Chapter 39: Zhang Ziyi Freezes Mount Qi with Ice

诗曰： 四圣无端欲逆天，仗他异术弄狂颠。西来有分封神客，北伐方知证果仙。几许雄才消此地，无边恶孽造前愆。雪飞七月冰千尺，尤费颠连丧九泉。

The poem says: Four Sages without cause wished to defy Heaven, relying on his strange arts to play the madcap. Coming from the west were those destined to be gods of divination; only through northern expeditions did one come to know the enlightened immortal. How many heroic talents have perished here, and how much boundless evil karma has been created in past transgressions. Snow flew in the seventh month, ice formed a thousand chi thick; still more were lost in confusion and chaos, perishing in the nine depths of hell.

话说金吒一剑，把王魔斩了。──一道灵魂往封神台来；清福神柏鉴用百灵旛引进去了。广法天尊收了此宝，望昆仑下拜：“弟子开了杀戒。”命金吒把子牙背负上山，将丹药用水研开，灌入子牙口内。不一时，子牙醒回，看见广法天尊，曰：“道兄，我如何于此处相会？”天尊答曰：“原是天意，定该如此，不由人耳。”过了一二时辰，命金吒：“你同师叔下山，协助西土。我不久也要来。”遂扶子牙上了四不相，回西岐。广法天尊将土掩了王魔尸骸。不表。

It is said that Jinzha struck down Wangmo with a single sword stroke. ──A soul, full of spirit, went toward the Fengshen Tai. The Qingfushen Baijian led it away using a hundred spirits banner. Guangfa Tianzun retrieved this treasure and bowed toward Kunlun: "Disciple has broken the precept of non-violence." He ordered Jinzha to carry Jiangziya up the mountain, grind the elixir with water, and pour it into Jiangziya's mouth. In no time at all, Ziya awoke and saw Guangfa Tianzun. He said, "Elder brother Dao, how is it that we meet here?" The Immortal Lord replied, "Originally this was Heaven's will; it was destined to be so, not within human control." After a couple of shichen, he ordered Jinzha: "You and your uncle shall descend the mountain together to assist the western land. I will come as well in due time." He then helped Ziya onto the Sibuxiang and returned to Xiqi. Guangfa Tianzun covered Wangmo's corpse with earth. No further details are given.

且说西岐城不见姜丞相，众将慌张。武王亲至相府，差探马各处找寻。子牙同金吒至西岐，众将同武王齐出相府。子牙下骑。武王曰：“相父兵败何处？孤心甚是不安！”子牙曰：“老臣若非金吒师徒，决不能生还矣。”金吒参谒武王，会了哪吒，二人自在一处。子牙进府调理。

Meanwhile, in Xiqi City, the absence of Chancellor Jiang caused alarm among the generals. King Wu personally went to the prime minister's residence and dispatched scouts to search everywhere. Ziya, together with Jinzha, arrived at Xiqi, and the generals along with King Wu all rushed out from the prime minister's residence. Ziya dismounted his steed. King Wu said, "Father-in-arms, where were you defeated in battle? My heart is greatly troubled!" Ziya said, "If it were not for Master Jinzha and his disciples, I would certainly have been unable to return alive." Jinzha paid respects to King Wu, met Nezha, and the two were together in one place. Ziya entered the residence for rest and recuperation.

且说成汤营里杨森见王魔得胜，追赶子牙，至晚不见回来。杨森疑惑：“怎么不见回来？”忙忙袖中一算，大叫一声：“罢了！”高友乾、李兴霸齐问原由。杨森怒曰：“可惜千年道行，一旦死于五龙山！”三位道人怒发冲冠，一夜不安。次日上骑，城下搦战，只要子牙出来答话。探马报入相府。子牙著伤未愈。只见金吒曰：“师叔，既有弟子在此保护，出城定要成功。”子牙从计上骑，开城，见三位道人咬牙大骂曰：“好姜尚！杀吾道兄，势不两立！”三骑齐出来战。子牙傍有金吒、哪吒二人。金吒两口宝剑，哪吒登开风火轮，使开火尖枪抵敌。五人交兵，只杀得霭霭红云笼宇宙，腾腾杀气照山河。子牙暗想：“吾师所赐打神鞭，何不祭起？”子牙将神鞭丢起，空中只听雷鸣火电，正中高友乾顶上，打得脑浆迸出，死于非命，──一魂已入封神台去了。杨森见高道兄已亡，吼一声来奔子牙；不防哪吒将乾坤圈丢起，杨森方欲收此宝，被金吒将遁龙桩祭起，遁住杨森，早被金吒一剑，挥为两段，──一道灵魂也进封神台去了。张桂芳、风林见二位道长身亡，纵马使枪，风林使狼牙棒，冲杀过来。李兴霸骑狰狞，拎方楞鐧杀来。金吒步战。哪吒使一根枪，两家混战。只听西岐城里一声炮响，走出一员小将，还是一个光头儿，银冠银甲，白马长枪，──此乃黄飞虎第四子黄天祥。──走马杀到军前，神武扬威，勇贯三军，枪法如骤雨。天祥刺斜里一枪，把风林挑下马来，──一魂也进封神台去了。张桂芳料不能取胜，败进行营。李兴霸上帐自思：“吾四人前来助你，不料今日失利，丧吾三位道兄。你可修又书，速报闻兄，可求救至此，以泄今日之恨。”张桂芳依言，忙作告急文书，差官星夜进朝歌。不表。

Meanwhile, in the Chengtang camp, Yangsen saw that Wangmo had won a victory and pursued Ziya. By evening, he did not return. Yangsen was puzzled: "Why hasn't he returned?" He quickly took a calculation from his sleeve and cried out in alarm, "It's over!" Gao Youqian and Li Xingba both asked for the reason. Yangsen angrily said, "What a pity! Thousands of years of cultivation, yet it perished in one moment at Wulong Mountain!" The three Daoist sages were so enraged their hair stood on end; they remained restless through the night. łoży The next day, they mounted their steeds and challenged at the city gates, demanding that Ziya come out to speak. A scout horseman reported into the prime minister's residence. Ziya was still recovering from his injuries. Just then Jinzha said, "Uncle, since there are disciples here to protect you, going out of the city will surely be successful." Ziya followed the plan and mounted his steed. The city gates opened, and he saw the three Daoist sages gnashing their teeth in rage as they cursed, "You good-for-nothing Jiang Shang! You have killed my Dao elder brother; we cannot coexist!" The three riders all came out to fight. Ziya had Jinzha and Nezha at his side. Jinzha wielded two treasure swords, while Nezha stepped onto the Fenghuo Lun and brandished his Huojian Qiang to resist. The five warriors engaged in battle, the fierce fighting causing crimson clouds to darken the heavens and a deadly aura to illuminate mountains and rivers. Ziya thought to himself: "My master gave me the Dashen Whip; why not summon it?" Ziya cast the divine whip into the air. In midair, a thunderclap and flashes of fire crackled as it struck Gao Youqian directly on his head, splattering his brains and killing him in an unnatural death──his soul had already gone to the Fengshen Tai. Yangsen saw that his Dao elder brother Gao was dead and let out a roar as he charged toward Ziya; Unaware, Nezha cast up the Qiankun Circle. Just as Yangsen was about to retrieve this treasure, Jinzha summoned the Dunlong Zhuang and trapped Yangsen in place. Before long, Jinzha struck with a sword stroke, cleaving him into two halves──Yangsen's soul also entered the Fengshen Tai. Zhang Guifang and Fenglin, seeing their two Daoist masters fall dead, spurred their horses forward with lances; Fenglin wielded a wolf-tooth club and charged in. Li Xingba rode his fierce steed, brandishing the Fangleng Xia and charging forward to kill. Jinzha fought on foot. Nezha wielded a spear, and the two sides engaged in fierce battle. Just then, a cannon roared from within Xiqi City and out came a young general. He was still a bald-headed youth, wearing silver helmet and armor, riding a white horse with a long spear──this was Huang Tianxiang, the fourth son of Huang Feihu. ──He galloped to the front lines, his divine might and martial prowess inspiring awe; his bravery pierced through all three armies, and his spear techniques fell like a sudden downpour. Tianxiang struck diagonally with his spear and impaled Fenglin, throwing him from his horse──his soul also went to the Fengshen Tai. Zhang Guifang realized he could not win and retreated into his camp. Li Xingba, back in the tent, reflected to himself: "We four came here to assist you, yet I did not expect today's defeat and the loss of my three Dao elder brothers. You should quickly write a letter, send it to Wen Xiong, and request reinforcements here so we may take revenge for today's grudge." Zhang Guifang followed his advice and hurriedly drafted an emergency message, sending an official to deliver it by starlight to Chaoge. No further details are given.

且说姜子牙得胜回西岐，升银安殿。众将报功。子牙羡黄天祥走马枪挑风林。金吒曰：“师叔，今日之胜，不可停留，明日会战，一阵成功，张桂芳可破也。”子牙曰：“善。”次日，子牙点众将出城，三军呐喊，军威大振，坐名要张桂芳。桂芳听报大怒：“自来提兵未曾挫锐，今日反被小人欺侮，气杀我也！”忙上马布开阵势，到辕门，指子牙大喝曰：“反贼！怎敢欺侮天朝元帅！与你立见雌雄。”纵马持枪杀来。子牙后面黄天祥出马，与桂芳双枪并举，一场大战： 二将坐雕鞍，征夫马上欢。这一个怒发如雷吼；那一个心头火一攒。这一个丧门星要扶纣主；那一个天罡星欲保周元。这一个舍命而安社稷；那一个弃残生欲正江山。自来恶战不寻常，辕门几次鲜红溅。

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya returned victorious to Xiqi and ascended the Yin'an Hall. The generals reported their merits. Ziya admired Huang Tianxiang for his horseback spear technique that had impaled Fenglin. Jinzha said, "Uncle, today's victory should not be delayed; if we fight again tomorrow and achieve success in one battle, Zhang Guifang can be defeated." Ziya said, "Good." The next day, Ziya ordered the generals to march out of the city. The three armies roared with battle cries and martial might surged; they specifically demanded Zhang Guifang by name. Zhang Guifang, upon hearing the report, was furious: "Since I first led troops into battle, my sharpness has never been dulled. Today, to be insulted by such a petty person──this anger will kill me!" He quickly mounted his horse and deployed the formation. At the 辕门 (yuanmen), he pointed at Ziya and roared, "Rebel!" How dare you insult the imperial general of Heaven's dynasty! We shall settle this right now and see who is superior!" He spurred his horse forward, spear in hand, to attack. Behind Ziya, Huang Tianxiang rode out. He and Zhang Guifang clashed with their spears in a fierce battle: The two generals sat on carved saddles; the warriors cheered from horseback. One of them roared like thunder, his rage boiling; the other's heart burned with fury. One of them, a baleful star at the gate of death, sought to support King Zhou; the other, a celestial pole star, wished to protect the Zhou dynasty. One of them risked his life for the safety of the state; the other abandoned his waning life to restore order to the land. From ancient times, fierce battles have never been ordinary; blood has splattered at the 辕门 (yuanmen) many times.

话说黄天祥大战张桂芳，三十合未分上下。子牙传令：“点鼓。”──军中之法：鼓进，金止。──周营数十骑，左右抢出伯达、伯适、仲突、仲忽、叔夜、叔夏、季随、季騧、毛公遂、周公旦、召公奭、吕公望、南宫适、辛甲、辛免、太颠、闳夭、黄明、周纪等，围裹上来，把张桂芳围在垓心。好张桂芳，似弄风猛虎，酒醉斑彪，抵挡周将，全无惧怯。且说子牙命金吒道：“你去战李兴霸；我用打神鞭助你今日成功。”金吒听命，拽步而来。李兴霸坐在狰狞上，见一道童忽抢来，催开狰狞，提鐧就打。金吒举宝剑急架相迎。未及数合，只见哪吒登风火轮，摇枪直刺李兴霸。兴霸用鐧急架忙还。子牙在四不相上，方祭打神鞭。李兴霸见势不能取胜，把狰狞一拍，那兽四足腾起风云，逃脱去了。哪吒见走了李兴霸，登轮直杀进桂芳垓心来。晁田弟兄二人在骂上大呼曰：“张桂芳早下马归降，免尔一死，吾等共享太平！”张桂芳大骂：“叛逆匹夫！捐躯报国，尽命则忠，岂若尔辈贪生而损名节也！”从清晨只杀到午牌时分，桂芳料不能出，大叫：“纣王陛下！臣不能报国立功，一死以尽臣节！”自转枪一刺，桂芳撞下鞍鞽，──一点灵魂往封神台来，清福神引进去了。正是： 英雄半世成何用，留的芳名万载传。

It is said that Huang Tianxiang and Zhang Guifang engaged in a fierce battle, exchanging thirty blows without either gaining the upper hand. Ziya gave orders: "Beat the drum." ──The rule in the army is: drums signal advancement, and gongs signal retreat. ──Dozens of riders from the Zhou camp, including Bo Da, Bo Shi, Zhong Tu, Zhong Hu, Shu Ye, Shu Xia, Ji Sui, Ji Guo, Mao Gong Sui, Zhou Gong Dan, Zhao Gong Shi, Lü Gong Wang, Nan Gong She, Xin Jia, Xin Mian, Tai Dian, Hong Yao, Huang Ming, and Zhou Ji, rushed out from both sides to surround Zhang Guifang at the center of the encirclement. Brave was Zhang Guifang, like a tiger in the wind or an intoxicated leopard, resisting and fending off Zhou's generals without any fear. Meanwhile, Ziya ordered Jinzha: "You go fight Li Xingba; I will use the Dashen Whip to help you achieve victory today." Jinzha accepted the order and strode forward. Li Xingba was seated on his fierce steed when he suddenly saw a young Daoist rushing toward him. He spurred the beast forward and brandished his Xia to strike. Jinzha raised his treasure sword in haste to block the attack. Before a few exchanges had taken place, Nezha suddenly mounted the Fenghuo Lun, waved his spear, and charged straight at Li Xingba. Xingba hastily raised his Xia to block and counterattack. Ziya, on the Sibuxiang, was just about to summon the Dashen Whip. Seeing that he could not gain the upper hand, Li Xingba struck his steed. The beast raised its four hooves into the wind and clouds and fled away. Nezha, seeing Li Xingba had escaped, mounted his wheel and charged straight toward Zhang Guifang's encircled position. Chaotian and his brother, shouting from above, cried out: "Zhang Guifang! Surrender now to avoid death; let us all share in peace!" Zhang Guifang cursed loudly: "Rebellious scoundrel! To sacrifice one's life for the country and give all to loyalty is noble; how could you, cowards who cling to life, damage your honor and integrity!" From early morning the battle raged until midday. Seeing no way out, Zhang Guifang cried out: "Your Majesty, King Zhou! I have failed to serve my country and accomplish feats; I shall die now to fulfill my loyalty as a subject!" With a sudden turn of his spear, he stabbed himself. Zhang Guifang fell from his saddle──his soul went toward the Fengshentai and was led away by Qingfushen. Indeed: A lifetime of heroism, what is it worth? It leaves behind a fragrant name passed down for ten thousand years.

桂芳已死，人马也有降西岐者，也有回关者。子牙得胜进城，入府上殿，各报其功。子牙见今日众将英雄可喜。

With Zhang Guifang dead, some of his soldiers and horses surrendered to Xiqi while others returned to the passes. Ziya entered the city in victory, went into the residence, ascended the hall, and each general reported their merits. Ziya saw that today's generals had all displayed admirable heroism.

且说李兴霸逃脱重围，慌忙疾走。李兴霸乃四圣之数，怎脱得大数。狰狞正行，飘然落在一山，道人见坐骑落下，滚鞍下地，倚松靠石，少憩片时；寻思良久：“吾在九龙岛修炼多年，岂料西岐有失，愧回海岛，羞见道中朋友。如今且往朝歌城去，与闻兄共议，报今日之恨也。”方欲起身，只听得山上有人唱道情而来。道人回首一看，原来是一道童： “天使还玄得做仙，做仙随处睹青天。此言勿谓吾狂妄，得意回时合自然。”

Meanwhile, Li Xingba, having escaped the encirclement, hurriedly fled in great alarm. Li Xingba was among the Four Sages; how could he escape his destined fate? The monstrous beast was galloping forward when it suddenly fell onto a mountain. Seeing his steed fall, the Daoist dismounted hurriedly and leaned against a pine tree and stone to rest for a while; After pondering for a long time, he thought: "I have cultivated on Jiulong Island for many years. Who would have expected the failure at Xiqi? I am ashamed to return to my island and feel even more embarrassed to face my Daoist friends." Now, I shall go to Chaoguo City first and consult with Brother Wen. We will plan together to avenge today's humiliation." Just as he was about to rise, he heard someone singing a ballad coming from the mountain above. The Daoist turned his head to look and saw that it was a young Daoist disciple: "An immortal returns from the mortal world to become a deity, becoming an immortal allows one to see the blue sky everywhere. Do not think these words are my arrogance; when I return in triumph, it is in harmony with nature."

话言那道童唱著行来，见李兴霸打稽首：“道者请了！”兴霸答礼。道童曰：“老师那一座名山？何处洞府？”兴霸曰：“吾乃九龙岛炼气士李兴霸；因助张桂芳西岐失利，在此少坐片时。道童，你往那里来？”道童暗想道：“这正是‘踏破铁鞋无觅处，得来全不费功夫’。”道童大喜：“我不是别人，我乃九宫山白鹤洞普贤真人徒弟木吒是也；奉师命往西岐去见师叔姜子牙门下，立功灭纣。我临行时，吾师曾说：‘你要遇著李兴霸，捉他去西岐见子牙为贽见。’岂知恰恰遇你。”李兴霸大笑：“好孽障！焉敢欺吾太甚！”拎鐧劈头就打。木吒执剑急架忙迎。剑鐧相交。怎见得九宫山大战： 这一个轻移道步；那一个急转麻鞋。轻移道步，撤玉靶纯钢出鞘；急转麻鞋，浅金装宝剑离匣。鐧来剑架，剑锋斜刺一团花；剑去鐧迎，脑后千块寒雾滚。一个是肉身成圣，木吒多威武；一个是灵霄殿上，神将逞英威。些儿眼慢，目下皮肉不完全；手若迟松，眼下尸骸分两块。

As the young Daoist disciple sang and walked forward, he saw Li Xingba and bowed deeply: "Respectful greetings to the Daoist master!" Xingba returned the courtesy. The young Daoist disciple asked, "Master, which famous mountain is your abode? Where is your cave dwelling?" Xingba said, "I am Li Xingba of Jiulong Island, a cultivator of breath and energy; because I aided Zhang Guifang in the failed campaign at Xiqi. I am merely resting here for a while." Where are you coming from, young Daoist disciple?" The young Daoist disciple thought to himself: "This is exactly what they say, 'Tread through iron shoes in search, yet the answer comes without effort.'" The young Daoist disciple was overjoyed and said: "I am no one else. I am Muzha, the disciple of Zushen Zhuren from Bahe Dong on Jiugong Mountain; I was sent by my master to go westward to Xiqi and present myself at the door of Uncle Master Jiang Ziya, in order to establish merit and overthrow King Zhou." Before I left, my master said: 'You will meet Li Xingba. Capture him and take him to Xiqi to present before Master Ziya as a gift.' Who would have thought that I would encounter you just now." Li Xingba laughed loudly: "Good little demon! How dare you insult me so greatly!" He raised his whip and struck down at him immediately. Muzha held up his sword quickly to block the attack. Sword and whip clashed together. How was the great battle at Jiugong Mountain? One lightly shifted his Daoist steps; the other quickly turned in his straw sandals. Lightly shifting Daoist steps, he unsheathed a jade-hilted pure steel sword; Quickly turning in straw sandals, the light golden-ornamented treasure sword left its sheath. Whip came against sword; the sword's edge diagonally pierced a cluster of flowers; Sword went, whip met it head-on, and behind his head rolled thousands of blocks of cold mist. One was a mortal who had become a sage; Muzha displayed great valor; the other was a deity from Lingxiao Hall, the divine general displaying martial might. A moment's lapse in vision, and one's flesh is no longer intact; a slight hesitation in the hands, and before your eyes, a corpse splits into two halves.

话说木吒大战李兴霸，木吒背上宝剑两口，名曰：“吴钩”。──此剑乃“干将”、“镆耶”之流，分有雌雄。──木吒把左肩一摇，那雄剑起去，横在空中，磨了一磨，李兴霸可怜： 千年修炼全无用，血染衣襟在九宫。

As Muzha fought Li Xingba fiercely, Muzha had two treasure swords on his back named "Wugou." ──These swords were of the same lineage as Ganjiang and Foye, divided into male and female pairs. ──Muzha shook his left shoulder, and the male sword rose up, hovering in midair. He sharpened it slightly, and Li Xingba was pitiful: A thousand years of cultivation all turned to naught; blood stained his robe at Jiugong.

木吒将兴霸尸骸掩了，借土遁往西岐来，进城，至相府。门官通报：“有一道童求见。”子牙命：“请来。”木吒至殿前下拜。子牙问曰：“那里来的？”金吒在傍言曰：“此是弟子兄弟木吒，在九宫山白鹤洞普贤真人学艺。”子牙曰：“兄弟三人济佐明主，简篇万年，史册传扬不朽。”西岐日盛。

Muzha covered Li Xingba's corpse, used a soil 遁 (earth 遁) technique to head toward Xiqi, entered the city, and arrived at the prime minister's residence. The gate official reported: "A young Daoist disciple requests an audience." Ziya ordered, "Bring him in." Muzha knelt and paid his respects before the hall. Ziya asked, "Where are you from?" Jincha spoke beside him: "This is my younger brother Muzha, who studied under Zushen Zhuren at Bahe Dong on Jiugong Shan." Ziya said: "The three of you brothers aiding a wise ruler will be recorded in the annals for ten thousand years, and your names shall never fade from history." Xiqi was growing stronger day by day.

话说闻太师在朝歌执掌大小国事，其实有条有法。话说汜水关韩荣报入太师府，闻太师拆开一看，拍案大呼曰：“道兄你却为著何事，死于非命！吾乃位极人臣，受国恩如同泰山，只因国事艰难，使我不敢擅离此地，今见此报，使吾痛入骨髓！”忙传令：“点鼓聚将。”只见银安殿三咚鼓响，一干众将参谒太师。太师曰：“前日吾邀九龙岛四道友协助张桂芳，不料死了三位；风林阵亡。令与诸将共议，谁为国家辅张桂芳破西岐走一遭？”言未毕，左军上将军鲁雄年纪高大，上殿曰：“末将愿往。”闻太师看时，左军上将军鲁雄苍髯皓首上殿。太师曰：“老将军年纪高大，犹恐不足成功。”鲁雄笑曰：“太师在上：张桂芳虽是少年当道，用兵恃强，只知己能，显胸中秘授；风林乃匹夫之才，故此有失身之祸。为将行兵，先察天时，后观地利，中晓人和。用之以文，济之以武，守之以静，发之以动；亡而能存，死而能生，弱而能强，柔而能刚，危而能安，祸而能福；机变不测，决胜千里，自天之上，由地之下，无所不知；十万之众，无有不力，范围曲成，各极其妙，定自然之理，决胜负之机，神运用之权，藏不穷之智，此乃为将之道也。末将一去，便要成功。再副一二参军，大事自可定矣。”太师闻言，“鲁雄虽老，似有将才；况是忠心。欲点参军，必得见机明辨的方去得。不若令费仲、尤浑前去亦可。”忙传令：“命费仲、尤浑为参军。”军政司将二臣令至殿前。费仲、尤浑见太师行礼毕。太师曰：“方今张桂芳失机，风林阵亡，鲁雄协助；少二名参军。老夫将二位大夫为参赞机务，征剿西岐；旋师之日，其功莫大。”费、尤听罢，魂魄潜消，“太师在上：职任文家，不谙武事；恐误国家重务。”太师曰：“二位有随机应变之才，通达时务之变，可以参赞军机，以襄鲁将军不逮，总是为朝廷出力。况如今国事艰难，当得辅君为国，岂可彼此推诿。左右，取参军印来！”费、尤二人落在圈套之中，只得挂印。簪花，递酒，太师发铜符，点人马五万协助张桂芳。有诗为证： 鲁雄报国寸心丹，费仲尤浑心胆寒。夏月行兵难住马，一笼火伞罩征鞍。只因国祚生离乱，致有妖氛起祸端。台造封神将已备，子牙冰冻二谗奸。

Meanwhile, Grand Master Wen, in Chaoguo, managed the great and small affairs of state with order and method. Meanwhile, Han Rong of Sishui Guan reported to Grand Master Wen's residence. Upon opening the message, Grand Master Wen slammed his desk and cried out in great anger: "Daoist elder brother, what wrong did you do that led to your untimely death! I have reached the highest rank among subjects, and I received the nation's grace as heavy as Mount Tai. Because of the country's difficulties, I dared not leave this place. Now seeing this report has pierced my bones with sorrow!" He quickly gave orders: "Beat the drum and assemble the generals." Soon, three loud drumbeats echoed in Yinan Hall, and a group of generals came to pay respects to Grand Master Wen. Grand Master Wen said: "A few days ago, I invited four Daoist friends from Jiulong Island to assist Zhang Guifang. Unexpectedly, three of them died; Fenglin fell in battle. I now ask all of you to deliberate: who among you will assist Zhang Guifang and go on a campaign against Xiqi for the sake of our country?" Before he could finish speaking, General Lu Xiong from the Left Army, an old and tall man, stepped forward onto the hall and said: "Your servant is willing to go." Grand Master Wen looked up and saw General Lu Xiong of the Left Army, a man with white beard and silver hair, standing before him. Grand Master Wen said: "General, you are old in age; I fear it may not be enough to achieve success." Lu Xiong smiled and said: "Respectfully, Grand Master: although Zhang Guifang is a young man in command and relies on his strength to wage war, he only knows his own abilities and shows off the secrets taught to him; Fenglin was but a common talent, hence why he suffered such misfortune. To be a general and lead troops, one must first observe the weather, then examine the terrain, and finally understand human harmony. Use strategy with wisdom, support it with martial strength, maintain calm in defense, and strike decisively when the time is right; from defeat to survival, from death to life, from weakness to strength, from softness to firmness, from danger to safety, and from misfortune to fortune; the unpredictable changes of opportunity can determine victory a thousand miles away. From the heavens above to the earth below, there is nothing one does not know; with an army of one hundred thousand, none are without strength. Whether in broad strategies or subtle tactics, each reaches its own excellence. One must grasp the natural order, determine the decisive moment for victory or defeat, wield divine authority with skill, and conceal boundless wisdom—this is the way of being a general." Your servant will go forth and achieve success. With one or two more assistants, the matter can surely be settled." Grand Master Wen heard this and thought: "Though Lu Xiong is old, he seems to possess general's talent; besides, he is loyal-hearted. To appoint assistants for him, one must find those who can discern opportunities and make clear judgments before sending them." It would be better to send Fei Zhong and You Hun along as well." He quickly gave orders: "Appoint Fei Zhong and You Hoon as military advisors." The Military Affairs Office brought the two officials to before the hall. Fei Zhong and You Houn paid their respects to Grand Master Wen and finished bowing. Grand Master Wen said: "At present, Zhang Guifang has lost an opportunity, Fenglin fell in battle, and Lu Xiong will assist; you need two more military advisors. I have appointed the two of you as assistants to manage affairs and lead a campaign against Xiqi; when your troops return victorious, your merit will be great indeed." After hearing this, Fei and You's spirits seemed to vanish. They said: "Respectfully, Grand Master: we are officials of the civil administration and know nothing of military affairs; we fear that we may mismanage important national matters." Grand Master Wen said: "The two of you possess the talent to adapt and respond flexibly, and understand the changes in current affairs. You can serve as advisors for military strategy, assisting General Lu where he may fall short. This is always serving the court." Moreover, now that national affairs are difficult, you should assist your ruler for the country. How can you shift responsibilities onto each other? "Left and right, bring forth the military advisor seals!" Fei Zhong and You Hun fell into the trap. They had no choice but to accept the seals of office. They were adorned with floral decorations, presented with wine, and Grand Master Wen issued copper talismans, mobilizing fifty thousand troops to assist Zhang Guifang. There is a poem as evidence: Lu Xiong's loyal heart shines red for the country, while Fei Zhong and You Hun feel their hearts and courage chill. Marching in summer makes it hard to keep horses still; a single fire parasol covers the saddle of war. It is because the nation's mandate has led to division and chaos that evil omens have arisen, bringing disaster. The altars for enshrining deities are prepared; Ziya will freeze the two sycophants in ice.

话说鲁雄择吉日，祭宝纛旗，杀牛，宰马，不日起兵。鲁雄辞过闻太师，放炮起兵。此时夏末秋初，天气酷暑，三军铁甲单衣好难走，马军雨汗长流，步卒人人喘息。好热天气！三军一路，怎见得好热： 万里乾坤，似一轮火伞当中。四野无云风尽息，八方有热气升空。高山顶上，大海波中。高山顶上，只晒得石裂灰飞；大海波中，蒸熬得波翻浪滚。林中飞鸟，晒脱翎毛，莫想腾空展翅；水底游鱼，蒸翻鳞甲，怎得弄土钻泥。只哂得砖如烧红锅底热，便是铁石人身也汗流。三军一路上：盔滚滚撞天银磬，甲层层盖地兵山。军行如骤雨，马跳似欢龙。闪翻银叶甲，拨转皂雕弓。正是：喊声振动山川泽，天地乾坤似火笼。

It is said that Lu Xion chose an auspicious day, offered sacrifices to the sacred banner and flag, slaughtered oxen and horses, and would soon raise his army. Lu Xion bid farewell to Grand Master Wen, then fired cannons and raised his troops. At this time, at the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the weather was extremely hot. The three armies found it very difficult to march in their iron armor and single-layered clothes; cavalry horses sweated profusely from the heat, while infantry soldiers all struggled for breath. What a hot day! The three armies marched along the road, and how intensely hot it was: Ten thousand li of heaven and earth seemed as if a great fire parasol hung overhead. The four directions were cloudless, the wind had completely ceased; from all eight quarters, heat rose into the sky. On mountain peaks and in ocean waves. On the tops of high mountains, rocks cracked and dust flew from the intense heat; In the ocean waves, the water boiled as if steamed, with surging tides overturning. Birds in the forest had their feathers scorched off and could not soar or spread their wings; Fish swimming beneath the water had their scales flipped from the heat, unable to burrow into the mud. The heat was so intense that bricks felt as hot as a red-hot wok; even those with iron and stone bodies would sweat. Along the way, the three armies marched: helmets clattered like silver bells striking the sky; armor layered upon layer covered the ground like a mountain of soldiers. The army moved like sudden rain, and horses leaped as if joyful dragons. They flashed silver-leafed armor, drew black eagle bows with a turn of their hands. Indeed: the shouts shook mountains and rivers; heaven and earth seemed enclosed in a fiery cage.

话说鲁雄人马出五关，一路行来。有探马报与鲁雄曰：“张总兵失机阵亡。首级号令在西岐东门，请军令定夺。”鲁雄闻报大惊曰：“桂芳已死，吾师不必行，且安营。”问：“前面是甚么所在？”探马回报：“是西岐山。”鲁雄传令：“茂林深处安营。”命军政司修告急文书报太师。不表。

It is said that General Lu Xion's troops passed through five passes, marching along the way. A scout reported to Lu Xion: "General Zhang lost his opportunity and was killed in battle. His severed head is displayed at the east gate of Xi Qi; please decide on military orders." Lu Xion, upon hearing the report, was greatly shocked and said: "Since Guifang is dead, my master need not proceed further. Let us set up camp for now." He asked: "What place lies ahead?" The scout reported back: "It is Xi Qi Mountain." Lu Xion gave orders: "Set up camp deep within the dense forest." He ordered the military administration office to prepare an urgent report for Grand Master Wen. No further details are given.

且说子牙自从斩了张桂芳，见李姓兄弟三人都到西岐。一日子牙升相府，有报马报入府来：“西岐山有一枝人马扎营。”子牙已知其详。前日清福神来报，封神台已造完，张挂“封神榜”，如今正要祭台。传令：“命南宫适、武吉点五千人马，往岐山安营，阻塞路口，不放他人马过来。”二将领命，随即点人马出城。一声炮响，七十里望见岐山一枝人马，乃成汤号色。南宫适对阵安下营寨。天气炎热，三军站立不住，空中火伞施张。武吉对南宫适曰：“吾师令我二人出城，此处安营，难为三军枯渴，又无树木遮盖，恐三军心有怨言。”一宿已过。次日，有辛甲至营相见，丞相有令：“命把人马调上岐山顶上去安营。”二将听罢，甚是惊讶；此时天气热不可当，还上山去，死之速矣！”辛甲曰：“军令怎违，只得如此。”二将点兵上山。三军怕热，张口喘息，著实难当；又要造饭，取水不便，军士俱埋怨。不题。且言鲁雄屯兵在茂林深处，见岐山上有人安营，纣兵大笑：“此时天气，山上安营，不过三日，不战自死！”鲁雄只等救兵交战。至次日，子牙领三千人马出城，往西岐出来。南宫造、武吉下山迎接，上山合兵一处。八千人马在山上绞起了幔帐。子牙坐下。怎见得好热，有诗为证： 太阳真火炼尘埃，烈石煎湖实可哀。绿柳青松摧艳色，飞禽走兽尽罹灾。凉亭上面如烟燎，水阁之中似火来。万里乾坤只一照，行商旅客苦相挨。

Meanwhile, since Ziya had beheaded Zhang Guifang, he saw that the three brothers of the Li family had all arrived at Xi Qi. One day, as Ziya was in his prime minister's office, a mounted messenger arrived and reported: "A contingent of troops has set up camp on Xi Qi Mountain." Ziya already knew the details. The previous day, Qingfu Shen had reported that the Altar of Enshrined Deities was completed and the "List of Enshrined Immortals" was hung; now it was time to perform the altar sacrifice. He gave orders: "Command Nan Gong Shi and Wu Ji to mobilize five thousand troops, proceed to Qi Mountain to set up camp, block the roads, and prevent any other forces from passing through." The two generals accepted their orders and immediately led their troops out of the city. A cannon roared, and within seventy li, a contingent of forces was seen on Qi Mountain—bearing the colors of Cheng Tang. Nan Gong Shi set up camp opposite the enemy force. The weather was intensely hot, and the three armies could hardly stand; a fiery parasol seemed to spread across the sky. Wu Ji said to Nan Gong Shi: "Our master ordered us two to leave the city and set up camp here. It is difficult for the three armies, who suffer from thirst and heat with no trees for shade. I fear this will cause discontent among them." One night had passed. The next day, Xin Jia arrived at the camp to meet them. The prime minister had given orders: "Command you to move your troops up onto the summit of Qi Mountain and set up camp there." The two generals, upon hearing this, were greatly surprised; the weather was unbearably hot. To go up the mountain would be to hasten death!" Xin Jia said: "How can we defy military orders? We have no choice but to do so." The two generals led their troops up the mountain. The three armies were afraid of the heat, gasping for breath and finding it truly unbearable; They also had to prepare meals, but fetching water was inconvenient, so all the soldiers complained. No further details are mentioned. Meanwhile, General Lu Xion stationed his troops deep within the dense forest. Seeing enemy forces setting up camp on Qi Mountain, the Shang soldiers laughed: "With this kind of weather, to set up camp on a mountain is nothing but certain death in three days without even fighting!" Lu Xion was merely waiting for reinforcements to engage in battle. The next day, Ziya led three thousand troops out of the city toward Xi Qi. Nan Gong Shi and Wu Ji descended the mountain to greet him, then joined forces with his troops at the summit. Eight thousand troops on the mountain set up tents and began to encamp. Ziya took his seat. How unbearably hot it was—there is a poem to attest: The true fire of the sun refines dust and ashes; stones crack, lakes boil—a truly pitiable sight. Green willows and cypresses lose their vibrant hues; flying birds and running beasts all suffer calamity. Cool pavilions are as smoky as a fire, and water pavilions feel like flames approaching. Ten thousand li of heaven and earth seem scorched in one glance; merchants and travelers suffer greatly as they press on.

话说子牙坐在帐中，令武吉：“营后筑一土台，高三尺。速去筑来！”武吉领命。西岐辛免催趱车辆许多饰物，报与子牙。子牙令搬进行营，散饰物。众军看见，痴呆半晌。子牙点名给散，一名一个棉袄，一个斗笠，领将下去。众军笑曰：“吾等穿将起来，死的快了！”且说子牙至晚，武吉回令：“土台造完。”子牙上台，披发仗剑，望东昆仑下拜，布罡斗，行玄术，念灵章，发符水。但见： 子牙作法，霎时狂风大作，吼树穿林。只刮的飒飒灰尘，雾迷世界，滑喇喇天摧地塌，骤沥沥海沸山崩，旛幢响如铜鼓振，众将校两眼难睁。一时把金风撤去无踪影，三军正好赌输赢。

It is said that Ziya, sitting inside the tent, ordered Wu Ji: "Build an earthen altar at the rear of the camp, three chi high. Hurry and build it!" Wu Ji accepted his orders. Xin Mian of Xi Qi hurriedly sent many decorated carriages and reported to Ziya. Ziya ordered them brought into the camp and distributed among the troops as gifts. lando The soldiers, upon seeing this, stood in stunned silence for a while. Ziya called the names and distributed them: one cotton coat and one bamboo hat per soldier, who then took them away. The soldiers laughed and said: "If we put these on, we'll die of heat even faster!" Meanwhile, by evening Ziya received Wu Ji's report: "The earthen altar is completed." Ziya ascended the altar, let his hair loose and held a sword aloft. He bowed toward Dong Kunlun, arranged the Bagua formation, performed mystical rites, recited incantations, and cast talismans with consecrated water. At once: As Ziya performed the ritual, a sudden fierce wind arose, howling through trees and forests. The wind blew up dust in swirling gusts, shrouding the world in mist. It felt as if heaven and earth were collapsing, oceans boiling and mountains crumbling. The banners and standards clattered like bronze drums, so loud that the soldiers could hardly open their eyes. In an instant, the golden wind vanished without a trace, and the three armies were just in time to settle their contest of victory or defeat.

诗曰： 念动玉虚玄妙诀，灵符秘授更无差，驱邪伏魅随时应，唤雨呼风似滚沙。

The poem says: Reciting the profound and wondrous incantations of Yu Xu, With secret talismans passed down without error. To drive away demons and subdue spirits at will— Calling rain or wind is as easy as rolling sand.

且说鲁雄在帐内见狂风大作，热气全无，大喜曰：“若闻太师点兵出关，正好厮杀，温和天气。”费仲、尤浑曰：“天子洪福齐天，故有凉风相助。”那风一发胜了，如猛虎一般。怎见得好风，有诗为证： 萧萧飒飒透深闉，无影无形最骇人；旋起黄沙三万丈，飞来黑雾百千尘。穿林倒木真无状，彻骨生寒岂易论。纵火行凶尤猛烈，江湖作浪更迷津。

Meanwhile, Lu Xion in his tent saw the fierce winds arise and the heat vanish. He was greatly pleased and said: "If I had heard that Grand Master Wen is mobilizing troops to leave the pass, it would have been the perfect time for a battle with this pleasant weather." Fei Zhong and You Hun said: "The Son of Heaven's great fortune reaches the heavens, hence the cool winds come to aid us." That wind grew even fiercer, like a fierce tiger. How fierce was the wind—there is a poem as proof: Whistling and howling, it pierced deep into the city walls; invisible yet most terrifying; It whirled up yellow sand ten thousand zhang high, and black mist brought down countless clouds of dust. Trees were uprooted as the wind tore through the forest in a chaotic frenzy; the chill that pierced to the bone was beyond description. Even raging fires and violent waves of rivers and lakes could not match its ferocity, as it further obscured the paths and crossings.

话说子牙在岐山布斗，刮三日大风，凛凛似朔风一样。三军叹曰：“天时不正，国家不祥，故有此异事。”过了一两个时辰，半空中飘飘荡荡落下雪花来。纣兵怨言：“吾等单衣铁甲，怎耐凛冽严威！”正在那里埋怨，不一时，鹅毛片片，乱舞梨花，好大雪！怎见得： 潇潇洒洒，密密层层。潇潇洒洒，一似豆稭灰；密密层层，犹如柳絮舞。起初时，一片，两片，似鹅毛风卷在空中；次后来，千团，万团，如梨花雨打落地下。高山堆叠，獐狐失穴怎能行，沟涧无踪，苦杀行人难进步。霎时间银妆世界，一会家粉砌乾坤。客子难沽酒，苍翁苦觅梅。飘飘荡荡裁蝶翅，叠叠层层道路迷。丰年祥瑞从天降，堪贺人间好事宜。

It is said that Ziya performed his ritual on Qi Mountain, causing three days of fierce winds, chilling and biting like the northern wind. The soldiers sighed: "This is an ill omen—when the heavens are out of order, and the nation suffers misfortune, such strange events occur." After one or two shichen (two-hour periods), snow began to fall gently from the sky. The Shang soldiers grumbled: "With our single-layered clothes and iron armor, how can we endure this bitter cold!" While they were still complaining, in no time at all, snowflakes like goose feathers danced through the air like falling pear blossoms—what a heavy snowfall! How was it seen: Drifting and swirling, dense layer upon dense layer. Drifting and swirling like the ashes of bean stalks; Dense layer upon dense layer, as if willow fluff danced in the air. At first, one or two flakes, like goose feathers caught up by the wind and swirling through the sky; Then later came thousands and tens of thousands of clusters, as if pear blossoms rained down to the ground. Mountains were blanketed in snow, and hares and foxes lost their dens—how could they move? Valleys and gullies had no trace of a path; it was bitterly hard for travelers to advance. In an instant, the world turned silver-clad; in a moment, heaven and earth became as if built of white powder. Travelers struggled to buy wine, while old men painfully searched for plum blossoms. Drifting and dancing like butterfly wings, layer upon layer of snow obscured the roads. A bountiful year's auspicious omen fell from heaven; it was a cause for celebration that good events were happening in the world below.

鲁雄在军中对费、尤曰：“七月秋天，降此大雪，世之罕见。”鲁雄年迈，怎禁得这等寒冷。费、尤二人亦无计可施。三军都冻坏了。且说子牙在岐山上，军士人人穿起棉袄，带起斗笠，感丞相恩德，无不称谢。子牙问：“雪深几尺？”武吉回话：“山顶上深二尺，山脚下风旋下去，深有四五尺。”子牙复上土台，披发仗剑，口中念念有词，把空中彤云散去，现出红日当空，一轮火伞，霎时雪都化水，往山下一声响，水去的急，聚在山凹里。子牙见日色且胜，有诗为证： 真火原来是太阳，初秋积雪化汪洋。玉虚秘授无穷妙，欲冻商兵尽丧亡。

Lu Xiong, while in the army, said to Fei and You: "In the seventh month of autumn, such heavy snow falls—it is a rare occurrence in this world." Lu Xiong was old; how could he endure such bitter cold? Fei and You had no plan to offer. The entire army was frozen stiff. Meanwhile, on Mount Qi, Ziya saw that the soldiers all put on cotton coats and wore bamboo hats; moved by the prime minister's kindness and virtue, none failed to express their gratitude. Ziya asked: "How deep is the snow?" Wu Ji replied: "On the mountain top, it's two chi deep; at the foot of the mountain, where the wind has blown it down, it is four or five chi deep." Ziya ascended the earthen platform once more, let his hair down and held a sword in hand, muttering incantations as he dispersed the red clouds from the sky. The crimson sun appeared overhead like an umbrella of fire; in an instant, all the snow melted into water. With one loud sound at the mountain's foot, the water rushed away quickly, gathering in the hollows of the hills. Ziya saw that the sunlight was growing stronger, and a poem attests to this: The true fire is originally the sun; in early autumn, accumulated snow melts into an expanse of ocean. Secret teachings from Yu Xu are boundless and wondrous; they wished to freeze the Shang soldiers, causing their complete destruction.

话说子牙见雪消水急，滚涌下山，忙发符印，又刮大风。只见阴云布合，把太阳掩了。风狂冻冽，不亚严冬。霎时间把岐山冻作一块汪洋。子牙出营来，看纣营旛幢尽倒；命南宫适、武吉二将：“带二十名刀斧手下山，进纣营，把首将拿来！”二将下山，迳入营中。见三军冻在冰里，将死者且多；又见鲁雄、费仲、尤浑三将在中军。刀斧手上前擒捉，如同囊中取钞一般，把三人捉上山来见子牙。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

Now Ziya saw that as the snow melted into a rushing torrent of water cascading down the mountain, he hurriedly issued talismans and seals, summoning another strong wind. At once dark clouds gathered together, obscuring the sun. The wind howled and frost bit with a chill no less severe than in midwinter. In an instant, Mount Qi was frozen into one vast expanse of water. Ziya came out from his camp and saw that all the banners in King Zhou's encampment had fallen; He ordered Generals Nan Gong Shi and Wu Ji: "Take twenty ax-wielding soldiers down the mountain, enter King Zhou's camp, and seize their leading general!" The two generals descended the mountain and went straight into the enemy encampment. They saw that the entire army was frozen in the ice, with many already dead or dying; They also saw Generals Lu Xiong, Fei Zhong, and You Hun in the central camp. The ax-wielding soldiers moved forward to seize them; it was as easy as taking money from a purse. They captured the three men and brought them up the mountain to face Ziya. What would become of their lives? Stay tuned for the next episode.