Chapter 13: Zhenren Taiyi Subdues Shijin

诗曰： 天然顽石得机先，结就灵胎已万年。吸月餐星探地窟，填离取坎复天乾。 漫跨步雾兴云术，且听吟龙啸虎仙。劫火运逢难措手，须知邪正有偏全。

The poem says: A naturally stubborn stone gains an advantage first, forming a spiritual embryo already ten thousand years. It absorbs the moon and feeds on stars to explore underground caves, filling Li and taking Kan to restore Tianqian. Casually stepping through mist and summoning clouds with his art, one might listen as he chants the dragon's roar and tiger's chant. When calamity's fire strikes unexpectedly, it is hard to respond; one must know that righteousness and evil have their own partialities and completeness.

话说哪吒在宝德门将敖光踏住后心，敖光扭颈回头看时，认得是哪吒，不觉勃然大怒，况又被他打倒，用脚踏住，挣持不得，乃大骂曰：“好大胆泼贼！你黄牙未退，奶毛未乾，骋凶将御笔钦点夜叉打死，又将我三太子打死，他与你何仇，你敢将他筋俱抽去！这等凶顽，罪已不赦。今又敢在宝德门外，毁打兴云布雨正神。你欺天罔上，虽损醢汝尸，不足以尽其辜！”哪吒被他骂得性起，恨不得就要一圈打死他，奈太乙真人吩咐，只是按住他道：“你叫，你叫，我便打死你这老泥鳅也无甚大事！我不说，你也不知我是谁。吾非别人，乃乾元山金光洞太乙真人弟子灵珠子是也。奉玉虚宫法牒，脱化陈塘关李门为子。因成汤合灭，周室当兴，姜子牙不久下山，吾乃是破纣辅周先行官是也。偶因九湾河洗澡，你家人欺负我；是我一时性急，便打死他二命，也是小事。你就上本。我师父说来，就连你这老蠢物打都死了，也不妨事。”敖光听罢，骂曰：“好孺子！打的好！打的好！”哪吒曰：“你要打，就打你。”拎起拳来，或上或下，，一气打有一二十拳。打的敖光喊叫。哪吒道：“你这老蠢才，乃顽皮；不要打你，你是不怕的。”古云：“龙怕揭鳞，虎怕抽筋。”哪吒将敖光朝服一把拉去了半边，左胁下露出鳞甲。哪吒用手连抓数把，抓下四、五十片鳞甲，鲜血淋漓，痛伤骨髓。敖光疼痛难忍，只叫“饶命！”哪吒曰：“你要我饶命，我不许你上本，跟我往陈塘关去，我就饶你。你若不依，一顿乾坤圈打死你，料有太乙真人作主，我也不怕你。”敖光遇著恶人，莫敢谁何，只得应承：“愿随你去！”哪吒曰：“放你起来。”敖光起来，正欲同行，哪吒曰：“尝闻龙会变化，要大便撑天柱地，要小便芥子藏身。我怕你走了，往何处寻你。你变一个小小蛇儿，我带你回去。”敖光不得脱身，没奈何，只得化一个小青蛇儿。哪吒拿来放在袖里，离了宝德门，往陈塘关来，时刻便至帅府。家将忙报李靖曰：“三公子回府了。”李靖闻言，甚是不乐。只见哪吒进府来谒见父亲。见李靖眉锁春山，愁容可掬，上前请罪。李靖问曰：“你往那里去来？”哪吒曰：“孩儿往南天门去，请回伯父敖光不必上本。”李靖大喝一声：“你这说谎畜生！你是何等之辈，敢往天界。俱是一派诳言，瞒昧父母，甚是可恼！”哪吒曰：“父亲不必大怒，现在伯父敖光可证。”李靖曰：“你尚胡说！伯父如今在那里？”哪吒曰：“在这里。”袖内取出青蛇，望下一丢，敖光一陈清风，见化成人形。李靖吃了一惊，忙问曰：“长兄为何如此？”敖光大怒，把南天门毁打之事，说了一遍；又把胁下鳞甲把与李靖观看：“你生这等恶子，我把四海龙王齐约到灵霄殿，申明冤枉，看你如何理说！”道罢，化一阵清风去了。李靖顿足曰：“此事愈反加重，如何是好？”哪吒近前，跪而禀曰：“老爷，母亲，只管放心。孩儿求救师父，师父说我不是私自投胎至此，奉玉虚宫符命来保明君。连四海龙王，便都坏了，也不妨甚么事。若有大事，师父自然承当。父亲不必挂念。”李靖乃道德之士，亦明玄中奥妙，又见哪吒南天门打敖光的手段，既上得天曹，其中必有原故。殷夫人终是爱子之心，见哪吒站立傍边，李靖烦恼，有恨儿子之意，夫人曰：“你还在这里，不往后边去！”哪吒听母命，迳往后园来。坐了一会，心上觉闷，乃出后园门，迳上陈塘关的城楼上来纳凉。此时天气甚热，此处不曾到过，只见好景致：曛曛荡荡，绿柳依依，观望长空，果然似一轮火盖。正是：行人满面流珠落，避暑闲人把扇摇。哪吒看了一回，自言曰：“从不知道这个所在好顽耍！”又见兵器架上有一张弓，名曰乾坤弓；有三枝箭，名曰震天箭。哪吒自思：“师父说我后来做先行官，破成汤天下，如今不习弓马，更待何时。况且有现成弓箭，何不演习演习。”哪吒心下甚是欢喜，便把弓拿在手中，取一枝箭，搭箭当弦，望西南上一箭射去。响一声，红光缭绕，瑞彩盘旋。这一箭不当紧，正是：沿河撒下钩与线，从今钓出是非来。哪吒不知此弓箭乃镇陈塘关之宝，乾坤弓，震天箭，自从轩辕黄帝大破蚩尤，传留至今，并无人拿的起来。今日哪吒拿起来，射了一箭，只射到骷髅山白骨洞，有一石矶娘娘的门人，名曰碧云童子，携花篮采药，来至山崖之下，被这一箭正中咽喉，翻身倒地而死。少时，只见彩云童子看见碧云中箭而死，急忙报与石矶娘娘曰：“师兄不知何故，箭射咽喉而死。”石矶娘娘听说，走出洞来，行至崖边，看见碧云童儿，果然中箭而死。只见翖花下有名讳“镇陈塘关总兵李靖”字号。石矶娘娘怒曰：“李靖，你不能成道，我在你师父前著你下山，求人间富贵，你今位至公侯，不思报德，反将箭射我的徒弟，恩将仇报。”叫：“彩云童儿看著洞府，待我拿李靖来，以报此恨。”

It is said that after Nezha stepped on Ao Guang's back at Baode Gate, Ao Guang turned his head and saw who it was. Recognizing him as Nezha, he could not help but become furious. Moreover, having been knocked down and trampled upon by his foot, unable to struggle free, he began to curse loudly: "You audacious rascal!" "Your yellow baby teeth have not yet fallen out, and your milk hairs are still damp. You dare to play the bully by killing a night fork appointed with imperial authority, and you also killed my third prince. What grudge do they have against you that you would dare to extract all his tendons!" Such a vicious and unruly creature has committed crimes beyond pardon. Now you dare, outside Baode Gate, to destroy and attack the legitimate gods who summon clouds and bring rain. "You have defied heaven and deceived your superiors; even if I were to crush your corpse into minced flesh, it would not be enough to fully atone for your guilt!" Nezha, enraged by his curses, was furious and wished to kill him with a single whirlwind immediately. However, Taiyi Zhenren had given instructions, so he merely held Nezha back, saying, "You shout, you shout; even if I killed this old loach of yours, it would be no great matter!" "If I don't tell you, you wouldn't know who I am." "I am no one else; I am the disciple Lingzhuzi of Taiyi Zhenren, from Jin Guang Dong on Qianyuan Mountain." "I have been commissioned by Yu Xu Gong with a decree to transform and become the son of the Li family in Chentang Guan." "Because Chengtang should perish and the Zhou dynasty is destined to rise, Jiang Ziya will soon descend from the mountain. I am the vanguard officer who will destroy King Zhou and assist the Zhou." "By chance, while bathing in Jiowan River, your family bullied me;" "I acted rashly at the time and killed two of them; it was a small matter." "You may submit an imperial petition." "My master said that even if I were to kill you, this old clumsy creature of yours, it would not matter at all." Ao Guang, after hearing this, cursed and said, "Good for nothing brat!" "Hit well!" "Hit well!" Nezha said, "If you want to fight, then fight me." He raised his fists and struck up or down, delivering about twenty punches in a row. The blows made Ao Guang cry out in pain. Nezha said, "You old fool are nothing but a rascal;" "I don't want to hit you because you're not afraid at all." Ancient saying: "Dragons fear having their scales peeled, and tigers fear having their tendons extracted." Nezha pulled off half of Ao Guang's official robe in one hand, revealing the scales on his left side. Nezha grabbed with his hands several times, plucking off forty to fifty scales, causing fresh blood to flow profusely and inflicting pain deep into the bone marrow. Ao Guang could no longer endure the pain and only cried out, "Have mercy on my life!" Nezha said, "If you want me to spare your life, I will not allow you to submit a petition. Follow me back to Chentang Guan, and I shall spare you." "If you refuse to comply, I will kill you with a single whirl of the Qiankun Ring. Even if Taiyi Zhenren were to take charge, I would not fear you." Ao Guang, having encountered a ruthless person, dared not resist and had no choice but to agree: "I am willing to go with you!" Nezha said, "Get up." Ao Guang stood up and was about to go together, when Nezha said, "I have heard that dragons can transform; they can grow so large as to prop up the sky and earth, or shrink so small as to hide in a mustard seed." "I am afraid you will run away, and I won't know where to find you." "So transform into a tiny little snake; I shall take you back with me." Ao Guang, unable to escape, had no choice but reluctantly transformed into a small green snake. Nezha took the snake and put it in his sleeve, left Baode Gate, and headed toward Chentang Guan. In no time at all, he arrived at the general's residence. The household attendants hurriedly reported to Li Jing: "Third Master has returned to the estate." Li Jing, upon hearing this, was very displeased. Just then Nezha entered the estate to pay his respects to his father. Seeing Li Jing's furrowed brows and sorrowful expression, he stepped forward and offered an apology. Li Jing asked, "Where have you been?" Nezha replied, "Son went to the Southern Heavenly Gate and invited Uncle Ao Guang back so he would not submit a petition." Li Jing shouted angrily: "You lying beast!" "What kind of person are you, daring to go to the heavenly realm?" "All your words are lies, deceiving your parents. It is most annoying!" Nezha said: "Father need not be so angry; Uncle Ao Guang can now serve as a witness." Li Jing said, "You still dare to talk nonsense!" "Where is your Uncle Ao Guang now?" Nezha said: "He's right here." From his sleeve, Nezha took out a green snake and threw it down. Ao Guang transformed into human form with a gust of fresh wind. Li Jing was startled and quickly asked, "Elder Brother, why have you come to this?" Ao Guang became furious and recounted the incident of destroying the Southern Heavenly Gate. He also showed the scales from his side to Li Jing and said, "You have raised such a wicked son. I will summon all four seas' dragon kings to Lingxiao Hall to declare my grievances; see how you can justify yourself!" After saying this, he transformed into a gust of fresh wind and left. Li Jing stamped his foot and said, "This matter is becoming even more serious; what should I do?" Nezha stepped forward, knelt down, and respectfully reported: "Father, Mother, please rest assured." "Son has requested my master's help. My master said I did not come here by private reincarnation, but was commissioned with a decree from Yu Xu Gong to protect the enlightened ruler." Even if all four seas' dragon kings were destroyed, it would not matter much. "If there is a major issue, my master will naturally take responsibility." "Father need not worry." Li Jing was a man of virtue and morality, who also understood the profound mysteries of Dao. Having witnessed Nezha's methods in beating Ao Guang at the Southern Heavenly Gate—an act that had reached the heavenly court—there must be some underlying reason for it all. Lady Yin, though a woman of virtue, could not help but be moved by maternal affection. Seeing Nezha standing nearby and Li Jing's frustration with his son, she said, "You are still here; go to the back!" Nezha obeyed his mother's command and went directly to the backyard. After sitting for a while, he felt restless in his heart and so left the backyard gate, heading straight to the city tower of Chentang Guan to cool off. At this time, the weather was extremely hot. He had never been here before; he saw a beautiful view: the sky was hazy and vast, willows green and graceful. Looking up at the endless blue sky, it truly seemed like a wheel of fiery canopy. Indeed: Travelers' faces were drenched with sweat droplets falling; leisurely people avoiding the heat fanned themselves with their fans. Nezha looked around for a while and said to himself, "I never knew this place was so fun to play in!" He also saw on the weapons rack an archery bow named Qiankun Bow; there were three arrows, called Zhentian Arrows. Nezha thought to himself: "My master said I would later serve as a vanguard general, breaking the Chengtang dynasty's rule. If I do not now practice archery and horsemanship, when else will I?" "Besides, there are already bows and arrows here; why not practice a bit." Nezha was very pleased and took the bow in his hand, selected an arrow, nocked it on the string, and shot it toward the southwest. With a loud sound, red light swirled around, auspicious colors circling above. This arrow was no ordinary shot; indeed: Along the river cast hooks and lines, from now on it would draw forth disputes and troubles. Nezha did not know that this bow and arrow were treasures used to pacify Chentang Guan—the Qiankun Bow and Zhentian Arrow. Since the Yellow Emperor Huangdi had greatly defeated Chiyou, they had been passed down until now, and no one had ever managed to lift them. Today, Nezha lifted them and shot an arrow. The arrow flew all the way to Skull Mountain's White Bone Cave, where a disciple of Shijin Niangniang named Biyun Tongzi was carrying a flower basket to gather herbs when he arrived at the foot of the cliff. This arrow struck him right in the throat, causing him to fall over and die. After a short while, Caiyun Tongzi saw Biyun struck by the arrow and dead. He hurriedly reported to Shijin Niangniang: "My elder brother died for unknown reasons with an arrow piercing his throat." Shijin Niangniang, upon hearing the news, came out of her cave and walked to the cliffside. There she saw Biyun Tongzi's body, indeed pierced by an arrow and dead. She then noticed a name written beneath the flower: "General Li Jing, overall commander of Chentang Guan." Shijin Niangniang angrily said, "Li Jing! You were unable to attain the Dao. I had you sent down from the mountain by your master's order in pursuit of worldly wealth and honor. Now that you have risen to the rank of marquis or duke, you do not think of repaying this kindness but instead shoot an arrow at my disciple—repaying kindness with hatred." She commanded, "Caiyun Tongzi, watch over the cave while I go and seize Li Jing to avenge this grievance."

石矶娘娘乘青鸾而来，只见金霞荡荡，彩雾绯绯，正是：仙家妙用无穷尽，咫尺青鸾到此关。娘娘在半空中大呼：“李靖出来见我！”李靖不知道是谁人叫，急出来看时，像似石矶娘娘。李靖倒身下拜：“弟子李靖拜见。不知娘娘驾至，有失迎迓，望乞恕罪。”娘娘曰：“你行的好事！尚在此巧语花言。”将八卦云光帕──上面有坎离震兑之宝，包罗万象之珍。──望下一丢，命黄巾力士：“将李靖拿进洞府来！”黄巾力士平空把李靖拿去，至白骨洞放下。娘娘离了青鸾，坐在蒲团之上。力士将李靖拿至面前跪下。石矶娘娘曰：“李靖，你仙道未成，已得人间富贵，你却亏了何人。今不思报本，反起歹意，将我徒弟碧云童儿射死，有何理说？”李靖不知何事，真是平地风波。李靖曰：“娘娘，弟子今得何罪？”娘娘曰：“你恩将仇报，射死我门人，你还故推不知？”李靖曰：“箭在何处？”娘娘命：“取箭来与他看。”李靖看时，却是震天箭。李靖大惊曰：“这乾坤弓，震天箭，乃轩辕皇帝传留，至今镇陈塘关之宝，谁人拿得起来。这是弟子运乖时蹇，异事非常，望娘娘念弟子无辜被枉，冤屈难明，放弟子回关，查明射箭之人，待弟子拿来，以分皂白，庶不冤枉无辜。如无射箭之人，弟子死甘瞑目。”石矶娘娘曰：“既如此，我且放你回去。你若查不出来，我问你师父要你！你且去！”

Shijin Niangniang rode a green 鸾 (a mythical bird) and came. One could see golden radiance spreading, colorful mists in crimson hues—indeed: "The wondrous uses of the immortals are endless; within an arm's reach, the green 鸾 arrives at this pass." From midair, Niangniang shouted loudly: "Li Jing! Come out and face me!" Li Jing did not know who was calling him. Hurriedly stepping outside to look, he saw someone resembling Shijin Niangniang. Li Jing fell to his knees and kowtowed: "Disciple Li Jing pays respects." "I did not know Your Ladyship had arrived, and failed to welcome you properly. I humbly beg for forgiveness." Niangniang said: "What a fine deed you have done!" "Yet here you are, speaking in clever and flowery words." She took out the Bagua Yun Guang Pa—a treasure embroidered with the symbols of Kan, Li, Zhen, and Dui, containing within it the essence of all things in the universe. —She threw it downward and ordered the Huangjin Lishi: "Seize Li Jing and bring him into my cave!" The Huangjin Lishi seized Li Jing from midair and took him to White Bone Cave, setting him down there. Niangniang dismounted from her green 鸾 and sat on a rush mat. The Lishi brought Li Jing forward, kneeling before her. Shijin Niangniang said: "Li Jing, you have not yet completed your cultivation of the Dao but have already gained wealth and honor in the mortal world. Yet who is it that you wronged?" "Now, instead of thinking to repay your roots, you harbor evil intentions and shot my disciple Biyun Tongzi dead. What justification do you have?" Li Jing had no idea what the matter was; it truly seemed a sudden storm out of nowhere. Li Jing said: "Lady, what crime has your disciple committed?" Niangniang said: "You repaid kindness with hatred and shot dead my disciple. How dare you pretend ignorance?" Li Jing asked, "Where is the arrow?" Niangniang ordered: "Bring the arrow and show it to him." When Li Jing looked, he saw that it was indeed the Zhentian Arrow. Li Jing was greatly startled and said, "This Qiankun bow and Zhentian arrow were passed down by the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan. To this day they are treasures that guard Chenting Pass—how could anyone lift them?" "This must be due to my disciple's ill fortune and adversity. It is an extraordinary matter indeed. I beg Lady Niangniang to have mercy, for your humble servant has been wrongfully accused without cause, suffering unjust 委屈 that cannot be clarified. Please allow me to return to the pass so I may investigate who shot this arrow, capture them, and thus distinguish truth from falsehood, ensuring no innocent person is wrongly condemned." "If there be no one responsible for shooting the arrow, then I shall willingly accept death with closed eyes." Shijin Niangniang replied: "Since it is so, I will let you go back for now. "If you cannot find out who did it, I shall ask your master to hand you over to me!" "Now go!"

李靖连箭带回，借土遁来至关前；收了遁法，进了帅府。殷夫人不知何故，见李靖平空拎去，正在惊慌之处，李靖回见夫人。夫人曰：“将军为甚事平空摄去？使妾身惊慌无地。”李靖顿足叹曰：“夫人，我李靖居官二十五载，谁知今日运蹇时乖。关上敌楼有乾坤弓，震天箭，乃镇压此关之宝；不知何人将此箭射去，把石矶娘娘徒弟射死。箭上是我官衔，方才被他拿去，要我抵偿性命。被我苦苦哀告，回来访是何人，拿去见他，方能与我明白。”李靖又曰：“若论此弓箭，别人也拿不动，莫非又是哪吒？”夫人曰：“岂有此理！难道敖光事未了，他又敢惹这是非！就是哪吒，也拿不起来。”李靖沉思半晌，计上心来，叫左右侍儿：“请你三公子来。”不一时，哪吒来见，站立一傍。李靖曰：“你说你有师父承当，叫你辅弼明君，你如何不去学习些弓马，后来也好去用力。”哪吒曰：“孩儿奋志如此。才偶在城敌楼上，见弓箭在此，是我射了一箭，只见红光缭绕，紫雾纷霏，把一枝好箭射不见了。”就把李靖气得大叫一声：“好逆子！你打死三太子，事尚未定，今又惹这等无涯之祸！”夫人默默无言。哪吒不知其情，便问：“为何？又有甚么事？”李靖曰：“你方才一箭，射死石矶娘娘的徒弟。娘娘拿了我去，被我说过，放我回来，寻访射箭之人，原来却是你！你自去见娘娘回话！”哪吒笑曰：“父亲且息怒。石矶娘娘在那里住？他的徒弟在何处？我怎样射死他？平地赖人，其心不服。”李靖说：“石矶娘娘在骷髅山白骨洞，你既射死他徒弟，你去见他！”哪吒曰：“父亲此言有理，同到甚么白骨洞，若还不是我，打他个搅海翻江，我才回来。父亲请先行，孩儿随后。”父子二人驾土遁往骷髅山来： 箭射金光起，红云照太虚。真人今出世，帝子已安居。 莫浪夸仙术，须知念玉书。万邪难克正，不免破三军。

Li Jing took the arrow with him and returned by earth 遁 to before the pass; he dispelled his 遁 technique, entered the general's residence. Yin Madam did not know what had happened; she had seen Li Jing taken away into midair and was just in a state of alarm when Li Jing returned to see her. Madam asked, "General, why were you suddenly taken away from the air? It has left me in a state of panic and distress." Li Jing stamped his foot and sighed, "Madam, I, Li Jing, have held office for twenty-five years. Who would have known that today my fortune has turned so ill-fated. The watchtower on the pass holds the Qiankun Bow and Zhentian Arrow, treasures that have long safeguarded this pass; I do not know who shot this arrow and killed the disciple of Shijin Niangniang. The arrow is marked with my official insignia, so just now she took me away and demanded I atone for the life. "I pleaded with her desperately and was allowed to return in order to investigate who did this, capture them, and confront them directly—only then can I clear my name." Li Jing added: "Speaking of this bow and arrow, no one else could possibly lift them. Could it be Nezha once again?" Madam said, "How absurd! After the matter with Ao Guang is not yet settled, would he dare to stir up more trouble!" Even Nezha could not lift them." Li Jing pondered for a while, then an idea came to him. He called out to his attendants: "Please bring my third son here." In no time at all, Nezha arrived and stood by. Li Jing said: "You claimed you have a master to vouch for you, and that you were sent to assist the wise ruler. How is it then that you did not go learn some archery or horsemanship so that later on you could be of use?" Nezha replied: "My child has striven with such determination. "I was just passing by the watchtower on the city wall when I saw these bow and arrow here. I shot an arrow, and suddenly red light swirled around it, purple mist scattered everywhere, and then—poof! The fine arrow vanished from sight." This enraged Li Jing so much that he shouted: "You ungrateful wretch!" "You killed the Third Prince, and before that matter was settled, you now bring about this boundless disaster!" Madam remained silently speechless. Nezha, unaware of the situation, asked: "Why?" "What other matter is there?" Li Jing said: "Your arrow just now killed the disciple of Shijinniangan. She took me away, but after I pleaded with her, she let me return and told me to find out who shot the arrow. It turns out it was you!" "You go yourself to see Niangniang and explain!" Nezha smiled and said: "Father, please calm down. Where does Shijin Niangniangan live?" And where is his disciple?" How could I possibly have shot him to death?" To falsely accuse someone out of the blue is something my heart cannot accept." Li Jing said: "Shijin Niangniangan lives in White Bone Cave on Koulou Mountain. Since you shot dead his disciple, go and see him yourself!" Nezha said: "Father, your words are reasonable. I will go with you to this White Bone Cave. If it turns out not to be me, I shall stir up the sea and overturn the rivers before returning." "Father, please proceed first; your child will follow behind." The father and son rode the earth 遁 toward Koulou Mountain: An arrow shot forth, golden light arose; red clouds illuminated the vast heavens. A true immortal now appears; the imperial son has already found peace and security. Do not recklessly boast of divine arts, for you must know how to chant the Jade Scripture. Ten thousand evils cannot overcome righteousness; inevitably, three armies will be shattered.

话说李靖到了骷髅山，吩咐哪吒：“站立在此，待我进去，回了娘娘法旨。”哪吒冷笑：“我在那里，平空赖我，看他如何发付我。”且言李靖进洞中，参见娘娘。娘娘曰：“是何人射死碧云童儿？”李靖启娘娘：“就是李靖所生逆子哪吒。弟子不敢有违，已拿在洞府前，听候法旨。”娘娘命彩云童儿：“著他进来！”

Now that Li Jing had arrived at Koulou Mountain, he instructed Nezha: "Stand here. Wait until I go in and deliver the decree from Niangniangan." Nezha sneered coldly, "I am right here. They accused me out of nowhere—let's see how they deal with me." Meanwhile, Li Jing entered the cave and paid his respects to Niangniangan. Niangniang asked: "Who shot dead Biyun Tongzi?" Li Jing addressed Niangniang, saying: "It was my rebellious son Nezha." Your humble servant dares not disobey and has already brought him before the cave, where he awaits your decree." Niangniang commanded Caiyun Tongzi: "Have him come in!"

只见哪吒看见洞里一人出来，自想：“打人不过先下手。此间是他巢穴，反为不便。”拎起乾坤圈，一下打将来。彩云童儿不曾提防，夹颈一圈：“呵呀”一声，跌倒在地。彩云童儿彼时一命将危。娘娘听得洞外跌得人响，急出洞来，彩云童儿已在地下挣命。娘娘曰：“好孽障！还敢行凶，又伤我徒弟！”哪吒见石矶娘娘带鱼尾金冠，穿大红八卦衣，麻履丝绦，手提太阿剑赶来。哪吒收回圈，复打一圈来。娘娘看是太乙真人的乾坤圈：“呀！原来是你！”娘娘用手接住乾坤圈。哪吒大惊，忙将七尺混天绫来裹娘娘。娘娘大笑，把袍袖望上一迎，只见混天绫轻轻的落在娘娘袖里。娘娘叫：“哪吒，再把你师父的宝贝用几件来，看我道术如何！”哪吒手无寸铁，将何物支持，只得转身就跑。娘娘叫：“李靖，不干你事。你回去罢。”不言李靖回关，且说石矶娘娘赶哪吒，飞云掣电，雨骤风驰，赶彀多时，哪吒只得往乾元山来。到了金光洞，慌忙走进洞门，望师父下拜。真人问曰：“哪吒为何这等慌张？”哪吒曰：“石矶娘娘赖弟子射死他的徒弟，提宝剑前来杀我，把师父的乾坤圈、混天绫都收去了。如今赶弟子不放，现在洞外。弟子没奈何，只得求见师父，望乞救命！”太乙真人曰：“你这孽障，且在后桃园内，待我出去看。”真人出来，身倚洞门，只见石矶满面怒色，手提宝剑，恶狠狠赶来，见太乙真人，打稽首：“道兄请了！”太乙真人答礼。石矶曰：“道兄，你的门人仗你道术，射死贫道的碧云童儿，打坏了彩云童子，还将你乾坤圈、混天绫来伤我。道兄，好好把哪吒叫他出来见我，还是好面相看，万事俱息；若道兄隐护，只恐明珠弹雀，反为不美。”真人曰：“哪吒在我洞里，要他出来不难，你只到玉虚宫，见吾掌教老师。他教与你，我就与你。哪吒奉御敕钦命出世，辅保明君，非我一己之私。”娘娘笑曰：“道兄差矣！你将教主压我，难道纵徒弟行凶，杀我的徒弟，还将大言压我。难道我不如你，我就罢了！你听我道来： “道德森森出混元，修成乾建得长存。三花聚顶非闲说，五气朝元岂浪言。 闲坐苍龙归紫极，喜乘白鹤下昆仑。休将教主欺吾党，劫运回环已万源。”

Just then, Nezha saw a person coming out from inside the cave. Thinking to himself, "In a fight, it's best to strike first." "This is his den; fighting here will be inconvenient for me." He lifted the Qiankun Ring and struck down in an instant. Caiyun Tongzi had not been on guard, and the Qiankun Ring encircled his neck. With a cry of "Ah!" he fell to the ground. Caiyun Tongzi's life was in grave danger at that moment. Niangniang heard the commotion from outside the cave and rushed out, only to find Caiyun Tongzi already struggling for his life on the ground. Niangniang exclaimed: "You wretched demon!" "You dare commit violence and injure my disciple again!" Nezha saw Shijin Niangnianga, wearing a fish-tail golden crown, dressed in a crimson Bagua robe, with hemp shoes and silk sash, holding the Tai'e sword as she rushed toward him. Nezha retracted his ring and struck again with another whirlwind blow. Niangniang recognized it as Taiyi Zhenren's Qiankun Ring: "Ah! It was you all along!" Niangniang reached out with her hand and caught the Qiankun Ring. Nezha was greatly startled, and quickly wrapped Niangniangan in his seven-foot Huantian 绫. Niangniang laughed heartily, raising her sleeve upward to meet it; the Huantian 绫 gently fell into her sleeve. Niangniang called out: "Nezha, bring me a few more of your master's treasures and see how great my Daoist arts are!" Nezha had no weapons in hand, nothing to rely on; he could do nothing but turn around and run. Niangniang shouted: "Li Jing, this is not your fault. Go back now." Without mentioning Li Jing's return to the pass, let us speak of Shijin Niangnianging chasing Nezha. With clouds flying and lightning flashing, rain pouring and wind rushing, she chased him for a long time until Nezha had no choice but to flee toward Qianyuan Mountain. When he arrived at Jinguang Dong, he hurriedly entered the cave and knelt before his master in reverence. Zhenren asked: "Nezha, why are you so panicked?" Nezha replied: "Shijin Niangnianning falsely accused me of shooting and killing his disciple. He came after me with a sword, taking away both my master's Qiankun ring and Huantian 绫." Now he is chasing me without letting me go and is currently outside the cave. With no other choice, I had to come see my master and beg for mercy!" Taiyi Zhenren said: "You wretch, go wait in the peach garden at the back. I shall go out and see." Zhenren stepped out and leaned against the cave entrance. He saw Shijin, full of anger, holding a sword in hand and coming fiercely forward. Upon seeing Taiyi Zhenren, he bowed deeply: "Senior Daoist Brother, greetings!" Taiyi Zhenren returned the courtesy. Shijin said: "Senior Daoist Brother, your disciple relies on your Daoist arts to shoot and kill my Biyun Tongzi, injure Caiyun Tongzi, and even use your Qiankun Ring and Huantian 绫 to attack me. Senior Daoist Brother, kindly call Nezha out for me so he may meet with me in person; we can then resolve this matter amicably and put an end to all the trouble. If you choose to protect him, I fear it will be like using a pearl to shatter a sparrow—wasteful and unbecoming." Zhenren said: "Nezha is in my cave. It would not be difficult to bring him out, but you should go to Yuxu Palace and see my headmaster." If he agrees with you, then I will agree as well. Nezha was commissioned by imperial decree to be born into the world and assist a wise ruler; he is not for my personal gain alone." The Empress Dowager smiled and said: "Senior Daoist Brother, you are mistaken!" You try to pressure me by invoking the sect leader. Do you think I would let your disciple commit violence, kill my disciples, and then use grand words to intimidate me? If you truly believe that I am not as good as you, then so be it! Listen to me: "Virtue and morality arise from the primordial chaos, cultivated in dryness and establishment to attain eternal existence. The gathering of three flowers at the crown is no idle talk; the convergence of five qi toward the primordial origin is not a casual statement. Sitting in leisure, the azure dragon returns to the purple extreme; joyfully riding a white crane descending from Kunlun. Do not use the sect leader to bully our faction, for the cycle of calamity and transformation has already given rise to ten thousand origins."

话说太乙真人曰：“石矶，你说你的道德清高，你乃截教，我乃阐教，因吾辈一千五百年不曾斩却三尸，犯了杀戒，故此降生人间，有征诛杀伐，以完此劫数。今成汤合灭，周室当兴，玉虚封神，应享人间富贵。当时三教佥押‘封神榜’，吾师命我教下徒众，降生出世，辅佐明君。哪吒乃灵珠子下世，辅姜子牙而灭成汤，奉的是元始掌教符命。就伤了你的徒弟，乃是天数。你怎言包罗万象，迟早飞升。似你等无忧无虑，无辱无荣，正好修持，何故轻动无名，自伤雅道。”石矶娘娘忍不住心头火，喝曰：“道同一理，怎见高低？”太乙真人曰：“道虽一理，各有所陈。你且听吾分剖： 交光日月鍊金英，一颗灵珠透室明。摆动乾坤知道力，避移生死见功成。 逍遥四海留踪迹，归在三清立姓名。直上五云云路稳，紫鸾朱鹤自来迎。”

Zhenren Taiyi said: "Shijin, you speak of your lofty virtue and morality. You belong to the Jie Sect while I belong to the Chan Sect. Because our generation failed to sever the Three Corps for 1,500 years and thus violated the precept against killing, we were born into this world with a mandate for war and slaughter in order to complete this cycle of calamity." Now the Cheng Tang dynasty is destined to fall, while the Zhou dynasty should rise. The Yuxu bestowment of deities shall grant enjoyment of worldly wealth and honor." At that time, the Three Teachings jointly sealed the "Fengshen Bang." My master commanded my sect's disciples to be born into this world in order to assist a wise ruler. Nezha is the reincarnation of Lingzhuzi, who will assist Jiang Ziya in overthrowing Cheng Tang. He acts under the authority and decree of Yuanshi Zhenren, the headmaster of our sect. Even if he injured your disciples, it is all part of fate. How can you claim to encompass the myriad phenomena and ascend to immortality in due time? You, who are free from worries and cares, untouched by disgrace or honor, should be in the best position to cultivate. Why then do you recklessly provoke senseless conflict and damage your noble path?" Shijin's Empress Dowager could no longer restrain her anger, and shouted: "The Dao is one in principle—how can there be distinctions of high or low?" Zhenren Taiyi replied: "Though the Dao follows a single principle, each has its own interpretation. Listen as I explain: The interplay of light from sun and moon refines golden essence; a single spiritual pearl pierces the chamber with clarity. Moving heaven and earth reveals Daoist power, shifting life and death demonstrates achieved merit. Wandering leisurely across the four seas leaves traces behind; returning to the Three Pure Ones establishes one's name and reputation. A direct ascent through five clouds ensures a steady path, where purple 鸾 and vermilion cranes come to greet you naturally."

石矶娘娘大怒，手执宝剑望真人劈面砍来。太乙真人让过，抽身复入洞中，取剑挂在手上，暗袋一物，望东昆仑山下拜：“弟子今在此山开了杀戒。”拜罢，出洞指石矶曰：“你根源浅薄，道行难坚，怎敢在我乾元山自恃凶暴！”石矶又一剑砍来。太乙真人用剑架住，口称：“善哉！”──石矶乃一顽石成精，采天地灵气，受日月精华，得道数千年，尚未成正果；今逢大劫，本像难存，故到此山。一则石矶数尽；二则哪吒该在此处出身。天数已定，怎能避躲。石矶娘娘与太乙真人往来冲突，翻腾数转，二剑交架，未及数合，只见云彩辉辉，石矶娘娘将八卦龙须帕丢起空中，欲伤真人。真人笑曰：“万邪岂能侵正。”真人口中念念有词，用手一指：“此物不落，更待何时？”八卦帕落将下来。石矶大怒，脸变桃花，剑如雪片。太乙真人曰：“事到其间，不得不行。”真人将身一跃，跳出圈子外来，将九龙神火罩抛起空中。石矶见罩，欲避不出，已罩在里面。

Shijin's Empress Dowanger was furious and brandished her sword, swinging it directly at Zhenren. Zhenren Taiyi dodged the strike, pulled back into the cave, retrieved a sword and fastened it to his hand. He secretly took an object from his pouch and bowed toward the East Kunlun Mountains: "Disciple now opens the precept of killing here in this mountain." After bowing, he stepped out of the cave and pointed at Shijin, saying: "Your roots are shallow and your cultivation weak—how dare you act so violently on my Qianyuan Mountain!" Shijin swung his sword again. Zhenren Taiyi blocked the strike with his sword and said, "Excellent!" Shijin is a spirit formed from an obstinate stone, absorbing the vital energies of heaven and earth and the essence of sun and moon. Though he has cultivated for thousands of years, he still has not achieved true enlightenment; now encountering a great calamity, his original form is hard to preserve, hence he came to this mountain. Firstly, Shijin's fate has reached its end; secondly, Nezha was destined to be born at this place. Fate is already set; how can one avoid it? Shijin's Empress Dowang and Zhenren Taiyi clashed back and forth, circling several times. Their swords crossed in mid-air, but before they could exchange more than a few strikes, clouds began to glow brightly. Shijin's Empress Dowag threw the Eight Trigrams Dragon Beard Handkerchief into the air, attempting to injure Zhenren. Zhenren smiled and said: "Ten thousand evils cannot invade righteousness." With a murmured incantation, Zhenren pointed his finger and said: "If this thing does not fall now, when else will it?" The Eight Trigrams Handkerchief fell down. Shijin was furious, his face reddening like peach blossoms, and his sword flashing like snowflakes. Zhenren Taiyi said: "Matters have reached this point; I can no longer avoid taking action." Zhenren leaped into the air, stepping outside the circle of combat and tossed the Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Canopy into the sky. Shijin saw the canopy and tried to avoid it, but it was already too late—he was trapped inside.

且说哪吒看见师父用此物罩了石矶，叹曰：“早将此物传我，也不费许多力气。”哪吒出洞口来见师父。太乙真人回头，看见徒弟来：“呀！这顽皮，他看见此罩，毕竟要了。但如今他还用不著，待子牙拜将之后，方可传他。”真人忙叫：“哪吒，你快去！四海龙君奏准玉帝，来拿你父母了。”哪吒听得此言，满眼垂泪，恳求真人曰：“望师父慈悲弟子一双父母！子作灾殃，遗累父母，其心何安。”道罢，放声大哭。真人见哪吒如此，乃附耳曰：“……如此如此。可救你父母之厄。”哪吒叩谢，借土遁往陈塘关来。不表。

Meanwhile, Nezha saw his master use this item to trap Shijin and sighed: "If only he had passed this down to me earlier, I wouldn't have wasted so much effort." Nezha came out of the cave entrance to see his master. Zhenren Taiyi turned around and saw his disciple coming: "Ah! This rascal—now that he has seen this canopy, he will certainly want it for himself." "But at present, he does not yet need it. I shall pass it on to him only after Jiang Ziya is appointed as general." Zhenren hurriedly called out: "Nezha, go quickly! The Dragon Lords of the Four Seas have received imperial approval from Jade Emperor and are coming to arrest your parents." Nezha, upon hearing this, shed tears and earnestly pleaded with Zhenren: "Master, I beg you to show mercy on my parents! My actions have brought disaster and burdened my parents—how can my heart find peace?" After saying this, he broke into loud weeping. Zhenren saw Nezha in such a state and leaned close to whisper: "...... do it like this." This will save your parents from their misfortune." Nezha kowtowed in gratitude and used earth 遁 to head toward Chentang Pass. Details are omitted here.

且说太乙真人罩了石矶，石矶在罩内不知东西南北。真人用两手一拍，那罩内腾腾焰起，烈烈光生，九条火龙盘绕──此乃三昧神火烧炼石矶。一声雷响，把娘娘真形炼出，乃是一块顽石。此石生于天地玄黄之外，经过地水火风，炼成精灵；今日天数已定，合于此地而死，故现其真形。此是太乙真人该开杀戒。真人收了神火罩，又收乾坤圈、混天绫，进洞。不表。

Meanwhile, Zhenren Taiyi had trapped Shijin in the canopy; Shijin was now disoriented inside and could no longer tell directions. Zhenren clapped his hands twice, and within the canopy flames surged upward, fierce light bursting forth. Nine fiery dragons coiled around—this was the Sanmei Divine Fire burning Shijin. A thunderous roar erupted, and from it emerged the Empress Dowager's true form—a stubborn stone. This stone was born beyond the primordial chaos of heaven and earth, refined through earth, water, fire, and wind into a spirit; Today, fate has been set—it is destined to die in this place, hence its true form is revealed. This is the moment when Zhenren Taiyi must break his precept of non-killing. Zhenren retrieved the Divine Fire Canopy, then put away the Qiankun Ring and the Huantian 绫 before returning into the cave. Details are omitted here.

且说哪吒飞奔陈塘关来，只见帅府前人声扰攘。众家将见公子来了，忙报李靖曰：“公子回来了。”四海龙王敖光、敖顺、敖明、敖吉正看间，只见哪吒厉声叫曰：“‘一人行事一人当’，我打死敖丙、李艮，我当偿命，岂有子连累父母之理！”乃对敖光曰：“我一身非轻，乃灵珠子是也。奉玉虚符命，应运下世。我今日剖腹、剜肠、剔骨肉，还于父母，不累双亲。你们意下如何？如若不肯，我同你齐到灵霄殿见天王，我自有话说。”敖光听见此言：“也罢！你既如此，救你父母，也有孝名。”四海龙王便放了李靖夫妇。哪吒便右手提剑，先去一臂膊，后自剖其腹，剜肠剔骨，散了七魂三魄，一命归泉。四龙王据哪吒之言回旨。不表。

Meanwhile, Nezha rushed toward Chentang Pass and saw a commotion in front of the general's residence. The officers present upon seeing the young master arrive hurriedly reported to Li Jing: "Young Master has returned." At that moment, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas—Aoguang, Aoshun, Aoming, and Aoji—were watching when suddenly Nezha shouted angrily: "'One person's actions should be borne by one person alone.' I killed Aobing and Li Gen; I am willing to pay with my life. How can a son involve his parents in such matters!" He then turned to Aoguang and said: "My body is not ordinary; I am the Lingzhuzi. I have been commissioned by Yuxu's decree, descending into this world according to fate. Today I shall open my abdomen, remove my entrails, and strip away my flesh and bones to return them to my parents, so as not to involve them in this matter. What say you all?" "If you refuse, I shall go with you to the Lingxiao Hall before Heavenly King, where I have my own words to say." Aoguang heard these words and said: "Very well! If you act in this way, saving your parents while also earning a reputation for filial piety." The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas then released Li Jing and his wife. Nezha then took up a sword in his right hand, first cutting off one of his arms, and later opening his abdomen to remove his entrails and strip away his bones. He dispersed his seven souls and three spirits, giving up his life and returning to the springs below. The four Dragon Kings returned with Nezha's words as their report. Details are omitted here.

殷夫人见哪吒尸骸，用棺木盛了埋葬。不表。

Yin Lady, upon seeing Nezha's corpse, placed it in a wooden coffin and buried him. Details are omitted here.

且说哪吒魂无所依，魄无所倚──他原是宝贝化现，借了精血，故有魂魄。哪吒飘飘荡荡，随风而至，迳到乾元山来。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

Meanwhile, Nezha's soul had no place to rest and his spirit nowhere to lean. Originally a manifestation of treasures borrowing essence and blood, he naturally possessed both soul and spirit. Nezha drifted aimlessly with the wind until he arrived directly at Qianyuan Mountain. What will happen next? Stay tuned for the following chapter.