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

Poetry:

One lineage leads to the profound and boundless void; three sages gather at the crown to reveal the true nature.

Do not say that Heaven's will is too high to be questioned; the Way begins to unfold under the Bodhi tree.

It is said that Su Qingxuan went into seclusion to perform divination, broke through his cultivation realm, and manifested the Dharma forms of the Three Teachings for fifteen days, shaking the Thirty-Three Heavens...

Wenru Tian, ​​Chunqiu Palace.

Wenru Tianzun stood before the hall, gazing towards the direction of Sancai Peak, a gratified smile on his face:

"Late stage of Golden Immortal, manifestation of the Three Teachings... Qingxuan's progress far exceeded expectations."

The Three-One True Secret has taken initial shape, and the Daoist heart is perfected; one can now serve as a "guide."

He pondered for a moment, then spoke to the boy standing beside him.

"By imperial decree, the Three Ones Palace is granted one piece of the Jade of Innate Enlightenment and three hundred volumes of the secret teachings of Confucianism."

"I will obey your command." The boy bowed and accepted the order.

Taiqing Heaven, Eight Views Palace.

The Daoist voice of the Supreme Celestial Venerable resounded before the cloud bed, heard only by the attending Daoist boy:

"When the spiritual energy of the three religions is in harmony, the Dharma naturally arises, and the initial fruition of the Dao is achieved."

Qingxuan's actions have already grasped the true meaning of "nature".

The message to the Sanyi Palace states that Su Qingxuan is welcome to come to the Bajing Palace at any time to discuss the Dao and resolve doubts.

Blissful Heaven, Great Thunder Temple.

Above the Buddha's lotus throne, a gentle light rippled, and the Dharma voice softly resonated:

"The Dharma manifests compassion, and the path to enlightenment contains wisdom. This child has already grasped the true meaning of 'crossing over'."

Inform Su Qingxuan that the Paradise is open to him at any time.

Wuqu Heaven, Zhenwu Hall.

The True Martial Emperor laughed loudly, his voice shaking the palace:

"Excellent! What a magnificent display of the Three Teachings! At the late stage of Golden Immortal, with even greater combat power, what is there to fear from the Demon Lord's minions?"

Send a message to all departments of Wuqutian: in the future, if Sanyi Palace ever makes a request, they should do their utmost to assist!

If Su Qingxuan needs training, he can come to Wuqu Heaven.

"I will personally find him a few worthy opponents!"

The ancestral home of the three religions, the supreme Dharma voice, has a clear stance.

Meanwhile, in some hidden caves within the Thirty-Three Heavens,

In secret realms, and even in seemingly ordinary immortal dwellings.

One after another, divine thoughts, some sinister, some fearful, some resentful,

After sensing the unusual phenomenon at the Three Talents Peak and the Celestial Venerable's attitude,

They all quietly withdrew and went into hiding.

"Late-stage Golden Immortal... Three Teachings Dharma Form... Heavenly Venerable's strong support... This child has already shown great promise."

"Yu Xiaozi, Ling Yunzi, and the others... died without cause."

"Let's lie low for now...we can't confront them head-on."

"Hmph, the unification of the three religions—how many people's interests are affected? It's a target of public criticism!"

"Demon Lord... perhaps it's time to speed things up..."

Beneath the seemingly calm surface of the heavens, undercurrents are quietly surging.

……

In the quiet room of Guiyi Courtyard, Su Qingxuan slowly opened his eyes.

The three-colored light in his eyes flashed briefly before disappearing, returning to a deep and peaceful state.

He felt the Three-in-One Golden Immortal Dao Fruit slowly rotating within his body, perfectly round and substantial.

Feeling the increasingly close connection with the Three Jewels, I felt secretly gratified.

He reached the late stage of the Golden Immortal realm and succeeded.

The Three-in-One True Secret has taken initial shape.

The three teachings manifested in the world...

The so-called concealment and revelation are the same as concealment and revelation.

Su Qingxuan had already broken through the duality of illusion and reality in the Illusionary Demon Sea.

In reality, it is a way to refute false views and dispel misconceptions.

Once the falsehoods are dispelled, the truth will naturally emerge.

The manifestation of Dharma forms is merely a natural expression.

Both concealment and revelation are merely rafts for crossing boats, differing only in their circumstances!

What is covered is the surface; what is broken is already revealed.

……

Su Qingxuan stood up and pushed open the door to the quiet room...

Outside the door, the sun shone brightly, and the three-colored Bodhi tree rustled softly.

The lotus flowers in the sacred pond exude a wonderful fragrance.

Outside the courtyard, the disciples' excited yet suppressed discussions could be faintly heard.

And the aura of the master waiting.

Su Qingxuan straightened his robes, his expression calm.

With steady steps, he walked towards the outside of the courtyard.

He knew that the next step was to open the altar, preach the Dharma, and impart the true secrets of the Three Ones.

It is time to formally lay the foundation for the eternal Dao of the Trinity Palace.

……

The images of the three religions slowly dissipated into the sky.

However, the magnificent aftershocks of the Daoist aura still lingered around the Three Talents Peak.

Like the morning bell and evening drum, it cleansed the minds of every disciple.

Within the Sanyi Palace, there are everything from mythical beasts to plants and trees, from disciples to servants.

They were all bathed in this unprecedented Taoist atmosphere, each gaining insights and experiences.

Because the Dharma image was hung high on the Three Talents Peak for fifteen days...

This gave the disciples ample time to comprehend the Dao.

Many disciples progressed from gradual enlightenment to sudden enlightenment, to clear understanding, and finally to complete enlightenment...

Li Changfeng stood alone in the center of the training ground, looking up at the sky that was gradually returning to clarity after the Dharma image dissipated.

The longsword "Canglang" in his hand hummed softly, as if responding to the vast Daoist rhythm.

He closed his eyes, his mind replaying every detail of the manifestation of the Dharma form repeatedly—

How did the golden book in the left hand evolve into the concepts of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust

How could that small seal on the right hand exude a calming and life-giving aura?

How the Bodhi tree behind that shoulder casts forth the light of compassion and wisdom.

"Positive, change, degree..." Li Changfeng muttered to himself.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him; with a flick of his wrist, the longsword was drawn—

He created the Three Ones Sword Style.

There was no sharp sword energy, no dazzling light.

The Canglang Sword traced a smooth arc in his hand.

A faint golden halo swirled across the sword's blade, a testament to the righteous spirit of Confucianism.

The sword's momentum carries the fluidity of the Dao's natural way;

Deep within the sword's intent lies a restraint rooted in Buddhist compassion.

With a single stroke, the sword moved like flowing clouds and running water, or like a great river flowing eastward.

Its righteous spirit contains infinite possibilities.

His ruthlessness was tempered with a degree of restraint.

"laugh--"

The sword energy swept past a Vajra Sword Testing Stone ten feet away.

The stone split silently in two, revealing a smooth cut mark.

The cut surface was as smooth as a mirror, without a single piece of broken stone splashing out.

Even more strangely, there were faint golden runes flowing along the edges of the cut.

The restless spiritual energy within the diamond is gently soothed and purified.

"This is... using righteous energy to vanquish evil, and using the power of nature to break through defenses."

Can we dispel evil with compassion?

Li Changfeng sheathed his sword and stood there, his eyes gleaming.

"I understand! The Three-One Sword Style is not merely about killing."

It is also a vessel for conveying the Way—

Carry righteousness, truth, and compassion!

He was filled with excitement, knowing that he had finally taken a crucial step in the art of swordsmanship.

This step was enough to make him stand out among sword cultivators of the same cultivation level.

This also made him see the Three Ones Sword Style more clearly, and the future direction of integrating the sword intent of the three religions.

Not far away, Zhou Ruolin stood by the Spirit Pool, gently waving her hand to stir the spiritual water within.

The water column shot into the sky, but instead of transforming into a sharp water sword or a heavy water shield as usual.

Instead, it meanders and flows in the air, sometimes transforming into a nimble swimming fish...

Sometimes it unfolds like a landscape painting...

Sometimes they gather together to form lotus flowers that slowly bloom.

In the water, there is the gentle and inclusive spirit of the Confucian ideal of "a gentleman is like water."

It possesses the vibrant life force of the Taoist concept of "water benefiting all things."

It also has the clear and bright quality of "purifying water to cleanse the dust" in Buddhism.

Water is no longer merely a medium for magic, but an extension of her Daoist heart.

It is the natural manifestation of the true meaning of the three religions in her hands.

"Water has no constant shape, and the Way has no constant law..."

Zhou Ruolin smiled, her eyes revealing a deeper understanding.

"So this is what Master meant by 'the Way'."

No longer bound by the fixed forms of water-based magic,

Instead, it uses water to convey the Way, and the Way follows the natural way.

With a thought, the water in the air gently dispersed, turning into a light drizzle.

Every drop of rain contains the essence of the three religions.

It landed on the spirit herb, and the spirit herb unfurled;

The sensation fell upon the disciple, instantly relieving his fatigue.

When it falls on wood or stone, the dust and dirt are removed on their own.

It nourishes all things silently, like raindrops falling on a multitude.

In the quiet room of Prajna Pavilion, Qian Duoduo sat cross-legged on a futon with his eyes slightly closed.

In the past, when he practiced meditation, he always tried his best to eliminate distracting thoughts.

The pursuit of "emptiness" often leads to more elusiveness and anxiety.

In the past two weeks, gazing up at the images of the three religions and feeling the vast Taoist charm that encompasses all things and neither rejects nor welcomes, the thin layer of paper in his heart has finally been broken.

"The mind is inherently pure; why force emptiness?"

A peaceful smile appeared on Qian Duoduo's chubby face.

I no longer consciously control my breathing, and I no longer forcibly dispel my thoughts.

He just sat quietly.

Feel every subtle change in your body.

Feel every natural flow of breath.

Feel thoughts arise and disappear like clouds—

Do not follow, do not resist.

Gradually, an unprecedented sense of tranquility and clarity rose from the bottom of my heart.

It is not a lifeless "emptiness", but a vibrant "stillness".

In this stillness, he could clearly perceive the flow of every wisp of spiritual energy within his body.

It can detect subtle fluctuations in the spiritual energy in the surrounding air.

You can even "hear" the "breathing" of the three-colored Bodhi tree outside the pavilion.

"It turns out that meditation is not about closing your heart, but about opening it up."

The heart can encompass everything, yet remain undisturbed by anything.

Qian Duoduo slowly opened her eyes, her gaze clear and bright.

The faint trace of restlessness from the past has completely dissipated.

Although his cultivation level did not break through immediately, the bottleneck in his Dao heart had been broken.

The path of spiritual practice will be smooth from now on.

In a corner of the training ground, Sun Bushao was throwing a punch at a human-shaped target made of refined gold.

Each punch was powerful and heavy, making the target hum and sparks fly.

In the past, he relied entirely on brute force when throwing punches, which was powerful but lacked substance.

It lacks stamina and is difficult to control the force of its strike.

At this moment, his master's guidance on "combining strength and gentleness" echoed in his mind.

I recall the profound, stable, and inclusive aura emanating from the Dharma image.

He tried to adjust his breathing, trying to time his punches perfectly.

He calmed the burning heat in his chest by three points.

Instead, he drew upon the spiritual energy in his dantian, allowing it to flow along with the force of his fist.

"Hey!" He threw a punch, but the force seemed a little less than usual.

But the moment the fist touched the target, a solid, heavy force with a strange vibration penetrated the body.

"Thump!"

With a muffled thud, a shallow fist mark appeared on the surface of the refined gold target.

The edges of the fist imprint were smooth, and the internal metal structure was slightly softened by the shock, but it did not crack or shatter.

After that punch, Sun Bushao still felt his breath was still long and deep.

My arm didn't feel the usual soreness or numbness.

"This...this is...this is the power being 'contained'? And it's still vibrating?"

Sun Bushao stared at his fist, his face filled with disbelief.

He tried to throw another punch, this time deliberately incorporating the "vibration" into his punch.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

He threw three punches in a row, each one more controlled than the last.

On his third punch, he was even able to land the punch the moment it touched the target.

Transform 30% of the force into a dense, subtle energy that spreads layer by layer within the target.

While causing greater damage, the recoil force was reduced by nearly half!

"Haha! I get it! It's not about using brute force, it's about using 'liveliness'!"

It must be able to both launch and retract, incorporating variations of 'vibration,' 'penetration,' and 'continuity'!

Sun Bushao danced with excitement, though he was still far from truly achieving a balance of strength and gentleness.

But he had already found the way and seen the direction.

……

Just as the disciples were each immersed in the joy of their breakthroughs and insights.

Master Xuanqing and Master Liaochen had arrived side by side outside Guiyi Courtyard.

The courtyard gate was tightly closed, and the quiet room was silent.

But both elders could sense it.

The courtyard is filled with a harmonious, profound, and vibrant Taoist atmosphere.

That is a sign of a state of complete stability and a return to simplicity.

"In the late stage of the Golden Immortal realm, the Dharma form arises spontaneously... This foundation of Qingxuan..."

The attack was even more solid than the old Taoist priest had imagined.

Master Xuanqing stroked his beard and sighed in admiration, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

"What's even more remarkable is that his Taoist charm is balanced and peaceful, encompassing all things."

It lacked the fierce and domineering aura of an ordinary Golden Immortal.

This is the true foundation of the Great Way, not simply the path of killing and conquest that pursues power.

Master Liaochen clasped his hands together, sensing the lingering compassion and wisdom in the air, and slowly said:

"Amitabha. Qingxuan is guided by compassion and wisdom."

The path he created was not for his own selfish gain, but to help people overcome difficulties and achieve salvation.

Such a broad mind truly befits the demeanor of a sage.

It is truly an honor for the disciples of the Sanyi Palace to have such a Palace Master.

The existence of purity and mystery within the Three Realms is truly a blessing for all living beings.

"However," Master Xuanqing looked at the distant horizon, his brows furrowing slightly.

"A tree that stands out in the forest will surely be felled by the wind."

Qingxuan's breakthrough this time manifested the Dharma forms of the three religions, causing a great stir.

The ancestral temples of the three religions were naturally delighted, but those remnants of the conservative faction...

Those vested interests whose interests were affected, and...

Even the demonic shadows deep within the Ruins of Return will likely cast their gaze upon this place.

From now on, Sanyi Palace and Qingxuan will likely find it even harder to find peace.

Master Liaochen said calmly, "What is meant to come will come."

How can the great path proceed without obstacles?

Even when the Buddha attained enlightenment, there were still demons causing trouble.

When the Daoist patriarch transmits his teachings, how could there not be external demons coveting them?

However, where the righteous law prevails, evil cannot triumph over good.

This old monk believes that Qingxuan and the Sanyi Palace are ready.

As the two were talking, the gate to Guiyi Courtyard creaked open from the inside.

Su Qingxuan, dressed in a plain blue Taoist robe, walked out slowly.

He completely concealed his aura, appearing as an ordinary person with no cultivation.

Only those eyes, deep as the starry sky and peaceful as an ancient well, occasionally flashed with an indescribable Daoist charm.

"My two masters," Su Qingxuan said, bowing respectfully in a calm tone.

"Qingxuan, congratulations." Master Xuanqing stepped forward.

He looked at Su Qingxuan carefully and became more and more satisfied.

"He reached the late stage of the Golden Immortal realm in one fell swoop, and his Dao foundation was solid, manifesting a Dharma form."

You've taken a solid step.

"Thank you, Master."

Su Qingxuan smiled and then said to Master Chen:

"During the retreat, I am grateful for the Master's chanting and support."

"It's my duty, Qingxuan, you're too kind," Master Liaochen said with a smile, returning the greeting.

At this moment, the four fairies also arrived from various parts of the palace...

Lin Wanqing held a scroll in her hand, Xiao Lingxi's small stove at her waist still emitted lingering smoke, Xiao Lingyue lightly twirled her prayer beads, and held her red-tasseled silver spear upside down...

Seeing Su Qingxuan emerge from seclusion safely, his aura complete, they all showed joy on their faces.

"Young Master, it's good that you're alright." Lin Wanqing said softly, her gaze sweeping over him. After confirming that he was unharmed, the worry in her eyes disappeared.

Xiao Lingxi leaned closer, wrinkled her small nose, and smiled:

"The scent on you, young master... it seems somewhat similar to the spiritual energy of the ancestral temples of the three religions, yet it also seems different, more... more complete!"

Xiao Lingyue smiled and clasped her hands together: "Congratulations, young master, on your great progress in cultivation and the manifestation of your divine form. All the disciples in the palace have felt it and have benefited greatly from it."

Chi Ying laughed heartily, "Young Master! Now let's see who dares to cause trouble at our Sanyi Palace! Your Dharma Image is quite impressive; even watching it in the training ground makes my blood boil!"

Su Qingxuan felt the genuine concern and joy of everyone.

I suddenly felt that all my efforts and sacrifices were worthwhile.

He looked at Lin Wanqing: "Wanqing, is the 'Letter to Fellow Daoists of the Three Realms' complete?"

"It's done. Please take a look, young master." Lin Wanqing handed over a jade scroll.

Su Qingxuan took it and scanned it with his divine sense.

On the jade slip was an article written in the style of the Spring and Autumn Annals, with earnest words and clear organization.

The first half, written in a simple yet powerful style, tells the truth about how the conservative faction in the Illusionary Demon Sea colluded with the Demon Lord, sacrificing living beings in their attempt to achieve immortality.

This highlights the fear of the five signs of decay in celestial beings and their devastating impact on the cultivator's Dao heart.

It exposes the deep-seated problems caused by long-standing sectarianism and resource monopolies.

The latter half explains the founding principles of Trinity Palace.

It is to promote the righteous path of the unity of the three religions.

And break down barriers between sects, to find a new path for cultivators who are trapped by lifespan and obsessed with their obsessions, so as to avoid falling into demonic ways and protect their hearts to save the world.

The article is both a sharp warning to the world and a warm hope, and it also demonstrates a broad-mindedness that welcomes all and teaches without discrimination.

"Very good." Su Qingxuan nodded in approval. "With a little polishing, it can be announced to the Heavenly Realm."

Ten days later, I will open the altar to preach the Dharma and impart the true secrets of the Three Ones.

"Ten days later?" Xiao Lingxi blinked.

"Young master, aren't you being a little too hasty? You've just come out of seclusion, don't you need to consolidate your cultivation level a bit more?"

Moreover, to hold a sermon, one needs to prepare an altar, talismans, formations, and to receive cultivators from all sides who may come to observe the ceremony…”

"My realm is naturally unobstructed."

Su Qingxuan waved his hand, his gaze calm yet confident, "My realm is already stable, there's no need to solidify it further."

As for matters concerning the preaching of the Dharma, I am at ease as long as you prepare diligently.

Ten days later, the time will be just right.

He gazed into the distance, his words profound: "I have broken through to the Golden Immortal realm."

The news of the manifestation of the Dharma form must have already spread throughout the heavens.

All eyes are on the matter; some are expectant, others are hesitant…

They are even more wary and hostile, wanting to get rid of me as soon as possible.

Rather than waiting for them to plot in secret, it's better to take the initiative and reveal our presence.

"To open the altar and preach the Dharma is to proclaim it to the world."

The way of the Trinity Palace is upright and honest, unafraid of being watched.

We are not afraid of public opinion, nor are we afraid of obstruction!

An invisible aura emanated from his body, but it was not a form of oppression.

Rather, it is an outward manifestation of a magnanimous, confident, and courageous spirit.

Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted.

Lin Wanqing solemnly replied, "What you say is absolutely right, young master."

I will go and prepare the altar, invitations, and welcoming arrangements immediately.

Xiao Lingxi said, "I'm going to prepare the calming and concentration incense I'll need when I give my sermon."

Refine several more batches of "Enlightenment Pills" in the furnace; if there are those who sincerely seek the Dao,

One or two could be given as a gift, to establish a good connection.

Xiao Lingyue said, "The Prajna Pavilion will set up a tranquility barrier."

To prevent those with ulterior motives from disturbing the Dharma teachings with demonic sounds and evil thoughts.

Chi Ying raised the corners of her mouth slightly and said solemnly, "Leave the defense to me!"

I'd like to see which fool dares to cause trouble!

Master Xuanqing and Master Liaochen exchanged a smile.

Master Xuanqing said, "Neither I nor Monk Liaochen can be of any help with the content of the sermon."

However, they can be responsible for maintaining order within the palace and receiving fellow Daoists from all sides.

To prevent the disciples from making mistakes in their haste.

Master Liaochen said, "This old monk will speak before and after the Dharma talk..."

At the Prajna Pavilion, the disciples chanted scriptures and prayed for blessings, infusing the space with auspicious energy and cleansing away any evil thoughts.

Su Qingxuan bowed to everyone, saying, "Thank you all for your help."

At that moment, everyone dispersed and began to make preparations in earnest.

The newly established Sanyi Palace, like a tightly wound precision machine, began to operate efficiently and systematically.

……

Su Qingxuan then went alone to the three-colored Bodhi tree and sat cross-legged.

He needed to review the teachings of the Three Ones True Secrets one last time.

Furthermore, we must consider the various questions and challenges we may face when preaching the Dharma.

……

Sunset and moonrise, starlight fills the sky.

The Sanyi Palace was brightly lit, and the disciples were excited yet nervous, busy but orderly.

The lights in Wenhua Pavilion, Qingxu Pavilion, and Banruo Pavilion stayed on all night.

Lin Wanqing, Xiao Lingxi, and Xiao Lingyue were making various preparations.

Chi Ying personally led a team of elite disciples to inspect key locations and set up both overt and covert sentry posts.

The square in front of the Trinity Palace gate.

A nine-zhang-high altar has been erected overnight.

The altar is made of green jade and inlaid with runes from the three religions, and is divided into three layers.

It symbolizes the three powers of heaven, earth, and humanity.

A prayer mat is placed in the center of the altar, and an incense table is placed in front of it.

Around the altar, three thousand six hundred prayer cushions were set up according to the eight trigrams for those listening to the Dharma to sit on.

Further away, several platforms were carved out along the mountainside, large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of cultivators.

That night, everyone at Trinity Palace was fighting.

That night, Lin Wanqing published "A Letter to Fellow Daoists of the Three Realms".

And an announcement was made to the Heavenly Realm:

Ten days later, Su Qingxuan will hold a sermon at the Sanyi Palace to impart the true secrets of Sanyi.

……

The message seemed to sprout wings, flying even faster to every corner of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

Wenru Tian, ​​a side hall of the Spring and Autumn Hall.

Several elderly men, dressed in various Confucian robes and exuding a profound aura, gathered in a room.

The water mirror in front of them showed the scene of Trinity Palace preparing overnight.

"The altar will be opened in ten days... What an impatient temperament," said an old man in purple robes, stroking his beard.

"It's both anxiety and confidence," another scholar in a blue robe chimed in.

"He is trying to strike while the iron is hot, taking advantage of his breakthrough to the Golden Immortal realm and the manifestation of his Dharma form to solidify the status of the Three Ones Palace in one fell swoop."

"The Three-in-One True Secret... Heh, what a boastful tone."

A white-haired old man with a cold expression snorted.

"The essence of the three religions is profound and extensive, and each one requires thousands of years of study and understanding to pass down."

How dare a junior who has cultivated for less than a hundred years presume to claim he has created a secret technique?

"Brother Yuming, you are mistaken," the purple-robed old man shook his head.

"Although we have not personally witnessed the image of the three saints performing together before the stele without inscription..."

However, it is said that the Celestial Venerable has already acknowledged it, so it must not be false.

This child's ability to manifest the Dharma forms of the three religions proves that his teachings are not false.

His secret technique might truly have its unique merits.

"Even if it has unique features, can it truly solve the problem of the five signs of decay in humans?"

The white-haired old man remained unconvinced.

"How could a mere Golden Immortal solve a problem that so many wise and powerful figures of the past have struggled to find?"

The scholar in the blue robe pondered for a moment and said, "A solution might not be possible, but..."

Pointing out a new path, alleviating fear, and calming the mind might be possible.

The tacit approval from the Celestial Venerables was probably due to this point—

This Su Qingxuan might truly be a powerful remedy to break the deadlock.

"The medicine is too potent; it might harm you," the white-haired old man said coldly.

"Let's see how far he can go. Ten days later, when he gives his sermon, someone will surely come to 'seek his advice'."

A moment of silence fell over the room.

The various forces are deeply intertwined, and although the conservative faction has suffered a heavy blow, it is far from being eradicated.

Su Qingxuan's actions were tantamount to placing himself and the Sanyi Palace in the eye of the storm.

……

Taiqingtian, a secret realm shrouded in mist and clouds.

Several blurry figures appeared and disappeared in the mist, their auras obscure and difficult to discern.

"My lord, Su Qingxuan will be giving a sermon in ten days, imparting some... Three-in-One True Technique. Should we...?"

"No need," a hoarse, deep voice interrupted.

"Let him talk. The more eloquently he speaks, the more people will believe him, and the harder he'll fall later."

"But if he could truly point out a new path to overcome the five signs of decay in the divine, wouldn't that be..."

"A new path?" A hoarse voice sneered.

"What truly new path is there in this world? It's nothing more than a change of form over substance, or... an even more dangerous path."

Don't worry, someone will test the authenticity of his "true technique".

We just need to... observe and wait, and if necessary, add fuel to the fire.

The mist surged, and the figure gradually faded away.

……

On the edge of Paradise, in a desolate ancient temple.

There are no Buddha statues in the temple, only a stone statue with an indistinct face sitting cross-legged.

In front of the stone statue, a tiny lamp flickered, illuminating three sitting figures.

All three were dressed in black robes, exuding a cold and sinister aura that clashed with the peaceful atmosphere of the Buddhist temples around them.

"The three teachings and their manifestations... Hmph, they do have some grandeur." The voice of the black-robed man on the left was dry.

"Our lord's order to keep an eye on this person seems to be well-founded," said the man in black robes on the right.

The person in the center spoke slowly, their voice neither male nor female, carrying a strange echo:

"My lord's plans are brilliant; this child is indeed a variable."

Ten days later, you will give a sermon. You may send your "shadow puppets" to infiltrate the audience.

Carefully examine the foundation of its techniques, especially...

"A connection with the power of the Void."

"Yes!" The two men on either side bowed.

"Remember, only investigate, do not act rashly. This child is under the watchful eye of the ancestral temples of the three religions; to act against him now would be extremely unwise."

"Understood."

……

Wuqutian, a side hall of Zhenwu Hall.

Several generals in armor were gathered around a sand table.

The changing light and shadow on the sand table represent a situation map of a portion of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

"The Great Emperor has decreed that during the period when Master Su is giving his sermon, patrols around Wenrutian should be intensified, especially on roads leading to the chaotic areas and the direction of Guixu, where extra vigilance is required."

A red-faced general said in a deep voice.

"General, should we send a detachment to protect the Trinity Palace nearby?" a young officer asked.

The red-faced general shook his head: "No need. Since Master Su dares to open the altar, he must have made preparations."

If I, Wuqu Tianruo, send troops to protect him, it will only make him seem afraid.

We only need to ensure that no large numbers of evil spirits or heretics take the opportunity to cause trouble. Also…”

He paused for a moment, then said, "On the day of the lecture, you and I can take turns on our days off and attend as individuals."

The Great Emperor said that the Three-in-One True Technique might also be beneficial to us military cultivators; we might as well listen to it.

The generals' eyes lit up: "Yes!"

……

Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, on the edge of chaos, in an unknown land.

Here there is no up or down, no four directions, no past or future, only the eternal surging of chaotic energy.

A small, rustic thatched hut, yet strangely floating and drifting in the chaos.

In front of the house is a stone platform, and on the stone platform is a solitary lamp that burns eternally.

Before the lamp, an old man, dressed in very simple clothes, wearing a brown short-sleeved shirt.

Holding a bamboo pole, which has no wire or hook, it hangs casually into the chaos.

He gazed at the bustling scene at Trinity Palace reflected in the water mirror before him.

Looking at Su Qingxuan sitting quietly under the three-colored Bodhi tree.

A smile appeared on his wrinkled face.

"The little guy is quick on his feet... Good, the sooner he starts teaching, the sooner he can enlighten a few lost souls."

The old man murmured to himself, a trace of reminiscence flashing in his cloudy eyes.

"The Three Ones True Technique... Heh, it reminds me of those old days... Alas, it was fate."

"Lord Su Lie, your disciple has finally waited for this moment..."

The old man had mixed feelings of sighs, emotions, and relief... it seemed that words could not express it all.

He then shook his head, stopped looking at it, and focused intently on the bamboo pole in his hand.

A chaotic current brushed against his gray hair, carrying an ancient desolation.

……

At midnight, Su Qingxuan opened his eyes under the Bodhi tree and looked up at the night sky.

The starry sky is dazzling, reflecting the twinkling lights on Sancai Peak.

He could feel countless gazes, some bright and some dim, coming from all directions.

Expectation, encouragement, curiosity, scrutiny, goodwill, malice, calculation...

They intertwine into an invisible net, enveloping Trinity Palace.

But he felt a sense of peace within.

What's meant to come will come. What needs to be said will be said.

He stood up and slowly walked towards the altar in the square.

The night breeze stirred his robes, carrying the delicate fragrance of lotus flowers from the sacred pool.

He paused before the altar and looked up for a moment.

Then he turned around and looked at the brightly lit Trinity Palace.

Looking further into the distance, at the sleeping or awake Thirty-Three Heavens.

"The Way is like the stars; even if the whole world is blind, I will look up and walk alone."

The whispers faded away with the wind...

His figure disappeared from the altar, and he returned to the meditation room to do his final breath adjustment.

……

The ten-day deadline arrived in the blink of an eye.

It is:

The Milky Way shines brightly on the perilous railing, while a thousand undercurrents are nothing to them.

Alone I pave the way to the vast sky, needing no look back at the thousands of peaks.