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

Poetry:

The clouds surge in the heavens, the road ahead is clear; with Confucian spirit, Taoist integrity, and Buddhist heart, all is bright.

The three-colored spiritual light contains purity and mystery; returning from the illusory sea, the Dao fruit is renewed.

After being enlightened by the mysterious old man, Su Qingxuan felt much more at ease.

Immediately, he used his movement technique to quickly return to the Sanyi Palace.

At the end of the cloud path, three-colored spiritual light soared into the sky, and Su Qingxuan rode the escape light at high speed.

Passing through the celestial clouds, the majestic and continuous outline of the Three Talents Peak gradually comes into view.

The atmosphere of the Three Talents Peak is now completely different from when he left.

Between the peaks, the scholarly atmosphere of Confucianism transforms into a faint golden glow that lingers around the mountainside;

The pure and ethereal energy of Taoism rises like wisps of green smoke.

The essence of Buddhist Zen condenses into milky white clouds that shroud the mountaintop.

The three colors of spiritual light merged and flowed, forming a huge three-colored halo in mid-air.

It rotates slowly, illuminating the surrounding area for miles, creating an ethereal and solemn atmosphere.

What's even more enviable is that the halo is not stationary.

Within it, one could vaguely discern the flow of scriptures, the flickering of Daoist patterns, and the arising and ceasing of Sanskrit...

It seems as if the true meaning of the three religions converges and evolves here, forming a small world of its own.

Under the halo, the palaces and pavilions of the Trinity Palace are built against the mountain.

The Wenhua Pavilion, Qingxu Pavilion, and Banruo Pavilion, three main pavilions, stand in a triangular shape atop the peak, with spiritual light emanating from their flying eaves and brackets.

Although it is not as majestic as the ancestral temples of the three religions, it has its own fresh, vibrant, and inclusive atmosphere.

"In less than half a year, the palace has changed so much."

Su Qingxuan pressed down on his escape light and hovered a hundred miles outside the Three Talents Peak, observing carefully and feeling a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing feelings, thoughts, and reflections).

He could clearly sense that the three root veins of the three religions beneath the Three Talents Peak had completely merged with the formation within the peak, and the density of spiritual energy was approaching that of the ancestral temple of the three religions.

What's even more remarkable is that these three religions have different roots and attributes.

One embodies the spirit of culture and integrity, another exudes the charm of Taoism, and the third flows with the Zen spirit of Buddhism.

However, under the ingenious arrangement of the formation, they blend together to form a unique spiritual energy of the three religions, which is perfect for disciples who cultivate the path of the unity of the three religions to practice breathing exercises.

Clearly, during his absence over the past six months, his two masters, Xuanqing and Liaochen, have managed the palace in an orderly manner, not only consolidating the foundation but also significantly strengthening the foundation of the Sanyi Palace.

As they were observing, several streaks of light suddenly rose from the palace gate and rushed toward Su Qingxuan.

The first cyan sword light was the fastest, arriving in the blink of an eye.

The sword light faded, revealing a young cultivator dressed in a blue and white cloud-patterned Daoist robe.

His posture was as upright as a pine tree, his face handsome, and his brows held both the sharpness of a swordsman and the gentle elegance brought by the cultivation of the three religions.

It was none other than the first disciple, Li Changfeng.

"Disciple Li Changfeng respectfully welcomes Master back to the palace!"

Li Changfeng bowed in mid-air, his voice clear and resonant, filled with barely suppressed excitement.

Behind him, three streaks of light followed one after another.

Zhou Ruolin wore a light blue flowing fairy dress, surrounded by misty water vapor, exuding a gentle and graceful aura;

Qian Duoduo was slightly plump, with a rosy and peaceful complexion, and stood on a pale golden cloud.

Sun Bu Shao rode a crimson aura of energy, his round face was honest and his body was strong.

The three bowed in unison, saying, "Disciples respectfully welcome our Master!"

Su Qingxuan's gaze swept over the four disciples, and his heart stirred slightly.

Half a year later, Li Changfeng's cultivation had steadily reached the mid-stage of Earth Immortal.

Moreover, he has a solid foundation, and his sword aura is upright and peaceful, with the subtle influence of the three religions flowing through him.

He has clearly mastered the Three-in-One Foundation Building Technique he was taught and integrated it with his own understanding of swordsmanship.

Zhou Ruolin's cultivation has reached the early stage of Earth Immortal. Her body is surrounded by water-related Daoist techniques, and one can sense that her aura is pure and her Daoist heart is clear.

Although Qian Duoduo is still at the peak of the human immortal realm, he has already achieved a minor success in the Buddhist meditation technique. The restlessness between his brows has disappeared, replaced by a sense of calm wisdom.

Sun Bushao's cultivation level is the lowest, still in the late stage of Human Immortal, but his military aura is thick and solid, which shows that he has worked hard to temper his physical foundation.

"Get up, all of you," Su Qingxuan said gently, offering a helping hand.

"It has been half a year since I last saw you, and your cultivation has all improved. I am very pleased."

Li Changfeng stood up, his eyes filled with reverence and concern: "Master, we have been thinking of you day and night in the palace as you embark on your life-or-death trial in the Illusionary Demon Sea."

I recently heard that you were bestowed the title of "True Man Protector of the Three Realms".

The disciples were overjoyed and felt honored to be a part of it.

"I only regret that I cannot be by your side to share your joys and sorrows."

He paused, his voice slightly lowered, "It's just... the conservatives are powerful..."

"Has Master suffered any injustice while he was away?"

The question was asked cautiously, yet it revealed genuine concern.

Zhou Ruolin, Qian Duoduo, and Sun Bushao all looked up at Su Qingxuan with eager eyes.

Su Qingxuan felt a warmth in his heart and shook his head with a smile:

"It's alright. With the protection of the three celestial deities, the remnants of the conservative faction dare not act too recklessly."

Su Qingxuan's gaze swept over the four people, and he paused slightly.

He asked in a gentle voice, "Where is Mingcheng?"

Upon hearing this, Li Changfeng's expression darkened, and he solemnly replied:

"Reporting to Master, Junior Brother Zhao received his orders and went down the mountain three months ago."

"Oh?" Su Qingxuan was slightly surprised.

Zhou Ruolin softly continued, "Junior Brother Mingcheng is honest and kind-hearted."

He was diligent in his spiritual practice, but his progress was slow only in understanding the core principles of the three religions.

Five months ago, he requested to go to the lower temple of Trinity Palace, to meditate at "Cliff of Repentance," intending to temper his mind through asceticism.

A few days ago, Elder Xuanqing said, "It is better to put things into practice than to ponder them deeply."

So he was sent down to the third heaven, to a remote immortal abode.

The "Sanyi Bieyuan" was established specifically to enlighten the mind, relieve the distressed, and transmit the teachings.

Qian Duoduo scratched his head and laughed:

"Before leaving, that guy said he was stupid and couldn't learn advanced magic."

But he carried bags of spirit herbs, repaired houses, and taught fairy children to read.

He can do this kind of rough work. Now he's actually quite capable...

down to earth."

Sun Bushao nodded: "I received a message from him the day before yesterday, saying that the villa has been completed. Although I am busy, I feel at ease."

Upon hearing this, Su Qingxuan nodded and smiled.

"Mingcheng's departure is to practice the Way, which is of the greatest good."

The unity of the three religions is not merely about discussing profound principles, but also about benefiting all sentient beings.

He has found a path that suits him, and I, his teacher, am gratified.

"As for you all, are you all doing well in the palace? Have you encountered any difficulties in your cultivation?"

"Everything is fine in the palace!" Li Changfeng said hurriedly.

"The two Supreme Elders manage the palace with great efficiency and hold daily sermons to guide their disciples in their cultivation. However..."

He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, "However, after I mastered the Three-in-One Foundation Building Technique, I always felt that the road ahead was a bit unclear."

I don't know how to further integrate swordsmanship with the true meaning of the three religions to create my own unique swordsmanship.

Zhou Ruolin replied softly, "This disciple cultivates water-based Daoist techniques, which align with the alchemy techniques passed down by Uncle-Master Xiao Lingxi."

Progress is acceptable, but it feels like it lacks a sense of seamless integration.

Qian Duoduo smiled innocently: "Every day, I study the Zen teachings of my Uncle Xiao Lingyue in the Prajna Pavilion."

While the method of calming the mind does lead to progress, Buddhist practice emphasizes enlightenment.

"I am dull-witted and always feel as if I am looking through a thin layer of paper, unable to see clearly."

Sun Bushao was the most straightforward, and said in a deep voice, "Master, the body-refining method taught by Uncle Chiying is domineering and fierce."

The disciple practiced until he was full of energy, but he always felt that the energy was too outward.

Lacking the methods of restraint and transformation, one often loses control when exchanging ideas with others.

The four disciples, each with different questions, all pointed to the same core issue—

The Three-One Foundation Building Technique is simply to lay the foundation.

They are all still exploring how to integrate the true meaning of the three religions with their own path and forge their own way.

Su Qingxuan nodded slightly after hearing this.

This was exactly what he expected.

The unity of the three religions is unprecedented and has no precedent to follow.

He was able to forge his own path by drawing upon the legacy of his ancestors and his own insights, while his disciples had to explore it step by step.

This is also the fundamental reason why he returned to create the "Three Ones True Technique"—

To point the way for those who come after, and to build bridges.

"I am aware of your concerns."

Su Qingxuan said in a deep voice.

"The unity of the three teachings is not about forcibly combining the techniques of the three schools, but about using the Daoist mind as a guide to absorb the essence of the three teachings and make up for one's own deficiencies."

"Changfeng, your swordsmanship is sharp. You can integrate the righteous spirit of Confucianism to cultivate your 'righteousness,' absorb the natural intent of Taoism to increase your 'transformation,' and borrow the compassion of Buddhism to restrain your 'killing.'"

Thus, when the sword is drawn, it is upright and honorable, its movements are spontaneous and controlled.

Li Changfeng's body trembled, and a look of enlightenment flashed in his eyes. He murmured:

"Positive, variable, degree... I see!"

"This disciple is dull-witted; I only focused on infusing the spiritual energy of the three religions into my sword techniques, but I failed to grasp their true meaning!"

Su Qingxuan then looked at Zhou Ruolin: "Ruolin, you cultivate water magic, and water is extremely gentle and ever-changing."

This can be compared with the Confucian virtues of "morality, righteousness, morality, courage, law, correctness, discernment, and aspiration."

The Enlightenment School believes that water possesses the nature of "benefiting all things while remaining still."

The wisdom of Buddhism lies in "purifying water cleanses the dust and illuminates the true nature of mind."

Thus, water is not merely a technique, but a principle.

Zhou Ruolin's beautiful eyes lit up, and she bowed, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Master! In the past, I only regarded water magic as an offensive and defensive technique, which was indeed narrow-minded."

"Young Master Bu," Su Qingxuan said, looking at the fat disciple.

"Buddhist practice certainly emphasizes enlightenment, but enlightenment does not come from nothing."

Did you know that Confucianism has the method of "investigating things to acquire knowledge," and Taoism has the essential principle of "observing the heavens and examining the earth"?

We might as well use the methods of Confucianism to investigate things and explore principles, and the techniques of Taoism to observe nature, so that we can see the great principles in the details and understand the Zen principles in the ordinary.

Tranquility is not about sitting in silence, but about maintaining a pure and untainted heart amidst the chaos of the world.

Qian Duoduo may seem like a simpleton, but she has a heart full of tenderness. She understands things instantly and suddenly slaps her forehead:

"Alas! I sit in the Prajna Pavilion all day long, thinking about how to 'quiet my mind,' but I have forgotten that my mind is already there. Why should I force it?"

When it's time to move, move; when it's time to be still, be still. Going with the flow is also a form of stillness!

Thank you for your guidance, Master!

Finally, Su Qingxuan looked at Sun Bushao and said gently, "Bushao, in military training, being fierce and domineering is not wrong, but extreme strength is easily broken."

Have you ever considered that Confucianism cultivates "righteous spirit" and can enhance the "correctness" of one's qi and blood?

Taoist practitioners cultivate "Primordial Qi," which can transform Qi and blood into "pure" essence.

Does the Buddhist practice of "indestructible Vajra" help stabilize one's Qi and blood?

In addition to fierceness, it is also characterized by righteousness, purity, and stability.

Only then can one achieve a balance of strength and gentleness, and control one's actions with ease.

Sun Bushao stared wide-eyed, scratching his head as he tried to understand, before finally nodding heavily after a long while:

"Disciple thinks he understands! It means that you can't just train your muscles, you also need to train your 'qi' and your 'mind' so that your strength can be controlled!"

Master, rest assured, your disciple will definitely ponder this carefully!

A few words can dispel confusion.

All four disciples gained some insight, and their gazes toward Su Qingxuan became increasingly respectful.

Not only is the Master highly skilled in cultivation, but his understanding of the true meaning of the three religions has also reached a state of perfection.

"These are just directions. As for the specific methods, I will pass them on to you after I have gone into seclusion and created the 'Three Ones True Technique'."

After saying this, Su Qingxuan rode his escape light towards the mountain gate, "Let's go and pay our respects to your grandmaster first."

"Yes!" The four quickly followed.

Two figures were already waiting in front of the mountain gate.

On the left is Master Xuanqing.

He wore a blue Taoist robe in the style of the Sanyi Palace, held a whisk in his hand, and had white hair but a youthful face.

A pure aura circulated around his body, and his cultivation had actually broken through to the peak of the Earth Immortal realm.

Clearly, nourished by the spiritual energy of the heavens, he has accumulated knowledge and skills and is making rapid progress.

On the right is Master Liaochen, dressed in a light yellow monk's robe, holding prayer beads, with a compassionate face and a harmonious aura; he too has reached the peak of the Earth Immortal realm.

Upon seeing Su Qingxuan land, the two men approached with smiles.

"Qingxuan, it's good to see you back." Master Xuanqing looked at his beloved disciple, his eyes full of relief.

"Rumors have already circulated in the palace about your affair in the Illusionary Demon Sea."

Having turned the tide and been bestowed the title of Protector of the Dao, the old Daoist was overjoyed.

Master Liaochen put his hands together and said, "Amitabha!"

Qingxuan had the well-being of all people in his heart and bravely fought against evil, which was truly a great merit.

With Qingxuan guiding it, the Sanyi Palace will surely glorify the righteous path and benefit the Three Realms.

Su Qingxuan quickly bowed and said, "Master Xuanqing, Master Liaochen, thank you for your concern."

"Many affairs in the palace are well managed thanks to the two of you."

"There's no need for formalities between us," Master Xuanqing said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"Now that you have returned, you must have already made your plans."

The old Taoist priest and Liao Chen have no other skills; their only wish is to guard the rear for you in this Sanyi Palace, providing a quiet place for the disciples to cultivate.

Master Liaochen also said, "I will do my best to help my disciples stabilize their minds and not be disturbed by external demons in the Prajna Pavilion meditation practice."

Just then, four beautiful figures strode in from inside the palace.

Lin Wanqing, dressed in a moon-white scholar's skirt, held a Spring and Autumn Annals writing brush in her hand. Her eyebrows and eyes were gentle, and her eyes were filled with deep concern and joy.

Xiao Lingxi wore a light purple Taoist robe, with a small purple-gold stove and a green jade gourd tied around her waist. Her pretty face was smiling, and her steps were light.

Xiao Lingyue was dressed in a plain white monk's robe, with a Bodhi prayer bead around her neck. Her appearance was dignified, and her eyes were gentle.

Chi Ying, dressed in a bright red outfit, held a silver spear, exuding heroic spirit, yet her eyes were full of tenderness.

"Young Master!" The four women approached together. Although they didn't say much, Su Qingxuan understood everything in their eyes.

"Thank you for your hard work on the journey to the Illusionary Demon Sea."

Su Qingxuan looked at the four women; their breathing had all improved.

Lin Wanqing's foundation in Confucianism and Taoism has become increasingly profound, and her whole body is filled with spiritual light;

Xiao Lingxi's Daoist methods are natural, and his art of controlling fire and refining pills should be even more advanced;

Xiao Lingyue possesses a clear and insightful Buddhist heart, and her Bodhi-like light is gentle and mellow.

The Red-Tasseled Warrior possesses a refined fighting spirit, yet is also chivalrous and tender-hearted, with a sharp but restrained spear intent.

What's even more remarkable is that the four women have undergone this trial in the Illusionary Demon Sea.

Their brows now held a more composed and dignified air, and each of them subtly exuded an air of independence and competence.

"It would be good to be able to follow you, young master," Lin Wanqing said softly.

Then, he took out a manuscript.

"The first draft of the 'Letter to Fellow Daoists in the Three Realms' is complete. Please take a look, young master."

The site for the branch altar has been selected, and Lingxi and Lingyue are setting up the formation.

The disciples in the palace have been diligently practicing for months without ceasing or slacking off.

Xiao Lingxi laughed and said, "Young Master, I haven't been idle with those spiritual materials you and the Ancestral Court bestowed upon me. I've refined several batches of 'Primordial Essence Pills' and 'Mind-Concentrating Powder,' enough for the disciples to use for a year and a half!"

Xiao Lingyue put her palms together and said, "The Prajna Pavilion has daily meditation classes, and the disciples' minds are gradually stabilizing, with few instances of inner demons arising."

Chi Ying raised the gun in her hand: "I have made proper arrangements for the defense of the Trinity Palace."

The disciples have made great progress in their combat skills through daily training at the training ground.

Several groups of conservative spies came, but I dealt with them all!

Upon hearing this, Su Qingxuan felt much more at ease.

With the support of the three celestial deities, and with four women and his master and others guarding the palace.

With the foundation of the Sanyi Palace gradually stabilizing, he could finally go into seclusion and cultivate in peace.

Surrounded by a crowd, Su Qingxuan entered the palace.

Along the way, one sees the palace as solemn yet elegant, with ingenious ideas of integrating the three religions everywhere:

On the pillars, Confucian scriptures and Taoist cloud patterns intertwine;

In the courtyard, Bodhi trees are planted alongside rare herbs and flowers;

The disciples came and went, some wearing Confucian robes, some wearing Taoist robes, and some wearing monk robes, but they all performed the Sanyi Palace ritual and lived in harmony with each other.

Discussions on cultivation are not bound by sectarian boundaries; one can often see sword cultivators and Zen practitioners exchanging sparring, and alchemists and talisman masters discussing the Dao, creating a thriving and prosperous atmosphere.

Upon reaching the Guiyi Courtyard by the Spirit Pool, Su Qingxuan stopped and addressed the group:

"I have come back with some insights and need to go into seclusion immediately."

It will take at least half a year, or at most a year, to get through the pass.

All matters in the palace were still managed by Wanqing, Lingxi, Lingyue, and Chiying, with their two masters providing guidance.

Changfeng, as the eldest disciple, you must assist your senior uncles in supervising your fellow disciples' cultivation and strictly adhere to the palace rules.

"Disciple obeys!" Li Changfeng replied solemnly.

Master Xuanqing stroked his beard and said, "Qingxuan, please rest assured and go into seclusion. We will take care of everything in the palace."

Master Liaochen also said, "This old monk will chant sutras to protect Qingxuan and pray that Qingxuan's path to enlightenment will be smooth."

Although the four women were reluctant to part with him, they knew that Su Qingxuan's seclusion was crucial to the future of the Sanyi Palace, so they all nodded in agreement.

Lin Wanqing said softly, "Young Master, please go into seclusion with peace of mind. We will protect you from outside."

Su Qingxuan nodded to everyone, said no more, pushed open the gate of Guiyi Courtyard, and stepped inside...

It is:

Three flowers gather at the top to reveal profound secrets; returning to one courtyard, the green gate is deeply hidden.

Having seen through the maze and opened the path to enlightenment, from now on, the three realms will be bathed in its pure light.