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

Poetry:

Before the Mirror of Retribution, the shadow is already lonely; the compassionate soul is bound by chains, confining the withered skull.

A century of blood feud ignites the flames of hatred; the true sharpness of the three religions dispels the treacherous schemes.

Suddenly, something unexpected happened!

The entire underground space shook violently.

The black pool in the center.

Like boiling water, it bubbled up with lots of bubbles.

The water in the pool began to swirl, forming a huge whirlpool.

At the center of the vortex, a jet-black column of water, exuding a terrifying suction force and corrosive aura, shot into the sky.

Within the water column, a faint, ethereal, and ancient soul figure, bound by heavy chains of black water, could be seen.

That ghostly figure vaguely resembled Su Wenyuan!

Beside them was an even fainter soul shadow—Liu Shi!

"Father, Mother!!"

Su Qingxuan's eyes widened in fury, and without hesitation,

Transforming into a three-colored stream of light, he was about to rush into the water column to save people.

"Palace Master, you mustn't!" Yun Miaozi exclaimed in alarm, pressing down on Su Qingxuan.

"Your Highness, please rest assured and do not take any risks!"

The faceless demon king's Netherworld Eyes emitted a burst of eerie light, illuminating the depths of the vortex.

He exclaimed in horror, "Something is awakening at the bottom of the pool! What terrifying demonic energy!"

It was actively draining the two elders' soul power! Those chains…

It is formed from the very source of the black water, connected to the demons at the bottom of the pool!

The Crimson Tassel Demon-Slaying Spear's battle aura transformed into a crimson dragon, piercing straight into the vortex before being swallowed by the black water.

She shouted sharply, "Form ranks! Assist the Palace Master!"

Two hundred heavenly soldiers roared in unison, and the Pure Yang Heavenly Gang Formation shone brightly.

Two hundred streams of pure yang blood energy converged into a thick beam of light, which blasted towards the vortex.

The black water churned violently, and the whirlpools and water columns paused slightly.

Taking advantage of this brief moment, Su Qingxuan rushed to the edge of the water column.

The true meaning of the three teachings is fully utilized.

The golden, blue, and white spiritual light transformed into a giant lotus platform.

Support him to resist the black water's erosion.

He reached out and made a grasping motion, and a three-colored spiritual energy transformed into a large hand, grabbing towards Su Wenyuan's soul shadow.

Just then—

"Hehehe... Su Qingxuan, you've finally arrived."

"I've been waiting for you, and it's been so long..."

A cold, venomous voice, filled with endless hatred and madness.

It came faintly from the deepest part of the vortex.

With that sound, the boiling black water slowly parted to both sides...

Su Qingxuan's spiritual energy hand grabbed into the vortex, like a cow entering the sea.

The vortex disappeared, and the scene gradually became clear.

It was a massive altar constructed from countless white bones and dark iron from the underworld.

In the center of the altar stood a three-zhang-tall, pitch-black tree.

The eerie nails covered with scarlet magic patterns.

The lower end of the nail was submerged in the altar, with only the top part protruding.

The nail twisted and contorted, as if thousands of venomous snakes were writhing.

The soul power transmitted from the black water chains was being frantically drawn from the water column—

Dozens of bodies lay on the altar.

A shriveled corpse dressed in the attire of a ghost messenger.

These corpses were all bound by black water chains.

It's obvious that his soul core has been drained!

At this moment, those bound by black water chains within the water column...

It was Su Wenyuan and Lady Liu!

Six figures stood before the altar.

The one in the center was a man wearing a Yama crown, with a dark complexion.

A middle-aged man with shifty eyes.

He exuded the aura of a powerful ruler of the underworld.

It was none other than Emperor Song, one of the Ten Kings of Hell!

But at this moment, his face no longer held its usual dignified and impartial air.

There was only a chill and a barely perceptible sense of panic.

On the left are four figures shrouded in swirling demonic energy.

Their faces were obscured, only their scarlet eyes pierced through the demonic aura.

He stared intently at Su Qingxuan, his eyes filled with resentment and pleasure.

Its aura was extremely malevolent, clearly indicating it was at the level of a Demon General from the Void.

Moreover, they were no ordinary demon generals—four peak Golden Immortals.

The person on the right caused Su Qingxuan and Chi Ying's pupils to shrink sharply!

It was a soul, illusory yet solid, dressed in a tattered Taoist robe.

His face was contorted, filled with resentment and madness.

Its soul body was faintly intertwined with blue lightning and black demonic energy, making it appear extremely eerie.

"Yu Xiaozi?!" Chi Ying exclaimed in shock, "It's you!"

A hundred years ago, during the battle at the Illusionary Demon Sea, your soul escaped.

Instead of dissipating, it fell into the demonic path and lurked in the netherworld!

A flash of inspiration struck Su Qingxuan—

Trinity Palace was first established a century ago.

Su Qingxuan took four women to the Illusionary Demon Sea for trials.

The conservative faction launched a united attack.

Along the way, there were assassinations, ambushes, traps, and sieges...

Do everything to extremes.

Among them was "Yu Xiaozi," who joined forces with Ling Yunzi, Fa Yan, Meng Xingjian, and others.

As a result, he and his four women were defeated by the "One Cycle Formation".

Ling Yunzi and the others died on the spot, except for Yu Xiaozi.

The soul escaped into the void.

A century has passed, and everyone thought he had long since vanished into thin air.

Or perhaps they would use evil methods to possess another's body and start anew; who could have imagined that?

He actually ventured into the underworld and made friends with demons!

"Indeed, it is I!"

Yu Xiaozi's soul was ethereal, as if it were floating out from the shadows of the altar.

He looked somewhat disheveled, his Taoist robe torn.

There was even a charred burn mark on the edge of the soul.

It seems to be a mark of the battle in the Illusionary Demon Sea back then.

He glanced at the corpse of the underworld official on the ground.

A hint of smugness and cruelty flashed in his eyes before he looked at Su Qingxuan.

He burst into laughter:

"Indeed, it is I!"

Su Qingxuan, do you know why I have been able to peacefully plan and lay out my strategies here for a hundred years?

"Hahaha! It's all because of my actions over the past hundred years..."

But he did a lot of "dirty work" for the Song emperor!

"Those foolish underworld officials guarding the Blackwater Prison"

And that self-righteous old devil, "Yinli"—

At this point, Yu Xiaozi's lips curled into a sinister smile.

His tone carried a hint of sarcasm:

He thought he was secretly controlling the "Soul Devouring Division".

"You think you can devour the pure magic power of the Soul Nail all by yourself? Dream on!"

"Just two hours ago, while that old ghost was away..."

I then launched a sneak attack with the 'Nine Netherworld Demonic Thunder'...

Clean out all the nails from this black water prison!

"Although Yin Li has mastered a set of evil arts, he is ultimately a coward."

Seeing that the situation was not good, he fled into the Black Water Pool and disappeared without a trace.

As for these corpses…

Yu Xiaozi pointed at the underworld officials on the ground, his eyes filled with malice:

"Even the henchmen left behind by that sinister one were sent on their way by me."

"To prevent them from ruining everything!"

"Hahahaha..." Yu Xiaozi's soul laughed wildly.

The voice was filled with endless hatred:

"Su Qingxuan! A hundred years ago,

You destroyed my fellow practitioners, killed my disciples, ruined my spiritual body, and left me like a homeless dog.

His soul was incomplete and nearly dissipated.

This hatred is irreconcilable!

He pointed to the eerie long nail on the altar, a mad glint in his eyes:

Fortunately, Heaven didn't forsake me...

My soul wandered into the underworld, and on the verge of dissipating...

They actually encountered this 'Netherworld Soul-Devouring Nail'.

This nail is an item left behind by an ancient demon lord.

It contains supreme demonic principles and the laws of the netherworld.

Even better, I met His Highness Emperor Song, a true confidant.

Emperor Song's expression changed slightly, but he remained silent.

Yu Xiaozi continued to laugh wildly: "His Highness Emperor Song has long harbored ambitions."

Unwilling to be relegated to the third of the Ten Courts, and dissatisfied with the Heavenly Court's rule over the Underworld.

Unfortunately, they lacked the strength and had no external assistance.

I have arrived with the Soul-Devouring Nail and the Demon Lord's blessing; it is truly a match made in heaven!

Your Highness helped me repair my soul, and I will assist Your Highness with the power of the Soul-Devouring Nails.

Secretly extracting those "disobedient" benevolent souls, ghost immortals.

Even the soul power of other capable subordinates of Yama,

It was refined into pure demonic energy, a portion of which nourished the Soul-Devouring Nails.

Awaken the Demon Lord's divided thoughts.

A portion will be used by Your Highness to cultivate supreme demonic arts and enhance your strength…

His gaze shifted to the dying Su Wenyuan, the soul of the Liu clan, within the water column.

His eyes gleamed with malicious glee: "As for your parents..."

Hahaha... Su Qingxuan, do you know that you have captured their souls?

"To torture His Highness Emperor Song with demonic chains to extract his soul is precisely the brilliant plan I have presented to him!"

"Firstly, it will avenge my century-old blood feud, and let you, this 'saint,' also taste the suffering of your loved ones, the pain of your heart being devoured by demons!"

"Secondly, your parents are great benefactors with profound merits."

Its soul power is pure and strong, which is exactly what nourishes the Soul-Devouring Nails.

An excellent "sacrifice" to awaken the Demon Lord's divided thoughts.

It is a hundred times stronger than an ordinary benevolent spirit.

"Come again," Yu Xiaozi said with a sinister smile, "I can lure you here..."

Su Qingxuan, I know you pride yourself on being loyal and righteous, and that you would never sit idly by and watch your parents suffer.

The Netherworld is my domain, especially in this Blackwater Prison.

Hahahaha...

Whether you sneak in secretly or report to the imperial court,

"The moment you step into the Blackwater Prison, you've entered the deadly trap that His Highness and I have meticulously prepared for you!"

He opened his arms as if embracing the entire boiling black pool.

The voice suddenly rose, filled with fanaticism: "Do you see this altar?"

Do you see this Soul-Eating Nail?

For centuries, His Highness has used the Blackwater Prison as a cover to secretly capture countless souls for the Soul-Devouring Nails to devour.

Now, only the final step remains—

With the souls of our saintly parents as the guide, and with the blood of you, the Daoist disciple who embodies the unity of the three religions, as the sacrifice.

This will completely awaken the demon lord's dormant thoughts within the Soul-Devouring Nail!

At that time, the demonic thought will awaken, and once it takes control of the Soul-Devouring Nail, it can devour the soul power accumulated in this Black Water Prison over thousands of years.

Transform into supreme magical power, and give back to His Highness Emperor Song and myself!

"And you, the Lord of the Three Palaces and the Envoy of the Netherworld, will unfortunately perish here."

It is the key to the Demon Lord's complete resurrection!

The Heavenly Court is investigating? Hmph, by then Your Highness's strength will have greatly increased.

Even with the Demon Lord's help, and the arrival of all nine palaces, what can they do to me?

Perhaps, this Netherworld is about to be transformed!

Hahaha--"

Maniacal laughter echoed through the underground space.

The black water boiled even more violently, and the crimson demonic patterns on the Soul-Devouring Nails on the altar shone brightly.

As if sensing the approach of the "key", it emitted a longing buzz.

Liu's soul became even more transparent.

Su Wenyuan's ghostly figure emitted a silent, painful wail.

Yu Xiaozi opened his arms, immersed in the fervor of awakening the Demon Lord.

A sinister voice, like a venomous snake, emerged from beneath the altar, interrupting his performance.

"Hehehe... Fellow Daoist Yuxiao, why are you in such a hurry to show off your merits?"

The souls of the Palace Master Su's parents are withered and their very essence is about to be exhausted.

If it weren't for my relentless practice of the "Nine Netherworld Soul Extraction Technique" day and night for the past three thousand years...

Nurture the 'Soul-Devouring Demon Chain'.

How could they have survived until now, constantly extracting the essence of millions of souls?

"Wait until the final stage of this ritual?"

"You killed my 'Soul Devouring Division' underworld official and stole his soul power; remember that debt..."

For a century, you and I have been fighting for soul power, a situation where two tigers cannot share one mountain.

Once this matter is settled, I will find you myself, and we will settle all scores, old and new!

As the voice spoke, it came from the lower side of the altar.

From the murky black water, a pale, withered hand emerged.

The skin on his hands was wrinkled and stuck to the bone, and his nails were black and long.

The hand suddenly pressed down on the water's surface, and a dark shadow darted out of the black pool.

They stood silently beside the Song emperor.

The newcomer was wearing a tattered judge's robe, the original color of which was no longer discernible.

His body was hunched over, his face was as pale as paper, and his eyes were sunken.

Its eyes, however, were an eerie blood red.

The shadowy figures of wailing, wronged souls seemed to linger around him.

It is indeed the "Soul Extraction Hand"—insidious and ruthless!

The faceless ghost king's dark eyes suddenly contracted.

A boundless killing intent erupted from his soul, almost tearing the entire space apart:

"You treacherous bastard! You really aren't dead! You're still working for Emperor Song!"

He smiled sinisterly and bowed in the direction of the Faceless Ghost King.

However, the movements were extremely stiff:

"Oh, isn't this the Ghost King who 'meddled' back then?"

You ruined my plans three thousand years ago.

As a result, I was dismissed from my post, thrown into the Black Ice Prison, and subjected to a century of torture, which damaged my soul!

For the past three thousand years, I have been thinking about this every moment.

We must reclaim everything we lost back then from these beings of the netherworld! And…”

Yin Li coldly snorted at the Faceless Ghost King:

"I've never forgotten your debt, not even after a thousand years! Fortunately..."

He raised his withered, claw-like right hand, and in his palm was a tiny black bone needle.

A few strands of golden soul silk still clung to the end of the needle—

It was the soul power of Su Wenyuan and Liu Shi.

"Fortunately, I was not destined to die, thanks to the benevolence of His Highness Emperor Song."

Yin Li looked at Emperor Song, a twisted fawning glint in his eyes.

"Not only did they rescue me from the Black Ice Prison, they also put me in charge of this new 'Soul Devouring Division'."

My "Nine Netherworld Soul Extraction Technique" has also made great progress...

Then, Yin Li looked at Su Qingxuan and said, "Palace Master Su, the souls of these two elders are indeed very nourishing."

But your soul, a fusion of the three religions, is the key to unlocking the Demon Lord's power.

Emperor Song had regained his composure and let out a cold snort.

This can be seen as an admission of Yin Li's existence.

Su Qingxuan's gaze instantly locked onto Yin Li.

On that black bone needle, he felt the excruciating pain of his parents' souls being torn apart.

That was no longer an empty anger, but had a concrete outlet.

"So...it was...you...who were tormenting my parents!"

Su Qingxuan spoke haltingly, his voice icy and chilling, as if the surrounding air were about to freeze.

Yin Li, however, was not afraid. Instead, he provocatively brandished the bone needle in his hand and sneered:

"Torture? This old man is 'purifying' it!"

Palace Master Su, now that you're here, why not try the 'Nine Nether Soul Extraction' technique?

"Draining you dry will be perfect for nourishing the Demon Lord!"

Su Qingxuan listened quietly, his face as cold as ice.

The raging anger and the excruciating grief in my heart erupted at this moment.

Instead, it settles down and transforms into the purest and coldest killing intent.

He slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over Yin Li, over Yu Xiaozi, and over the Demon General.

Finally, the image settled on Emperor Song's face.

"Emperor Song," Su Qingxuan began, his voice calm.

However, it caused the temperature in the entire space to drop by three degrees.

"As one of the Ten Kings of Hell, you are in charge of one region of reincarnation."

They were granted imperial titles by the Heavenly Court and enjoyed the incense offerings of the Three Realms.

Driven by selfish desires, he colluded with the demonic path, harmed good souls, and cultivated demonic arts.

He also sought to awaken the fragmented thoughts of the ancient Demon Lord, wreaking havoc in the Netherworld and overturning the order of the Three Realms.

With each word he spoke, the golden light on the "Imperial Patrol" token in his hand intensified.

The four characters "as if I were personally present" seemed to come alive.

It exuded a vast and mighty aura, enveloping the Song emperor.

"Do you know your crime?!"

Under the imperial power of the token and the icy gaze of Su Qingxuan, Emperor Song was in awe.

His expression shifted, and fear and struggle flashed in his eyes...

Ultimately, it transformed into a hideous wisp.

"Sin?" he roared hoarsely, as if trying to bolster his own courage.

"Su Qingxuan, you are nothing more than a lucky person who ascended from the lower realm."

Having been lucky enough to inherit the teachings of the three religions, do they really think they represent the justice and righteousness of Heaven?

The Heavenly Court rules over the Three Realms, but has it ever truly treated me, the Netherworld, fairly?

With resources being allocated unequally and authority being restricted, which Yama, the King of Hell, doesn't harbor resentment?

"I merely wish to fight for true autonomy for myself and for the Netherworld!"

He pointed to Yu Xiaozi, Yin Li, and the four demon generals:

"So what if it's the demonic path? Power is power!"

If you can help me ascend to the pinnacle of the Netherworld and control reincarnation,

The demonic path is also the righteous path!

"Su Qingxuan, since you are here today, you may stay with your parents."

Become a sacrifice for the Demon Lord's resurrection!

I'll kill you and seize your destiny of uniting the three religions.

The Soul-Eating Nail will be fully awakened.

At that time, I will be the new Lord of the Underworld!

"Stubborn to the end!" Su Qingxuan slowly shook his head.

His gaze shifted to his parents in the water column.

He looked at the Soul-Devouring Nail that emitted an evil aura.

When he turned to look at them again,

The last trace of warmth had vanished from his eyes.

"Emperor Song, since you have willingly fallen into depravity and allied yourself with demons..."

Those who defy Heaven and the Way are unworthy to be Yama, the King of Hell.

"Yu Xiaozi, a hundred years ago you managed to escape with only a wisp of your soul."

It was my oversight.

Today, let's settle this once and for all.

"As for you demons..."

He looked at the silent demon general.

"The Demon Lord of Guixu has stretched his reach too far."

Today, let's break one of his claws first.

As soon as he finished speaking, Su Qingxuan moved.

There was no earth-shattering momentum, no dazzling supernatural power.

He simply stepped forward.

With one step, the three-colored lotus platform beneath his feet shone brightly.

The golden, blue, and white Daoist auras swept out like a tide.

Wherever it passed, the boiling black water was forcibly suppressed.

The corrosive black energy dissipated as if it had met its nemesis.

The black water chains binding Su Wenyuan were shattered by the three-colored Daoist aura.

It made a crisp "crack" sound, and cracks appeared!

"Save my uncle!" Chi Ying cried out, her silver spear flashing like a dragon.

Shoot directly at the broken chain!

"Protect the altar! Activate the grand formation!" Yu Xiaozi shouted sternly.

His soul suddenly expanded, with blue lightning and black demonic energy intertwining around him.

It transformed into a thunderous demonic claw, grabbing towards the Crimson Tassel Demon-Slaying Spear!

The four demon generals also attacked simultaneously, their demonic energy surging and transforming into four giant demonic palms that slammed towards Su Qingxuan!

Emperor Song gritted his teeth, and a black Yama Seal appeared in his hand.

It drew upon the dark power of the entire Blackwater Prison, unleashing countless streams of black water.

It rises from the pool.

They transformed into ferocious black dragons, roaring as they pounced on the crowd.

"Your opponent is me!" Yun Miaozi drew his Silent Extinction Sword.

A chaotic sword light slashed horizontally, cutting several black water dragons in half.

The sword's momentum remained undiminished, heading straight for the Song emperor...

The faceless ghost king's dark eyes were wide open in anger, and the vertical slit on his forehead was fully open.

A hazy, gray beam of "annihilation light," seemingly capable of dissolving everything, shot out.

A sweeping motion towards the demon general's outstretched hand...

Two hundred heavenly soldiers roared in unison, and the Pure Yang Heavenly Gang Formation was activated to its maximum.

Two hundred streams of malevolent energy shot into the sky, transforming into a gigantic "Pure Yang Demon-Slaying Sword" in mid-air...

A great battle erupted in this desolate and ghostly place!

Su Qingxuan seemed oblivious to everything around him.

In his eyes, there were only two illusory soul shadows in the water column.

He took another step forward.

This step, shrinking the distance to an inch, instantly traversed a distance of tens of feet.

We arrived at the edge of the altar.

The Soul-Devouring Nail sensed a threat and trembled violently.

The crimson magic runes on the nail shone brightly.

Countless black and red demonic energies, shaped like venomous snakes, burst forth.

They entwined tightly around Su Qingxuan.

"roll!"

Su Qingxuan uttered a single word.

The true essence of the three religions erupted from his body, transforming into a hazy, chaotic radiance.

Those demonic venomous snakes touched the chaotic light.

Like ice and snow meeting boiling oil, they instantly melt and evaporate.

Su Qingxuan raised his hand and pointed his fingers like a sword.

A three-colored sword light that embodies the righteousness of Confucianism, the sharpness of Taoism, and the spirit of Buddhism in dispelling evil.

It slashed at the black water chains binding Su Wenyuan's Liu clan soul.

"Don't even think about it!" Yu Xiaozi roared, bracing himself against Chi Ying's spear.

His soul suddenly became ethereal and teleported to Su Qingxuan's side, where he clasped his hands together.

A "Nine Netherworld Demonic Thunder" that combines one's innate Daoist magic with demonic and evil power.

It slashed fiercely towards Su Qingxuan's back!

This strike combined Yu Xiaozi's century-long resentment with his demonic cultivation.

This was a full-force attack from a peak Golden Immortal!

It also contains the soul-corroding properties of demonic lightning, making it extremely vicious.

Su Qingxuan neither dodged nor avoided the attack, nor even turned around.

With just a thought, the "Imperial Patrol" token above his head shone brightly with golden light.

The four characters "as if I were personally present" suddenly enlarged.

It transformed into a golden barrier, standing behind them.

"boom……!"

The Nine Netherworld Demonic Lightning slammed solidly into the golden barrier.

It burst forth with a blinding light and a deafening roar.

The barrier shook violently, but it blocked all the raging demonic lightning power.

The token was personally bestowed by the Jade Emperor and contains the orthodox fortune of the Heavenly Court.

With its supreme divine might, it is precisely the nemesis of such demonic power.

Just then, Su Qingxuan's sword finger fell.

"Clang!"

With a crisp ringing sound, the black water chains snapped.

Su Wenyuan and Liu's weakened souls slid off the altar.

Su Qingxuan reached out and gently caught them.

Carefully wrapped in the light of the true meaning of the three religions, it was placed into my arms.

Liu's soul was so transparent that it was almost invisible, and her breath was as faint as a candle flickering in the wind.

Su Wenyuan was in the same situation, but at least he still retained a glimmer of hope.

Su Qingxuan felt somewhat relieved.

He took out the two strings of Bodhi prayer beads given to him by Xiao Lingyue.

They were worn on the wrists of the father's and mother's spirits, respectively.

The light of the prayer beads blends with the true meaning of the three religions, transforming into a warm and gentle halo.

It gently nourished the two souls that were about to dissipate.

"Father, Mother, hold on. Xuan'er is here."

Su Qingxuan murmured softly, her voice trembling slightly.

He carefully placed his parents' souls into his arms—

He created a temporary "soul-nurturing space" based on the true meaning of the three religions.

Then, the "purifying handkerchief" given to it by Lin Wanqing was placed on top of it.

Stabilize the last bit of soul light.

Only after he had done all this did he slowly raise his head.

Look at the Soul-Eating Nail that was buzzing wildly in the center of the altar.

In his eyes, the vulnerability and sorrow that had just belonged to the "son of man"

Disappeared completely.

All that remains is the eternally frozen chill and the murderous intent that burns the heavens to ashes.

"Yu Xiaozi, Emperor Song, Yin Li, Demon General..."

You all deserve to die!

Su Qingxuan stepped forward, taking another first step.

This step shook the entire Blackwater Prison!

It is:

The lotus platform shatters a thousand demonic barriers, a sword's cold light chills to the bone.

His power to uphold justice on behalf of Heaven is still formidable, and from this day forward, the netherworld will be pacified.