Chapter 44: Zi Ya's Soul Wanders Kunlun Mountain

诗曰： 左道妖魔事更偏，咒诅魇魅古今传。伤人不用飞神剑，索魄何须取命笺。 多少英雄皆弃世，任他豪杰尽遍泉。谁知天意俱前定，一脉游魂去复连。

The poem says: Left-path demons and devils act even more biased, curses and haunting spirits are passed down through ancient and modern times. To injure people one need not wield the flying divine sword; to seize a soul, why must one take a life note? How many heroes have abandoned this world, leaving all valiant men to be completely scattered like flowing springs. Who knows that Heaven's will is entirely predestined; a single thread of wandering soul departs and then connects again.

话说秦天君讲“天绝阵”，对闻太师曰：“此阵乃吾师曾演先天之数，得先天清气，内藏混沌之机，中有三首旛，按天、地、人三才，共合为一气。若人入此阵内，有雷鸣之处，化作灰尘；仙道若逢此处，肢体震为粉碎，故曰‘天绝阵’也。”有诗为证： 天地三才颠倒推，玄中玄妙更难猜。神仙若遇“天绝阵”，顷刻肢体化成灰。

It is said that Lord Qintian spoke of the "Heavenly Cessation Formation," addressing Minister Wen Taishi, saying: "This formation was once demonstrated by my master according to the preheaven numbers. It attains the pure energy of Heaven before creation and contains within it the mechanism of chaos. In its center are three banners with three heads, arranged in accordance with the Three Talents of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, combining together into a single vital force." If someone enters this formation, where thunder resounds, they will be reduced to dust; even if an immortal encounters this place, their limbs and body will shatter into pieces. Hence it is called the 'Heavenly Cessation Formation.'" There is a poem to attest: The Three Talents of Heaven and Earth are reversed and pushed, the mystery within mysteries becomes even harder to fathom. If immortals encounter the "Heavenly Cessation Formation," in an instant their limbs and bodies will turn into ashes.

闻太师听罢大喜。又问：“‘地烈阵’如何？”赵天君曰：“吾‘地烈阵’亦按地道之数，中藏凝厚之体，外现隐跃之妙，变化多端，内隐一首红旛，招动处，上有雷鸣，下有火起。凡人、仙进此阵，再无复生之理；纵有五行妙术，怎逃此厄！”有诗为证： “地烈”炼成分浊厚，上雷下火太无情。就是五行乾健体，难逃骨化与形倾。

Minister Wen Taishi, after hearing this, was greatly pleased. He then asked: "How about the 'Earth Shattering Formation'?" Lord Zhao Tiantong said: "My 'Earth Shattering Formation' also follows the numbers of Earth's principles. It contains within it a condensed and thick body, while externally displaying subtle and hidden wonders, with ever-changing transformations. Inside is concealed one red banner; where it moves, thunder resounds above and fire erupts below." Ordinary people or immortals who enter this formation will have no chance of survival; even if they possess the wondrous techniques of the Five Elements, how could they escape this calamity!" There is a poem to attest: The "Earth Shattering" formation refines into thick and turbid essence; the thunder above and fire below are too merciless. Even if one possesses a strong body of the Five Elements, it is hard to escape having bones turned to dust and form collapsing.

闻太师又问：“‘风吼阵’何如？”董天君曰：“吾‘风吼阵’中藏玄妙，按地、水、火、风之数，内有风、火。此风、火乃先天之气，三昧真火，百万兵刃，从中而出。若人、仙进此阵，风、火交作，万刃齐攒，四肢立成虀粉。怕他有倒海移山之异术，难免身体化成脓。”有诗为证： “风吼阵”中兵刃窝，暗藏玄妙若天罗。伤人不怕神仙体，消尽浑身血肉多。

Minister Wen Taishi then asked: "How about the 'Roaring Wind Formation'?" Lord Dong Tiantong said: "Within my 'Roaring Wind Formation,' there are hidden mysteries, following the numbers of Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. Inside it contain wind and fire." This wind and fire are the primordial energies of Heaven before creation, the Threefold True Fire. From within emerge hundreds of thousands of weapons like blades. If ordinary people or immortals enter this formation, wind and fire will work together, with ten thousand blades converging at once; their limbs will instantly be reduced to minced powder. Even if they possess extraordinary techniques capable of overturning the sea or moving mountains, it is difficult for them to avoid their bodies turning into pus." There is a poem to attest: Within the "Roaring Wind Formation" lies a nest of weapons, secretly containing mysteries as if an heavenly net. It harms people without fearing the bodies of immortals; it consumes all their blood and flesh completely.

闻太师又问：“‘寒冰阵’内有何妙用？”袁天君曰：“此阵非一日功行乃能炼就，名为‘寒冰’，实为刀山。内藏玄妙，中有风雷，上有冰山如狼牙，下有冰块如刀剑。若人、仙入此阵，风雷动处，上下一磕，四肢立成虀粉。纵有异术，难免此难。”有诗为证： 玄功炼就号“寒冰”，一座刀山上下凝。若是人仙逢此阵，连皮带骨尽无凭。

Minister Wen Taishi asked again: "What wondrous effects are within the 'Frosty Ice Formation'?" Lord Yuan Tiantong said: "This formation cannot be refined in a single day's effort; it is named the 'Frosty Ice,' but in reality, it is a mountain of blades." It contains hidden mysteries; within are wind and thunder. Above are ice mountains resembling wolf teeth, while below are blocks of ice like blades and swords. If ordinary people or immortals step into this formation, when wind and thunder move, the upper and lower parts collide at once; their limbs are instantly reduced to minced powder. Even if they possess extraordinary skills, it is hard for them to escape this calamity." There is a poem to attest: Refined through mysterious power, it bears the name "Frosty Ice," a mountain of blades solidified above and below. If ordinary people or immortals encounter this formation, their skin and bones will all vanish without trace.

闻太师又问：“‘金光阵’妙处何如？”金光圣母曰：“贫道‘金光阵’，内夺日月之精，藏天地之气，中有二十一面宝镜，用二十一根高杆，每一面悬在高杆顶上，一镜上有一套。若人、仙入阵，将此套拽起，雷声震动镜子，只一二转，金光射出，照住其身，立刻化为脓血，纵会飞腾，难越此阵。”有诗为证： 宝镜非铜又非金，不向炉中火内寻。纵有天仙逢此阵，须臾形化更难禁。闻太师又问：“‘化血阵’如何用度？”孙天君曰：“吾此阵法用先天灵气，中有风雷，内藏数片黑砂。但人、仙入阵，雷响处，风卷黑砂，些须著处，立化血水。纵是神仙，难逃利害。”有诗为证： 黄风卷起黑砂飞，天地无光动杀威。任你仙人闻此气，涓涓血水溅征衣。

Minister Wen Taishi again asked: "What are the wondrous aspects of the 'Golden Radiance Formation'?" Jinguang Shengmu said: "My 'Golden Radiance Formation,' draws the essence of sun and moon, contains the vital energy of Heaven and Earth. Within it are twenty-one precious mirrors, mounted on twenty-one tall poles; each mirror is suspended at the top of a pole, with one set per mirror." If ordinary people or immortals enters the formation, when this set is pulled up, thunderous sounds shake the mirrors; with just one or two rotations, golden radiance shoots out and illuminates their bodies, instantly turning them into pus and blood. Even if they can fly, it will be hard for them to escape beyond this formation." There is a poem to attest: The precious mirrors are neither bronze nor gold, not found within the fire of a furnace. Even if an immortal from Heaven encounters this formation, in moments their form will be transformed and it is hard to resist. Minister Wen Taishi once again asked: "How is the 'Blood Transmutation Formation' used?" Lord Sun Tiantong said: "My formation technique uses the primordial spiritual energy of Heaven. Within it are wind and thunder, secretly containing several pieces of black sand." Whenever ordinary people or immortals enter the formation, where thunder sounds, wind sweeps up black sand; wherever it touches slightly, they instantly turn into blood and water. Even if one is an immortal, escaping this danger will be difficult." There is a poem to attest: Yellow winds raise black sand into the air, Heaven and Earth lose their light as killing power stirs. No matter how powerful an immortal you are, upon sensing this aura, your blood will drip like water and stain your battle robes.

闻太师又问：“‘烈焰阵’又是如何？”白天君曰：“吾‘烈焰阵’妙用无穷，非同凡品：内藏三火，有三昧火、空中火、石中火。三火并为一气。中有三首红旛。若人、仙进此阵内，三旛展动，三火齐飞，须臾成为灰烬。纵有避火真言，难躲三昧真火。”有诗为证： 燧人方有空中火，炼养丹砂炉内藏。坐守离宫为首领，红旛招动化空亡。

Minister Wen Taishi asked once more: "What about the 'Blazing Flame Formation'?" Lord Bai Tiantong said: "My 'Blazing Flame Formation' has boundless wondrous uses, unlike ordinary formations; it contains within it three types of fire—Threefold True Fire, Skyfire, and Stonefire." The three fires merge into a single vital force. Within it are three red banners with three heads each. If ordinary people or immortals were to enter this formation, the three banners would be raised and moved, causing all three fires to rise together; in a moment they would become ashes. Even if one has true words for avoiding fire, it is hard to avoid the Threefold True Fire." There is a poem as evidence: Suiren first discovered Skyfire, refined and cultivated cinnabar hidden within the furnace. Sitting in charge of the Li Palace as leader, the red banners are raised and moved, transforming everything into emptiness and oblivion.

太师问：“‘落魂阵’奇妙如何？”姚天君曰：“吾此阵非同小可，乃闭生门，开死户，中藏天地厉气，结聚而成。内有白纸旛一首，上存符印。若人、仙入阵内，白旛展动，魄消魂散，倾刻而灭；不论神仙，随入随灭。”有诗为证： 白纸旛摇黑气生，炼成妙术透虚盈。从来不信神仙体，入阵魂消魄自倾。

Minister Wen Taishi asked: "What is wondrous about the 'Soul-Falling Formation'?" Yao Tiantong said: "My formation is no ordinary one; it closes the gate of life and opens the door of death. Within it are hidden the fierce energies of Heaven and Earth, condensed together." Inside is a single white paper banner with talismanic seals upon it. If ordinary people or immortals entered the formation, and the white banner was raised and moved, their souls would disperse and their spirits vanish in an instant; regardless of whether they are immortals or not, they would be destroyed as soon as they entered." There is a poem to testify: The white paper banner sways, black qi arises; the wondrous technique refined pierces through emptiness and fullness. No one has ever believed in the bodies of immortals—entering this formation, their souls vanish and spirits collapse on their own.

太师又问：“如何为‘红水阵’？其中妙用如何？”王天君曰：“吾‘红水阵’内夺壬癸之精，藏天乙之妙，变幻莫测。中有一八卦台，台上有三个葫芦，任随人、仙入阵，将葫芦往下一掷，倾出红水，汪洋无际。若其水溅出一点粘在身上，顷刻化为血水。纵是神仙，无术可逃。有诗为证： 炉内阴阳真奥妙，炼成壬癸里边藏。饶君就是金刚体，遇水粘身顷刻亡。

Minister Wen Taishi asked further: "What is the 'Red Water Formation'?" What are its wondrous effects?" Wang Tiantong said: "Within my 'Red Water Formation,' I seize the essence of Ren and Gui, conceal the wondrous power of Tianyi, and it transforms in unpredictable ways." In the center is an Eight Trigrams Platform, on which there are three gourds. No matter who enters this formation—ordinary people or immortals—the gourds are thrown downward, spilling red water that spreads into boundless oceans. If even a single drop of this water splashes onto one's body and sticks, in an instant they will turn into blood and water. Even if one is an immortal deity, there is no technique to escape. There is a poem as testimony: The true mysteries of yin and yang within the furnace, refined into Ren and Gui hidden inside. Even if you possess a Diamond Body, upon encountering this water and it sticks to your body, death will come in an instant.

闻太师又问：“‘红沙阵’毕竟愈出愈奇，更烦请教，以快愚意。”张天君曰：“吾‘红沙阵’果然奇妙，作法更精。内按天、地、人三才，中分三气，内藏红砂三斗──看似红砂，著身利刃，上不知天，下不知地，中不知人。若人、仙冲入此阵，风雷运处，飞砂伤人，立刻骸骨俱成虀粉。纵有神仙佛祖，遭此再不能逃。”有诗为证： 红砂一撮道无穷，八卦炉中玄妙功。万象包罗为一处，方知截教有鸿蒙。

Minister Wen Taishi further asked: "The 'Red Sand Formation' becomes increasingly wondrous the more it is revealed. I would be most grateful if you could kindly instruct me, to satisfy my humble curiosity." Zhang Tiantong said: "My 'Red Sand Formation' is indeed wondrous and the method of creation even more refined." It follows the Three Talents of Heaven, earth, and humanity. It divides into three energies internally, containing within it three dou of red sand—though seemingly just red sand, when it touches one's body, it becomes sharp blades. Above, one no longer knows Heaven; below, one no longer knows Earth; in the middle, one no longer recognizes people. If ordinary people or immortals charge into this formation, where wind and thunder move, flying sand harms them; their bones and skeletons are instantly reduced to minced powder. Even if they possess divine powers, it is hard for anyone to escape the calamity of this formation." Even if one were an immortal or a Buddha, encountering this would make escape impossible. There is a poem to serve as evidence: A single pinch of red sand reveals endless Dao, the wondrous power hidden in the Eight Trigrams furnace. All phenomena are encompassed within one place; only then does one realize that the Jejie Sect possesses the primordial chaos of Hongmeng.

闻太师听罢，不觉大喜：“今得众道友到此，西岐指日可破。纵有百万甲兵，千员猛将，无能为矣。实乃社稷之福也！”内有姚天君曰：“列位道兄，据贫道论起来，西岐城不过弹丸之地，姜子牙不过浅行之夫，怎经得十绝阵起！只小弟略施小术，把姜子牙处死，军中无主，西岐自然瓦解。常言‘蛇无头而不行，军无主而自乱。’又何必区区与之较胜负哉？”闻太师曰：“道兄若有奇功妙术，使姜尚自死，又不张弓持矢，不致军士涂炭，此幸之幸也。敢问如何治法？”姚天君曰：“不动声色，二十一日，自然命绝。子牙纵是脱骨神仙，超凡佛祖，也难逃躲。”闻太师大喜，更问详细。姚斌附太师耳曰：“须……如此如此，自然命绝。又何劳众道兄费心。”闻太师喜不自胜，对众道友曰：“今日姚兄施大法力，为我闻仲治死姜尚，尚死诸将自然瓦解，功成至易。真所谓樽俎折冲，谈笑而下西岐。大抵今皇上洪福齐天，致感动列位道兄扶助。”众人曰：“此功让姚贤弟行之，总为闻兄，何言劳逸。”姚天君让过众人，随入“落魂阵”内，筑一土台，设一香案，台上扎一草人；草人身上写“姜尚”的名字；草人头上点三盏灯，足下点七盏灯，──上三盏名为催魂灯，下七盏名为促魄灯。姚天君在其中，披发仗剑，步罡念咒于台前，发符用印于空中，一日拜三次。连拜了三四日，就把子牙拜的颠三倒四，坐卧不安。

Minister Wen Taishi, upon hearing this, could not help but be greatly pleased: "Now that I have many Daoist friends here, the fall of Xi Qi is imminent. Even if there are a million armored troops and a thousand valiant generals, they will be powerless to resist." This is indeed a blessing for the state!" Among them, Lord Yao Tiantong said: "Dear Daoist brothers, according to my humble opinion, the city of Xi Qi is merely a small place no larger than a ball for playing cuju, and Jiang Ziya is but an ordinary man with shallow cultivation. How could he possibly withstand the Ten Cessation Formations!" If only my younger brother were to slightly employ a minor technique and execute Jiang Ziya, the army would lose its leader, and Xi Qi would naturally collapse. As the saying goes: "A snake cannot move without a head; an army will fall into chaos without a leader." Why then bother to engage in such petty contests of victory and defeat?" Minister Wen Taishi said: "If my Daoist brother possesses wondrous techniques or extraordinary skills to cause Jiang Shang to die on his own, without drawing bows or holding arrows, and thus avoid the suffering of soldiers, this would be a blessing among blessings. I dare ask, how should one proceed?" Yao Tiantong said: "Without making a sound or showing any signs, within twenty-one days, his life will naturally end. Even if Jiang Ziya were an immortal who has shed his bones or a transcendent Buddha, he would find it hard to escape." Minister Wen Taishi was greatly pleased and asked for further details. Yao Bin leaned close to Minister Wen's ear and said: "One must... do this, then that; naturally his life will end. There is no need for all of you Daoist brothers to trouble yourselves." Minister Wen Taishi could hardly contain his joy and said to the assembled Daoist friends: "Today, my brother Yao has exerted great spiritual power for me, Minister Wen Zhong, to kill Jiang Shang. Once he is dead, all the other generals will naturally disband; achieving success will be extremely easy. This truly exemplifies how a city can fall through negotiation and wit, captured with ease in conversation and laughter." All this is due to the great fortune of our present emperor, whose blessings reach Heaven itself, thus moving each of you Daoist brothers to offer your support." The others said: "Let this task be carried out by our worthy younger brother Yao; it is ultimately for the benefit of you, Brother Wen. Why speak of toil and ease?" Yao Tiantong, after modestly declining the others' praise, entered the "Soul-Falling Formation," built an earthen platform, set up a cinnabar altar on it, and erected a straw effigy on the platform; on the straw man's body was written the name "Jiang Shang"; three lamps were placed on the straw man's head, and seven lamps at his feet—the three above were called "Soul-Driving Lamps," while the seven below were named "Spirit-Urging Lamps." Yao Tiantong performed rituals within the formation, with disheveled hair and sword in hand, pacing according to the constellations while chanting incantations before the platform. He cast talismans and used seals in midair, bowing three times a day. After bowing for several days straight, Jiang Ziya became disoriented and restless, unable to sit or lie down in peace.

不说姚天君行法，且说子牙坐在相府与诸将商议破阵之策，默默不言，半筹无画。杨戬在侧，见姜丞相或惊或怪，无策无谋，容貌比前大不相同，心下便自疑惑：“难道丞相曾在玉虚门下出身，今膺重寄。况上天垂象，应运而兴，岂是小可；难道就无计破此十阵，便自颠倒如此！其实不解。”杨戬甚是虑。又过七八日，姚天君在阵中，把子牙拜吊了一魂二魄。子牙在相府，心烦意躁，进退不宁，十分不爽利；整日不理军情，慵懒常眠。众将、门徒俱不解是何缘故，也有疑无策破阵者，也有疑深思静摄者。不说相府众人猜疑不一。又过了十四五日，姚天君将子牙精魂气魄，又拜去了二魂四魄。子牙在府，不时憨睡，鼻息如雷。且说哪吒、杨戬与众大弟子商议曰：“方今兵临城下，阵摆多时，师叔全不以军情为重，只是憨睡，此中必有缘故。”杨戬曰：“据愚下观丞相所为，恁般颠倒，连日如在醉梦之间；似此动作，不像前番，似有人暗算之意。不然丞相学道昆仑，能知五行之术，善察阴阳祸福之机，安有昏迷如是，置大事若不理者！其中定有说话。”众人齐曰：“必有缘故。我等同入卧室，请上殿来，商议破敌之事，看是如何。”众人至内室前，问内侍人等：“丞相何在？”左右侍儿应曰：“丞相浓睡未醒。”众人命侍儿请丞相至殿上议事。侍儿忙入室请子牙，出得内室，门外武吉上前告曰：“老师每日安寝，不顾军国重务，关系甚大，将士忧心，恳求老师速理军情，以安周土。”子牙只得勉强出来，升了殿。众将上前，议论军前等事。子牙只是不言不语，如痴如醉。忽然一阵风响，哪吒没奈何，来试试子牙阴阳如何。哪吒曰：“师叔在上：此风甚是凶恶，不知主何凶吉？”子牙掐指一算，答曰：“今日正该刮风，原无别事。”众人不敢抵触。──看官：此时子牙被姚天君拜去了魂魄，心中模糊，阴阳差错了，故曰“该刮风”，如何知道祸福。──当日众人也无可奈何，只得各散。言休烦絮，不觉又过了二十日。姚天君把子牙二魂六魄俱已拜去了；止有得一魂一魄，其日竟拜出泥丸宫，子牙已死在相府。众弟子与门下诸将官，连武王驾至相府，俱环立而泣。武王亦泣而言曰：“相父为国勤劳，不曾受享安康，一旦致此，于心何忍，言之痛心！”众将听武王之言，不觉大痛。杨戬含泪，将子牙身上摸一摸，只见心口还热，忙来启武王曰：“不要忙，丞相胸前还热，料不能就死。且停在卧榻。”

Without mentioning Lord Yao Tiantong performing his rituals, let us instead speak of Jiang Ziya sitting in the Prime Minister's residence and discussing strategies to break through the formations with various generals. He remained silent, offering no plan or suggestion. Yang Jian, standing nearby, observed that Prime Minister Jiang was either startled or puzzled, with no strategy or plan at all. His appearance had changed greatly from before, and this caused Yang to feel suspicious: "Could it be that the prime minister once studied under the Yu Xu School, yet now bears such a heavy responsibility. Moreover, Heaven has manifested signs and appointed him to rise in accordance with destiny—how could this be something trivial; Could it really be that there is no plan to break through these ten formations, and yet he has become so disoriented!" In truth, I do not understand." Yang Jian was deeply worried. After another seven or eight days, Lord Yao Tiantong within the formation managed to extract one soul and two spirits from Jiang Ziya through his rituals. Jiang Ziya, in the Prime Minister's residence, felt mentally distressed and restless, uncertain whether to advance or retreat. He was extremely unsettled; he neglected military affairs all day long and often lay in bed listlessly. The generals and disciples alike could not understand the cause, some suspecting that there was no strategy to break through the formation, while others suspected he was deep in thought or meditating quietly. Without speaking of the differing suspicions among those at the Prime Minister's residence, After another fourteen or fifteen days, Lord Yao Tiantong, through his rituals, extracted two more souls and four spirits from Jiang Ziya's vital essence. Jiang Ziya in the residence would often fall into drowsy sleep, his breathing as loud as thunder. Meanwhile, Nezha, Yang Jian, and the senior disciples discussed among themselves: "Now that enemy troops have arrived at our gates and the formations have been in place for a long time, Uncle Master pays no attention to military affairs but only sleeps drowsily. There must be some reason behind this." Yang Jian said, "In my humble opinion, the prime minister's actions have been so disoriented that for days he has seemed to be in a drunken dream; such behavior is unlike his previous self. It seems as if someone is plotting against him secretly." Otherwise, as a disciple of the Kunlun School who has studied the Dao and understands the Five Elements, is skilled in discerning the mechanisms of yin-yang fortune and misfortune, how could he be so drowsy and indifferent to such important matters! There must certainly be an explanation for this." The group all replied, "There must be a reason. Let us all enter the chamber together and invite him to the hall to discuss strategies for defeating the enemy, and see what happens." The group arrived before the inner room and asked the attendants inside, "Where is the prime minister?" The attendants on either side replied, "The prime minister is sleeping soundly and has not yet woken." The group ordered the attendants to summon the prime minister to the hall for a discussion. The attendants hurried into the room to summon Jiang Ziya. As they exited the inner chamber, Wu Ji stepped forward and respectfully said before them: "Master has been sleeping soundly every day without attending to military or state affairs of great importance. The generals are deeply concerned. We humbly request that Master quickly take up matters of the army so as to ensure peace in Zhou territory." Jiang Ziya had no choice but to reluctantly come out and ascend the hall. The generals stepped forward and discussed matters concerning the military front. Jiang Ziya remained silent, neither speaking nor responding, as if in a daze or intoxicated. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through. Nezha had no choice but to test Jiang Ziya's yin-yang condition. Nezha said, "Uncle Master above: This wind is extremely fierce; I wonder what fortune or misfortune it foretells?" Jiang Ziya calculated with his fingers and replied, "The wind should blow today; there is nothing unusual about it." The group dared not challenge him. ——Dear readers: at this time, Jiang Ziya had been deprived of his soul and spirit by Lord Yao Tiantong. His mind was confused, and his perception of yin-yang was wrong. Hence he said, "The wind should blow today," without knowing fortune or misfortune. ——On that day, the people present had no choice but to disperse helplessly. Without further ado, another twenty days passed unnoticed. Lord Yao Tiantong had already extracted two souls and six spirits from Jiang Ziya; only one soul and one spirit remained. On that day, they were even extracted from the Niwan Palace; Jiang Ziya had already died in the Prime Minister's residence. The disciples and various generals under his command, along with King Wu himself who had arrived at the Prime Minister's residence to pay respects, all stood in a circle weeping. King Wu also wept and said, "My prime minister father worked tirelessly for the nation but never enjoyed peace or comfort. To see him fall to this fate in an instant is unbearable—how can I bear to speak of it! It breaks my heart!" The generals, upon hearing King Wu's words, could not help but feel deeply grieved. Yang Jian, with tears in his eyes, touched Jiang Ziya's body and found that the area around his heart was still warm. Hurriedly he approached King Wu and said, "Do not rush—there is still warmth at the prime minister's chest. I believe it is too soon for him to be dead." Let us leave him on his bed for now."

不言众将在府中慌乱。单言子牙一魂一魄，飘飘荡荡，杳杳冥冥，竟往封神台来。时有清福神迎迓，见子牙是魂魄，清福神柏鉴知道天意，忙将子牙魂魄轻轻的推出封神台来。但子牙原是有根行的人，一心不忘昆仑，那魂魄出了封神台，随风飘飘荡荡，如絮飞腾，迳至昆仑山来。适有南极仙翁闲游山下，采芝炼药，猛见子牙魂魄渺渺而来，南极仙翁仔细观看，方知是子牙的魂魄。仙翁大惊曰：“子牙绝矣。”慌忙赶上前，一把绰住了魂魄，装在葫芦里面，塞住了葫芦口，迳进玉虚宫，启掌教老师。才进得宫门，后面有人叫曰：“南极仙翁不要走！”仙翁及至回头看时，原来是太华山云霄洞赤精子。仙翁曰：“道友那里来？”赤精子曰：“闲居无事，特来会你游海岛，适山岳，访仙境之高明野士，看其著棋闲耍，如何？”仙翁曰：“今日不得闲。”赤精子曰：“如今止了讲，你我正得闲。他日若还开讲，你我俱不得闲矣。今日反说是不得闲，兄乃欺我。”仙翁曰：“我有要紧事，不得陪兄，岂为不得闲之说。”赤精子曰：“吾知你的事：姜子牙魂魄不能入窍之说，再无他意。”仙翁曰：“你何以知之？”赤精子曰：“适来言语，原是戏你。我正为子牙魂魄赶来。我因先到西岐山，封神台上见清福神柏鉴，说：‘子牙魂魄方才至此，被我推出，今游昆仑山去了。”故此特地赶来，方才见你进宫，故意问你。今子牙魂魄果在何处？”仙翁曰：“适间闲游崖前，只见子牙魂魄飘荡而至，及仔细观看方知；今已被吾装在葫芦内，要启老师知之，不意兄至。”赤精子曰：“多大事情，惊动教主。你将葫芦拿来与我，待吾去救子牙走一番。”仙翁把葫芦付与赤精子。赤精子心慌意急，借土遁离了昆仑，霎时来至西岐，到了相府前，有杨戬接住，拜倒在地，口称：“师伯今日驾临，想是为师叔而来。”赤精子答曰：“然也。快为通报！”杨戬入内，报与武王。武王亲自出迎。赤精子至银安殿，对武王打个稽首。武王竟以师礼待之，尊于上坐。赤精子曰：“贫道此来，特为子牙下山。如今子牙死在那里？”武王同众将士引赤精子进了内榻。赤精子见子牙合目不言，仰面而卧。赤精子曰：“贤王不必悲啼，毋得惊慌，只今他魂魄还体，自然无事。”赤精子同武王复至殿上。武王请问曰：“道长，相父不绝，还是用何药饵？”赤精子曰：“不必用药，自有妙用。”杨戬在旁问曰：“几时救得？”赤精子曰：“只消至三更时，子牙自然回生。”众人俱各欢喜，不觉至晚，已到三更。杨戬来请，赤精子整顿衣袍，起身出城。只见十阵内黑气迷天，阴云布合，悲风飒飒，冷雾飘飘，有无限鬼哭神嚎，竟无底止。赤精子见此阵十分险恶，用手一指，足下先现两朵白莲花，为护身根本，遂将麻鞋踏定莲花，轻轻起在空中。正是仙家妙用。怎见得，有诗为证： 道人足下白莲花，顶上祥光五色呈。只为神仙犯杀戒，“落魂阵”内去留名。

Without mentioning the chaos among the generals in the residence, Let us instead speak of Jiang Ziya's one remaining soul and spirit. Drifting aimlessly, they wandered into the unknown depths, eventually arriving at the Fengshen Pavilion. At that time, the Qingfu Shen deity came to greet him. Seeing that Jiang Ziya was only a soul and spirit, Qingfu Shen Baijian understood Heaven's will and quickly gently pushed Jiang Ziya's soul and spirit out of the Fengshen Pavilion. However, Jiang Ziya was originally a person of deep cultivation and never forgot Kunlun. His soul and spirit, having exited the Fengshen Pavilion, drifted with the wind, rising like fluff in flight, directly toward Kunlun Mountain. At that moment, the Old Man of Nanji was strolling leisurely at the foot of the mountain, gathering herbs to prepare medicine. Suddenly he saw Jiang Ziya's drifting soul and spirit approaching faintly. The Old Man of Nanji carefully observed them and realized they were Jiang Ziya's soul and spirit. The immortal elder was greatly shocked and said, "Jiang Ziya is gone!" In a hurry, he rushed forward and caught the soul and spirit with one hand, placing them inside a gourd. He sealed the mouth of the gourd tightly and went straight to Yu Xu Palace to report to the headmaster teacher. No sooner had he entered the palace gate than someone behind shouted, "Old Man of Nanji, do not go!" When the immortal elder turned around to look, he saw that it was none other than Chi Zhenzi of Yunxiao Cave on Taihua Mountain. The Old Man of Nanji asked, "Where are you coming from, Daoist friend?" Chi Zhenzi replied, "I had nothing to do and came especially to meet you for a trip to the island. I was just visiting the mountains and seeking out reclusive sages in hidden realms to watch them play chess idly. How about it?" The Old Man of Nanji said, "I have no time today." Chi Zhenzi said, "Now that the lecture has ended, you and I are just free. If another lecture is held in the future, neither of us will have time." To say today that you are busy is to deceive me, brother." The Old Man of Nanji replied, "I have an urgent matter and cannot accompany you, which is not a matter of being busy or idle." Chi Zhenzi said, "I know what your business is: it's about the claim that Jiang Ziya's soul and spirit cannot re-enter his body. There is no other intention." The Old Man of Nanji asked,"How do you know this?" Chi Zhenzi said, "My previous words were just a joke with you. I have come here in haste for Jiang Ziya's soul and spirit." I first arrived at Xiqi Mountain and saw Qingfu Shen Baijian on the Fengshen Pavilion who said, "Jiang Ziya's soul and spirit had just come here. I pushed them out, and now they are wandering toward Kunlun Mountain." Therefore, I hurriedly came especially for this matter. Just now when I saw you entering the palace, I deliberately asked you. Now that Jiang Ziya's soul and spirit are indeed here, where exactly are they?" The Old Man of Nanji said,"Just now, while strolling leisurely before the cliff, I saw Jiang Ziya's drifting soul and spirit arrive. Upon careful observation, I realized who they were; now they have already been placed inside my gourd, and I was about to report this to the teacher. I did not expect you would arrive." Chi Zhenzi said,"What a big matter! It has disturbed the Patriarch. Bring me the gourd and let me go save Jiang Ziya for a while." The Old Man of Nanji handed the gourd to Chi Zhenzi. Chi Zhenzi, filled with urgency and anxiety, borrowed the earth 遁 technique to leave Kunlun. In an instant he arrived at Xiqi and approached the Prime Minister's residence where Yang Jian came out to meet him, fell on his knees, and respectfully said, "Uncle Patriarch, your arrival today must be for the sake of my Uncle Master." Chi Zhenzi replied,"Indeed it is. Hurry and inform him!" Yang Jian went inside to report the news to King Wu. King Wu personally came out to greet him. Chi Zhenzi arrived at Yin'an Hall and paid a respectful bow to King Wu. King Wu treated him with the utmost respect, seating him in an honored position above all others. Chi Zhenzi said,"I have come here especially to bring Jiang Ziya down from the mountain. Now, where exactly did Jiang Ziya die?" King Wu and the generals led Chi Zhenzi into the inner chamber. Chi Zhenzi saw that Jiang Ziya had his eyes closed, said nothing, and lay on his back. Chi Zhenzi said,"Your Majesty need not grieve or weep, nor should you be alarmed. Now that his soul and spirit return to his body, he will naturally recover." Chi Zhenzi and King Wu returned together to the hall. King Wu respectfully asked,"Master Daoist, since my prime minister father is not dead after all, what medicine should be used to revive him?" Chi Zhenzi said,"There is no need for medicine; there will naturally be a wondrous method." Yang Jian, standing by, asked,"When can he be saved?" Chi Zhenzi said,"It will only take until the third watch of the night; Jiang Ziya will naturally return to life." Everyone was overjoyed. Unaware of how quickly time passed, it had already come to the third watch. Yang Jian came to invite him, and Chi Zhenzi adjusted his robe and rose to leave the city. Looking ahead, the ten formations were filled with dark mist that obscured the sky. Dense clouds gathered together; mournful winds howled and cold fog drifted endlessly. There was an infinite wailing of ghosts and crying of spirits, without end or limit. Chi Zhenzi observed that this formation was extremely perilous. With a wave of his hand, two white lotus flowers appeared beneath his feet as protective foundations. He stepped onto the lotuses with his straw sandals and gently rose into midair. This was indeed a wondrous technique of the immortals. How can this be seen? A poem serves as evidence: Beneath the Daoist's feet bloom white lotus flowers, and auspicious five-colored light shines above his head. It is because immortals have violated the precept against killing; they go to leave their names within the "Soul-Dropping Formation."

话说赤精子站在空中，见十阵好生凶恶，杀气贯于天界，黑雾罩于岐山。赤精子正看，只见“落魂阵”内姚斌在那里披发仗剑，步罡踏斗于雷门，又见草人顶上一盏灯，昏昏惨惨，足下一盏灯，半灭半明。姚斌把令牌一击，那灯往下一灭，一魂一魄在葫芦中一迸；幸葫芦口儿塞住，焉能迸得出来。姚天君连拜数拜，其灯不灭。──大抵灯不灭，魂不绝。──姚斌不觉心中焦躁，把令牌一拍，大呼曰：“二魂六魄已至，一魂二魄为何不归！”不言姚天君发怒连拜。且说赤精子在空中，见姚斌方拜下去，把足下二莲花往下一坐，来抢草人。不意姚斌拜起抬头，看见有人落将下来，乃是赤精子。姚斌曰：“赤精子，原来你敢入吾‘落魂阵’抢姜尚之魂！”忙将一把黑砂望上一洒。赤精子慌忙疾走；饶著走得快，把足下二朵莲花落在阵里，赤精子几乎失陷落魂阵中；急忙驾遁，进了西岐。杨戬接住，见赤精子面色恍惚，喘息不定。杨戬曰：“老师可曾救回魂魄！”赤精子摇头连曰：“好利害！好利害！‘落魂阵’几乎连我陷于里面！饶我走得快，犹把我足下二朵白莲花打落在阵中。”武王闻说，大哭曰：“若如此言，相父不能回生矣！”赤精子曰：“贤王不必忧虑，料是无妨。此不过系子牙灾殃，如此迟滞，贫道如今往个所在去来。”武王曰：“老师往那里去？”赤精子曰：“吾去就来，你们不可走动，好生看待子牙。”分付已毕，赤精子离了西岐，脚踏祥光，借土遁来至昆仑山。不一时，有南极仙翁出玉虚宫而来，见赤精子至，忙问：“子牙魂魄可曾回？”赤精子把前事说了一遍，“……借重道兄，启师尊，问个端的：怎生救得子牙？”仙翁听说，入宫至宝座下，行礼毕，把子牙事细细陈说一番。元始曰：“吾虽掌此大教，事体倘有疑难。你叫赤精子可去八景宫见大老爷，便知始末。”仙翁领命出宫来，对赤精子曰：“老师分付：你可往八景宫去参谒大老爷，便知端的。”赤精子辞了南极仙翁，驾祥云往玄都而来。不一时已到仙山。此处乃大罗宫玄都洞，是老子所居之地，内有八景宫，仙境异常，令人把玩不暇。有诗为证，诗曰： 仙峰巅险，峻岭崔嵬。坡生瑞草，地长灵芝。根连地秀，顶接天齐。青松绿柳，紫菊红梅。碧桃银杏，火枣交梨。仙翁判画，隐者围棋。群仙谈道，静讲玄机。闻经怪兽，听法狐狸。彪熊剪尾，豹舞猿啼。龙吟虎啸，翠茖莺飞。犀牛望月，海马声嘶。 异禽多变化，仙鸟世间稀。孔雀谈经句，仙童玉笛吹。怪松盘古顶，宝树映沙堤。山高红日近，涧阔水流低。清幽仙境院，风景胜瑶池。此间无限景，世上少人知。

Speaking of Chi Zhenzi standing in midair, he saw the ten formations were extremely fierce. Killing energy pierced into Heaven itself, and dark mist covered Mount Qi. While Chi Zhenzi was observing, he saw inside the "Soul-Dropping Formation" that Yao Bin stood there with disheveled hair and a sword in hand, pacing through constellations at the Thunder Gate. He also noticed a lamp on top of the straw man, dim and gloomy, while another lamp beneath its feet flickered between extinguished and glowing. Yao Bin struck the token once, and that lamp dimmed downward; a soul and a spirit burst within the gourd. Fortunately, the mouth of the gourd was plugged tightly, so it could not burst out. Yao Tianjun bowed several times in succession, but the lamp did not go out. ——Generally speaking, as long as the lamp does not extinguish, the soul will not perish. ——Yao Bin could not help but feel anxious in his heart. He struck the token and shouted, "Two souls and six spirits have already arrived; why do one soul and two spirits still fail to return!" It is unnecessary to mention how Yao Tianjun angrily bowed repeatedly. Meanwhile, Chi Zhenzi in midair saw that as Yao Bin was just about to bow down, he sat the two lotuses beneath his feet downward and rushed forward to seize the straw man. Unexpectedly, as Yao Bin rose from bowing and looked up, he saw someone descending — it was Chi Zhenzi. Yao Bin said, "Chi Zhenzi, so you dared to enter my 'Soul-Dropping Formation' and seize Jiang Shang's soul!" He quickly took a handful of black sand and sprinkled it upward. Chi Zhenzi hurriedly fled in haste; Despite his quick escape, the two lotuses beneath his feet were left behind within the formation. Chi Zhenzi nearly fell into a trap and was trapped in the Soul-Dropping Formation; He hurriedly summoned his escape technique and entered Xi Qi. Yang Jian caught up with him, seeing that Chi Zhenzi's complexion was haggard and he breathed unevenly. Yang Jian said, "Master, did you manage to rescue the soul and spirit!" Chi Zhenzi shook his head repeatedly and said, "How fierce it was! How fierce!" "The 'Soul-Dropping Formation' nearly trapped me inside it! Despite my quick escape, they still knocked the two white lotuses beneath my feet and left them in the formation." King Wu heard this and wept bitterly, saying, "If that is so, then my father-in-law cannot return to life!" Chi Zhenzi said, "Your Majesty need not worry. I believe it will be fine. "This is merely a calamity for Zi Ya; such delays are to be expected. I, the poor Daoist, must now go somewhere else." King Wu asked, "Master, where will you go?" Chi Zhenzi said, "I shall return shortly. You must not move around and take good care of Zi Ya." After giving these instructions, Chi Zhenzi left Xi Qi. Treading on auspicious light and using the earth 遁 technique, he arrived at Kunlun Mountain. Not long after, the Old Man of Nanji emerged from Yu Xu Palace and saw Chi Zhenzi arrive. He hurriedly asked, "Have Zi Ya's soul and spirit returned?" Chi Zhenzi recounted the entire previous event, "…I beg you, Dao Xiong, to consult our Master and ask for a definite answer: how can we save Zi Ya?" After hearing this, the Old Man of Nanji entered the palace to the throne and, after bowing, carefully recounted the matter of Zi Ya in detail. Yuanshi said, "Although I preside over this great teaching, there may still be difficulties and uncertainties." "You should tell Chi Zhenzi to go to the Eight Views Palace to see the Great Lord, and he will then know all the details." The Old Man of Nanji accepted the order and came out of the palace. He said to Chi Zhenzi, "Master has given instructions: you should go to Eight Views Palace to pay respects to the Great Lord, then you will know for certain." Chi Zhenzi bid farewell to the Old Man of Nanji and rode on auspicious clouds toward Xuandu. Not long after, he had already arrived at the mountain of immortals. This place is Dluo Palace Xuandu Cave, the residence of Laozi. Inside it lies Eight Views Palace; the fairyland is extraordinary and so wondrous that one cannot help but admire it endlessly. There is a poem to serve as evidence, the poem says: The peaks of the fairy mountain are perilously high; the rugged ridges rise majestically. On the slopes grow auspicious herbs; on the ground sprout divine lingzhi mushrooms. Their roots connect to fertile earth, and their tops reach toward Heaven itself. Cedar trees are green, willows lush; purple chrysanthemums bloom alongside red plum blossoms. Jade peaches and ginkgo trees stand beside fire dates and jiao pears. Immortal elders paint and sketch; reclusive sages play Go. Groups of immortals discuss the Dao, quietly expounding profound mysteries. Monstrous beasts listen to scriptures in awe; foxes hear the Dharma and are transformed. Tigers shear their tails, leopards dance, and monkeys cry. Dragon roars, tiger howls; green bamboo sways as orioles fly. Rhinoceroses gaze at the moon; sea horses neigh in sorrowful tones. Strange birds often transform, and immortal birds are rare in the mortal world. Peacocks recite verses of scripture; fairy children play jade flutes. Strange cedars coil around the ancient peak, and precious trees reflect against sandy banks. The mountain is so high that the red sun seems near; the ravine is wide but the water flows gently low. Clear and secluded, this fairyland courtyard surpasses even the Jade Pool in beauty. The boundless scenery here is known to few in the mortal world.

话说赤精子至玄都洞，见上面一联云： 道判混元，曾见太极两仪生四象；鸿蒙传法，又将胡人西度出函关。

Speaking of Chi Zhenzi arriving at Xuandu Cave, he saw a couplet above the entrance that read: The Dao divides the primordial unity; one has seen Taiji and the Two Instruments giving rise to Four Symbols; Primordial chaos transmitted the Dharma, then passed it on to the western lands beyond Hangu Pass.

赤精子在玄都洞外，不敢擅入。等候一会，只见玄都大法师出宫外，看见赤精子，问曰：“道友到此，有甚么大事？”赤精子打稽首，曰称：“道兄！今无甚事，也不敢擅入。只因姜子牙魂魄游荡的事……”细说一番，“特奉师命，来见老爷。敢烦通报。”玄都大法师听说，忙入宫，至蒲团前行礼，启曰：“赤精子宫门外听候法旨。”老子曰：“招他进来。”赤精子入宫，倒身下拜：“弟子愿老师万寿无疆！”老子曰：“你等犯了此劫，‘落魂阵’姜尚有愆，吾之宝‘落魂阵’亦遭此厄，都是天数。汝等谨受法戒。”叫玄都大法师：“取太极图来。”付与赤精子。“将吾此图……如此行去，自然可救姜尚。你速去罢。”赤精子得了太极图，离了大罗宫，一时来至西岐。武王闻说赤精子回来，与众将迎迓至殿前。武王忙问曰：“老师那里去来？”赤精子曰：“今日方救得子牙。”众将听说，不觉大喜。杨戬曰：“老师，还到甚时候？”赤精子曰：“也到三更时分。”诸弟子专专等至三更来请，赤精子随即起身。出城行至十阵门前，捏土成遁，驾在空中，只见姚天君还在那里拜伏。赤精子将老君太极图打散抖开，──此图乃老君劈地开天，分清理浊，定地、水、火、风，包罗万象之宝。化了一座金桥，五色毫光，照耀山河大地，护持著赤精子往下一坠，一手正抓住草人！望空就走。姚天君见赤精子二进“落魂阵”来，大叫曰：“好赤精子！你又来抢我草人！甚是可恶！”忙将一斗黑砂望上一泼。赤精子叫一声：“不好！”把左手一放，将太极图落在阵里，被姚天君所得。且说赤精子虽是把草人抓出阵来，反把太极图失了，吓得魂不附体，面如金纸，喘息不定，在土遁内，几乎失利；落下遁光，将草人放下，把葫芦取出，收了子牙二魂六魄，装在葫芦里面，往相府前而来。只见众弟子正在此等候，远远望见赤精子忻然而来，杨戬上前请问曰：“老师！师叔魂魄可曾取得来么？”赤精子曰：“子牙事虽完了，吾将掌教大老爷的奇宝失在“落魂阵”，吾未免有陷身之祸！”众将同进相府。武王闻得取子牙魂魄已至，不觉大喜。赤精子至子牙卧榻，将子牙头发分开，用葫芦口合住子牙泥丸宫，连把葫芦敲了三四下，其魂魄依旧入窍。少时，子牙睁开眼，口称：“好睡！”急至看时，卧榻前武王、赤精子、众门人。子牙跃身而起。武王曰：“若非此位老师费心，焉得相父今生再面？”这会子牙方才醒悟，便问：“道兄何以知之，而救不才也？”赤精子把“‘十绝阵’内有一‘落魂阵’，姚斌将你魂魄拜入草人，腹内止得一魂一魄，天不绝你，魂游昆仑，我为你赶入玉虚宫，讨你魂魄；复入大罗宫，蒙掌教大老爷赐太极图救你；不意失在‘落魂阵’中。”子牙听毕，自悔根行甚浅，不能具知始末，“太极图乃玄妙之珍，今日误陷，奈何？”赤精子曰：“子牙今且调养身体，待平复后，共议破阵之策。”武王回驾，子牙调养数日，方才全愈。

Chi Zhenzi stood outside Xuandu Cave and dared not enter without permission. After waiting a while, he saw the Great Master of Xuandu emerge from the palace and spot Chi Zhenzi. He asked, "Dao friend, what important matter has brought you here?" Chi Zhenzi bowed deeply and said respectfully, "Dao Xiong! I have no particular business here and dared not enter without authorization. It is only because of the matter regarding Jiang Ziya's wandering soul and spirit…" He explained in detail, "…I have specially come to see you on my Master's orders. I humbly request your kind assistance in reporting this." After hearing this, the Great Master of Xuandu hurriedly entered the palace and knelt before the meditation cushion to report, "Chi Zhenzi is waiting outside the gate for your decree." Laozi said, "Bring him in." Chi Zhenzi entered the palace and fell to his knees with a bow: "Disciple wishes my Master eternal longevity!" Laozi said, "You have encountered this calamity. Jiang Shang was at fault in the 'Soul-Dropping Formation,' and even my treasure, the 'Soul-Dropping Array,' has suffered such a misfortune — all are dictated by Heaven's decree. You must strictly observe the precepts of the Dharma." He called to the Great Master of Xuandu, "Bring forth the Taiji Diagram." And handed it over to Chi Zhenzi. "Use my diagram like this… and proceed in such a way, and naturally you will be able to save Jiang Shang. You must go quickly now." Chi Zhenzi obtained the Taiji Diagram and left Dluo Palace, arriving at Xi Qi in no time. King Wu heard that Chi Zhenzi had returned and, together with the generals, welcomed him to the front of the hall. King Wu hurriedly asked, "Master, where have you come from?" Chi Zhenzi said, "I have just managed to save Zi Ya today." The generals heard this and could not help but rejoice greatly. Yang Jian said, "Master, until what time will it take?" Chi Zhenzi replied, "It will also be at the third watch." The disciples waited specifically until the third watch to invite him. Chi Zhenzi immediately rose up. He left the city and arrived before the ten formations, transformed earth into a 遁 technique to ride in midair. He saw that Yao Tianjun was still there bowing reverently. Chi Zhenzi unfolded and spread out the Taiji Diagram of Laojun. ——This diagram was created by Laojun to cleave earth, open Heaven, separate clarity from turbidity, establish Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind, and encompasses all phenomena in a precious treasure. It transformed into a golden bridge, radiating five-colored brilliance that illuminated the mountains and rivers of the land. It protected Chi Zhenzi as he descended downward, one hand firmly grasping the straw man! He dashed off into midair. Yao Tianjun saw Chi Zhenzi enter the "Soul-Dropping Formation" for the second time and shouted, "Good Chi Zhenzi! You have come again to seize my straw man!" How despicable!" He hurriedly took a bucket of black sand and poured it upward. Chi Zhenzi shouted, "No good!" With a wave of his left hand, he released the Taiji Diagram into the formation and it fell inside, where Yao Tianjun seized it. Meanwhile, although Chi Zhenzi had managed to seize the straw man out of the formation, he lost the Taiji Diagram in return. Terrified and nearly losing his soul, his face turned as pale as gold paper, and his breathing was uneven; within the earth 遁, he almost suffered a defeat; He abandoned the 遁 light, let go of the straw man, took out the gourd, collected Zi Ya's two souls and six spirits, placed them inside the gourd, and headed toward the Prime Minister's residence. Just then, the disciples were waiting here; from afar they saw Chi Zhenzi coming joyfully. Yang Jian stepped forward and asked respectfully, "Master! Have you managed to retrieve your uncle-teacher's soul and spirit?" Chi Zhenzi said, "Although the matter concerning Zi Ya is settled, I lost Master's precious treasure in the 'Soul-Dropping Formation,' and thus I am inevitably facing a calamity of entrapment!" The generals all advanced together to the Prime Minister's residence. King Wu, upon hearing that Zi Ya's soul and spirit had been retrieved, could not help but feel greatly delighted. Chi Zhenzi went to Zi Ya's bedside, parted his hair, placed the mouth of the gourd over Zi Ya's Tanshou Palace (Tanwan Gung), and knocked on the gourd three or four times; thus, his soul and spirit returned to their original place. After a short while, Zi Ya opened his eyes and said, "What a good sleep!" He hurriedly looked around and saw King Wu, Chi Zhenzi, and the disciples gathered before his bedside. Zi Ya sprang up from his bed. King Wu said, "Had it not been for the painstaking efforts of this master, how could we have met with my father-in-law again in this life?" At that moment, Zi Ya finally came to his senses and asked, "How did my Dao elder know of this and save me, an unworthy person?" Chi Zhenzi explained, "Inside the 'Ten Absolute Formations,' there is a 'Soul-Dropping Formation.' Yao Bin offered your soul and spirit into a straw man; within it, you only retained one soul and one spirit. Heaven did not abandon you, so your soul wandered to Kunlun Mountain. I hurried after it to Yu Xu Gong (the Jade Hall of Vacuity) on your behalf and retrieved your soul and spirit; I then returned to Da Luo Gong, where I was granted the Taiji Diagram by Master to save you; Unluckily, it was lost in the 'Soul-Dropping Array.'" After hearing this, Zi Ya regretted that his cultivation was shallow and he could not fully understand the beginning and end. "The Taiji Diagram is a most wondrous treasure," he said, "and today it has been mistakenly lost; what can be done?" Chi Zhenzi replied, "Zi Ya, you should now take care to restore your health. Once you have recovered, we will discuss together a strategy to break the formation." King Wu returned to his palace, and Zi Ya rested for several days before fully recovering.

翌日升殿，赤精子与诸人共议破阵之法，赤精子曰：“此阵乃左道旁门，不知深奥。既有真命，自然安妥。”言未毕，杨戬启子牙：“二仙山麻姑洞黄龙真人到此。”子牙迎接至银安殿，行礼毕，分宾主坐下。子牙曰：“道兄今到此，有何事见谕？”黄龙真人曰：“特来西岐，共破十绝阵。方今吾等犯了杀戒，轻重有分；众道友咫尺即来。此处凡俗不便，贫道先至，与子牙议论。可在西门外，搭一芦篷席殿，结绿悬花，以便三山五岳道友齐来，可以安歇。不然，有亵众圣，甚非尊贤之理。”子牙传令：“著南宫适、武吉起造芦篷，安放席殿。”又命杨戬：“在相府门首，但有众老师至，随即通报。”赤精子对子牙曰：“吾等不必在此商议，候造篷工完，篷上议事可也。”话非一日，武吉来报工完。子牙同二位道友、众门人，都出城来听用，止留武成王掌府事。话说子牙上了芦篷，铺毡佃地，悬花结彩，专候诸道友来至。大抵武王为应天顺人，仙圣自不绝而来，先来的是： 九仙山桃园洞广成子， 太华山云霄洞赤精子， 二仙山麻姑洞黄龙真人， 狭龙山飞云洞惧留孙──后入释成佛， 乾元山金光洞太乙真人， 崆峒山元阳洞灵宝大法师， 五龙山云霄洞文殊广法天尊──后成文殊菩萨， 九功山白鹤洞普贤真人──后成普贤菩萨， 普陀山落伽洞慈航道人──后成观世音大士， 玉泉山金霞洞玉鼎真人， 金庭山玉屋洞道行天尊， 青峰山紫阳洞清虚道德真君。

The next day, the court convened, and Chi Zhenzi discussed with others methods to break the formation. Chi Zhenzi said, "This formation is of a left-path heretical school, whose depth and intricacies are unknown. With true destiny at play, it will naturally be resolved safely." Before he could finish speaking, Yang Jian informed Zi Ya, "The True Man Huanglong from Machu Cave on Erxian Mountain has arrived here." Zi Ya welcomed him to the Yin'an Hall, and after bowing, they sat down with proper host-guest etiquette. Zi Ya said, "Dao elder, now that you have come here, what instructions do you have for me?" Huanglong Zhenren replied, "I have specially come to Xi Qi to jointly break the Ten Absolute Formations. At present, we have all violated the precept against killing, and there are distinctions in the severity of our transgressions; All my Dao companions will come here shortly. Since this place is inconvenient for worldly matters, I have arrived first to discuss with Zi Ya." You may build a reed pavilion and mat hall outside the western gate, hang green banners and flowers, so that Dao companions from the Three Mountains and Five Peaks can come together and have a place to rest. Otherwise, it would be disrespectful to all the sages, which is not in accordance with the principle of honoring virtuous people." Zi Ya gave orders: "Order Nan Gong Shi and Wu Ji to build the reed pavilion and set up the mat hall." He also ordered Yang Jian: "At the entrance of the Prime Minister's residence, whenever any senior masters arrive, immediately report to me." Chi Zhenzi said to Zi Ya, "We need not discuss here. Let us wait until the pavilion is completed; we can hold our meeting on top of it." It did not take long before Wu Ji reported that the work was finished. Zi Ya, together with his two Dao companions and all the disciples, went out of the city to attend to matters, leaving only Duke Wu Chengwang in charge of affairs at the residence. Meanwhile, Zi Ya had already ascended to the reed pavilion, where he laid down felt on the ground and hung flowers with colorful decorations, waiting specifically for all his Dao companions to arrive. Generally speaking, King Wu was destined to respond to Heaven and follow the people; thus, immortals and sages naturally came without interruption. The first to arrive were: Jiu Xian Shan Tao Yuan Dong Guangchengzi, Tai Hua Shan Yunxiao Dong Chi Zhenzi, Er Xian Shan Machu Dong Huanglong Zhenren, Xialong Shan Feiyun Dong Juliusun──later became a Buddha in Buddhism, Qianyuan Shan Jingguang Dong Taiyi Zhenren, Kongtong Shan Yuanyang Dong Lingbao Dafashi, Wulong Shan Yunxiao Dong Wenshu Guangfa Tiandou──later became Bodhisattva Wenshu, Jiugong Shan Baihe Dong Puxian Zhenren──later became Bodhisattva Puxian, Putuo Shan Luojia Dong Cihai Daoren──later became Guanyin Dashu (Great Bodhisattva Guanyin), Yuquan Shan Jinxia Dong Yuding Zhenren, Jinting Shan Yuwu Dong Daohang Tiandou, Qingfeng Shan Ziyang Dong Qingxu Daode Zhenjun.

子牙迳往迎接，上篷坐下。内有广成子曰：“众位道友，今日前来，兴废可知，真假自辨。子牙公几时破十绝阵？吾等听从指教。”子牙听得此言，魂不附体，欠身言曰：“列位道兄，料不才不过四十年毫末之功，岂能破得此十绝阵！乞列位道兄怜姜尚才疏学浅，生民涂炭，将士水火，敢烦那一位道兄，与吾代理，解君臣之忧烦，黎庶之倒悬，真社稷生民之福矣。姜尚不胜幸甚！”广成子曰：“吾等自身难保无虞，虽有所学，不能克敌此左道之术。”彼此互相推让。正说间，只见半空中有鹿鸣，异香满地，遍处氤氲。不知是谁来至，且听下回分解。

Zi Ya went directly to greet them and took his seat on the pavilion. Among them, Guangchengzi said, "Dear Dao companions, now that we have all come today, the rise and fall will become clear, and truth or falsehood shall be discerned. When will Master Zi Ya break the Ten Absolute Formations?" We shall follow your instructions." Zi Ya, upon hearing these words, was so startled that his soul seemed to detach from his body. He bowed respectfully and said, "Esteemed Dao elders, I estimate my humble self has only the slightest cultivation of forty years; how could I possibly break through these Ten Absolute Formations! I beg you, esteemed Dao elders, to have mercy on me, Jiang Shang, who is lacking in talent and shallow in learning. The people are suffering under hardship, the soldiers are caught between water and fire. I dare humbly request one of you Dao elders to take my place, relieve the worries of ruler and minister, lift the burden from the common folk, and this would truly be a blessing for the state and its people." Jiang Shang could not feel more fortunate!" Guangchengzi said, "We ourselves cannot guarantee our safety; although we have some knowledge, we are unable to overcome this left-path technique." They thus kept politely declining and yielding the responsibility to one another. Just as they were speaking, suddenly a deer's cry was heard from halfway up in the sky; an unusual fragrance filled the ground, and everywhere was enveloped in a misty haze. Who has arrived remains to be seen. Let us await the next chapter for further developments.