urgent task is to discuss how to handle the follow-up matters.

The remaining rebels were hunted down, and all cultivators in the Three Realms were warned not to repeat the same mistakes.

The Sage Xuanwei chimed in, "That's right."

"The Trial of the Illusionary Demon Sea has now concluded."

Each party took stock of their losses and treated the wounded.

Su Qingxuan, Chu Lingxiao, and all those who personally experienced this event accompanied us to the ancestral temple of the three religions to recount the details.

The matter of sealing the Void is of great importance and must be immediately reported to the Heavenly Venerable and the Buddha for a decision.

Venerable Huijue nodded: "Amitabha. The calamity of demons is approaching, and the three realms may no longer be at peace."

"The most urgent task is to integrate resources and make preparations as soon as possible."

"Palace Master Su's actions are of immeasurable merit. However, the road ahead is even more difficult. It is hoped that she can uphold her Daoist heart and guide those who come after her."

The three leaders of the three religions set the tone, and the remaining discussions gradually subsided.

All factions began to get busy.

The atmosphere was somber and sorrowful as the wounded were treated, the remains of the dead were collected, and the losses were tallied.

In this trial, various sects and factions lost hundreds of elite disciples, a truly devastating loss.

Su Qingxuan and the Four Fairies

They were led to a quiet temple to rest temporarily while waiting to proceed to the ancestral temple of the three religions.

Inside the hall, Su Qingxuan sat alone by the window, gazing silently at the still misty Illusionary Demon Sea in the distance.

The teacup in my hand had gone cold, but I hadn't taken a single sip.

Lin Wanqing approached gently, poured him a cup of hot tea, and said softly, "Young Master, are you still thinking about the conservative faction?"

Su Qingxuan took the teacup, his fingertips slightly warm, and sighed softly:

"The allure of immortality and the fear of reincarnation can cause even the most accomplished Golden Immortals, who have cultivated for ten thousand years and attained enlightenment, to fall into the demonic path."

They even went so far as to sacrifice countless lives...

What is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice?

Is it merely immortality?

Xiao Lingxi sat down beside him and said softly:

"My lord, people's hearts are different, and their beliefs in the Way are different."

"Some people cultivate Taoism in order to achieve immortality and freedom."

Some people cultivate the Tao for power and authority.

Some people cultivate the Tao in order to understand the truth.

There are also those like our ancestors and princes who protect the common people.

Different desires lead to different paths.

The conservatives are not ignorant of the principles.

In reality, their minds were clouded by fear and obsession.

The essence of spiritual practice has been forgotten: it is the cultivation of the mind.

If the heart is not upright, the path will naturally be crooked!

Xiao Lingyue also said, "The Buddha said that all living beings fear death and cherish their lives."

The fear of death and the desire to live are inherent in all living beings.

However, those who cultivate themselves should know that where there is birth, there is death; where there is gathering, there is scattering.

"To be attached to the immortality of 'self' is to be attached to the 'self-image, the image of others, the image of sentient beings, and the image of lifespan,' which is called attachment to images and has deviated from the right path."

Our ancestors were so wise that they broke free from their ego and sacrificed themselves, thus attaining true freedom and liberation.

Its spirit is immortal, benefiting all generations; this is another kind of "immortality".

They only seek the immortality of their physical body and soul, but have lost their Daoist heart and spirit.

Even if one attains immortality, one is still merely a walking corpse, unacceptable to heaven and earth.

Chi Ying stood holding his spear, pursed his lips, and said, "If you ask me, he's just so afraid of dying that he's spineless! After cultivating for thousands of years, this is the kind of character he's produced?"

They are not even as good as ordinary martial artists, who at least know the saying, "To live, be a hero; to die, be a ghost!"

"Young master, you don't need to worry about these scoundrels; they don't deserve it!"

Hearing the four women's words, Su Qingxuan felt a slight relief from his inner turmoil and revealed a faint smile:

"You're right!"

"If one's heart is confused about the Dao, immortality becomes a shackle."

If the mind is clear about the Tao, then even a moment is eternity.

The path of my ancestors is my path.

Today's events have made me realize even more that...

The calamity to come will not only be a scourge from the Demon Lord, but also a calamity for the human heart.

Someone needs to step forward, carry on the ways of our ancestors, and awaken those who have lost their way.

His gaze gradually hardened:

"I shall go to the ancestral temple of the three religions."

Not only should everything be explained, but we should also invite all the elders.

To revitalize the moral character of the three religions, eliminate deviations, and promote the righteous path.

The mystery of immortality and the suffering of reincarnation are unavoidable; they should be guided by the righteous path.

This will help those who come after to understand that spiritual practice is not only for immortality, but also for protection, for responsibility, and for the undying justice in one's heart.

While waiting for the three venerable elders to summon him, Su Qingxuan sat quietly in the hall where he was resting, adjusting his breathing and reviewing the events of his time in the Illusionary Demon Sea.

The four women were also present, some wiping the magical artifacts, some meditating, and some talking in hushed tones.

Suddenly, a boy outside the palace announced:

"Palace Master Su, Senior Brother Chu Lingxiao of the Azure Nether Sword Sect and Senior Brother Chu Yunfan of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect are requesting an audience."

Su Qingxuan opened his eyes, slightly surprised, and then said, "Please come in quickly!"

It is:

Do not lament the fear of the five decays of life, but rely on your righteous spirit to subdue the cycle of reincarnation.

My loyal heart will not grow old with the dust of the world; I will remain as a bulwark for the three realms.