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

Poetry:

The newly issued imperial edict shakes the world; the golden tablet, like the Emperor himself, guards the underworld.

The Lord of the Three Palaces led his troops to break through the fog and rescue his relatives.

Meanwhile, Su Qingxuan received the Jade Emperor's decree.

He was appointed "Imperial Envoy of the Underworld" and granted the token of "Imperial Patrol on Behalf of Heaven."

With the help of Wang Lingguan and three hundred elite heavenly soldiers from the Lingguan Palace, he felt somewhat at ease.

The token felt warm to the touch, yet it was as heavy as a mountain, not the weight of a physical object.

It is the majesty of the Heavenly Court and the weight of the laws of the Three Realms contained in the phrase "as if I were personally present".

With this token in hand, in the netherworld, unless the Ten Kings of Hell openly defy the decree, nothing can be accomplished.

Otherwise, everyone would have to be wary of them.

He dared not delay, and after a brief discussion with Wang Lingguan, they devised a plan.

Wang Lingguan first returned to Lingguan Palace to muster three hundred elite troops, who then waited outside the South Heavenly Gate.

Su Qingxuan then rode on a cloud and returned to the Sanyi Palace.

One was to arrange matters within the palace.

Secondly, they brought along Yun Miaozi, a Great Immortal who was well-versed in the past affairs of the Netherworld.

Inside Guiyi Courtyard, everyone had been waiting for a long time.

Upon Su Qingxuan's return, he held a coin that was neither gold nor jade.

The imperial token, faintly radiating imperial authority, signaled that the matter was settled and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

But the impending journey to the underworld puts his heart on edge once more.

Su Qingxuan briefly explained the scriptures of Lingxiao Palace to everyone.

It was shown with a token.

Upon seeing the four characters "As if the Emperor were personally present," everyone felt an invisible pressure, realizing that this token was no ordinary item.

"Time is of the essence." Su Qingxuan's gaze swept over everyone.

"Elder Yunmiaozi, you will accompany me to the Netherworld."

Wang Lingguan has already led three hundred heavenly soldiers to wait outside the South Heavenly Gate.

"I obey." Yun Miaozi stepped forward, his robes fluttering without wind, his aura as deep as the sea.

Having spent a century together, his relationship with Su Qingxuan had long surpassed that of a typical master and servant.

There is also a bond of mentorship and friendship, with people supporting each other on the same path.

This journey to the Netherworld is fraught with danger and unpredictability, but with a peak Great Luo Golden Immortal like him in charge, we have the confidence to proceed.

"Young master, I'll go too!" The red-tasseled silver spear paused, and his handsome eyebrows shot up.

"How could I be left out in saving my uncle and aunt?"

Those wicked people, I'll expose them one by one!

"And me too." Li Changfeng's voice was earnest, and the iron sword at his waist hummed softly.

"Having not fought in a century, today I shall pave the way for the Palace Master."

Zhou Ruolin, Qian Duoduo, and Sun Bushao also stepped forward at the same time.

Although he did not speak, his meaning was clear.

Xiao Lingxi presented a pile of jade bottles:

"Young master, these are all newly refined pills I made, including 'Resurrection Pill,' 'Soul-Strengthening Powder,' and 'Demon-Purifying Ointment'..."

"My uncle and aunt's souls are damaged; these things might be useful."

Her eyes were slightly red as she struggled to hold back her tears.

Lin Wanqing handed a cyan jade slip to Su Qingxuan and said softly:

"Young master, this document can clearly preserve what the soul light sees."

It also recorded what Wanqing found in the classics.

Records of various restrictions in the Netherworld, demonic soul-refining techniques, and strategies for breaking them may be useful.

She then took out a plain white silk handkerchief embroidered with three-colored lotus flowers.

He said gently, "This 'Purifying Heart Handkerchief' has been blessed by Sister Lingyue's Buddhist intentions and Wanqing's righteous energy."

It can temporarily stabilize the soul and body, and ward off evil spirits and demonic thoughts...

Please take this with you, young master; it may come in handy when you meet your uncle and aunt.

Xiao Lingyue clasped her hands together and softly chanted the Buddhist mantra, then took off the string of Bodhi beads from her wrist.

Handing it to Su Qingxuan: "This pearl accompanied Lingyue in reciting scriptures for a hundred years."

Immersed in the true meaning of Buddhist compassion, and harmonizing with the Taoist principles of the three religions (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism)...

It can calm the mind and spirit, and resist the erosion of the deathly aura of the underworld.

Please, young master, put these on your uncle and aunt.

Su Qingxuan accepted the pills, jade slip, silk handkerchief, and prayer beads.

I carefully put them away one by one.

These objects hold a sentiment that weighs more than a thousand pounds.

He glanced at the crowd and said in a deep voice:

"Changfeng, Ruolin, Bushao, and Duoduo, the four of you must stay in the palace."

The two Supreme Elders, Xuanqing and Liaochen, are currently in seclusion.

All palace affairs are overseen by Elders Longyuan and Lingxu.

With many matters to attend to, battle formations requiring training, and the Merit Hall in operation...

Preaching and spreading the Dharma both require someone to lead the way.

You four are the founding disciples, the pillars of the palace; you must not be moved lightly.

He then looked at Chi Ying: "Chi Ying, you have rich experience in battle."

You may come with me.

However, remember that this journey to the underworld is primarily for rescuing loved ones and investigating a case, not for waging war. Obey orders and do not act rashly.

Chi Ying was overjoyed and clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying, "Yes, sir! I will not fail in my duty!"

Su Qingxuan finally addressed Lin Wanqing, Xiao Lingxi, and Xiao Lingyue:

"On the surface, everything in the palace appears normal, but in secret, security has been heightened."

Pay special attention to the movements of newly recruited disciples.

If there are any unusual developments, you can consult with Elders Longyuan and Lingxu.

Our journey will take anywhere from a few days to a month.

"The Trinity Palace is now in your hands."

The three women agreed with tears in their eyes.

Having made the arrangements, Su Qingxuan said no more and nodded to Yun Miaozi and Chi Ying.

The three transformed into streaks of light, soaring into the sky and heading straight for the South Heavenly Gate.

Wang Lingguan was already waiting outside the South Heavenly Gate.

But then one saw three hundred heavenly soldiers from the Spirit Official Palace, all wearing:

Bright silver armor, with a phoenix-winged helmet on his head.

Holding a demon-slaying sword and carrying a sun-shooting bow on his back.

The ranks were perfectly aligned, and an aura of solemnity filled the sky.

These heavenly soldiers all had a sharp glint in their eyes and a deep, composed aura.

They all possessed the cultivation level of Celestial Immortals, with the ten team leaders being at the peak of the Celestial Immortal realm!

Wang Lingguan himself was at the peak of the Golden Immortal realm, holding a golden whip, with three wide-open eyes, exuding a majestic aura.

Upon seeing Su Qingxuan and his two companions arrive, Wang Lingguan clasped his hands in greeting and said:

"Lord Su, the three hundred elite troops have been mustered and are ready to depart at any time."

Su Qingxuan returned the greeting: "Thank you for your trouble, Marshal Wang. This journey is fraught with danger, and we will rely on you all."

"It is my duty!" Wang Lingguan's voice boomed. "His Majesty has decreed this."

We will certainly give our lives! Lord Su, please give the order!

Su Qingxuan took out the "Imperial Patrol" token and held it high.

The token sensed his intention and instantly burst forth with brilliant golden light.

The four characters “如朕亲临” (as if the emperor were personally present) appeared in mid-air and transformed into four golden ancient seal characters.

It hung high above everyone's heads, casting down its vast heavenly might, enveloping all three hundred heavenly soldiers.

"Gentlemen!" Su Qingxuan's clear voice echoed in all directions.

"By order of the Jade Emperor, I have entered the Netherworld to rescue my relatives and investigate the case."

To purge the wicked and uphold the laws of heaven! This journey is not for personal vendettas.

This is for the sake of justice! I urge you all to bravely advance and not disgrace the majesty of the Heavenly Court!

The three hundred heavenly soldiers responded in unison: "We are willing to follow you, sir, and die for you!"

The sound was deafening, and the sea of ​​clouds at Nantianmen churned.

"Set off!"

At Su Qingxuan's command, he took the lead and rode the cloud downwards.

Yunmiaozi and Chiying followed closely behind.

Wang Lingguan led three hundred heavenly soldiers into battle formation, which transformed into a silver cloud.

A vast and mighty procession followed closely behind.

……

The group left the South Heavenly Gate and passed through the Thirty-Three Heavens' Gale, Thunder, and Fire Layer.

The deeper you go, the thinner the spiritual energy becomes.

Passing through nine layers of clouds and traversing the desolate landscape of the eight directions.

Along the way, they encountered the Sky Patrol Team and various wandering immortals.

Seeing the vast array of heavenly soldiers and the high-hanging tokens, they all kept their distance.

My heart is filled with doubt and uncertainty, wondering what kind of turmoil will arise from somewhere.

About two or three hours later, the scenery ahead suddenly changed.

The once clear sky was gradually shrouded in a layer of hazy, boundless gloom.

The thick, sticky haze blocked out the sunlight.

Below, the outline of a vast, lifeless continent could be vaguely seen—

This is the location of the Netherworld.

At the edge of the continent, where it meets the human realm, the void is distorted.

The laws were disrupted, forming an invisible "Yin-Yang boundary membrane".

Before the boundary membrane stood a majestic, ancient, and eerily gloomy pass.

The pass was a thousand feet high, forged from dark, black iron, its walls weathered and worn.

It bears the dark red marks that cannot be washed away even after countless years.

It looked like dried blood.

The door was tightly shut, and above the lintel were three ferocious characters written in a ghostly script—

gate of hell!

There was no road ahead, only a swirling, endless gray fog.

Countless distorted faces appeared in the fog, emitting silent wails.

This is the "bewitching fog" at the boundary between Yin and Yang.

Ordinary souls who arrive here are in a daze and will be guided into the pass by the ghost messengers.

If living beings arrive, without special permission or means,

They will inevitably be misled by the fog, their souls will leave their bodies, and they will become wandering, lonely spirits.

Su Qingxuan and his party descended from the clouds ten miles in front of the pass.

He raised the token high, and the four characters "As if I were personally present" shone brightly in gold.

It transformed into a golden pillar of light, shooting straight towards the Gates of Hell.

"I am Su Qingxuan, an imperial envoy from Heaven, who is also the inspector of the netherworld."

By order of the Jade Emperor, I have entered the Netherworld on official business.

"Guardian ghost general, open the gate at once!"

The sound was like thunder, carrying the might of heaven, piercing through the bewitching fog.

It struck the heavy iron gates of the Gate of Hell.

"Buzz—"

The door slammed shut with a violent thud, and the dark red marks on it seemed to come alive.

It transformed into twisted runes that flowed around.

A moment later, the door creaked shut and slowly opened a crack inward.

A troop of ghostly soldiers poured out from inside the pass, led by two ghostly generals.

One is Ox-Head, the other is Horse-Face.

It was the leader of the ghost guards who had been guarding the Naihe Bridge that Su Qingxuan had seen when his soul light infiltrated.

At this moment, the two generals had obviously received the message, seeing the golden light radiating from the token in Su Qingxuan's hand.

Then, three hundred heavenly soldiers appeared, their ranks impeccable and their killing intent palpable.

Not daring to be negligent, he led his ghostly soldiers to kneel on one knee.

The Ox-Head and Horse-Face demon generals said in a muffled voice:

"This humble general, Niu Abang/Ma Luosha, is acting on the orders of King Yama..."

Welcome, Your Excellency!

I was unaware of your arrival, sir, and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!

Su Qingxuan knew that although the Netherworld and the Heavenly Realm were subordinate to each other.

However, it forms its own system, and the Ten Kings of Hell hold a revered position.

They rarely go out to greet people in person.

He didn't seem to care, and said in a deep voice:

"Please rise, Generals. I am here on imperial orders to investigate this case."

"I need to enter the Netherworld immediately; please grant me this favor."

"Please, sir!" Ox-Head and Horse-Face stepped aside to make way.

The ghostly soldiers behind them also lined up on both sides.

Su Qingxuan nodded and stepped into the gates of hell first.

Yun Miaozi, Chi Ying, Wang Lingguan, and three hundred heavenly soldiers followed closely behind.

Once inside the pass, the scenery is completely different.

The sky is perpetually gray, without sun or moon.

Only a few eerie will-o'-the-wisps flickered in the distance, barely providing any illumination.

The land was barren, covered only with dark brown sand and soil.

Some strangely shaped, dark-colored ghost plants grow there.

The air was thick with a chilling, deathly aura.

It is also mixed with resentment, hostility and other negative atmospheres.

Although the heavenly soldiers were not weak, they still felt uncomfortable upon entering this realm.

A protective aura naturally emanates from his body to defend against attacks.

Ahead, a winding, gray-white path...

Stretching into the depths of the mist across the barren land—

This is the road to the underworld.

Along the roadside, an endless sea of ​​crimson spider lilies...

Illuminated by the dim will-o'-the-wisps, the red was startlingly striking.

Countless distorted faces amidst the sea of ​​flowers sensed the presence of the living.

They all looked over, and the flower branches moved swaying without wind, making a soft rustling sound.

It sounded like whispers, or perhaps like vicious curses.

Su Qingxuan's gaze swept over the sea of ​​flowers, his mind preoccupied with his parents, and he had no heart for sentimentality.

He led his people on a swift journey along the road to the underworld, where they encountered a procession of ghost messengers escorting the souls of the dead.

Seeing their impressive display, they all panicked and gave way.

After traveling for a short while, the sound of rushing water came from ahead, and the smell of fish was overwhelming.

The River of Oblivion stretches before us, its waters pitch black and viscous, where countless vengeful spirits struggle and float.

The Bridge of Helplessness stands silently, beneath the thatched hut at its head.

Meng Po continued to scoop the soup with a blank expression.

Now that the true form has arrived, Su Qingxuan can see it even more clearly.

Although Meng Po appeared old, her aura was unfathomable.

It is at least a Great Luo level existence.

It simply merged completely with the laws of the netherworld, as if it had become a part of the netherworld itself.

She looked up, her cloudy old eyes glancing at Su Qingxuan.

He glanced again at the token in his hand and the heavenly soldiers behind him.

She lowered her head expressionlessly and continued her work.

Su Qingxuan nodded slightly in acknowledgment and led the group across the bridge.

The bridge surface was slippery, and droplets of water, condensed from resentment, dripped from beneath it.

It made a "tick-tock" sound, which was particularly clear in the dead silence.

Once you cross the Bridge of Helplessness, you've truly entered the core area of ​​the Netherworld.

In the distance, through the dark fog, the outlines of the continuous palace buildings became increasingly clear.

The sounds of ghosts wailing and howling could be faintly heard.

Yakshas riding bone horses and wielding chains occasionally patrolled the sky.

Upon seeing them, everyone would avoid them.

……

Su Qingxuan stopped and looked at Yun Miaozi:

"Elder, where does that 'Faceless Ghost King' you mentioned live in seclusion?"

Yun Miaozi stroked his beard, his gaze fixed on a certain direction deep within the Netherworld:

"On the edge of the Song Dynasty's territory, behind a desolate place called 'Yinshan'."

It was a desolate wasteland within a desolate wasteland, a deathly silence within a deathly silence.

Ordinary ghost messengers and underworld soldiers do not arrive.

Back then, the Faceless Old Ghost was dissatisfied with the actions of some underworld officials under Emperor Song.

Three thousand years ago, he resigned from his official post and retired to that place.

"Please lead the way, Elder," Su Qingxuan said.

"Let's go see this faceless ghost king first."

"Find out the details of that prison before making any further plans."

Yun Miaozi nodded and led the way.

The group deviated from the main path leading to the Ten Courts.

It turned southwest to a desolate place.

The further we walked, the more desolate it became.

At first, you could still see some sparse ghost plants.

Wandering, lonely ghosts.

Later, all that remained was bare black rock and howling winds.

What was floating in the air was no longer ordinary yin energy.

Instead, it is a purer and more dangerous "Nine Netherworld Aura," which is bone-corroding and soul-destroying.

The heavenly soldiers had to increase their spiritual energy output to maintain the protective light shield.

Chi Ying's body was enveloped in a surge of qi and blood, which transformed into faint blood flames, keeping the malevolent aura at bay.

Wang Lingguan's golden whip trembled slightly, releasing a pure yang thunderous aura.

The surrounding malevolent energy, like snow meeting the sun, all retreated.

Only Su Qingxuan and Yun Miaozi remained calm and composed.

The true meaning of the three religions and the primordial Dao flow naturally, impervious to all evil.

They traveled for about another hour.

On the horizon ahead, the outline of a continuous, dark mountain range came into view.

The mountain range was majestic and towering, piercing the dark sky.

The mountain is steep as if it had been cleaved by a knife or axe, with jagged rocks and no sign of life.

The mountains were shrouded in a thick, impenetrable black mist.

A chilling roar could be faintly heard from within the fog.

The sound of metal clanging together seemed to conceal countless ferocious creatures.

"This is Yinshan." Yun Miaozi's expression became more solemn.

"This mountain was formed from fragments of the ancient primordial world and contains innate Yin energy."

It also connects to several dangerous, desolate, and ancient battlefield ruins.

The mountains harbor many ferocious and ghostly beasts.

Some of the lingering resentment and vengeful spirits of ancient fallen powerful beings even linger there.

Even the Ten Kings of Hell would not easily set foot there.

The Faceless Old Demon's lair is located in a secluded "Valley of Annihilation" behind the mountain.

As the group approached the foot of the mountain, the chilling, malevolent aura grew even stronger.

The howling in the wind became clearer.

Suddenly, black mist churned ahead, revealing several dark figures!

It was a three-headed, cheetah-like, yet six-tailed, demonic beast from the underworld.

Its entire body was pitch black, except for six blood-red eyes, and its mouth was filled with jagged fangs, dripping with corrosive saliva.

Its aura was fierce, and it even possessed the strength of a late-stage Celestial Immortal!

"It's a 'Three-Headed Netherworld Beast'! This beast lives in packs, there must be more than just these three!"

Yunmiaozi shouted.

Sure enough, more than ten other monsters with the same appearance slowly emerged from the surrounding black mist.

Standing before the crowd, the crimson beast's eyes were filled with greed and violence.

"You wicked beast, how dare you block the path of the heavenly soldiers!"

Wang Lingguan shouted loudly, raised his golden whip, and was about to make a move.

"Marshal Wang, please wait." Su Qingxuan raised his hand to stop him and stepped forward.

Looking calmly at the herd of beasts, he said, "We have come here to find an old friend, and have no intention of fighting."

"Your cultivation is not easy; leave quickly to avoid being killed."

His voice was not loud, but it contained the true meaning of the three teachings.

In particular, Buddhism emphasizes compassion and salvation, while Taoism emphasizes natural harmony.

Like a spring breeze and gentle rain, it silently swept over the herd of beasts.

Those three-headed Netherworld Beasts, which had been radiating ferocity, were all taken aback at this moment.

The violent glint in his eyes subsided somewhat, replaced by a hint of confusion.

The largest of the three heads shook slightly.

With a low whimper, it slowly retreated.

Seeing this, the other demonic beasts also hesitated and retreated, disappearing into the black mist.

Wang Lingguan exclaimed in surprise, "Lord Su, what skill you have!"

How could someone persuade such a ferocious beast to retreat with just a few words?!

Su Qingxuan shook his head slightly: "It's not about the methods, it's about the state of mind."

Although this beast is ferocious, it is also a creature of the netherworld, capable of sensing good and evil.

Our mission is to save our loved ones and to uphold justice. Our hearts are pure and our intentions are sincere; killing is not our first choice.

They can sense this thought, and therefore are willing to yield.

If one bullies the weak and constantly shouts for violence, it may only incite further aggression and bring more trouble.

Yun Miaozi stroked his beard and nodded: "What the Palace Master says is very true."

The Great Dao is formless, yet it nurtures and transforms all things; even the most ferocious beasts of the netherworld possess a spirit.

The best strategy is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

It is said that the ancient Taoist master Qiu Zhenren, in the human realm...

He once performed the heroic act of "stopping a killing with a single word".

The Palace Master's actions today perfectly align with this intention!

……

The group continued onward, led by Yun Miaozi.

We found a hidden path that wound its way deep into the Yinshan Mountains.

Along the way, they encountered several more waves of ghostly and ferocious creatures, including swarms of "soul-devouring flying ants" and "stone marrow yin pythons" lurking underground.

There was even one, a Golden Immortal-level evil spirit transformed from the remnant spirit of an ancient battlefield general.

Su Qingxuan either used his true intentions to influence them or used his token to intimidate them with the might of Heaven.

They either demonstrated their strength to force the enemy to retreat, or they did not actually unleash a full-scale massacre.

Upon seeing this, Wang Lingguan and the heavenly soldiers held the young palace master in even greater respect.

After passing through the heart of the Yinshan Mountains, a breathtaking view suddenly opened up before us—

This is a secluded valley surrounded by mountains.

Instead of black mist, a thin layer of fog permeated the valley.

Its silvery-gray luster, like moonlight, appears cool and serene.

In the center of the valley, there is a cold pool about ten acres in size.

The pool water was as black as ink and as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the gray sky.

Beside the pool, several clumps of the rare "Netherworld Moonflower Grass" grew.

The grass blades are silvery white, emitting a cool, clear glow, which is the source of light in the valley.

A simple stone house stands by the pool.

The stone house is carved from a single piece of black stone, giving it a rustic and dignified appearance.

In the open space in front of the house, there is a stone table and a stone bench.

An old man in black robes sat with his back to the crowd on a smooth blue stone by the pool.

Holding a jet-black fishing rod, he fished in the cold pool.

The fishing line disappeared into the dark pool water, and the float was nowhere to be seen.

The old man remained motionless, as if he had become one with the valley and the cold pool.

"Faceless old ghost, an old friend has come to visit, why pretend to be so profound?"

Yun Miaozi laughed and scolded.

The old man in gray did not get up, but slowly turned his head.

His face was gaunt, with deep wrinkles as if etched by a knife.

The skin color was a pale, sun-deprived pallor.

The strangest thing is that he had no mouth or nose on his face.

Only a pair of eyes as deep as an ancient well,

A tightly closed slit runs vertically along with the center of the forehead.

Those eyes were calm and expressionless, yet a chill ran through them as they looked at the crowd.

This is the "Faceless Demon King".

It's not that it's truly faceless, but rather that its cultivation method is unique.

With mouth and nose concealed, one observes the world through the "Netherworld Eye" in the center of the forehead and transmits sounds through the soul's thoughts.

"Yun Miaozi, you old man, why aren't you enjoying your blessings in the Heavenly Realm?"

Why would you come to my poor, desolate place?

An aged, dry voice resounded directly in everyone's soul.

The faceless ghost king's gaze swept over Su Qingxuan, Wang Lingguan, and the three hundred heavenly soldiers.

He paused, especially on the token in Su Qingxuan's hand.

"They even brought Heavenly Army troops. Wow, what a grand display."

"What, old Jade Emperor, have you finally taken a dislike to that Song Emperor and are going to deal with him?"

Yun Miaozi said seriously, "Old ghost, stop talking nonsense."

This is Su Qingxuan, the master of the Wenrutian Sanyi Palace.

Now, by order of the Jade Emperor, I have been appointed as the Imperial Envoy of the Underworld, and I need your assistance with an important matter.

At this moment, Yun Miaozi imprisoned the souls of Su Qingxuan's parents and used demonic chains to refine their souls.

The story of the underworld messengers carrying demonic energy and the Jade Emperor issuing an order to investigate the case is briefly explained.

The faceless ghost king listened quietly, and ripples gradually appeared in his eyes, which were as calm as an ancient well.

Upon hearing "Demon Chains Refining the Soul" and "The Underworld Messenger Carries Demonic Aura,"

A terrifying glint suddenly flashed in his eyes, and he abruptly stood up!

"Is this really true?!"

It is:

The Yinshan Mountains are desolate, the valleys are cold and the pools are icy; the faceless King of You is startled.

The news of the Demon Chain Soul Refining has faded into obscurity; who will heed the ever-changing winds and clouds?