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

Poetry:

Old grudges resurface, burning deep within; demonic markings reappear, tearing the soul apart.

Though I resign from my official post, I have not forgotten the righteousness of those years; I vow to clear my name in the dark prison.

It is said that the Faceless Ghost King, upon hearing Yun Miaozi's words about "demon chains refining the soul" and "the underworld messengers carrying demonic energy," suddenly stood up!

His voice, filled with disbelief and rage, suddenly rose in pitch:

"Is this really true?!"

"Absolutely true." Su Qingxuan stepped forward.

He took out the jade slip given to him by Lin Wanqing and activated it with his divine sense.

He saw the prison scene and the tragic state of his parents' souls through his spiritual light.

The details of the magic chain and the atmosphere of the underworld are condensed into a series of clear images.

It was revealed before the Faceless Demon King.

The Faceless Demon King stared intently at the images.

Especially the dark red demonic patterns writhing on the chains,

And the black aura that emanates from the underworld officials.

His aura began to fluctuate uncontrollably.

Cold, deathly silent, yet filled with boundless rage...

The Ghost King's oppressive aura spread out, causing ripples to appear on the surface of the icy pool.

"Soul-Devouring Demonic Mark...it's actually the Soul-Devouring Demonic Mark!"

The faceless ghost king's soul trembled, filled with deep-seated hatred.

"I recognize these demonic runes!"

Three thousand years ago, the "Soul Devouring Division" under the Song Emperor...

A forbidden technique developed in secret!

Using demonic methods, extracting the primordial soul power of the dead.

Refine it into pure demonic energy to be used for practicing evil arts or to nourish demonic artifacts!

Back then, I was one of them. Because I discovered this department, I secretly tested this technique with a benevolent soul.

He repeatedly advised the Song emperor to abolish and strictly investigate the matter, but was instead rebuked and suppressed.

Disheartened, he resigned and retired from office!

He suddenly looked at Su Qingxuan:

"Those four underworld messengers, though their faces were blurred, their auras were clearly discernible."

It is indeed the unique "Nine Nether Soul Extraction Technique" of the "Soul Devouring Division"! There's no mistake!

Emperor Song, three thousand years ago, was merely indulging his subordinates in experiments.

Now they dare to openly use this technique to imprison the parents of a saint.

He's harming virtuous and kind souls! Has he gone mad?!

Su Qingxuan's heart sank.

As expected, it involves Emperor Song! And judging from the words of the Faceless Ghost King...

This "Soul Devouring Bureau" has such a long history.

"Senior Ghost King," Su Qingxuan said, bowing respectfully.

"Please tell me, senior, what is the current status of the 'Soul Devouring Division'?"

Besides the Song emperor, who else was involved behind the scenes?

The faceless demon king took a deep breath (though he had no mouth or nose, he could still inhale).

Suppressing his anger, he transmitted his thoughts telepathically:

"The Soul Devouring Division, in name only, existed three thousand years ago."

Because I and several upright colleagues jointly submitted a memorial to the Ten Courts for a joint meeting.

Under pressure, the Song emperor issued an edict to revoke it.

The presiding judge, known as the "Soul Extractor," was ruthless and was also stripped of his official position.

He was imprisoned in the "Black Ice Prison" and tortured for a hundred years.

This matter caused quite a stir back then, and all ten courts knew about it.

"However," he changed his tone, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes,

"Given the nature of that Song Emperor, how could he possibly give up?"

Even after I retired, I still kept an eye on things secretly.

That "Soul Devouring Division" has simply gone underground and changed its name.

Perhaps they are hidden near that so-called 'temporary prison'.

As for Yin Li... hey, the Black Ice Prison is bitter, but the sentence is a hundred years.

With his level of cultivation, he might not be unable to endure it.

If the Song emperor had secretly intervened, or even released them long ago,

He might even reinvent himself and regain control of the Soul Devouring Division!

He pointed eastward, roughly in the direction of the Song Dynasty imperial palace:

"Although the prison was hidden, it was located deep within the territory of the Song emperors."

"And since it can avoid regular patrols, it must be near the 'Blackwater Prison'!"

"Blackwater Prison?" Su Qingxuan's gaze sharpened.

"That was a naturally formed, desolate place within the territory of the Song emperors."

It is perpetually shrouded in mist formed from the "Soul-Eating Black Water".

Below the level of a celestial being, even a slight touch will cause one's soul and body to disintegrate.

Taking advantage of the strategic location, the Song emperors secretly built many prisons there.

He imprisoned some "highly wanted criminals" whom he did not want the other Yama Kings to know about.

Even ordinary judges don't know the exact route to that place.

Only those who are close confidants of the Song emperor are allowed to enter.

The Faceless Demon King sneered: "Where your parents were imprisoned..."

If I'm not mistaken, it must be somewhere in the Blackwater Prison, a new...

A secret prison set up!

The Soul-Devouring Demon Chains are used to extract soul power and refine demonic energy.

Perhaps it is being transported to the depths of the Blackwater Prison in some way.

For the use of someone or something.

Su Qingxuan and Yun Miaozi exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.

If this is true, then Emperor Song is likely not the only one behind this matter.

Perhaps an even greater secret is hidden deep within that Blackwater Prison!

"Could the senior lead us to the Blackwater Prison, and that prison itself?"

Su Qingxuan asked.

The faceless ghost king remained silent for a moment, then looked at Su Qingxuan with his deep eyes.

The thought in his mind carried a hint of complexity:

"When I resigned from my official post, I vowed never to concern myself with matters of the underworld again."

"And he will not set foot in the territory of the Song emperors..."

Su Qingxuan's heart tightened.

But the Faceless Ghost King continued:

"However, the Soul Devouring Division dared to use such vicious methods to deal with benevolent souls."

This even harms the parents of saints. Such behavior is intolerable to Heaven!

If I were to sit idly by and do nothing, wouldn't my decision to resign from office back then become a joke?

He stepped forward, his black robes fluttering even without wind.

A long-lost, awe-inspiring aura belonging to the former Ghost King...

Slowly awakening:

"Palace Master Su, to save your parents, you dared to petition the Heavenly Emperor and venture straight into the Netherworld."

Although I have retired, I still have plenty of energy left!

Now I will take you to the Blackwater Prison.

I want to see what that scoundrel, Emperor Song, will be like three thousand years later.

Just how low have they fallen!

In his black water prison,

How many shady dealings are they hiding?

Su Qingxuan was deeply moved and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for your kindness, senior! Su Qingxuan will forever remember this favor!"

"No need for thanks," the Faceless Ghost King waved his hand.

"My actions are not only for you, but also for the undying sense of justice in my heart."

"Yun Miaozi, you old man, can you still lift a sword?"

Yun Miaozi laughed heartily and flipped his palm over.

A simple, unadorned gray stone sword appeared, its blade mottled.

Yet it exudes a sense of age and sharpness, as if it has witnessed countless ages:

"Faceless old ghost, do you still remember my sword 'Annihilation'?"

That's the name you gave me when you were drunk back then.

I haven't changed my name, hahaha... I haven't drunk blood for tens of thousands of years.

Today, perhaps we can have some meat!

"good!"

The vertical slit on the forehead of the Faceless Demon King slightly opened a crack.

It revealed a strange, pure black eye without a pupil.

Seemingly spurred on by a surge of fighting spirit, he said, "Then what about us two old bones?"

Then I'll show them what 'annihilation' truly means.

The center of his forehead flickered with light.

He glanced at the crowd.

"The Blackwater Prison is a forbidden zone; the Soul-Eating Black Water is extremely powerful."

One needs to protect oneself with a pure Yang magic weapon or an extremely powerful and righteous cultivation method.

You heavenly soldiers may form the "Pure Yang Battle Formation," using the blood and energy of the army...

To resist the righteous energy of Heaven.

Marshal Wang's Golden Whip Thunder Technique is the nemesis of Black Water.

Palace Master Su's true teachings of the three religions are perfectly integrated, impervious to all evil, and thus unhindered.

As for this little girl…” He looked at Chi Ying.

With a stern gesture, Chi Ying puffed out his chest, and the Demon-Slaying Spear struck the ground:

"I possess the martial arts and battle spirit, supremely yang and powerful. What black water?"

"Just burn it dry!"

A hint of surprise flashed across the Faceless Ghost King's eyes, and he nodded, saying:

"The principles of warfare and the spirit of battle can indeed subdue evil spirits."

"In that case, let's not delay, let's set off now!"

At that moment, the Faceless Demon King led the way, and the crowd followed closely behind.

After leaving the Valley of Annihilation, they turned east and headed straight for the depths of the Song Dynasty's territory.

The Faceless Ghost King, an old man who knows the way, specializes in taking hidden paths.

They bypassed the usual patrol routes of the underworld officials and passed through various passes at great speed.

Along the way, the Faceless Demon King even used his Netherworld Eye on his forehead to investigate.

Several dangerous natural barriers and lurking dangers were avoided in advance.

After traveling for about another hour, the scenery ahead changed again.

The earth gradually turned pitch black, and the soil became sticky and moist, as if it had been soaked in ink.

A faint, strange smell, carrying a mixture of decay and a fishy sweetness, began to permeate the air.

The further we went, the stronger the smell became, and the darker the sky grew.

In the end, it was so dark you could barely see your hand in front of your face.

Only the Faceless Ghost King's Netherworld Eye emitted a faint light to illuminate the path ahead.

"We're almost at the Blackwater Prison," the Faceless Ghost King's spirit reminded him.

"A hundred miles ahead, swamps and puddles formed by 'Soul-Eating Black Water' will begin to appear. Remember not to get involved."

There was also black mist in the air, requiring constant protection with spiritual energy.

Everyone tensed up and became alert.

Su Qingxuan gave the order for three hundred heavenly soldiers to form the "Pure Yang Heavenly Gang Formation".

The pure yang blood energy merged into one, transforming into a pale golden light shield that enveloped everyone.

Lightning crackled on Wang Lingguan's golden whip, ready to strike at any moment.

Chi Ying's body was enveloped in a surge of battle aura, which transformed into crimson flames.

Yunmiaozi's Silent Extinction Sword hummed softly, emanating a chaotic sword intent.

Naturally cutting away the approaching evil energy.

Su Qingxuan then activated the true meaning of the three religions.

The golden, blue, and white lights blended together, flowing like water.

Protect everyone in the center.

After traveling several dozen miles, large areas of black swamp appeared ahead.

Bubbles bubbled and popped in the swamp.

They all emitted wisps of black mist, which merged into the thick fog in the air.

The black energy touched the light shield of the Pure Yang Heavenly Gang Formation.

It made a hissing sound and was slowly eroding!

Fortunately, the heavenly soldiers were numerous and the formation was tight, so there was no immediate danger.

"Stay close to me and watch your step."

The faceless ghost king's spirit was heavy.

"In the Blackwater Swamp, sometimes 'Soul-Eating Leeches' lurk."

The "Black Water Serpent" and other ferocious creatures specialize in devouring souls.

His inner eye shone brightly, illuminating what lay ahead.

The hidden currents, traps, and dangerous creatures concealed in the swamp will be revealed one by one.

Everyone proceeded cautiously, following the safe path he had taken.

After going about eighty miles further, the black fog ahead suddenly became several times thicker.

It was like a thick, black wall blocking the way.

In the fog, a majestic, continuous shadow appeared and disappeared.

It resembles a high wall, or perhaps a cliff.

"We've arrived at the outer perimeter of Blackwater Prison."

The Faceless Demon King stopped in his tracks, his Netherworld Eyes piercing through the thick fog, carefully investigating...

"Strange... the perimeter security seems much more relaxed than it was back then?"

Where are the patrolling ghost soldiers? Where are the sentries?

Su Qingxuan's heart stirred. He took out the token and whispered, "Heavenly Eye, activate!"

The four golden characters "As if I were personally present" on the "Imperial Patrol" token shone brightly.

It pierced through the black mist ahead like a sharp sword!

Where the golden light passed, the black mist dissipated like boiling water poured over snow, revealing the scene behind it—

It was a vast area enclosed by a tall, dark stone wall.

The wall is a hundred feet high, and its surface is covered with runes that seal away the netherworld.

However, many of the runes have become dim or even damaged.

There were no guards on the wall, only some tattered flags.

Drifting helplessly in the cold wind.

The main gate of the wall consists of two heavy, black iron doors.

The door was ajar, and through the crack, an even deeper darkness shone through.

"Something's definitely not right." The Faceless Ghost King's soul was filled with doubt and vigilance.

"Blackwater Prison is a heavily guarded place, even though the Song emperors intended to relax the outer defenses."

It shouldn't have been so open and unguarded...

Unless something unexpected happened inside, or...

Is it a trap?

Su Qingxuan's sharp eyes scanned the walls and gate.

He activated the "Bloodline Dao Heart Sensation".

The faint pull of my parents came from a certain direction inside the walls.

Although still faint, it was clearly discernible.

"My father and mother are inside," he said in a deep voice.

"Even if it's a den of dragons and tigers, we'll brave it today!"

Marshal Wang!

You lead a hundred heavenly soldiers, form a battle formation to guard the outer perimeter, and block the exit.

Anyone entering or leaving must be checked; if resistance is encountered, kill without mercy!

Elder Yunmiaozi, Senior Wuqian, and Chiying

"Follow me and lead two hundred heavenly soldiers inside!"

"Understood!" Wang Lingguan replied, and immediately dispatched one hundred heavenly soldiers.

They quickly dispersed, forming a large sealing formation that surrounded the Blackwater Prison.

Su Qingxuan, along with Yun Miaozi, the Faceless Ghost King, and Chi Ying,

He led the remaining two hundred heavenly soldiers to the half-closed black iron gate.

The Faceless Ghost King, with his Netherworld Eyes, carefully examined the door and its cracks, then shook his head and said:

"No remnants of array formations or restrictions, nor any signs of ambush..."

Is it really that undefended?

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

Su Qingxuan became even more vigilant and said to the heavenly soldiers behind him:

"Form a small pure yang formation, advance slowly, do not panic when encountering the enemy, and act according to orders."

Two hundred heavenly soldiers responded in unison, and the array's light flashed.

Su Qingxuan took the lead and gently pushed open the slightly ajar iron gate.

"Creak—"

The harsh friction sound was especially jarring in the deathly silence.

Inside the door, the darkness and gloom were even more intense.

The group stepped inside.

Inside the door was a narrow passageway with rough, black rock walls on both sides.

Every few feet along the wall, there is a lamp with a faint green flame.

The firelight was dim, barely enough to provide illumination.

The passageway stretched forward, into the darkness, with no end in sight...

The air was thick with a mixture of decay and a pungent, fishy smell.

And the faint scent of demonic energy became more pronounced.

The ground beneath my feet was slippery and covered with a thin layer of black slime.

These are traces of the condensed Soul-Eating Black Water.

Su Qingxuan followed the pull of his bloodline and took the lead.

Yun Miaozi and the Faceless Ghost King, one on the left and one on the right, fully extended their divine senses to explore their surroundings.

With the Crimson-Tasseled Demon-Slaying Spear in hand, he could see in all directions.

The rhythmic footsteps and clanging armor of the two hundred heavenly soldiers echoed through the silent passageway.

The passageway is not straight, but winds downwards with a rather steep slope.

We passed several forbidden gates along the way that had long been destroyed.

The portal was twisted and deformed, as if it had been blasted open from the inside by a tremendous force.

Broken instruments of torture and shattered chains can occasionally be seen scattered on the ground.

Even some dried and blackened suspected bloodstains.

"Was there... a battle here?" The Faceless Ghost King's soul wondered in surprise.

"Judging from the traces, it hasn't been long, at most within two hours."

Who would make their move inside the Blackwater Prison?

Su Qingxuan's ominous premonition grew stronger.

He quickened his pace, the pull of his bloodline becoming increasingly clear.

My parents are not far ahead!

After rounding another bend, the view suddenly opened up ahead.

A huge underground space appeared.

The space is about 100 zhang high and nearly 1,000 zhang in circumference.

In the center is a murky black pool, the source of the "Soul-Eating Black Water".

Dozens of prisons of varying sizes were built around the pool.

All the gates were sealed with black iron bars, and many of the cells contained...

The remains of a decaying soul still remain.

It was clear that it had held many "prisoners".

To the north of the pool, there is a clearly newly built area.

An even more robust black iron prison was clearly visible!

It was the place where Su Qingxuan's soul light had seen, the place where his parents were imprisoned.

At that moment, the iron gate of the prison was also wide open.

In front of the door lay four corpses, dressed in the clothes of underworld officials.

It was those four "ghost messengers" who exuded demonic energy.

Their deaths were extremely gruesome; their bodies were shrunken and emaciated.

It was as if all his essence and soul power had been drained.

His face still showed traces of fear and disbelief.

Inside the prison, there were those two magical chains that had once bound Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi.

It has already broken, and the fracture is jagged.

It seemed to have been broken by a tremendous force.

However, the souls of Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi were nowhere to be found!

"Father! Mother!" Su Qingxuan was terrified and rushed into the prison.

The cell was empty; only remnants remained on the floor.

A few wisps of faint, almost invisible golden soul light fragments,

Those are the traces of the parents' original soul dissipating...

Su Qingxuan quickly spread the "purifying handkerchief" given to him by Lin Wanqing on the ground.

The moment the "purification cloth" touched the ground, it was mostly stained with filth.

Su Qingxuan picked up the cleansing handkerchief, her fingers trembling.

On the handkerchief, there remained a faint trace of the parents' soul power.

It was as if he had struggled desperately in his final moments.

"How could...we're late?!" Chi Ying exclaimed.

Yun Miaozi and the Faceless Ghost King quickly examined the traces inside the cell.

The faceless ghost king's Netherworld Eyes swept over the broken demonic chains, the corpses of the underworld officials, and the marks on the ground, and his soul urgently said:

"The magic chains were broken by an immense force!"

These four underworld messengers were killed by someone using extremely sophisticated demonic techniques to instantly drain their soul power.

Judging from the bloodstains and the trajectory of dissipated soul power, the battle occurred less than an hour ago!

Someone beat you to it and kidnapped your parents!

Su Qingxuan forced herself to calm down.

He closed his eyes and focused all his energy on activating his bloodline senses.

That faint connection was not completely severed.

Instead, it points to... what lies beneath the pool?!

"Down there!" He suddenly opened his eyes and pointed to the murky black pool of water.

"The bottom of the Blackwater Pool?" The Faceless Ghost King exclaimed in surprise.

"Below lies the core of the Soul-Eating Black Water, an extremely dangerous place."

Even we, the Ghost Kings, dare not venture too deep!

Could it be... that the true secret of the Blackwater Prison lies at the bottom of the pool?

"Boom!"

Suddenly, something unexpected happened!

It is:

The iron gate was ajar, the corpse lay cold, and the demonic chains remained, their broken edges menacing.

Suddenly, thunderous drumming was heard from the bottom of the pool, and a surge of black waves concealed the mournful sound.