Chapter 37: Jiang Zi Ya's First Ascent to Kunlun

诗曰： 子牙初返玉京来，遥见琼楼香雾开，绿水流残人世梦，青山消尽帝王才。军民有难干戈动，将士多灾异术催。无奈封神天意定，岐山方去筑新台。

The poem says: Zi Ya first returned from Yu Jing, gazing afar to see the jade-like towers open amidst fragrant mists; green waters flow past the remnants of worldly dreams, while emerald hills have worn away all the talents of emperors. When soldiers and civilians faced hardships, weapons were drawn; generals and troops suffered many calamities as strange arts hastened events. Alas, the fates of deification were decreed by Heaven's will; only after Mount Qi had departed did they begin to build a new terrace.

话说哪吒一乾坤圈把张桂芳左臂打得筋断骨折，马上愰了三四愰，不曾闪下马来。哪吒得胜进城。探马报入相府。令：“哪吒来见。”子牙问曰：“与张桂芳见阵，胜负如何？”哪吒曰：“被弟子乾坤圈打伤左臂，败进营里去了。”子牙又问：“可曾叫你名字？”哪吒曰：“桂芳连叫三次，弟子不曾理他罢了。”众将不知其故。──但凡精血成胎者，有三魂七魄，被桂芳叫一声，魂魄不居一体，散在各方，自然落马；哪吒乃莲花化身，浑身俱是莲花，那里有三魂七魄，故此不得叫下轮来。

It is said that Nezha struck Zhang Guifang's left arm with the Qiankun Ring, breaking his tendons and bones; he swayed in the saddle several times but did not fall from his horse. Nezha entered the city victorious. A scout galloped into the prime minister's residence to report. The order was given: "Nezha shall come before me." Zi Ya asked, "After facing Zhang Guifang in battle, how did the victory or defeat go?" Nezha said, "The disciple wounded his left arm with my Qiankun Ring; he fled back into the camp." Zi Ya asked again, "Did he call out your name?" Nezha said, "Guifang called three times; the disciple simply did not respond to him." The generals were unaware of the reason. ──Generally, those formed from essence and blood have three souls and seven spirits. If Guifang had called out once, the soul and spirit would no longer reside in one body but scatter to different directions, naturally causing a fall from horseback; Nezha was an incarnation of lotus flowers, his entire body composed of lotuses; where would he have three souls and seven spirits? Therefore, Guifang could not call him down from the chariot.

且说张桂芳打伤左臂，先行官风林又被打伤，不能动履，只得差官用告急文书，往朝歌见闻太师求援。不表。

Meanwhile, Zhang Guifang, having wounded his left arm, and Feng Lin, the vanguard officer who had also been injured and could no longer move, had no choice but to send an official with urgent documents to Chaoguo to report to Tai Shi for assistance. No further details are given.

且说子牙在府内自思：“哪吒虽则取胜，恐后面朝歌调动大队人马，有累西土。”子牙沐浴更衣，来见武王。朝见毕，武王曰：“相父见孤，有何紧事？”子牙曰：“臣辞主公，往昆仑山去一遭。”武王曰：“兵临城下，将至濠边，国内无人，相父不可逗留高山，使孤盻望。”子牙曰：“臣此去，多则三朝，少则两日，即时就回。”武王许之。子牙出朝，回相府，对哪吒曰：“你与武吉好生守城，不必与张桂芳厮杀；待我回来，再作区画。”哪吒领命。子牙分付已毕，随借土遁往昆仑山来。怎见得，有诗为证： 玄里玄空玄内空，妙中妙法妙无穷。五行道术非凡术，一阵清风至玉宫。

Meanwhile, Zi Ya pondered within his residence: "Although Nezha has won this victory, I fear that the city of Chaoguo may soon mobilize a large army, which could burden the western territories." Zi Ya bathed and changed his clothes before going to see King Wu. After the audience, King Wu asked, "Father-in-law, what urgent matter brings you to me?" Zi Ya said, "I wish to bid farewell to Your Majesty and travel once to Kunlun Mountain." King Wu said, "With troops at the city gates and generals approaching the moat, there is no one in the country. Father-in-law must not linger on high mountains, leaving me waiting anxiously." Zi Ya said, "I shall be away no more than three days and no less than two; I will return immediately." King Wu granted his permission. Zi Ya left the court and returned to the prime minister's residence, where he said to Nezha, "You and Wu Ji must guard the city well; do not engage in battle with Zhang Guifang; await my return before making further plans." Nezha accepted the order. After giving his instructions, Zi Ya immediately used earth divination to travel toward Kunlun Mountain. How was this done? A poem serves as evidence: In the profound, in the void, within the void lies depth; In the wondrous, in the wondrous art, wonders are endless. The Five Elements' Daoist arts are no ordinary skills; a single gust of clear wind brings one to Yu Gong.

话说子牙纵土遁到得麒麟崖，落下土遁，见昆仑光景，嗟叹不已。自想：“一离此山，不觉十年。如今又至，风景又觉一新。”子牙不胜眷恋。怎见得好山： 烟霞散彩，日月摇光。千株老柏，万节修篁。千株老柏，带雨满山青染染；万节修篁，含烟一径色苍苍。门外奇花布锦，桥边瑶草生香。岭上蟠桃红锦烂，洞门茸草翠丝长。时闻仙鹤唳，每见瑞鸾翔。仙鹤唳时，声振九皋霄汉远；瑞鸾翔处，毛辉五色彩云光。白鹿玄猿时隐现，青狮白象任行藏。细观灵福地，果乃胜天堂。

It is said that Zi Ya used earth divination and arrived at Qilin Cliff. He descended from the earth 遁, gazing upon the scenery of Kunlun, and sighed with admiration. He reflected to himself: "Since I left this mountain, it has been ten years without my realizing." Now that I have returned, the scenery seems refreshingly new once more." Zi Ya could not help but feel deeply attached. How beautiful was the mountain: The mist and rosy clouds scattered in colorful hues; the sun and moon shimmered with radiant light. Ten thousand ancient cypresses, myriad tall bamboos. Ten thousand old cypress trees, drenched in rain, turned the entire mountain a deep green; Myriad tall bamboo groves, shrouded in mist, gave one path an emerald hue. Strange flowers bloomed like brocade outside the gate; fragrant jade grass grew along the bridge's edge. On the hillside, peaches coiled in red brocade dazzled; within the cave entrance, soft grasses stretched out emerald threads. From time to time came the cries of immortal cranes; often one could see auspicious phoenixes soaring. When the immortal cranes cried, their voices echoed through the nine heavens and reached far into the sky; Where the auspicious phoenixes soared, their feathers shimmered with five-colored clouds' radiance. White deer and black monkeys appeared and disappeared at times; green lions and white elephants moved freely, appearing or hiding as they pleased. Carefully observing this sacred land of blessings, one could indeed say it surpassed paradise itself.

子牙上昆仑，过了麒麟崖，行至玉虚宫，不敢擅入；在宫前等候多时，只见白鹤童子出来。子牙曰：“白鹤童儿，与吾通报。”白鹤童子见是子牙，忙入宫至八卦台下，跪而启曰：“姜尚在外听候玉旨。”元始点首：“正要他来。”童子出宫，口称：“师叔，老爷有请。”子牙台下倒身拜伏，“弟子姜尚愿老师父圣寿无疆！”元始曰：“你今上山正好。命南极仙翁取‘封神榜’与你。可往岐山造一封神台。台上张挂‘封神榜’，把你的一生事俱完毕了。”子牙跪而告曰：“今有张桂芳，以左道傍门之术，征伐西岐。弟子道理微末，不能治伏。望老爷大发慈悲，提拔弟子。”元始曰：“你为人间宰相，受享国禄，称为‘相父’。凡间之事，我贫道怎管得你的尽。西岐乃有德之人坐守，何怕左道傍门。事到危急之处，自有高人相辅。此事不必问我，你去罢。”子牙不敢再问，只得出宫。才出宫门首，有白鹤童儿曰：“师叔，老爷请你。”子牙听得，急忙回至八卦台下跪了。元始曰：“此一去，但凡有叫你的，不可应他。若是应他，有三十六路征伐你。东海还有一人等你，务要小心。你去罢。”子牙出宫，有南极仙翁送子牙。子牙曰：“师兄，我上山参谒老师，恳求指点，以退张桂芳，老爷不肯慈悲，奈何，奈何！”南极仙翁曰：“上天数定，终不能移。只是有人叫你，切不可应他，著实要紧！我不得远送你了。”子牙捧定“封神榜”，往前行至麒麟崖，才驾土遁，脑后有人叫：“姜子牙！”子牙曰：“当真有人叫。　不可应他。”后面又叫：“子牙公！”也不应。又叫：“姜丞相！”也不应。连声叫三五次，见子牙不应，那人大叫曰：“姜尚！你忒薄情而忘旧也！你今就做丞相，位极人臣，独不思在玉虚宫与你学道四十年，今日连呼你数次，应也不应！”子牙听得如此言语，只得回头看时，见一道人。怎见得，有诗为证： 头上青巾一字飘，迎风大袖衬轻绡。麻鞋足下生云雾，宝剑光华透九霄。葫芦里面长生术，胸内玄机隐六韬。跨虎登山随地走，三山五岳任逍遥。

Zi Ya ascended Kunlun Mountain, passed Qilin Cliff, and arrived at Yu Xu Palace, but dared not enter without permission; He waited for a long time before the palace when suddenly a white crane boy came out. Zi Ya said, "White Crane Boy, please inform them of my arrival." The White Crane Boy, recognizing Zi Ya, hurried into the palace to the base of the Bagua Terrace and knelt to report, "Jiang Shang waits outside for Your Majesty's decree." Yuanshi nodded and said, "He is exactly who I wanted to come." The boy left the palace and called out, "Uncle, my master requests your presence." Zi Ya knelt at the base of the terrace and bowed deeply, saying, "Disciple Jiang Shang wishes his revered master a life without end!" Yuanshi said, "It is good that you have come up the mountain today. I command Nanji Xianweng to bring you the 'Fengshen Bang.'" You may go to Mount Qi and build a Feng Shen Terrace. Hang the 'Fengshen Ban' on the terrace, and thus your life's mission will be completed." Zi Ya knelt and reported, "Now there is Zhang Guifang who uses the forbidden arts of left-hand paths to wage war against Xi Qi. My disciple's understanding is shallow; I cannot subdue him." I beg my master to show great compassion and elevate my disciple." Yuanshi said, "You are the prime minister of the human world, enjoying the state's blessings and titled 'Father-in-Law.'" Matters in the mortal realm—I, a poor Daoist, cannot possibly oversee them all. Xi Qi is guarded by men of virtue; what need is there to fear the forbidden arts? When matters reach a critical juncture, naturally there will be great sages to assist. "There is no need to ask me about this matter; go ahead." Zi Ya dared not ask further and had to leave the palace. No sooner had he stepped out of the palace gate than the White Crane Boy said, "Uncle, my master invites you." Hearing this, Zi Ya hurried back to kneel at the base of Bagua Terrace. Yuanshi said, "On your way, if anyone calls out your name, do not respond to them. If you do answer, thirty-six armies will come to attack you. There is also someone in the East Sea waiting for you; be sure to proceed with caution." "Go now." Zi Ya left the palace, and Nanji Xianweng accompanied him. Zi Ya said, "Elder Brother, I came up the mountain to pay respects and earnestly requested guidance to repel Zhang Guifang. But my master would not show compassion; what can be done? What can be done!" Nanji Xianweng said, "Heaven's decree is fixed and cannot ultimately be changed. Just remember—if anyone calls your name, you must not answer it; this is of utmost importance!" "I cannot accompany you further." Zi Ya held the "Fengshen Bang" and proceeded forward to Qilin Cliff. Just as he was about to use earth divination, someone called from behind him: "Jiang Ziya!" Zi Ya said, "Indeed, someone is calling my name." "Do not answer him," he replied. From behind came another call: "Master Ziya!" He did not answer either. Again, the voice called, "Prime Minister Jiang!" Still, he did not respond. After calling three or five times and seeing that Zi Ya would not answer, the man shouted loudly, "Jiang Shang! You are too heartless to forget old ties!" You are now the prime minister, holding the highest rank among ministers. Do you not even remember that for forty years in Yu Xu Palace I taught you the Dao? Today, after calling out to you several times, do you not answer at all!" Hearing these words, Zi Ya had no choice but to turn around and saw a Daoist. How did this Daoist appear? A poem serves as proof: A blue headscarf fluttered in a single line above; wide sleeves billowed in the wind, paired with light silk. Straw sandals beneath his feet gave rise to clouds and mist; a precious sword's radiance pierced through the nine heavens. The gourd within held elixirs of eternal life; profound mysteries and six 韬 strategies lay hidden in his chest. Riding a tiger, he ascended mountains wherever he went; the Three Mountains and Five Great Peaks were at his leisure for roaming.

话说子牙一看，原来是师弟申公豹。子牙曰：“兄弟，吾不知是你叫我。我只因师尊分付，但有人叫我，切不可应他。我故此不曾答应。得罪了！”申公豹问曰：“师兄手里拿著是甚么东西？”子牙曰：“是‘封神榜’。”公豹曰：“那里去？”子牙曰：“往西岐造封神台，上面张挂。”申公豹曰：“师兄，你如今保那个？”子牙笑曰：“贤弟，你说混话！我在西岐，身居相位，文王托孤，我立武王，三分天下，周土已得二分，八百诸侯，悦而归周，吾今保武王，灭纣王，正应上天垂象。岂不知凤鸣岐山，兆应真命之主。今武王德配尧、舜，仁合天心；况成汤旺气黯然，此一传而尽。贤弟反问，却是为何？”申公豹曰：“你说成汤王气已尽，我如今下山，保成汤，扶纣王。子牙，你要扶周，我和你掣肘。”子牙曰：“贤弟，你说那里话！师尊严命，怎敢有违？”申公豹曰：“子牙，我有一言奉禀，你听我说，有一全美之法──到不如同我保纣灭周。一来你我弟兄同心合意；二来你我弟兄又不至参商；此不是两全之道。你意下如何？”子牙正色言曰：“兄弟言之差矣！今听贤弟之言，反违师尊之命。况天命人岂敢逆，决无此理。兄弟请了！”申公豹怒色曰：“姜子牙！料你保周，你有多大本领，道行不过四十年而已。你且听我道来。有诗为证： 炼就五行真妙诀，移山倒海更通玄。降龙伏虎随吾意，跨鹤乘鸾入九天。紫气飞升千万丈，喜时火内种金莲。足踏霞光闲戏耍，逍遥也过几千年。”

It is said that when Zi Ya looked closely, he recognized it was none other than his junior brother Shen Gongbao. Zi Ya said, "Brother, I did not know you were the one calling me." I was only following my master's instructions: if anyone calls me, I must not answer. Therefore, I did not respond. "I am sorry for the offense!" Shen Gongbao asked, "What is that item in my elder brother's hand?" Zi Ya said, "It is the 'Fengshen Bang.'" Gongbao asked, "Where are you going?" Zi Ya said, "To Xi Qi to build a Feng Shen Terrace and hang it there." Shen Gongbao said, "Elder Brother, which side are you now supporting?" Zi Ya laughed and said, "Dear younger brother, you're speaking nonsense!" I am in Xi Qi, holding the position of prime minister. King Wen entrusted me with his orphaned son; I have established King Wu. Having divided the realm into three parts, two parts are already under Zhou control. Eight hundred feudal lords joyfully submit to Zhou. Now I support King Wu and will overthrow King Zhou, which is exactly in accordance with Heaven's will. How could one not know that the phoenix singing on Qi Mountain foretells the true sovereign? Now King Wu's virtue matches Yao and Shun, his benevolence aligns with Heaven's will; Moreover, the prosperity of Cheng Tang has faded, and its mandate is now exhausted. Why then does my dear younger brother ask such a question?" Shen Gongbao said, "You say the mandate of King Cheng Tang has ended. I have now descended from the mountain to support Cheng Tang and assist King Zhou. Zi Ya, if you intend to support Zhou, I will oppose you." Zi Ya said, "Dear younger brother, what are you saying!" Our master's strict command, how could I dare to disobey?" Shen Gongbao said, "Zi Ya, I have a word to report. Listen to me; there is a perfect method—why not follow me in supporting Zhou and overthrowing Shang." Firstly, you and I as brothers would be united in purpose; secondly, my brother and I would not end up estranged like Shen and Shang; This is the way to achieve a perfect resolution for both of us. What do you think?" Zi Ya spoke solemnly, "Brother, your words are mistaken! Now if I were to heed my younger brother's words, it would be against our master's command. Moreover, how could a mortal dare defy Heaven's mandate? That is utterly impossible. "Farewell, brother!" Shen Gongbao angrily said, "Jiang Zi Ya! I know you support Zhou. How great can your abilities be? Your cultivation has lasted no more than forty years. Listen to me now. There is a poem as evidence: Refined into the five elements, true and wondrous techniques; moving mountains and reversing seas, even more profound in mystery. Taming dragons and subduing tigers at my will, riding cranes and phoenixes into the nine heavens. Purple qi ascends ten thousand zhang; when joyful, golden lotuses bloom within fire. Treading on radiant clouds idly playing, in leisure I pass several thousand years."

话说子牙曰：“你的功夫是你得，我的功夫是我得，岂在年数之多寡。”申公豹曰：“姜子牙，你不过五行之术，倒海移山而已，你怎比得我。似我，将首级取将下来，往空一掷，遍游千万里，红云托接，复入颈项上，依旧还元返本，又复能言。似此等道术，不枉学道一场。你有何能，敢保周灭纣！你依我烧了“封神榜”，同吾往朝歌，亦不失丞相之位。”子牙被申公豹所惑，暗想：“人的头乃六阳之首，刎将下来，游千万里，复入颈项上，还能复旧，有这样的法术，自是稀罕。”乃曰：“兄弟，你把头取下来。果能如此起在空中，复能依旧，我便把‘封神榜’烧了，同你往朝歌去。”申公豹曰：“不可失信！”子牙曰：“大丈夫一言既出，重若泰山，岂有失信之理。”申公豹去了道巾，执剑在手，左手提住青丝，右手将剑一刎，把头割将下来，其身不倒；复将头望空中一掷，那颗头盘盘旋旋，只管上去了。子牙乃忠厚君子，仰面呆看，其头旋得只见一些黑影。不说子牙受惑，且说南极仙翁送子牙不曾进宫去，在宫门前少憩片时。只见申公豹乘虎赶子牙，赶至麒麟崖前，指手画脚讲论。又见申公豹的头游在空中。仙翁曰：“子牙乃忠厚君子，险些儿被这孽障惑了！”忙唤：“白鹤童儿那里？”童子答曰：“弟子在。”“你快化一只白鹤，把申公豹的头衔了，往南海走走来。”童子得法旨，便化鹤飞起，把申公豹的头衔著往南海去了。有诗为证： 左道傍门惑子牙，仙翁妙算更无差，邀仙全在申公豹，四九兵来乱似麻。

Zi Ya said, "Your cultivation is yours; my cultivation is mine. It has nothing to do with the length of time." Shen Gongbao said, "Jiang Zi Ya, you are only skilled in the five elements and techniques like moving mountains and reversing seas. How can you compare to me?" Like me, I can sever a head, throw it into the air, and travel tens of thousands of miles while red clouds support it. Then I can return the head to its neck, restoring life as before, and speak once more. Such Daoist techniques make one's pursuit of cultivation worthwhile. What ability do you have to dare support Zhou and overthrow Zhou!" "If you burn the 'Feng Shen Bang' as I suggest, and go with me to Chao Ge, you will not lose your position as prime minister." Zi Ya was swayed by Shen Gongbao's words and secretly thought, "A human head is the leader of the six yang energies. If it can be severed, travel tens of thousands of miles, then return to its neck and restore itself, such a technique would indeed be rare." He said, "Brother, sever your head. If you can indeed do as you say and hover in the air, then return to your body unchanged, I will burn the 'Feng Shen Ban' and go with you to Chao Ge." Shen Gongbao said, "One must not break one's word!" Zi Ya said, "A true man, once he speaks a word, values it as highly as Mount Tai. How could there be any reason to break his promise?" Shen Gongbao removed his Daoist cap, took up the sword in hand, held his black hair with his left hand, and with a single stroke of the sword from his right hand, severed his head. His body did not fall; Then he threw his head into the air. That head spun and spiraled upward, continuing to rise higher and higher. Zi Ya, a loyal and honest gentleman, looked up in astonishment as the head spun until it was nothing more than a faint shadow. Without mentioning Zi Ya's deception, let us speak of Nanji Xianweng, who had sent Zi Ya and did not enter the palace. He took a brief rest at the palace gate. He saw Shen Gongbao riding on a tiger, chasing after Zi Ya until he reached before Qilin Cliff, where he gestured and argued. He also saw Shen Gongbao's head floating in the air. Xianweng said, "Zi Ya is a loyal and honest gentleman; he nearly fell into this demon's deception!" He hurriedly called out, "Where is the young servant Bahe?" The boy replied, "Disciple is here." "Quickly transform into a white crane and carry Shen Gongbao's head in your beak, fly over to the South Sea and return." The boy received the command and transformed into a crane, flying up to carry Shen Gongbao's head toward the South Sea. There is a poem as evidence: Left-hand path and side-door techniques deceive Zi Ya; the old immortal's wisdom remains flawless. Invoking immortals all depends on Shen Gongbao, whose four-ninety troops come in chaotic disorder like hemp.

话说子牙仰面观头，忽见白鹤衔去。子牙跌足大呼曰：“孽障！怎的把头衔去了？”不知南极仙翁从后来，把子牙后心一巴掌。子牙回头看时，乃是南极仙翁。子牙忙问曰：“道兄，你为何又来？”仙翁指子牙曰：“你原来是一个呆子！申公豹乃左道之人，此乃些小幻术，你也当真！只用一时三刻，其头不到颈上，自然冒血而死。师尊分付你，不要应人，你为何又应他！你应他不打紧，有三十六路兵马来伐你。方才我在玉虚宫门前，看著你和他讲话；他将此术惑你，你就要烧‘封神榜’；倘或烧了此榜，怎么了？我故叫白鹤童儿化一只仙鹤，衔了他的头往南海去，过了一时三刻，死了这孽障，你才无患。”子牙曰：“道兄，你既知道，可以饶了他罢。道心无处不慈悲，怜恤他多年道行，数载功夫，丹成九转，龙交虎成，真为可惜！”南极仙翁曰：“你饶了他；他不饶你。那时三十六路兵来伐你，莫要懊悔！”子牙就说：“后面有兵来伐我，我怎肯忘了慈悲，先行不仁不义。”不言子牙哀求南极仙翁。且说申公豹被仙鹤衔去了头，不得还体，心内焦燥，过一时三刻，血出即死，左难右难。且说子牙恳求仙翁，仙翁把手一招，只见白鹤童子把嘴一张，放下申公豹的头落将下来。不意落忙了，把睑落的朝著背脊。申公豹忙把手端著耳朵一磨，才磨正了。把眼睁开看，见南极仙翁站立。仙翁大喝一声：“把你这该死孽障！你把左道惑弄姜子牙，使他烧毁‘封神榜’，令子牙保纣灭周，这是何说？该拏到玉虚宫，见掌教老师去才好！”叱了一声：“还不退去！姜子牙，你好生去罢。”申公豹惭愧，不敢回言，上了白额虎，指子牙道：“你去！我叫你西岐顷刻成血海，白骨积如山！”申公豹恨恨而去。不表。

As the story continues, Zi Ya looked up to watch the head when suddenly he saw a white crane carrying it away. Zi Ya stamped his foot and cried out in alarm, "Wicked demon! How could you carry off the head?" Unaware that Old Man Nanji had come from behind and struck Zi Ya on his back. When Zi Ya turned around, he saw it was Old Man Nanji. Zi Ya hurriedly asked, "Elder Daoist brother, why have you come again?" Xianweng pointed at Zi Ya and said, "You are truly a fool! Shen Gongbao is one who follows the left-hand path. This was merely a minor illusion; how could you take it seriously!" Within just three quarters of an hour, his head would not return to his neck and he would naturally bleed out and die. Your master instructed you not to respond to anyone; why did you answer him again!" It is not a big deal that you answered him, but thirty-six armies are coming to attack you. Just now, I was at the gate of Yu Xu Palace and saw you talking with him; he used this trick to deceive you, and you were about to burn the 'Feng Shenbang'; If you had burned it, what would have happened?" That is why I sent the young Bahe to transform into a divine crane, carry off his head toward the South Sea; after three quarters of an hour had passed, this wicked demon would die, and then you would be free from trouble." Zi Ya said, "Elder Daoist brother, since you already know, can't you just spare him?" The Dao's heart is ever compassionate; I feel pity for his many years of cultivation, the effort he has put in over several years. His elixir was refined nine times, and he had tamed dragons and tigers—truly a great loss!" Old Man Nanji said, "If you spare him; he will not spare you." At that time, when the thirty-six armies come to attack you, do not regret it!" Zi Ya then said, "If there are armies coming from behind to attack me, how could I possibly forget compassion and act unkindly or unjustly first." Without mentioning Zi Ya's plea to Old Man Nanji. Let us instead speak of Shen Gongbao, whose head had been carried off by the divine crane and could not return to his body. In great distress, after three quarters of an hour passed, he bled out and died, caught in a desperate situation on all sides. Meanwhile, Zi Ya earnestly pleaded with Xianweng. With a wave of his hand, the old immortal summoned the white crane. The young Bahe opened its beak and let Shen Gongbao's head fall down. Unluckily, it fell too quickly, causing the eyelids to face backward toward his spine. Shen Gongbao hurriedly used his hands to hold up his ears and rubbed them until they were finally righted. He opened his eyes and saw Old Man Nanji standing there. Xianweng shouted angrily, "You wretched demon who deserves to die! you used your left-hand path tricks to deceive Jiang Zi Ya, trying to get him to burn the 'Fengshenbang,' and have Zi Ya support Zhou while overthrowing Shang. What kind of justification is this?" "You should be taken to Yu Xu Palace to face the headmaster teacher!" With a shout of rebuke, "Do not delay any longer! Jiang Zi Ya, go on your way now." Shen Gongbao was ashamed and dared not reply. He mounted his white-browed tiger, pointing at Zi Ya and saying, "Go! I will make Xi Qi into a sea of blood in an instant, with white bones piling up like mountains!" Shen Gongbao left in anger. No further details are given.

话说子牙捧“封神榜”，驾土遁往东海来。正行之际，飘飘的落在一座山上。那山玲珑剔透，古怪崎岖；峰高岭峻，云雾相连，近于海岛。有诗为证： 海岛峰高起怪云，岸傍桧柏翠氤氲，峦头风吼如猛虎，拍浪穿梭似破军。异草奇花香馥馥，青松翠竹色纷纷。灵芝结就清灵地，真是蓬莱回不群。

As the story continues, Zi Ya held up the "Feng Shen Bang" and took a soil 遁 (earth 遁) to head toward the East Sea. Just as he was traveling, he drifted down onto a mountain. The mountain was crystal clear and exquisitely shaped, with strange and rugged terrain; its peaks were high and ridges steep, connected by clouds and mists, nearly touching the island. There is a poem to attest: The island's peaks rise with strange clouds, cypress and juniper green and misty along the shore; winds roar at the mountain tops like fierce tigers, crashing through waves as if breaking through an army. Strange herbs and rare flowers emit a fragrant aroma; green pines and emerald bamboos display a colorful splendor. Ginseng grows in this pure and spiritual land, truly an unparalleled paradise like Penglai.

话说子牙贪看此山景物，堪描堪画，“我怎能了却红尘，来到此间团瓢静坐，朗诵‘黄庭’，方是吾心之愿。”话未了，只见海水翻波，旋风四起，风逞浪，浪翻雪练；水起波，波滚雷鸣；霎时间云雾相连，阴霾四合，笼罩山峰。子牙大惊曰：“怪哉！怪哉！”正看间，见巨浪分开，现一人赤条条的，大叫：“大仙！游魂埋没千载，未得脱体；前日清虚道德真君符命，言今日今时，法师经过，使游魂伺候。望法师大展威光，普济游魂，超出烟波，拔离苦海。洪恩万载！”子牙仗著胆子问曰：“你是谁，在此兴波作浪？有甚沉冤？从实道来。”那物曰：“游魂乃轩辕皇帝总兵官柏鉴也。因大破蚩尤，被火器打入海中，千年未能出劫。万望法师指超福地，恩同泰山。”子牙曰：“你乃柏鉴，听吾玉虚法牒，随往西岐山去候用。”把手一放，五雷响亮，振开迷关，速超神道。柏鉴现身拜谢。子牙大喜，随驾土遁往西岐出来。霎时风响，来到山前。只听狂风大作。怎见得好风，有诗为证： 细细微微播土尘，无影过树透荆榛，太公仔细观何物，却似朝歌五路神。

As the story continues, Zi Ya was so engrossed in admiring the scenery of this mountain that it seemed worthy of being painted. "How could I have escaped from worldly affairs to come here and sit quietly under a straw hat, reciting 'Huangting,' which would truly fulfill my heart's desire," he said. He had not finished speaking when suddenly the sea waves churned and whirlwinds arose from all directions, winds whipping up the waves, which in turn tossed about white sheets of foam like snow; the waters surged with waves that rolled like thunderclaps; In an instant, clouds and mists connected together, dark gloom gathered from all sides, enveloping the mountain peaks. Zi Ya was greatly startled and said, "Strange! !" Just as he was watching, a huge wave split apart to reveal a man completely naked, who shouted loudly, "Great Immortal! My soul has been buried for thousands of years and I have not yet managed to escape; The other day, the Qingxu Daode Zhenjun (True Lord of Moral Virtue and Purity) issued a talisman decree stating that at this hour today, when the master passes by, wandering souls should await his arrival. I beg you, Master, to display your great power and radiance, universally saving these wandering souls, lifting them out of the misty waves and freeing them from the sea of suffering. May your boundless grace last for ten thousand years!" Zi Ya, mustering his courage, asked, "Who are you, causing waves and disturbances here? What grievance do you have?" Speak the truth." That spirit said, "I am a wandering soul. I was General Bai Jian of the Yellow Emperor's imperial army. After defeating Chiyou in battle, I was struck by fire weapons and fell into the sea, unable to escape this calamity for a thousand years. I earnestly hope that Master will guide me to a blessed land; your kindness would be as great as Mount Tai." Zi Ya said, "You are Bai Jian. Listen to my Yu Xu decree; follow me to Xi Qi Mountain and await your assignment." With a wave of his hand, five thunderclaps rang out, shattering the misty barriers and swiftly elevating him to the path of divinity. Bai Jian appeared in form and bowed in gratitude. Zi Ya was overjoyed, then immediately took a soil 遁 to head toward Xi Qi. In an instant, the wind howled as he arrived in front of the mountain. Just then a fierce wind arose. How was the wind so fierce? A poem attests: Fine and subtle, it spreads dust through the air, passing silently through trees and brambles; Zi Ya carefully observed what it was—resembling the Five Road Gods of Chao Ge.

当时子牙看，原来是五路神来接。大呼曰：“昔在朝歌，蒙恩师发落，往西岐山伺候；今知恩师驾过，特来远接。”子牙曰：“吾择吉日，起造封神台，用柏鉴监造，若是造完，将榜张挂，吾自有妙用。”子牙分付柏鉴：“你就在此督造，待台完，吾来开榜。”五路神同柏鉴领法语，在岐山造台。

At that time, Zi Ya looked closely and realized they were the Five Road Gods coming to greet him. He shouted loudly, "In the past in Chao Ge, I was entrusted by my revered teacher to go to Xi Qi Mountain to await duties; now that I know my revered teacher is passing through, we have specially come from afar to greet you." Zi Ya said, "I have chosen a propitious day to build the Feng Shen Altar. Bai Jian will oversee its construction. Once it is completed, I shall hang up the list and put it to my own wondrous use." Zi Ya instructed Bai Jian, "You will supervise the construction here. Once the altar is completed, I shall come to unveil the list." The Five Road Gods and Bai Jian accepted Zi Ya's instructions and began building the altar on Qi Mountain.

子牙回西岐，至相府。武吉、哪吒迎接，至殿中坐下，就问：“张桂芳可曾来搦战？”武吉回曰：“不曾。”子牙往朝中，见武王回旨。武王宣子牙至殿前，行礼毕。武王曰：“相父往昆仑，事体何如？”子牙只得模糊答应，把张桂芳事掩盖，不敢泄漏天机。武王曰：“相父为孤劳苦，孤心不安。”子牙曰：“老臣为国，当得如此，岂惮劳苦。”武王传旨：“设宴。”与子牙共饮数杯。子牙谢恩回府。次日，点鼓聚将，参谒毕。子牙传令：“众将官领简帖。”先令黄飞虎领令箭；哪吒领令箭；又令辛甲、辛免领令箭。子牙发放已毕。

Zi Ya returned to Xi Qi and arrived at the Prime Minister's residence. Wu Ji and Ne Zha welcomed him, then sat with him in the hall. Zi Ya immediately asked, "Has Zhang Guifang come to challenge us for battle?" Wu Ji replied, "No." Zi Ya went to the court and saw King Wu return with an imperial decree. King Wu summoned Zi Ya to the front of the hall, where he performed his respects. King Wu asked, "Father-in-law, after your trip to Kunlun, how did matters go?" Zi Ya could only give a vague reply, concealing the matter of Zhang Guifang and daring not to reveal any heavenly secrets. King Wu said, "Father-in-law has labored for me; I feel uneasy in my heart." Zi Ya replied, "An old minister serving the country should endure such hardships; how could he fear toil and fatigue?" King Wu issued an order: "Prepare a banquet." He shared several cups of wine with Zi Ya. Zi Ya thanked the king and returned to his residence. The next day, drums were beaten to assemble the generals, who paid their respects upon arrival. Zi Ya issued an order: "All commanders shall receive your orders." First, he ordered Huang Feihu to take the command arrow; Ne Zha took a command arrow; He also ordered Xin Jia and Xin Mian to take command arrows. Zi Ya had finished distributing the orders.

且说张桂芳被哪吒打伤臂膊，正在营中保养伤痕，专候朝歌援兵，不知子牙劫营。二更时分，只听得一声炮响，喊声齐起，震动山岳；慌忙披挂上马，风林也上了马。及至出营，遍地周兵，灯球火把，照耀天地通红，喊杀连声，山摇地动。只见辕门哪吒，登风火轮，摇火尖枪，冲杀而来，势如猛虎。张桂芳见是哪吒，不战自走。风林在左营，见黄飞虎骑五色神牛，使枪冲杀进来。风林大怒，“好反叛贼臣！焉敢夤夜劫营，自取死也！”纵青鬃马，使两根狼牙棒来取飞虎。牛马相逢，夜间混战。且说辛甲、辛免往右营冲杀，营内无将抵当，任意纵横，只杀到后寨，见周纪、南宫适监在陷车中，忙杀开纣兵，打开陷车救出，二将步行，抢得利刃在手，只杀得天崩地裂，鬼哭神愁，里外夹攻，如何抵敌。张桂芳与风林见不是势头，只得带伤逃归。遍地尸横，满地血水成流。三军叫苦，弃鼓丢锣，自相践踏，死者不计其数。张桂芳连夜败走至西岐山，收拾败残人马。风林上帐，与主将议事。桂芳曰：“吾自来提兵，未尝有败。今日在西岐损折许多人马，心上甚是不乐。”忙修告急本章，打进朝歌，速发援兵，共破反叛。且说子牙收兵，得胜回营。众将欢腾，齐声唱凯。正是： 鞍上将军如猛虎，得胜小校似欢彪。

Meanwhile, Zhang Guifang, having been wounded in the arm by Ne Zha, was resting and recovering his injuries in camp, waiting for reinforcements from Chao Ge, unaware that Zi Ya had launched a surprise attack on the camp. At the second watch of the night, suddenly a cannon roared, followed by shouts rising in unison, shaking the mountains and valleys; Zhang Guifang hastily donned his armor and mounted his horse, while Feng Lin also mounted. By the time they left the camp, the ground was filled with Zhou soldiers. Lanterns and torches illuminated the heavens in a fiery red glow, as shouts of battle echoed continuously, shaking mountains and trembling the earth. They saw Ne Zha at the gate, riding his Wind-Fire Wheel and brandishing his Flame-Tip Spear as he charged forward with fierce momentum like a tiger. Zhang Guifang saw it was Ne Zha and fled without fighting. Feng Lin, in the left camp, saw Huang Feihu riding his Five-Colored Divine Ox and charging forward with spear in hand. Feng Lin was furious and shouted, "You treacherous rebel minister! How dare you attack the camp in the dead of night? You are only bringing death upon yourself!" He spurred his green-maned horse and brandished two tusked clubs to attack Huang Feihu. Horse met ox, and the two clashed in a chaotic night battle. Meanwhile, Xin Jia and Xin Mian charged into the right camp. Finding no generals inside to resist them, they freely advanced at will. They fought all the way to the rear encampment, where they saw Zhou Ji and Nan Gong Ti imprisoned in a pit trap. Quickly slaying the Shang soldiers, they smashed open the trap and rescued the two commanders. Now on foot, the two seized sharp weapons and charged forward with such ferocity that it seemed as if heaven and earth were splitting apart, causing ghosts to weep and gods to mourn. With attacks coming from both inside and outside, how could one possibly resist? Zhang Guifang and Feng Lin saw the tide of battle was against them and had no choice but to flee back, wounded. The ground was littered with corpses, and blood flowed like rivers across the field. The three armies cried out in agony, abandoning drums and gongs as they fled in disarray, trampling each other to death. The number of the dead was immeasurable. Zhang Guifang retreated overnight to Xi Qi Mountain, where he gathered his battered and broken forces. Feng Lin entered the tent and discussed matters with his commander. Guifang said, "Since I have led troops, I have never suffered a defeat. Today in Xi Qi, we lost so many men and horses; it greatly troubles my heart." He quickly drafted an urgent report, sent it to Chao Ge, requesting reinforcements be dispatched immediately to jointly crush the rebels. Meanwhile, Zi Ya withdrew his troops and returned victorious to camp. The generals rejoiced, all singing songs of triumph in unison. Indeed: Horsemen ride like fierce tigers; victorious junior officers are as jubilant as leopards.

话说张桂芳遣官进朝歌，来至太师府下文书。闻太师升殿，聚将鼓响，众将参谒。堂候官将张桂芳申文呈上。太师拆开一看，大惊曰：“张桂芳征伐西岐，不能取胜，反损兵挫锐，老夫须得亲征，方克西土。奈因东南两路，屡战不宁；又见游魂关总兵窦荣不能取胜；方今盗贼乱生，如之奈何！吾欲去，国家空虚；吾不去，不能克服。”只见门人吉立上前言曰：“今国内无人，老师怎么亲征得，不若于三山五岳之中，可邀一二位师友，往西岐协助张桂芳，大事自然可定。何劳老师费心，有伤贵体。”只这一句话，断送修行人两对，封神台上且标名。不知凶吉如何，且听下回分解。

As the story continues, Zhang Guifang sent an official to Chao Ge and delivered a document to the Prime Minister's residence. Wen Tai Shi ascended the hall; drums were beaten, and all generals assembled for audience. The chamberlain presented Zhang Guifang's petition to Wen Tai Shi. The Prime Minister opened it and was greatly shocked, saying, "Zhang Guifang has failed to conquer Xi Qi in battle; instead he has suffered losses and lost his momentum. I must personally lead the campaign if we are to subdue the western lands. But because of the persistent unrest in the southeast routes, where battles have continued without respite; and also seeing that General Dou Rong at You Hun Guan cannot achieve victory; now bandits and rebels are rising in chaos—what can we do about it! If I go, the state will be left vulnerable; if I do not go, we cannot overcome them." Just then, his disciple Ji Li stepped forward and said, "Now that there is no one at home to manage affairs, how can the Master personally lead a campaign? It would be better to invite one or two friends from among the Three Mountains and Five Peaks to go to Xi Qi and assist Zhang Guifang. Then great matters will naturally be settled. Why trouble the Master with such worries, risking your noble health?" Just this one sentence doomed two pairs of cultivators to their fates, and their names were already recorded on the Feng Shen Altar. Whether it brings fortune or misfortune remains unknown; stay tuned for the next episode.