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

Poetry:

The night wind carries a fishy smell in the shadows of the Bodhi tree; I sit alone on a solitary peak, facing the cold stars.

A century of Taoist foundations solidified like frost and snow, a single inch of loyal heart shattered like thunder.

Su Qingxuan remained seated cross-legged under the Bodhi tree, his back to the crowd.

The moonlight stretched his shadow long, making his back appear solitary and upright.

Yet it is like a broken sword, its sharpness stripped away, exuding a chilling aura that makes one's heart tremble.

No one spoke.

The only sounds in the courtyard were the night breeze and the rustling of Bodhi tree leaves.

The sound, at that moment, was so heavy it was suffocating.

Lin Wanqing bit her lip tightly and gripped the hem of her clothes with both hands.

Xiao Lingxi's eyes were red-rimmed, and she struggled to hold back her tears.

Xiao Lingyue closed her eyes, rapidly turning the prayer beads in her hand, silently reciting a calming mantra, but she couldn't suppress the slight trembling of her fingertips.

With his red-tasseled silver spear planted firmly on the ground, his teeth clenched, his eyes blazing with fury, and his aura of menace spreading uncontrollably around him.

Elders Longyuan and Lingxu had solemn expressions.

Although they did not see it with their own eyes, they could tell from Su Qingxuan's previous reactions and his current aura.

I could already tell that things must be extremely serious.

It even involves the palace master's closest relatives.

And it happened in such a sensitive place as the underworld.

Time passed slowly, and the moon's shadow gradually shifted.

Finally, Su Qingxuan slowly turned around.

His face was pale, and his eyes were still bloodshot.

Those eyes held an overwhelming grief and a raging rage.

They have been forcibly compressed into two bottomless, icy pools.

He spoke, his voice hoarse with memories, each word uttered with a grating quality.

Like a massive iron cone, it pierced the hearts of everyone:

"My father, Su Wenyuan, dedicated his life to teaching and nurturing students, and his family has always been known for its benevolence and kindness."

In my hometown of Qingxi, whenever there was a student from a poor family, he would reduce the tuition fees and even pay for it himself.

When he mediates disputes among neighbors, he always convinces people with reason and moves them with emotion.

Over the decades, he has mediated hundreds of disputes without ever showing favoritism.

He often said: "I dare not claim the responsibility of establishing a moral compass for heaven and earth and securing a destiny for the people."

But in order to continue the lost learning of the sages and to bring peace to the village.

We scholars have an inescapable duty to do so.

"My mother, Liu, was kind, charitable, gentle and kind."

If you see a beggar shivering in winter, you must give him porridge or rice.

If a passerby is thirsty in the summer, he will always offer them refreshing tea.

Although his family was not wealthy, he often helped those who were in even greater need.

He doesn't harm ants, doesn't swoop down on moths, and frowns at the sight of killing.

She always said, "Being alive is already a great blessing."

When you have the means, helping others is a way to accumulate blessings for yourself and good deeds for your children and grandchildren.

Su Qingxuan paused, each word seeming to drip with blood:

"Such parents are in accordance with the natural order and the laws of the underworld."

After death, one will enter the heavenly realm, or at the very least, be reincarnated in the human realm and enjoy a lifetime of blessings.

Those who accumulate great merit may even attain a position as a deity or spirit, providing protection to a region.

Su Qingxuan's voice suddenly turned cold, like a chilling wind sweeping through the depths of hell:

"But at this moment, they are imprisoned deep within the territory of the Song emperor."

In a desolate and remote place, there was a makeshift prison made of black iron.

The soul is corrupted by the demonic chains, which drain its power day and night.

So weak that his soul might be scattered at any moment, never to be reborn!

The guardian is not a legitimate underworld official; he carries demonic energy and originates from the same source as the demonic thoughts of the Void!

His gaze, sharp as lightning, swept across the pale faces of the crowd:

"This is neither the constant cycle of Heaven's way nor the punishment of the netherworld's laws."

Someone deliberately did this!

The intention is to torment my loved ones, disturb my resolve, and obstruct my path to enlightenment.

They even...used the two elders as bait to lure me into a trap!"

Lin Wanqing could no longer hold back her tears, and said in a trembling voice:

"Young master, your uncle and aunt...we..."

"I want to save them!" Su Qingxuan interrupted her, his tone resolute.

"Immediately, right now, at all costs."

"But we must not act rashly." He changed the subject, forcibly suppressing the urgency in his voice, and resumed his calm analysis.

"Those four underworld messengers are nothing but lowly soldiers; they could be wiped out with a wave of their hand."

But the mastermind behind it all can reach into the netherworld.

Deep within the jurisdiction of Emperor Song, one of the Ten Kings of Hell.

They secretly set up a private dungeon to imprison the souls of the dead.

Their power should not be underestimated, and they have high-ranking supporters within the Netherworld.

If we alert them, they'll become desperate and act rashly.

Destroying my parents' souls would be an unbearable regret, and all would be lost!

He closed his eyes, took another deep breath, and his chest rose and fell.

When I opened my eyes again, all that remained was an icy calmness and a profound resolve:

Elder Yun.

"exist!"

"Please, secretly contact your old acquaintances in the underworld."

Based on the network of connections cultivated by the Sanxian Alliance over ten thousand years, and on your personal favor.

At all costs, uncover every detail about that prison:

Who built it? When was it built? Who was responsible for its care?

Which judge or underworld general is related to His Highness Emperor Song?

Where does the soul power flow every day? Most importantly—

A cold glint flashed in Su Qingxuan's eyes.

"Find out who is behind this! Is it the remnants of the conservative faction who bribed the officials of the underworld?"

Is it the Shadow of Returning to the Void infiltrating the Underworld? Or…?

He paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately, uttering the worst-case scenario:

"Among the Ten Kings of Hell, has someone harbored rebellious thoughts, allied with demons, and sought to disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang?"

"I obey!"

Yun Miaozi replied in a deep voice:

"In its early years, the Scattered Immortals Alliance did indeed have a past relationship with several reclusive ghost immortals and yakshas from the netherworld."

One of the "Faceless Ghost Kings" served under the Song Emperor for ten thousand years.

Later, dissatisfied with certain shady dealings, he resigned from his official post and went into hiding behind Yinshan Mountain.

Perhaps he knows something.

"Elders Longyuan and Lingxu."

"exist!"

"While I was away from the palace, the two of you stayed in the palace to maintain stability."

Activate the second layer of the "Three Talents Demon Suppression Formation" within the palace, the "Guard" technique.

If anyone takes advantage of this opportunity to cause trouble and harm the lives of my disciples...

Regardless of their origin or background, they can act first and report later.

I will bear all the consequences!

"We obey! We will ensure that no chaos arises in the palace!"

The two men's voices were strong and clear.

With two Great Luo Golden Immortals presiding over the palace, along with layers of grand formations within, the palace was effectively protected.

Unless the three Heavenly Venerables of the Three Religions personally arrive, no one can easily shake the Sanyi Palace.

"Wanqing, Lingxi, Lingyue, Chiying." Su Qingxuan looked at the four women.

His gaze softened for a moment, then returned to its firmness.

The four fairies stepped forward together, their eyes filled with tears.

"All affairs within the palace will proceed as usual."

Preaching, alchemy, meditation, and martial arts practice continued as usual.

However, we must pay attention to the mental state of new disciples and guard against spies taking the opportunity to sow discord and spread rumors.

The four of you are the pillars of the Three Ones Palace; you must not be disorganized.

"yes!"

The four women responded in unison, their voices choked with emotion.

……

Su Qingxuan's gaze swept over everyone in the courtyard, and he said in a deep voice:

"This matter is of great importance, involving the underworld and potentially touching upon the fundamental interests of certain hidden entities."

Therefore, this information is only known to those within this courtyard.

A unified external statement:

I sensed that the profound mysteries of the Great Dao were about to arrive, so I went into seclusion to comprehend the realm of the Great Luo.

The term is indefinite, and no outside visitors are allowed during this period. All palace affairs will be decided jointly by the council of elders and the four fairies.

"I will obey the Palace Master's command!"

……

Su Qingxuan turned around and looked at the dark and deep night sky...

The moon is bright tonight, and the Milky Way is dazzling.

But in his eyes, at the end of the sky, there was only boundless darkness and cold.

He slowly raised his right hand and clenched it into a fist.

As if to expose the dark hand hidden in the shadows,

Crush the entire conspiracy along with it!

A chilling, piercing voice, carrying overwhelming killing intent and an unquestionable will, slowly echoed through the courtyard:

"No matter who you are, where you are, what authority you hold, or what power you wield..."

"Anyone who disturbs a single strand of my parents' soul is connected to me, Su Qingxuan..."

"A fight to the death!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a sudden gust of night wind arose, and the three-colored branches and leaves of the Bodhi tree danced wildly.

The rustling sound was like the clash of thousands of swords.

In the far distance on the horizon, a thick, dark cloud appeared out of nowhere.

It silently veiled the starry sky, plunging the world into darkness...

The courtyard returned to silence, and everyone left to carry out their orders.

Only Su Qingxuan remained.

……

Su Qingxuan returned to his courtyard alone.

Slowly close your eyes.

It attempts to cultivate a tranquil mind through a century of seclusion.

Suppress the heart-wrenching pain and the burning, bone-deep rage.

He activated the "Clarity of Mind Seal," the most superior technique in the "Three Ones True Secrets."

The true meaning of the three teachings flows through the sea of ​​consciousness:

The righteous spirit of Confucianism is like the warm sun, ready to dispel the gloom in our hearts;

The Taoist path is as pure and serene as a gentle breeze, seeking to calm the ripples in one's heart.

The compassion of Buddhism is like sweet dew, which seeks to extinguish the raging flames of anger.

However, it was useless.

That pain was neither a manifestation of inner demons nor an invasion of external evils.

It originates from the depths of one's bloodline and is rooted in the most authentic corner of one's soul.

As a child, witnessing the suffering of one's loved ones is the most primal instinct...

The most unbearable pain.

Regardless of his peak Golden Immortal cultivation, regardless of the perfect harmony of the three teachings,

No matter how firm his resolve is, it is like a rock.

Faced with such pain, they were as vulnerable as mortals facing natural disasters.

No, even more so than mortals!

When ordinary people are in extreme pain, they can still wail and cry, beat their chests and stamp their feet, and vent their emotions.

As the master of the Three Ones Palace, he shoulders the heavy responsibility of unifying the three religions and quelling the demonic calamity.

Behind him stood 100,000 disciples and a million expectant eyes.

He couldn't lose his composure, couldn't panic, and couldn't even fully reveal his pain.

The pain was like thousands of red-hot steel needles piercing into the softest part of the heart.

Following the blood vessels and meridians, it spreads to every part of the body, to every inch of skin.

Every wisp of the soul was screaming, trembling, and tearing apart silently.

"Well……"

A muffled groan, suppressed to the extreme, escaped from his throat.

He swayed slightly, almost losing his balance.

He subconsciously raised his hand to hold onto the trunk of the Bodhi tree beside him.

The moment his fingertips touched the rough bark, a wisp of his rampaging spiritual energy leaked out uncontrollably—

"Snap!"

That Bodhi tree, nurtured for a hundred years by the true meaning of the three religions, is more resilient than refined iron.

The force of his outburst actually caused a three-inch-long crack to appear in the tree trunk!

Wood chips fell from the crack, and the tree trunk trembled violently.

The branches and leaves rustled, as if weeping and lamenting...

Su Qingxuan's face was ashen, devoid of any color.

Fine beads of cold sweat trickled down his forehead and temples.

A few strands of hair were soaked and stuck to the cheek.

Those eyes, usually as warm and smooth as ancient jade, as deep and mysterious as the starry sea.

At this moment, it was covered with spiderweb-like blood vessels.

Deep within his pupils, it seemed as if two dark flames were burning silently.

It was a grief and anger that was forcibly suppressed, almost burning through the cage of reason.

What's most unsettling is the aura emanating from him.

The original harmony of the three religions, as primordial as chaos and as gentle as jade.

At this moment, chaos reigns like boiling water.

The golden, blue, and white spiritual light emanated uncontrollably...

It seeped out in strands from his pores.

They intertwined, collided, and annihilated within a three-foot radius around the body.

It made a faint "hissing" sound.

The air was distorted by this chaotic atmosphere.

Just then, moonlight shone through, refracting into an eerie halo.

An invisible yet heavy pressure emanated from him.

The stone slabs in the courtyard made a "crackling" sound, revealing fine cracks.

The signs of a weakening foundation are becoming increasingly apparent.

But Su Qingxuan seemed oblivious.

His gaze was unfocused.

However, after piercing through layers of time and space, it landed in the dark prison deep in the netherworld.

It landed on the pale, illusory, and tormented souls of the parents.

A more intense, more primal pain that cannot be soothed by any cultivation method.

Like a tsunami, it swept over his soul.

That was not simple sadness, nor was it ordinary anger.

It was a mixture of bone-deep guilt, endless regret, and heart-wrenching pain.

And the complex torrent of overwhelming killing intent instantly shattered all his defenses of reason.

"Wow--"

A mouthful of pale golden blood spurted from his mouth.

The splashes landed on the bluestone slab, actually eroding several small pits into it.

Within the blood and sweat, faint fragments of golden runes flickered and faded—

It's on the verge of collapse!

Su Qingxuan staggered a step, braced himself with his hand, and knelt down on one knee.

He lowered his head, his long hair falling down and obscuring his face.

Only his shoulders were trembling violently and uncontrollably.

And that suppressed feeling, seeping from between the teeth,

A low whimper, like that of a wounded wild animal.

Echoing through the deathly silent courtyard...

It's been over a hundred years.

He ascended to the heavens, founded the Trinity Palace, and promoted the unity of the three religions.

Preaching the Dharma and spreading the truth, a pillar in the midst of the torrent...

He has always been the composed, resourceful, and compassionate Su Qingxuan.

Regardless of the attacks from the conservatives or the schemes of the demonic cultivators.

Despite the ferocity of the Demon General of the Void, his Dao heart remained clear and calm.

He believed that he had long since transcended worldly emotions and achieved perfect enlightenment.

They are worthy to carry on the legacy of their ancestors and shoulder the future of the three realms.

Until this moment... until I saw with my own eyes my parents' souls imprisoned by demonic chains.

Suffering day and night from the torment of having their souls extracted and being refined, they are so weak that they may completely dissipate at any moment, never to be reborn.

Until that pain originates from the depths of one's bloodline and transcends the boundaries of life and death.

Like a billion blunt knives, simultaneously slicing through his soul.

He suddenly realized—

It turns out that some pain is inescapable, no matter how high one's cultivation or how profound one's understanding.

It cannot be resolved or escaped.

It turns out that Su Qingxuan was, in the end, still a human being.

That silhouette under the lamp as his mother worked through the night to make winter clothes before he left home to study at the age of eight;

The warmth of his father holding his hand in the study when he was young, teaching him to write the character "仁" stroke by stroke;

When the two elders returned from the Northern Expedition, they stood under the old locust tree at the village entrance, their eyes filled with tears as they eagerly awaited their return.

After the news of his ascension arrived, the father's hair turned white overnight, a poignant sight.

The mother cried for three days straight, her grief nearly blinding her...

A century has passed, a millennium has gone by, yet it has never truly faded.

He simply buried it deep in his heart.

It was carefully sealed away under the pretext of "prioritizing the great principles" and "caring for the common people."

At that moment, the seal was broken.

The guilt accumulated over the past century due to "failing to fulfill filial duties"

The deep regret of "not being able to see him one last time"

Regret stemming from "causing parents worry"

Like a dormant volcano, it erupted suddenly, instantly engulfing him.

"Why...why is this happening...?"

Su Qingxuan whispered, his voice hoarse and broken, with blood foam in his mouth.

"My father was a kind and benevolent man who dedicated his life to teaching and nurturing students, and was praised by his neighbors."

My mother was kind and generous, and wouldn't even harm an ant...

"What crime have they committed?!"

Where are the laws of the underworld?!

Where are the natural order and moral principles?!

He suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with bloodlust, and the anger he had been forcibly suppressing finally broke out of control.

The chaotic spiritual light around him suddenly ignited fiercely!

He was engulfed by raging flames.

"If the underworld is unjust, I will smash the Yama's Palace!"

If the will of Heaven is unclear, then I will pierce the eye of Heaven!

Whoever harms even a wisp of my parents' soul, I will make him—”

His voice abruptly stopped, and he coughed violently again, vomiting several mouthfuls of pale golden blood, his breath fading away...

But the flames burning around him, and the resolute and madness in his eyes, were chilling.

"Qingxuan, you fool!"

At that moment, a grand, compassionate, and peaceful...

The voice seemed to come from an endless expanse of time.

Without warning, it resounded in Su Qingxuan's sea of ​​consciousness...

It is:

When golden blood spurted, the foundation of the Dao collapsed; from the depths of the Nine Netherworlds, the names of loved ones were called out.

If Heaven fails the kind and benevolent, I will turn to ashes and trample them to the ground!