Chapter 41: Grand Master Wen's Army Marches Against Xi Qi

诗曰： 太师行兵出故商，西风飒飒送斜阳。君因乱政民多难，臣为摅忠命尽伤。 惟知去日宁知返，只识兴时那识亡。四将亦随征进没，令人几度忆成汤。

The poem says: The Grand Master leads troops beyond old Shang, The west wind rustles as it sends the setting sun. Because of your chaotic governance, the people suffer greatly; As a minister, I strive to uphold loyalty and thus sacrifice my life. Knowing only how to depart, one does not know when to return; Recognizing only the time of prosperity, one cannot foresee downfall. Four generals also perished in the campaign, Causing people to recall Chengtang many times over.

且说魔礼红不见了珍珠伞，无心整理军情。忽报：“有将在辕门讨战。”四将听说，随点人马出营会战；见一将骑玉麒麟而来。但见怎生打扮，有赞为证： 悟道高山十六春，仙传道术最通灵。潼关曾救生身父，莫耶宝剑斩陈桐。束发金冠飞烈焰，大红袍上绣团龙，连环砌就金锁铠，腰下绒绦左右分。两柄银锤生八楞，稳坐走阵玉麒鳞。奉命特来收四将，西岐城外立头功。旗开拱手黄天化，“封神榜”上丙灵公。

Meanwhile, Mo Lihong, having lost his pearl umbrella, had no heart to organize military affairs. Suddenly a report came: "A general is challenging for battle at the 辕门 (yuanmen)." Upon hearing this, the four generals immediately mustered their troops and left camp to engage in battle; They saw a general riding a white qilin coming toward them. One could see how he was dressed; a verse testifies to this: Sixteen springs spent on high mountains in seeking the Dao, The immortal transmitted Daoist arts are most spiritually profound. At Tongguan he once rescued his own father from danger; with the Moye precious sword, he beheaded Chen Tong. His hair was tied up in a golden crown ablaze with fire; on his crimson robe were embroidered round dragons. His armor, piece by piece, formed a golden chain mail, and from his waist hung a silk sash divided to the left and right. He wielded two silver maces with eight facets each, sitting steadily on his jade qilin as he advanced through the battlefield formations. Sent by command to capture these four generals, he established a great feat of merit outside Xiqi city. With the signal flag raised and hands clasped in salute was Huang Tianhua; "the Immortals' Tablet of Destiny" lists him as Bingling Gong.

魔礼青观看一员小将，身坐玉麒麟，到阵前曰：“来者何人？”天化答曰：“吾非别人，乃开国武成王长男黄天化是也；今奉姜丞相将令，特来擒你。”魔礼青大怒，摇枪拽步来取黄天化。天化手中锤赴面交还。步骑交兵，一场大战。怎见得： 发鼓振天雷，锣鸣两阵催。红旛如烈火，将军八面威。这一个舍命而安社稷；那一个拚残生欲正华夷。自来也见将军战，不似今番枪对锤。

Mo Liqing observed a young general riding the jade qilin and, upon reaching the front of the formation, asked, "Who dares to come here?" Tianhua replied, "I am no one else but Huang Tianhua, the eldest son of the State-Founding General Wu Chengwang; today I have been specially sent by Chancellor Jiang's command to capture you." Mo Liqing became furious and brandished his spear, stepping forward to attack Huang Tianhua. Tianhua met the assault with a mace in hand, clashing face-to-face. Cavalry and infantry clashed in fierce battle; it was a great engagement. How did this unfold: The war drums roared like thunder shaking the heavens, and gongs rang from both sides urging on. Red banners blazed like fire; generals displayed might in all directions. One fought to the death for the safety of the state; The other risked his remaining life in an attempt to restore order between Han and non-Han peoples. Though battles between generals have been seen before, none were like this clash of spear against mace.

话说魔礼青大战黄天化，麟步相交，枪锤并举，来往未及二十回合，早被魔礼青随手带起白玉金刚镯，一道霞光，打将下来，正中后心。只打得金冠倒撞，跌下骑来。魔礼青方欲取首级，早被哪吒大叫：“不要伤吾道兄！”登开风火轮，杀至阵前，救了黄天化。哪吒大战魔礼青，双枪共发，杀得天愁地暗。魔礼青二起金刚镯来打哪吒。哪吒也把乾坤圈丢起。乾坤圈是金的，金刚镯是玉的，金打玉，打得粉碎。魔礼青、魔礼红一齐大呼曰：“好哪吒！伤碎吾宝，此恨怎消！”齐来动手。哪吒见势不好，忙进西岐。魔礼海正待用琵琶时，哪吒已自进城去了。魔礼青进营，见失了金刚镯，闷闷不悦。

Speaking of Mo Liqing's great battle with Huang Tianhua, their qilin-mounted figures clashed as spear and mace were raised in tandem. Before twenty exchanges had passed, Mo Liqing casually hurled his white jade diamond bracelet downward; a streak of rosy light struck precisely at Huang Tianhua's back. It struck so hard that the golden crown flew off backward, and he fell from his mount. Just as Mo Liqing was about to behead him, Nezha suddenly shouted, "Do not harm my Daoist elder brother!" He leaped forward on his Wind and Fire Wheels, rushed to the front of the formation, and rescued Huang Tianhua. Nezha engaged Mo Liqing in fierce battle; their two spears clashed together, fighting so fiercely that heaven and earth seemed to mourn. Mo Liqing hurled the diamond bracelet a second time at Nezha. Nezha also threw up his Qiankun Ring in response. The Qiankun Ring was made of gold, and the diamond bracelet was jade; when gold struck jade, it shattered into pieces. Mo Liqing and Mo Lihong both cried out together, "Marvelous Nezha! You have shattered our treasures—how can this grudge be erased!" They both rushed forward to attack. Seeing the situation turning dire, Nezha hurried into Xiqi. Just as Mo Lihai was about to use his pipa, Nezha had already entered the city and left. Mo Liqing returned to camp and saw that he had lost his diamond bracelet; he was deeply displeased.

且说黄天化被金刚镯已自打死了。黄飞虎痛哭曰：“岂知才进西岐，未安枕席，竟被打死！”甚是伤情。只得把天化尸骸停在相府门前。子牙亦是不乐。忽有人报进府来：“启丞相：有一道童求见。”子牙传令：“请来。”道童至殿前下拜。子牙问曰：“那里来的？”童子曰：“弟子是紫阳洞道德真君命弟子来背师兄黄天化回山。”子牙大喜。

Meanwhile, Huang Tianhua had already been killed by the diamond bracelet strike. Huang Feihu wept bitterly, saying, "Who could have known that just after entering Xiqi and before even resting on a mat, he would be struck down to death!" It was most heart-wrenching. They had no choice but to place Huang Tianhua's corpse in front of the chancellor's residence. Ziya was also unhappy. Suddenly, someone entered the residence to report: "Your Excellency Chancellor, a Daoist boy is requesting an audience." Ziya gave orders: "Please bring him in." The Daoist boy knelt and paid respects before the hall. Ziya asked, "Where have you come from?" The boy replied, "I am a disciple sent by Ziyang Dong's Dao De Zhenjun to carry my elder brother Huang Tianhua back to the mountain." Ziya was greatly pleased.

白云童子将黄天化背回，至紫阳洞门前放下。道童进洞回覆曰：“师兄已背至了。”真君出洞，看天化面黄不语，闭目无言。真君命童子取水来，将丹药化开，用剑撬开口，将药灌入，随入中黄。不一个时辰，黄天化已是回生，二目睁开，见师父在傍，天化曰：“弟子如何在此相见？”真君曰：“好畜生！下山吃荤，罪之一也；变服忘本，罪之二也。若不看子牙面上，决不救你！”黄天化倒身下拜。真人取出一物，递与天化，曰：“你速往西岐，再会魔家四将，可成大功。我不久也要下山。”黄天化辞了师父，借土遁前来，须臾便至西岐，落下遁光，来至相府。门官忙报。子牙命至殿前。黄天化把师父言语说了一遍。飞虎大喜。次日，黄天化上了玉麒麟出城，坐名要魔家四将。军政司报进行营：“黄天化请战。”魔家四将听报，忙出营。见天化精神赳赳，大叫曰：“今日定见雌雄！”魔礼青摇枪来刺。天化火速来迎。麟步相交，一场大战。未及三五回合，天化便走。魔礼青随后赶来。黄天化回头一看，见魔礼青来赶，挂下双锤，取出一幅锦囊，打开看时，只见长有七寸五分，放出华光，火焰夺目，名曰“攒心钉”。黄天化掌在手中，回手一发；此钉如稀世奇珍，一道金光出掌。怎见得，有诗为证： 此宝今番出紫阳，炼成七寸五分长，玄中妙法真奇异，收伏魔家四大王。

Baiyun Tongszi carried Huang Tianhua back and set him down before the gate of Ziyang Dong. The Daoist boy entered the cave to report, "My elder brother has already been carried here." Zhenjun emerged from the cave and saw that Tianhua had a yellowed face and did not speak, his eyes closed in silence. Zhenjun ordered the boy to fetch water, dissolve the pill medicine, use a sword to pry open his mouth, and administer the potion, which then entered into his middle yellow dantian. No more than an hour passed, and Huang Tianhua was already revived. Opening his eyes, he saw his master by his side and asked, "Master, how did I come to meet you here?" Zhenjun said, "You wretched beast! Coming down the mountain to eat meat constitutes your first offense; Changing clothes and forgetting your roots is your second offense. Had it not been for Ziya's sake, I would certainly not have saved you!" Huang Tianhua fell to his knees and kowtowed. The True Man took out an object, handed it to Tianhua, and said, "You must quickly go to Xiqi again and confront the four Mo generals; you may thus accomplish great merit. I too will soon be leaving the mountain." Huang Tianhua bid farewell to his master, used earth-cloaking magic to travel forward, and in a moment arrived at Xiqi. He descended from the 遁 (dun) light and came to the chancellor's residence. The gate official hurriedly reported. Ziya ordered him to the hall. Huang Tianhua recounted his master's words in full. Feihu was greatly delighted. The next day, Huang Tianhua rode his jade qilin out of the city and specifically demanded a confrontation with the four Mo generals. The military office reported to the camp: "Huang Tianhua requests battle." Upon hearing the report, the four Mo generals hurriedly left their camp. Seeing Tianhua in vigorous and martial form, they shouted, "Today we shall see who is superior!" Mo Liqing brandished his spear to strike. Tianhua quickly moved forward to meet him. Their qilin-mounted figures clashed in a great battle. Before three or four exchanges had passed, Tianhua suddenly turned and fled. Mo Liqing hurried after him. Huang Tianhua turned around and saw Mo Liqing chasing after him. He dropped his double maces, took out a silk pouch, opened it, and found an object seven cun five fen long that emitted brilliant light and dazzling flames; it was called the "Zuanxin Ding." Huang Tianhua held it in his hand, turned around, and fired it off. This nail was like a rare treasure of the world; a beam of golden light shot forth from his palm. How wondrous was this, as a poem testifies: This treasure now emerges from Ziyang, Refined to seven cun and five fen in length. Its mysterious Dao methods are truly extraordinary— It subdues the four great kings of Mo.

话说黄天化发出攒心钉，正中魔礼青前心，不觉穿心而过。只见魔礼青大叫一声，跌倒在地。魔礼红见兄长打倒在地，心中大怒，急忙跑出阵来，把方天戟一摆，紧紧赶来。黄天化收回钉，乃复打来。魔礼红躲不及，又中前心。此钉见心才过，响一声，跌在尘埃。魔礼海大呼曰：“小畜生！将何物伤吾二兄？”急出时，早被黄天化连发此钉，又将魔礼海打中。也是该四天王命绝，正遇丙灵公，此乃天数。只见魔礼寿见三兄死于非命，心中甚是大怒，忙忙走出，用手往豹皮囊里拿花狐貂出来，欲伤黄天化。不知此花狐貂乃是杨戬变化的，隐在豹皮囊里，魔礼寿把手来拿此物，不知杨戬把口张著，等魔礼寿的手往花狐貂嘴里来，被花狐貂一口，把魔礼寿的手咬将下来。只得一个骨头，怎熬得这般痛疼！又被黄天化一钉打来，正中胸前。可怜！正是： 治世英雄成何济，封神台上把名标。

Speaking of Huang Tianhua firing off the Zuanxin Ding, it struck precisely at Mo Liqing's chest and passed straight through his heart. Mo Liqing let out a loud cry and fell to the ground. Seeing his elder brother fall to the ground, Mo Lihong was furious and rushed out of formation, brandishing his Fangtian spear and chasing after him closely. Huang Tianhua retrieved the nail and struck again. Mo Lihong could not evade in time and was struck once more in the chest. The nail pierced through his heart, a loud sound rang out, and he fell to the ground in dust. Mo Lihai shouted angrily, "You wretched brat! What kind of object did you use to injure my two brothers?" As he rushed forward, Huang Tianhua immediately fired the nail again and struck Mo Lihai. It was indeed the end of these four Heavenly Kings' fates, as they encountered Bingling Gong at this moment—this is the will of heaven. Seeing his three elder brothers die a violent death, Mo Lishou was extremely angry. He hurriedly stepped forward and reached into the leopard-skin pouch to take out the Huafu Diao, intending to harm Huang Tianhua. Unbeknownst to him, this Huafu Diao was transformed by Yang Jian and hidden in the leopard-skin pouch. As Mo Lishou reached his hand into the pouch for it, he did not know that Yang Jian had opened its mouth, waiting for Mo Lishou's hand to come near. The Huafu Diao bit down with one snap, tearing off Mo Lishou's hand. With only a bone left, how could he endure such pain! He was then struck again by Huang Tianhua's nail, which hit him precisely in the chest. Pitiful! Indeed: In times of order, heroes achieve little; it is on the Immortals' Tablet that their names are recorded.

话说黄天化打死魔家四将，方才来取首级，忽见豹皮囊中一阵风儿过处，只见花狐貂化为一人，乃是杨戬。黄天化认不得杨戬，天化问曰：“风化人形者是谁？”杨戬答曰：“吾乃杨戬是也。姜师叔有命在此，以为内应。今见兄长连克四将，正应上天之兆。”正说间，只见哪吒登轮赶来，对黄天化、杨戬言曰：“二兄今立大功，不胜喜悦。”三人彼此庆慰，同进城至相府内来，来见子牙。三人将发钉打死四将，杨戬伤手之事，诉说一遍。子牙大喜，命把四将斩首号令城上。

Speaking of Huang Tianhua having killed the four Mo generals, just as he was about to take their heads, suddenly a gust of wind passed from the leopard-skin pouch; the Huafu Diao transformed into a man—none other than Yang Jian. Huang Tianhua did not recognize Yang Jian and asked, "Who is the one who has taken human form from the wind?" Yang Jian replied, "I am none other than Yang Jian. Uncle Jiang Ziya gave me orders to be here as an inside force." Now I see my elder brothers have successively defeated four generals, which is exactly in accordance with the omen from heaven." While they were speaking, Ne Zha suddenly arrived on his wheel and said to Huang Tianhua and Yang Jian, "Brothers, you have now achieved great merit; I am overjoyed." The three of them mutually congratulated and comforted each other before entering the city together to the Prime Minister's residence, where they went to see Jiang Ziya. The three men recounted how they had killed the four generals with hair nails and told of Yang Jian's injured hand. Jiang Ziya was greatly pleased, ordering that the heads of the four generals be cut off and displayed on the city walls as a warning.

且说魔家人马逃回进关，随路报于汜水关韩荣。韩荣闻报大惊，曰：“姜尚在西周用兵如此利害！”心上甚是著忙；乃作告急表章，星夜打上朝歌去讫。不题。

Meanwhile, speaking of the remaining forces of the Mo family fleeing back through the pass, they reported along the way to Han Rong at Sishui Pass. Han Rong was greatly alarmed upon hearing the report and said, "Jiang Shang is so formidable in his use of troops for the Western Zhou!" He was extremely anxious; he drafted an urgent petition and sent it off to Chaogu at the speed of a star in the night. No further mention is made of this.

且说闻太师在相府闲坐，闻报：“游魂关窦荣屡胜东伯侯。”忽然又报：“三山关邓九公有女邓婵玉连胜南伯侯，今已退兵。”太师大喜。又报：“汜水关韩荣有报。”太师命：“令来。”来官将文书呈上。太师拆开一看，见魔家四将尽皆诛戮，号令城头，太师拍案大怒，叫曰：“谁知四将英勇，都也丧于西岐，姜尚有何本领，挫辱朝廷军将！”闻太师当中一目睁开，白光有二尺远近；只气得三尸神暴躁，七窍内生烟。自思自忖道：“也罢！如今东南二处，渐已平定，明日面君，必须亲征，方可克敌。”当日作表。次日朝贺，将出师表章来见纣王。纣王曰：“太师要伐西岐，为孤代理。”命左右：“速发黄旄、白钺，得专征伐。”太师择吉日，祭宝纛旗旛。纣王亲自饯别，满斟一杯，递与闻太师。太师接酒，躬身奏曰：“老臣此去，必克除反叛，清静边隅。愿陛下言听计从，百事详察而行，毋令君臣隔绝，上下不通。臣多不过半载，便自奏凯还朝。”纣王曰：“太师此行，朕自无虑，不久候太师佳音。”命排黄旄、白钺，令闻太师起行。太师饮过数杯，纣王看闻太师上骑。那墨麒麟久不曾出战，今日闻太师方欲骑上，被墨麒麟叫一声，跳将起来，把闻太师跌将下来。百官大惊。左右扶起。太师忙整衣冠。时有下大夫王变，上前奏曰：“太师今日出兵落骑，实为不祥；可再点别将征伐可也。”太师曰：“大夫差矣！人臣将身许国而忘其家，上马抡兵而忘其命，将军上阵，不死带伤；此理之常，何足为异。大抵此骑久不曾出战，未曾演试，筋骨不能舒伸，故有此失。大夫幸勿再言。”随传令：“点炮起兵。”太师复上骑。此一别，正不知何年再会君臣面，只落得默默英魂带血归。太师一点丹心，三年征伐，俱是为国为民。 用尽机谋扶帝业，上天垂象不能成。

Meanwhile, speaking of Grand Master Wen sitting idly in the Prime Minister's residence, he received a report: "Dou Rong of Youhun Pass has repeatedly defeated Duke Dongbo." Suddenly, another report came: "Deng Jiugong of Sanshan Pass has a daughter named Deng Chanyu who has repeatedly defeated Duke Nanbo; the enemy forces have now withdrawn." Grand Master Wen was greatly pleased. Another report came: "Han Rong of Sishui Pass has sent a message." Grand Master Wen ordered, "Bring him in." The official presented the document. Grand Master Wen opened the document and saw that all four of the Mo generals had been executed, their heads displayed on city walls. He slammed his hand on the table in great anger and shouted, "Who knew these four generals were so valiant, yet they have perished at Xiqi! What ability does Jiang Shang possess to humiliate our imperial troops and commanders!" Grand Master Wen opened one eye in the center of his forehead, emitting a white light about two chi long; he was so furious that his three soul deities became restless and smoke arose from the seven orifices of his body. He thought to himself, "Well then! Now that the eastern and southern fronts are gradually pacified, tomorrow when I present myself before His Majesty, I must personally lead the campaign in order to defeat the enemy." On that day he drafted a memorial. The next day, during the court audience, he presented his request for an expedition to King Zhou. King Zhou said, "Grand Master, you wish to attack Xiqi; I entrust the matter to you." He ordered his attendants: "Quickly bring forth the yellow banner and white halberd, granting full authority for military campaigns." Grand Master Wen selected an auspicious day to perform a sacrifice before the sacred banners and flags. King Zhou personally saw him off, filled a cup to the brim, and presented it to Grand Master Wen. Grand Master Wen accepted the wine, bowed respectfully, and said, "My old minister will certainly defeat this rebellion and bring peace to the border regions. I pray that Your Majesty listens to advice, follows good counsel, carefully examines all matters before acting, and does not allow a rift between ruler and subject or a breakdown in communication between high and low." I shall return with victory within half a year at most." King Zhou said, "Grand Master, I have no worries about this expedition. I shall await your good news shortly." He ordered the yellow banner and white halberds to be arranged and commanded Grand Master Wen to set out on his journey. Grand Master Wen drank a few more cups of wine, and King Zhou watched as Grand Master Wen mounted his horse. The Hei Qilin, which had not been used in battle for a long time, was just about to be ridden by Grand Master Wen when it suddenly let out a cry and leaped up, throwing Grand Master Wen off. All the officials were greatly startled. Attendants rushed forward to help him up. Grand Master Wen quickly adjusted his robe and cap. At that moment, the lower-ranking official Wang Bian stepped forward and presented a report: "Grand Master's horse falling today as you depart for battle is indeed an ill omen; perhaps another general should be appointed to lead the campaign instead." Grand Master Wen said, "Minister, you are mistaken! A subject dedicates his body to the state and forgets his family, takes up arms in battle and forgets his life. A general on the battlefield either dies or is wounded; this is a common occurrence, not something unusual at all. This horse has simply not been used in battle or exercised for a long time; its muscles and bones are stiff, hence this mishap. Minister, please do not mention it again." He immediately gave orders: "Prepare the cannons and mobilize the troops." Grand Master Wen remounted his horse. This parting, no one knows when the master and minister will meet again; it leaves only a silent, bloodied spirit to return. Grand Master Wen's single red heart, three years of campaigns, were all for the country and its people. He exhausted every strategy to support the emperor's cause, yet heaven's omens could not bring it to fruition.

话说闻太师提大兵三十万出了朝歌，渡黄河，兵至渑池县。总兵官张奎迎接，至帐前行礼毕。太师问：“往西岐那一条路近？”张奎答曰：“往青龙关近二百里。”太师传令：“往青龙关去。”人马离了渑池县，往青龙关来。一路上旗旛招展，绣带飘颻，真好人马！怎见得，有赞为证： 飞龙旛红缨闪闪；飞凤旛紫雾盘旋。飞虎旛腾腾杀气；飞豹旛盖地遮天。挡牌滚滚，短剑辉辉。挡牌滚滚，扫万军之马足；短剑辉辉，破千重之狼铣。大杆刀、雁翎刀，排开队伍；鍖金枪、点钢枪，荡荡朱缨。太阿剑、昆吾剑，龙鳞砌就；金装鐧，银镀鐧，冷气森严。画杆戟、银尖戟，飘扬豹尾；开山斧、宣花斧，一似车轮。三军呐喊撼天关，五色旗摇遮映日。一声鼓响，诸营奋勇逞雄威；数捧锣鸣，众将委蛇随队伍。宝纛旛下，瑞气笼烟；金字令旗，来往穿梭。能报事拐子马紧挨鹿角；能冲锋连珠炮提防劫营。

Speaking of Grand Master Wen leading a massive army of thirty thousand out of Chaogu, crossing the Yellow River, and marching to Mianchi Xian. The overall commander Zhang Kui welcomed him and paid respects at his tent before proceeding. Grand Master Wen asked, "Which route is the shortest to Xiqi?" Zhang Kui replied, "It is about two hundred li from Qinglong Pass." Grand Master Wen gave orders: "March toward Qinglong Pass." The troops and horses left Mianchi Xian, heading for Qinglong Pass. Along the way, banners fluttered in the wind, embroidered ribbons danced gracefully—truly a magnificent army! How can this be described? A verse testifies: The flying dragon banner's red tassels shimmer; the flying phoenix banner is surrounded by swirling purple mist. The flying tiger banner exudes a surging aura of killing intent; the flying leopard banner stretches across the earth and sky. The shields clattered, short swords gleamed brightly. Clattering shields, sweeping the hooves of ten thousand enemy horses; gleaming short swords, piercing through a thousand layers of wolf armor. Large pole axes and Yanling sabers were arranged in formation; Gold-tipped spears and steel-pointed lances, their crimson tassels fluttering. The Tai'e sword and Kunwu sword, forged from dragon scales; Gold-plated clappers and silver-coated ones, exuding a chilling aura. Painted pole halberds and silver-tipped ones, their leopard tails fluttering; mountain-splitting axes and Xuanhua axes, as large as cartwheels. The three armies shouted in unison, shaking the gates of heaven; five-colored banners waved, blocking out the sun. A single drumbeat echoed, and all camps surged forward to display their might; numerous gongs rang out, as the generals moved in orderly procession. Under the sacred banner, auspicious vapors swirled; golden command flags darted back and forth. Messengers on their nimble horses rode closely alongside the deer antlers; those leading charges with linked cannon fire kept watch for enemy raids.

诗曰： 腾腾杀气滚征埃，隐隐红云映绿苔。十里止闻戈甲响，一座兵山出土来。

The poem says: A surging aura of killing intent rolls through the dust of war, while faint red clouds reflect against green moss. Ten li away, only the clatter of weapons and armor is heard; a mountain of troops rises from the earth itself.

话说大兵离了青龙关，一路崎岖窄小，止容一二骑而行，人马甚是难走，跋涉更觉险峻。闻太师见如是艰难，悔之不及。早知如此，不若还走五关，方便许多；如今反耽误了程途。一日，来到黄花山，只见一座大山。怎见得，有赞为证： 远观山，山青叠翠；近观山，翠叠青山。山青叠翠，参天松婆娑弄影；翠叠青山，靠峻岭逼陡悬崖。逼陡涧。绿桧影摇玄豹尾；峻悬崖，青松折齿老龙腰。望上看，似梯似磴；望下看，如穴如坑。青山万丈接云霄，斗涧鹰愁侵地户。此山：到春来如火如烟，到夏来如蓝如翠，到秋来如金如锦，到冬来如玉如银。到春来，怎见得如火如烟：红灼灼夭桃喷火，绿依依弱柳含烟。到夏来，怎见得如蓝如翠：雨来苍烟欲滴，月过岚气氤氲。到秋来，怎见得如金如锦：一攒攒，一簇簇，俱是黄花吐瑞；一层层，一片片尽是红叶摇风。到冬来，怎见得如玉如银：水愰愰冻成千块玉；雪蒙蒙堆叠一银山。山径崎岖，难进难出；水回曲折，流去流来。树梢上生生不已，鸟啼时韵致悠扬。正是：观之不舍，乐坐忘归。有诗为证： 一山未过一山迎，千里全无半里平，莫道牧童遥指处，只看图画不堪行。

Speaking of the large army leaving Qinglong Pass, along the way the path was rugged and narrow, allowing passage for only one or two riders at a time. The troops found it extremely difficult to proceed, and the journey became even more perilous as they struggled forward. Grand Master Wen saw how arduous the path was and regretted it too late. Had he known this beforehand, it would have been better to return through the Five Passes, which would have made things much easier; now they had only delayed their journey. One day, the army arrived at Huanghua Mountain and saw a great mountain before them. How can this be described? Let a verse testify: From afar, the mountain appears green and layered with emerald hues; up close, it is still emerald layers upon verdant peaks. Green and layered with jade hues, towering pines sway gracefully in the breeze; Layered emerald peaks lean against steep ridges and sheer cliffs. Sheer ravines. Green cypress shadows sway like the tail of a black leopard; Steep cliffs, tall pines bend as if twisting the waist of an ancient dragon. Looking upward, it appears like a ladder or steps; looking downward, it resembles a cave or pit. lø The emerald mountain rises ten thousand zhang to meet the clouds; fierce ravines and eagles mourn as they approach the earth's gate. This mountain: in spring, it is as fiery and smoky as flames; in summer, as blue and emerald as jade; in autumn, as golden and splendid as brocade; and in winter, as white and luminous as jade and silver. In spring, how is it seen to be like fire and smoke: bright red peach blossoms blaze like flames, while tender green willows gently hold the mist. In summer, how is it seen to resemble blue and emerald: when the rain comes, the green mist seems about to drip; after the moon passes, the mountain vapor lingers thickly. In autumn, how is it seen as golden and like brocade: cluster upon cluster, all are yellow flowers exuding auspiciousness; layer by layer, patch after patch, they are all red leaves swaying in the wind. In winter, how is it seen like jade and silver: shimmering water freezes into thousands of blocks of jade; snow mingles in a thick blanket, piling up to form a mountain of silver. The mountain path is rugged and winding, difficult to enter or exit; the water winds back and forth, flowing away only to return again. The trees on the branches grow ceaselessly; when birds sing, their melodies are graceful and lingering. Indeed: it is so enchanting that one cannot bear to leave, forgetting time and longing to stay. There is a poem as evidence: One mountain has not passed before another greets you, A thousand li stretch without half a li of flat ground. Do not say the herdsman's distant pointing shows the way— Even looking at the painting makes one realize it cannot be traveled.

话说闻太师看此山险恶，传令安下人马，催开墨麒鳞，自上山来观看。见有一程平坦之地，好似一个战场。太师叹曰：“好一座山！若是朝歌宁静，老夫来黄花山避静消闲，多少快乐！”又见依依翠竹，古木乔松，赏玩不尽。正看此山景致，忽听脑后一声锣响，太师急勒转坐骑，原来是山下走阵；走的乃是长蛇阵，阵头一将，面如蓝靛，发似朱砂，上下獠牙，金甲红袍，坐下黑马，手使一柄开山斧。闻太师贪看走阵，不觉被山下士卒看见：闻太师身穿红袍，坐骑一兽，用两根金鞭，偷看阵势。士卒竟不走阵，来报主将：“启大王千岁：山上有一人探看吾等巢穴。”那人见说，抬头一看，大怒，速命退了阵，把马一磕，那马飞上山来。闻太师看见一将飞来，甚是英雄，十分勇猛，心中大喜：“收得此人，去伐西岐，乃是用人之际。”心上正自踌躇，不觉那马已到面前，只见来将大呼曰：“你是何人？好大胆！敢来探吾山穴！”闻太师曰：“贫道看此山幽静，欲化此结一茅庵，早晚诵一二卷“黄庭”；不识将军肯否？”来人大怒，骂道：“好妖道！”催开马，摇手中斧，飞来直取。闻太师用金鞭急架忙迎。鞭斧交加，勇战在高山之上。闻大师征伐多年，不知见过多少豪杰，那里把他放在眼里。见这将使的斧也有些本领，“待吾收了此人，往西岐去，虽无大成，亦有小就。”太师把骑一拨，往东就走。那人赶来。闻太师听脑后铃声响亮，把金鞭一指，平地现出一座金墙，把这一员大将围裹在内，用金遁遁了。太师依旧还往这山上，下了战骑，倚松靠石坐下。太师看有几道杀气隐在山中，默然。不提。

Now, Grand Master Wen looked upon the treacherous mountain and gave orders to station his troops. He urged open the Black Qilin's scales and personally ascended the mountain to inspect it. He saw a stretch of level ground, which seemed like a battlefield. Grand Master Wen sighed and said, "What a magnificent mountain! If only Chao Ge were peaceful, old man I would come to Huanghua Mountain for quiet leisure and enjoy much happiness!" He also saw graceful green bamboo, ancient trees and tall pines, all of which were endless in their beauty to admire. Just as he was admiring the mountain scenery, suddenly a gong rang from behind. Grand Master Wen quickly reined in his horse and turned around—only to find that it was an advancing formation coming up from below the mountain; the formation was a Longshe Formation (Snake Array). At the head of the array rode a general with a face as blue as indigo, hair like cinnabar red, fangs both upper and lower, clad in golden armor and a crimson robe. He rode a black horse and wielded an axe for cleaving mountains. Grand Master Wen, engrossed in watching the advancing formation, failed to notice that the soldiers below had spotted him: Grand Master Wen was wearing a crimson robe and riding an animal-like creature, holding two golden whips as he secretly observed the array. The soldiers did not continue with their formation but instead came to report to their commander: "Your Majesty, there is a man on the mountain peering into our stronghold." Hearing this, that general looked up and became furious. He quickly ordered the formation to withdraw, spurred his horse forward, and galloped swiftly up the mountain. Grand Master Wen saw a general galloping up the mountain with great speed and was impressed by his heroic appearance and boldness. Delighted, he thought to himself, "If I can recruit this man, it will be just in time for using capable people when we march against Xi Qi." While lost in thought, he did not realize the horse had already arrived before him. The approaching general shouted loudly, "Who are you?" How bold of you! Daring to spy on our mountain stronghold!" Grand Master Wen said, "I found this mountain quiet and secluded, so I wished to build a small hermitage here and recite one or two chapters of the 'Huangting Jing' in the morning and evening; I wonder if General would be willing?" The general became furious and scolded, "You wretched sorcerer!" He spurred his horse forward and raised the axe in hand to charge straight at him. Grand Master Wen hurriedly raised his golden whip to block and meet the attack. Whip and axe clashed as they fiercely fought atop the high mountain. Grand Master Wen had been waging wars for many years and had encountered countless heroes—how could he possibly take this man seriously? Seeing that the general's axe skills were somewhat formidable, he thought, "Let me subdue this man and take him to Xi Qi. Even if it does not lead to great success, there will be some minor achievement." Grand Master Wen turned his mount sharply and rode eastward. That general pursued him. Grand Master Wen heard the ringing of hooves behind him, raised his golden whip, and at once a golden wall appeared from the ground, enclosing that general within. He then used the Golden Escape technique to vanish. Grand Master Wen returned to this mountain as before, dismounted from his warhorse, and sat down leaning against a pine tree and beside a rock. Grand Master Wen observed several strands of killing qi hidden within the mountain and fell silent. He did not mention it.

且说小校报上山来：“启二位千岁：有一穿红的道人，把大千岁引入一阵黄气之内，就不见了。”二将急问报事喽罗：“如今在那里？”小校答曰：“如今现在山上坐著。”二人大怒，忙上马持兵，众喽罗齐声呐喊，杀上山来。闻太师看见，慢慢的上了墨麒麟，把金鞭一指，大呼曰：“二将慢来！”二将见闻太师是三只眼的道人，也自惊讶，乃上前喝曰：“你是何人，敢在此行凶，将吾兄长摄在那里去了？好好送还，饶你一命！”闻太师曰：“方才那蓝脸的，无知触我，被我一鞭打死了。你二人又来做甚么？我非有别意，欲化此黄花山修炼，你二人肯么？”二人大怒，把马催开，一个使枪便取，一个使双愰打来。闻太师使开金鞭，冲杀上下，三骑交加。闻太师勒转墨麒麟，往南就走。二将赶来。太师把鞭一指，将水遁了张天君，木遁遁了陶天君。──此一回乃闻太师收邓、辛、张、陶四天君。──闻太师依旧还坐在山坡之上。且说喽罗来报辛天君。辛天君正在山后收粮，忽见小喽罗来报：“二千岁，祸事不小！”辛环问曰：“有何事？”小校曰：“三位千岁，被一道人打死了。”辛环听说，大叫一声：“气杀我也！”忙提锤钻，将胁下双肉翅一夹，飞起空中。一阵风响，只听得半空中声似雷鸣，至山上，大呼曰：“好妖道！将吾兄弟打死，岂可让你独生乎！”闻太师当中眼睁开看时，好凶恶之像，二翅飞来。怎见得，赞曰： 二翅空中响，头戴虎头冠，面如红枣色，顶上宝光寒，锤钻定天下，獠牙嘴上安，一怒无遮挡，飞来势若鸾。

Meanwhile, a junior officer reported up the mountain: "Your Excellencies, there is a red-robed Taoist who led Grand Lord Da into an array of yellow mist and then disappeared." The two generals quickly asked the messenger: "Where is he now?" The junior officer replied, "He is currently sitting on the mountain." The two generals became furious and quickly mounted their horses with weapons in hand. Their soldiers shouted in unison as they charged up the mountain. Grand Master Wen saw this, slowly mounted his Black Qilin, raised his golden whip and shouted, "You two generals, hold back!" The two generals saw that Grand Master Wen was a Taoist with three eyes and were startled. They stepped forward and shouted, "Who are you? How dare you act so recklessly here—where have you taken my elder brother?" Return him to us at once, or we'll kill you!" Grand Master Wen said, "That blue-faced general just now was ignorant and provoked me. I killed him with a single whip strike. What are you two coming here for?" I have no ill intentions; I wish to cultivate on this Huanghua Mountain. Will the two of you agree?" The two generals became furious, spurred their horses forward—one wielded a spear to strike, while the other attacked with twin halberds. Grand Master Wen brandished his golden whip and charged up and down, clashing in fierce combat among the three riders. Grand Master Wen reined in his Black Qilin and rode southward at once. The two generals pursued him. Grand Master Wen raised his whip and, with a Water Escape technique, sent Zhang Tianjun away; he then used the Wood Escape to send Tao Tianjun off. ——This chapter recounts how Grand Master Wen subdued the four Heavenly Lords: Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao. ——Grand Master Wen returned as before to sit atop the hillside. Meanwhile, a soldier came to report to Xin Tianjun. Xin Tianjun was just collecting provisions at the back of the mountain when suddenly a junior soldier came to report, "My Lord, there is great trouble!" Xin Huan asked, "What happened?" The junior officer said, "Three of our lords were killed by a Taoist." Xin Huan heard this and cried out in rage, "This is enough to kill me with anger!" He quickly took up his hammers, clamped the pair of fleshy wings under his armpits, and flew into the air. A gust of wind howled; a thunderous voice was heard from midair, reaching the mountain top. He shouted loudly, "You wretched sorcerer! You killed my brothers—how can you be allowed to live alone?" Grand Master Wen opened his third eye and looked up. There was a fearsome figure with two wings flying toward him. How can this be described? A verse says: Two wings flap in the air, a tiger-headed crown on his head; His face is as red as jujube, with cold radiance atop. With hammers and drills to decide the world, fangs planted at his mouth— When he rages, nothing can stop him; flying like a phoenix in might.

话说闻太师见而大喜；“真奇异豪杰！”那人照闻太师顶上一锤打来。太师用鞭急架忙迎。锤鞭骁勇，杀法精奇。太师掩一鞭，望东便走。辛环大呼：“妖道那里去？吾来了！”把双翅一夹，即到顶上。他不知闻太师有多大本领，任意行凶。闻太师自忖：“五遁之中，遁不得此人。”且将金鞭照路傍一块山，连指两三指，命黄巾力士：“将此山石把这人压了！”力士得法旨，忙将此山石平空飞起，把辛环挟腰压下来。怎知闻太师： 玄中道术多奇异，倒海移山谈笑中。

Now, Grand Master Wen saw this and was greatly pleased; "Truly an extraordinary hero!" That man swung a hammer and struck straight at the top of Grand Master Wen's head. Grand Master Wen quickly raised his whip to block it. The clash of hammers and whips was fierce, with bold and ingenious combat techniques. Grand Master Wen deflected the attack with his whip and turned eastward to flee. Xin Huan shouted, "Where are you going, sorcerer?" I'm coming!" He clamped his wings and flew straight to the summit. Unaware of Grand Master Wen's formidable abilities, he acted with reckless aggression. Grand Master Wen thought to himself, "Among the Five Escapes, I cannot evade this man." He took his golden whip and pointed at a rock beside the path two or three times, commanding the Yellow Turban Warriors: "Crush this man with these stones!" The warriors received the command and hurriedly lifted the mountain stone from midair, grabbing Xin Huan by the waist to press him down. Little did they know of Grand Master Wen: His Taoist arts are full of wonders, Moving mountains and seas with a mere smile.

刚才把辛环压住了，闻太师勒转墨麒麟，举鞭照顶门上打来。辛环大叫曰：“老师慈悲！弟子不识高明，冒犯天威，望老师救宥。若得再生，感恩非浅！”太师把鞭放在辛环顶上曰：“你认不得我。吾非道者，我是朝歌闻太师是也。因征伐西岐，往此经过，你那蓝脸的人，无故来伤我。你还是欲生乎？欲死乎？”辛环大叫：“太师老爷！小的不知是太师驾过此山，早知，应当远迓。冒犯天颜，万望恕小人死罪。”太师曰：“你既欲生，吾便赦汝。只是要在吾门下，往征西歧。若是有功，不失腰玉之福。”辛环曰：“若是贵人肯提拔下士，末将愿从麾下指挥。”太师把鞭一指，黄巾力士将山石揭去；辛环站不起来，半晌方能站立，拜倒在地。闻太师扶起。太师收了辛环，方倚松靠石坐下。辛环站在一傍。闻太师问曰：“黄花山有多少人马？”辛环答曰：“此山方圆有六十里，啸聚喽罗，一万有馀，粮草颇多。”太师不觉大喜。辛环跪下哀告曰：“前来三将，望太师老爷一例慈悲赦宥。若得回生，愿尽驽骀，以报知遇之恩。”闻太师道：“你还要他来？”辛环曰：“名虽各姓，情同手足。”闻太师曰：“既然如此，你等也是有义气的。站开了！”太师发手，一声雷鸣，振动山岳。且说遁的三将，一时揉眉擦眼：邓天君不见了金墙；张天君不见了大海；陶荣不见了大林。三将走马回山，只见辛环站在那穿红的道人傍边。邓忠大怒，声若巨雷，叫：“贤弟，与吾拿住那妖道！”话还未了，张、陶二将齐叫：“拿妖道！”也不知闻太师性命如何？且看下回分解。

Just as Xin Huan was being crushed, Grand Master Wen reined his Black Qilin around and raised his whip to strike down at the top of his head. Xin Huan cried out, "Master, have mercy!" Your disciple did not recognize your greatness and dared to offend heaven's might. I beg you, Master, to save and forgive me." If given a second life, my gratitude will be boundless!" Grand Master placed his whip on Xin Huan's head and said, "You do not recognize me." "I am no Daoist; I am Wen Taishi of Chaoguo." "On my way to campaign against Xi Qi, your blue-faced man attacked me without cause." "Do you still wish to live?" Or would you rather die?" Xin Huan shouted, "Grand Master Sir!" "I did not know it was Grand Master passing through this mountain. Had I known, I should have come to greet you from afar." "To have offended heaven's presence is a grave crime; I humbly beg your forgiveness for my death sentence." Grand Master said, "Since you wish to live, I shall pardon you. But you must serve under me and join the campaign against Xi Qi." "If you achieve merit, you will not be without the fortune of a waist sash of jade." Xin Huan said, "If a noble person would deign to promote an obscure scholar, your humble general is willing to follow and obey under your command." Grand Master pointed his whip once, and the Yellow Turban Warriors lifted away the mountain stones; Xin Huan could not stand up immediately and was only able to rise after a while, bowing on the ground. Grand Master Wen helped him up. After taking Xin Huan under his command, Grand Master leaned against a pine tree and sat by the rock. Xin Huan stood nearby. Grand Master Wen asked, "How many troops and horses are there at Huanghua Mountain?" Xin Huan replied, "This mountain is sixty li in circumference. It has gathered over ten thousand outlaws and has a plentiful supply of provisions." Grand Master could not help but be greatly pleased. Xin Huan knelt down and pleaded sorrowfully, "The three generals who came before me, I humbly request that Grand Master Sir show equal mercy and pardon them. If they are given a chance to live again, they will give their utmost effort, however feeble, to repay the kindness of your recognition." Grand Master Wen said, "Are you still asking for them to come?" Xin Huan said, "Though their names are different surnames, our bond is as close as brothers." Grand Master Wen said, "If that be the case, you all are men of righteousness. "Stand aside!" Grand Master raised his hand, and with a thunderous roar, the mountains trembled. Meanwhile, the three generals who had escaped were rubbing their eyes in confusion: Deng Tianjun could no longer see the golden wall; Zhang Tianjun could not find the great sea; and Tao Rong could no longer see the vast forest. The three generals rode back to the mountain, only to find Xin Huan standing beside the red-robed Daoist. Deng Zhong was furious and shouted like thunder, calling out, "Dear brother, seize that demon Daoist for me!" Before the words were finished, Generals Zhang and Tao both shouted in unison, "Seize the demon Daoist!" No one knew what would become of Grand Master Wen's life. We shall see in the next chapter.