Chapter 21: Wenwang Fleeing Five Passes While Praise of Officials

诗曰： 黄公恩羲救岐主，令箭铜符出帝疆。尤费谗谋追圣主，云中显化济慈航。 从来德大难容世，自此龙飞兆瑞祥。留有吐儿名誉在，至今齿角有馀芳。

The poem says: Huang Gong's grace and Xi saved Qi zhu, the imperial command and bronze token left the emperor's territory. You Fei's slanderous schemes pursued the sage ruler; in the clouds he manifested transformation, rescuing and benefiting the kind voyage. From ancient times, great virtue has been hard to be accepted by the world; from this time onward, the dragon's flight foretold auspicious omens. The reputation of Tou'er remains; even to this day, his horns and teeth carry a lingering fragrance.

话说文王离了朝歌，连夜过了孟津，渡了黄河，过了渑池，前往临潼关而来。不题。

The story goes that King Wen, having left Chaoguo, passed through Mengjin overnight, crossed the Yellow River, went past Mianchi, and proceeded toward Lintong Pass. No further mention is made of it.

且说朝歌城馆驿官见文王一夜未归，心下慌忙，急报费大夫府得知。左右通报费仲曰：“外有驿官禀说，西伯文王一夜未归，不知何往。此事重大，不得不预先禀明。”费仲闻知，命；“驿官且退，我自知道。”费仲沉思；“事干自己身上，如何处治？”乃著堂候官，“请尤爷来商议。”少时，尤浑到费仲府，相见礼毕。仲曰：“不道姬昌，贤弟保奏，皇上封彼为王，这也罢了。孰意皇上准行夸官三日，今方二日，姬昌逃归，不俟主命，必非好事，事干重大；且东南二路，叛乱多年，今又走了姬昌，使皇上又生一患。这个担儿谁担？为今之计，将如之何？”尤浑曰：“年兄且宽心，不必忧闷。我二人之事，料不能失手，且进内庭面君，著两员将官，赶去拿来，以正欺君负上之罪，速斩于市曹，何虑之有！”二人计议停当，忙整朝衣，随即入朝。纣王正在摘星楼赏玩。侍臣启驾；“费仲、尤浑侯旨。”王曰：“宣二人上楼。”二人见王礼毕。王曰：“二卿有何奏章来见？”费仲奏曰：“姬昌深负陛下洪恩，不遵朝廷之命，欺藐陛下。夸官二日，不谢圣恩，不报王爵，暗自逃归，必怀歹意。恐回故土，以起猖獗之端。臣荐在前，恐后得罪，臣等预奏，请旨定夺。”纣王怒曰：“二卿曾言姬昌忠义，逢朔望焚香叩拜，祝祈风和雨顺，国泰民安，朕故此赦之。今日坏事，皆出二卿轻举之罪！”尤浑奏曰：“自古人心难测，面从背违，知外而不知内，如内而不知心，正所谓‘海枯终见底，人死不知心’。姬昌此去不远，陛下传旨，命殷破败、雷开点三千飞骑，赶去拿来，以正逃官之法。”纣王准奏，“速遣殷、雷二将，点兵追赶。”使命传旨。神武大将军殷破败、雷开领旨，往武成王府来调三千飞骑，出朝歌西门一路上赶来。怎见得： 旛幢招展，三春杨柳交加；号带飘扬，七夕彩云披日。刀枪闪灼，三冬瑞雪弥天；剑戟森严，九月秋霜盖地。咚咚鼓响，汪洋大海起春雷；振地锣鸣，马到山前飞霹雳。人似南山争食虎，马如北海戏波龙。

Meanwhile, the inn official in Chaoguo City, upon seeing that King Wen had not returned overnight, became anxious and immediately reported this to Master Fei's residence. The attendants informed Fei Zhong, saying: "Outside, the inn official reported that King Wen of Xibo has not returned overnight and it is unknown where he went." "This matter is serious; we cannot help but report it in advance." Upon hearing this, Fei Zhong gave orders: "The inn official may withdraw; I already know about it." Fei Zhong pondered deeply; "This matter concerns myself. How should I deal with it?" He then ordered the hall attendant, "Please invite Uncle You to discuss this." After a short while, You Hun arrived at Fei Zhong's residence and they exchanged the customary courtesies. Zhong said, "Unjustly, Ji Chang, my virtuous younger brother recommended him, and the emperor appointed him as a king. Well, let it be." Who could have expected that the emperor approved a three-day celebration for the official, yet today is only the second day and Ji Chang has fled back without awaiting imperial orders. This must surely be no good matter; it involves serious consequences. Moreover, the eastern and southern routes have been in rebellion for many years. Now that Ji Chang has also escaped, this will cause another concern for the emperor. Who will bear this burden? What should we do now?" You Hun said, "Senior brother, please be at ease. There is no need to worry." "Our matter, I can assure you, will not go awry. Let us proceed to the inner court and personally present our case before the emperor. We shall dispatch two military officers to chase after him and bring him back, so that we may punish his crime of deceiving the sovereign and betraying his superiors. Execute him swiftly in the public square—what is there to fear!" After their plan was finalized, the two men quickly put on their court robes and immediately entered the palace. King Zhou was then enjoying a view from Zhaixing Tower. The attendants announced the arrival of the ministers; "Fei Zhong and You Hun are waiting for an audience." The king said, "Summon the two men up to the tower." After the two men paid their respects before the king. The king asked, "What matters do you two ministers wish to present?" Fei Zhong presented his report, saying: "Ji Chang has deeply betrayed the great grace of Your Majesty and disobeyed the imperial court's orders, showing contempt for His Majesty. After two days of celebration as an official, he did not thank the imperial grace or report his royal title, but secretly fled back. He must surely harbor evil intentions." I fear that upon returning to his native land, he will incite further rebellion. "As I was the one who recommended him earlier, I fear being blamed later. We have preemptively reported this matter and respectfully request Your Majesty's decision." King Zhou angrily said, "You two ministers previously stated that Ji Chang was loyal and righteous. He burned incense and knelt in prayer on the first and fifteenth days of each month, praying for favorable winds and rains, national peace, and people's well-being. Therefore, I pardoned him. Today's misdeeds are all due to your two ministers' reckless actions!" You Hun presented his report, saying: "Since ancient times, human hearts are hard to fathom. One may appear obedient on the surface but rebel behind one's back; one may know a person outwardly but not inwardly, and even if one knows their inner thoughts, it is still impossible to truly understand their heart. This is exactly what is meant by 'Even when the sea dries up, its bottom can be seen, yet no one knows another's true heart until they die.'" "Ji Chang has not gone far. Your Majesty, please issue an order to Yin Pobai and Lei Kai to mobilize three thousand flying cavalrymen to chase after him and capture him, so as to enforce the law against a fleeing official." King Zhou approved their request. "Quickly dispatch Generals Yin and Lei to mobilize troops in pursuit." The imperial command was issued. General Yin Pobai, the Divine Martial Great General, and Lei Kai accepted the order. They went to Wucheng Prince's mansion to mobilize three thousand flying horsemen and set out from the western gate of Chaoguo in pursuit along the road. How was this seen: Banners fluttered and waved, entwined like willows in early spring; The banners swayed in the wind, as if on the Qixi Festival with colorful clouds draping the sun. Swords and spears gleamed like winter snow blanketing the sky; Swords and halberds stood in imposing array, as if autumn frost covered the earth in September. The drums thundered loudly, like spring thunder rising from a vast ocean; The gongs rang out with earth-shaking force, as if lightning flew before the horses reached the mountain. People rushed like tigers vying for food on Mount Nan; horses galloped like dragons playing in the waves of the Northern Sea.

不说追兵随后飞云挈电而来。且说文王自出朝歌，过孟津，渡了黄河，望渑池大道徐徐而行，扮作夜不收模样。文王行得慢，殷、雷二将赶得快，不觉看看赶上。文王回头看见后面麈土荡起，远闻人马喊杀之声，知是追赶。文王惊得魂飞无地，仰天叹曰：“武成王虽是为我，我一时失于打点，夤夜逃归；想必当今知道，傍人奏闻，怪我私自逃回，必有追兵赶逐。此一拿回，再无生理。如今只得趱马前行，以脱此厄。”文王这一回，似失林飞鸟，漏网惊鱼，那分南北，孰辨东西。文王心忙似箭，意急如云，正是；仰面告天天不语，低头诉地地无言。只得加鞭纵辔数番，恨不得马足腾云，身能生翅。远望临潼关不过二十馀里之程，后有追师，看看至近。文王正危急。按下不题。

No mention is made that the pursuing troops came swiftly, as clouds and lightning flew behind them. Meanwhile, King Wen, since leaving Chaoguo and passing through Mengjin, crossed the Yellow River. He slowly proceeded along the main road toward Mianchi, disguised as a night scout. King Wen walked slowly, while Generals Yin and Lei pursued quickly, and before long they caught up with him. King Wen turned around and saw the dust rising behind him, and from afar he heard the shouts of men and horses. He realized that they were being pursued. King Wen was so startled that his soul seemed to fly away. He looked up at the sky and sighed, "Prince Wucheng's actions were for my sake, yet I failed in preparation and fled back under cover of night; Surely the current emperor must have learned about it, and others reported to him. He would blame me for fleeing back without permission, so there must be pursuing troops in hot pursuit." If I am captured now, there will surely be no more chance of survival. Now I have no choice but to urge my horse forward and escape this calamity." This time, King Wen was like a bird in flight that had lost its forest or a startled fish escaping from a net—unable to distinguish north from south, east from west. King Wen's heart was as urgent as an arrow and his thoughts as restless as drifting clouds. It was indeed; He looked up to heaven, pleading with it, but heaven remained silent. He turned his gaze downward and appealed to the earth, yet the earth gave no reply. He had no choice but to whip the reins repeatedly, wishing with all his might that his horse's hooves could ride on clouds and that he himself could sprout wings. Looking ahead, Lintong Pass was no more than twenty miles away; yet behind him the pursuing army could be seen drawing ever closer. King Wen was in dire peril. This is set aside for now.

且说终南山云中子在玉柱洞中碧游床运其元神，守离龙，纳坎虎，猛的心血潮来，道人不觉而有警掐指一算，早知吉凶；“呀！原来西伯灾厄已满，目下逢危。今日正当他父子重逢，贫道不失燕山之语。”叫；“金霞童儿在那里？你与我后桃园中请你师兄来。”金霞童儿领命，往桃园中来，见了师兄道；“师父有请。”雷震子答曰：“师弟先行，我随即就来。”雷震子见了云中子下拜：“不知师父有何分付？”云中子曰：“徒弟，汝父有难，你可前去救拔。”雷震子曰：“弟子父是何人？”道人曰：“汝父乃是西伯侯姬昌，有难在临潼关；你可往虎儿崖下寻一兵器来，待吾秘授你些兵法，好去救你父亲。今日正当子父重逢之日，后期好相见耳。”雷震子领师父之命，离了洞府，迳至虎儿崖下，东瞧西看，各到处寻不出甚么东西，又不知何物叫为兵器。雷震子寻思；“我失打点。常闻兵器乃刀、剑、戟、鞭、斧、瓜，师父口言兵器，不知何物，且回洞中，再问详细。”雷震子方欲转身，只见一阵异香扑鼻，透胆钻肝，不知在于何所。只见前面一溪涧下，水声潺潺，雷鸣隐隐。雷震子观看，只见稀奇景致，雅韵幽栖，藤缠桧柏，竹插颠崖，狐兔往来如梭，鹿鹤唳鸣前后，见了些灵芝隐绿草，梅子在青枝，看不尽山中异景。猛然间见绿叶之下，红杏二枚。雷震子心欢，顾不得高低险峻，攀藤葛，手扯愰摇将比二枚红杏摘于手中；闻一闻，扑鼻馨香，如甘露沁心，愈加甘美。雷震子暗思；“此二枚红杏，我吃一个，留一个带与师父。”雷震子方吃了一个－怎么这等香美，津津异味！只是要吃。不觉又将这个咬了一口。“呀！咬残了。不如都吃了罢。”方吃了杏子，又寻兵器，不觉左胁下一声响，长出翅来，拖在地下。雷子吓得魂飞天外，魄散九霄。雷震子曰：“不好了！”忙将两手去拿住翅，只管拔。不防右边又冒出一只来。雷震子慌得没主意，吓得坐在地下。原来两边长出翅来，不打紧，连脸都变了；鼻子高了，面如青靛，发似朱朱，眼睛暴甚，牙齿横生，出于唇外；身躯长有二丈。雷震子痴呆不语。只见金霞来到雷震子面前，叫曰：“师兄，师父叫你。”雷震子曰：“师弟，你看我，我都变了？”金霞童子曰：“你怎的来？”雷震子曰：“师父叫我往虎儿崖寻兵器去救我父亲，寻了半日不见，只寻得二枚杏子，被我吃了。可煞作怪，弄的青头红发，上下獠牙，又长出两边肉翅。教我如何去见师父？”金霞童子曰：“快去！师父等你！”雷震子起来，一步步来，自觉不好看，二翅并拖著，如同斗败了的鸡一般，到了玉柱

Meanwhile, Yunzhongzi of Zhongnan Mountain, while cultivating his original spirit on the Biyou Bed in Yuzhu Cave, guarding the Li dragon and absorbing the Kan tiger, suddenly felt a surge of blood and emotion. The Daoist, sensing something amiss, instinctively calculated with his fingers and immediately discerned fortune or misfortune; "Ah! It seems that King Wen's tribulations have reached their end, yet he is now in danger." "Today is precisely the day when father and son will reunite. I shall not fail to fulfill my words from Yanshan Mountain." He called out; "Where is the child Jin Xia?" "You go to the back peach garden and invite your elder brother to come here." Jin Xia Child accepted the order and went to the peach garden, where he saw his senior disciple and said; "My master is requesting your presence." Lei Zhensi replied, "Elder brother goes first; I will come right away." Lei Zhensi bowed before Yunzhongzi and asked, "I did not know what instructions my master had for me?" Yunzhongzi said, "Disciple, your father is in trouble. You may go ahead and rescue him." Lei Zhensi asked, "Whose father am I?" The Daoist said, "Your father is none other than Ji Chang, the Marquis of Xibo, who is in trouble at Lintong Pass; you may go to Huer Ya and find a weapon there. I will secretly teach you some military tactics so that you can rescue your father." "Today is precisely the day for father and son to reunite. We shall meet again in good time." Lei Zhensi accepted his master's command, left the cave dwelling, and went directly to Huer Ya. He looked east and west, searching everywhere but could not find anything, nor did he know what kind of object was called a weapon. Lei Zhensi pondered; "I have failed to prepare properly." I often heard that weapons are swords, blades, halberds, whips, axes, and melon-shaped hammers. Since my master mentioned a weapon but I do not know which one it is, I should return to the cave and ask for more details." As Lei Zhensi was about to turn back, he suddenly caught a whiff of an unusual fragrance that filled his nose and penetrated deep into his liver and gallbladder. He did not know where it came from. Looking ahead, he saw a stream below with the sound of flowing water and faint rumbles like distant thunder. Lei Zhensi observed and saw a most wondrous scene: elegant charm and quiet beauty, vines entwining cypress and juniper trees, bamboo piercing the cliffs. Foxes and hares darted to and fro like shuttle threads; deer and cranes called out before and behind him. He spotted some ginseng hidden in green grass and plums on emerald branches—endless were the strange sights of the mountain. Suddenly, he saw two red apricots beneath a leafy branch. Lei Zhensi's heart rejoiced, and without regard for the height or danger of the terrain, he climbed vines and grasped at swaying branches to pluck the two red apricots into his hands. He took a whiff, and the fragrance filled his nose like sweet dew seeping into his heart, becoming even more delicious. Lei Zhensi thought to himself; "I will eat one of these two red apricots and leave the other for my master." As soon as Lei Zhensi ate one—how fragrant and delicious it was, with a unique flavor that lingered! He could not help but want to eat more. Without realizing it, he took another bite of the remaining apricot. "Ah! I have bitten into it." "Might as well eat both of them after all." No sooner had he finished eating the apricots than he began searching for a weapon again. Suddenly, there was a sound from beneath his left armpit and wings grew out, dragging along the ground. Lei Zhensi was so startled that he felt as if his soul had flown beyond the heavens and his spirit scattered into the nine skies. Lei Zhensi cried, "This is terrible!" He hurriedly used both hands to grab the wings and kept pulling at them. Unbeknownst to him, another wing sprouted from his right side. Lei Zhensi panicked and lost all composure, so frightened that he sat down on the ground. Originally, it was not a big deal for wings to grow out from both sides, but now even his face had changed; his nose became higher, his face turned as blue as indigo, his hair was like cinnabar red, his eyes bulged greatly, and his teeth grew sideways, protruding beyond his lips; his body had grown to two zhang in height. Lei Zhensi stood there dazed and speechless. Just then, Jin Xia came up to Lei Zhensi and called out, "Elder Brother, Master is calling you." Lei Zhensi said, "Younger brother, look at me—have I changed?" The child Jin Xia asked, "What happened to you?" Lei Zhensi said, "Master told me to go to Hu'er Ya and find weapons to save my father. I searched for half a day without finding any, only managing to find two apricots, which I ate." What an odd turn of events! It has turned me into a creature with green hair and red head, fangs both upper and lower, and two meaty wings growing out from my sides. How can I possibly go to see Master now?" The child Jin Xia said, "Hurry up!" "Master is waiting for you!" Lei Zhensi got up and walked step by step, feeling that he looked terrible. His two wings dragged behind him like those of a defeated rooster, as he arrived at Yuzhu.

洞前。云中子见雷震子来，抚拿道；“奇哉！奇哉！”手指雷震子作诗： “两枚仙杏安天下，一条金棍定乾坤。风雷两翅开先辈，变化千端起后昆。眼似金铃通九地，发如紫草短三髡。秘传玄妙真仙诀，炼就金刚体不昏。”

in front of the cave. Yun Zhongzi saw Lei Zhensi coming and gently patted him, saying; "Remarkable!" "Remarkable! " With a finger pointing at Lei Zhensi, he composed a poem: "Two divine apricots bring peace to the world; one golden staff stabilizes heaven and earth. Wings of wind and thunder open the way for predecessors, while myriad transformations inspire future generations." Eyes like golden bells reach down to the nine realms; hair as purple grass is cut short in three places. Secretly transmitted mysteries and true elixirs of immortality, forging a golden body that never falters."

云中子作罢诗，命雷震子；“随我进洞来。”雷震子随师父至桃园中。云中子取一条金棍传雷震子，上下飞腾，盘旋如风雨之声，进退有龙蛇之势，转身似猛虎摇头，起落像蛟龙出海，呼呼响亮，闪灼光明，空中展动一团锦，左右纷纭万簇花。云中子在洞中传的雷震子精熟，随将雷震子二翅左边用一“风”字，右边用一“雷”字，又将咒语诵了一遍。雷震子飞腾，起于半天，脚登天，头望下，二翅招展，空中俱有风雷之声。雷震子落地，倒身下拜，叩谢曰：“师父有妙道玄机，今传弟子，使救父之厄，此乃莫大之洪恩也。”道人曰：“你速往临潼关，救西伯侯姬昌──乃汝之父，速去速来，不可迟延。你救父送出五关，不许你同父往西岐，亦不许你伤纣王军将，功完速回终南，再传你道术。后来你弟兄自有完聚之目。”云中子分付毕，“你去罢！”

After finishing the poem, Yun Zhongzi ordered Lei Zhensi; "Follow me into the cave." Lei Zhensi followed his master to a peach garden. Yun Zhongzi took out a golden staff and passed it to Lei Zhensi. The staff flew up and down, circling with the sound of wind and rain; its movements forward and backward displayed the momentum of dragons and serpents. When turning around, it resembled a fierce tiger shaking its head, and when rising or falling, it looked like a coiled dragon emerging from the sea. It made a loud whooshing sound and emitted dazzling flashes of light. In the air, it moved like a ball of brocade, with countless blossoms swirling to the left and right in a flurry. Inside the cave, Yun Zhongzi thoroughly trained Lei Zhensi until he became proficient. He then inscribed a "Feng" character on his left wing and a "Lei" character on his right wing, and recited the incantation once more. Lei Zhensi soared upward, rising into the sky, his feet touching heaven and his head looking downward. His two wings spread wide, and as he flew through the air, winds howled and thunder rumbled. Lei Zhensi landed, turned around and knelt down to bow repeatedly, kowtowing in gratitude and saying, "Master, your wondrous Dao and profound mysteries have now been passed on to me. This will allow me to save my father from his misfortune. Such is a great and boundless favor." The Daoist said, "You must quickly go to Lintong Pass and rescue the Western Lord Ji Chang—he is your father. Go swiftly and return promptly; do not delay." "You must rescue your father and escort him past the five passes, but you are not allowed to go with him to Xi Qi. Nor may you harm King Zhou's soldiers or generals. Once your task is complete, return quickly to Zhongnan Mountain so I can teach you more Daoist techniques." "In the future, you and your brothers will naturally be reunited in due time." After giving his instructions, Yun Zhongzi said, "Go now!"

雷震子出了洞府，二翅飞起，霎时间飞至临潼关。见一山冈，雷震子落将下来，立在山冈之上，看了一会，不见形迹。雷震子自思；“呀！我失了打点，不曾问我师父，西伯侯文王不知怎么个模样，教我如何相见？”二言未了，只见那壁厢一人，粉青毡笠，穿了一件皂服号衫，乘一骑白马，飞奔而来。雷震子曰：“此人莫非是吾父也？”大叫一声曰：“山下的可是西伯侯姬老爷么？”文王听得有人叫他，勒马抬头观看时，又不见人，只听得声气。文王叹曰：吾命合休！为何闻声不见人形，此必鬼神相戏。”原来雷震子面蓝，身上又是水合色，故此与山色交加，文王不曾看得明白，故有此疑。雷震子见文王住马停蹄，看一回，不言而又行。又叫曰：“此位可是西伯侯姬千岁否？”文王抬头，猛见一人，面如蓝靛，发似朱砂，巨口獠牙，眼如铜铃，光华闪灼，吓的魂不附体。文王自付；“若是鬼魅，必无人声，我既到此，也避不得了。他既叫我，我且上山，看他如何。”文王打马上山，叫曰：“那位杰士，为何认得我姬昌？”雷震子闻言，倒身下拜，口称；“父王，孩儿来迟，致父王受惊，恕孩儿不孝之罪。”文王曰：“杰士错认了。我姬昌一向无识，为何以父子相称？”雷震子曰：“孩儿乃是燕山收的雷震子。”文王曰：“我儿，你为何生得这个模样？你是终南山云中子带你上山，算将来方今七岁，你为何到此？”雷震子曰：“孩儿奉师法旨，下山来救父亲出五关，退追兵，故来到此。”文王听罢，吃了一惊，自思；“吾乃逃官，已自得罪朝廷；此子看他面色，也不是个善人，他若去退追兵，兵将都被他打死了，与我更加罪恶。待我且说他一番，以止他凶暴。”文王叫；“雷震子，你不可伤了纣王军将──他奉王命而来。──吾乃逃官，不遵王命，弃纣归西，我负当今之大恩，你若伤了朝廷命官，你非为救父，反为害父也。”雷震子答曰：“我师父也曾分付孩儿，教我不可伤他军将之命，只救父王出五关便了。孩儿自劝他回去。”雷震子见那里追兵卷地而来，旗旛招展，锣鼓齐鸣，喊声不息，一派征尘，遮蔽旭日。雷震子看罢，便把胁下双翅一声响，飞起空中，将一根黄金棍拿在手里，就把文王吓得一交，跌在地下。不题。且说雷震子飞在追兵前面，一声响落在地下，用手把一根金棍柱在掌上，大叫曰：“不要来！”兵卒抬头，看见雷震子面如蓝靛，发似朱砂，巨口獠牙。军卒报与殷破败、雷开曰：“启老爷；前有一恶神阻路，凶势狰狞。”殷、雷二将大声喝退。二人纵马向前，来会雷震子。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

Lei Zhensi left the cave dwelling and flapped his wings. In an instant, he flew to Lintong Pass. He saw a hill and landed on it, standing atop the hill for a while but seeing no sign of anyone. Lei Zhensi thought to himself; "Ah! I was careless and didn't ask my master what Lord Xibo Wenwang looks like. How can I possibly recognize him?" He had not finished speaking when suddenly a man from the other side appeared, wearing a pale blue felt hat and a black uniform with an insignia, riding a white horse that galloped swiftly toward him. Lei Zhensi said, "Could this man possibly be my father?" He shouted loudly, "Is the one below the mountain Lord Xibo Ji?" Wenwang heard someone calling him, pulled up his horse and looked upward, but saw no one—only the sound. Wenwang sighed and said, "My fate is to perish!" "Why do I hear a voice but see no one? This must be the work of ghosts or gods playing tricks on me." Originally, Lei Zhensi had a blue face and his body was the color of water mixed with something else; thus, he blended into the mountain scenery. Wenwang could not see him clearly, which is why he doubted what he heard. Lei Zhensi saw that Wenwang had stopped his horse and looked around for a while, said nothing, and then rode on. He called out again, "Is the one riding there Lord Xibo Ji Qiansui?" Wenwang looked up and suddenly saw a man with a face as blue as indigo, hair like cinnabar red, huge mouth with fangs, eyes like copper bells shining brightly. He was so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body. Wenwang thought to himself; "If this is a ghost or demon, it would not speak like a human. I have come here already and cannot avoid it any longer." Since he has called me, I shall go up the mountain and see what happens." Wenwang rode his horse uphill and shouted, "Outstanding gentleman, why do you know me, Ji Chang?" Upon hearing this, Lei Zhensi fell to the ground in a bow and respectfully said; "Father, your son has arrived late, causing you alarm. Please forgive my filial impiety." Wenwang said, "Outstanding gentleman, you have mistaken me for someone else. I am Ji Chang, a man of no great renown; why would you address us as father and son?" Lei Zhensi replied, "Your son is Lei Zhensi, the one raised by Yanshan." lineno Wenwang said, "My son, why do you look like this? You were taken up the mountain by Yun Zhongzi of Zhongnan Mountain, and according to calculations, you should be only seven years old now. Why have you come here?" Lei Zhensi said, "Your son has followed my master's decree to descend the mountain and rescue Father from the five passes and repel the pursuing troops. That is why I have come here." After hearing this, Wenwang was greatly startled and thought to himself; "I am a fugitive official who has already offended the imperial court; Looking at this child's appearance, he does not seem to be a kind-hearted person. If he goes to repel the pursuing troops, all the soldiers and generals will be killed by him, which would add even more guilt upon me." I should speak with him first to prevent his violent actions." Wenwang called out; "Lei Zhensi, you must not harm King Zhou's soldiers and generals—they have come here by royal decree." —I am a fugitive official, having disobeyed the royal decree and abandoned King Zhou to return west. I have betrayed the great favor of the current ruler. If you harm officials sent by the imperial court, you will not be saving your father but harming him instead." Lei Zhensi replied, "My master also instructed me not to take the lives of his soldiers and generals. I am only supposed to rescue Father from the five passes." I will try to persuade them to return on their own." Lei Zhensi saw the pursuing troops charging toward them from all directions, their banners fluttering, gongs and drums ringing in unison, shouts echoing without pause. A cloud of dust rose up, obscuring the morning sun. After observing this, Lei Zhensi gave a loud cry from beneath his armpits and flapped his wings to soar into the air. He took up a golden staff in his hand, which startled Wenwang so much that he fell to the ground with a thud. No further mention was made of it. Meanwhile, Lei Zhensi flew ahead of the pursuing troops and with a loud noise landed on the ground. He held up a golden staff on his palm and shouted loudly, "Do not come any closer!" The soldiers looked up and saw Lei Zhensi with a face as blue as indigo and hair like cinnabar, his huge mouth full of fangs. The soldiers reported to Yin Pobai and Lei Kai, saying, "Your Honor; there is a fierce deity blocking the road ahead, displaying an extremely terrifying appearance." The two generals Yin and Lei shouted loudly to drive them back. They rode forward bravely, advancing toward Lei Zhensi to confront him. Whether they would survive or not remains to be seen in the next chapter.