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

Poetry:

Ten thousand cliffs in the clouds bow their heads in despair, and the tolling of the bell on the first day of the new year resounds throughout the nine directions.

Do not seek mysterious methods externally; the lamp of your heart will naturally open the old doors.

However, this day happened to be the first day of the lunar month, when a grand lecture was held.

Before the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), the ten thousand prayer seats before the preaching wall were already full.

Further away on the cliffs and cloud platforms, countless disciples, some riding on clouds and others standing in the air, waited quietly.

As dawn broke, the three-colored mist was edged with gold, creating an ethereal scene.

In the front row, on the left, are Li Changfeng, Zhou Ruolin, Qian Duoduo, and Sun Bushao, the four founding disciples.

After a century of arduous cultivation, the four individuals have developed vastly different demeanors.

Li Changfeng, dressed in a green robe with the Canglang sword hanging at his waist, no longer exuded a sharp sword aura, but rather resembled a piece of warm and ancient jade.

Only those with keen eyesight can detect his breathing.

The spiritual energy within a three-foot radius trembled slightly, as if it could transform into invisible sword intent at any moment.

He had reached the early stage of the Golden Immortal realm, and the "Three Talents Sword Style" he created became a treasured manual for sword cultivators in the palace.

Zhou Ruolin was still wearing that light blue dress, sitting quietly, with a faint mist surrounding her.

The clouds sometimes transformed into a gentle spring rain, sometimes condensed into glistening ice, and sometimes dispersed into a hazy mist...

Unpredictable, yet in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Thirty years ago, she broke through to the Golden Immortal realm and devoted herself to studying the "Three Transformations of Water Element".

It integrates the Taoist concept of "superior water management", the Confucian concept of "nine virtues of water", and the Buddhist concept of "purifying water to cleanse the dust".

It pioneered a unique tradition of water-based Taoist practices.

Qian Duoduo has changed the most.

A century has passed, washing away all the anxiety between his brows. Now, with his eyes closed and a smile on his face, his breath is as smooth and gentle as a pearl.

The golden abacus he always carried with him was still at his waist.

But the abacus beads have changed from gold to warm, smooth wood.

It is silent when plucked, but emits a faint sandalwood fragrance.

He attained the Golden Immortal realm forty years ago, integrating the business principle of "circulation" into his cultivation.

He created the four essential theories of "wealth, companionship, law, and land":

It specifically discusses how to gather resources, choose fellow cultivators, select cultivation methods, and establish a grotto-heaven through legitimate means...

He became one of the most popular preachers in the palace.

Sun Bushao was still burly, but he was no longer as muscular as he used to be.

He sat upright like a mountain, his vital energy as deep and still as the earth.

Each heartbeat resonated subtly with the spiritual veins of the Three Talents Peak.

Twenty years ago, he broke through to the Golden Immortal realm, combining the martial arts method of refining qi and blood with the Confucian "cultivating one's noble qi", the Taoist "refining essence into qi", and the Buddhist "physical sainthood".

They have forged an unprecedented path of "physical cultivation".

In terms of physical strength alone, it is comparable to that of a Great Luo Golden Immortal!

To the right are Xuanqing and Liaochen, the two Supreme Elders.

The two of them already had a solid foundation, and with the cultivation resources of the Three Ones Palace, there was an unlimited supply for them.

Fifty years ago, they all entered the late stage of Golden Immortal, and their Dao foundation was solid.

The three guardian elders, Yun Miaozi, Long Yuan, and Ling Xu, were seated on the left.

Longyuan and Lingxu were both top-tier late-stage Golden Immortals in the Loose Immortal Alliance.

Having been trapped in this situation for thousands of years, they thought there was no hope for the Great Dao.

However, after practicing the Threefold True Technique, the bottleneck loosened.

Over the course of a century, they successively broke through the Great Luo realm, completing a leap in their life level.

At this moment, the two stood side by side with Yun Miaozi, their auras as deep as the sea, yet each was distinct:

The aura of Longyuan was as heavy as the earth, while the aura of Lingxu was as ethereal as the wind.

But Yun Miaozi had, after all, achieved the peak of the Great Luo realm many years ago...

Its aura was even more elusive, existing between existence and non-existence, like a chaotic void.

At the third quarter of Chen hour, the bell tolled nine times, its lingering sound echoing endlessly through the valley.

Su Qingxuan walked slowly out of Guiyi Courtyard.

A century has passed without leaving the slightest trace on his face.

As one's foundation in Tao deepens, one's aura becomes increasingly pure and natural.

He still favored the plain blue fairy robe, without any other decorations.

Her long hair was casually tied up with a peach wood hairpin, and her clothes fluttered as she walked on air.

Three-colored spiritual light flowed naturally beneath his feet, transforming into lotus blossoms.

One step, one lotus; nine steps, and you reach the Jade Terrace.

He sat down but did not begin speaking immediately.

His gentle gaze swept over the 100,000 disciples below the stage.

His gaze was clear and calm, without any sense of power or pressure, yet it reflected people's hearts like a clear mirror.

Those whose gaze swept over them all felt their minds clear.

Restlessness and distracting thoughts are swept away by a gentle breeze, leaving only clarity.

"Today we will not discuss scriptures or supernatural powers."

Su Qingxuan spoke, his voice clearly reaching the ears of each disciple, as if whispering beside them.

"I ask you all just one question: Having cultivated yourselves to this point, have you forgotten your original aspirations?"

The audience was completely silent, with only the sound of the mountain wind rustling through the cracks.

The 100,000 disciples fell into deep thought, and many of them looked ashamed and bowed their heads in self-reflection.

Su Qingxuan raised his hand and pointed to the Transmission Wall.

The black iron stone surface on the wall, imbued with the essence of Taoism after a century of preaching...

Ripples spread like water, and three lines of ancient golden seal script emerged one by one, their Taoist charm flowing:

The original aspiration of Confucian scholars lies in manifesting their bright virtue, loving the people, and attaining the highest good.

The true nature of the Way lies in being natural and spontaneous, in merging with the truth.

The initial aspiration of a Buddhist is to dispel delusion and attain enlightenment, and to help oneself and others achieve liberation.

The gold lettering has a gentle, warm glow that is not dazzling, yet it shines directly into people's hearts.

"This is the essence of the three teachings, and also the origin of the true secret of the Three Ones."

Su Qingxuan spoke slowly, each word like a bell, gently striking the hearts of everyone present.

"However, as one cultivates and deepens one's spiritual practice over time, one is more prone to the arising of the three obstacles."

He held up three fingers:

"The first obstacle is to obtain the Dharma."

"Thinking that they have obtained the true teachings and grasped the great way, they became complacent and closed themselves off, regarding other methods as inferior, and became angry when they heard dissenting opinions."

But they forgot that there is no high or low in the law; the key lies in responding to the situation.

Even the teachings of the three schools of Buddhism complement each other, let alone those of fellow disciples.

"Secondly, barriers at the gate."

"They say the three religions are united, but in their hearts they still cling to the distinction between sectarianism and religious customs."

Seeing a Confucian scholar's robe makes one feel close, seeing a monk's robe makes one feel distant, and seeing a Taoist robe makes one feel like they belong to the same sect.

Without breaking through this barrier, how can we talk about achieving unity?

The Great Way is formless; how could it have any shape?

"The third obstacle is utilitarianism."

Su Qingxuan's voice was slightly deep.

"This obstacle is the most hidden and the most dangerous."

"At first, it was only for immortality, but gradually it became about breaking through realms."

Furthermore, they coveted supernatural powers, admired the respect of their fellow disciples, and longed for the favor of their teachers.

Therefore, they secluded themselves in seclusion to cultivate themselves in order to break through their current level, and did good deeds to accumulate merit.

Discussing principles with others only to show off one's superiority.

At this stage of cultivation, it is no longer about cultivating the mind, but about cultivating self-interest.

Our original aspirations have been tarnished, and the true path has become increasingly distant!

As soon as he finished speaking, many disciples below the stage turned pale and were covered in cold sweat.

Su Qingxuan's words were like needles, piercing the most hidden corners of their hearts.

His gaze shifted, finally settling on a young disciple sitting in the middle row who looked anxious:

"You, Chen Yuan, have been stuck at the peak of the Earth Immortal realm for three years."

He cultivated diligently for eight hours every day, consuming elixirs and spirit stones.

I've consulted the Dharma Master no less than ten times, yet I still find it difficult to break through this barrier.

The disciple named Chen Yuan trembled, hurriedly stood up, bowed, and said in a trembling voice:

"Reporting to the Palace Master, this disciple...this disciple feels that my spiritual power has been fully accumulated."

The circulation of Qi throughout the body is unimpeded, and each time the practice reaches the "Lingtai" acupoint,

It is like encountering an invisible quagmire, where it is difficult to move forward.

I've tried dozens of times, but always fell just short...

"The difference lies not in spiritual power, not in cultivation techniques, but in the mind."

Su Qingxuan said gently.

Her eyes seemed like a clear mirror, reflecting the inner world of her disciple:

Three years ago, did you have a dispute with your fellow disciple Zhou over a "Mind-Concentrating Pill"?

"Even resorting to supernatural powers to coerce them?"

Chen Yuan's face turned deathly pale instantly, his knees buckled, and he collapsed to his knees.

"Disciple...disciple knows his mistake!"

That day, Junior Brother Zhou said that his bottleneck had loosened and he urgently needed the Mind-Concentrating Pill to help him.

This disciple...this disciple also feels that it's only a hair's breadth away.

If one can obtain the elixir, one will surely be able to break through, therefore…”

"So you feel that the pill should have been yours."

Su Qingxuan continued, his voice still calm:

"Competing for the Elixir is for the purpose of a breakthrough; a breakthrough is for the purpose of advancing to the Celestial Immortal realm as soon as possible."

Advancing in rank is to gain the respect of fellow disciples and the favor of teachers.

Perhaps they can even receive higher teachings.

To distinguish oneself in the next sect competition—

Do you have these thoughts?

Chen Yuan lay prostrate on the ground, his shoulders trembling, unable to speak.

"Once this thought arises, the original intention has been tarnished."

What you are cultivating is not the Way, but profit;

What they're fighting for isn't the elixir, but the fame;

What they sought wasn't a breakthrough, but vanity.

Su Qingxuan pointed his fingers into the air, and a wisp of three-colored spiritual light appeared like a thread.

It flowed from his fingertips, traveled dozens of feet, and entered Chen Yuan's brow.

"At this moment, let go of all distracting thoughts and try circulating your Qi again."

Chen Yuan closed his eyes as instructed, trying his best to calm his mind.

At first, his breathing was still sluggish, but after thirty breaths, his whole body suddenly trembled violently.

Wisps of pale black mist emerged from every pore on her body—

That was the impurity formed from the pent-up jealousy, anxiety, and utilitarian thoughts in his heart.

The black mist was dispersed by the mountain wind, while the previously stagnant spiritual energy within his body suddenly surged like a river bursting its banks, his aura rising steadily...

The invisible barrier at the Lingtai acupoint shattered with a deafening roar!

"boom--"

A pure and peaceful celestial aura rose from Chen Yuan, not very strong, but rich and solid.

He broke through the barrier that had trapped him for years, right before everyone's eyes.

Officially advanced to the early stage of Celestial Immortal!

Chen Yuan opened his eyes, tears streaming down his face, and kowtowed heavily towards the altar, his forehead striking the bluestone with a resounding thud.

"Disciple...disciple knows he was wrong!"

From now on, I will always wipe the mirror of my heart clean, and never forget my original intention!

"Thank you for your guidance, Palace Master!"

The entire room fell silent.

All 100,000 disciples gained some insight, and many couldn't help but examine themselves, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Those disciples who had been stuck at a bottleneck for many years were hit hard.

Start reflecting on yourself and whether you have also fallen into the "three obstacles" without realizing it.

Su Qingxuan then got to the point and began explaining the "Three Ones True Technique"—

The key to "using the mind to control the qi and using the qi to nourish the spirit" in the "Concentration Scroll".

He did not quote scriptures; instead, every sentence stemmed from his own experience in spiritual practice.

The profound and mysterious principles of the Tao...

It has been transformed into the ordinary, visible scenery of the world.

What does "controlling one's energy with one's mind" mean?

A wisp of chaotic spiritual energy appeared in his palm, changing shape at will.

"For example, a farmer draws water to irrigate his fields."

The heart is the farmer, and the spirit is the water in the canal.

Farmers need to understand the nature of water (Taoism), comprehend the terrain (Confucianism), and know how to control the flow (Buddhism) in order to draw water freely and irrigate the fields without harming the seedlings.

If one is impatient and impulsive, and rushes forward recklessly, the dike will collapse and the fields will be destroyed.

If one is lazy and indolent, letting the water flow freely, the fields will dry up and the seedlings will wither.

Therefore, the key to controlling one's energy lies in a calm mind, focused intention, and compassionate thoughts.

He then conjured a wisp of divine consciousness, as fine as silk or mist:

What is meant by "nourishing the spirit with qi"?

For example, lamps and candles need oil.

God is the lamp, and breath is the lamp oil.

The oil must be pure (Taoism), the wick must be upright (Confucianism), and care must be diligent (Buddhism) to ensure a long-lasting flame.

If the oil is mixed with impurities, the smoke will be murky and harmful to the spirit; if the core is crooked, the light will be dim and the spirit will be tired.

If you don't add oil regularly, the lamp will go out and the spirit will dissipate.

Therefore, the key to nourishing the spirit lies in maintaining pure Qi, upright nature, and consistent conduct.

He would demonstrate the corresponding techniques for each key point he explained.

As his hand gestures changed, the three-colored spiritual energy in the air manifested various strange phenomena:

Sometimes it transforms into farmers tilling the fields, resulting in abundant harvests;

Sometimes it solidifies into mountains and rivers, and the scenery of the four seasons changes endlessly;

Sometimes the lotus blossoms open, the flower blooms and the lotus appears, cause and effect are intertwined...

The three images appeared alternately, and finally merged into a chaotic spiritual light.

It encompasses all things and gives rise to all laws.

The disciples below the stage were completely mesmerized.

Many people couldn't help but follow along with the drill, their breathing rising and falling with it.

As the explanation reached its most exquisite points, disciples in the audience would occasionally shudder, their bottlenecks loosening and their auras breaking through.

Whenever he gave a grand lecture, hundreds of people would break through to higher realms on the spot.

It has become a scenic spot of Sancai Peak.

We were just discussing the wonders of "the three energies returning to their origin, and the mind becoming one"...

Suddenly, a clear and melodious sword cry was heard from the eastern horizon.

At first it was like the first cry of a phoenix, gradually it became like the roar of a dragon soaring through the heavens.

Finally, it transformed into an overwhelming, resounding sound of swords, with ten thousand swords ringing out in unison!

"Buzz—Clang—"

Two dazzling sword lights pierced through the sea of ​​clouds.

Like a shooting star streaking across the sky, it fell straight down before the preaching wall.

The sword light faded, revealing the figures of the brothers Chu Lingxiao and Chu Yunfan.

A century of weathering the storms of life has changed the two men's temperaments considerably.

Both were dressed in Trinity Palace-style blue robes, with long swords at their waists.

Even before the sword was drawn, a chilling sword intent emanated from him.

Chu Lingxiao's face appeared even more resolute, with an air of aloofness between his brows.

It has transformed into a mountain-like steadfastness.

Chu Yunfan, on the other hand, appeared more composed, his gaze gentle, as if concealing a sharp edge.

Chu Lingxiao stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed with his sword in hand. His voice was resounding, like the clanging of gold and jade.

"Disciples Chu Lingxiao and Chu Yunfan, acting on the orders of the Palace Master..."

He traveled through the celestial realms for thirty days to spread his teachings and gather the remnants of the Sword Sect.

After eighty-five years, the mission is now complete, and I return with my disciples to report back!

Su Qingxuan smiled and gestured with his right hand: "You've worked hard. Please stand up and talk."

Chu Lingxiao stood up, but did not speak immediately.

Instead, he and Chu Yunfan stepped aside half a step, their expressions solemn.

The two brothers exchanged a glance, and simultaneously formed a sword shape with their fingers.

Pointing to the void behind him—

"Sword Sect disciples, appear!"

"Clang!"

The void trembled, like a boulder being thrown into a calm lake.

Amidst the rippling waves, over three thousand figures appeared one by one from the void, transforming from the illusory into the real.

These sword cultivators included both old and young, and their attire varied:

There was an elderly man with sparse white hair and a broadsword on his back.

There was a middle-aged man with a stern face and a slender sword.

There were also bright-eyed boys wielding light swords.

Most of them were simply dressed, even bearing the marks of travel, yet each of them stood upright like a sword, their gazes resolute.

More than three thousand people stood there, silent.

Yet, a soaring sword intent remained, condensing and refusing to dissipate.

It cut the surrounding spiritual energy with a hissing sound.

This is the spirit of a sword cultivator—

Even after years of wandering, and being destitute in the celestial realm,

The sword in my heart has never been bent.

Chu Lingxiao turned around, facing his three thousand fellow disciples, his voice resounding in all directions:

"Fellow Daoists, this is the Sanyi Palace. On the jade platform in front of us is Palace Master Su Qingxuan."

"Since the Palace Master is here, you must perform the most dignified ceremony!"

Upon hearing this, none of the three thousand sword cultivators hesitated; they all knelt on one knee.

They bowed with their swords in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized, as if they had been trained.

The three elderly men with white hair knelt at the front, their backs ramrod straight despite their advanced age.

Chu Lingxiao then reported to Su Qingxuan, his voice clear and resonant, carrying throughout the entire venue:

"Reporting to the Palace Master! Over the past hundred years, your disciple and Yunfan have traversed the thirty heavens of the celestial realm."

Crossing ninety layers of clouds and traversing eight directions of desolate sky, they found the Sword Sect of the Azure Cloud Continent, with seventy-six scattered branches.

After rigorous screening and testing, those who sincerely wish to join us on the path of cultivation number three thousand four hundred and twenty-one!

Chu Lingxiao paused for a moment, then continued:

"Among them, there are 837 Earth Immortal sword cultivators."

One hundred and nine celestial sword cultivators

Three Golden Immortal sword cultivators.

He then introduced three white-haired elderly men kneeling at the front, speaking respectfully.

"These three were once the three elders of the Azure Sword Sect, representing Heaven, Earth, and Man, all of whom have reached the late stage of the Golden Immortal realm!"

The three old sword cultivators looked up at Su Qingxuan at the same time.

Although the three men had white hair, their faces were like ancient pine trees, and their eyes were sharp as lightning, as if they could pierce through the void.

Elder Tianyuan, who was in the center, spoke, his voice deep and powerful:

"This old man, Tianyuan, Diyuan, and Renyuan, carrying the remnants of the Sword Sect, has returned to the Sanyi Palace."

All that has passed is as dead as yesterday;

All that happens today is like the birth of today.

We are willing to abandon sectarianism, cultivate the righteous path, and with the sword in our hands, slay the demons of the world and protect the peace of all living beings.

We will follow the Palace Master's lead without question!

After they finished speaking, the three of them lowered their heads again.

The three thousand sword cultivators behind him echoed in unison, "We will follow the Palace Master's lead!"

The sound waves were like swords, soaring into the sky.

Su Qingxuan rose, stepped down from the jade platform, and approached the three elders, solemnly returning their greetings:

"It is a blessing for the Three-One Palace and for the righteous path that the three elders and fellow Daoists of the Sword Sect have come."

I have long admired the Sword Sect's prowess.

Now that we have entered the Palace of Three Unity, we are now fellow disciples.

From now on, we should be of one mind and one heart, and work together to realize the great Dao.

He straightened up and looked to the side: "Red Tassel."

"Here!" Chi Ying leaped out.

His crimson armor gleamed in the sunlight, exuding an aura of heroism.

She already had the Demon-Slaying Spear in hand, her fighting spirit soaring.

"All fellow Daoists of the Sword Sect are under the command of your Battle Formation Pavilion."

Chu Lingxiao and Chu Yunfan have made great contributions this time and have been promoted to deputy commanders of the Battle Formation Pavilion.

Along with Deputy Commander Li Changfeng, they are known as the three great commanders of the Battle Formation Pavilion, assisting you in training.

"Understood!" Chi Ying grinned, turned around, clasped her hands in a fist salute to the three thousand sword cultivators, and said crisply:

"Everyone, after the Dharma assembly ends, please follow me to the martial arts arena!"

The Sanyi Palace battle formation integrates the strengths of the three religions.

This is completely different from your one-on-one battles; it will definitely open your eyes to what it's like to wield a single sword!

The sword cultivators looked at each other, many of them with doubt in their eyes.

The path of sword cultivation has always emphasized personal cultivation and the understanding of sword intent. When is it necessary to practice battle formations?

Chu Lingxiao and Chu Yunfan stepped forward calmly and clasped their hands in greeting to Chi Ying:

"We will obey the commander's orders." The two looked delighted, clearly eager to try.

Su Qingxuan returned to the Jade Terrace and continued his sermons...

The activity continued until the sun began to set in the west, and the sky was filled with the glow of sunset clouds.

Each of the 100,000 disciples gained something, and after respectfully bowing, they slowly withdrew.

Many disciples discussed the Dao with their fellow disciples as they walked, exchanging their insights from the day…

That night, the moonlight was as clear as water, and the breeze was gentle and serene...

It is:

The moon's reflection settles the stillness of the heart, while the sword's light is newly forged atop the jade peak.

Three thousand former subordinates were forged together in the same furnace, creating a golden statue that stands a hundred feet tall.