Chapter 31: Grand Master Wen Mobilizes Troops to Pursue and Attack

诗曰： 忠良去国运将灰，水旱频仍万姓灾。贤圣太师旋斗柄，奸谗妖孽丧盐梅。 三关漫道能留辔，四径纷纭唱草莱。空把追兵迷白日，彼苍定数莫相猜。

The poem says: When loyal and virtuous men leave the country, its fortune is about to be lost; floods and droughts occur frequently, bringing disaster upon ten thousand households. The sage and virtuous Grand Master turns the handle of the Dipper; villains and sycophants, like salt plum pests, perish. The three passes are said to be able to hold the reins; the four paths are in confusion as they chant among the grass and thorns. In vain do pursuing troops lose themselves in daylight; Heaven's fixed decree should not be doubted or guessed at.

话说闻太师驱兵追赶，出西门，一路上旗旛招展，镗鼓齐鸣，喊声大作。不表。

It is said that Tai Shi Wen drove his troops in pursuit, exiting the western gate. Along the way, banners and pennants fluttered, gongs and drums sounded together, and loud shouts were heard. No further description is given.

且说黄家父子、兄弟过了孟津，渡了黄河，行至渑池县。──县中镇守主将张奎。黄飞虎知张奎利害，不敢穿城而走，从城外过了渑池，迳往临潼关来。家将徐徐行至白莺林，只听得后面喊声大作，滚滚尘起。飞虎回头一看，却是闻太师的旗号，随后赶来，飞虎俯鞍叹曰：“闻太师兵来，如何抵敌！吾等束手待毙而已。”飞虎见三子天祥──年方七岁，坐在马上。飞虎暗暗嗟叹：“此子幼稚无知，你得何罪，也逢此难。”家将来报：“启千岁：左边有一枝人马到了。”飞虎看时，乃青龙关张桂芳人马。又报：“佳梦关魔家四将从右边来了。”又见正中间临潼关总兵官张凤兵来。黄飞虎见四面人马俱来，自思不能逃脱，长吁一声，气冲霄汉。

Meanwhile, the father and son of the Huang family, along with their brothers, crossed Mengjin, forded the Yellow River, and arrived at Mianchi Xian. The main general in charge of defending the town was Zhang Kui. Huang Feihuo, aware of General Zhang Kui's strength and danger, dared not pass through the city; instead, he went around Mianchi from outside the city walls and proceeded directly toward Lintong Pass. The family generals slowly marched to Baaying Lin, when suddenly they heard loud shouts from behind and saw a rolling cloud of dust rising. Feihuo turned his head and saw that it was the banner of Tai Shi Wen, who was coming up behind. Feihuo sighed while leaning over his saddle and said, "Tai Shi Wen's troops are here—how can we possibly resist them!" We have no choice but to surrender and await our fate." Feihuo saw his third son Tianxiang, who was only seven years old, sitting on a horse. Feihuo sighed silently, "This child is too young and innocent; what crime have you committed to suffer such a misfortune?" A family general reported: "Your Majesty, a contingent of troops has arrived from the left." When Feihuo looked, he saw it was Zhang Guifang's forces from Qinglong Pass. Another report came: "The four generals of Jiameng Guan Ma have arrived from the right." They also saw General Zhang Feng, the overall commander of Lintong Pass, coming from the center. Huang Feihuo saw troops arriving from all directions and realized he could not escape. He let out a long sigh, his breath surging toward the heavens.

且说青峰山紫阳洞清虚道德真君因神仙犯了杀戒，玉虚宫止讲，待子牙封过神方上昆仑，因此闲游五岳。一日往临潼关过，被武成王怨气冲开真人足下祥光。真人拨开云彩，往下一观，──元来是武成王有难，贫道不行护救，谁来拔济！真人命黄巾力士：“将吾混元旛遮下，把黄家父子移到僻净山中去；待贫道退了朝歌人马，打发他出关。”黄巾力士领法旨，用混元旛一罩，将黄家父子尽移往深山去了，踪迹全无。且说闻太师大兵赶至中途，前哨报：“青龙关总兵官张桂芳听令。”太师传将令：“来。”桂芳行至军前，欠身躬候。太师问曰：“黄飞虎反出朝歌，此必由此关隘，你可曾见否？”桂芳答曰：“末将不曾见。”太师曰：“速回，谨防关隘，不得迟误。”桂芳得令，去讫。又报：“佳梦关魔家四将听令。”太师命：“令来。”四天王步行至军前，口称：“太师，甲胄在身，不能全礼。”太师道：“黄飞虎曾往佳梦关来否？”四将答曰：“不曾见。”太师传令：“速回佳梦关守御，协同捉贼。”四将得令，去讫。又报：“临潼关守将张凤听令。”太师命：“令来。”至骑前行礼。太师曰：“老将军，叛贼黄飞虎曾往关上来否？”张凤欠身答曰：“不曾见。”闻太师令回兵，用心防守。张凤得令，去讫。且说太师坐在骑上暗思：“俱道飞虎既出西门，过孟津，为何不见？三处人马撞来，俱言不曾见。异哉！异哉！也罢，待吾将人马扎住在此，看他往那里去？”且说清虚道德真君在空中看闻太师住兵不动，真君曰：“若不把闻仲兵退回去，黄飞虎怎的出得五关？”真人随将葫芦盖去了，倒出神砂一捏，望东南上一洒，──法去先天一气，炉中鍊就玄功。少时间，闻太师军政官来报：“启太师！武成王领家将倒杀往朝歌去了。”太师闻报，传令：“回兵。”慌忙赶杀，迳奔渑池。一路上果见前边一夥人，簇拥飞走。太师催动三军，赶过了孟津。按下不表。

Meanwhile, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun of the Zi Yang Dong on Qingsong Mountain had refrained from speaking at Yu Xu Gong because a deity had violated the precept against killing. He would only resume his lectures after Jiang Ziya had completed the divine appointments and ascended Kunlun Mountain; thus, he was now touring leisurely among the Five Great Mountains. One day, while passing through Lintong Pass, his auspicious light beneath his feet was disrupted by the resentful qi of Duke Wu Chengwang. The True Man parted the clouds and looked downward—only to see that it was Duke Wu Chengwang in trouble. "If I, a poor Daoist, do not go to his aid," he thought, "who else will come to rescue him!" The True Man ordered the Huangjin Lishi: "Raise my Hunyuan Banner to cover them, and move the father and son of the Yellow family to a secluded and quiet mountain; wait until I have repelled the troops from Chaoge, then send them out of the pass." The Huangjin Lishi received the decree and, using the Hunyuan Banner, covered them all. With a single sweep, they moved the entire Huang family—father and son—to a deep mountain range, leaving no trace of their presence. Meanwhile, Tai Shi Wen's large army had pursued them halfway when the vanguard reported: "General Zhang Guifang, overall commander of Qinglong Pass, awaits orders." The Grand Master gave the command: "Come forward." Guifang approached before the army, bowed respectfully and waited. The Grand Master asked: "Huang Feihuo has rebelled and fled from Chaoge; this must be through these passes. Have you seen him?" Guifang replied, "Your subordinate has not seen him." The Grand Master said: "Return quickly and guard the pass carefully; do not delay or make a mistake." Guifang received the order and departed. Another report came: "The four generals of Ma from Jiameng Pass await orders." The Grand Master commanded, "Come forward." The Four Heavenly Kings walked to the front of the army and said: "Grand Master, our armor is on; we cannot perform a full courtesy." The Grand Master asked, "Has Huang Feihuo ever come to Jiameng Pass?" The four generals replied: "We have not seen him." The Grand Master issued orders, "Return quickly to Jiameng Pass and defend it; cooperate in capturing the bandits." The four generals received the order and departed. Another report came: "General Zhang Feng of Lintong Pass awaits orders." The Grand Master commanded, "Come forward." He approached on horseback and paid his respects. The Grand Master said, "Old general, has the rebel Huang Feihuo come to this pass?" Zhang Feng bowed slightly and replied, "We have not seen him." Tai Shi Wen ordered the troops to return and be vigilant in their defense. Zhang Feng received the order and departed accordingly. Meanwhile, as the Grand Master sat on his horse in deep thought, he pondered: "Everyone says that Feihuo has already exited through the western gate and passed Mengjin—why is there no sign of him? Three contingents of troops have come rushing in, all claiming they have not seen him. Strange! Strange! Well, I will station my troops here and see where he goes." Meanwhile, Qingxu Daode zhenjun observed from the air that Tai Shi Wen had halted his troops. The True Man said: "If I do not drive back Tai Zhong's forces, how can Huang Feihuo escape through the five passes?" The True Man immediately removed the lid of his gourd, pinched out some divine sand, and sprinkled it toward the southeast—thus invoking the primordial qi of Heaven's origin, a mystical power refined in an alchemical furnace. After a short while, Tai Shi Wen's military administrator reported: "Your Excellency! Duke Wu Chengwang has led his family generals to turn around and attack Chaoge!" Upon hearing the report, the Grand Master gave orders: "Retreat the troops." In a hurry to pursue, they rushed straight toward Mianchi. Along the way, they indeed saw a group of people ahead, crowding together and fleeing rapidly. The Grand Master urged his three armies forward and overtook Mengjin. This is left unmentioned for now.

且说真君在云里命黄巾力士把混元旛移出大道，黄家父子兄弟在马上如醉方醒，如梦方觉，个个马上揉眉擦眼。定睛看时，四路人马去得影迹无踪。黄明叹曰：“吉人自有天相。”飞虎忙问众弟兄：方才人马俱不知往那里去了，乘此时速行，过临潼关方好。”众将听令”，速速策马前行。来至临潼关，见一枝人马扎住团营，阻住去路。黄飞虎令军辆暂停，正要上前打听，只听得炮声响处，呐喊摇旗，飞虎坐在五色神牛上，只见总兵张凤全妆甲胄，八扎九吞。怎见得： 凤翅盔，黄金重；柳叶甲挂红袍控。束腰八宝紫金厢，绒绳双叩梅花镜。打将钢鞭如豹尾，百鍊锤起寒云迸。斩将刀举似秋霜，马走临崖当取胜。大红旛上树威名，“坐镇临潼将张凤。”

Meanwhile, the True Man in the clouds ordered the Huangjin Lishi to move the Hunyuan Banner away from the main road. The father and sons of the Yellow family, while on horseback, felt as if waking from a drunken stupor or emerging from a dream; each rubbed their eyes and blinked in confusion. When they focused their gaze, the troops coming from four directions had vanished without a trace. Huang Ming sighed and said: "Those favored by Heaven will naturally be aided by Heaven." Feihuo quickly asked his brothers: "Just now, we didn't know where the troops had gone. Let us take this opportunity to move swiftly and cross Lintong Pass as soon as possible." The generals received the order and quickly spurred their horses forward. They arrived at Lintong Pass and saw a contingent of troops encamped in a circle, blocking the way ahead. Huang Feihuo ordered his troops to halt temporarily. Just as he was about to ride forward and inquire, cannon fire suddenly erupted, accompanied by shouts and the waving of flags. Sitting on his five-colored divine ox, Feihuo saw General Zhang Feng fully clad in armor, his appearance imposing with eight bindings and nine swallowings. What did it look like: A phoenix-winged helmet, golden and heavy; a willow-leaf cuirass with a red robe fastened at the waist. A girdle of eight treasures in purple gold, and velvet ropes double-knotted around plum blossom mirrors. A steel whip like a leopard's tail for striking foes, and a hammer forged through countless refirings that sends cold clouds bursting forth. A sword for beheading enemies raised like autumn frost; on horseback, he charges toward the cliffside to secure victory. On a large red banner was inscribed his name and reputation: "General Zhang Feng, stationed at Lintong Pass."

话说张凤听报，黄飞虎领众已至关前。张凤上马，来至军前，大呼曰：“黄飞虎出来答话！”武成王乘神牛至营前，欠身，口称：“老叔：小侄乃是难臣，不能全礼。”张凤曰：“黄飞虎，你的父与我一拜之交，你乃纣王之股肱，况是国戚，为何造反，辱没祖宗。今汝父任总帅大权，汝居王位。岂为一妇人而负君德。今日反叛，如鼠投陷穽，无有升腾，即老拙闻知，亦惭愧无地，真是可惜！听我老拙之言，早下坐骑受缚，解送朝歌，百官有本，当殿与你分个清浊，辨其罪戾；庶几纣王姑念国戚，将往日功劳，赎今日之罪，保全一家生命。如迷而不悟，悔之晚矣！”黄飞虎告曰：“老叔在上，小侄为人，老叔尽知。纣王不荒淫酒色，听奸退贤，颠倒朝政，人民思乱久矣。况君欺臣妻，逆礼悖伦，杀妻灭义。我兵平东海，立大功二百馀场。定天下，安社稷，沥胆披肝；治诸侯，练士卒，神劳形瘁，有所不恤。天下太平，不念功臣，反行不道，而欲使臣下倾心难矣。望老叔开天地之心，发慈悲之德，放小侄出关，投其明主。久后结草衔环，补报不迟。不识尊叔意下何如？”张凤大怒：“好逆贼！敢出此污蔑之言，欺吾老迈！”手起一刀砍来。黄飞虎将手中枪架住，“老叔息怒。我与老叔皆是一样臣子，倘老叔被屈，必定也投他处，总是一般。从来有言：‘君不正，臣投外国。’礼之当然。老叔何苦认真，不行方便。”张凤大喝曰：“好反贼！焉敢巧舌！”又一刀劈来。飞虎大怒，纵骑挺枪。牛马相交，刀枪并举。战三十回合，张凤力怯，拨马便走。飞虎逞势赶来。张凤闻脑后铃响，料飞虎赶来，鸟翅环挂下刀，揭开战袍，取百鍊锤，紫绒绳理得停当，发手打来。怎见得好锤： 圆的好：冰盘大，碗口小。神见愁，鬼见怕；伤人心，碎人脑。断筋骨，真稀少。顺手轻持百鍊锤，暗带随身人不晓。大将逢著命难逃，著重人亡并马倒。

It is said that General Zhang Feng had just received a report that Huang Feihuo and his men had already arrived before the pass. Zhang Feng mounted his horse, rode to the front of his troops, and shouted loudly: "Huang Feihuo! Come out and speak!" Duke Wu Chengwang rode up on his divine ox to the front of the camp, bowed slightly, and said: "Uncle Zhang: I am a man in dire straits; I cannot perform full courtesy." Zhang Feng said, "Huang Feihuo, your father and I were once sworn brothers. You are a pillar of King Zhou's court, and besides, you are the king's relative—why have you rebelled? This disgraces our ancestors." Now your father holds the supreme command as general-in-chief, and you hold a royal position. How could one woman make you betray your king's virtue? To rebel today is like a rat falling into a trap—there will be no rise or success. Even if I, an old fool, were to hear of it, I would feel ashamed and have nowhere to hide. How truly regrettable! Listen to my old fool's words, dismount at once and surrender. I will deliver you to Chaoge where the officials can submit memorials, and in court we shall distinguish right from wrong and determine your guilt; perhaps King Zhou will show leniency, considering your status as a relative of the royal family, and use your past merits to atone for today's crimes, thus preserving the lives of your entire family. If you remain stubborn and fail to see reason, it will be too late to regret it!" Huang Feihuo replied: "Uncle Zhang, you know well of my character. King Zhou indulges in debauchery and wine, listens to villains while driving out the virtuous, and has turned the court upside down. The people have longed for rebellion for a long time now. Moreover, the king insulted my wife, violated rites and ethics, and committed murder by killing her in defiance of righteousness. I led troops to pacify the East Sea and established great merit through over two hundred battles. I stabilized the realm, secured the state, and gave my utmost loyalty with a devoted heart; I governed feudal lords, trained soldiers, and toiled ceaselessly without regard for personal hardship. Now that the realm is at peace, the king forgets his meritorious subjects and instead acts unjustly; it is no wonder my subordinates have lost their loyalty. I beg you, Uncle Zhang, to open your heart as vast as heaven and earth, and show compassion—let my nephew pass through the gate and seek a wise ruler. One day I will repay this kindness with unwavering loyalty, as grass grows or a ring is returned—never too late. I wonder what your esteemed uncle thinks?" Zhang Feng became furious: "You treacherous rebel! How dare you utter such slander and insult my old age!" With a shout, he raised his sword to strike. Huang Feihuo blocked the blow with his spear and said, "Uncle Zhang, please calm down. You and I are both subjects of the same king; if you were wronged, you would also seek another ruler. We are no different in this regard. There is an old saying: "When a king is unjust, his ministers may seek foreign lands." This is the natural order of rites. Uncle, why be so serious and not show a little leniency?" Zhang Feng shouted angrily: "You traitorous rebel! How dare you speak with such smooth words!" łoż He raised his sword again to strike. Huang Feihuo became furious and spurred his horse forward, spear in hand. The two clashed like bulls and horses, swords and spears raised against each other. After thirty rounds of combat, Zhang Feng grew weary and weak, so he turned his horse and fled. Huang Feihuo seized the opportunity to chase after him. Zhang Feng heard the jingling sound behind him and realized Huang Feihuo was coming. He quickly fastened his belt, opened his battle robe, took out a well-forged mace, tied up the purple velvet rope properly, and hurled it with all his might. How was this fine mace described: Perfectly round in shape: large like an ice plate at the top, narrow as a bowl's rim at the bottom. Even gods would feel sorrow and demons would be terrified; It could wound the heart and shatter the skull. Breaking tendons and bones, it was truly rare. With a light grip on the well-forged mace in hand, he secretly carried it with him—nobody knew about it. A great general encountering this would find escape impossible; whoever was struck would perish instantly, horse and rider both falling together.

话说张凤回马一锤打来，黄飞虎见锤将近，用宝剑望上一掠，将绳截为两断，收了张凤百鍊锤。张凤败进帅府，黄飞虎也不追赶，命家将将车辆围绕营中，就草茵而坐，与众弟兄商议出关之策。

As the story goes, Zhang Feng turned his horse and hurled the mace. Huang Feihuo saw it coming near and raised his sword upward to slash at the rope, cutting it in two and seizing control of Zhang Feng's well-forged mace. Zhang Feng retreated into the command headquarters, and Huang Feihuo did not pursue. He ordered his household generals to surround the camp with the carts, sat down on the grassy ground, and discussed strategies for leaving the pass with his fellow brothers.

且说张凤败进关，坐在殿上，自思：“黄飞虎勇贯三军，吾老迈安能取胜。倘然走了，吾又得罪于天子。”叫：“萧银在那里？”萧银上殿，见张凤曰：“末将听令。”张凤曰：“黄飞虎力敌万夫，又收我百鍊锤，似不可以力敌。你可黄昏时候，传长箭手三千，至二更时分，领至大营，听梆子响，一齐发箭，射死反贼；将首级献上朝歌请功，方保无虞。”萧银领令出府，乃自忖曰：“黄将军昔在都城，我在他麾下，荷蒙提携，奖荐升用将职，未曾以不肖相看，今点临潼副将。我岂敢忘恩，忍令恩主一门反遭横祸，我心安忍！”萧银随改妆束，暗出行营，黑地潜行，来至黄飞虎营前问曰：“可有人么？”巡营军曰：“你是何人？”萧银答曰：“我原是老爷门下萧银，特来报机密重情。”巡营军急进营报知，飞虎命：“速令进见。”萧银黑地参见，下拜曰：“末将乃旧门下萧银，蒙老爷点发临潼关；今日张凤密令末将二更时，带领攒箭手，射死老爷满门，将首级献上朝歌请功。末将自思：岂肯欺心，有伤天道！故此改妆，先来报知。”飞虎听毕，大惊曰：“多感将军盛德！不然黄门老少死于非命矣。实系再生之恩，何时能报。为今之计，事属燃眉，将军何以救我？”萧银曰：“大王速上马，领车辆杀出临潼关，末将开关等候。事不宜迟，恐机泄有误。”飞虎等急忙上骑，各持兵器，喊声杀来，势如猛虎。时方初更，未及二鼓，士卒皆未有备。萧银开了栓锁，黄家众将一拥杀出关门去了。且说张凤正坐厅上，忽报：“黄家众将闯关杀出去了！”张凤厉声叫苦曰：“是我错用了人！萧银乃黄飞虎旧将，今日串同黄飞虎斩关落锁而去，情殊可恨！”张凤急上马提刀来赶飞虎。不防萧银乘马隐在关傍，听得马铃响处，料是张凤来赶！不期果然。张凤走马方出关门，萧银一戟刺张凤于马下。有诗为证，诗曰： 凛凛英才汉，堂堂忠义隆，只因飞虎皮，听令发千弓。 知恩行大义，落锁放雕笼。戟刺张凤死，辅佐出临潼。

Meanwhile, after retreating into the pass, Zhang Feng sat on the hall and reflected to himself: "Huang Feihuo is a warrior whose bravery surpasses all three armies; how can I, an old man, possibly defeat him. If he escapes and I fail to stop him, I will be guilty before the Son of Heaven." He called out: "Where is Xiao Yin?" Xiao Yin came up to the hall and, upon seeing Zhang Feng, said: "Your servant awaits orders." Zhang Feng said: "Huang Feihuo can match ten thousand men in strength, and he has also taken my well-forged mace; it seems we cannot overcome him by force alone. You may, at dusk, summon three thousand expert archers and lead them to the main camp by the second watch of the night. When you hear the clapper sound, have them all fire arrows together and kill this rebel; Present his head to Chao Ge for reward, and only then will we be safe." Xiao Yin accepted the order and left the headquarters. He then reflected to himself: "General Huang once served in the capital, and I was under his command. He treated me kindly, recommended me for promotion to a general's post, never regarding me as unworthy. Now he is appointed deputy commander of Lintong Pass. How could I dare forget his kindness and allow my gracious lord to suffer such a cruel misfortune? How can I bear it in my heart!" Xiao Yin quickly changed his attire, secretly left the camp, and stealthily approached Huang Feihuo's encampment. He asked in the darkness: "Is there anyone here?" The patrol soldier replied: "Who are you?" Xiao Yin answered, "I was once a subordinate of General Huang. I have come to report an urgent and important secret." The patrol soldier quickly ran into the camp to inform, and Huang Feihuo ordered: "Bring him in immediately for an audience." Xiao Yin, still cloaked in darkness, paid his respects and knelt to say: "Your servant is Xiao Yin, a former subordinate of your lordship. I was appointed by you as commander at Lintong Pass; Today, Zhang Feng secretly ordered me to lead a group of archers at the second watch and shoot down your entire family. He intends to present your head in Chao Ge for reward." I reflected within myself: How could I betray my conscience and commit such a violation of the heavens' will! Therefore, I changed my appearance and came first to inform you." Huang Feihuo, upon hearing this, was greatly shocked and said: "I am deeply grateful for the general's great virtue! Otherwise, all my family, young and old, would have died unjustly. This is indeed a life-saving kindness; how can I ever repay it? With the current situation so urgent, what strategy do you suggest to save me?" Xiao Yin said: "Your Majesty should quickly mount your horse and lead the carts out of Lintong Pass, and I will open the gate to await you. We must not delay; otherwise, there is a risk that the plan may be discovered." Huang Feihuo and his men quickly mounted their horses, each holding weapons, shouting as they charged forward like a fierce tiger. It was just the first watch; before the second drum had sounded, the soldiers were not yet prepared. Xiao Yin opened the locks and bolts, and Huang Feihuo's men surged out of the pass gate together. Meanwhile, as Zhang Feng was sitting in his hall, a report suddenly came: "Huang Feihuo's generals have broken through the pass and fled!" Zhang Feng cried out bitterly with anger: "It was my mistake in trusting the wrong man! Xiao Yin is Huang Feihuo's former subordinate. Today, he conspired with Huang Feihuo to break through the gate and escape by cutting the locks—how despicable!" Zhang Feng quickly mounted his horse, drew his sword, and rushed after Huang Feihuo. Unbeknownst to him, Xiao Yin was hiding on horseback near the pass. Hearing the jingle of approaching hooves, he realized it must be Zhang Feng in pursuit! Indeed, it turned out to be so. Just as Zhang Feng rode his horse through the pass gate, Xiao Yin struck him from behind with a spear and threw him to the ground. There is a poem that attests to this, the poem says: A man of formidable talent in Han, with noble loyalty and righteousness— Because of Huang Feihuo's name, he obeyed orders and loosed ten thousand bows. Knowing gratitude, he acted with great righteousness; He broke the locks to release a caged hawk. With a spear thrust that killed Zhang Feng, he aided in their escape from Lintong Pass.

话说萧银杀了张凤，走马赶来，大叫：“黄老爷慢行！末将萧银已刺死了张凤，大王前途保重！末将如今将临潼扎板下了，命兵卒将士壅塞，恐有追兵赶来，再去了土板，可以羁滞时候，及至来时，大王去之已远。此一别又不知何日再睹尊颜！”飞虎称谢曰：“今日之恩，不知甚日能报！”彼此各分路而别。──后来萧银要会在“十绝阵内”。此是后话。不表。

As the story continues, after Xiao Yin had killed Zhang Feng and rode quickly to catch up, he shouted: "General Huang, please wait a moment! Your servant Xiao Yin has already slain Zhang Feng. Your Majesty, take care on your journey ahead!" Your servant will now dismantle the barriers of Lintong, order the soldiers to block the path, and in case any pursuers come after you, remove the wooden planks again. This should delay them for some time; by then, Your Majesty will be far away. Who knows when we shall meet again!" Huang Feihuo thanked him and said: "I do not know on what day I can repay this kindness today!" With that, they parted ways along separate paths. ——Later, Xiao Yin would meet again within the "Ten Fatal Arrays." This is a story for another time. We will not elaborate here.

且说黄飞虎离了临潼，八十馀里，行至潼关。潼关守将陈桐有探马报到：“黄飞虎同家将至关，扎住了行营。”陈桐笑曰：“黄飞虎，你指望成汤王位坐守千年，一般也有今日！”传令：“将人马排开，鹿角阻住咽喉。”陈桐全身披挂，结束整齐，打点擒拿飞虎。且说黄飞虎扎住行营，问：“守关主将何人？”周纪曰：“乃是陈桐。”黄飞虎半晌不言，长吁曰：“昔陈桐在我麾下，有事犯吾军令，该枭首级，众将告免，后来准立功代罪；今调任在此，与吾有隙，必报昔日之恨，如何处治？……”正沉思间，只听外边呐喊之声甚急。飞虎上了神牛，提枪至营前。只见陈桐耀武扬威，用戟指曰：“黄将军请了！你昔享王爵，今日为何私自出关？吾奉太师将令，久候多时。乞早早下马，解返朝歌，免生他说。”飞虎曰：“陈将军差矣！盈虚消息，乃世间长情，昔日你在吾麾下，我并无他心，待如手足；后来犯罪，是你自取，吾亦听众人而免你之罪，立功自赎，我亦不为无恩。今当面辱吾，莫非报昔日之恨耶？快放马来，你三合赢得我，便下马受缚。”言罢，摇枪直取。陈桐将画戟相迎，二骑相交，双兵共举，一场大战。则杀的──赞曰： 四下阴云惨惨，八方杀气腾腾，长枪闪得亮如银，画戟摇摆动。枪挑前心两胁，戟刺眼 角眉丛。咬牙切齿面皮红，地府天关摇动。

Let us return to Huang Feihuo, who had left Lintong and traveled over eighty li, arriving at Tongguan Pass. Chen Tong, the commander of Tongguan Pass, received a report from his scouts: "Huang Feihuo has arrived at the pass with his household generals and set up camp." Chen Tong laughed and said: "Huang Feihuo, you thought the throne of King Cheng Tang would remain in your hands for a thousand years—yet here we are today!" He gave orders: "Deploy troops and horses, set up staghorns to block the pass." Chen Tong donned full armor, dressed neatly, and prepared to capture Huang Feihuo. Meanwhile, Huang Feihuo had set up camp and asked: "Who is the commander in charge of this pass?" Zhou Ji replied: "It is Chen Tong." Huang Feihuo remained silent for a while, then sighed deeply: "In the past, Chen Tong served under my command. He once violated my military orders and should have been beheaded. The generals pleaded for mercy, and later I allowed him to atone by earning merit instead; Now he has been transferred here and holds a grudge against me. He will surely seek revenge for the past—how should I deal with this?" ..." Just as he was deep in thought, a loud and urgent shout came from outside. Huang Feihuo mounted his divine ox, took up his spear, and went to the front of the camp. He saw Chen Tong displaying martial might and arrogance, pointing at him with a halberd and saying: "General Huang, greetings! You once held the rank of king; why have you now left the pass without authorization?" I received orders from the Grand Tutor long ago and have been waiting for this moment. I beg you to dismount at once, surrender and return to Chao Ge, so as to avoid further complications." Huang Feihuo said: "General Chen is mistaken! The waxing and waning of fortune is a constant in this world. In the past, when you served under me, I had no ill intentions toward you; I treated you as my own brother; Later, when you committed a crime, it was of your own doing. I listened to the others and spared your life, allowing you to atone through service—this shows that I have not been unkind. Now you insult me in person; is this not revenge for past grievances?" Come on, ride forward! If you can defeat me within three rounds, I shall dismount and surrender." With that said, he brandished his spear and charged straight at Chen Tong. Chen Tong met him with a painted halberd, the two horses clashed, weapons raised high—thus began an intense battle. The battle was fierce—praise is sung: Dark clouds gathered ominously in all directions, killing intent surged everywhere. The long spear gleamed like silver; the painted halberd swayed and moved. The spear probed at the chest and flanks, while the halberd struck toward the eyes, eyebrows, and temples. Teeth gritted in fury, faces flushed red; it was as if the gates of heaven and hell trembled.

话说二将拨马，往来冲突，二十回合。陈桐非飞虎敌手，料不能胜，掩一戟拨马就走。飞虎怒气冲空，大喝一声：“决拿此贼以泄吾恨！”望前赶来。陈桐闻脑后鸾铃响处，料是飞虎赶来，挂下画戟，取火龙标拿在手中，──此标乃异人秘授，出手烟生，百中百发，一标打来，飞虎叫声：“不好！”躲不及，一标从胁下打来。可怜：万丈神光从此灭，将军撞下战驹来。诗曰： 标发飞烟焰，光华似异珍，逢将穿心过，中马倒埃尘。 安邦无价宝，治国正乾坤。今日伤飞虎，万死落沉沦。

As the story continues, the two generals rode past each other repeatedly in fierce conflict for twenty rounds. Chen Tong was no match for Huang Feihuo and realized he could not win, so with a quick jab of his halberd, he turned his horse to flee. Huang Feihuo's rage pierced the sky; with a mighty shout, he cried, "I shall capture this bandit to vent my hatred!" He galloped forward. Chen Tong, hearing the jingling of a horse's bell from behind, realized it was Huang Feihuo approaching. He dropped his painted halberd and retrieved the Huolong dart in his hand—this dart had been secretly taught to him by an extraordinary person; when thrown, it produced smoke upon release, with every shot hitting its mark. As Chen Tong launched the dart, Huang Feihuo cried out, "No good!" He could not dodge in time; the dart struck him beneath the armpit. Alas: ten thousand feet of divine radiance perished from that moment, and the general crashed down from his battle horse. The poem says: When darts are launched, flying smoke and flame arise; their brilliance resembles rare treasures. They pierce through generals they meet, and horses struck fall into the dust. An invaluable treasure for securing the nation, it upholds righteousness and stabilizes the world. Today, wounding Feihuo brings certain death and eternal downfall.

黄飞虎被火龙标打下五色神牛，黄明、周纪见主将落骑，催马向前，大喝曰：“勿伤吾主，待吾来也！”两骑马、两柄斧飞来直取，陈桐将画戟急架相还。飞彪将飞虎救回时，已是死了。二将战陈桐，恨不得将陈桐碎万段。陈桐掩一戟就走。二将为飞虎报雠，催马赶来。陈桐又发标打来，把周纪一标，将颈子打通，落马。陈桐勒回马欲取首级，早被黄明马到，力战陈桐。陈桐见已胜二人，便回军掌鼓进营去了。

Huang Feihuo was struck from his five-colored divine ox by the Huolong dart. Huang Ming and Zhou Ji, seeing their commander fall from his horse, spurred forward and shouted, "Do not harm our lord! Wait for us to come!" Two horses charged forward with two axes in hand, directly attacking Chen Tong. In haste, he raised his painted halberd to parry their blows. When Feibiao rescued Huang Feihuo back, the latter was already dead. The two generals fought Chen Tong with such fury that they wished to tear him into ten thousand pieces. Chen Tong raised his halberd and fled. The two generals, determined to avenge Huang Feihuo, spurred their horses forward in pursuit. Chen Tong launched another dart, which struck Zhou Ji through the neck and sent him falling from his horse. As Chen Tong reined in his horse to cut off Zhou Ji's head, Huang Ming arrived on the scene and fiercely engaged Chen Tong in battle. Seeing that he had defeated both men, Chen Tong returned to his camp, beating drums as he advanced.

且说飞彪把飞虎尸骸救回。三子见父死大哭。黄明将周纪也停在荒郊草地。众家将无不伤感。众将见死了二人，心下无谋，前无所往，退无所归，羊触藩篱，进退两离。正在慌乱之间。不表。

Meanwhile, Feibiao retrieved Huang Feihuo's body and brought it back. Huang Feihuo's three sons saw their father dead and wept bitterly. Huang Ming also laid Zhou Ji's body to rest in the wilderness meadow. All the generals were deeply grieved. The generals, seeing two of their comrades dead, felt lost and without a plan. They had nowhere to advance and no place to retreat; like sheep colliding with fences, they were caught between advancing and retreating. Just then, in the midst of their confusion, this is omitted for now.

话说青峰山紫阳洞清虚道德真君正在碧云床运元神，忽心下一惊，道人袖里捏指一算，早知黄飞虎有厄，道人忙命白云童儿：“请你师兄来。”白云童儿即时请出一位道童，生的身高九尺，面似羊脂，眼光暴露，虎形豹走；头挽抓髻，腰束麻绦，脚登草履，至云榻前下拜，口称：“师父，唤弟子那壁使用？”真君曰：“你父亲有难，你可下山走一遭。”黄天化答曰：“师父，弟子父亲是谁？”真君曰：“你父乃武成王黄飞虎是也；今在潼关，被火龙标打死，著你下山，一则救父；二则你子父相逢，久后仕周，共扶王业。”天化听罢问曰：“弟子因何到此？”真君曰：“那一年，我往昆仑山来，脚踏祥云，被你顶上杀气冲入云霄，阻我云路。我看时，你才三岁。见你相貌清奇，后有大贵，故此带你上山；今已十三载了。你父亲今日有难，该我救他。我故教你前去。”真君先把花篮儿与天化拏了，又将一口剑付与，分付：“速去救父。”天化方欲问故，真君曰：“若会陈桐，须得……如此如此，方可保你父出潼关。不许你同往西岐，可速回来，终有日相会。”天化领师父严命，叩头下山。出了紫阳洞，捏了一撮土，望空中一撒，借土遁往潼关来；迅速如风。父子相逢，潼关大战。不知后事如何？且听下回分解。

Meanwhile, at Qingfeng Mountain's Ziyang Cave, the True Lord Qingxu Daode was cultivating his spiritual essence on a bed of green clouds. Suddenly, he felt a jolt in his heart and, with a quick calculation using his fingers, the Daoist realized that Huang Feihuo was in mortal danger. Immediately, he called out to Baiyun Tonger, "Go fetch your elder brother." Baiyun Tonger immediately brought out a Daoist apprentice, who was nine chi tall, with a face like jade fat, fierce eyes that seemed to pop from their sockets, and the bearing of a tiger and the gait of a leopard; he had his hair tied in a topknot, wore a hemp sash around his waist, and straw sandals on his feet. He knelt before the cloud couch and respectfully asked, "Master, have you summoned your disciple for some purpose?" The True Lord said, "Your father is in trouble. You must go down the mountain and see to it." Huang Tianhua replied, "Master, whose father are you referring to?" The True Lord said, "Your father is none other than the Duke of Wucheng, Huang Feihuo; he is now at Tongguan Pass and was killed by a Huolong dart. I am sending you down the mountain for two reasons: first, to rescue your father; and second, so that when you and your father meet in time, you may serve the Zhou dynasty together and assist in establishing their royal cause." After hearing this, Tianhua asked, "Disciple, how did I come to be here?" The True Lord said, "That year, when I was traveling to Kunlun Mountain and treading auspicious clouds, the killing intent from atop your head pierced into the heavens and blocked my path through the clouds. When I looked down, you were only three years old at that time. I saw your extraordinary appearance and sensed great fortune in your future, so I brought you up the mountain; now it has been thirteen years. Your father is in dire straits today, and I must save him. That is why I have instructed you to go ahead." ල The True Lord first handed a flower basket to Tianhua, then gave him a sword and instructed, "Hurry and go save your father." Tianhua was just about to ask for more details when the True Lord said, "If you meet Chen Tong, you must do this and that in order to ensure your father's safe escape from Tongguan Pass. You are not allowed to go westward to Xiqi with him; return quickly, for the day will come when you meet again." Tianhua accepted his master's stern command and kowtowed before descending the mountain. After leaving Ziyang Cave, he took a handful of soil, scattered it into the air, and used earth 遁 to travel directly toward Tongguan Pass; swift as the wind. Father and son reunited, and a great battle erupted at Tongguan Pass. What will happen next? Stay tuned for the next chapter to find out.