Chapter 40: Four Heavenly Kings Encounter Bing Linggong

诗曰： 魔家四将号天王，惟有青云剑异常。弹动琵琶人已绝，撑开珠伞日无光。莫言烈焰能焚毙，且说花狐善食强。纵有几多希世宝，丙灵一遇命先亡。

The poem says: The four generals of Mojia are called Heavenly Kings, but only the sword Qingyun is extraordinary. Strumming the pipa, the person has already perished; opening the pearl umbrella, daylight loses its luster. Do not say that fierce flames can burn and kill; rather, speak of Huahu's skill in devouring the strong. Even if there are many rare treasures, when Bingling appears, one's life is lost first.

话说南宫适、武吉将三人拿到辕门，通报；子牙命：“推进来。”鲁雄站立；费、尤二贼跪下。子牙曰：“鲁雄，时务要知，天心要顺，大理要明，真假要辨。方今四方知纣稔恶，弃纣归周，三分有二，何苦逆天，自取杀身之祸。今已被擒，倘有何说？”鲁雄大喝曰：“姜尚！尔曾为纣臣，职任大夫；今背主求荣，非良杰也。吾今被擒，食君之禄，当死君之难，今日有死而已，又何必多言。”子牙命且监于后营。复到土台上，布起罡斗，随把彤云散了，现出太阳，日色如火一般，把岐山脚下冰时刻化了。五万人马冻死三二千，馀者逃进五关去了。子牙又命南宫适往西岐城，请武王至岐山。南宫适走马进城，来见武王，行礼毕。武王曰：“相父在岐山，天气炎热，陆地无阴，三军劳苦。卿今来见孤，有何事？”南宫适对曰：“臣奉丞相令，请大王驾幸岐山。”武王随同众文武往岐山来。怎见得，有诗为证： 君正臣贤国日昌，武王仁德配陶唐。漫言冰冻擒军死，且听台城斩将亡。祭赛封神劳圣主，驱驰国事仗臣良。古来多少英雄血，争利图名尽是伤。

It happened that Nangong Shi and Wu Ji brought the three men to the gate of the 辕门 (Yuanmen), where they were reported in. Zi Ya ordered, "Push them in." Lu Xiong stood up; Fei and You, the two bandits, knelt down. Zi Ya said, "Lu Xiong, you must know the affairs of the times, follow the will of Heaven, clarify great principles, and distinguish truth from falsehood. At present, the four directions know that Zhou has accumulated evils; they have abandoned Zhou and returned to the Zhou dynasty. Two-thirds of them have already done so. Why then do you stubbornly defy Heaven and bring upon yourselves this calamity of death?" You are now captured; if there is anything to say, speak up!" Lu Xiong shouted angrily, "Jiang Shang! You once served as a minister of Zhou and held the position of Da Fu; now you betray your lord for personal glory, which makes you no true man of virtue or talent. I am now captured; having received your lord's salary, I should die for his hardship. Today, death is all that awaits me, so why speak further?" Zi Ya ordered him to be temporarily detained in the rear camp. He then returned to the earthen platform, arranged the Gāng Dǒu formation, and immediately dispersed the crimson clouds, revealing the sun. The sunlight burned like fire, instantly melting the ice beneath Mount Qi's foot. Of fifty thousand troops and horses, two or three thousand froze to death; the rest fled into the Five Passes. Zi Ya then ordered Nangong Shi to go to Xi Qi city and invite King Wu to Mount Qi. Nangong Shi rode into the city, came before King Wu, and after paying his respects. lington King Wu said, "My prime minister is at Mount Qi, where the weather is hot and there is no shade on land. The three armies are exhausted." "What business brings you to see me now?" Nangong Shi replied, "I have been ordered by the prime minister to invite Your Majesty to Mount Qi." King Wu then departed with his ministers and generals toward Mount Qi. How can this be seen? A poem serves as evidence: When the ruler is upright and ministers virtuous, the nation prospers day by day. King Wu's benevolence and virtue match those of Taotang. Do not merely speak of frozen troops dying; listen also to the tale of generals beheaded at Taicheng. Offering sacrifices and sealing deities, the holy sovereign labors for the state; in driving affairs of the nation, he relies on loyal ministers. Since ancient times, how much blood have heroes shed? Struggling for profit and fame, all is but pain.

话言武王同文武往西岐山来，行未及二十里，只见两边沟渠之中冰块飘浮来往。武王问南宫适，方知冰冻岐山。君臣又行七十里，至岐山。子牙迎武王。武王曰：“相父邀孤，有何事商议？”子牙曰：“请大王亲祭岐山。”武王曰：“山川享祭，此为正礼。”乃上山进帐。子牙设下祭文，──武王不知今日祭封神台。子牙只言祭岐山。排下香案，武王拈香。子牙命将三人推来。武吉将鲁雄、费仲、尤浑推至。子牙传令：“斩讫报来！”霎时献三颗首级。武王大惊曰：“相父祭山，为何斩人？”子牙曰：“此二人乃成汤费仲、尤浑也。”武王曰：“奸臣，理当靳之。”子牙与武王回兵西岐。不表。且说清福神将三魂引入封神台去了。

The story continues that King Wu, accompanied by his ministers and generals, was heading toward Mount Xi Qi. Not yet having traveled twenty li, he suddenly saw ice floes drifting back and forth in the ditches on both sides of the road. King Wu asked Nangong Shi, and only then learned that Mount Qi had been frozen over with ice. The sovereign and his ministers traveled another seventy li to reach Mount Qi. Zi Ya welcomed King Wu. King Wu said, "My prime minister has summoned me; what matter do you wish to discuss?" Zi Ya replied, "I have invited Your Majesty in person to offer sacrifices at Mount Qi." King Wu said, "Offering sacrifices to mountains and rivers is the proper ritual." He then ascended the mountain and entered the tent. Zi Ya had prepared a sacrificial text—King Wu did not know that today was the day to offer sacrifices at the God-Enthronement Altar. Zi Ya only mentioned offering sacrifices to Mount Qi. Incense was arranged on the altar, and King Wu took up incense in his hand. Zi Ya ordered that the three men be brought forward. Wu Ji pushed Lu Xiong, Fei Zhong, and You Hun forward. Zi Ya gave orders: "After they are beheaded, report back!" In an instant, three heads were presented. King Wu was greatly startled and said, "My prime minister, why are you beheading people during the mountain sacrifice?" Zi Ya replied, "These two men were Fei Zhong and You Hun of Cheng Tang." King Wu said, "Wicked ministers should indeed be punished." Zi Ya and King Wu returned to Xi Qi with their troops. No further details are given. Meanwhile, the Qingfu Shen led their three souls to the God-Enthronement Platform.

话说鲁雄残兵败卒走进关，逃回朝歌。闻太师在府，看各处报章，看三山关邓九公报：“大败南伯侯。”忽报：“汜水关韩荣报到，”令：“接上来。”拆开看时，顿足叫曰：“不料西岐姜尚这等凶恶！杀死张桂芳，又捉鲁雄号令岐山，大肆猖獗。吾欲亲征，奈东南二处，未息兵戈。”乃问吉立、余庆曰：“我如今再遣何人伐西岐？”吉立答曰：“太师在上：西岐足智多谋，兵精将勇，张桂芳况且失利，九龙岛四道者亦且不能取胜；如今可发令牌，命佳梦关魔家四将征伐，庶大功可成。”太师听言，喜曰：“非此四人不能克此大恶。”忙发令牌，又点左军大将胡升、胡雷交代守关，将令发出，使命领令前行；不觉一日，已至佳梦关，下马报曰：“闻太师有紧急公文。”魔家四将接了文书，拆开看罢，大笑曰：“太师用兵多年，如今为何颠倒！料西岐不过是姜尚、黄飞虎等，‘割鸡焉用牛刀’？”打发来使先回。弟兄四人点精兵十万，即日兴师；与胡升、胡雷交代府库钱粮，一应完毕。魔家四将辞了胡升，一声炮响，大队人马起行，浩浩荡荡，军声大振，往西岐而来。怎见得好人马： 三军呐喊，旛立五方。刀如秋水迸寒光，枪似麻林初出土。开山斧如同秋月，画杆戟豹尾飘颻。鞭鐧抓槌分左右，长刀短剑砌龙鳞。花腔鼓擂，催军趱将；响阵锣鸣，令出收兵。拐子马御防劫寨，金装弩准备冲营。中军帐钩镰护守，前后营刁斗分明。临兵全仗胸中策，用武还依纪法行。

The story continues that the remnants of Lu Xiong's defeated troops fled through the pass and returned to Chaoguo. Wen Taishi was in his residence, reading reports from various places. He read the report from Deng Jiugong of San Shan Guan: "A great defeat has been inflicted upon Duke Nanbo." Suddenly a messenger reported, "Han Rong from Sishui Pass is here to report," and Wen Taishi ordered, "Bring him in." After opening the report and reading it, he stamped his foot and cried out, "I did not expect that Jiang Shang of Xi Qi would be so cruel! He killed Zhang Guifang, captured Lu Xiong and executed him at Mount Qi as a warning, and is now acting with great arrogance." "I wish to lead the campaign in person, but conflicts have not yet ceased in the southeast two regions." He then asked Ji Li and Yu Qing, "Now that I must send another expedition against Xi Qi, whom should I choose?" Ji Li replied, "My Lord: Xi Qi is full of wisdom and strategy; its troops are elite and its generals brave. Even Zhang Guifang suffered a defeat, and the four Daoists from Jiulong Island were also unable to achieve victory; now you may issue the token and order the four generals of Mojia from Jiamei Guan to lead an expedition. Only then can great success be achieved." Wen Taishi, upon hearing this, was delighted and said, "Without these four men, we cannot overcome such a great villain." He quickly issued the token and selected General Hu Sheng of the left army and General Hu Lei to take charge of guarding the pass. Orders were dispatched, and they received their mission and set out ahead; Without realizing it had passed a day, they arrived at Jiamei Guan. Dismounting their horses, they reported, "Lord Wen Taishi has urgent official documents." The four generals of Mo received the document, opened it and read through. Laughing loudly, they said, "Lord Wen has been commanding troops for many years; why now does he act so illogically! We estimate that Xi Qi is no more than Jiang Shang, Huang Feihou and others. 'To cut a chicken, why use an ox knife?'" They sent the messenger back first. The four brothers mobilized ten thousand elite troops and immediately launched their expedition; They handed over the treasury's money and grain to Hu Sheng and Hu Lei, completing all necessary arrangements. The four generals of Mo bid farewell to Hu Sheng. With a single cannon shot, the main force set out in grand procession, their army's morale greatly boosted, heading toward Xi Qi. How great were these troops: The three armies shouted in unison; banners stood in the five directions. Swords gleamed like autumn water, flashing cold light; spears rose from the earth like a grove of hemp plants. The mountain-splitting axe was as bright as an autumn moon, and the painted pole halberd had a leopard's tail that fluttered in the wind. Whips, maces, claws, and hammers were arranged on both sides; long swords and short blades formed a dragon-scale pattern. Flower-patterned drums beat, urging the troops forward; Resounding war gongs rang out, giving commands to advance or withdraw. Guaizi horses were deployed for camp defense against ambushes; gold-plated crossbows stood ready for a charge into enemy camps. The central command tent was guarded by hook and sickle formations, while the front and rear camps were clearly marked with dials and drums for night watch. Troops relied entirely on strategies in their minds; military actions still followed laws and discipline.

话说魔家四将人马，晓行夜住，逢州过府，越岭登山，非止一日，又过了桃花岭。哨马报入中军：“启元帅：兵至西岐北门，请令定夺。”魔礼青传令：“安下团营，扎了大寨。”三军放静营炮，呐一声喊。

The story continues that the troops of the four Mo generals marched by day and rested at night, passing through states and prefectures, crossing mountains and climbing peaks. It took more than one day, and they had already passed Peach Blossom Ridge. A scout horseman reported to the central command: "Your Excellency, the troops have arrived at the northern gate of Xi Qi. Please give orders." Mo Liqing gave orders: "Set up a circular camp and establish the main encampment." The three armies fired their quiet-camp cannons, then let out one loud shout.

且说子牙自冰冻岐山，军威甚盛，将士英雄，天心效顺，四方归心，豪杰云集。子牙正商议军情，忽探马报入相府：“魔家四将领兵住扎北门。”子牙聚将上殿，共议退兵之策。武成王黄飞虎上前启曰：“丞相在上：佳梦关魔家四将乃弟兄四人，皆系异人秘授奇术变幻，大是难敌。长曰魔礼青，长二丈四尺，面如活蟹，须如铜线，用一根长枪，步战无骑。有秘授宝剑，名曰‘青云剑’。上有符印，中分四字：‘地、水、火、风’，这风乃黑风，风内有万千戈矛。若人逢著此刃，四肢成为虀粉；若论火，空中金蛇搅绕，遍地一块黑烟，烟掩人目，烈焰烧人，并无遮挡。还有魔礼红，秘授一把伞，名曰‘混元伞’。伞上有祖母绿、祖母印、祖母碧，有夜明珠、碧尘珠，碧火珠，碧水珠、消凉珠、九曲珠、定颜珠、定风珠，还有珍珠穿成四字：‘装载乾坤’。这把伞不敢撑，撑开时，天昏地暗，日月无光；转一转，乾坤愰动。还有魔礼海，用一根鋡，背上一面琵琶，上有四条弦，也按‘地、水、火、风’。拨动弦声，风火齐至，如青云剑一般。还有魔礼寿，用两根鞭。囊里有一物，形如白鼠，名曰‘花狐貂’，放起空中，现身似白象，胁生飞翅，食尽世人。若此四将来伐西岐，吾兵恐不能取胜也。”子牙曰：“将军何以知之？”黄飞虎答曰：“此四将昔日在末将麾下，征伐东海，故此晓得。今对丞相，不得不以实告。”子牙听罢，郁郁不乐。

Meanwhile, since Zi Ya had frozen Mount Qi with ice, the army's morale was very strong. The generals and soldiers were heroic; Heaven favored their cause, and people from all directions rallied to them, gathering a multitude of outstanding men. Zi Ya was just discussing military affairs when suddenly a scout horseman reported into the prime minister's residence: "The four generals of Mo have led their troops and are encamped at the northern gate." Zi Ya summoned his generals to the hall, where they gathered together to discuss strategies for repelling the enemy. Wuchengwang Huang Feihou stepped forward and said, "My Lord: The four generals of Mo from Jiamei Guan are brothers. All four have been secretly taught by mysterious masters to perform strange arts and transformations; they are extremely difficult opponents. The eldest is Mo Liqing, who stands two zhang and four chi tall. His face resembles a live crab, his beard looks like copper thread, and he wields a long spear; he fights on foot without riding. He has been secretly taught the use of a magical sword named "Qingyun Jian." It has mystical seals, and four characters are inscribed on it: "Earth, Water, Fire, Wind." This wind is black in color, and within the wind there are countless halberds and spears. If a person encounters this blade, their limbs will be reduced to minced flesh; As for the fire, golden serpents coil through the air; black smoke spreads across the ground, blinding people's eyes. The fierce flames burn without mercy and offer no shelter. There is also Mo Lihong, who has been secretly taught a parasol named "Hunyuan San." On the parasol are green beryl, emerald seals, and emerald jade; there are also night 明珠 (pearls), dust-green pearls, fire-green pearls, water-green pearls, cooling pearls, nine-bend pearls, face-stabilizing pearls, wind-stabilizing pearls. Moreover, pearls are strung together to form four characters: "Zhuangzai Qiankun" ("Carry the Heavens and Earth"). This parasol must not be opened, for when it is unfolded, the heavens grow dark, the earth becomes gloomy, and daylight and moonlight vanish; When turned even slightly, the Heavens and Earth tremble. There is also Mo Lihai, who wields a staff and carries a pipa on his back. The pipa has four strings, each corresponding to "Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind." When the strings are plucked, wind and fire arrive together, just like with the Qingyun Jian. There is also Mo Lishou, who uses two whips. Inside his bag is an object shaped like a white rat, named "Huahudiao." When released into the air, it transforms into a white elephant with wings on its sides and devours all mankind. If these four generals come to attack Xi Qi, I fear our troops will not be able to win." Zi Ya asked, "How do you know this, General?" Huang Feihou replied, "These four generals once served under my command in the past and campaigned against the East Sea; that is why I know." Now before you, Chancellor, I cannot but tell you the truth." After hearing this, Zi Ya fell into a gloomy and unhappy mood.

且言魔礼青对三弟曰：“今奉王命，征剿凶顽，兵至三日，必当为国立功，不负闻太师之所举也。”魔礼红曰：“明日俺们兄弟齐会姜尚，一阵成功，旋师奏凯。”其日，弟兄欢饮。次早，炮响鼓鸣，摆开队伍，立于辕门，请子牙答话。探马来报：“魔家四将请战。”子牙因黄飞虎所说利害，恐将士失利，心下犹豫未决。金吒、木吒、哪吒在傍，口称：“师叔，难道依黄将军所说，我等便不战罢。所仗福德在周，天意相佑，随时应变，岂得看住。”子牙猛醒，传令：“摆五方旗号，整点诸将校，列成队伍，出城会战。”怎见得： 两扇门开：青旛招展，震中杀气透天庭；素白纷纭，兑地征云从地起。红旛荡荡，离宫猛火欲烧山；皂带飘飘，坎气乌云由上下，杏黄旛麾，中央正道出兵来。金盔将如同猛虎；银盔将一似欢狼。南宫适似摇头狮子；武吉似摆尾狻猊。四贤、八俊逞英豪；金木二吒持宝剑。龙须虎天生异像；武成王斜跨神牛。领首的哪吒英武，掠阵的众将轩昂。

Meanwhile, Mo Liqing said to his third brother, "Now we have received the king's command to campaign against the wicked and stubborn. Within three days of our arrival at the battlefield, we must surely establish merit for the state and not betray what Grand Master Wen entrusted to us." Mo Lihong said, "Tomorrow we brothers will all meet with Jiang Shang together and achieve victory in a single battle, then return triumphant to report our success." On that day, the brothers joyfully drank together. The next morning, cannons roared and drums sounded; they deployed their troops in formation and stood at the 辕门 (yuanmen), requesting Zi Ya to address them. A scout horseman reported, "The four generals of the Mo family are challenging for battle." Because of what Huang Feihou had said about the dangers, Zi Ya was afraid that his troops might suffer a setback and thus hesitated without making a decision. Jinzha, Muzha, and Nezha stood nearby and said, "Uncle Master, is it really the case that according to General Huang's words, we should not fight at all?" "The virtue and fortune lie with Zhou; Heaven supports us. We must adapt to circumstances as they arise. How can we possibly hold back?" Zi Ya suddenly awoke from his hesitation and gave orders: "Raise the five-direction banners, assemble all the generals and officers, form ranks, and march out of the city for battle." How was this seen: The two gates opened wide: green banners fluttered, and from the center surged a killing aura piercing Heaven's court; White and pure clouds swirled in confusion, while martial clouds of war arose from the earth at the western direction. The red banners billowed; fierce fire surged from the Li Palace as if it would burn the mountains; The black banners fluttered; dark clouds from the Kan direction moved up and down, while apricot-yellow banners waved as troops marched forth along the central righteous path. Generals in golden helmets were like fierce tigers; Generals in silver helmets resembled jubilant wolves. Nangong Shi seemed like a nodding lion; Wu Ji resembled a swishing suanni (mythical beast). The Four Sages and Eight Heroes displayed their valor; Jinzha and Muzha held precious swords. Longxu Hu was born with an extraordinary appearance; Wucheng Wang rode sideways on a divine ox. Leading the way, Nezha was valiant and heroic; the ranks of generals following him were proud and imposing.

魔家四将见子牙出兵有法，纪律森严，坐四不相，至军前。怎生打扮，有诗为证： 金冠分鱼尾，道服勒霞绡。童颜并鹤发，项下长银苗。身骑四不相，手挂剑锋袅。玉虚门下客，封神立圣朝。

The four generals of Mo, upon seeing that Zi Ya's troops moved in an orderly manner with strict discipline, rode their four horses and arrived at the front of the army. How were they dressed? A poem attests to this: Gold crowns split like fish tails, Dao robes bound with rosy gauze. Their complexions were youthful and their hair white as cranes'; long silver beards hung from their chins. They rode four Sibuxiang, holding swords with tassels hanging at the tips. Disciples of Yuxu Hall, they will be enshrined in the gods' registry and establish a holy dynasty.

话说子牙出阵前，欠身曰：“四位乃魔元师么？”魔礼青曰：“姜尚，你不守本土，甘心祸乱，而故纳叛亡，坏朝廷法纪，杀大臣号令西岐，深属不道，是自取灭亡。今天兵至日，尚不倒戈授首，犹自抗拒；直待践平城垣，俱为齑粉，那时悔之晚矣！”子牙曰：“元师言之差矣。吾等守法奉公，原是商臣，受封西土，岂得称为反叛。今朝廷信大臣之言，屡伐西岐，胜败之事，乃朝廷大臣自取其辱，我等并无一军一卒冒犯五关。今汝等反加之罪名，我君臣岂肯虚服。”魔礼青大怒曰：“孰敢巧言，混称大臣取辱！独不思你目下有灭国之祸！”放开大步，使枪来取子牙。左哨上南宫适纵马舞刀，大喝曰：“不要冲吾阵脚！”用钢刀急架忙迎。步马交兵，刀戟并举。魔礼红绰步展方天戟冲杀而来。子牙队里辛甲举斧来战魔礼红。魔礼海摇枪直杀出来。哪吒登风火轮，摇火尖枪迎住。二将双枪共举。魔礼寿使两根鐧似猛虎摇头，杀将过来。这壁厢武吉银盔素铠，白马长枪，接战阵前。这一场大战，怎见得： 满天杀气，遍地征云。这阵上三军威武；那阵上战将轩昂。南宫适斩将刀半潭秋水；魔礼青虎头枪似一段寒冰。辛甲大斧犹如皓月光辉；魔礼红画戟一似金钱豹尾。哪吒发怒抖精神；魔礼海生嗔显武艺。武吉长枪，飕飕急雨洒残花；魔礼寿二鐧，凛凛冰山飞白雪。四天王忠心佐成汤；众战将赤胆扶圣主。两军上锣鼓频敲，四哨内三军呐喊。从辰至午，只杀的旭日无光；未末申初，霎时间天昏地暗。有诗为证： 为国亡家欲尽忠，只徒千载把名封。捐躯马革何曾惜，止愿皇家建大功。

Now, before Zi Ya stepped onto the battlefield, he bowed slightly and said, "Are you four the master of the Mo sect?" Mo Liqing said, "Jiang Shang, you do not defend your native land but willingly bring chaos. You harbor fugitives and rebels, violate the laws and discipline of the court, and issue orders to kill ministers in Xi Qi; this is deeply unjust and amounts to self-destruction." "Now that our troops have arrived, you still refuse to surrender your weapons or lay down your life; instead, you stubbornly resist. "Only when our forces have trampled and flattened the city walls, reducing all to pulp and dust, will it be too late for you to regret!" Zi Ya said, "Master, your words are mistaken. We have upheld the law and served the public faithfully; originally subjects of Shang, we were granted fiefdoms in the western territories. How can you call us rebels? "Now, the court has trusted the words of its ministers and repeatedly attacked Xi Qi. The victories or defeats are due to the ministers' own disgrace; we have not sent a single soldier or troop to violate any of the five passes." "Now you falsely accuse us. How could our sovereign and ministers possibly accept such false charges?" Mo Liqing became furious and said, "Who dares to speak with cunning words, falsely claiming that the ministers brought disgrace upon themselves! "Do you not even consider that your country is now on the verge of destruction?" He took a big step forward and charged at Zi Ya with his spear. From the left wing, Nangong Shi spurred his horse, brandished his saber, and shouted loudly, "Do not break our formation!" He quickly raised his steel saber to block and meet the attack. Horsemen clashed with infantry, swords and halberds brandished together. Mo Lihong advanced by taking bold steps, wielding his Fangtian spear to charge forward in fierce combat. From Zi Ya's ranks, Xin Jia raised an axe and rushed out to fight Mo Lihong. Mo Lihou brandished his spear and charged straight forward in battle. Nezha mounted the Fenghuo Lun, raised his Huojian Spear, and met him head-on. The two generals brandished their spears together in fierce combat. Mo Lishou wielded his two whips like a tiger shaking its head and charged forward fiercely. From this side, Wu Ji, clad in silver helmet and plain armor, rode a white horse with a long spear and met the enemy on the battlefield. How was this great battle seen: Murderous aura filled the sky, and martial clouds of war spread across the land. The troops on this battlefield were valiant; On the other side, the battle-hardened generals stood proud and imposing. Nangong Shi's beheading saber gleamed like half a pond of autumn water; Mo Liqing's tiger-headed spear was as cold and sharp as a piece of ice. Xin Jia's great axe shone like the light of the bright moon; Mo Lihong's painted halberd resembled a leopard's tail with golden coin patterns. Nezha, filled with anger, braced himself and summoned his spirit; Mo Lihou, enraged, displayed his martial skills. Wu Ji's long spear moved like a sudden downpour of rain scattering fallen petals; Mo Lishou's two whips crackled with the cold fury of an icy mountain sending flying snowflakes. The Four Heavenly Kings, loyal and devoted, assisted Cheng Tang; The ranks of battle-hardened generals, with redoubtable courage, supported the holy sovereign. On both sides of the battlefield, gongs and drums were frequently beaten; from all four wings, the three armies roared in unison. From the hour of Chen to Wu, they fought so fiercely that even the rising sun lost its light; By Wei and Shen hours, in an instant, Heaven darkened and Earth grew gloomy. A poem attests to this: For the sake of the state, abandoning home and family in a desire for loyalty—only to see one's name sealed posthumously through countless ages. Sacrificing one's body, wrapped in the hide of a horse—never truly regretted; only wishing for the royal house to achieve great feats.

话言哪吒战住了魔礼海，把枪架开，随手取出乾坤圈使在空中，要打魔礼海。魔礼红看见，忙忙跳出阵外，把混元珍珠伞撑开一愰，先收了哪吒的乾坤圈去了。金吒见收兄弟之宝，忙使遁龙桩，又被收将去了。子牙把打神鞭使在空中，──此鞭只打的神，打不的仙，打不得人；四天王乃是释门中人，打不得，后一千年，才受香烟，因此上把打神鞭也被伞收去了。子牙大惊。魔礼青战住南宫适，把一枪掩，跳出阵来，把青云剑一愰，往来三次，黑风卷起，万刃戈矛。一声响喨。怎见得，有诗为证： 黑风卷起最难当，百万雄兵尽带伤。此宝英锋真利害，铜军铁将亦遭殃。

Now, Nezha had engaged Mo Lihou in battle and blocked his spear. With a quick move, he took out the Qiankun Ring, hurled it into the air, and aimed to strike Mo Lihou with it. Mo Lihong saw this and hastily leapt out of the formation. He quickly opened his Hunyuan Pearl parasol, gave it a shake, and first captured Nezha's Qiankun Ring away. Jinzha saw that his brother's treasure had been taken and hurriedly used the Tunlong Stake, but it was also captured away. Zi Ya brandished the Shenshen Whip into the air—this whip could strike gods, but not immortals, nor ordinary people; The Four Heavenly Kings were followers of the Buddhist sect and could not be struck. Only after a thousand years would they receive incense offerings; thus, even Zi Ya's Shenshen Whip was captured by the parasol as well. Zi Ya was greatly startled. Mo Liqing engaged Nangong Shi in battle, blocked his spear, leapt out of formation, and waved the Qingyun Sword. After three passes back and forth, black winds rose up, carrying countless blades and spears. With a loud crash. How was this seen? A poem attests: The black wind rose up, most formidable to withstand; a hundred thousand valiant soldiers all bore wounds. This treasure's sharp edge is truly fearsome; even copper-armored and iron-clad generals suffer misfortune.

魔礼红见兄用青云剑，也把珍珠伞撑开，连转三四转，咫尺间黑暗了宇宙，崩塌了乾坤。只见烈烟黑雾，火发无情，金蛇搅绕半空，火光飞腾满地。好火！有诗为证： 万道金蛇空内滚，黑烟罩体命难存。子牙道术全无用，今日西岐尽败奔。

Mo Lihong, seeing his elder brother use the Qingyun Sword, also opened his pearl parasol and turned it three or four times. In an instant, within a short distance, Heaven and Earth darkened, and the cosmos seemed to collapse. Only thick smoke and black mist could be seen; fire raged without mercy, golden serpents coiled through the half-sky, and flames leapt across the ground. What fierce fire! A poem attests: Ten thousand golden serpents roll through the sky; black smoke envelops the body, and life cannot survive. Zi Ya's magical arts were of no use at all today; Xi Qi was utterly defeated and fled in disarray.

话说魔礼海拨动了地水火风琵琶；魔礼寿把花狐貂放出在空中，现形如一只白象，任意食人，张牙舞爪。风火无情，西岐众将遭此一败，三军尽受其殃。子牙见黑风卷起，烈火飞来，人马一乱，往后败下去。魔家四将挥动人马，往前冲杀。可怜三军叫苦，战将著伤。怎见得： 赶上将，任从刀劈；乘著势，剿杀三军。逢刀的，连肩拽背；遭火的，烂额焦头。鞍上无人，战马拖缰，不管营前和营后；地上尸横，折筋断骨，怎分南北与东西。人亡马死，只为扶王创业到如今；将躲军逃，止落叫苦连声无投处。子牙出城，齐齐整整，众将官顶盔贯甲，好似得智狐狸强似虎；到如今只落得：哀哀哭哭，歪盔卸甲，犹如退翎鸾凤不如鸡。死的尸骸暴露，生的逃窜难回。惊天勤地将声悲，嚎山泣岭三军苦。愁云直上九重天，一派残兵奔陆地。

Now, Mo Lihou plucked the strings of his pipa representing Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind; Mo Lishou released the Huahudiao into the air. It transformed into a white elephant, devouring people at will and brandishing its fangs and claws wildly. The wind and fire were merciless; the generals of Xi Qi suffered this defeat, and all three armies bore its consequences. Zi Ya saw the black winds rising and fierce flames flying toward them, causing chaos among men and horses, and so he fell back in retreat. The four generals of Mo rallied their troops and charged forward in pursuit. Alas, the three armies cried out in agony as battle-hardened soldiers were wounded. How was this seen: They caught up with the generals and allowed them to be hacked by swords; Taking advantage of their momentum, they attacked and slaughtered all three armies. Those who encountered the blades had their shoulders and backs torn apart; Those caught in the fire suffered scorched brows and heads. No riders were left on horseback; battle steeds dragged their reins, paying no heed to the camps in front or behind; The ground was littered with corpses, broken bones and shattered limbs scattered everywhere—how could one distinguish north from south or east from west? Men perished and horses died—all for the sake of supporting the king in establishing his reign until now; Generals fled, soldiers scattered, leaving only wails of despair with nowhere to turn. Zi Ya left the city in orderly formation; all his generals, clad in helmets and armor, looked as fierce as a clever fox surpassing even a tiger; But now they were left with nothing but weeping and wailing, their helmets askew and armor discarded—like a phoenix shedding its feathers, no better than a chicken. The dead lay with exposed bones; the living fled in panic, unable to return. The sorrowful cries of the valiant shook both heaven and earth; the three armies wept bitterly, their lamentations echoing through mountains and valleys. Gloomy clouds rose straight to the ninth heaven as a band of shattered soldiers fled toward the mainland.

话说魔家四将一战，损周兵一万有馀，战将损了九员，带伤者十有八九。子牙坐四不象平空去了。金、木二吒土遁逃回。哪吒风火轮走了。龙须虎借水里逃生。众将无术，焉能得脱。子牙败进城，入相府点众将：著伤大半，阵亡者九名，杀死了文王六位殿下，三名副将。子牙伤悼不已。

Now, in one battle by the four generals of Mo, over ten thousand Zhou soldiers were lost; nine commanders were killed or wounded, and eight out of ten bore injuries. Zi Ya rode on a Piliqin (a mythical creature) and vanished into the sky. Jin Zhu and Mu Zhu escaped back using earth concealment. Nezha fled on his wind-and-fire wheels. Longxuhu escaped by taking refuge in the water. The generals, lacking any magical arts, could not escape. Zi Ya retreated into the city and entered the prime minister's residence to tally his generals: more than half were wounded, nine had perished in battle, six of King Wenwang's sons and three deputy commanders had been killed. Zi Ya was deeply grieved and mourned without ceasing.

且说魔家四将收兵，掌得胜鼓回营，三军踊跃。正是： 喜孜孜鞭敲金镫响，笑吟吟齐唱凯歌回。

Meanwhile, the four generals of Mo withdrew their troops, beating drums in triumph as they returned to camp; all three armies rejoiced. Indeed: With joyous hearts, the whips struck golden stirrups in ringing sound; smiling broadly, they all sang songs of victory on their return.

话说魔家四将得胜回营，上帐议取西岐大事。魔礼红曰：“明日点人马困城，尽力攻打，指日可破，子牙成擒，武王授首。”魔礼青曰：“贤弟言之甚善。”次日进兵围城，喊声大振，杀奔城下，坐名请子牙临阵。探马报进师府。子牙传令：“将‘免战牌’挂在城敌楼上。”魔礼青传令：“四面架起云梯，用火炮攻打。”甚是危急。且说子牙失利，诸将带伤，忙领金、木二吒、龙须虎，哪吒，黄飞虎不曾带伤者上城，设灰瓶，炮石，火箭，火弓，硬弩，长枪，千方守御，日夜防备。魔家四将见四门攻打三日不下，反损有兵卒，魔礼红曰：“暂且退兵。”命军士鸣金，退兵回营。当夜兄弟四人商议：“姜尚乃昆仑教下，自善用兵。我们且不可用力攻打，只可紧困；困得他里无粮草，外无援兵，此城不攻自破矣。”礼青曰：“贤弟言之有理。”安心困城。不觉困了两月。四将心下甚是焦燥：“闻太师命吾伐西岐，如今将近两三个月，未能破敌；十万之众，日费许多钱粮，倘太师嗔怪，体面何存。也罢，今晚初更，各将异宝祭于空中，就把西岐旋成渤海，早早奏凯还朝。”魔礼寿曰：“兄长之言妙甚。”各各欢喜。不言兄弟计较停当。且说子牙在相府有事，又见失机，与武成王黄飞虎议退兵之策。忽然猛风大作，把宝纛旛杆一折两段。子牙大惊，忙焚香，把金钱搜求八卦，只吓得面如土色；随即沐浴，更衣拈香，望昆仑下拜。──子牙倒海救西岐。有诗为证： 玉虚秘授甚精奇，玄内玄中定坎离。魔家四将施奇宝，子牙倒海救西岐。

Now, after the four generals of Mo had returned victorious to camp, they gathered in the tent to discuss the great matter of capturing Xi Qi. Mo Lihong said, "Tomorrow we shall mobilize our troops to surround the city and launch a full-scale attack. The city will surely fall within days; Zi Ya will be captured, and King Wu's head will be delivered." Mo Liqing said, "My worthy younger brother speaks very wisely." The next day, the troops advanced to encircle the city. Shouts echoed loudly as they rushed toward the walls and demanded Zi Ya personally appear on the battlefield. A scout galloped into the general's headquarters with news. Zi Ya issued an order: "Hang the 'No Battle' sign on the enemy watchtower of the city." Mo Liqing gave orders: "Set up cloud ladders around all four sides and attack with fire cannons." The situation was extremely perilous. Meanwhile, after suffering a defeat and with many of his generals wounded, Zi Ya hurriedly led Jin Zhu, Mu Zhu, Longxuhu, Nezha, and Huang Feihu—who had not been injured—to the city walls. They set up defenses including ash bottles, stone catapults, fire arrows, fire bows, crossbows, long spears, and a thousand other measures to guard against attack, maintaining constant vigilance day and night. The four generals of Mo saw that after three days of attacking the four gates, they had still not captured the city and had instead suffered heavy losses. Mo Lihong said, "Let us withdraw for now." He ordered the soldiers to beat the gongs and retreat back to camp. That night, the four brothers discussed: "Jiang Shang is a disciple of Kunlun teachings and naturally skilled in military strategy. We must not attack with force for now; we should only tighten the siege around them; we can starve them out until they have no food or provisions inside and no reinforcements from outside. Then the city will fall without a single attack." Li Qing said, "My worthy younger brother speaks with reason." They then calmly tightened the siege around the city. Unaware of how time passed, they had now been besieging the city for two months. The four generals were growing increasingly anxious: "Grand Master Wen ordered us to attack Xi Qi. Now, nearly two or three months have passed and we still cannot defeat the enemy; with an army of one hundred thousand men, so much money and provisions are spent each day. If Grand Master Wen becomes angry, how can we preserve our dignity?" "Very well. Tonight at the first watch of the night, each of us shall offer our magical treasures to the sky and transform Xi Qi into a Bohai Sea, so we may return in triumph as soon as possible." Mo Lishou said, "My elder brother's words are most brilliant." Each of them rejoiced. Without further discussion, the brothers finalized their plan. Meanwhile, in his prime ministerial residence, Zi Ya was troubled by affairs and the recent setback. He discussed strategies for retreating with General Huang Feihu of Wuchengwang. Suddenly, a fierce wind arose and snapped the flagpole in two. Zi Ya was greatly alarmed. Hurriedly, he burned incense and cast coins to seek the eight trigrams, his face turning ashen with fright; He immediately bathed, changed clothes, took up incense, and bowed toward Kunlun in reverence. ——Zi Ya Tames the Sea to Save Xi Qi. A poem attests: The Jade Hall's secret teachings are truly wondrous and profound; within the arcane, the mysteries of Kan and Li are determined. The four generals of Mo unleashed their magical treasures, but Zi Ya tamed the sea to save Xi Qi.

话说子牙披发仗剑，倒海把西岐罩了。却说玉虚宫元始天尊知西岐事体，把琉璃瓶中静水望西岐一泼，乃三光神圣，浮在海水上面。再说魔礼青把青云剑祭起地、水、火、风；魔礼红祭混元珍珠伞；魔礼海拨动琵琶；魔礼寿祭起花狐貂；只见四下里阴云布合，冷雾迷空，响若雷鸣，势如山倒，骨碌碌天崩，滑喇喇地塌。三军见而心惊，一个个魂迷意怕。兄弟四人各施异术，要成大功，奏凯回朝，则怕你一场空想。正是： 枉费心机空费力，雪消春水一场空。

Now, Zi Ya let his hair loose and brandished a sword, reversing the sea to cover Xi Qi in protection. Meanwhile, Yu Xu Gong's Yu Shi Tianzun (the Primordial Lord) was aware of the situation in Xi Qi. He took the still water from a 琉璃 bottle and poured it toward Xi Qi; this sacred water of the Three Lights floated atop the sea. Meanwhile, Mo Liqing raised his Qingyun sword to summon Earth, Water, Fire, and Air; Mo Lihong offered up the Hunyuan Pearl Umbrella; Mo Lihou plucked his pipa; and Mo Lishou summoned the Huahudiao. At once, dark clouds gathered from all directions, cold mist obscured the sky, and thunderous sounds echoed like rolling drums. The force was as if a mountain were collapsing—roaring heavens fell apart, and the earth cracked open with a deafening crash. The three armies saw this and were filled with terror; one by one, their spirits wavered in fear. The four brothers each unleashed their extraordinary arts, hoping to achieve great success and return in triumph to court. But this was only a vain fantasy for you. Indeed: All efforts were in vain, like melted snow and spring water—everything turned to nothing.

且说魔家兄弟四人祭此各样异宝，只到三更尽，才收了回营，指望次日回兵。且说子牙借北海水救了西岐，众将一夜不曾安枕。至次日，子牙把海水退回北海，依旧现出城来，分毫未动。且说纣营军校见西岐城上草也不曾动一根，忙报四位元师：“西岐城全然不曾坏动一角。”四将大惊，齐出辕门看时，果然如此。四人无法可施，一策莫展；只得把人马紧困西岐。

Meanwhile, the four brothers of Mo had offered up their various magical treasures. It was not until the third watch that they finally withdrew back to camp, hoping to return with their troops the next day. Meanwhile, Zi Ya had borrowed Bohai Sea water to save Xi Qi, and for an entire night, none of his generals could rest. The next day, Zi Ya returned the sea water to Bohai, and the city reappeared as before, not a single thing changed. Meanwhile, the officers and soldiers of Chou's camp saw that not even a single blade of grass on Xi Qi's city walls had been moved. They hurriedly reported to the four masters: "Not a corner of Xi Qi's city has been damaged at all." The four generals were greatly shocked and rushed out together through the 辕门 (yuanmen, a military gate) to look. Indeed, it was as reported. The four men had no further means at their disposal and could devise not a single strategy; they had no choice but to tighten the siege of Xi Qi with their troops.

且说子牙倒海救了此危，点将上城看守。非一日，鸟飞兔走，不觉又困两月。子牙被困，无法退兵。魔家四将英勇，仗倚宝贝，焉能取胜。忽有总督粮储官见子牙，具言：“三济仓缺粮，止可支用十日。请丞相定夺。”子牙惊曰：“兵困城事小；城中缺粮事大。如之奈何！”武成王黄飞虎曰：“丞相可发告示与居民，富厚者必积有稻榖，或借三四万，或五六万，待退兵之日，加利给还，亦是暂救燃眉之计。”子牙曰：“不可。吾若出示，民慌军乱，必有内变之祸。料还有十日之粮，再作区处。”子牙不行。不觉又过七八日。子牙算止得二日粮，心下十分著忙，大是忧郁。那日，来了二位道童，一个穿红，一个穿青，至相府门上，对门官曰：“烦你通报，要见姜师叔。”门官启老爷：“有二位道童求见。”子牙闻道者来，便命：“请来。”二位道童上殿下拜，口称：“师叔”。子牙答礼曰：“二位是那座名山？何处洞府？今到西岐，有何见谕？”二道童曰：“弟子乃金庭山玉屋洞道行天尊门下弟子，姓韩，双名毒龙；这位是姓薛，双名恶虎。今奉师命，送粮前来。”子牙曰：“粮在何所？”道童曰：“弟子随身带来。”锦囊中取一简献与子牙。子牙看简，大喜曰：“师尊圣谕，事在危急，自有高人相辅，今果如其言。”子牙命道童：“取粮。”道童将豹皮囊中取出碗口大一个斗儿，盛有一斗米。众将又不敢笑，子牙将斗命韩毒龙：“亲送三济仓去，再来回话。”不一时，毒龙回来见子牙，“送去了。”不上两个时辰，管仓官来报：“启丞相：三济仓连气楼上，都淌出米来。”子牙大喜。──今事到急处，自有高人来佐佑，此是武王福大。有诗赞曰： 武王仁德禄能昌，增福神祇来助粮。紫阳洞里黄天化，西岐尽灭四天王。

Meanwhile, after Zi Ya tamed the sea and saved them from this peril, he summoned his generals to man the city walls for defense. Not a single day passed; birds flew and hares ran—unaware of time passing, they had now been under siege for another two months. Zi Ya was trapped in the siege with no way to retreat his troops. The four generals of Mo were valiant and relied on their magical treasures—how could they possibly be defeated? Suddenly, the chief officer in charge of provisions came to see Zi Ya and reported: "The three granaries are running low on supplies; we can only last for ten more days. Please, my prime minister, decide what must be done." Zi Ya was startled and said, "The army being trapped in the city is a small matter; the greater problem is that the city lacks provisions. What can we do about it!" General Huang Feihu of Wucheng Wang said, "My prime minister may issue a notice to the residents. Those who are wealthy must have stored rice and grain; they could be asked to lend three or four ten-thousands, or five or six ten-thousands. When we break the siege, interest can be added for repayment. This would serve as a temporary solution to our urgent need." Zi Ya said, "No, that is not possible. If I issue such a notice, the people will panic and the army will become disorderly—there would surely be an internal disaster." I estimate we still have ten days' worth of provisions. We shall deal with it then." Zi Ya did not act on the suggestion. Unaware of how quickly time passed, another seven or eight days had gone by. Zi Ya calculated that they now had only two days' worth of food left, and his heart was filled with great anxiety and deep worry. On that day, two Daoist attendants arrived—one wearing red and the other green. They came to the prime minister's residence and said to the gate official, "Please inform them I wish to see Uncle Jiang." The gate official informed his master: "Two Daoist attendants are requesting an audience." Zi Ya, upon hearing that a Daoist had arrived, immediately ordered, "Please bring them in." The two Daoist attendants ascended the steps and kowtowed before Zi Ya, addressing him as "Uncle Jiang." Zi Ya returned their courtesy and asked, "Which famous mountain are the two of you from?" And which cave residence do you belong to?" Why have the two of you come to Xi Qi? What message do you bring?" The two Daoist attendants said, "We are disciples of Daohang Tianzun from the Yushu Cave on Jinting Mountain. My name is Han Dulong; this one's surname is Xue, and his full name is Ehu." We have now come on our master's orders to deliver provisions." Zi Ya asked, "Where is the grain located?" The Daoist attendant said, "Disciple has brought it along personally." He took a scroll from within his silk pouch and presented it to Zi Ya. Zi Ya read the scroll, and greatly rejoiced, saying, "The sage instructions from our revered master have come true. In times of crisis, there will naturally be a great person to assist us. Today's events indeed confirm his words." Zi Ya ordered the Daoist attendants, "Bring forth the grain." The Daoist attendants took out from a leopard-skin sack a large measuring basin as big as a bowl, containing one dou of rice. The generals dared not laugh again. Zi Ya ordered Han Dulong, "Personally deliver this basin of rice to the Sanji Granary and return here with a report." In no time at all, Dulong returned to see Zi Ya and said, "It has been delivered." No more than two shichen later, the granary official came to report: "Your Excellency, rice is flowing out from both the Sanji Granary and even up onto the air pavilion." Zi Ya was greatly delighted. "When matters reach a critical point, naturally there will be great people to come and assist—this is due to King Wu's great fortune." There is a poem praising this: King Wu's benevolence and virtue bring prosperity, and deities of fortune come to provide grain. Huang Tianhua from Ziyang Cave shall annihilate the Four Heavenly Kings in Xi Qi.

话说子牙粮也足，将也多，兵也广，只没奈魔家四将奇宝伤人，因此上固守西岐，不敢擅动。且说魔家兄弟又过了两个月，将近一年，不能成功；修文书报闻太师，言子牙虽则善战，今又能守。不表。

Now, Zi Ya had sufficient provisions, many generals, and a large army. However, he could not overcome the four generals of Mojia and their magical treasures that harmed people. Therefore, he remained in defensive hold at Xi Qi and dared not take any reckless action. Meanwhile, the four brothers of Mojia had passed another two months, nearly a full year, yet still could not achieve success; they sent official documents to report to the Taishi, stating that although Zi Ya was skilled in battle, he now proved equally capable of defense. No further details are given on this matter.

一日，子牙正在相府，商议军功大事。忽报：“有一道者来见。”子牙命：“请来。”这道人带扇云冠，穿水合服，腰束丝绦，脚登麻鞋，至檐前下拜，口称“师叔”。子牙曰：“那里来的？”道人曰：“弟子乃玉泉山金霞洞玉鼎真人门下，姓杨，名戬；奉师命，特来师叔左右听用。”子牙大喜。见杨戬超群出类。杨戬与诸门人会了；见过武王，复来问：“城外屯兵者何人？”子牙把魔家四将用的“地、水、火、风”物件说了一遍，“……故此挂‘免战牌’。”杨戬曰：“弟子既来，师叔可去‘免战’二字。弟子会魔家四将，便知端的。若不见战，焉能随机应变。”子牙听言甚喜，随传令：“摘了‘免战牌’。”彼时有探马报入大营：“启元戎：西岐去了‘免战牌’。”魔家四将大喜，即刻出营搦战。探马报入相府。子牙命杨戬出城，哪吒压阵。城门开处，杨戬出马，见四将威风凛凛冲霄汉，杀气腾腾逼斗星。四将见西岐城内一人，似道非道，似俗非俗，带扇云冠，道服丝绦，骑白马，执长枪。魔礼青曰：“来者何人？”杨戬答曰：“吾乃姜丞相师侄杨戬是也。你有何能，敢来此行凶作怪，仗倚左道害人。眼前叫你知吾利害，死无葬身之地！”纵马摇枪来取。却说魔家四将有半年不曾会战，如今一齐出来，步战杨戬；四将围将上来，把杨戬裹在垓心，酣战城下。且说楚州有解粮官，解粮往西岐，正要进城，见前面战场阻路。此人姓马，名成龙；用两口刀，坐赤兔马，心性英烈，见战场阻路，大喝一声：“吾来了！”那马撺在圈子内，力战四将。魔礼寿又见一将冲杀将来，心中大怒，未及上合，取出花狐貂祭在空中，化作一只白象，口似血盆，牙如利刃，乱抢人吃。有诗为证。 此兽修成隐显功，阴阳二气在其中。随时大小皆能变，吃尽人心若野熊。

One day, Zi Ya was in the prime minister's residence, discussing major military affairs. Suddenly a report came: "A Daoist has come to see you." Zi Ya ordered, "Please bring him in." This Daoist wore a fan-shaped cloud crown, a blue robe, had his waist tied with a silk sash, and wore hemp shoes. Upon reaching the eaves of the hall, he kowtowed and addressed Zi Ya as "Uncle Jiang." Zi Ya asked, "Where are you from?" The Daoist replied, "Disciple is a student of Zhenren Yuding from the Jinxia Cave on Yuquan Mountain. My surname is Yang and my name is Jian; I have come here especially at my master's command to serve under Uncle Jiang." Zi Ya was greatly pleased. He saw that Yang Jian was outstanding and exceptional among his peers. Yang Jian met with the various disciples; after paying respects to King Wu, he returned and asked, "Who are those troops stationed outside the city?" Zi Ya explained in detail the "earth, water, fire, and wind" magical objects used by the four generals of Mojia, saying, "...and that is why we have put up a 'No Battle' sign." Yang Jian said, "Now that I am here, Uncle Jiang may remove the 'No Battle' inscription. I shall confront the four generals of Mojia myself and will know for certain." Without engaging in battle, how can we adapt to circumstances as they arise?" Zi Ya was very pleased upon hearing this and immediately gave orders: "Remove the 'No Battle' sign." At that time, a scout galloped into the main camp and reported: "Your Excellency, Xi Qi has removed its 'No Battle' sign." The four generals of Mojia were greatly delighted and immediately left their camp to challenge the enemy. A scout galloped into the prime minister's residence with news. Zi Ya ordered Yang Jian to go out of the city, with Nezha holding the rear command. As the city gates opened, Yang Jian rode out and saw the four generals charging forward with imposing might that reached into the heavens, their killing aura so intense it seemed to press against the stars. The four generals saw a single man from within Xi Qi city who seemed neither fully Daoist nor entirely secular, wearing a fan-shaped cloud crown and a Daoist robe with a silk sash. He rode a white horse and held a long spear in his hand. Mo Liqing asked, "Who dares to come forth?" Yang Jian replied, "I am Yang Jian, the nephew of Chancellor Jiang. What ability do you possess to dare come here and cause chaos, relying on your left-hand path magic to harm others?" I shall now show you the consequences of my power—there will be no place for you to find burial!" With that, he urged his horse forward and brandished his spear toward Yang Jian. Meanwhile, the four generals of Mojia had not engaged in battle for half a year; now they all came out together to fight Yang Jian on foot. The four generals closed in, surrounding Yang Jian at the center of their formation as they fiercely engaged him beneath the city walls. Meanwhile, in Chuzhou there was an official responsible for delivering provisions to Xi Qi. As he approached the city and was about to enter, he saw that the battlefield ahead blocked his path. This man's surname was Ma, and his name was Chenglong; he wielded two swords, rode a red rabbit horse, and was a man of heroic spirit. Seeing the battlefield blocking his way, he let out a loud shout: "I am coming!" That horse dashed into the circle of combat and fought bravely against the four generals. Mo Lishou, seeing another general charging toward him, became greatly enraged. Before he could join the others in coordination, he took out his Huahu Diao and offered it into the air above. It transformed into a white elephant with a mouth like a blood basin and tusks as sharp as blades, wildly attacking people to devour them. There is a poem to attest to this: This beast, through cultivation, has mastered the power of invisibility and manifestation; both yin and yang energies reside within it. At will, it can change in size, devouring human hearts like a wild bear.

却说祭起花狐貂，一声响，把马成龙吃了半节去。杨戬在马上暗喜：“元来有这个孽障作怪。魔家四将也不知道杨戬有九转炼就元功，魔礼寿又祭花狐貂，一声响，也把杨戬咬了半节去。哪吒见势头不好，进城来报姜丞相，说：“杨戬被花狐貂吃了。”子牙郁郁不乐，纳闷在府。

Now, when the Huahu Diao was offered up, there was a loud noise and it devoured half of Ma Chenglong. Yang Jian on horseback secretly rejoiced: "So this is the source of trouble—the demon's interference." The four generals of Mojia did not know that Yang Jian had cultivated the Nine-Transformation Yuan Gong. As Mo Lishou again offered up the Huahu Diao, there was another loud noise and it bit off half of Yang Jian as well. Nezha saw the dire situation and rushed into the city to report to Chancellor Jiang, saying: "Yang Jian has been devoured by the Huahu Diao." Zi Ya was deeply troubled and unhappy, brooding in his residence.

且说魔家四将得胜回营，治酒，兄弟共饮。吃到二更时分，魔礼寿曰：“长兄，如今把花狐貂放进城里去，若是吃了姜尚，吞了武王，大事定了。那时好班师归国，何必与他死守。”四人酒后，各发狂言。礼青曰：“贤弟之言有理。”礼寿豹皮囊取出花狐貂，叫曰：“宝贝，你若吃了姜尚回来，此功莫大。”遂祭在空中去了。花狐貂乃是一兽，只知吃人，那知道吃了杨戬是个祸胎。──杨戬曾过九转炼元功，七十二变化，无穷妙道，肉身成圣，封清源妙道真君。花狐貂把他吃在腹里。──杨戬听著四将计较，杨戬曰：“孽障，也不知我是谁！”把花狐貂的心一捏，那东西叫一声，跌将下来。杨戬现身，把花狐貂一撑两段。杨戬现元形，有三更时分，来相府门前，叫左右报丞相。守门军士击鼓。子牙三更时，还与哪吒共议魔家四将事，忽听鼓响，报：“杨戬回来。”子牙大惊：“人死岂能复生！”命哪吒探虚实。哪吒至大门首问道：“杨道兄，你已死了，为何又至？”杨戬曰：“你我道门徒弟，各玄妙不同。快开门！我有要紧事报与师父。”哪吒命开了门。杨戬同至殿前。子牙惊问：“早晨阵亡，为何又至？必有回生之术！”杨戬把魔礼寿放花狐貂进城，“要伤武王、师叔，弟子在那孽障腹中听著，方才把花狐貂弄死了，特来报知师叔。”子牙闻言大喜：“吾有这等道术之客，何惧之有！”戬曰：“弟子如今还去。”哪吒曰：“道兄如何去得？”杨戬曰：“家师秘授，自有玄妙，随风变化，不可思议。有诗为证。 秘授仙传真妙诀，我与道中俱各别。或山或水或巅崖，或金或宝或铜铁。或鸾或凤或飞禽，或龙或虎或狮鴂。随风有影即无形，赴得蟠桃添寿节。”

Meanwhile, the four generals of Mojiao returned to their camp victorious, prepared wine, and the brothers drank together. When they reached the second geng of the night, Mo Lishou said, "Elder brother, now we should send the Huahu Diao into the city. If it devours Jiang Shang and swallows King Wu, our great cause will be secured. At that time we can return in triumph to our homeland—why should we continue this fruitless stalemate?" After drinking, the four men each spoke recklessly. Li Qing said, "My younger brother's words are reasonable." Li Shou took out the Huahu Diao from his leopard-skin pouch and called, "Precious treasure, if you return after devouring Jiang Shang, this feat will be most significant." With that, he offered it up into the air and sent it away. The Huahu Diao is a beast that only knows how to devour people; it does not know that consuming Yang Jian would bring disaster. Yang Jian had undergone the Nine Transformations of Yuan Gong cultivation, mastered seventy-two transformations, and possessed boundless wondrous Dao. His physical body had achieved sainthood, earning him the title Zhenjun Qingyuan Miaodao. The Huahu Diao devoured him into its belly. Yang Jian, hearing the four generals' plot, said, "You wretched demon, you do not even know who I am!" He squeezed its heart and the beast let out a cry before falling down. Yang Jian manifested himself, and with one push, split the Huahu Diao in two. Yang Jian revealed his original form at around three geng of the night and arrived before the prime minister's residence, calling for someone to inform Chancellor Jiang. The gate guards beat the drum. At three geng, Zi Ya was still discussing matters concerning the four generals of Mojia with Nezha when suddenly he heard the drum and a report: "Yang Jian has returned." Zi Ya was greatly shocked, exclaiming, "How can a dead man come back to life!" He ordered Nezha to investigate the truth. Nezha went to the main gate and asked, "Brother Yang, you were already dead—why have you returned?" Yang Jian said, "You and I are both disciples of the Daoist path, but our mysteries differ. Hurry up and open the gate!" I have urgent news to report to my master." Nezha ordered the gate opened. Yang Jian went together to before the hall. Zi Ya was startled and asked, "You died in battle this morning—why have you returned?" There must be a method to bring the dead back to life!" Yang Jian released the flower fox sable of Molishi, saying, "It was going to harm King Wu and Uncle Master. I heard it from inside that demon's belly, so I killed the flower fox sable just now and have specially come to report this to Uncle Master." Zi Ya, upon hearing these words, was greatly pleased: "I have such a guest skilled in Daoist techniques—what is there to fear!" Jian said, "Disciple will now go again." Nezha asked, "How can you possibly go?" Yang Jian said, "My master secretly taught me; there are naturally mysteries. I can transform and change with the wind in ways beyond imagination. There is a poem to attest to this. Secretly taught by immortal transmission, the true wondrous techniques—both I and my Dao are unique in their own way. Sometimes mountains, sometimes water, sometimes cliffs; sometimes gold, sometimes treasures, sometimes copper or iron. Sometimes phoenixes, sometimes 鸾, sometimes flying birds; sometimes dragons, tigers, or lions and jujubes. With the wind there is shadow yet no form—it can attend the peach banquet to add longevity."

子牙听罢，“你有此奇术，可显一二。”杨戬随身一愰，变成花狐貂满地跳。把哪吒喜不自胜。杨戬曰：“弟子去也！”响一声，才要去。子牙曰：“杨戬，且住！你有大术，把魔家四将宝贝取来，使他束手不能成功。”杨戬即时飞出西岐城，落在魔家四将帐上。礼寿听的宝贝回来，忙用手接住，瞧了一瞧，见不曾吃了人来。将近四鼓时分，兄弟同进帐中睡去。正是酒酣睡倒，鼻息如雷，莫知高下。杨戬自豹皮囊中跳出来，将魔家四将帐上挂有四件宝贝，杨戬用手一端，端塌了，止拿得一把伞。那三件宝贝落地有声。魔礼红梦中听见有响声，急起来看时，“呀！却元来挂塌了钓子，吊将下来！”糊涂醉眼，不曾查得，就复挂在上面，依旧睡了。且说杨戬复到西岐城来见子牙，将混元珍珠伞献上。金木二吒、哪吒都来看伞。杨戬复又入营，还在豹皮囊中。不表。

After hearing this, Zi Ya said, "You have such an extraordinary technique—please demonstrate one or two of them." Yang Jian suddenly shimmered and transformed into a flower fox sable leaping all over the ground. This made Nezha overjoyed beyond measure. Yang Jian said, "Disciple is going now!" With a loud sound, he was just about to leave. Zi Ya said, "Yang Jian, wait a moment! You have great techniques—go and retrieve the treasures of the four generals of Mojia so that they cannot succeed even if they surrender." Yang Jian immediately flew out of Xiqi city and landed above the tent of the four generals of Mojia. Lishi heard that the treasure had returned, hurriedly reached out to catch it, took a look, and saw that no one had been devoured. Near four geng of the night, the brothers entered the tent together and went to sleep. They were just drunk and fast asleep, snoring like thunder, unaware of what was happening above or below. Yang Jian jumped out from the leopard-skin bag. Above the tent of the four generals, there were four treasures hanging; Yang Jian reached up with his hand to take them and knocked it down, but managed to grab only an umbrella. The other three treasures made a loud noise when they hit the ground. Molihong, hearing a sound in his dream, quickly got up to look and exclaimed, "Ah! It turns out the hook was broken and the treasures have fallen down!" With his muddled, drunk eyes, he didn't check properly. He just hung them back up and went to sleep again. Meanwhile, Yang Jian returned to Xiqi city to see Zi Ya and presented the Huan Yuan Pearl Umbrella. Jinmu Erzha and Nezha both came to look at the umbrella. Yang Jian once again entered the camp, still inside the leopard-skin bag. No further details are given.

且说次早中军帐鼓响，兄弟四人，各取宝贝，魔礼红不见混元伞，大惊：“为何不见了此伞！”急问巡内营将校。众将曰：“内营红尘也飞不进来，那有奸细得入。”魔礼红大叫：“吾立大功，只凭此宝；今一旦失了，怎生奈何！”四将见如此失利，郁郁不乐，无心整理军情。……

Meanwhile, the next morning, the drum sounded in the central tent of the army. The four brothers each took their treasures, and Molihong did not see the Huan Yuan umbrella and was greatly shocked: "Why has this umbrella disappeared!" He hurriedly asked the officers patrolling inside the camp. The generals said, "Even red dust cannot fly into the inner camp—how could any spy have entered?" Molihong shouted in despair: "I achieved great merit solely by relying on this treasure; now that it has been lost, what can I do!" Seeing such a loss, the four generals were dejected and unhappy, no longer interested in organizing military affairs. ……

且说青峰山紫阳洞清虚道德真君忽然心血潮来，叫金霞童子：“请你师兄来。”童子领命，少时间请师兄至。黄天化至碧游床前，倒身下拜：“老师父，叫弟子那里使用？”真君曰：“你打点下山。你父子当立功为周主，随我来。”黄天化随师至桃园中。真君传二柄锤。天化见而即会，精熟停当，无不了然。真君曰：“将吾的玉麒麟与你骑；又将火龙标带去。徒弟，你不可忘本，必尊道德。”黄天化曰：“弟子怎敢？”辞了师父，出洞来，上了玉麒麟，把角一拍，四足起风云之声。──此兽乃道德真君闲戏三山、闷游五岳之骑。黄天化即时来至西岐，落下麒麟，来到相府，令门官通报。“启丞相：有一道童求见。”子牙曰：“请来。”黄天化上殿下拜，口称：“师叔，弟子黄天化奉师命下山，听候左右。”子牙问：“那一座山？”黄飞虎曰：“此童乃青峰山紫阳洞清虚道德真君门下黄天化，乃末将长子。”子牙大喜：“将军有子出家修道，更当庆幸！”且说黄天化父子重逢，同回王府，置酒父子欢饮。黄天化在山吃斋，今日在王府吃荤，随挽双抓髻，穿王服，带束发冠，金抹额，穿大红服，贯金锁甲，束玉带，次日上殿见子牙。子牙一见天化如此装束，便曰：“黄天化，你元是道门，为何一旦变服？我身居相位，不敢忘昆仑之德。你昨日下山，今日变服；还把丝绦束了。”黄天化领命，系了丝绦。天化曰：“弟子下山，退魔家四将，故此如将家装束耳。怎敢忘本！”子牙曰：“魔家四将乃左道之术也，须紧要提防。”天化曰：“师命指明，何足惧哉？”子牙许之。黄天化上了玉麒麟，拎两柄槌，开放城门，至辕门请战。四天王正遇丙灵公。不知胜败如何，且听下回分解。

Meanwhile, at Qingfeng Mountain Ziyang Cave, the Venerable Qingshu Daode Zhensun suddenly felt a surge of inspiration and called to Jinxia Tongzi: "Please bring your elder brother here." The boy accepted the order, and in no time brought his elder brother. Huang Tianhua arrived before Biyou's bed, knelt down, and bowed: "Master Teacher, where should I be sent?" The Venerable said, "You must prepare to descend the mountain. Your father and you should establish merit for King Zhou—come with me." Huang Tianhua followed his master to the peach garden. The Venerable passed down two hammers. Tianhua saw them and immediately understood, becoming thoroughly skilled and well-prepared, with nothing left unclear. The Venerable said: "Take my jade qilin to ride; and also take the fire dragon spear with you. Disciple, do not forget your roots—you must always respect morality and virtue." Huang Tianhua said, "How dare I?" After bidding farewell to his master, he left the cave, mounted the jade qilin, struck its horn once, and with a sound of wind and clouds, all four hooves lifted off. ——This beast was the mount used by Venerable Daode Zhensun for leisurely strolling among three mountains and idly touring five peaks. Huang Tianhua immediately arrived at Xiqi, dismounted from the qilin, and came to the prime minister's residence. He ordered the gate officials to announce his arrival. "Your Excellency Chancellor: a Daoist disciple is requesting an audience." Zi Ya said, "Please bring him in." Huang Tianhua ascended the hall and kowtowed, saying: "Uncle Master, disciple Huang Tianhua has descended the mountain at my master's command to await your orders." Zi Ya asked, "Which mountain?" Huang Feihu said, "This disciple is Huang Tianhua, the eldest son of General Huang Feihu and a student of Venerable Qingshu Daodede Zhensun from Ziyang Cave on Qingfeng Mountain." Zi Ya was overjoyed: "General, to have a son who has left home to cultivate the Dao is even more cause for celebration!" Meanwhile, Huang Tianhua and his father were reunited. They returned together to the Wang residence, where they set a banquet and drank joyfully as father and son. Huang Tianhua, who had been eating vegetarian food on the mountain, now ate meat at the Wang residence. He pulled his hair into a double braid, wore royal robes, donned a crown to bind his hair, adorned a golden forehead band, put on bright red clothing, fastened golden armor, and tied a jade sash around himself. The next day he ascended the hall to see Zi Ya. Zi Ya, upon seeing Tianhua dressed in such a manner, said: "Huang Tianhua, you were originally from the Daoist path—why have you suddenly changed your attire? I hold the position of prime minister and dare not forget the virtue of Kunlun. You descended the mountain yesterday, yet today you have changed your clothes; you even tied a silk sash." Huang Tianhua accepted the order and fastened the silk sash. Tianhua said, "Disciple descended the mountain to defeat the four generals of Mojia, so I have dressed in a general's attire. How could I dare forget my roots!" Zi Ya said, "The four generals of Mojia use left-hand path techniques; you must remain vigilant and cautious." Tianhua replied, "With my master's instructions clear, what is there to fear?" Zi Ya approved. Huang Tianhua mounted the jade qilin and carried two hammers, opened the city gate, and went to the 辕门 (yuanmen) to request battle. The four Heavenly Kings just encountered Bing Linggong. Whether they won or lost is yet to be seen—stay tuned for the next episode.