Chapter 12: Chen Tang Guan Nezha's Birth

诗曰： 金光洞里有奇珍，降落尘寰辅至仁。周室已生佳气色；商家应自灭精神。从来泰运多梁栋，自古昌期有劫磷。戊午时中逢甲子，漫嗟朝野尽沉沦。

The poem says: Within the golden light cave there are rare treasures; they descend to the mortal world to assist supreme benevolence. The Zhou dynasty has already shown auspicious signs; The Shang family should naturally extinguish their spirit. Since ancient times, prosperous eras have had many pillars of the nation; since olden days, periods of flourishing have been accompanied by calamitous omens. At the wuwu hour when jiazi is encountered, one can only lament as both court and countryside sink into oblivion.

话说陈塘关有一总兵官，姓李，名靖，自幼访道修真，拜西昆仑度厄真人为师，学成五行遁术。因仙道难成，故遣下山辅佐纣王，官居总兵，享受人间之富贵。元配殷氏，生有二子：长曰金吒，次曰木吒。殷夫人后又怀孕在身，已及三年零六个月，倘不生产。李靖时常心下忧疑，一日，指夫人之腹，言曰：“孕怀三载有馀，尚不降生，非妖即怪。”夫人亦烦恼曰：“此孕定非吉兆，教我日夜忧心。”李靖听说，心下甚是不乐。当晚夜至三更，夫人睡得正浓，梦见一道人，头挽双髻，身著道服，迳进香房。夫人叱曰：“这道人甚不知理。此乃内室，如何迳进，著实可恶！”道人曰：“夫人快接麟儿！”夫人未及答，只见道人将一物往夫人怀中一送，夫人猛然惊醒，骇出一身冷汗。忙唤醒李总兵曰：“适才梦中……如此如此……”说了一遍。言未毕时，殷夫入已觉腹中疼痛。靖急起来，至前厅坐下。暗想：“怀身三年零六个月，今夜如此，莫非降生，凶吉尚未可知。”正思虑间，只见两个侍儿，慌忙前来：“启老爷：夫人生下一个妖精来了！”李靖听说，急忙来至香房，手执宝剑，只见房里一团红气，满屋异香。有一肉球，滴溜溜圆转如轮。李靖大惊，望肉球上一剑砍去，划然有声。分开肉球，跳出一个小孩儿来，满地红光，面如傅粉，右手套一金镯，肚腹上围著一块红绫，金光射目。──这位神圣下世，出在陈塘关，乃姜子牙先行官是也；灵珠子化身。金镯是“乾坤圈”，红绫名曰“混天绫。”此物乃是乾元山镇金光洞之宝。表过不题。──只见李靖砍开肉球，见一孩儿满地上跑。李靖骇异，上前一把抱将起来，分明是个好孩子，又不忍作为妖怪坏他性命。乃递与夫人看。彼此恩爱不舍，各各忧喜。却说次日，有许多属官，俱来贺喜。李靖刚发放完毕，中军官来禀：“启老爷：外面有一道人求见。”李靖原是道门，怎敢忘本。忙道：“请来。”军政官急请道人。道人迳上大厅，朝上对李靖曰：“将军，贫道稽首了。”李靖忙答礼毕，尊道人上坐。道人不谦，便就坐下。李靖曰：“老师何处名山？甚么洞府？今到此关，有何见谕？”道人曰：“贫道乃乾元山金光洞太乙真人是也。闻得将军生了公子，特来贺喜。借令公子一看，不知尊意如何？”李靖闻道人之言，随唤侍儿抱将出来。侍儿将公子抱将出来。道人接在手，看了一看，问曰：“此子落在那个时辰？”李靖答曰：“生在丑时。”道人曰：“不好。”李靖答曰：“此子莫非养不得么？”道人曰：“非也。此子生于丑时，正犯了一千七百杀戒。”又问：“此子可曾起名否？”

It is said that in the city of Chentangguan there was a general named Li Jing, who from an early age sought the Dao and cultivated truth. He became a disciple of Xikunlun Dueduo Zhenren (the True Man Who Measures Calamities), learning the Five Elements Evading Arts to mastery. Because cultivation of the Dao of immortals proved difficult, he was therefore dispatched to descend from the mountain to assist King Zhou. He held the position of general and enjoyed wealth and honor in the mortal world. His first wife, Yin Shi, bore him two sons: the elder was Jinzha, and the younger was Muzha. Later, Lady Yin became pregnant again; it had already been three years and six months, yet she did not give birth. Li Jing often felt anxious and doubtful in his heart. One day, he pointed to his wife's abdomen and said, "The pregnancy has lasted more than three years yet the child still does not come forth; it is either a demon or an omen." The lady was also troubled and said, "This pregnancy must surely be an ill omen; it causes me worry day and night." Upon hearing this, Li Jing felt very unhappy. That night at the third watch, when Lady Yin was sleeping soundly, she dreamed of a Daoist priest with two buns on his head and dressed in Daoist robes who entered the incense chamber directly. The lady scolded, "This Daoist is very impolite." "This is a private chamber; how dare you enter directly? It is truly despicable!" The Daoist said, "Madam, quickly receive your dragon son!" Before the lady could reply, she saw the Daoist place something into her arms. The lady suddenly awoke in alarm, breaking out in a cold sweat. She hurriedly woke General Li and said, "Just now in my dream... like this, like that..." recounting the whole thing. Before she had finished speaking, Lady Yin already felt pain in her abdomen. Jing hurriedly got up and sat down at the front hall. He silently thought, "A pregnancy of three years and six months; tonight's events—could this be the time for birth? Whether it is auspicious or ominous remains unknown." Just as he was pondering, two attendants hurriedly came forward and said, "My lord: Madam has given birth to a demon!" Upon hearing this, Li Jing hurriedly went to the incense chamber, sword in hand. He saw a red aura inside the room and an unusual fragrance filled the entire house. There was a ball of flesh, round and spinning like a wheel. Li Jing was greatly startled and swung his sword at the ball of flesh; there was a sharp sound as he struck it. The ball of flesh split open, and a child leaped out. The ground was covered in red light; the child's face was as smooth as powdered white, with a golden bracelet on his right hand and a piece of red silk wrapped around his abdomen, emitting golden light that dazzled the eyes. ──This divine being who descended into the mortal world was born in Chentangguan; he is none other than Jiang Ziya's vanguard officer. The embodiment of Lingzhuzi. The golden bracelet is the "Qiankun Circle," and the red silk is called the "Huntian Silk." These treasures are from the Jin Guangdong cave on Qianyuan Mountain. No further mention will be made of this. ──Only then did Li Jing cut open the ball of flesh and see a child running around on the ground. Li Jing was startled and amazed; he stepped forward and picked up the child. Clearly, it was a fine child, and he could not bear to treat him as a demon and take his life. He handed the child over for Lady Yin to see. They were filled with both sorrow and joy, unable to part from one another in affection. Now on the next day, many of his subordinates came to offer congratulations. Just as Li Jing had finished receiving them, the chief officer came forward and reported: "My lord: a Daoist outside is requesting an audience." Li Jing, originally from the Daoist tradition, could not forget his roots. He quickly said, "Please bring him in." The military officer hurriedly invited the Daoist. The Daoist went directly to the main hall and, facing Li Jing, said, "General, your humble servant bows respectfully." Li Jing quickly returned the courtesy and honored the Daoist by seating him in an upper position. The Daoist did not demur but sat down immediately. Li Jing asked, "Master, which famous mountain is your home?" What cave dwelling do you reside in? Why have you come to this pass today, and what message do you bring?" The Daoist said, "I am Taiyi Zhenren of Jin Guangdong on Qianyuan Mountain." "I heard that General has given birth to a son and have come especially to offer my congratulations." "May I request the honor of seeing your young master? I wonder if you would be so kind?" Upon hearing the Daoist's words, Li Jing immediately called for a servant to bring the child out. The servant brought the young master out. The Daoist took the child in his hands, looked at him for a moment, and asked, "At what hour was this child born?" Li Jing replied, "He was born during the chou hour." The Daoist said, "That is not good." Li Jing replied, "Is this child perhaps unadoptable?" The Daoist said, "No." "This child was born during the chou hour and has exactly violated one thousand seven hundred killing precepts." The Daoist then asked, "Has this child been given a name yet?"

李靖答曰：“不曾。”道人曰：“待贫道与他起个名，就与贫道做个徒弟，何如？”李靖答曰：“愿拜道者为师。”道人曰：“将军有几位公子？”李靖答曰：“不才有三子；长曰金吒，拜五龙山云霄洞文殊广法天尊为师；次曰木吒，拜九宫山白鹤洞普贤真人为师。老师既要此子为门下，但凭起一名讳，便拜道长为师。”道人曰：“此子第三，取名叫做‘哪吒’。”李靖谢曰：“多承厚德命名，感谢不尽。”唤左右：“看斋。”道人乃辞曰：“这个不必，贫道有事，即便回山。”著实固辞。李靖只得送道人出府。那道人别过，迳自去了。

Li Jing replied, "No." The Daoist said, "Let me give him a name. Allow him to become my disciple; what do you think?" Li Jing replied, "I am willing to have the Daoist as his teacher." The Daoist asked, "How many sons does General have?" Li Jing replied, "I am humble and have only three sons; the eldest is Jinzha, who has taken Wuxiongshan Yunxiao Dong's Wenshu Guangfa Tiandun as his teacher; the second is Muzha, who has taken Jiugongshan Bahe Dong's Puxian Zhenren as his teacher. "If Master wishes to take this child as a disciple, please give him any name you see fit, and he shall bow to the Daoist master as his teacher." The Daoist said, "This is the third child; let us name him 'Nezha.'" Li Jing thanked and said, "I am deeply grateful for your generous act of naming. My thanks are endless." He called to those on his side: "Prepare vegetarian food." The Daoist declined and said, "This is unnecessary; I have matters to attend to and must return to the mountain immediately." He earnestly refused. Li Jing had no choice but to see the Daoist out of his residence. The Daoist bade farewell and departed directly.

话说李靖在关上无事，忽闻报天下反了四百诸侯。忙传令出，把守关隘，操演三军，训练士卒，谨提防野马岭要地。鸟飞兔走，瞬息光阴，暑往寒来，不觉七载。哪吒年方七岁，身长六尺。时逢五月，天气炎热，李靖因东伯侯姜文焕反了，在游魂关大战窦荣，因此每日操练三军，教练士卒。不表。

It is said that while Li Jing was in the pass with nothing to do, he suddenly heard a report that four hundred feudal lords had rebelled across the land. He quickly issued orders to station troops at the pass, drill the three armies, train the soldiers, and carefully guard the strategic location of Yemaling. Time passed swiftly like birds flying and hares running; summer gave way to winter, and before long seven years had gone by. Nezha was just seven years old, already six chi tall. At that time, it was May and the weather was hot. Li Jing was engaged in battle with Dou Rong at Youhun Guan because Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhuan had rebelled; thus, he trained his three armies every day and drilled his soldiers. No further mention will be made.

且说三公子哪吒见天气暑热，心下烦躁，来见母亲，参见毕，站立一傍，对母亲曰：“孩儿要出关外闲玩一会。禀过母亲，方敢前去。”殷夫人爱子之心重，便叫：“我儿，你既要去关外闲玩，可带一名家将领你去，不可贪玩，快去快来。恐怕你爷爷操练回来。”哪吒应道：“孩儿晓得。”哪吒同家将出得关来，正是五月天气，也就著实炎热。但见： 太阳真火炼尘埃，绿柳娇禾欲化灰。行旅畏威慵举步；佳人怕热懒登台。凉亭有暑如烟燎；水阁无风似火埋。漫道荷香来曲院，轻雷细雨始开怀。

Now, the third son Nezha, feeling restless due to the hot weather, came to see his mother. After paying respects and standing by her side, he said to his mother, "I wish to go outside the pass for a while of leisurely play." "I will not dare to leave until I have informed you, Mother." Lady Yin, who deeply loved her son, said, "My child, if you wish to go out of the pass for leisurely play, take one household general with you. Do not indulge in play too long; go quickly and return swiftly." "I fear your grandfather will return from training soon." Nezha replied, "I understand, Mother." Nezha and the household general left the pass. It was May, and the weather was indeed very hot. They saw: The true fire of the sun refines dust; green willows and tender crops nearly turn to ash. Travelers fear the heat and are too weary to take a step; Fair ladies dread the heat and lazily avoid ascending the pavilion. Cool pavilions feel as hot as smoke from a fire; Water pavilions, though windless, seem buried in flames. One might say the fragrance of lotuses comes from a winding courtyard; only gentle thunder and drizzle can soothe one's heart.

话说哪吒同家将出关，约行一里之馀，天热难行。哪吒走得汗流满面，乃叫家将：“看前面树阴之下，可好纳凉？”家将来到绿柳阴中，只见薰风荡荡，烦襟尽解，急忙走回来，对哪吒禀曰：“禀公子，前面柳荫之内，甚是清凉，可以避暑。”哪吒听说，不觉大喜；便走进林内；解开衣带，舒放襟怀，甚是快乐。猛忽的见那壁厢清波滚滚，绿水滔滔，真是两岸垂杨风习习，崖傍乱石水潺潺。哪吒立起身来，走到河边，叫家将：“我方才走出关来，热极了，一身是汗。如今且在石上洗一个澡。”家将曰：“公子仔细，只怕老爷回来，可早些回去。”哪吒曰：“不妨。”脱了衣裳，坐在石上，把七尺混天绫放在水里，蘸水洗澡，不知这河是九湾河，是东海口上。哪吒将此宝放在水中，把水俱映红了。摆一摆，江河晃动，摇一摇，乾坤动撼。那哪吒洗澡，不觉那水晶宫已愰的乱响。

It is said that Nezha, accompanied by a household general, left the pass and walked about one li before finding it too hot to continue. Nezha had sweat streaming down his face and called out to the household general, "Look ahead—can we take shelter under that tree shade for some coolness?" The household general went to the shade of the green willows and saw that the warm breeze was gentle, easing all discomfort. He hurriedly returned and reported to Nezha: "My young master, within the shade of the willows ahead is a very cool place where we can take shelter from the heat." Nezha heard this and could not help but be delighted; he immediately walked into the grove; unfastened his sash, relaxed his chest and heart, and felt very happy. Suddenly, he saw the clear waves rolling and green waters flowing on the other side; truly, willows hung low along both banks with a gentle breeze, while rocks jutted out by the cliffs as water trickled softly. Nezha stood up and walked to the riverbank, calling out to his household general: "I have just left the pass and am extremely hot; I am drenched in sweat." "I will now take a bath on this rock for a while." The household general said, "My young master be careful. We should return early in case the Lord comes back." Nezha replied, "It's fine." He took off his clothes, sat on the rock, and placed his seven chi Huantian 绫 in the water to wet it for a bath. He did not know that this river was Jiowan River, located at the mouth of the Eastern Sea. Nezha placed this treasure in the water, and it turned all the water red. A single wave caused rivers to tremble; a slight shake made heaven and earth quake. As Nezha bathed, he did not realize that the Crystal Palace had already begun to rattle loudly.

不说那哪吒洗澡，且说东海敖光在水晶宫坐，只听得宫阙震响，敖光忙唤左右，问曰：“地不该震，为何宫殿愰摇？”传与巡海夜叉李艮，看海口是何物作怪。”夜叉来到九湾河一望，见水俱是红的，光华灿烂，只见一小儿将红罗帕蘸水洗澡。夜叉分水，大叫曰：“那孩子将甚么作怪东西，把河水映红，宫殿摇动？”哪吒回头一看，见水底一物，面如蓝靛，发似朱砂，巨口獠牙，手持大斧。哪吒曰：“你那畜生，是个甚么东西，也说话？”夜叉大怒：“吾奉主公点差巡海夜叉，怎骂我是畜生？”分水一跃，跳上岸来，望哪吒顶上一斧劈来。哪吒正赤身站立，见夜叉来得勇猛，将身躲过，把右手套的乾坤圈望空中一举。此宝原系昆仑山玉虚宫所赐太乙真人镇金光洞之物，夜叉那里经得起，那宝打将下来，正落在夜叉头上，只打的脑浆迸流，即死于岸上。哪吒笑曰：“把我的乾坤圈都污了。”复到石上坐下，洗那圈子。水晶宫如何经得起此二宝震撼，险些儿把宫殿俱愰倒了。敖光曰：“夜叉去探事未回，怎的这等凶恶！”正说话间，只见龙兵来报：“夜叉李艮被一孩童打死在陆地，特启龙君知道。”敖光大惊：“李艮乃灵霄殿御笔点差的，谁敢打死？”敖光传令：“点龙兵，待吾亲去，看是何人！”话未了，只见龙王三太子敖丙出来，口称：“父王，为何大怒？”敖光将李艮打死的事说了一遍。三太子曰：“父王请安。孩儿出去拿来便是。”忙调龙兵，上了逼水兽，提画杆戟，迳出水晶宫来。分开水势，浪如山倒，波涛横生，平地水长数尺。哪吒起身看著水，言曰：“好大水！好大水！”只见波浪中现一水兽，兽上坐看一人，全装服色，持戟骁雄，大叫曰：“是甚人打死我巡海夜叉李艮？”哪吒曰：“是我。”敖丙一见，问曰：“你是谁人？”哪吒答曰：“我乃陈塘关李靖第三子哪吒是也。俺父亲镇守此间，乃一镇之主。我在此避暑洗澡，与他无干；他来骂我，我打死了他，也无妨。”三太子敖丙大惊曰：“好泼贼！夜叉李艮乃天王殿差，你敢大胆将他打死，尚敢撒泼乱言！”太子将昼戟便刺，来取哪吒。哪吒手无寸铁，把手一低，攒将过去：“少待动手，你是何人？通个姓名，我有道理。”敖丙曰：“孤乃东海龙君三太子敖丙是也。”哪吒笑曰：“你原来是敖光之子。你妄自尊大。若恼了我，连你那老泥鳅都拿出来，把皮也剥了他的。”三太子大叫一声：“气杀我！好泼贼！这等无礼！”又一戟刺来。哪吒急了，把七尺混天绫望空一展，似火块千团，往下一裹，将三太子裹下逼水兽来。哪吒抢一步赶上去，一脚踏住敖丙的颈项，提起乾坤圈，照顶门一下，把三太子的元身打出，是一条龙，在地上挺直。哪吒曰：“打出这小龙的本像来了。也罢，把他的筋抽去，做一条龙筋绦与俺父亲束甲。”哪吒把三太子的筋抽了，迳带进关来。把家将吓得浑身骨软筋酥，腿慢难行，挨到帅府门前。哪吒来见母夫人。夫人曰：“我儿，你往那里耍子，便去这半日？”哪吒曰：“关外闲行，不觉来迟。”哪吒说罢，往后园去了。

Without mentioning Nezha's bath, let us speak of Donghai Aoguang sitting in the Crystal Palace. He suddenly heard a tremor through the palace and quickly called to his attendants on either side, asking, "The earth should not be shaking—why is the palace trembling?" "Send Xunhai Yecha Li Gen to check what strange thing it is at the sea mouth." The Yecha arrived at Jiowan River and looked around. He saw the water was all red, shining brilliantly, and noticed a young boy using a red silk handkerchief to wet himself while bathing. The Yecha parted the water and shouted loudly, "What kind of strange object is that child using to turn the river red and shake the palace?" Nezha turned his head to look and saw something beneath the water: a creature with a face like indigo blue, hair like cinnabar red, huge mouth and fangs, holding a large axe in hand. Nezha said, "You beast, what kind of thing are you, speaking as well?" The Yecha became furious: "I was appointed by my lord to be the night guardian of the sea—how dare you call me a beast?" Parting the water, he leaped onto the shore and swung his axe downward toward Nezha's head. Nezha was standing bare-chested and, seeing the Yecha's fierce attack, dodged just in time. With his right hand, he raised the Qiankun Ring that he wore on it into the air. This treasure had originally been granted by the Jade Hall of Yu Xu Palace on Kunlun Mountain to Taiyi Zhenren as a guardian artifact for the Golden Light Cave. The Yecha could not withstand it; when the treasure fell, it struck the Yecha directly on the head, splattering his brains and killing him instantly where he lay on the shore. Nezha laughed and said, "My Qiankun Ring is all stained now." He returned to the rock and sat down again to clean the ring. The Crystal Palace could not withstand the shock of these two treasures, nearly collapsing entirely from the tremors. Aoguang said, "The Yecha went to investigate and has not yet returned—how could it be so fierce!" Just as he was speaking, dragon soldiers came to report: "Yecha Li Gen has been killed by a child on land. We specially come to inform the Dragon King." Aoguang was greatly shocked: "Li Gen was appointed by decree from Lingxiao Hall—how dare anyone kill him?" Aoguang gave orders, "Assemble the dragon soldiers. I shall go in person to see who it is!" Before he could finish speaking, the third prince Aobing of the Dragon King came out and said respectfully, "Father, why are you so angry?" Aoguang recounted the entire incident about Li Gen's death. The third prince said, "Father, please remain calm." "I shall go out and bring him back myself." He quickly mobilized the dragon soldiers, mounted a water-restraining beast, took up his painted spear, and directly left the Crystal Palace. Parting the waters, waves crashed like mountains falling; surging tides rose up, and water several chi high spread across the land. Nezha stood up, looked at the water, and said, "What a big wave!" "What a big wave!" From the surging waves, a water beast emerged; on it sat a man in full military attire and bearing, holding a spear with heroic might. He shouted loudly, "Who killed my night guardian of the sea, Li Gen?" Nezha said, "It was me." lington Aobing saw this and asked, "Who are you?" Nezha answered, "I am Nezha, the third son of Li Jing of Chentang Pass." "My father is in charge of this place and is its lord." "I was here to escape the heat and take a bath, which has nothing to do with him; " he insulted me first, so I killed him. It is no problem." The third prince Aobing was greatly shocked and said, "You rascal!" "Yecha Li Gen was dispatched by the Heavenly King's Hall. How dare you kill him with such boldness, and yet still speak impudently?"!" The prince raised his spear to attack Nezha directly. Nezha, unarmed, lowered his hand and moved forward: "Wait a moment before fighting—what is your name?" "Tell me your name first. I have something to say." Aobing said, "I am Aobing, the third prince of Donghai Longjun." Nezha laughed and said: "So you are the son of Aoguang." "You are presumptuous." "If you anger me, I will drag out your old eel of a father and even peel off his skin." The third prince shouted in rage: "This is killing me with anger!" "You rascal!" "How impudent you are!" He struck again with his spear. Nezha, in a panic, threw his seven chi Huantian Ling into the air. It spread like thousands of fire blocks and wrapped down upon the third prince, pulling him off the water-restraining beast. Nezha took a step forward, rushed up, and stepped on Aobing's neck. He raised the Qiankun ring and struck it down upon the prince's head, expelling his true body—a dragon—which lay straight on the ground. Nezha said: "I have revealed this little dragon's original form." Nezha said: "Well then, let us extract his tendons and make them into a dragon-tendon sash for my father's armor." Nezha extracted the third prince's sinews and directly brought him back into the pass. The household general was so frightened that his bones turned weak, his sinews softened, and his legs moved slowly; he could barely stagger to the front of the commander's residence. Nezha came to see Lady Mother. Lady Mother said, "My son, where did you go playing that it took so long?" Nezha replied: "I was strolling leisurely outside the pass and didn't realize I was late." After saying this, Nezha went to the back garden.

且说李靖操演回来，发放左右，自卸衣甲，坐于后堂。忧思纣王失政，逼反天下四百诸侯，日见生民涂炭，正在那里烦恼。

Meanwhile, Li Jing returned from inspecting his troops, gave orders to his attendants, undressed himself, and sat in the back hall. He was troubled by King Zhou's loss of virtue, which had forced 400 feudal lords to rebel. He saw the people suffering daily and was deeply distressed.

且说敖光在水晶宫，只听得龙兵来报说：“陈塘关李靖之子哪吒把三太子打死，连筋都抽去了。”敖光听报，大惊曰：“吾儿乃兴云布雨滋生万物正神，怎说打死了！李靖，你在西昆仑学道，吾与你也有一拜之交；你敢纵子为非，将我儿子打死，这也是百世之冤，怎敢又将我儿子筋都抽了！言之痛心切骨！”敖光大怒，恨不能即与其子报仇，随化一秀士，迳往陈塘关来。至于帅府，对门官曰：“你与我传报，有故人敖光拜访。”军政官进内厅禀曰：“启老爷：外有故人敖光拜访。”李靖曰：“吾兄一别多年，今日相逢，真是天幸。”忙整衣来迎。敖光至大厅，施礼坐下。李靖见敖光一脸怒色，方欲动问，只见敖光曰：“李贤弟，你生的好儿子！”李靖笑答曰：“长兄，多年未会，今日奇逢，真是天幸，何故突发此言？若论小弟，止有三子：长曰金吒，次曰木吒，三曰哪吒，俱拜名山道德之士为师，虽未见好，亦不是无赖之辈。长兄莫要错见。”敖光曰：“贤弟，你错见了，我岂错见！你的儿子在九湾河洗澡，不知用何法术，将我水晶宫几乎震倒。我差夜叉来看，便将我夜叉打死。我第三子来看，又将我第三太子打死，还把他筋都抽了来。……”敖光说至此，不觉心酸，勃然大怒曰：“你还说不晓事护短的话！”李靖忙陪笑答曰：“不是我家，兄错怪了我。我长子在九龙山学艺；二子在九宫山学艺；三子七岁，大门不出，从何处做出这等大事来？”敖光曰：“便是你第三子哪吒打的！”李靖曰：“真是异事非常。长兄不必性急，待我教他出来你看。”李靖往后堂来。殷夫人问曰：“何人在厅上？”李靖曰：“故友敖光。不知何人打死他三太子，说是哪吒打的。如今叫他出去与他认。哪吒今在那里？”殷夫人自思：“只今日出门，如何做出这等事来？”不敢回言，只说：“在后园里面。”李靖迳进后园来叫：“哪吒在那里？”叫了半个时辰不应。李靖迳走到海棠轩来，见门又关住。李靖在门口大叫，哪吒在里面听见，忙开门来见父亲。李靖便问：“我儿，你在此作何事？”哪吒对曰：“孩儿今日无事出关，至九湾河顽耍，偶因炎热，下水洗个澡。叵耐有个夜叉李艮，孩儿又不惹他，他百般骂我，还拿斧来劈我。是孩儿一圈打死了。不知又有个甚么三太子叫做敖丙，持画戟刺我。被我把混天绫裹他上岸，一脚踏住颈项，也是一圈，不意打出一条龙来。孩儿想龙筋最贵气，因此上抽了他的筋来，在此打一条龙筋绦，与父亲束甲。”就把李靖只吓得张口如痴，结舌不语；半晌，大叫曰：“好冤家！你惹下无涯之祸。你快出去见你伯父，自回他话。”哪吒曰：“父亲放心，不知者不坐罪，筋又不曾动他的，他要，元物在此，待孩儿见他去。”

Meanwhile, back at the Crystal Palace, Aoguang heard from dragon soldiers reporting: "Nezha, son of Li Jing from Chentang Pass, has killed the third prince and even extracted his sinews." Aoguang, upon hearing this report, was greatly shocked and said: "My son is the true deity who brings clouds to rain and nurtures all living things—how can it be said he has been killed!" "Li Jing, you studied the Dao at West Kunlun; I and you share a bond of mutual respect." "How could you allow your son to commit such wrongdoing and kill my son? This is an injustice across generations. How dare you even extract the sinews of my son!" The words pierced his heart with unbearable sorrow!" Aoguang was furious, hating that he could not immediately avenge his son. He transformed into an elegant scholar and directly went to Chentang Pass. Upon arriving at the commander's residence, he said to a gate official: "Go and inform them that an old friend, Aoguang, is here to visit." The military officer entered the hall and reported: "My lord, an old friend named Aoguang is visiting outside." Li Jing said, "It has been many years since my elder brother and I parted. To meet today is truly a blessing from heaven." He quickly straightened his clothes to welcome him. Aoguang arrived at the hall, paid respects, and sat down. Li Jing saw Aoguang's angry expression and was about to ask, when he suddenly heard Aoguang say: "Brother Li, you have a fine son!" Li Jing smiled and replied, "Elder brother, it has been many years since we last met. To meet again today is truly a blessing of heaven—why do you suddenly say this?" "As for my younger brother, I have only three sons: the eldest is Jinzha, the second is Muzha, and the third is Nezha. They all took famous sages of morality as their teachers on sacred mountains. Though they may not yet be outstanding, they are certainly not rascals." "Please do not misunderstand, my elder brother." Aoguang said: "Brother Li, it is you who are mistaken. How could I be the one in error!" "Your son was bathing at Jiowan River, and by some unknown magic, he nearly collapsed my Crystal Palace." I sent a Yecha to investigate, but your son killed him outright. My third prince came to check as well, and he was also killed by your son—who even extracted his sinews." "...". As Aoguang spoke to this point, he could not help but feel heartache and suddenly became furious, shouting: "How can you still say such words of ignorance and protect your son!" Li Jing hurriedly smiled apologetically and replied, "It is not my family's doing. My elder brother has wrongly accused me." "My eldest son is studying the arts on Jiulong Mountain; " my second son is learning at Jiugong Mountain; " "my third son is only seven years old, has never left the house, and could not possibly have done such a thing!" Aoguang said: "It was indeed your third son Nezha who did it!" Li Jing said, "This is truly an extraordinary matter." "Eldest brother, there's no need to be in such a hurry. Let me bring him out for you to see." Li Jing went toward the back hall. Yin Madam asked, "Who is in the hall?" Li Jing said: "An old friend Aoguang. I don't know who killed his third crown prince, but he says it was Nezha." Now I am calling him out to confront him. "Where is Nezha now?" Yin Madam thought to herself, "He only went out today; how could he have done such a thing?" She dared not reply and simply said, "In the back garden." Li Jing went straight to the back garden and called out, "Nezha, where are you?" He called for half a shichen without receiving any response. Li Jing walked straight to the Haitang Xuan and saw that the door was locked shut again. Li Jing shouted loudly at the door, and Nezha inside heard him and hurriedly opened the door to see his father. Li Jing immediately asked, "My son, what are you doing here?" Nezha replied, "Son has nothing to do today and went out of the pass to play at Jiowan River. Because it was hot, I happened to go for a swim." Unjustly, there was a Yecha named Li Gen. I did not provoke him at all, yet he insulted me repeatedly and even tried to chop me with an axe." So I killed him in one round." I did not know there was also a third crown prince named Aoguang Bing, who attacked me with a painted halberd. I wrapped him up on the shore with my Huantian Ling, stepped on his neck with one foot, and in a single circle, I unexpectedly struck out a dragon. "I thought the sinews of a dragon are most precious, so I took them out. Here is a belt made from his dragon sinew for Father to fasten his armor." Li Jing was so startled that he stood there with his mouth open, speechless and stunned; After a while, he shouted loudly, "What an ill-fated son!" You have brought upon yourself boundless disaster. "You had better go out and see your uncle, and explain it to him yourself." Nezha said, "Father, please rest assured. One is not punished for ignorance; I did not even touch his sinews. If he wants them, the original item is here. Let me go see him."

哪吒急走来至大厅，上前施礼，口称：“伯父，小侄不知，一时失错，望伯父恕罪。元筋交付明白，分毫未动。”敖光见物伤情，对李靖曰：“你生出这等恶子，你适才还说我错了。今他自己供认，只你意上可过的去！况吾子者，正神也；夜叉李艮亦系御笔点差；岂得你父子无故擅行打死！我明日奏上玉帝，问你的师父要你！”敖光迳扬长去了。李靖顿足放声大哭：“这祸不小！”夫人听见前庭悲哭，忙问左右侍儿，侍儿回报曰：“今日三公子因游玩，打死龙王三太子。适才龙王与老爷析辨，明日要奏准天庭。不知老爷为何啼哭。”夫人著忙，急至前庭，来看李靖。李靖见夫人来，忙止泪，恨曰：“我李靖求仙未成，谁知你生下这样好儿子，惹此灭门之祸！龙王乃施雨正神，他妄行杀害；明日玉帝准奏施行，我和你多则三日，少则两朝，俱为刀下之鬼！”说罢又哭，情甚惨切。夫人亦泪如雨下，指哪吒而言曰：“我怀你三年零六个月，方才生你，不知受了多少苦辛。谁知你是灭门绝户之祸根也！”哪吒见父母哭泣，立身不安，双膝跪下，言曰：“爹爹，母亲，孩儿今日说了罢。我不是凡夫俗子，我是乾元山金光洞太乙真人弟子。此宝皆系师父所赐，料敖光怎的不得我。我如今往乾元山上，问我师尊，必有主意。常言道：‘一人做事一人当。’岂敢连累父母？”哪吒出了府门，抓一把土，望空一洒，寂然无影。此是生来根本，借土遁往乾元山来。有诗为证，诗曰： 乾元山上叩吾生，诉说敖光东海情。宝德门前施法力，方知仙术不虚名。

Nezha hurriedly went to the main hall, stepped forward and paid respects, saying, "Uncle, I was unaware of my mistake at that moment. Please forgive me." "I have returned his original sinews in full; not a single hair has been touched." Aoguang, seeing the object and feeling emotional, said to Li Jing: "You have raised such a wicked son. Just now you still claimed I was wrong." Now he has confessed himself; it is up to your conscience whether you can accept this! Moreover, my son was a true deity; the Yecha Li Gen was also appointed by imperial decree; how could you father and son kill him without cause or authorization! "I will report to the Jade Emperor tomorrow, and demand your life from your master!" Aoguang left in a huff. Li Jing stamped his foot and cried out loudly, "This is no small disaster!" Yin Madam heard the weeping from the front courtyard and quickly asked her attendants. The attendants replied, "Today, Third Prince killed the third crown prince of the Dragon King while playing around. Just now, the Dragon King argued with Master Li and said he would report to Heaven tomorrow." We don't know why Master is weeping." Yin Madam was greatly alarmed and hurried to the front courtyard to see Li Jing. Li Jing saw Yin Madam coming and quickly wiped his tears, cursing angrily, "I Li Jing failed to attain immortality. Who knew you gave birth to such a fine son who would bring about this disaster that could destroy our entire family! The Dragon King is the true deity in charge of rain; he acted recklessly and killed him. Tomorrow, if the Jade Emperor approves the petition, I and you will become ghosts under the blade within no more than three days or at least two days!" After saying this, he wept again, his emotions deeply sorrowful. Yin Madam wept as well, tears streaming down her face. She pointed at Nezha and said, "I carried you for three years and six months before giving birth to you, enduring countless hardships along the way. Who knew that you would become the root of disaster that could destroy our family!" Nezha saw his parents weeping, felt uneasy, and knelt down with both knees on the ground. He said, "Father, Mother, let me speak now." "I am not an ordinary man; I am a disciple of Taiyi Zhenren at Jin Guang Dong on Qianyuan Mountain. All these treasures were given to me by my master; I reckon Aoguang cannot do anything to me." "I will now go up to Qianyuan Mountain and consult with my master. He must have a plan." As the saying goes: 'One person should bear the consequences of one's own actions.' How could I dare to involve my parents?" Nezha left the mansion, took a handful of soil, and sprinkled it into the air. In an instant, he vanished without a trace. This is his innate ability; he used earth 遁 to travel directly to Qianyuan Mountain. There is a poem as evidence, the poem says: On Qianyuan Mountain I knock for my life's truth, recounting Aoguang's grievances from the Eastern Sea. At Baode Gate he demonstrated his magical power; only then did people realize that the name of immortality was not in vain.

话说哪吒借土遁来至乾元山金光洞，候师法旨。金霞童儿忙启师父：“师兄候法旨。”太乙真人曰：“著他进来。”金霞童子至洞门对哪吒曰：“师父命你进去。”哪吒至碧游床倒身下拜。真人问曰：“你不在陈塘关，到此有何话说？”哪吒曰：“启老师：蒙恩降生陈塘，今已七载。昨日偶到九湾河洗澡，不意敖光子敖丙将恶语伤人，弟子一时怒发，将他伤了性命。今敖光欲奏天庭，父母惊慌，弟子心甚不安，无门可救，只得上山，恳求老师，赦弟子无知之罪，望祈垂救。”真人自思曰：“虽然哪吒无知，误伤敖丙，这是天数。今敖光虽是龙中之王，只是布雨兴云，然上天垂象，岂得推为不知！以此一小事干渎天庭，真是不谙事体！”忙叫：“哪吒过来，你把衣裳解开。”真人以手指在哪吒前胸画了一道符录，吩咐哪吒：“你到宝德门……如此如此。事完后，你回到陈塘关与你父母说，若有事，还有师父，决不干碍父母。你去罢。”

Now, Nezha used his earth 遁 to arrive at Jin Guang Dong on Qian Yuan Mountain and waited for his master's instructions. The young attendant Jin Xia hurriedly informed the master, "Elder brother is waiting for your decree." Taiyi Zhenren said, "Let him come in." Jin Xia Tongszi went to the cave entrance and told Nezha, "Your master has ordered you to go inside." Nezha arrived at Biyou Bed and fell on his knees in reverence. Zhenren asked, "You are not at Chen Tang Guan; what business brings you here?" Nezha said: "Respected Master, I was born in Chen Tang by your grace. It has now been seven years. Yesterday, I happened to take a bath at Jiowan River when Aoguang's son Aoguang Bing insulted me with harsh words. In a moment of anger, I took his life. Now Aoguang intends to report this matter to Heaven, and my parents are in great distress. I am deeply troubled and see no way out, so I have come up the mountain to humbly beg you, Master, to forgive me for my ignorance and plead with you to save me." Zhenren thought to himself: "Although Nezha acted out of ignorance and mistakenly injured Aoguang Bing, this is the will of Heaven. Now although Aoguang is the king among dragons, he merely controls rain and clouds. However, Heaven has decreed this event; how can it be ignored or denied! To involve Heaven over such a small matter is truly showing ignorance of proper conduct!" Zhenren quickly called, "Nezha come here. Unfasten your clothes." With a finger, Zhenren drew a talisman on Nezha's chest and instructed him: "You go to Baode Gate... do this and that. After finishing the matter, return to Chen Tang Guan and tell your parents: if anything happens, there is still your master; it will in no way involve or trouble your parents. "Now go."

哪吒离了乾元山，迳往宝德门来。正是天宫异景非凡像，紫雾红云罩碧空。但见上天，大不相同： 初登上界，乍见天堂，金光万道吐红霓，瑞气千条喷紫雾。只见那南天门：碧沉沉瑠璃造就，明晃晃宝鼎妆成。两旁有四根大柱，柱上盘绕的是兴云布雾赤须龙；正中有二座玉桥，桥上站立的是彩羽凌空丹顶凤。明霞灿烂映天光，碧雾朦胧遮斗日。天上有三十三座仙宫：遗云宫、昆波宫、紫霄宫、太阳宫、太阴宫、化乐宫，一宫宫脊吞金獬豸；又有七十二重宝殿：乃朝会殿、凌虚殿、宝光殿、聚仙殿、传奏殿，一殿殿柱列玉麒麟，寿星台、禄星台、福星台，台下有千千年不卸奇花；炼丹炉、八卦炉、水火炉，炉中有万万载常青绣草。朝圣殿中绛纱衣，金霞灿烂；彤廷堦下芙蓉冠，金碧辉煌。灵霄宝殿，金钉攒玉户；积圣楼前，彩凤舞朱门。伏道回廊，处处玲珑剔透；三檐四簇；层层龙凤翱翔。上面有紫巍巍，明愰愰、圆丢丢、光灼灼、亮铮铮的葫芦顶；左右是紧簇簇、密层层、响叮叮、滴溜溜、明朗朗的玉佩声。正是：天官异物般般有，世上如他件件稀。金阙银鸾并紫府，奇花异草暨瑶天。朝王玉兔坛边过；参圣金乌著底飞。若人有福来天境，不堕人间免污泥。

Nezha left Qianyuan Mountain and went straight to Baode Gate. Indeed, the celestial palace displayed an extraordinary scene unlike anything ordinary; purple mist and red clouds veiled the azure sky. Looking up at Heaven, it was vastly different: Upon first ascending to the upper realm, one would suddenly see paradise—ten thousand beams of golden light radiating red rainbows and thousands of auspicious vapors spewing purple mist. Looking at the Southern Heaven Gate: deep blue, made from 琉璃; bright and dazzling, adorned with a precious tripod. On both sides were four large pillars, around which coiled red-bearded dragons that could summon clouds and mist; In the center stood two jade bridges, on which stood colorful-feathered phoenixes with crimson crowns soaring through the sky. Radiant morning glow illuminated the heavenly light, while emerald mist obscured the stars and sun. There were thirty-three immortal palaces in Heaven: Yiyun Palace, Kunbo Palace, Zixiao Palace, Taiyang Palace, Taiyin Palace, Hualve Palace—each palace had golden jieshi on its eaves; There were also seventy-two precious halls: Chouhui Hall, Lingxu Hall, Baoguang Hall, Juxian Hall, Chuanzou Hall—each hall had jade qilin pillars; Shouxing Terrace, Luxing Terrace, Fuxing Terrace—the terraces below bore rare flowers that never withered for a thousand years; Dan Lian furnace, Bagua furnace, Shuohuo furnace—within each furnace grew evergreen embroidered grass that never faded for ten thousand years. In the Chao Sheng Hall, crimson gauze robes shimmered with golden radiance; On the vermilion terrace below stood fuchou crowns, resplendent in gold and jade. Lingxiao Bao Dian Hall had golden nails adorning jade doors; Before Jisheng Lou, colorful phoenixes danced before vermilion gates. The winding corridors and paths were everywhere clear and translucent; three eaves with four clusters of decorations; layer upon layer, dragons and phoenixes soared. Above were purple, bright, round, glowing, and brilliant gourd-shaped roofs; On either side came the tight clusters, dense layers, ringing, dripping, and clear sounds of jade pendants. Indeed: In Heaven's official quarters, all sorts of rare objects exist; in the world below, such things are exceedingly rare. Golden palaces and silver phoenixes alongside purple halls—wondrous flowers, strange herbs, and the jade-like heavens. Passing by the Jade Rabbit Altar for paying homage to the King; The Golden Crow of Heaven flew low in reverence. If a person is blessed enough to come to the heavenly realm, they shall not fall into the mire and filth of the mortal world.

哪吒到了宝德门，来的尚早，不见敖光；又见天宫各门未开，哪吒站立在聚仙门下。不多时，只见敖光朝服叮当，迳至南天门。只见南天门未开。敖光曰：“来早了，黄巾力士还不曾至，不免在此间等候。”哪吒看见敖光；敖光看不见哪吒。──哪吒是太乙真人在他前心画了符籙，名曰：“隐身符”，故此敖光看不见哪吒。哪吒看见敖光在此等候，心中大怒，撒开大步，提起手中乾坤圈，把敖光后心一圈，打了个饿虎扑食，跌倒在地。哪吒赶上去，一脚踏住后心。不知敖光性命如何，且听下回分解。

Nezha arrived at Bao De Men, but it was still early; he did not see Ao Guang; he also saw that the gates of Heaven's Palace were not yet open. Nezha stood beneath Ju Xian Men. Not long after, Ao Guang appeared in ceremonial robes, the jingling of his ornaments echoing as he went directly to Nan Tian Men. He saw that Nan Tian Men had not yet opened. Ao Guang said, "I arrived too early; the Huangjin Lishi have not yet come. I must wait here for a while." Nezha saw Ao Guang; Ao Guang did not see Nezha. ——Nezha had been given a talisman by Taiyi Zhenren, drawn on his chest. It was called the "Invisibility Talisman," which is why Ao Guang could not see Nezha. Nezha, seeing Ao Guang waiting there, became greatly enraged. He took a big step forward and raised the Qiankun Ring in his hand to strike Ao Guang's back, knocking him down like a starving tiger pouncing, falling to the ground. Nezha rushed forward and stepped on Ao Guang's back with one foot. Whether or not Ao Guang would survive remained to be seen in the next chapter.