The Heavenly Dao's Influence and the Supreme Convergence of the Three Religions

津门

In front of a very large old house in the east of the city.

"Knock knock..."

After lightly knocking twice on the bronze door knocker, Zhang Fuhu said loudly:

"Zhang Fuhu of the Killing Body Martial Arts School has come to pay his respects today with his disciples."

As soon as he finished speaking, the originally tightly closed dark blue door opened slowly and automatically, as if two invisible doormen had come to open the door and welcome the guests.

Zhang Fuhu strode in first, followed by Li Xijun.

He looked around the vast garden, where winding streams meandered among pavilions and rockeries, sometimes hidden beneath rocks, sometimes visible beside corridors, their waters murmuring softly. The rock peaks were rugged and precipitous, with perforated openings. Some rockeries stood abruptly by the water, creating the danger of cliffs; others were piled up to form ridges, creating the undulating landscape of peaks and valleys.

While marveling at its serene and tranquil atmosphere, a perfect place for self-cultivation and peace of mind, Li Xijun naturally realized what the great opportunity Zhang Fuhu had mentioned was.

The most likely person to have such a secluded residence in Tianjin, and to be able to open the door out of thin air, is probably Li Boyan, the cabinet minister who returned to his hometown a few days ago!

He continuously visualized the "Twenty-Four White Lotus Crossing the Netherworld" in his mind, gradually calming and quieting his mind.

He followed them until they arrived at a lakeside hall called "Tui Si Xuan".

The huge floor-to-ceiling windows and doors are bright and airy, taking in the surrounding lake and mountain scenery.

However, similarly, the slender old man sitting on a rush cushion drinking tea at the tea table in the hall was also perfectly in harmony with the surrounding scenery, presenting himself as one with nature to the two of them.

Although the other person appeared to be sitting there very naturally to the naked eye, Li Xijun felt as if the only thing in front of him was an empty hall with mountains and water.

"Since our parting in the capital years ago, Master Boyan's demeanor remains as elegant as ever..." Zhang Fuhu stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Just a few days ago, you arrived in Tianjin and thwarted the schemes of that foreign church. The unity of the three religions is truly unparalleled throughout history, a unique and remarkable achievement."

"Ha... I'm an old man, how can I talk about style... On the contrary, Yuanrong (Zhang Fuhu's courtesy name is Yuanrong), it's been a long time since I've seen you, you're still as strong as ever."

Seeing the friends he had made during the East-West War, Li Boyan's expression softened considerably. He shook his head and chuckled, gesturing for them to proceed.

Zhang Fuhu stepped forward and sat down, accepting the tea offered by the other party. He remained calm on the surface, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief.

The two met during the war against the invasion of Westerners. Because they both held radical views advocating war, they participated in the war together and their friendship was indeed forged through life and death on the battlefield.

However, as decades have passed, things have changed.

The other party was already a high-ranking and powerful cabinet minister, a True Lord of Refining Spirit and Manifesting Saint, while he himself was just a Blood-Changing Martial Saint comparable to the Out-of-Body stage.

Given that they had only corresponded by letter over the years, he had some doubts about coming today.

Fortunately, the other party's attitude remained unchanged.

Zhang Fuhu glanced at Li Xijun without making a sound, and instead of getting straight to the point, he started by talking about what the Seven Gods Church had been doing these days, and then brought up their past.

More than an hour had passed, and seeing that it was almost time, Zhang Fuhu pointed at Li Xijun and said:

"This kid is called Li Xijun. He returned to China a few days ago to learn martial arts and joined my Killing Body Martial Arts School."

"He is not even eighteen years old yet, but he has already achieved some skill in both martial arts and spiritual cultivation."

"Not only has he achieved minor success in refining the spirit, but his future is promising. As for martial arts, he has been cultivating both spirit and martial arts according to the book you wrote back then, Boyan Gong. He perfected his skin and flesh in one month and his bones and muscles in three months, and he has now reached the Refining the Dirty realm."

"I originally wanted to take him as my personal disciple, but later I saw that he was exceptionally talented in both spiritual cultivation and martial arts, and I felt that doing so would really delay his future."

"I brought this boy here today to ask Lord Boyan to accept him as a disciple."

After saying this, Zhang Fuhu looked at the other person with anticipation.

But at this moment, the thin old man, after taking a sip of tea, glanced at Li Xijun from head to toe, sighed slightly, and then said:

"Indeed, you are an excellent prospect. When I added those words to the end of the book 'Detailed Explanation of the Beginner's Guide to Spirit Refining', I thought that theoretically, a genius who cultivates both spirit refining and martial arts would make that kind of progress. I never expected that you would actually do it."

"This is all thanks to the martial arts school and the master's teachings. I am also fortunate to have read the teacher's earnest teachings, which has enabled you to make this progress."

Li Xijun had already sensed something was wrong, but she still quickly stood up, bowed, and answered.

"However, there is one thing that Yuan Rong is wrong about. You are not just at the Lesser Completion of Spiritual Condensation, but are already close to the Greater Completion. You are indeed a genius in Spiritual Refinement. What visualization method do you practice?"

"Sir, this is the 'Twenty-Four White Lotus Crossing the Netherworld' painting that I obtained from an enemy."

If Zhang Fuhu hadn't pointed it out before they arrived, Li Xijun probably wouldn't have told the truth, or if she had, she probably would have hesitated.

But having been prepared, he told him directly and frankly.

This made Li Boyan nod slightly, but then he shook his head and said:

"You are indeed an honest person. If you had been hesitant and concealing your intentions before, I would have politely asked you to leave. But since you are like this, then I will speak frankly:"

"If I had met you a few years earlier, and with the recommendation of the general, I would have taken you as my disciple and devoted myself to nurturing you."

"It's a pity... you're too late. I've given up on the possibility of cultivating both spirit and martial arts. I only wish to live up to His Majesty's trust and spend the rest of my life in seclusion in the countryside, taking care of the Ninth Princess."

"Lord Boyan, this! Why is this happening?!"

Zhang Fuhu, however, could not hide his emotions and straightened his body.

"Back when we slept side by side on the battlefield, didn't we speak with absolute certainty that cultivating both paths might lead to a breakthrough and forge a new path?"

"Why have you lost all your spirit, Boyan Gong? You've even given up on trying?"

The other person's attitude made Zhang Fuhu feel even worse than if he had rejected Li Xijun.

However, the thin old man opposite them spoke calmly and said something that shocked the two of them.

"General, the seven Western gods have begun to awaken in recent years. I spoke with the god of machinery and steam a year ago."

"From His words, I became certain of one thing: not only is martial arts a dead end, but the path of spiritual cultivation will never lead to a realm comparable to the Seven Gods. While dual cultivation of martial arts and spiritual cultivation may result in breakthroughs, it is impossible to become a god."

"We were all wrong," Li Boyan said calmly.

"What! This...this..." Zhang Fuhu's worldview was shattered; he couldn't believe it. "Could it be that what God says is true? Or is it just empty threats?"

"It's not just empty threats, it's the truth. Because there is no 'uniqueness' in the Eastern Continent, and only by embracing uniqueness in this world can one ascend to become a god."

Li Xijun listened silently to this enormous secret, while Zhang Fuhu still couldn't believe it.

"I sensed something was wrong during the great war between East and West years ago."

"At that time, three gods descended to earth in succession from the West, which almost shook the entire Great Sheng."

"At that time, the cultivators of the three religions almost pulled out all their secrets. At that time, the teacher held the engraving knife of the Supreme Sage Master, the sweeping monk behind the Dajue Temple carried 108 relics of eminent monks from past generations, the Celestial Master of the Celestial Masters Sacrifice Celestial Master Sword and the Dao Ancestor Diagram, and blessed the entire incense foundation of the three religions of Dasheng. Their strength was almost unprecedented in history."

"Back then, their strength was enough to rival the gods, yet none of them could trigger the third heavenly tribulation and achieve the supreme Yang God status in the path of refining the spirit."

Li Xijun's breathing quickened upon hearing this.

It seems that in this world, the path of cultivating spirits requires one to undergo a heavenly tribulation after becoming a Manifestation Saint True Lord, and those who undergo this tribulation are powerful enough to contend with gods.

Even the psychic powers of the main world have never heard of someone this strong.

When Zhang Fuhu first heard this secret, he was completely flustered and looked bewildered.

Only the thin, elderly scholar before him continued pouring tea, though occasionally a drop would spill, prompting him to put down the teapot and continue:

"It wasn't just them. Back then, the combined strength of the millions of people of the Great Sheng Dynasty was enough to allow His Majesty to enter the fray when the three religions were defeated, transforming into a blue dragon and nearly causing a stalemate with the three gods. However, after the battle, His Majesty was critically injured and on the verge of death, while those gods, after only a few decades of slumber, will surely return."

"When I was in the cabinet, I had a conversation with His Majesty. As His Majesty said, his power was already comparable to the Seven Gods, but that one step closer seemed to be locked up, and it could not be opened without the key."

"It's not that only you and I can do it, it's not that martial arts or spiritual cultivation are insufficient, but rather that the Way of Heaven is biased, the Way of Heaven... is biased!"

At this point, the thin old scholar could no longer maintain his composure. He looked up at the sky and sighed, his expression desolate and his sorrow unconcealed.

This reminded Li Xijun of the expression on Zhuge Liang's face before his death in the old version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" in her previous life, which said, "Oh, heavens, how have you treated me so cruelly?"

The entire hall fell silent. The entire lakeside scenery, bamboo grove, and courtyard seemed to be affected by him, becoming extremely quiet, with only the bleak autumn wind blowing by.

Zhang Fuhu slowly stood up, and Li Boyan silently picked up his teacup, preparing to see the guest off.

Just as Li Xijun also felt hopeless and was about to get up and leave, Zhang Fuhu said in a deep voice:

"Lord Boyan, I am but a minor Blood Transformation Martial Saint. I cannot see the gods of the Three Religions and the Heavenly Dragon Emperor above, and I am truly unable to understand as clearly as you how unattainable the gods are."

"However, now the Church of the Night and the Church of the God of War are pressing us step by step, and everyone knows that the Westerners have the intention to destroy us."

"I'm an old man, so I'll die soon, but the thought of my descendants being tortured and killed, forced to believe in the church, and treated as slaves makes me unable to close my eyes in peace."

"My disciple is exceptionally talented. He may be able to forge a new path by combining spiritual cultivation and martial arts. Even if he fails, it would be a good thing if the Great Sheng could produce another Manifestation Saint True Lord."

"I know that the path of refining the spirit is too heavily reliant on inheritance. Without a renowned master and the supreme visualization method, one can never become a manifest saintly true lord in one's lifetime."

After saying this, the old man with white hair and beard crossed his hands and bowed deeply, showing extreme humility.

"I only beg Lord Li to give me a chance, for the sake of my old face."

The world became extremely quiet, with only the autumn wind blowing outside the window.

Pale yellow daisies swayed in the wind, prompting the girl squatting in front of them to carefully lower her head and gently sniff them.

Li Xijun subconsciously opened her mouth as if to say something, but for a moment, she felt somewhat lost.

His years of experience trading in the stock market in his previous life had already instilled in him a trading mindset.

Therefore,

When Zhou Yibai, his so-called brother, cut ties with him and then befriended Zhou Shenghao and others...

He felt no anger whatsoever; on the contrary, he was completely calm.

Given his situation at the time, the other party's actions were a correct move to eliminate the weak and retain the strong.

He could accept Zhang Haifeng's initial investment of 200,000 yuan with a clear conscience.

Because he knew he would reciprocate in kind.

Su Nianying said that he could be at ease being Su Nianying's instructor, teaching him swordsmanship.

Because he was confident that he could surpass the Wood Saint and become the strongest in history, the genius that the other side was looking forward to on the flag-raising platform.

But now, seeing this old man with white hair and beard pleading softly for his future in spiritual cultivation,

He, however, unusually felt fear and helplessness.

"Sigh... So many years have passed, and you're still as stubborn as ever, never giving up until you hit a brick wall."

This refined old scholar shook his head and smiled wryly, finally emerging from that lofty state of mind where heaven and earth were one, and showing some humanity.

"Enough, enough... I can teach him the supreme contemplation method of the fusion of the three teachings that he created back then."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fuhu straightened up. Just as he breathed a sigh of relief and was about to grin,

"However, this visualization method requires the three chapters on visualization methods of the three religions as its foundation, and these three chapters must be at least advanced visualization methods."

"In the past, during the war between the Eastern and Western continents, the three religions exchanged knowledge and resources, which gave me the opportunity to borrow and read many of the three religions' meditation methods, and I made a vow in my soul not to spread them outside."

"If you wish to receive my teachings, you must promptly switch to advanced visualization techniques while in a state of meditation. Consider this your test."

At this point, Li Boyan looked at the young man before him and asked:

"You're nearing the completion of your Qi Condensation stage. Do you possess a magical flying sword?"

"When I was looting the corpse before, besides the 'Twenty-Four White Lotus Crossing the Extinction Picture', there was also a flying sword with blood-patterned netting."

Li Xijun continued to speak the truth in front of this person.

"Well, you cultivate both spiritual refinement and martial arts, and you have a flying sword. You've also just learned the 'Twenty-Four Grade White Lotus Crossing the Extinction Diagram.' Now that you've entered the Refining the Dirty Realm, you should learn some sword techniques to protect yourself."

As soon as he finished speaking, a thin brass page from a corner of the library on the edge of the manor transformed into a golden light and flew out, landing in Li Xijun's hand in an instant.

"No matter what, since Yuan Rong brought you here, I can't be stingy. Consider this sword technique my greeting gift."

Upon hearing this, Li Xijun subconsciously glanced at the book.

He was suddenly overcome by a terrifying, chilling sense of death that swept over his entire body, as if hell itself had descended upon him, and ghosts and gods were demanding his life, their souls being seized and their spirits to be killed. He couldn't help but shiver, and his back was instantly soaked with cold sweat.

He immediately realized that this sword technique was definitely not ordinary, so he quickly stood up, bowed, and thanked him.

After accepting the situation calmly, Li Boyan finally made the gesture of serving tea to his guest and seeing him off.

"Go... come back when you reach the state of forgetfulness."