The completion of his study was followed by his travels to different Buddhist temples. He preached and taught in various places. Xuedou eventually settled down in Zisheng temple on the mountain of Xuedou due to the invitation of the local officer of Siming prefecture. In Zisheng temple where he spent 31 years, Xuedou witnessed the peak of his fame. Xuedou was the Fourth Patriarch in the House of Yunmen. Even the imperial court was not able to neglect his fame and consequently bestowed the title "Zen Master Mingjue" (明覺禪師) on him. He died in 1052 during the reign of emperor Renzong of Song. He left behind a series of religious works such as "Baize Songgu" and "Xuedou niangu".
