Chapter 38: Four Saints Meet Ziyi at Xiqi

诗曰： 王道从来先是仁，妄加征伐自沉沦。趋名战士如奔浪，逐劫神仙断磷。异术奇珍谁个是，争强图霸孰为真。不如闭目深山坐，乐守天真养自身。

The poem says: The Way of kings has always first been benevolence; to recklessly launch military campaigns leads only to one's own downfall. Warriors seeking fame rush forth like surging waves, while immortal beings pursuing salvation sever their luminous trails. Who among them possesses extraordinary skills or rare treasures? Who truly holds strength and ambition to dominate? It is better to close one's eyes and sit in seclusion within the deep mountains, joyfully preserving one's innate nature and cultivating oneself.

话说闻太师听吉立之言，忽然想起海岛道友，拍掌大笑曰：“只因事冗杂，终日碌碌，为这些军民事务，不得宁暇，把这些道友都忘却了。不是你方才说起，几时得海宇清平。”分付吉立：“传众将知道：三日不必来见。你与余庆好生看守相府，吾去三两日就回。”太师骑了墨麒麟，挂两根金鞭，把麒麟顶上角一拍，麒麟四足自起风云，霎时间周游天下。有诗为证： 四足风云声响亮，鳞生雾彩映金光，周游天下须臾至，方显玄门道术昌。

The story goes that upon hearing Ji Li's words, Lord Wenshi suddenly recalled his Daoist friends on the island. He clapped his hands and laughed heartily, saying, "It is only because of these numerous and complicated affairs that I have been busy all day long; preoccupied with military and state matters, I have had no peace or leisure, and thus forgotten about those Daoist friends." "If it were not for you just mentioning this, when would the world ever achieve peace and tranquility?" He instructed Ji Li: "Inform all the generals that they need not come to see me for three days." "You and Yu Qing must carefully guard the prime minister's residence; I will return in two or three days." Lord Wenshi rode the Hei Qilin, holding two golden whips. He struck the horn on top of the Qilin's head once, and immediately the Qilin raised winds and clouds with its four hooves, traveling across the world in an instant. There is a poem to attest: With four hooves stirring winds and clouds, its sound resounding loud; scales shimmer with misty hues reflecting golden light. In an instant it travels the world, thus demonstrating the flourishing Daoist arts of the mystic school.

话说闻太师来至西海九龙岛，见那些海浪滔滔，烟波滚滚。把坐骑落在崖前。只见那洞门外：异花奇草般般秀，桧柏青松色色新。正是：只有仙家来往处，那许凡人到此间。正看玩时，见一童儿出，太师问曰：“你师父在洞否？”此童儿答曰：“家师在里面下棋。”太师曰：“你可通报：商都闻太师相访。”童儿进泂来，启老师曰：“商都闻太师相访。”只见四位道人听得此言，齐出洞来，大笑曰：“闻兄，那一陈风儿吹你到此？”闻太师一见四人出来，满面笑容相迎，竟邀至里面，行礼毕，在蒲团坐下。四位道人曰：“闻兄自那里来？”太师答曰：“特来进谒。”道人曰：“吾等避迹荒鸟之中，有何见谕，特至此地？”太师曰：“吾受国恩，与先王之托，官居相位，统领朝纲重务。今西岐武王驾下姜尚，乃昆仑门下，仗道欺公，助姬发作反。前差张桂芳领兵征伐，不能取胜。奈因东南又乱，诸侯猖獗，吾欲西征，恐家国空虚，自思无计，愧见道兄。若肯借一臂之力，扶危拯弱，以锄强暴，实闻仲万千之幸。”头一位道人答曰：“闻兄既来，我贫道一往，救援桂芳，大事自然可定。”只见第二位道人曰：“要去四人齐去，难道说王兄为得闻兄，吾等便就不去？”闻太师听罢大喜。──此乃是四圣，也是“封神榜”上之数：头一位姓王，名魔；二位姓杨，名森；三位姓高，名友乾；四位姓李，名兴霸；是灵霄殿四将。看官：大抵神道原是神仙做，只因根行浅薄，不能成正果朝元，故成神道。──且说王魔曰：“间兄先回，俺们随后即至。”闻太师曰：“承道兄大德，求即幸临，不可羁滞。”王魔曰：“吾把童儿先将坐骑送往岐山，我们即来。”闻太师上了墨麒麟回朝歌。不表。

The story continues that Lord Wenshi arrived at the Jiulong Island in the western sea, where he saw the surging ocean waves and rolling misty waters. He dismounted his steed before a cliff. Looking outside the cave entrance, one could see: exotic flowers and rare herbs in every kind of beauty, cypress trees and green pines fresh with vibrant hues. Indeed: this is a place where only immortals come and go; how could ordinary mortals ever arrive here? While admiring the scenery, he saw a young boy emerge. Lord Wenshi asked, "Is your master in the cave?" The child replied, "My master is inside playing chess." Lord Wenshi said, "You may inform him: the Prime Minister of Shang Kingdom, Lord Wenshi, has come to visit." The child went into the cave and informed his master, saying, "The Prime Minister of Shang Kingdom, LORD WENSHI, has come to visit." Upon hearing these words, the four Daoist men immediately came out of the cave and laughed heartily, saying: "Brother Wen, which gust of wind has blown you here?" Upon seeing the four men come out, Lord Wenshi greeted them with a beaming smile. He invited them inside, and after they paid their respects, all of them sat down on pumkin mats. The four Daoist men asked, "Brother Wen, where have you come from?" Lord Wenshi replied, "I have specially come to pay my respects." The Daoist men said, "We have been hiding in the wilderness; what instruction or message could you possibly have that would bring you especially to this place?" Lord Wenshi said: "I have received the grace of the state and been entrusted by the late king. Holding the position of prime minister, I oversee the major affairs of court governance." "Now, Jiang Shang under King Wu of Western Qi is a disciple of Kunlun. He has taken advantage of the Dao to bully the public and assisted Ji Fa in rebellion." Earlier, Zhang Guifang was dispatched with troops to campaign against them, but could not achieve victory. Alas, the southeast has also fallen into chaos and the feudal lords are rampant. I wish to campaign westward but fear my homeland will be left vulnerable. Having no plan of my own, I am ashamed to meet you, Daoist brother. "If you would kindly lend a hand of assistance, supporting the weak and rescuing those in peril, to root out tyranny and violence, it would truly be my greatest fortune as Wen Zhong." The first Daoist man replied: "Since you have come, Brother Wen, I, this poor Daoist, shall go forth to assist and rescue Zhang Guifang. With that, the great matter will naturally be settled." The second Daoist man said: "If we are to go, all four of us should go. Is it not the case that if Brother Wang went for your sake, Brother Wen, would we then refuse to go?" Lord Wenshi was greatly pleased upon hearing this. ──These four were none other than the Four Sages, and they too were destined names on the "Fengshen Bang": The first was surnamed Wang, named Mo; the second was surnamed Yang, named Sen; the third was surnamed Gao, named Youqian; and the fourth was surnamed Li, named Xingba; they were four generals of Lingxiao Hall. Reader: generally speaking, the gods and spirits were originally immortals; but because their roots and cultivation were shallow, they could not attain true enlightenment or ascend to the Dao, thus becoming gods and spirits. ──Speaking of Wang Mo, he said: "Brother Jian, please return first; we shall follow shortly." Lord Wenshi said: "I am greatly indebted to my Daoist brothers' virtue. I earnestly request your immediate arrival; do not be delayed." Wang Mo said: "I will send the child first to deliver our steeds to Qishan, and we shall come immediately." Lord Wenshi mounted his Hei Qilin and returned to Chaoguo. No further details are given.

且说王魔等四人，一齐驾水遁往朝歌来。怎见得，有诗为证： 五行之内水为先，不用乘舟不驾船，大地乾坤顷刻至，碧游宫内圣人传。

Let us now speak of Wang Mo and the other three men, who all together summoned their water-based talismans to head toward Chaoguo. How was this achieved? A poem attests: Among the Five Elements, water comes first; no need to ride a boat or drive a ship. In an instant, they traverse the vast earth and heavens, as the Sage transmits from within Biyou Palace.

话说四位道人到朝歌，收了水遁进城。朝歌军民一见，吓得魂不附体：王魔戴一字巾，穿水合服，面如满月；杨森莲子箍，似陀头打扮，穿皂服，面如锅底，须似朱砂，两道黄眉；高友乾挽双狐髻，穿大红服，面如蓝靛，发似朱砂，上下獠牙；李兴霸戴鱼尾金冠，穿淡黄服，面如重枣，一部长髯；俱有一丈五六尺长，愰愰荡荡。众民看见，伸舌咬指。王魔问百姓曰：“闻太师府在那里？”有大胆的答曰：“在正南二龙桥就是。”四道人来至相府，太师迎入，施礼毕，传令：“摆上酒来。”左道之内，俱用荤酒，持斋者少。五位传杯。次日，闻太师入朝见纣王，言：“臣请得九龙岛四位道者，往西岐破武王。”纣王曰：“太师为孤佐国，何不请来相见？”太师领旨。不一时，领四位道人进殿来。纣王一见，魂不附体，好凶恶像貌！道人见纣王曰：“衲子稽首了！”纣王曰：“道者平身。”传旨：“命太师与朕代礼，显庆殿陪宴。”太师领旨。纣王回宫。且说五位在殿欢饮。王魔曰：“闻兄，待吾等成了功来，再会酒罢。我们去也。”四位道人离了朝门，太师送出朝歌。太师自回府中。不表。

The story continues that when the four Daoist men arrived at Chaoguo, they dispelled their water-based talismans and entered the city. The soldiers and civilians of Chaoguo, upon seeing them, were so frightened that their souls seemed to leave their bodies: Wang Mo wore a single-character cap, donned a water-colored robe, with a face as round and full as the moon; Yang Sen wore a lotus-shaped headband, dressed in black robes, with a face like the bottom of a cauldron, beard as red as cinnabar, and two yellow eyebrows; 尽 Gao Youqian wore twin fox-like buns, donned a bright red robe, with a face the color of indigo blue, hair as red as cinnabar and fangs protruding from both upper and lower jaws; Li Xingba wore a golden fish-tail crown, donned a light yellow robe, with a face resembling a deep red jujube and a long beard. All of them were about one zhang five or six chi tall, towering and imposing in presence. The common people saw this and could only stick out their tongues and bite their fingers in awe. Wang Mo asked the civilians, "Where is Lord Wenshi's residence?" A bold civilian answered, "It is at Erlong Bridge in the due south direction." The four Daoist men arrived at the prime minister's residence. Lord Wenshi welcomed them in, and after they performed their bows, he gave orders: "Bring out the wine." Among those of the Left Dao, all commonly consumed meaty wines; few observed vegetarian vows. The five men passed cups among themselves. The next day, Lord Wenshi entered the court to see King Zhou and said: "Your servant has obtained four Daoist sages from Jiulong Island; I request permission to send them westward to break the forces of King Wu." King Zhou said: "The prime minister has assisted me in governing the state; why not invite them to meet with me?" Lord Wenshi accepted the imperial order. In no time, he led the four Daoist men into the hall. Upon seeing them, King Zhou was so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body—what a fearsome and evil appearance! The Daoist men bowed before King Zhou and said, "Your humble disciples prostrate themselves!" King Zhou said: "Daoist sages, please rise." The imperial decree was given: "Order the prime minister to act on my behalf in offering courtesy; accompany them at Xianqing Hall for a banquet." Lord Wenshi accepted the order. King Zhou returned to his palace. Let us now speak of the five men enjoying wine and merriment in the hall. Wang Mo said: "Brother Wen, let us wait until we have achieved success before meeting for wine again. We shall go now." The four Daoist men left the palace gate, and Lord Wenshi saw them off beyond Chaoguo. Lord Wenshi returned to his residence. No further details are given.

且说四位道人驾水遁往西岐山来，霎时到了，落下水光，到张桂芳辕门。探马报入：“有四位道长至辕门候见。”张桂芳闻报，出营接入中军。张桂芳、风林参谒。王魔见二将欠身不便，问曰：“闻太师请俺们来助你；你想必著伤？”风林把臂膊被哪吒打伤之事说了一遍。王魔曰：“与吾看一看。……呀！原来是乾坤圈打的。”葫芦中取一粒丹，口嚼碎了搽上，即时全愈。桂芳也来求丹，王魔一样治度。又问：“西岐姜子牙在那里？”张桂芳曰：“此处离西岐七十里。因兵败至此。”王魔曰：“快起兵往西岐城去！”彼时张桂芳传令，一声炮响，三军呐喊，杀奔西岐，东门下寨。

Let us now speak of the four Daoist men, who summoned their water-based talismans toward Mount Xiqi. In an instant they arrived, dispelled the shimmering water light, and reached Zhang Guifang's headquarters gate. A scout horseman reported inside: "Four Daoist masters have arrived at the headquarters gate to await an audience." Zhang Guifang, upon hearing the report, left his camp and welcomed them into the central command. Zhang Guifang and Feng Lin paid their respects. Wang Mo, seeing the two generals bow awkwardly, asked: "Lord Wenshi has sent us to assist you; you must have been injured?" Feng Lin recounted the incident of his arm being wounded by Ne Zha. Wang Mo said, "Let me take a look." ......Ah! It was clearly the work of the Kunlun Circle. He took a pill from his gourd, chewed it up with his mouth, and applied it; instantly the wound was completely healed. Zhang Guifang also came to request a pill, and Wang Mo treated him in the same manner. Wang Mo then asked: "Where is Jiang Ziya of Western Qi?" Zhang Guifang said, "This place is seventy li away from Western Qi. We have retreated here after a military defeat." Wang Mo said: "Quickly, march the troops toward Western Qi City!" At that time Zhang Guifang gave orders; a cannon roared, the three armies shouted in unison, and they rushed toward Western Qi, setting up camp at its eastern gate.

子牙在相府，正议连日张桂芳败兵之事。探事马报来：“张桂芳起兵在东门安营。”子牙与众将官言曰：“张柱芳此来，必求有援兵在营，各要小心。”众将得令。

Jiang Ziya was in his residence as prime minister, just discussing the recent consecutive defeats of Zhang Guifang's forces. A scout horseman reported: "Zhang Guifang has raised his troops and set up camp at the eastern gate." Jiang Ziya said to the assembled generals: "Zhang Guifang's arrival here must mean he has received reinforcements in his camp; everyone must be cautious." The generals accepted the orders.

且说王魔在帐中坐下，对张桂芳曰：“你明日出阵前，坐名要姜子牙出来。吾等俱隐在旗旛脚下；待他出来，我们好会他。”杨森曰：“张桂芳、风林，你把这符贴在你的马鞍鞽上，各有话说。我们的坐骑乃是奇兽；战马见了，骨软筋酥，焉能站立。”二将领命。且说次日，张桂芳全妆甲胄，上马至城下，坐名只要姜子牙答话。报马进相府，报：“张桂芳请丞相答话。”子牙不把张桂芳放在心上，料只如此，传令：“摆五方队伍出城。”炮声响亮，城门大开。只见： 青旛招展，一池荷叶舞清风；素带施张，满院梨花飞瑞雪。红旛闪灼，烧山烈火一般同；皂盖飘摇，乌云盖住铁山顶。杏黄旗磨动，护中军战将；英雄如猛虎，两边摆打阵众英豪。

Let us now speak of Wang Mo, who sat in his tent and said to Zhang Guifang: "Before you go out to battle tomorrow, call for Jiang Ziya by name to come forth. We shall all hide beneath the flags; when he comes out, we can confront him." Yang Sen said: "Zhang Guifang and Fenglin, you must attach this talisman to your saddlebags; each of you has specific instructions. Our steeds are extraordinary beasts; when common warhorses see them, their bones will weaken and sinews soften—how could they possibly stand?" The two generals accepted the order. 龙头新闻 A scout horseman entered the prime minister's residence and reported: "Zhang Guifang requests the Prime Minister to respond." Jiang Ziya did not take Zhang Guifang seriously, assuming it would be nothing more than this. He gave orders: "Form the Five Directions formation and march out of the city." Cannon fire roared loudly as the city gates opened wide. One could see: green banners fluttering, a pond of lotus leaves dancing in the gentle breeze; white sashes unfurling, pear blossoms like auspicious snowflakes drifting through the courtyard. Red banners blazing, they were as fierce as a fire consuming the mountains; black canopies swaying, dark clouds covering the peak of Iron Mountain. Apricot-yellow banners stirred, guarding the central army's generals; heroes like fierce tigers, with numerous valiant warriors arrayed on both sides.

话说宝纛旛下，子牙骑青鬃马，手提宝剑。桂芳一马当先。子牙曰：“败军之将，又有何面目至此？”张桂芳曰：“‘胜败军家常事’，何得为愧。今非昔比，不可欺敌！……”言还未毕，只听得后面鼓响，旗旛开处，走出四样异兽：王魔骑狴犴，杨森骑狻猊，高友乾骑的花斑豹，李兴霸骑的是狰狞，四兽冲出阵来。子牙两边战将都跌翻下马，连子牙撞下鞍鞽。这些战马经不起那异兽恶气冲来，战马都骨软筋酥。──内中只是哪吒风火轮，不能动摇；黄飞虎骑五色神牛，不曾挫锐；以下都跌下马来。四道人见子牙跌得冠斜袍绽，大笑不止；大呼曰：“不要慌！慢慢起来！”子牙忙整衣冠，再一看时，见四位道人好凶恶之相：脸分青、白、红、黑，各骑古怪异兽。子牙打稽首曰：“四位道兄，那座名山？何处洞府？今到此间，有何分付？”子牙道罢，王魔曰：“姜子牙，吾乃九龙岛炼气士王魔、杨森、高友乾、李兴霸也。你我俱是道门。只因闻太师相招，特地到此。我等莫非与子牙解围，并无他意。不知子牙可依得贫道三件事情？”子牙曰：“道兄分付，莫说三件，便三十件可以依得。但说无妨。”王魔曰：“头一件：要武王称臣。”子牙曰：“道兄差矣。吾主公武王，原是商臣，奉法守公，并无欺上，何不可之有？”王魔曰：“第二件：开了库藏，给散三军赏赐。第三件：将黄飞虎送出城，与张桂芳解回朝歌。你意下如何？”子牙曰：“道兄分付，极是明白；容尚回城，三日后作表，敢烦道兄带回朝歌谢恩，再无他议。”两边举手：“请了！”正是： 且说三事权依允，二上昆仑走一遭。

Speaking of the standard beneath the banner, Jiang Ziya rode a dark-maned horse and held a precious sword in his hand. Zhang Guifang charged ahead on horseback. Jiang Ziya said: "A general who has suffered defeat, what face do you have to come here?" Zhang Guifang replied: "Victory and defeat are common occurrences in military affairs; how can one feel ashamed for that? The situation today is not as it was before; we must not look down on the enemy!" "...". Before he could finish speaking, a loud drumbeat was heard from behind. As the banners parted, four extraordinary beasts emerged: Wang Mo rode a Bixi, Yang Sen rode a Suanni, Gao Youqian rode a dappled leopard, and Li Xingba rode a Zhenning. The four beasts charged out of formation. Jiang Ziya's soldiers on both sides were thrown from their horses, and even Jiang Ziya himself was knocked off his saddle. These warhorses could not withstand the fierce aura of those extraordinary beasts, and all the horses became weak in bones and sinews. ——Among them, only Nezha's Wind-Fire Wheels remained undisturbed; Huang Feihou rode a five-colored divine ox and did not lose his edge; those below all fell from their horses. The four Daoists saw Jiang Ziya fall, his hat askew and robe torn, and they laughed uncontrollably; they shouted loudly: "Do not panic! get up slowly!" Jiang Ziya quickly adjusted his clothes and hat. When he looked again, he saw the four Daoists had a fearsome appearance: their faces were blue, white, red, and black respectively, each riding an unusual and strange beast. Jiang Ziya bowed deeply and said: "Four Daoist elder brothers, which famous mountain do you belong to? What is the name of your cave dwelling?" Why have you come here today, and what is it that you wish to accomplish?" After Jiang Ziya had spoken, Wang Mo said: "Jiang Ziya, we are the cultivation practitioners from Jiulong Island—Wang Mo, Yang Sen, Gao Youqian, and Li Xingba. You and I both belong to the Daoist tradition. It is because we have heard of Marshal Wen's invitation that we specially came here. We are not here to cause trouble for you, Jiang Ziya; our only intention is to relieve the siege. I wonder if Master Jiang would agree to three things proposed by your humble Daoist?" Jiang Ziya replied: "Whatever my elder brother requests, I would agree to not just three things, but even thirty. Speak freely." Wang Mo said: "The first thing: King Wu must address you as his subject." Jiang Ziya replied: "Elder brother, that is incorrect. Our lord King Wu was originally a subject of the Shang dynasty, abiding by law and upholding public virtue; he has never acted disrespectfully toward his superiors. What is there that cannot be accepted?" Wang Mo said: "The second thing: open the treasury and distribute rewards to the three armies. "The third thing: send Huang Feihou out of the city, and have Zhang Guifang take him back to Chaoguo. What is your opinion?" Jiang Ziya said: "Elder brother's instructions are very clear; please allow me to return to the city and prepare a memorial within three days. I will be honored if my elder brother would kindly take it back to Chaoguo as an expression of gratitude, after which there shall be no further discussion." Both sides raised their hands: "Please proceed!" Indeed: Let us now say that the three matters were temporarily agreed upon, and two would go to Kunlun Mountain for a visit.

话说子牙同将进城，入相府，升殿坐下。只见武成王跪下曰：“请丞相将我父子解送桂芳行营，免累武王。”子牙忙忙扶起，曰：“黄将军，方才三件事，乃权宜暂允他，非有他意。彼骑的俱是怪兽，众将未战，先自落马，挫动锐气，故此将机就计，且进城再作他处。”黄将军谢了子牙，众将散讫。子牙乃香汤沐浴，分付武吉、哪吒防守。子牙驾土遁，二上昆仑，往玉虚宫而来。有诗为证： 道术传来按五行，不登雾彩最轻盈。须臾直过扶桑径，咫尺行来至玉京。

Speaking of Jiang Ziya and his generals entering the city, they went into the prime minister's residence, ascended to the hall, and took their seats. Just then, Prince Wucheng knelt down and said: "Please, Prime Minister, deliver my father and me to Zhang Guifang's camp, so as not to burden King Wu." Jiang Ziya hurriedly helped him up and said: "General Huang, those three matters just now were only temporarily agreed to as a provisional measure; there is no other intention behind it. They rode strange beasts, and before the generals could even fight, they were thrown from their horses and lost morale. Therefore, I took advantage of the situation to devise a plan and entered the city for further arrangements." General Huang thanked Jiang Ziya, and the generals dispersed. Jiang Ziya then took a fragrant bath and gave orders to Wu Ji and Nezha to guard and defend. Jiang Ziya used the Earth Escape technique, went up to Kunlun for the second time, and headed toward Yuxu Palace. There is a poem as evidence: The Daoist arts are passed down according to the Five Elements; without ascending through mist and clouds, one moves with utmost lightness. In a moment, it passes directly along the path of Fusang, arriving at Yujing in an instant.

且说子牙到了玉虚宫，不敢擅入。候白鹤童子出来，子牙曰：“白鹤童儿，通报一声。”白鹤童子至碧游床，跪而言曰：“启老爷：师叔姜尚在宫外候法旨。”元始分付：“命来。”子牙进宫，倒身下拜。元始曰：“九龙岛王魔等四人在西岐伐你。他骑的四兽，你未曾知道。此物乃万兽朝苍之时，种种各别，龙生九种，色相不同。白鹤童子，你往桃园里把我的坐骑牵来。”白鹤童儿往桃园内，牵了四不相来。怎见得，有诗为证： 麟头豸尾体如龙，足踏祥光至九重。四海九洲随意遍，三山五岳霎时逢。

Let us now say that when Jiang Ziya arrived at Yuxu Palace, he dared not enter without permission. He waited for the White Crane Attendant to come out and said: "White Crane child, please announce my arrival." The White Crane Attendant went to Biyou Bed and knelt, saying: "Your servant reports, Master: Uncle Jiang Shang is waiting outside the palace for your decree." Yuanshi gave orders: "Bring him in." Jiang Ziya entered the palace and fell to his knees, bowing deeply. Yuanshi said: "The four from Jiulong Island, Wang Mo et al., are attacking you in Xiqi. You do not know about the four beasts they ride. These creatures are among those that paid homage to Cang during the time when ten thousand beasts gathered; each is distinct in its kind. Dragons give birth to nine different types, and their appearances vary. "White Crane Attendant, go to the peach garden and bring my steed here." The White Crane Attendant went into the peach garden and led out Sibuxiang. How can this be described? A poem serves as evidence: With the head of a qilin and the tail of a zhi, its body resembles that of a dragon; with feet treading auspicious light, it arrives at the nine heavens. It traverses the four seas and nine provinces at will, encountering the Three Mountains and Five Great Mountains in an instant.

童儿把四不相牵至。元始曰：“姜尚，也是你四十年修行之功，与贫道代理封神，今把此兽与你骑往西岐，好会三山、五岳、四渎之中奇异之物。”又命南极仙翁取一木鞭，──长三尺六寸五分，有二十一节；每一节有四道符印，共八十四道符印，名曰“打神鞭。”──子牙跪而接受；又拜恳曰：“望老师大发慈悲！”元始曰：“你此一去，往北海过，还有一人等你。贫道将此中央戊己之旗付你。旗内有简，临迫之际，当看此简，便知端的。”子牙叩首辞别，出玉虚宫。南极仙翁送子牙至麒麟崖。子牙上了四不相，把头上角一拍，那兽一道红光起去，铃声响亮，往西岐来。正行之间，那四不相飘飘落在一座山上。山近连海岛。怎见得好山： 千峰排戟，万仞开屏。日映岚光轮岭外，雨收岱色冷含烟。藤缠老树，雀占危岩。奇花瑶草，修竹乔松。幽鸟啼声近，滔滔海浪鸣。重重谷壑芝兰绕，处处巉崖苔藓生。起伏峦头龙脉好，必有高人隐姓名。

The child led Sibuxiang over. Yuanshi said: "Jiang Shang, this is also the result of your forty years of cultivation. As I delegate you to oversee the God of Gods' Mandate, today I shall give you this beast to ride back to Xiqi so that you may confront the extraordinary beings from the Three Mountains, Five Great Mountains, and Four Rivers." He also ordered Nanji Xianweng to fetch a wooden whip—three feet six and five-tenths inches long, with twenty-one sections; each section had four talisman seals, totaling eighty-four talisman seals. It was named the "God-Beating Whip." ——Jiang Ziya knelt and accepted it; he also bowed earnestly and said: "I humbly beg my master to show great compassion!" Yuanshi said: "When you go this time, after passing through the North Sea, there will be one more person waiting for you. I shall give you this central flag of Wuji to carry with you. Inside the banner is a scroll; in moments of urgency, look at this scroll and you will know exactly what to do." Jiang Ziya kowtowed, bid farewell, and left Yuxu Palace. Nanji Xianweng escorted Jiang Ziya to Qilin Cliff. Jiang Ziya mounted Sibuxiang, struck the horn on its head once. The beast emitted a red light, bells rang loudly, and it headed toward Xiqi. While traveling along, Sibuxiang suddenly landed on a mountain. The mountain was close to an island in the sea. How beautiful this mountain is: Thousands of peaks stand like halberds; ten thousand feet high, they open like a screen. Sunlight reflects the misty glow beyond the ridges; after rain, Mount Dai's cool hues are wrapped in lingering smoke. Vines entwine old trees; birds occupy precarious rocks. Strange flowers and rare herbs grow alongside tall bamboos and ancient pines. The song of a secluded bird draws near, while the surging sea waves roar. Layer upon layer of valleys and gorges are encircled by orchids and zhi grass; moss grows on every jagged cliff face. The undulating mountain ridges follow a dragon's vein, surely indicating that a great recluse hides here with an unknown name.

话说子牙看罢山，只见山脚下一股怪云卷起。云过处生风，风响处见一物，好生跷蹊古怪。怎见得： 头似驼，狰狞凶恶；项似鹅，挺折枭雄。须似虾，或上或下；耳似牛，凸暴双睛。身似鱼，光辉灿烂；手似莺，电灼钢钩。足似虎，钻山跳涧；龙分种，降下异形。采天地灵气，受日月之精。发手运石多玄妙，口吐人言盖世无。龙与豹交真可羡，来扶明主助皇图。

Speaking of Jiang Ziya looking at the mountain, he suddenly saw a strange cloud rising from beneath the mountain's base. Wherever the cloud passed, it brought wind; where the wind echoed, something appeared—most strange and unusual. How could one see this: Its head resembles that of a camel; it is fierce, ferocious, and evil-looking; Its neck resembles that of a goose, straight and proud like an eagle or a jackal. Its beard resembles that of a shrimp, moving up and down; Its ears resemble those of an ox, with bulging eyes. Its body resembles that of a fish, radiant and brilliant; Its hands resemble those of a sparrow, like lightning-quick steel hooks. Its feet resemble those of a tiger, capable of drilling through mountains and leaping across ravines; Dragons have many kinds; this one has descended in an unusual form. It absorbs the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, receiving the quintessence of sun and moon. With a wave of its hand, it moves stones in mysterious ways; with words spoken from its mouth, it surpasses all the world. A dragon and a leopard joining forces is truly admirable, coming to aid the enlightened ruler in assisting the emperor's grand plan.

话说子牙一见，魂不附体，吓了一身冷汗。那物大叫一声曰：“但吃姜尚一块肉，延寿一千年！”子牙听罢，“原来是要吃我的。”那东西又一跳将来，叫：“姜尚，我要吃你！”子牙曰：“吾与你无隙无仇，为何要吃我？”妖怪答曰：“你休想逃脱今日之厄！”子牙把杏黄旗轻轻展开，看里面简帖，“……原来如此。”子牙曰：“那孽障，我该你口里食，料应难免。你只把我杏黄旗儿拔起来，我就与你吃；拔不起来，怨命。”子牙把旗望地上一戳。那旗长有二丈有馀。那妖怪伸手来拔，拔不起来；两只手拔，也拔不起；用阴阳手拔，也拔不起来；便将双手只到旗根底下，把头颈子挣的老长的，也拔不起来。子牙把手望空中一撒，五雷正法，雷火交加，一声响，吓的那东西要放手，不意把手长在旗上了。子牙喝一声：“好孽障！吃吾一剑！”那物叫曰：“上仙饶命！念吾不识上仙玄妙，此乃申公豹害了我！”子牙听说申公豹的名字，子牙问曰：“你要吃我，与申公豹何干？”妖怪答曰：“上仙，吾乃龙须虎也。自少昊时生我，采天地灵气，受阴阳精华，已成不死之身。前日申公豹往此处过，说：‘今日今时姜子牙过时，若吃他一块肉，延年万载。’故此一时愚昧，大胆欺心，冒犯上仙。不知上仙道高德隆，自古是慈悲道德，可怜念我千年辛苦，修开十二重楼，若赦一生，万年感德！”子牙曰：“据你所言，你拜吾为师，我就饶你。”龙须虎曰：“愿拜老爷为师。”子牙曰：“既如此，你闭了目。”龙须虎闭目。只听得空中一声雷响，龙须虎也把手放了，倒身下拜。──子牙北海收了龙须虎为门徒。──子牙问曰：“你在此山，可曾学得些道术？”龙须虎答曰：“弟子善能发手有石。──随手放开，便有磨盘大石头，飞蝗骤雨，打的满山灰土迷天，随发随应。”子牙大喜：“此人用之劫营，到处可以成功。”子牙收了杏黄旗，随带龙须虎，上了四不相，迳往西岐城；落下坐骑，来至相府。众将迎接，猛见龙须虎在子牙后边，众将吓的痴呆了：“姜丞相惹了邪气来了！”子牙见众将猜疑，笑曰：“此是北海龙须虎也，乃是我收来门徒。”众将进到府，参谒已毕。子牙问城外消息，武吉曰：“城外不见动静。”子牙打点一场大战。

Speaking of Jiang Ziya, upon seeing this creature, his soul left his body and he broke out in a cold sweat from fright. The creature let out a loud cry and said, "If I can but eat one piece of Jiang Shang's flesh, it will grant me a thousand more years of life!" After hearing this, Jiang Ziya thought to himself, "So it wants to eat me." That creature leaped forward again and shouted, "Jiang Shang, I want to eat you!" Jiang Ziya said, "I have no grudge or enmity with you. Why do you wish to eat me?" The demon replied, "You cannot escape this calamity today!" Jiang Ziya lightly unfolded the Xinghuang Banner and looked at the note inside, "Ah, so that's how it is..." Jiang Ziya said, "That wretched demon, I owe you a meal from my mouth; it seems unavoidable." "Just pull up my Xinghuang Banner, and I will give myself to you for consumption;" "if you cannot pull it up, then blame your fate." Jiang Ziya planted the banner into the ground with a thrust. That banner was more than two zhang long. The demon reached out to pull it, but could not budge it; Even with both hands pulling, he still could not move it; Using his Yin-Yang hands to pull, he still failed to lift it; He even stretched both hands down beneath the base of the banner and strained his neck as long as he could, yet still failed to pull it up. Jiang Ziya raised his hand into the air and scattered it, invoking the Five Thunder Divine Method. Thunder and fire converged; with a loud crackling sound, the demon was frightened and let go—unintentionally fusing his hands to the banner itself. Jiang Ziya shouted, "You wretched demon! Taste my sword!" The creature cried out, "Great Immortal, spare my life! I did not recognize the profound mysteries of a superior immortal. This was all done to me by Shen Gongbao!" Upon hearing the name Shen Gongbao, Jiang Ziya asked, "Why do you want to eat me? What does this have to do with Shen Gongbao?" The demon replied, "Great Immortal, I am Longxu Hu. I was born during the time of Shao Hao; absorbing the spiritual essence of heaven and earth and receiving the quintessence of yin and yang, I have already become an immortal with a deathless body. The other day, Shen Gongbao passed by here and said: "At this time today, when Jiang Ziya passes through, if you eat a piece of his flesh, it will extend your life for ten thousand years." Therefore, in my momentary foolishness and bold arrogance, I acted with ill intent and dared to offend a superior immortal. I did not know that your virtue and cultivation are so lofty, for since ancient times you have been kind and moral. Pity me for my thousand years of toil; I have opened twelve levels of the lotus palace. If you spare my life, I will be eternally grateful for ten thousand years!" Jiang Ziya said: "According to what you have said, if you bow and take me as your master, I will spare your life." Longxu Hu said, "I wish to take Master as my teacher." Jiang Ziya said: "If that is the case, close your eyes." Longxu Hu closed his eyes. Just then, a thunderclap was heard from the sky; Longxu Hu released his grip and fell to the ground in obeisance. Thus, Jiang Ziya tamed Longxu Hu as a disciple at the North Sea. Jiang Ziya asked: "Have you learned any Daoist arts while staying in this mountain?" Longxu Hu replied, "I am skilled at moving stones with a wave of my hand. With just a casual gesture, I can summon stones as large as millstones to fly through the air like swarms of locusts or sudden rain, covering the entire mountain in dust and obscuring the sky—each stone follows my command instantly." Jiang Ziya was greatly pleased: "This man, if used to raid enemy camps, can achieve success everywhere." Jiang Ziya retrieved the Xinghuang Banner, took Longxu Hu with him, mounted his four-legged beast Sibuxiang, and headed directly toward Xi Qi City; He dismounted from his steed and arrived at the Prime Minister's residence. The generals rushed to greet him, but upon suddenly seeing Longxu Hu behind Jiang Ziya, they were so startled that they stood frozen in shock: "Minister Jiang has brought some evil spirit with him!" Seeing the generals' suspicions, Jiang Ziya smiled and said: "This is Longxu Hu of the North Sea; he is a disciple I have tamed." The generals entered the residence and paid their respects, completing the ceremony. Jiang Ziya inquired about developments outside the city walls; Wu Ji replied: "There is no sign of movement beyond the city gates." Jiang Ziya made preparations for a great battle.

且说张桂芳在营五日，不见子牙出城来犒赏三军，把黄飞虎父子解到营里来；乃对四位道人曰：“老师，姜尚五日不见消息，其中莫非有诈？”王魔曰：“他既依允，难道失信与我等！西岐城管教他血满城池，尸成山岳。”又过三日，杨森对王魔曰：“道兄，姜子牙至八日还不出来，我们出去会他，问个端的。”张桂芳曰：“姜尚那日见势不好，将言俯就；姜尚外有忠诚，内怀奸诈。”杨森曰：“既如此，我等出去。若是诱哄我等，我们只消一阵成功，早与你班师回去。”风林传下令去，点炮，三军呐喊，杀至城下，请子牙答话。探事马报入相府。子牙带哪吒、龙须虎、武成王，骑四不相出城。王魔一见大怒：“好姜尚！你前日跌下马去，却原来往昆仑山借四不相，要与俺们见个雌雄！”把狴犴一磕，执剑来取子牙。傍有哪吒登开风火轮，摇火尖枪大叫：“王魔少待伤吾师叔！”冲杀过来。轮兽相交，枪剑并举，好场大战！怎见得： 两阵上旛摇擂战鼓，剑枪交加霞光吐。枪是乾元秘授来，剑法冰山多威武。哪吒发怒性刚强；王魔宝剑谁敢阻。哪吒是乾元山上宝和珍；王魔一心要把成汤辅。枪剑并举没遮拦，只杀得两边儿郎寻斗赌。

Meanwhile, Zhang Guifang had been in camp for five days and still saw no sign of Jiang Ziya coming out of the city to reward his troops or bring Huang Feihu and his sons into the camp; he said to the four Daoist masters: "Master, five days have passed and there is still no word from Jiang Shang. Could this not be a trick?" Wang Mo said: "He has already agreed; could he possibly break his promise to us!" We merely ordered him to hand over the city of Xi Qi, and let its streets run red with blood and its hills pile high with corpses." After another three days, Yang Sen said to Wang Mo: "Daoist elder, Jiang Ziya has not come out after eight days. We should go out and meet with him personally to get a clear answer." Zhang Guifang said: "On that day, when the situation turned unfavorable for Jiang Shang, he agreed to our terms; he appears loyal on the outside but is treacherous within." Yang Sen said: "If that's the case, let us go out. If he is trying to deceive us, we need only a single successful campaign and can return with you in triumph." Feng Lin gave the order, signaled with a cannon shot, and the three armies shouted in unison as they advanced to the city walls, demanding that Jiang Ziya come out. A scout on horseback rushed into the Prime Minister's residence with news. Jiang Ziya, accompanied by Nezha, Longxu Hu, and General Wu Chengwang, rode out of the city on his four-legged beast Sibuxian. Wang Mo saw this and was furious: "You wretched Jiang Shang! The other day when you fell from your horse, it was all a ploy to go to Kunlun Mountain and borrow this four-legged beast in order to fight with us and see who is stronger!" With a sharp kick of his steed, Bican, he brandished his sword toward Jiang Ziya. Nezha was nearby and leaped onto the Fenghuo Lun, brandishing his Huojian Spear while shouting: "Wang Mo, do not dare harm my uncle-teacher!" He charged forward. Beasts clashed, wheels and steeds collided; spears and swords were raised in unison—what a great battle! How fierce was the scene: On both sides, banners fluttered and war drums thundered; swords and spears clashed together, radiating a glow like dawn. The spear was taught in secret by Qianyuan; the sword techniques were as mighty and fearsome as an icy mountain. Nezha, filled with rage, was fierce and unyielding; Wang Mo's divine sword—none dared to oppose it. Nezha is the precious treasure of Qianyuan Mountain; Wang Mo was determined to assist Cheng Tang. Spear and sword clashed without restraint, the two sides of warriors fighting fiercely as if gambling their lives in a contest.

话说二将大战，哪吒使发了那一条枪与王魔力敌。正战间，杨森骑著狻猊，见哪吒枪来得利害，剑乃短家伙，招架不开。杨森在豹皮囊中取一粒开天珠，劈面打来，正中哪吒，打翻下风火轮去。王魔急来取首级，早有武成王黄飞虎催开五色神牛，把枪一摆，冲将过来，救了哪吒。王魔复战飞虎。杨森二发奇珠，黄飞虎乃是马上将军，怎经得一珠，打下坐骑来。早被龙须虎大叫曰：“莫伤吾大将，我来了！”王魔一见大惊，“是个什么妖精出来！”怎见得： 古怪跷蹊相，头大颈子长。独足只是跳，眼内吐金光。身上鳞甲现，两手似钩枪。炼成奇异术，发手磨盘强。但逢龙须虎，不死也著伤。

Speaking of these two generals locked in fierce battle, Nezha unleashed the full might of his spear to hold off Wang Mo. In the midst of the battle, Yang Sen, riding a suanni beast, saw that Nezha's spear was too fierce for Wang Mo to parry with his short sword. Yang Sen reached into the leopard-skin pouch and retrieved a Kai Tian Zhu pearl, hurling it directly at Nezha. It struck him square in the face, knocking him off his Fenghuo Lun. Wang Mo rushed forward to behead Nezha, but General Wu Chengwang Huang Feihu quickly spurred his Five-Color Divine Ox into action. With a sweep of his spear, he charged in and rescued Nezha. Wang Mo turned to fight Huang Feihu once more. Yang Sen fired two more magical pearls; Huang Feihu, though a general on horseback, could not withstand the impact and was knocked off his steed. Just then, Longxu Hu shouted: "Do not harm my general! I am coming!" Wang Mo was greatly startled upon seeing him and exclaimed, "What kind of demon has come out!" How could one describe it: A strange and peculiar form, with a large head and long neck. One single leg hopping about, golden light spewing from its eyes. Scales and armor visible on its body, both hands resembling hooked spears. It had cultivated an extraordinary technique; with a single hand, it could match the strength of a millstone. Whoever encountered Longxu Hu would suffer injury or death.

话说高友乾骑著花斑豹，见龙须虎凶恶，忙取混元宝珠，劈脸打来，正中龙须虎的脖子。打的扭著头跳。左右救回黄飞虎。王魔、杨森二骑来擒子牙。子牙只得将剑招架，来往冲杀。子牙左右无佐，三将著伤，救回去了。不防李兴霸把劈地珠照子牙打来，正中前心。子牙“嗳呀”一声，几乎坠骑；带四不相望北海上逃走。王魔曰：“待吾去拏了姜尚。”来赶子牙；似飞云风卷，如弩箭离弦。子牙虽是伤了前心，听得后面赶来，把四不相的角一拍，起在空中。王魔笑曰：“总是道门之术！你欺我不会腾云。”把狴犴一拍，也起在空中，随后赶来。──子牙在西岐有七死三灾，此是遇四圣，头一死。──王魔见赶不上子牙，复取开天珠望后心一下，把子牙打翻下骑来，骨碌碌滚下山坡，面朝天，打死了。四不相站在一傍。王魔下骑，来取子牙首级。忽然听的半山中作歌而来： “野水清风拂柳，池中水面飘花。借问安居何处，白云深处为家。”

Speaking of Gao Youqian, who was riding a dappled leopard, he saw Longxu Hu's ferocity and quickly retrieved the Hunyuan Baozhu pearl. He hurled it directly at Longxu Hu, striking him square in the neck. It struck with such force that he twisted his head and hopped about in pain. His attendants rushed to rescue Huang Feihu back to safety. Wang Mo and Yang Sen rode forward together, intent on capturing Ziyi. Ziyi had no choice but to raise his sword in defense, engaging them in a fierce back-and-forth battle. With no allies at his side and three of his generals wounded, Ziyi withdrew to regroup. Unbeknownst to them, Li Xingba hurled a Pidi Zhu pearl at Ziyi, striking him squarely in the chest. Ziyi let out an "Aiyah!" cry and nearly fell from his steed; he rode the Sibuxiang beast northward, fleeing toward the Bohai Sea. Wang Mo said, "Let me go and capture Jiang Shang." He rode after Ziyi; Like a flying cloud caught in the wind, or an arrow loosed from a bowstring. Though Ziyi had been wounded in the chest, upon hearing someone approaching from behind, he struck the horn of his Sibuxiang mount and rose into the air. Wang Mo laughed and said, "Still just tricks of the Daoist arts!" "You think I cannot ride clouds." He struck the Bi'an beast, and it too rose into the air as he pursued from behind. ——Ziyi faced seven deaths and three calamities in Xiqi, and this was the first death he encountered from the Four Saints. ——Wang Mo, seeing that he could not catch up to Ziyi, retrieved the Kai Tian Zhu pearl once more and struck Ziyi in the back. The blow knocked him off his mount, tumbling down the hillside head over heels until he landed face-up, dead. The Sibuxiang stood nearby. Wang Mo dismounted and approached to behead Ziyi. Suddenly, a song came from halfway up the mountain: "Wild waters and fresh breezes brush the willows; petals drift on the surface of the pond." "May I ask where peace is found? It dwells in a home deep within the white clouds."

话说王魔听歌，看时，乃五龙山云霄洞文殊广法天尊。王魔曰：“道兄来此何事？”广法天尊答曰：“王道友，姜子牙害不得！贫道奉玉虚宫符命在此，久等多时。只因五事相凑，故命子牙下山：一则成汤气数已尽；二则西岐真主降临；三则吾阐教犯了杀戒；四则姜子牙该享西地福禄，身膺将相之权；五则与玉虚宫代理封神。道友，你截教中逍遥自在，无拘无束，为甚么恶气纷纷，雄心赳赳。可知道你那碧游宫上有两句说的好： 紧闭洞门，静诵‘黄庭’三两卷；身投西土，‘封神台’上有名人。

Speaking of Wang Mo, he listened to the song and looked up. It was none other than Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, the Venerable Master from Yunxiao Cave on Wulong Mountain. Wang Mo asked, "Venerable Daoist elder, what brings you here?" Guangfa Tianzun replied, "Wang Daoyou, you must not harm Jiang Ziyi!" "I have come here under the decree of Yu Xu Gong and have been waiting for a long time." It is because five matters coincided that I was ordered to send Ziyi down the mountain: first, the Mandate of Cheng Tang has come to an end; second, the true ruler of Xiqi has descended upon us; third, our Chán Sect violated the precept against killing; fourth, Jiang Ziyi is destined to enjoy fortune and blessings in the West, assuming authority as general and prime minister; fifth, he will act on behalf of Yu Xu Gong to bestow divine ranks. "Daoist friend, your Jie Sect enjoys freedom and ease, unbound by constraints. Why then do you stir up ill will and display such bold ambition?" "Do you know there are two lines spoken well about your Biyou Palace: 'Shut the cave gate tightly, and quietly recite a few chapters of the Huangting Jing';" 'When you venture westward, your name shall be etched on the Fengshen Tai.'"

你把姜尚打死，虽死还有回生时候。道友，依我，你好生回去，这还是一月未缺；若不听吾言，致生后悔。”王魔曰：“文殊广法天尊，你好大话！我和你一样规矩，怎言月缺难圆。难道你有名师，我无教主！”王魔动了无名之火，持剑在手，睁睛欲来取文殊广法天尊。只见天尊后面有一道童，挽抓髻，穿淡黄服，大叫：“王魔少待行凶，我来了！”──广法天尊门徒金吒是也；拎剑直奔王魔。王魔手中剑对面交还。来往盘旋，恶神厮杀。有诗为证： 来往交还剑吐光，二神斗战五龙冈，行深行浅皆由命，方知天意灭成汤。

"If you kill Jiang Shang, even though he is dead, there will still come a time for him to return to life." "Daoist friend, if you listen to me, go back and live in peace; then the moon will remain whole without a single night missing;" if you do not heed my words, regret will surely follow." Wang Mo said, "Venerable Wenshu Guangfa Tianzhen, how bold of you to speak so!" "I follow the same rules as you. How can you say that a broken moon cannot be made whole again?" "Is it because you have a famous master and I lack a sect leader!" Wang Mo's anger flared without cause. He took up his sword, eyes wide with intent to attack Wenshu Guangfa Tianzhu. Just then, a young disciple appeared behind the Venerable. He wore his hair in a topknot and donned a light yellow robe, shouting, "Wang Mo, hold your violence! I am coming!" ——This was Jinzha, the disciple of Guangfa Tianzun; he brandished his sword and charged straight at Wang Mo. Wang Mo met him with his own sword, the two blades clashing in midair. They circled each other, swords flashing as fierce deities clashed in battle. A poem attests to this: "Swords clashed in radiant flashes, two divine warriors fought on Wulong Gang. Deep or shallow their steps may be, all is fated; thus we know Heaven's will to end the Cheng Tang."

话说王魔、金吒恶战山下，文殊广法天尊取一物，──此宝在玄门为遁龙桩，久后在释门为七宝金莲。──上有三个金圈，往上一举，落将下来。王魔急难逃脱，颈子上一圈，腰上一圈，足下一圈，直立的靠定此桩。金吒见宝缚了王魔，手起剑落。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

Speaking of the fierce battle between Wang Mo and Jinzha at the foot of the mountain, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzhun retrieved an object—this treasure was known in the Daoist tradition as Dunlong Zhuang, later called Qibao Jinlian in the Buddhist tradition. ——It had three golden rings; with one upward thrust, it descended upon them. Wang Mo struggled in vain to escape; a ring encircled his neck, another his waist, and the third his feet. He stood upright, fastened firmly to this stake. Jinzha saw that Wang Mo had been bound by the treasure and immediately raised his sword for a killing strike. Whether he would live or die remains to be seen in the next chapter.