Chapter 46: Guangchengzi Breaks the Golden Light Array

诗曰： 仙佛从来少怨尤，只因烦恼惹闲愁，恃强自弃千年业，用暴须拚万劫修。几度看来悲往事，从前思省为谁雠，可怜羽化封神日，俱作南柯梦里游。

The poem says: Immortals and Buddhas have never had much resentment or blame; it is only because of vexations that they bring on idle worries. Relying on strength, one abandons a thousand-year cultivation; using violence requires striving through ten-thousand kalpas to cultivate. How many times have I looked back with sorrow at past events? In the past, for whom did I brood and bear grudges? How pitiable that on the day of transformation into a deity, all became but a dream in Nanke.

话说燃灯道人次日与十二弟子排班下篷，将金钟、玉磬频敲，一齐出阵。只见成汤营里一声炮响，闻太师乘骑早至辕门，看子牙破“风吼阵”。董天君伯歌而来；骑八叉鹿，提两口太阿剑。歌曰： “得到清平有甚忧，丹炉乾马配坤牛；从来看破纷纷乱，一点云台只自由。”

The next day, Master Rendantou led his twelve disciples in formation from the pavilion. They rang the golden bell and struck the jade chime repeatedly as they all marched out of the formation together. Just then, a cannon shot echoed from within Chengtang's camp. Lord Wen Tai Shi arrived at the 辕门 (yuanmen) on horseback and observed Jiang Ziya breaking the "Roaring Wind Formation." Dong Tianjun came singing a song; riding an eight-pronged deer and carrying two Ta'e swords. The song says: "Once peace is attained, what worries remain? The red furnace dries the horse and pairs it with the cow of Kun; Ever since seeing through all this chaos, a single point on Yuntai remains entirely free."

话说董天君鹿走如飞，阵前高叫。燃灯观左右无人可先入“风吼阵”；忽然见黄飞虎领方弼、方相来见子牙，禀曰：“末将催粮，收此二将，乃纣王驾下镇殿大将军方弼、方相兄弟二人。”子牙大喜，猛然间，燃灯道人看见两个大汉，问子牙曰：“此是何人？”子牙曰：“黄飞虎新收二将，乃是方弼、方相。”燃灯叹曰：“天数已定，万物难逃！就命方弼破“风吼阵”走一遭。”子牙遂令方弼破“风吼阵”。可怜！方弼不过是俗子凡夫，那里知道其中幻术，便应声：“愿往！”持戟拽步如飞，走至阵前。董天君一见大汉，高三丈有馀，面如重枣，一部落腮髭髯，四只眼睛，甚是凶恶。董天君看罢，著实骇然，怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 三叉冠，乌云荡漾，铁掩心，砌就龙鳞，翠蓝袍，团花灿烂；画杆戟，烈烈征云。四目生光真显耀，脸如重枣像虾红；一步落腮飘脑后，平生正直最英雄。曾反朝歌保太子，盘河渡口遇宜生，归周未受封官爵，“风吼阵”上见奇功。只因前定垂天象，显道封神久注名。

The story continues: Dong Tianjun rode his deer as swiftly as flying and shouted loudly before the formation. Master Rendantou observed that there was no one on either side who could enter the "Roaring Wind Formation" first; Suddenly, he saw Huang Feihu leading Fang Bi and Fang Xiang coming to see Jiang Ziya. They reported: "Your subordinate general was tasked with urging the supply of provisions and captured these two generals. They are Fang Bi and Fang Xiang, brothers who served as the imperial guards under King Zhou." Jiang Ziya was greatly pleased. Suddenly, Master Rendantou saw two tall men and asked Jiang Ziya: "Who are these people?" Jiang Ziya said: "They are two newly captured generals of Huang Feihu, namely Fang Bi and Fang Xiang." Master Rendantou sighed and said: "The will of Heaven is already determined; nothing in the world can escape it! He then ordered Fang Bi to go through the 'Roaring Wind Formation' once." Jiang Ziya accordingly commanded Fang Bi to break the "Roaring Wind Formation." How pitiable! Fang Bi was merely an ordinary man, and had no knowledge of the illusions within; he thus responded immediately: "I am willing to go!" He brandished his halberd and strode forward as swiftly as flying, reaching the front of the formation. Dong Tianjun, upon seeing the tall man, estimated his height to be over three zhang. His face was like a mulberry fruit, with a beard hanging down from both cheeks and four eyes, appearing extremely fierce. After observing this, Dong Tianjun was genuinely startled. How could one describe it? A eulogy serves as evidence: The eulogy says: A three-pronged crown, with dark clouds swirling; an iron breastplate, shaped like dragon scales; a turquoise robe, with embroidered floral patterns shining brilliantly; a painted halberd, and martial clouds billowing fiercely. Four eyes glowing with light truly radiant; his face like a mulberry fruit as red as a shrimp's shell; a beard hanging from both cheeks flowing to the back of his head, and in life he was upright and truly heroic. He once rebelled at Chaoguo to protect the crown prince, and met Yisheng at the Panhe ferry. Though he returned to Zhou, he was not yet granted an official title or rank; on the "Roaring Wind Formation," his extraordinary achievements were witnessed. It is because of a predestined celestial omen that he has long been recorded in the register of Dao and deities.

话说方弼见董天君大呼曰：“妖道慢来！”就是一戟。董天君那里招架的住，只是一合，便往阵里去了。子牙命左右擂鼓，方弼耳闻鼓声响，拖戟赶来，至“风吼阵”门前，迳冲将进去。他那里知道阵内无穷奥妙，只见董天君上了板台，将黑旛摇动，黑风卷起，有万千兵刃，杀将下来。只听得一声响，方弼四肢已为数段，跌倒在地。──一道灵魂往封神台，清福神柏鉴引进去了。董天君命士卒将方弼尸首拖出阵来，董全催鹿，复至阵前，大呼曰：“玉虚道友！尔等把一凡夫误送性命，汝心安乎！既是高明道德之士，来会吾阵，便见玉石也。”燃灯乃命慈航道人：“你将定风珠拿去，破此‘风吼阵’。”慈航道人领法旨，乃作歌曰： “自隐玄都不记春，几回苍海变成尘。玉京金阙朝元始，紫府丹霄悟妙真。喜集化成千岁鹤，闲来高卧万年身，吾今已得长生术，未肯轻传与世人。”

The story continues: Fang Bi, upon seeing Dong Tianjun, shouted loudly: "Evil Taoist, do not come any closer!" He launched a single strike with his halberd. Dong Tianjun could not withstand the attack; in just one exchange, he retreated into the formation. Jiang Ziya ordered those on both sides to beat the drums. Hearing the drumming, Fang Bi dragged his halberd forward and rushed toward the entrance of the "Roaring Wind Formation," charging straight in. He had no idea of the boundless mysteries within the formation. All he saw was Dong Tianjun ascending a platform, waving a black banner to summon swirling black winds and countless weapons raining down from above. Just as the sound rang out, Fang Bi's four limbs were severed into several pieces, and he fell to the ground. ── His soul departed as a spiritual entity toward Fengshen Tai, where the deity of pure blessings Bai Jian led it away. Dong Tianjun ordered the soldiers to drag Fang Bi's corpse out of the formation. Dong then urged his deer forward and returned to the front, shouting loudly: "Dao companions of Yu Xu! You have mistakenly sent an ordinary man to death; can your conscience be at peace!" If you are truly a wise and virtuous person, come forth to meet my formation, so that we may see whether you are jade or stone." Master Rendantou then ordered Master Cihang: "You take the Wind-Still Pearl and use it to break this 'Roaring Wind Formation.'" Master Cihang, upon receiving the decree, composed a song: "Since hiding in Xuandu, I have forgotten the seasons; how many times has the blue sea turned to dust. The jade halls and golden gates of Yu Jing face Yuanshi; in Zi Fu Dan Xiao, I have come to understand the wondrous truths. I joyfully transform into a crane of a thousand years; in leisure, I recline with an immortal body for ten-thousand years. Now I have already attained the elixir of eternal life and am unwilling to lightly pass it on to ordinary people."

话说慈航道人谓董全曰：“道友，吾辈逢此杀戒，尔等最是逍遥，何苦摆此阵势，自取灭亡！当时佥押‘封神榜’，你可曾在碧游宫，听你掌教师尊说有两句偈言，帖在宫门：‘静诵“黄庭”紧闭洞，如染西土受灾殃。！’”董天君曰：“你阐教门下，自倚道术精奇，屡屡将吾辈藐视，我等方才下山。道友，你是为善好乐之客，速回去，再著别个来，休惹苦恼！”慈航曰：“连你一身也顾不来，还要顾我！”董全大怒，执宝剑望慈航直取。慈航架剑，口称：“善哉！”方才用剑相还。来往有三五回合，董天君往阵中便走，慈航道人随后赶来，到得阵门前，亦不敢擅入里面去；只听得脑后钟声频催，乃徐徐而入，只见董天君上了板台，对黑旛摇动，黑风卷起，犹如坏方弼一般。慈航道人顶上有定风珠，此风焉能得至。不知此风不至，刀刃怎么得来，慈航将清净琉璃瓶祭于空中，命力士将瓶底朝天，瓶口朝地。只见瓶中一道黑气，一声响，将董全吸在瓶中去了。慈航命力士将瓶口转上，带出“风吼阵”来，只见闻太师坐在黑麒麟上，专听阵中消息，只见慈航道人出来，对闻太师曰：“‘风吼阵’已被吾破矣，”命黄巾力士将瓶倾下来，只见： 丝绦道服麻鞋在，浑身皮肉化成脓。

The story continues: Master Cihang said to Dong Quan, "Dao companion, we have encountered this killing precept. You are the most carefree among us; why go through so much trouble setting up such a formation and bring about your own destruction! At that time, when the "Fengshen Bang" was signed and sealed, were you present at Biyou Palace to hear your master teacher say two lines of dharma verses pasted on the palace gate: 'In stillness recite the "Huangting Jing," tightly seal the cave; if one is tainted by the West, calamity will befall.' "!" Dong Tianjun said: "Your disciples of the Chan Sect have always relied on your extraordinary Dao techniques and repeatedly looked down upon us. That is why we finally descended from our mountain. Dao companion, you are a guest who delights in virtue and goodness; return quickly and send someone else instead. Do not bring trouble upon yourself!" Cihang said: "You cannot even take care of yourself, yet you still want to worry about me!" Dong Quan became furious and brandished his treasure sword, charging straight at Cihang. Cihang raised his sword to block it, saying aloud: "Good indeed!" Only then did he use the sword to counterattack. After three or four exchanges, Dong Tianjun retreated into the formation. Master Cihang hurried after him and reached the entrance of the formation but also dared not 擅自 enter it; Just then, he heard the sound of bells ringing from behind and slowly entered. Inside, he saw Dong Tianjun on a platform waving a black banner, summoning swirling black winds just as before when Fang Bi was destroyed. Master Cihang had the Wind-Still Pearl above his head; how could this wind possibly reach him? Unaware that the winds could not reach him, how then did the blades come? Master Cihang offered a clear crystal vase into the air and commanded a strong man to hold it with its bottom facing heaven and its mouth pointing toward earth. Suddenly, a black vapor from within the vase gave off a loud sound and sucked Dong Quan into it. Master Cihang ordered the strong man to turn the vase upward and brought it out of the "Roaring Wind Formation." There, Lord Wen Tai Shi was seated on a black qilin, listening intently for news from within the formation. Seeing Master Cihang emerge, he said: "The 'Roaring Wind Formation' has already been broken by me," and commanded the Red Turban strong man to tip the vase over. Just then: Silken sashes, Dao robes, and hemp shoes remained; his entire body of flesh had turned into pus.

董全一道灵魂往封神台来，清福神柏鉴引进去了。闻太师见而大呼曰：“气杀吾也！”将黑麒麟磕开，提金鞭冲杀过来，有黄龙真人乘鹤急止之曰：“闻太师你十阵力破三阵，何必动无明，来乱吾班次！”只听得“寒冰阵”主大叫：“闻太师，且不要争先，待吾来也！”乃信口作歌曰： “玄中奥妙人少知，变化随机事事奇，九转功成炉内宝，从来应笑世人痴。”

Dong Quan's soul departed as a spiritual entity heading toward Fengshen Tai, and was led inside by the deity of pure blessings, Bai Jian. Lord Wen Tai Shi saw this and shouted in rage: "This anger will kill me!" He kicked the black qilin aside, brandished his golden whip, and charged forward. Just then, Huanglong Zhenren rode a crane to stop him urgently, saying: "Lord Wen Tai Shi, you have already broken three of your ten formations with force; why provoke unnecessary anger and disrupt our order!" Just then, the master of the "Cold Ice Formation" shouted loudly: "Lord Wen Tai Shi, do not rush ahead; wait for me to come!" He then spontaneously composed a song: "The profound mysteries of the Dao are known to few; transformations arise with each opportunity, and every event is wondrous. The treasures within the furnace after nine transformations have been completed—how many people in the world have always laughed at their foolishness."

话说闻太师只得立住。那“寒冰阵”内袁天君歌罢，大叫：“阐教门下，谁来会吾此阵？”燃灯道人命道行天尊门徒薛恶虎：“你破“寒冰阵”走一遭。”薛恶虎领命，提剑蜂拥而来。袁天君见是一个道童，乃曰：“那道童速自退去，著你师父来！”薛恶虎怒曰：“奉命而来，岂有善回之理！”执剑砍来，袁天君大怒，将剑来迎；战有数合，便走入阵内去了。薛恶虎随后赶入阵来，只见袁天君上了板台，用手将黑旛摇动，上有冰山，──即似刀山一样，往下磕来；下有冰块，──如狼牙一般，往上凑合。任你是甚么人，汤之即为虀粉。薛恶虎一入其中，只听得一声响，磕成肉泥，──一道灵魂迳往封神台去了。阵中黑气上升，道行天尊叹曰：“门人两个，今绝于二阵之中！”又见袁天君跨鹿而来，便叫：“你们十二位之内，乃是上仙名士，有谁来会吾此阵？乃令此无甚道术之人来送性命！”燃灯道人命普贤真人走一遭，普贤真人作歌而来，歌曰： “道德根源不敢忘，寒冰看破火消霜，尘心不解遭魔障，堪伤！眼前咫尺失天堂。”

The story continues: Lord Wen Tai Shi had no choice but to stop. After finishing his song, Yuan Tianjun from within the "Cold Ice Formation" shouted loudly: "Disciples of the Chan Sect, who will come to meet me in this formation?" Master Rendantou ordered Xue Ehu, a disciple of Daoxing Tianzun: "You go through the 'Cold Ice Formation' once." Xue Ehu accepted the order and brandished his sword, rushing forward in a swarm. Yuan Tianjun saw that it was only a Dao disciple and said: "You young Daoist, quickly retreat and bring your master here!" Xue Ehu angrily replied: "I have come on orders; how could I possibly return without fulfilling my task?" He brandished his sword and attacked. Yuan Tianjun became furious and met him with his own sword; After several exchanges, he retreated into the formation and disappeared inside. Xue Ehu hurried after him into the formation. He saw Yuan Tianjun ascend a platform and wave a black banner with his hand, causing an ice mountain to appear above—just like a mountain of blades, crashing down from above; Below were jagged pieces of ice, resembling wolf teeth, rising upward to converge. No matter who you are, once touched by it, you will be reduced to pulp and powder. As soon as Xue Ehu entered, a loud sound was heard and he was crushed into a pulp—his soul immediately departed toward Fengshen Tai. Black vapor rose from within the formation, and Daoxing Tianzun sighed: "Two of my disciples have now perished in these two formations!" Just then, Yuan Tianjun arrived riding a deer and called out: "Among you twelve, there are esteemed immortals and sages; who will come to meet my formation?" "You have sent an unskilled person with no Dao techniques here merely to deliver his life!" Master Rendantou then commanded Puxian Zhenren to go through it once. Puxian Zhenren came singing a song, which said: "The root of Dao and virtue I dare not forget; the Cold Ice Formation is seen through as frost melts in fire. Unresolved worldly desires invite demonic obstructions—how sorrowful! "In an instant, one loses Heaven right before their eyes."

普贤真人歌罢，袁天君怒气纷纷，持剑而至。普贤真人曰：“袁角，你何苦作孽，摆此恶阵！贫道此来入阵时，一则开吾了杀戒，二则你道行功夫一旦失却，后悔何及！”袁天君大怒，仗剑直取。普贤真人将手中剑架住，口称：“善哉！”二人战有三五合，袁角便走入阵中去了。普贤真人随即走进阵来，袁天君上了板台，将黑旛招动，上有冰山一座打将下来。普贤真人用指上放一道白光如线，长出一朵庆云，高有数丈；上有八角；角上乃是金灯，璎珞垂珠，护持顶上；其冰见金灯自然消化，毫不能伤。有一个时辰，袁天君见其阵已破，方欲抽身；普贤真人用吴钩剑飞来，将袁天君斩于台下。──袁角一道灵魂被清福神引进封神台去了。普贤收了云光，大袖迎风，飘飘而出。闻太师又见破了“寒冰阵”，欲为袁角报雠，只见“金光阵”主，乃金光圣母，撒开五点斑豹驹，厉声作歌而来，歌曰： “真大道，不多言，运用之间恒自然，放开二目见天元，此即是神仙。”

After finishing his song, Puxian Zhenren was met with Yuan Tianjun's furious anger as he arrived wielding a sword. Puxian Zhenren said: "Yuan Jiao, why must you commit such evil deeds and set up this cruel formation! "When I entered the formation, it was for two reasons: first, to fulfill my precept of killing; second, if your cultivation and Dao achievements are lost in an instant, it will be too late to regret it!" Yuan Tianjun became furious and brandished his sword directly at him. Puxian Zhenren raised the sword in his hand to block it, saying: "Good indeed!" After three or five exchanges, Yuan Jiao retreated into the formation and vanished within. Puxian Zhenren immediately entered the formation. Yuan Tianjun ascended a platform and waved his black banner, causing an entire ice mountain to crash down from above. Puxian Zhenren released a thread-like beam of white light from his finger, forming a cloud of celebration that rose several zhang high; with eight corners on top; each corner held a golden lamp, with jingluo and hanging pearls protecting the top; The ice saw the golden lamps and naturally melted away, unable to cause any harm. After about an hour, Yuan Tianjun realized his formation had been broken and was just about to withdraw; Puxian Zhenren flew forward with the Wugou sword and beheaded Yuan Tianjun beneath the platform. ──Yuan Jiao's soul was led by the deity of pure blessings into Fengshen Tai and taken away. Puxian gathered his cloud light, flapped his wide sleeves against the wind, and floated out gracefully. Lord Wen Tai Shi, upon seeing the "Cold Ice Formation" broken again and wishing to avenge Yuan Jiao, saw that the master of the "Golden Light Formation," Jin Guang Shengmu, had already spread out on a five-spotted leopard foal. She came forward with fierce determination, singing a song: "The True Dao needs no many words; in its application, it is always natural. Open your two eyes to see Tianyuan—this is the way of immortals."

话说金光圣母骑五点斑豹驹，提飞金剑，大呼曰：“阐教门人谁来破吾‘金光阵’？”燃灯道人看左右无人先破此阵；正没计较，只见空中飘然坠下一位道人，面如傅粉，唇似丹朱。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 道服先天气盖昂，竹冠麻履异寻常，丝绦腰下飞鸾尾，宝剑锋中起烨光。全气全神真道士，伏龙伏虎仗仙方，袖藏奇宝钦神鬼，“封神榜”上把名扬。

The story continues: Jin Guang Shengmu rode a five-spotted leopard steed, brandished her flying golden sword, and shouted loudly: "Disciples of the Chan Sect! Who will come to break my 'Golden Light Formation'?" Master Rendantou looked around and saw that no one was ready to break this formation first; Just as he was at a loss, suddenly from the sky descended a Daoist in an elegant manner. His face was pale like powder, and his lips were red as cinnabar. How could one describe him? A poem serves as evidence: The poem says: A Dao robe exudes the lofty aura of primordial Qi; a bamboo hat and hemp shoes are unlike ordinary attire. Silk sashes at his waist resemble flying phoenix tails, while his treasure sword's edge emits brilliant light. A true Daoist with complete Qi and spirit, taming dragons and subduing tigers through divine formulas; his sleeves conceal wondrous treasures that awe gods and ghosts. His name is celebrated on the "Fengshen Bang."

话说众道人看时，乃是玉虚宫门下萧臻。萧臻对众仙稽首曰：“吾奉师命下山，特来破‘金光阵’。”只见金光圣母大呼曰：“阐教门下谁来会吾此阵？”言未毕，萧臻转身曰：“吾来也！”金光圣母认不得萧臻，问曰：“来者是谁？”萧臻笑曰：“你连我也认不得了！吾乃下虚门下萧臻的便是。”金光圣母曰：“尔有何道行，敢来会吾此阵？”执剑来取，萧臻撒步，赴面交还，二人战未及三五合，金光圣母拨马往阵中飞走。萧臻大叫：“不要走！吾来了！”迳赶入金光阵内。至一台下，金光圣母下驹上台，将二十一根杆上吊著镜子，──镜子上每面有一套，套住镜子，──圣接将绳子拽起，其镜现出，把手一放，明雷响处，振动镜子，连转数次，放出金光，射著萧臻，大叫一声。可怜！正是： 百年道行从今灭，衣袍身体影无踪。

The story continues: When the Daoists looked closely, they recognized him as Xiao Zhen, a disciple of Yu Xu Gong. Xiao Zhen bowed to the assembled immortals and said: "I have descended from the mountain at my master's command, especially to break the 'Golden Light Formation.'" Just then Jin Guang Shengmu shouted loudly: "Who among the disciples of Chan Sect will come to meet me at this formation?" Before she had finished speaking, Xiao Zhen turned and said: "I shall do it!" Jin Guang Shengmu did not recognize Xiao Zhen and asked: "Who is the one coming?" Xiao Zhen smiled and said, "You don't even recognize me now! I am Xiao Zhen of the Xia Xu School." Jin Guang Shengmu said, "What Dao cultivation do you possess to dare come and challenge my formation?" With sword in hand, Jin Guang Shengmu charged forward. Xiao Zhen took a few steps and met her head-on. The two engaged in battle for no more than three or five exchanges when Jin Guang Shengmu turned her horse and flew into the formation to escape. Xiao Zhen shouted loudly, "Don't run! I am coming!" He directly rushed into the Golden Light Formation. Upon reaching a platform, Jin Guang Shengmu dismounted from her steed and ascended the dais. She had twenty-one poles with mirrors hanging on them—each mirror was encased in a frame that held it securely. With one hand, she pulled up the ropes; as the mirrors appeared, she released her grip. A loud thunderous sound erupted, shaking the mirrors violently. They spun several times and emitted golden light, which struck Xiao Zhen, causing him to cry out loudly. Pitiful! Indeed: A hundred years of cultivation vanish from this day; his robe, body, and shadow leave no trace.

萧臻一道灵魂，清福神柏鉴引进封神台去。金光圣母复上了斑豹驹，走至阵前曰：“萧臻已绝。谁敢会吾此阵？”燃灯道人命广成子：“你去走一遭。”广成子领命，作歌曰： “有缘得悟本来真，曾在终南遇圣人。指出长生千古秀，生成玉蕊万年新。浑身是口难为道，大地飞尘别有春，吾道了然成一贯，不明一字最艰辛。”

Xiao Zhen's soul was led by Shen Baijian of Qingfu Temple to the Fengshen Tai (Ranking Immortals Platform). Jin Guang Shengmu remounted her five-spotted leopard steed and rode to the front of the formation, saying: "Xiao Zhen is already finished. Who dares challenge my formation?" Master Rendantou ordered Guangchengzi: "You go and try it." Guangchengzi accepted the order and sang a song: "With karmic connections, one comes to realize the true nature; once I met a sage in Zhongnan. He pointed out the eternal spring of longevity and perpetual beauty; he cultivated jade-like blossoms that renew every ten thousand years." "Though the whole body is a mouth, it's hard to speak of Dao; in this world of flying dust, there lies another spring. My understanding of Dao has become clear and unified; not knowing even one word proves most arduous."

话说金光圣母见广成子飘然而来，大呼曰：“广成子，你也敢会吾此阵？”广成子曰：“此阵有何难破，聊为儿戏耳！”金光圣母大怒，仗剑来取。广成子执剑相迎，战未及三五合，金光圣母转身往阵中走了。广成子随后赶入“金光阵”内，见台前有旛杆二十一根，上有物件挂著，金光圣母上台，将绳子揽住，拽起套来，现出镜子，发雷振动，金光射将下来。广成子忙将八卦仙衣打开，连头裹定，不见其身。金光总有精奇奥妙，侵不得八卦紫寿衣。有一个时辰，金光不能透入其身，雷声不能振动其形。广成子暗将番天印往八卦仙衣底下打将下来，一声响，把镜子打碎了十九面。金光圣母著慌，忙拿两面镜子在手，方欲摇动，急发金光来照广成子；早被广成子复祭番天印打将来，金光圣母躲不及，正中顶门，脑浆迸出。──一道灵魂早进封神台去了。广成子破了“金光阵”，方出阵门，闻太师得知金光圣母已死，大叫曰：“广成子休走！吾与金光圣母报雠！”麒麟走动如飞，只见“化血阵”内孙天君大叫曰：“闻兄不必动怒，待吾擒他与金光圣母报雠。”孙天君面如重枣，一部短髯，戴虎头冠，乘黄斑鹿，飞滚而来。燃灯道人顾左右，并无一人去得；偶然见一道人，慌忙而至，与众人打稽首，曰：“众位道兄请了！”燃灯曰：“道者何来？高姓，大名？”道人曰：“衲子乃五夷山白云洞散人乔坤是也。闻十绝阵内‘化血阵’，吾当协助子牙。”言未了，孙天君叫曰：“谁来会吾此阵？”乔坤抖搜精神曰：“吾来了！”仗剑在手，向前问曰：“尔等虽是截教，总是出家人，为何起心不良，摆此恶阵？”孙天君曰：“尔是何人，敢来破我‘化血阵’？快快回去，免遭枉死！”乔坤大怒，骂曰：“孙良，你休夸海口，吾定破尔阵，拿你枭首，号令西岐。”孙天君大怒，纵鹿仗剑来取，乔坤赴面交还，未及数合，孙天君败入阵，乔坤随后赶来入阵中，孙天君上台，将一片黑砂往下打来，正中乔坤。正是： 砂沾袍服身为血，化作津津遍地红。

The story continues: Jin Guang Shengmu saw Guangchengzi approaching gracefully and shouted loudly, "Guangchengzi! You also dare to challenge my formation?" Guangchengzi said: "What is there difficult about breaking this formation? It's merely a child's play!" Jin Guang Shengmu became furious and brandished her sword to attack. Guangchengzi took up his sword to meet her, and the two engaged in battle for only three or five exchanges before Jin Guang Shengmu turned around and fled into the formation. Guangchengzi followed closely and entered the "Golden Light Formation." He saw twenty-one flag poles in front of the platform, each with an object hanging from it. Jin Guang Shengmu ascended to the dais, grasped the ropes, pulled up the frames, revealing mirrors that were struck by thunderous vibrations, emitting golden light that rained down. Guangchengzi quickly opened his Eight Trigrams Immortal Robe and wrapped it tightly over his head, concealing his body completely. No matter how wondrous or mysterious the golden light was, it could not penetrate the Eight Trigrams Purple Longevity Robe. For an entire shichen (two hours), the golden light could not pierce his body, nor could the thunderous sound shake his form. Guangchengzi secretly struck downward with the Fantian Seal beneath his Eight Trigrams Immortal Robes. With a loud crash, he shattered nineteen of the mirrors. Jin Guang Shengmu grew frantic and quickly took two mirrors in her hands, just as she was about to shake them, she hurriedly unleashed golden light to strike Guangchengzi; But before she could act, Guangchengzi raised the Fantian Seal again and struck it down. Jin Guang Shengmu failed to dodge in time; the strike hit her precisely at the crown of her head, splattering her brains. —Her soul immediately entered the Fengshen Tai and was ranked among the gods. Guangchengzi had broken the "Golden Light Formation" and was just exiting when Lord Wen Tai Shi learned that Jin Guang Shengmu had died. He shouted loudly: "Guangchengzi, don't run! I shall avenge Jin Guang Shengmu!" The qilin galloped as fast as the wind. Suddenly, Sun Tianjun from within the "Blood Transformation Formation" shouted: "Lord Wen, there is no need to be angry; let me capture him and avenge Jin Guang Shengmu." Sun Tianjun had a face like a mulberry plum, with a short beard. He wore a tiger-headed crown and rode on a yellow-spotted deer, galloping forward swiftly. Master Rendantou glanced around at his companions but saw that none of them could go to meet Sun Tianjun; Just then, a Daoist arrived in haste. He bowed respectfully to the group and said: "Esteemed fellow Daoists, greetings!" Rendantou asked: "Where do you come from, Daoist?" What is your surname and given name?" The Daoist said: "I am Master Qiao Kun, a recluse of Baiyun Dong in Wuyi Mountain. I heard that the 'Blood Transformation Formation' is among the Ten Absolute Formations, and I shall assist you, Master Chiziya." Before he had finished speaking, Sun Tianjun shouted: "Who dares to challenge my formation?" Qiao Kun gathered his spirit and said: "I shall do it!" With sword in hand, he stepped forward and asked: "Although you belong to the Jie Sect, you are still monks. Why do you harbor ill intentions and set up such a cruel formation?" Sun Tianjun said: "Who are you, daring to break my 'Blood Transformation Formation'? Return quickly and avoid a pointless death!" Qiao Kun became furious, cursing: "Sun Liang! Don't boast so much. I shall definitely break your formation and behead you, displaying your head as a warning in Xiqi." Sun Tianjun became furious, leaped from his deer and brandished his sword to attack. Qiao Kun met him head-on; after only a few exchanges, Sun Tianjun retreated into the formation. Qiao Kun followed closely behind and entered as well. Sun Tianjun ascended the platform and hurled down a handful of black sand, which struck Qiao Kun directly in the chest. Indeed: The sand stains his robe and turns his body to blood, transforming into a flowing red that spreads across the ground.

乔坤一道灵魂已进封神台去了。孙天君复出阵前，大呼曰：“燃灯道友，你著无名下士来破吾阵，枉丧其身！”燃灯命太乙真人：“你去走一遭。”太乙真人作歌而来。歌曰： “当年有志学长生，今日方知道行精：运动乾坤颠倒理，转移日月互为明。苍龙有意归离卧，白虎多情觅坎行，欲炼九还何处是，震宫雷动望西成。”

Qiao Kun's soul had already entered the Fengshen Tai. Sun Tianjun emerged once more in front of the formation and shouted loudly: "Daoist Rendantou! You sent an unknown disciple to break my formation, only for him to lose his life in vain!" Rendantou ordered Taiyi Zhenren: "You go and try it." Taiyi Zhenren came singing a song. The song said: "In my youth I aspired to learn eternal life; today at last I understand the essence of Dao and cultivation. The movement of Heaven and Earth follows an inverted principle, shifting the sun and moon into mutual illumination. The azure dragon, with intent, returns to its resting place; the white tiger, full of emotion, seeks the direction of Kan. To refine the Nine Returns, where shall one find it? Thunder resounds in Zhen Palace, gazing toward the west for success."

太乙真人歌罢，孙天君曰：“道兄，你非是见吾此阵之士，”太乙真人笑曰：“道友休夸大口，吾进此阵如人无人之境耳。”孙天君大怒，催鹿仗剑直取。太乙真人用剑相还，未及三五合，孙天君便往阵中去了。太乙真人听脑后金钟催响，至阵门，将手往下一指，地现两朵青莲，真人脚踏二花，腾腾而入。真人用左手一指，指上放出一道白光，高有一二丈；顶上现有一朵庆云，旋在空中，护于顶上。孙天君在台上抓一把黑砂打将下来。其砂方至顶云，如云见烈焰一般，自灭无踪。孙天君大怒，将一斗黑砂往下一泼，其砂飞扬而去，自灭自消。孙天君见此术不应，抽身逃遁，太乙真人忙将九龙神火罩祭于空中，孙天君合该如此，将身罩住。真人双手一拍，只见现出九条火龙，将罩盘绕，顷刻烧成灰烬，──一道灵魂往封神台去了。闻太师在老营外，见太乙真人又破了“化血阵”，大叫曰：“太乙真人休回去！吾来了！”只见黄龙真人乘鹤而至，立阻闻太师曰：“大人之语，岂得失信！十阵方才破六，尔且暂回，明日再会，如今不必这等恃强，雌雄自有分定。”闻太师气冲斗牛，神目光辉，鬓发皆竖，回进老营，忙请四阵主入帐，太师泣对四天君曰：“吾受国恩，官居极品，以身报国，理之当然。今日六友遭殃，吾心何忍！四位请回海岛，待吾与姜尚决一死战，誓不俱生！”太师道罢，泪如雨下。四天君曰：“闻兄且自宽慰，此是天数。吾等各有主张。”俱回本阵去了。

After Taiyi Zhenren finished singing, Sun Tianjun said: "Daoist elder brother, you are not the kind of person who can see through my formation." Taiyi Zhenren smiled and replied: "My Dao friend, don't boast so much; I shall enter this formation as if it were an empty land with no one in it at all." Sun Tianjun became furious and urged his deer forward, brandishing his sword to strike directly. Taiyi Zhenren met him with his sword; after no more than three or five strikes, Sun Tianjun turned and fled into the formation. Taiyi Zhenren heard the golden bell ringing behind him and, upon reaching the formation gate, pointed his hand downward. Two blue lotus flowers emerged from the ground; with his feet planted on them, he floated upward and entered the formation. With a flick of his left hand, Zhenren released a beam of white light from his finger, towering one or two zhang high; Above it appeared a cloud of celebration, swirling in the air and protecting the top of his head. Sun Tianjun on the dais seized a handful of black sand and hurled it downward. As soon as the sand reached his protective cloud, it vanished like clouds encountering fierce flames, leaving no trace behind. Sun Tianjun grew furious and poured down a whole bucket of black sand, but the sand flew upward into the air, vanishing on its own. Seeing that his technique had failed, Sun Tianjun pulled back and tried to flee. Taiyi Zhenren quickly summoned the Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Canopy into the air above him. As fate would have it, Sun Tianjun was ensnared within its fiery grasp. Zhenren clapped his hands twice, and immediately nine fiery dragons appeared, coiling around the canopy. In an instant, Sun Tianjun was reduced to ashes—his soul ascended toward the Fengshen Tai as a ranked immortal. Lord Wen Tai Shi, outside his main camp, saw that Taiyi Zhenren had once again broken the "Blood Transformation Formation" and shouted loudly: "Taiyi Zhenren! Don't run back!" I am coming!" Just then, Huanglong Zhenren arrived riding on a crane and immediately stopped Lord Wen Tai Shi, saying: "Sir, how can you break your word?" Only six of the ten formations have been broken. You should return for now, and we shall meet again tomorrow. There is no need to show such strength today; victory or defeat will be decided in due course." Lord Wen Tai Shi's anger surged toward the heavens, his divine eyes gleamed fiercely, and even his eyebrows and hair stood on end. He returned to his main camp in haste and summoned the four formation masters into his tent. With tears in his eyes, he addressed the Four Tianjun: "I have received great national favor, holding a position of highest rank; it is my duty to offer my life for the country. Today six of my friends have suffered misfortune—how can I bear this in my heart!" The four of you please return to the island. Let me fight a final battle with Jiang Shang; I swear we shall not both live!" After finishing his words, Lord Wen Tai Shi wept as if rain were falling. The Four Tianjun said: "Brother Wen, please calm yourself; this is the will of Heaven. We each have our own course to follow." With that, they all returned to their respective formations.

且说燃灯与太乙真人回至芦篷，默坐不言。子牙打点前后。

Meanwhile, Rendantou and Taiyi Zhenren returned to the reed pavilion and sat in silence without speaking. Chiziya prepared for what lay ahead and behind.

话说闻太师独自寻思，无计可施，忽然想起峨嵋山罗浮洞赵公明，心下踌蹰：“若得此人来，大事庶几可定，”忙唤吉立、余庆：“好生守营，我上峨嵋山去来。”二人领命。太师随上黑麒麟，挂金鞭，借风云，往罗浮洞来。正是： 神风一阵行千里，方显玄门道术高。

The story continues: Lord Wen Tai Shi sat alone in deep thought, with no plan to offer. Suddenly he recalled Zhao Gongming of Luofu Dong on Emei Mountain and hesitated anxiously within his mind: "If I can bring this man here, perhaps the great matter may yet be decided." He quickly called Ji Li and Yu Qing and said: "Guard the camp well; I am going to Mount Emei." The two accepted his orders. Lord Wen Tai Shi then mounted the black qilin, fastened his golden whip, and rode on wind and clouds toward Luofu Dong. Indeed: A divine gust of wind travels a thousand miles in an instant, revealing the lofty Dao techniques of the Xuan Sect.

霎时到了峨嵋山罗浮洞，下了麒麟，太师观看其山，真清幽僻净：鹤鹿纷纭，猿猴来往，洞门前悬挂藤萝，太师问：“有人否？”少时有一童儿出来，见太师三只眼，问曰：“老爷那里来的？”太师曰：“你师父可在么？”童儿答曰：“在洞里静坐。”太师曰：“你说商都闻太师来访。”童儿进来，见师父报曰：“有闻太师来拜访。”赵公明听说，忙出洞迎接，见闻太师大笑曰：“闻道兄，那一阵风吹你到此？你享人间富贵，受用金屋繁华，全不念道门光景，清淡家风！”二人携手进洞，行礼坐下。闻太师长吁了一声，未及开言，赵公明问曰：“道兄为何长吁？”闻太师曰：“我闻仲奉诏征西，讨伐叛逆，不意昆仑教下姜尚，善能谋谟，助恶者众，朋党作奸。屡屡失机，无计可施。不得已，往金鳌岛，邀秦完等十友协助，乃摆十绝阵；指望擒获姜尚，孰知今破其六，反损六位道友，无故遭殃，实为可恨！今日自思，无门可投，忝愧到此，烦兄一往，不知道兄尊意如何？”公明曰：“你当时怎不早来？今日之败，乃自取之也，既然如此，兄且先回，吾随后即至。”太师大喜，辞了公明，上骑，借风云回营，不表。且说赵公明唤门徒陈九公、姚少司：“随我往西岐去。”两个门徒领命。公明打点起身，唤童儿：“好生看守洞府，吾去就来。”带两个门人，借土遁往西岐。正行之间，忽然下来，是一座高山。正是： 异景奇花观不尽，分明生就小蓬莱。

In an instant, he arrived at Luofu Dong on Mount Emei. Dismounting from the qilin, Lord Wen Tai Shi observed the mountain and found it truly serene and secluded: cranes and deer moved about in abundance, while monkeys came and went freely. Vines hung from the entrance of the cave. Lord Wen asked: "Is anyone here?" After a short while, a young boy came out and saw that Lord Wen had three eyes. He asked: "Sir, where have you come from?" Lord Wen said: "Is your master at home?" The boy replied: "He is sitting in meditation inside the cave." Lord Wen said: "Tell your master that Lord Wen Tai Shi of the Shang capital has come to visit." The boy went in and reported to his master: "There is a Lord Wen Tai Shi who has come to pay respects." Zhao Gongming, upon hearing this, hurried out of the cave to greet him. Seeing Lord Wen Tai Shi, he laughed and said: "Lord Wen Da Xiong, which gust of wind blew you here?" "You enjoy worldly wealth and honor, basking in the splendor of golden mansions, yet you have entirely forgotten the scenery of the Daoist path and the simple elegance of our family's traditions!" The two men took each other's hands and entered the cave, where they bowed to one another and sat down. Lord Wen Tai Shi let out a long sigh. Before he could speak, Zhao Gongming asked: "Dao Xiong, why do you sigh so deeply?" Lord Wen Tai Shi said: "I heard that Zhong was commissioned by the imperial decree to campaign in the west and quell rebellion. Unexpectedly, Jiang Shang of the Kunlun Sect is highly skilled at strategy; many assist the wicked, and factions have acted corruptly." "Time and again we have missed opportunities, with no strategies left to employ." "With no alternative, I went to Jinao Island and invited Qin Wan and ten other friends for assistance. We then arranged the Ten Absolute Arrays; " "We hoped to capture Jiang Shang, but who knew that today we have broken six of them and instead lost six Daoist friends without cause. It is truly regrettable!" "Today, upon reflection, I have nowhere else to turn; it is with great shame that I come here. I trouble you to go there once more. Dao Xiong, what are your thoughts?" Zhao Gongming said: "Why didn't you come earlier at that time?" "This defeat today is self-inflicted. If it's as such, then elder brother should return first; I will follow shortly." Lord Wen Tai Shi was greatly pleased. He bid farewell to Zhao Gongming, mounted his steed, and returned to camp on wind and clouds; no further details are given here. Meanwhile, Zhao Gongming called his disciples Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosi: "Follow me to the western Qi." The two disciples accepted their orders. Zhao Gongming made preparations to leave and called the boy: "Take good care of our cave dwelling; I will return shortly." He took along his two disciples, used earth divination, and headed toward western Qi. While traveling, they suddenly came upon a high mountain. Indeed: Strange scenery and rare flowers are endless to behold; it clearly resembles the small Penglai of immortals.

赵公明正看山中景致，猛然山脚下一阵狂风大作，卷起灰尘，分明看时，只见一只猛虎来了。笑曰：“此去也无坐骑，跨虎登山，正是好事。”只见那虎剪尾摇头而来，怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 咆哮踊跃出深山，几点英雄汗血斑，利爪如钩心胆壮，钢牙似剑势凶顽。未曾行处风先动，才作奔腾草自扳，任是兽群应畏服，敢撄威猛等闲间。

Zhao Gongming was admiring the mountain scenery when suddenly, from beneath the mountain foot, a fierce wind arose, raising dust. Clearly visible now was a ferocious tiger approaching. He smiled and said: "Since I have no steed to ride here, crossing the mountain on this tiger is indeed a good omen." One could see the tiger coming, swishing its tail and shaking its head. How fierce it was—evidenced by a poem: Roaring and leaping from deep mountains, A few drops of heroic blood stain its hide; Its sharp claws like hooks show bold courage, Its steel-like teeth brandish a savage might. Before it moves, the wind stirs first; At its charge, grass bends by itself. Even among beasts, none dare defy it; Who dares to challenge such fierce might in vain?

话说赵公明见一黑虎而来，喜不自胜：“正用得著你！”掉步向前，将二指伏虎在地，用丝绦套住虎项，跨在虎背上，把虎头一拍；用符印一道画在虎项上。那虎四足就起风云，霎时间来到成汤营，辕门下虎，众军大叫：“虎来了！”陈九公曰：“不妨！乃是家虎，快报与闻太师：赵老爷已至辕门。”太师闻报，忙出营迎迓，二人至中军帐坐下，有四阵主来相见，共谈军务之事。赵公明曰：“四位道兄，如何摆十绝阵，反损了六位道友？此情真是可恨！”正说间，猛然抬头，只见子牙芦篷上吊著赵江，公明问曰：“那篷上吊的是谁？”白天君曰：“道兄，那就是‘地烈阵’主赵江。”公明大怒：“岂有此理！三教原来总一般，彼将赵江如此凌辱，吾辈体面目何存！待吾也将他的人拿一个来吊著，看他意下如何！”随上虎提鞭，闻太师同四阵主出营，看赵公明来会姜子牙。不知胜负如何，且听下回分解。

As the story continues, Zhao Gongming saw a black tiger approaching and was overjoyed: "This is just what I need!" He stepped forward, used two fingers to subdue the tiger on the ground, tied a silk rope around its neck, mounted it, and gave the tiger's head a pat; he drew a talisman with a seal mark onto the tiger's neck. At once, the tiger raised wind and clouds with its four paws, and in an instant they arrived at the Cheng Tang camp. As the tiger stood beneath the yuamen (main gate), the soldiers cried out: "A tiger is coming!" Chen Jiugong said: "Do not worry! It is our tiger. Quickly inform Lord Wen Tai Shi: Master Zhao has arrived at the yuamen." Lord Wen Tai Shi, upon hearing the report, hurriedly left camp to greet him. The two men entered the central command tent and sat down; four array commanders came forward to meet them, and they discussed military affairs together. Zhao Gongming said: "Four Dao Xiongs, how could arranging the Ten Absolute Arrays have resulted in losing six of our fellow Daoists?" This situation is truly regrettable!" While they were speaking, suddenly Zhao Gongming looked up and saw Zhao Jiang hanging on the reed canopy of Zi Ya. He asked: "Who is that person hanging from the canopy?" Bai Tianjun said: "Dao Xiong, that is Zhao Jiang, master of the 'Earth Shattering Array.'" Zhao Gongming became furious and exclaimed: "How could this be possible!" The Three Teachings were originally all the same. How could they treat Zhao Jiang in such a disgraceful manner? Where is our dignity as fellow Daoists?" "Let me also take one of their people and hang them, to see what they think about it!" He mounted his tiger, raised the whip, and Lord Wen Tai Shi along with the four array commanders left camp to see Zhao Gongming meet Jiang Ziya. Whether he wins or loses remains unknown; we shall hear in the next chapter.