Chapter 49: King Wu Trapped in the Red Sand Formation

诗曰： 一煞真元万事休，无为无作更无忧。心中白璧人难会，世上黄金我不求。 石畔溪声谈梵语，涧边山色咽寒流。有时七里滩头坐，新月垂江作钓钩。

The verse says: One calamity ends all matters of the True Primordial, Non-action and non-creation bring no further worries. A white jade in the heart is hard for people to understand; I do not seek gold in this world. By the stone, the stream's sound speaks in Buddhist tongue, Beside the ravine, mountain hues choke the cold flow. Sometimes I sit at Qili Tantou, A new moon hangs over the river like a fishing hook.

话说道德真君领燃灯命，作罢歌，提剑而来。真君曰：“王变！你等不谙天时，指望扭转乾坤，逆天行事，只待丧身，噬脐何及。今尔等十阵已破八九，尚不悔悟，犹然恃强狂逞！”王天君听得道德真君如此之语，大怒，仗剑来取。道德真君剑架忙还。来往数合，王变进本阵去了。道德真君闻金钟击响，随后赶进阵中。王变上台，也将葫芦如前一样打将下来，只见红水满地。真君把袖一抖，落下一瓣莲花；道德真君双脚踏在莲花瓣上。任凭红水上下翻腾，道德真君只是不理。王天君又拿一葫芦打下来。真君顶上现出庆云，遮盖上面，无水粘身；下面红水不能粘其步履，如一叶莲舟相似。正是： 一叶莲舟能解厄，方知阐教有高人。

It is said that Zhenjun Dedao received instructions from Rendeng, finished singing his song, and came forward with a sword in hand. Zhenjun said, "Wang Bian!" You do not understand the heavenly timing; you dare to hope to reverse heaven and earth, acting against the will of Heaven. You only await your own destruction—by then it will be too late to regret. Now, nine out of ten of your formations have already been broken; still you do not repent or awaken! You continue to rely on strength and recklessly display arrogance!" Wang Tianjun, upon hearing Zhenjun Dedao speak thus, became greatly enraged and brandished his sword to attack. Zhenjun Dedao quickly raised his sword to parry. After several exchanges, Wang Bian retreated into his own formation and left. Zhenjun Dedao heard the bronze bell ringing and hurriedly advanced into the formation afterward. Wang Bian ascended the platform, took up the gourd as before and struck it down; at once, red water spread across the ground. Zhenjun shook his sleeve, causing a single lotus petal to fall; Zhenjun Dedao placed both feet upon the lotus petal. Despite the red water surging up and down, Zhenjun Dedao simply ignored it. Wang Tianjun took another gourd and struck it downward once more. A celebratory cloud appeared above Zhenjun's head, covering him from above; no water could touch his body. The red water below could not adhere to his steps, as if he were a single lotus leaf boat. Indeed: A single lotus-leaf boat can dispel calamity; Only then does one know that the Chan School has great sages.

道德真君脚踏莲舟，有一个时辰，王变情知此阵不能成功，方欲抽身逃走；道德真君忙取五火七禽扇一扇。──此扇有空中火、石中火、木中火、三昧火、人间火，五火合成此宝；扇有凤凰翅，有青鸾翅，有大鹏翅，有孔雀翅，有白鹤翅，有鸿鹄翅，有枭鸟翅；七禽翎上有符印，有秘诀。后人有诗单道此扇好处，有诗为证： 五火奇珍号七翎，授人初出乘离荧。逢山怪石成灰烬，遇海煎乾少露泠。 克木克金为第一，焚梁焚栋暂无停。王变纵有神仙体，遇扇扇时即灭形。

Zhenjun Dedao, treading upon the lotus-leaf boat, remained there for one shichen. Wang Bian realized that this formation could not succeed and began to withdraw in an attempt to flee; Zhenjun Dedao hurriedly took up the Five Fires Seven Birds Fan and gave a single sweep. ——This fan contains fire from the air, fire within stone, fire within wood, Samadhi fire, and fire of the human world; these five fires combine to form this treasure; the fan has phoenix wings, green 鸾 wings, great peng wings, peacock wings, white crane wings, honghu wings, and jiao bird wings; on the feathers of these seven birds are talismans and secret formulas. Later generations composed a verse to single out the excellence of this fan, with poetry as evidence: Five Fires' wondrous treasure is called Seven Feathers; When first bestowed upon mortals, it rides forth from Li Ying. Mountains and strange rocks become ashes when encountered; Oceans are boiled dry with little remaining moisture. It conquers wood and metal above all, Burning beams and rafters without pause. Though Wang Bian possesses a divine immortal body, when confronted with the sweep of this fan, his form is instantly destroyed.

道德真君把七禽扇照王变一扇。王变大叫一声，化一阵红灰，迳进封神台去了。道德真君破了“红水阵”。燃灯回芦篷静坐。且说张天君报入中军：“启太师：‘红水阵’又被西岐破了。”闻太师因赵公明有钉头七箭书事，郁郁不乐，纳闷心头，不曾理论军情；又听得破了一阵，更添愁闷。

Zhenjun Dedao took up the Seven Birds Fan and swept it toward Wang Bian. Wang Bian let out a loud cry, turned into a wisp of red ash, and directly entered the Fengshen Tai. Zhenjun Dedao had broken the "Red Water Formation." Rendeng returned to his reed pavilion and sat in quiet meditation. Meanwhile, Zhang Tianjun reported into the central camp: "Your Excellency Tai Shi: The 'Red Water Formation' has once again been broken by Xi Qi." Wen Tai Shi, troubled over the matter of Zhao Gongming's Nail-Head Seven-Arrow Scroll, was deeply unhappy and preoccupied with his worries, so he had not discussed military affairs. Upon hearing that another formation had been broken, he became even more distressed.

且说子牙在岐山拜了二十日，七篇书已拜完；明日二十一日，要绝公明，心下甚欢喜。再说赵公明卧于后营，闻太师坐于榻前看守。公明曰：“闻兄，我与你止会今日。明日午时，吾命已休！”太师听罢，泣而言曰：“吾累道兄遭此不测之殃，使我心如刀割！”张天君进营来看赵公明，正是有力无处使，只恨钉头七箭书。把一个大罗神仙只拜得如俗子病夫一般，可怜讲甚么五行遁术，说不起倒海移山，只落得一场虚话！大家相看流泪。且说子牙至二十一日巳牌时分，武吉来报：“陆压老爷来了。”子牙出营迎接，入帐行礼。序坐毕，陆压曰：“恭喜！恭喜！赵公明定绝今日！且又破了‘红水阵’，可谓十分之喜！”子牙深谢陆压：“若非道兄法力无边，焉得公明绝命。”陆压笑吟吟揭开花篮，取出小小一张桑枝弓，三只桃枝箭，递与子牙，“今日午时初刻，用此箭射之。”子牙曰：“领命。”二人在帐中等至午时，不觉阴阳官来报：“午时牌！”子牙净手，拈弓，搭箭。陆压曰：“先中左目。”子牙依命，先中左目。──这西岐山发箭射草人，成汤营里赵公明大叫一声，把左眼闭了。闻太师心如刀割，一把抱住公明，泪流满面，哭声甚惨。──子牙在岐山，二箭射右目，三箭劈心一箭，三箭射了草人。──公明死于成汤营里。有诗为证： 悟道原须灭去尘，尘心不了怎成真。至今空却罗浮洞，封受金龙如意神。

Meanwhile, Zi Ya observed a twenty-day ritual on Mount Qi; the seven scrolls were now completed. On the next day, the twenty-first day, he was to end Zhao Gongming's life, and in his heart he felt great joy. Speaking of Zhao Gongming, who lay in the rear camp, he heard that Tai Shi Wen was seated before his bed keeping watch. Gongming said, "Brother Wen, this is our final meeting today." Tomorrow at noon, my life will end!" Upon hearing this, Tai Shi wept and said, "I have brought misfortune upon my Daoist elder brother in such an unforeseen way; it pierces my heart like a knife!" Zhang Tianjun entered the camp to visit Zhao Gongming. He had strength but nowhere to use it, and only regretted the Nail-Head Seven-Arrow Book. He had reduced a Great Luo Immortal to the state of an ordinary, sickly man; how pitiful! What was the use of talking about the Five Elements Evading Arts or boasting of moving mountains and seas? It all ended in empty words! All looked at each other with tears streaming down their faces. Meanwhile, on the twenty-first day at the Si time period, Wu Ji came to report: "Luya Laoye has arrived." Zi Ya left his camp to welcome him and led him into the tent for a bow. After they had taken their seats in order, Luya said, "Congratulations!" Congratulations! Zhao Gongming is certainly to perish today! And the "Red Water Formation" has also been broken—this is truly a cause for great joy!" Zi Ya deeply thanked Luya: "Were it not for Daoist elder brother's boundless magical power, how could Zhao Gongming have met his fate today?" Luya smiled and opened the flower basket, taking out a small mulberry branch bow and three peach branch arrows. He handed them to Zi Ya and said, "At the first ke of noon today, use these arrows to shoot him." Zi Ya replied, "I understand your orders." The two remained in the tent until noon. Suddenly, the officials of yin and yang came to report: "Noon has arrived!" Zi Ya cleansed his hands, took up the bow, and nocked an arrow. Luya said, "Strike first at the left eye." Zi Ya followed his orders and struck the left eye. ——From Mount Xi Qi, an arrow was shot at a straw dummy; within the Chengtang camp, Zhao Gongming let out a loud cry and shut his left eye. Wen Tai Shi felt as though his heart were pierced by a knife; he threw his arms around Gongming, tears streaming down his face, and wept bitterly. ——Zi Ya on Mount Qi shot the right eye with a second arrow, then pierced the heart with a third. Three arrows were shot at the straw dummy in total. ——Gongming died within the Chengtang encampment. There is a verse to attest: To attain enlightenment, one must first eliminate worldly dust; Without purifying the heart of attachments, how can one become truly enlightened? Now, in vain remains Luofu Cave, Bestowing the Golden Dragon As-You-Wish Deity.

闻太师见公明死于非命，放声大哭；用棺椁盛殓，停于后营。邓、辛、张、陶四将心惊胆战，“周营有这样高人，如何与他对敌！”营内只因死了公明，彼此惊乱，行伍不整。且言子牙同陆压回篷，与众道友相见，俱说：“若不是陆压兄之术，焉能使公明如此命绝！”燃灯甚是称羡。

Wen Tai Shi, upon seeing Gongming die a tragic death, let out a loud wail of grief; he placed him in a coffin for burial and laid the body to rest in the rear camp. Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao's four generals were filled with fear and trembling: "The Zhou camp has such a great sage—how can we possibly oppose him!" Within the camp, because Gongming had died, chaos and alarm spread among them; their ranks became disorganized. Meanwhile, Zi Ya returned to the pavilion with Luya and met his fellow Daoist friends. They all said: "Had it not been for Brother Luya's artistry, how could we have caused Zhao Gongming to meet such a fate!" Rendeng was especially admiring.

且说张天君开了“红沙阵”，里面连催钟响，燃灯听见，谓子牙曰：“此‘红沙阵”乃一大恶阵，必须要一福人方保无虞。若无福人去破此阵，必须大损。”子牙曰：“老师用谁为福人？”燃灯曰：“若破‘红沙阵”，须是当今圣主方可。若是别人，凶多吉少。”子牙曰：“当今天子体先王仁德，不善武事，怎破得此阵？”燃灯曰：“事不宜迟，速请武王，吾自有处。”子牙著武吉请武王。少时，武王至篷下。子牙迎迓上篷。武王见众道人下拜。众道人答礼相还。武王曰：“列位老师相招，有何分付？”燃灯曰：“方今十阵已破九阵，止得一‘红沙阵’，须得至尊亲破，方保无虞。但不知贤王可肯去否？”武王曰：“列位道长此来，俱为西土祸乱不安，而发此恻隐。今日用孤，安敢不去。”燃灯大喜，“请王解带，宽袍。”武王依其言，摘带，脱袍。燃灯用中指在武王前后胸中用符印一道，完毕，请武王穿袍，又将一符印塞在武王蟠龙冠内。燃灯又命哪吒、雷震子，保武王下篷。只见“红沙阵”内有位道人，戴鱼尾冠，面如冻绿，颔下赤髯，提两口剑，作歌而来。歌曰： “截教传来悟者稀，玄中大妙有天机：先成炉内黄金粉，后炼无穷白玉霏。 红沙数片人心落，黑雾弥漫胆骨飞。今朝若会龙虎地，便是神仙绝魄归。”

Meanwhile, Zhang Tianjun activated the "Red Sand Formation," and within it, bells were repeatedly struck. Rendeng heard this and said to Zi Ya: "This 'Red Sand Formation' is a most malevolent formation; one must have a person of great fortune in order to be safe from harm. If there is no fortunate person to break this formation, it will certainly cause great losses." Zi Ya asked: "Master, whom do you intend to use as the person of fortune?" Rendeng said, "To break the 'Red Sand Formation,' one must be the current Sage Ruler." If anyone else were to do it, there would be more misfortune than good fortune." Zi Ya said: "The current emperor embodies the benevolence and virtue of his ancestors, but is not skilled in martial matters—how could he possibly break this formation?" Rendeng said: "We must act without delay. Quickly summon King Wu; I have my own plan." Zi Ya sent Wu Ji to invite King Wu. After a short while, King Wu arrived beneath the pavilion. Zi Ya welcomed him onto the pavilion. King Wu saw the Daoist sages bowing before him. The crowd of Daoists returned the courtesy with equal respect. King Wu said: "Esteemed sages, you have summoned me—what is it that you require?" Rendeng said: "At present, nine of the ten formations have been broken; only the 'Red Sand Formation' remains. It must be personally breached by Your Majesty to ensure safety." But I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to do so?" King Wu said: "Esteemed Daoist elders, your coming here is all for the sake of ending the turmoil and unrest in the western lands, out of compassion. Today you call upon me; how could I possibly refuse?" Rendeng was greatly pleased and said, "Please, Your Majesty, remove your sash and loosen your robe." King Wu followed his words and removed his sash, taking off his robe. Rendeng used his middle finger to apply a talisman on the front and back of King Wu's chest. After finishing, he asked King Wu to put his robe back on and then placed another talisman inside King Wu's Panlong Crown. Rendeng also ordered Nezha and Leizhenzi to escort King Wu from the pavilion. A Daoist sage was seen within the "Red Sand Formation," wearing a fish-tail crown, with a face as green as frozen jade, red beard beneath his chin, and holding two swords. He came singing a song. The song said: "Of those who receive the Chan School teachings, few truly understand; Within the arcane lies great wonders and heavenly secrets: First create golden powder in the furnace, Then refine endless white jade mist. A few red sand particles cause hearts to fall; Black mists spread, and one's bones and courage flee. If today you meet the Dragon-Tiger Land, Even immortals will lose their souls and perish."

“红沙阵”主张绍大呼曰：“玉虚门下谁来会吾此阵？”只见风火轮上哪吒提火尖枪而来。又见雷震子保有一人，戴蟠龙冠，身穿黄服。张绍曰：“来者是谁？”哪吒答曰：“此吾之真主武王是也。”武王见张天君狰狞恶状，凶暴猖獗，諕得战惊惊，坐不住马鞍鞽上。张天君纵开梅花鹿，仗剑来取。哪吒登开风火轮，摇枪赴面交还。未及数合，张天君往本阵便走。哪吒、雷震子保定武王迳入“红沙阵”中。张天君见三人赶来，忙上台，抓一片红沙往下劈面打来。武王被红沙打中前胸，连人带马撞下坑去。哪吒踏住风火轮就升起空中。张绍又发三片沙打将下来，也把哪吒连轮打下坑内。雷震子见事不好，欲起风雷翅，又被红沙数片打翻下坑。故此“红沙阵”困住了武王三人。且说燃灯同子牙见“红沙阵”内，一股黑气往上冲来，燃灯曰：“武王虽是有厄，然百日可解。”子牙问其详细：“武王怎不见出阵来？”燃灯曰：“武王、雷震子、哪吒三人俱该受困此阵。”子牙慌问：“老师，几时出来？”燃灯曰：“百日方能出得此厄。”子牙听罢，顿足叹曰：“武王乃仁德之君，如何受得百日之苦，那时若有差讹，奈何？”燃灯曰：“不妨。天命有在，周主洪福，自保无事。子牙何必著忙。暂且回篷，自有道理。”子牙进城，报入宫中。太姬、太姙二后忙令众兄弟进相府来问。子牙曰：“当今不妨，只有百日灾难，自保无虞。”子牙出城，复上篷见众道友，闲谈道法。不题。话表张天君进营对闻太师曰：“武王、雷震子、哪吒俱陷‘红沙阵’内。”闻太师口虽庆喜，心中只是不乐。──止为公明混闷而死。──张天君在阵内，每日常把红沙洒在武王身上，如同刀刃一般。多亏前后符印护持其体，──真命福人，焉能得绝。

Zhang Shao, the master of the "Red Sand Formation," shouted loudly: "Who from the Yu Xu School dares to challenge my formation?" Suddenly, Nezha arrived on his Wind and Fire Wheels, holding up his Flame-Tip Lance. Also seen was Leizhenzi escorting a man wearing a Panlong Crown and dressed in yellow robes. Zhang Shao asked, "Who dares to come here?" 𝑙 Nezha replied: "This is my true sovereign, King Wu." King Wu saw Zhang Tianjun's monstrous and ferocious appearance, his violent and rampant demeanor, and was so frightened that he trembled with fear and could not remain seated on the saddle. Zhang Tianjun leaped onto a spotted deer and brandished his sword to attack. Nezha mounted the Wind and Fire Wheels, raised his lance, and rushed forward to meet him in battle. Before a few exchanges could take place, Zhang Tianjun turned and fled back to his own formation. Nezha and Leizhenzi escorted King Wu directly into the "Red Sand Formation." Zhang Tianjun, seeing the three approaching, hurriedly climbed onto a platform and grabbed a handful of red sand to hurl down at their faces. King Wu was struck in the chest by the red sand, causing both him and his horse to crash into a pit below. Nezha stepped onto the Wind and Fire Wheels and immediately rose into the air. Zhang Shao then launched three more pieces of sand downward, which struck Nezha and sent him along with his Wheels crashing into the pit below. Leizhenzi, seeing that things were going badly, tried to take flight with his Wind and Thunder Wings, but was also struck by several pieces of red sand and knocked down into the pit. Thus, King Wu and the three others were trapped within the "Red Sand Formation." Meanwhile, Rendeng and Ziya observed from within the "Red Sand Formation" as a column of black mist surged upward. Rendeng said: "Although King Wu is now in danger, it can be resolved within one hundred days." Ziya asked for details: "Why hasn't King Wu emerged from the formation yet?" Rendeng said, "King Wu, Leizhenzi, and Nezha are all destined to be trapped in this formation." Ziya anxiously asked: "Master Teacher, when will they emerge?" Rendeng replied: "It will take one hundred days before they can escape this calamity." After hearing this, Ziya stamped his foot and sighed: "King Wu is a benevolent and virtuous ruler. How can he endure such suffering for one hundred days? If anything goes wrong by then, what shall we do?" Rendeng said: "Do not worry." "The Mandate of Heaven is in place. King Zhou possesses great fortune and will naturally be protected from harm." Ziya, there is no need for you to rush about this matter. Return to the pavilion for now; everything will be resolved in its own time." Ziya returned to the city and reported the matter into the palace. Queji and Tairen, the two empresses, quickly ordered their brothers to come to the prime minister's residence for an inquiry. Ziya said: "There is no immediate danger now; there will only be a hundred days of hardship, and the king will naturally remain safe." Ziya left the city again and returned to the pavilion to meet with his fellow Daoist companions, where they engaged in casual discussions about Daoist principles. No further details are given. Meanwhile, Zhang Tianjun entered the camp and reported to Wenti Shī: "King Wu, Leizhenzi and Nezha have all fallen into the 'Red Sand Formation.'" Although Wenti Shi's mouth expressed joy at this news, his heart remained troubled. --This was because Gongming had died in confusion and despair. --Zhang Tianjun, within the formation, sprinkled red sand on King Wu every day, which felt like blades cutting into him. Fortunately, protective talismans in front and behind shielded his body -- a man of true destiny and great fortune could not possibly be destroyed.

且不说张绍困住武王，只说申公豹跨虎往三仙岛来报信与云霄娘娘姐妹三人。及至洞门，光景与别处大不相同。怎见得： 烟霞袅袅，松柏森森。烟霞袅袅瑞盈门，松柏森森青绕户。桥踏枯槎木，峰巅绕薜萝，鸟衔红蕊来云壑，鹿践芳丛上石苔。那门前时催花发，风送香浮，临堤绿柳转黄鹂，傍岸夭桃翻粉蝶。虽然别是洞天景，胜似蓬莱阆苑佳。

Leaving aside Zhang Shao's trapping of King Wu, let us now speak of Shen Gongbao riding a tiger to Sanxian Island to deliver news to the three sisters, Lady Yunxiao and her companions. Upon reaching the cave entrance, the scenery was vastly different from elsewhere. How so? Mist and rosy clouds drifted gently; cypresses and pines stood tall and dense. The drifting mist and rosy clouds brought auspiciousness to the gate, while towering cypresses and pines in green surrounded the household. Bridges were crossed on withered wooden rafts, and peaks were wrapped in green vines. Birds carried red blossoms from the clouds into the valleys, while deer stepped through fragrant undergrowth upon mossy stones. Before the gate, flowers bloomed in season; scents drifted on the wind. Green willows by the embankment echoed with yellow orioles, while pink peach blossoms along the shore fluttered with painted butterflies. Though it was a different fairyland scene, it surpassed even the beauty of Penglai and Langyuan.

话说申公豹行至洞中下虎，问：“里面有人否？”少时，一女童出来，认得申公豹，便问：“老师往那里来？”公豹曰：“报你师父，说我来访。”童儿进洞：“启娘娘：申老爷来访。”娘娘道：“请来。”申公豹入内相见，稽首坐下。云霄娘娘问曰：“道兄何来？”公豹道：“特为令兄的事来。”云霄娘娘曰：“吾兄有甚么事敢烦道兄？”申公豹笑曰：“赵道兄被姜尚钉头七箭书射死岐山，你们还不知道？”只见琼霄、碧霄听罢，顿足曰：“不料吾兄死于姜尚之手，实为痛心！”放声大哭。申公豹在旁又曰：“令兄把你金蛟剪借下山，一功未成，反被他人所害。临危对闻太师说：‘我死以后，吾妹必定来取金蛟剪。你多拜上三位妹子：吾悔不听云霄之言，反入罗网之厄。见吾道服，丝绦，如见我亲身一般！’言之痛心，说之酸鼻！可怜千年勤劳修炼一场，岂知死于无赖之手！真是切骨之仇！”云霄娘娘曰：“吾师有言：‘截教门中不许下山；如下山者，“封神榜”上定是有名。’故此天数已定。吾兄不听师言，故此难脱此厄。”琼霄曰：“姐姐，你实是无情！不为吾兄出力，故有此言。我姊妹三人就是‘封神榜’上有名也罢，吾定去看吾兄骸骨，不负同胞。”琼霄、碧霄娘娘怒气冲冲，不由分说，琼霄忙乘鸿鹄，碧霄乘花翎鸟出洞。云霄娘娘暗思：“吾妹妹此去，必定用混元金斗乱拿玉虚门人，反为不美。惹出事来，怎生是好！吾当亲去执掌，还可在我。”娘娘分付女童：“好生看守洞府，我去就来。”娘娘跨青鸾，也出洞府；见碧霄、琼霄飘飘跨异鸟而来。云霄娘娘大叫曰：“妹妹慢行！吾也来了！”二位娘娘道：“姐姐，你往那里去？”云霄曰：“我见你们不谙事体，恐怕多事，同你去，见机而作，不可造次。”三人同行，只见后面有人呼曰：“三位娘娘慢行！吾也来了！”云霄回头看时──“原来是菡芝仙妹子。”问道：“你从那里来？”菡芝仙曰：“同你往西岐去。”娘娘大喜。才待前行，又有人来叫曰：“少待！吾来也！”及看时，乃彩云仙子，打稽首曰：“四位姐姐往西岐去；方才遇著申公豹约我同行，正要往闻道兄那里去，恰好过著大家同行。”五位女仙往西岐来，顷刻，驾遁光即时而至。正是： 群仙顶上天门闭，九曲黄河大难来。

The story continues: Shen Gongbao dismounted from his tiger upon entering the cave and asked, "Is there anyone inside?" After a short while, a young girl came out. Recognizing Shen Gongbao, she asked: "Master Teacher, where have you come from?" Gongbao said: "Tell your master that I have come to visit." The child went into the cave and announced: "Your Majesty, Master Shen has arrived for a visit." Lady Yunxiao said: "Please bring him in." Shen Gongbao entered and paid his respects, then bowed before taking a seat. Lady Yunxiao asked: "Brother Daoist, what brings you here?" Gongbao replied: "I have come specifically regarding your elder brother's matter." Lady Yunxiao said, "What has my elder brother done that would trouble you, Brother Daoist?" Shen Gongbao smiled and said: "Brother Zhao was shot dead by Jiang Shang's Nail-Head Seven-Arrow Spell on Qishan Mountain. Did you not know?" Upon hearing this, Lady Qiongxiao and Lady Bixiao stamped their feet in anger and said: "We did not expect our elder brother to die at the hands of Jiang Shang. It is truly heartbreaking!" They burst into loud weeping. Shen Gongbao added from the side: "Your elder brother borrowed your Golden Crocodile Shears to descend the mountain. He accomplished no feat, yet was instead killed by another." On his deathbed, he told Wenti Shi: 'After my death, my sisters will surely come to reclaim the Golden Crocodile Shears. You must convey my regards to your three younger sisters: I regret not heeding Yunxiao's words and instead falling into this trap. When you see my Daoist robes and silk sash, regard them as if seeing me in person!"' The words were heartbreaking; the tale brought tears to one's eyes! Pitifully, after a thousand years of diligent cultivation and practice, who could have known he would die at the hands of a scoundrel! Truly an enemy to be avenged with all one's heart!" Lady Yunxiao said: "Our master once said, 'Those of the Chan Sect are not allowed to descend from the mountain; if anyone does go down the mountain, their name will surely appear on the 'Fengshen Bang'." Thus, it was already decreed by Heaven's fate. My elder brother did not heed our master's words, and thus could not escape this calamity." Lady Qiongxiao said: "Sister, you are truly heartless! You do not even speak up for our elder brother, hence these words." The three of us sisters may well end up on the 'Fengshen Ban' as a result, but I will definitely go see my elder brother's remains and not betray our blood bond." Lady Qiongxiao and Bixiao, filled with righteous anger, did not wait for further discussion. Lady Qiongxiao quickly mounted a red-crowned crane, while Lady Bixiao rode a flower-plumed bird, as they both left the cave in haste. Lady Yunxiao silently pondered: "If my younger sisters go, they will surely use the Primordial Golden Basin to recklessly seize disciples of the Yu Xu School. This would only bring trouble." If a conflict arises, what shall I do!" I must personally go and take charge; this way, it will still be under my control." Lady Yunxiao instructed the young girl: "Take good care of our cave dwelling while I am away. I shall return shortly." The lady mounted a green phoenix and also left the cave residence; She saw Lady Bixiao and Qiongxiao flying on strange birds, their figures drifting gracefully. Lady Yunxiao shouted: "Sisters, wait a moment! I am coming too!" The two ladies asked: "Sister, where are you going?" Lady Yunxiao replied: "I see that you two do not understand the situation well, and I fear this may lead to unnecessary trouble. I will go with you both. We must act according to circumstances and must not be hasty." The three traveled together, when suddenly someone called from behind: "Ladies, please wait a moment!" I am coming too!" Lady Yunxiao turned around and saw -- "It is my younger sister, Lady Hanzhi." She asked: "Where are you coming from?" Lady Hanzhi replied: "I am going with you to Xi Qi." The lady was greatly pleased. Just as they were about to proceed, another voice called out: "Wait a moment!" I am coming too!" When they looked, it was Lady Caiyun. She bowed respectfully and said: "The four of you sisters are going to Xi Qi; I just met Shen Gongbao, who invited me along. I was about to go see Brother Dao at Wenti's place, and it is fortunate that we can all travel together." The five female immortals journeyed toward Xi Qi. In an instant, they arrived by means of evasive light. Indeed: The heavenly gates above the immortals are closed; Great calamity comes from the winding Yellow River.

话说五位仙姑来至营门，命旗门官通报。旗门官报入中军。闻太师出营迎请至帐内，打稽首坐下。云霄曰：“前日吾兄被太师请下罗浮洞来，不料被姜尚射死。我姊妹特来收吾兄骸骨。如今却在那里？烦太师指示。”闻太师悲咽泣诉，泪雨如珠，曰：“道兄赵公明不幸遭萧升、曹宝收了定海珠去。他往道友洞府借了金蛟剪来，就会燃灯；交战时便祭此剪。燃灯逃遁，其坐下一鹿闸为两段。次日有一野人陆压会令兄，又祭此剪。陆压化作长虹而走。然后两下不曾会战。数日来，西岐山姜尚立坛行术，咒诅令兄，被吾算出。彼时令兄有二门人──陈九公、姚少司，令他去抢钉头七箭书，又被哪吒杀死。令兄对吾说：‘悔不听吾妹云霄之言，果有今日之苦。’他将金蛟剪用道服包定，留与三位道友，见服如见公明。”闻太师道罢，放声掩面大哭。五位道姑齐动悲声。太师起身，忙取袍服所包金蛟剪放于案上。三位娘娘展开，睹物伤情，泪不能乾。琼霄切齿，碧霄面发通红，动了无明三昧。碧霄曰：“吾兄棺椁在那里。”太师曰：“在后营。”琼霄曰：“吾去看来。”云霄娘娘止曰：“吾兄既死，何必又看？”碧霄曰：“既来了，看看何妨？”二位娘娘就走，云霄只得同行。来到后营，三位娘娘见了棺木，揭开一看，见公明二目血水流津，心窝里流血，不得不怒。琼霄大叫一声，几乎气倒。碧霄含怒曰：“姐姐不必著急，我们拿住他，也射他三箭，报此仇恨！”云霄曰：“不管姜尚事，是野人陆压，弄这样邪术！一则也是吾兄数尽，二则邪术倾生，吾等只拿陆压，也射他三箭，就完此恨。”又见“红沙阵”主张天君进营，与五位仙姑相见。太师设席与众位共饮数杯。次日，五位道姑出营。闻太师掠阵；又命邓、辛、张、陶护卫前后。云霄乘鸾来至篷下，大呼曰：“传与陆压，早来会吾！”左右忙报上篷来：“有五位道姑欲请陆老爷答话。”陆压起身曰：“贫道一往。”提剑在手，迎风大袖飘飘而来。云霄娘娘观，看陆压虽是野人，真有些仙风道骨，怎见得： 双抓髻，云分瑞彩；水合袍，紧束丝绦。仙风道骨气逍遥，腹内无穷玄妙。四海野人陆压，五岳到处名高。学成异术广，懒去赴蟠桃。

Meanwhile, the five Daoist nuns arrived at the camp gate and ordered the flag gate official to announce their arrival. The flag gate officer reported into the central command. Lord Wen Taishi came out of camp to welcome them and invited them into his tent, where he bowed respectfully before sitting down. Yunxiao said: "A few days ago my elder brother was invited by the Great Master from Luofu Cave, but unexpectedly he was shot to death by Jiang Shang. My sisters and I have specially come to retrieve my brother's remains. Where is he now? We trouble you, Great Master, to please indicate the location." Lord Wen Taishi wept bitterly, tears streaming like pearls down his face, and said: "My Daoist elder brother Zhao Gongming unfortunately had the Dinghai Pearl taken from him by Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao. He went to borrow a Golden Crocodile Shears from his Daoist friend's cave dwelling, but instead encountered Rendeng; During the battle he immediately invoked this shears. Rendeng fled, and his mount, a deer, was cleaved into two halves. The next day, a wild man named Lu Ya encountered my brother and also invoked this shears. Lu Ya transformed into a long rainbow and fled. After that, there was no further battle between the two sides. A few days later, Jiang Shang of Xi Qi Mountain set up an altar and performed spells, cursing my elder brother. I calculated this out. At that time, my elder brother had two disciples—Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosi—who were sent to seize the Dingtou Qijian Book, but they were killed by Nezha. My elder brother told me: 'I regret not listening to my sister Yunxiao's advice; indeed, this is the hardship of today.' He wrapped the Golden Crocodile Shears in his Daoist robes and left them with three Daoist friends, saying: 'Seeing these robes is like seeing Gongming.'" After Lord Wen Taishi finished speaking, he let out a loud cry and covered his face in grief. The five Daoist nuns all wept together. Lord Wen Taishi rose, hurriedly took the Golden Crocodile Shears wrapped in his robe, and placed them on the table. The three ladies unfolded it, gazing at the object with sorrowful feelings, their tears unable to dry. Qiongxiao gnashed her teeth; Bixiao's face turned completely red, and she was seized by the Three Fires of Ignorance. Bixiao said: "Where is my brother's coffin?" Lord Wen Taishi replied: "It is in the rear camp." Qiongxiao said: "I will go see it." Lady Yunxiao stopped her and said: "Since my brother is already dead, why look at him again?" Bixiao replied: "Now that we are here, what harm is there in taking a look?" The two ladies walked off, and Yunxiao had no choice but to accompany them. When they arrived at the rear camp, the three ladies saw the coffin. Upon opening it, they found that Gongming's eyes were flowing with blood and his chest was bleeding; they could not help but become angry. Qiongxiao let out a loud cry, nearly fainting from the shock. Bixiao, filled with anger, said: "Sister, do not worry; we will capture him and shoot three arrows at him as well to avenge this grievance!" Yunxiao said: "It is not Jiang Shang's doing; it was the wild man Lu Ya who used such dark sorcery! First, it was also my brother's time to die; second, dark sorcery has taken root. We will only capture Lu Ya and shoot him with three arrows, thus settling this grudge." They also saw Lord Zhang Tianjun of the "Red Sand Formation" entering the camp and meeting with the five Daoist nuns. Lord Wen Taishi set up a banquet and shared several cups of wine with everyone present. The next day, the five Daoist nuns left camp. Lord Wen Taishi led a raid; He also ordered Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao to serve as guards in front and behind. Yunxiao rode a phoenix and arrived beneath the tent, shouting: "Send word to Lu Ya; come quickly to meet me!" The attendants hurriedly reported into the tent: "Five Daoist nuns wish to invite Lord Lu for a conversation." Lu Ya rose and said: "I shall go once, as a poor Daoist." With sword in hand, he came forward, his wide sleeves billowing in the wind. Lady Yunxiao observed Lu Ya and saw that although he was a wild man, he truly had some air of an immortal. How could this be seen: His hair was tied in twin buns, with auspicious clouds parting in radiant colors; His water-colored robe was tightly fastened by a silk sash. With the leisurely air of an immortal, his body exuded Daoist grace and infinite mystery within. Lu Ya, the wild man from all four seas, was renowned throughout the Five Sacred Mountains. He had learned many strange arts and was content to avoid attending the Peach Banquet.

云霄对二妹曰：“此人名为闲士，腹内必有胸襟。看他到了面前怎样言语，便知他学识浅深。”陆压徐徐而至，念几句歌词而来： “白云深处诵‘黄庭’，洞口清风足下生。无为世界清虚境，脱尘缘万事轻。叹无极天地也无名。袍袖展，乾坤大；杖头挑，日月明。只在一粒丹成。”

Yunxiao said to her younger sister: "This man, though called an idle scholar, must have a broad mind within. Just watch how he speaks when he comes before us; that will reveal the depth of his learning." Lu Ya slowly approached, reciting a few lines of verse as he came: "In the depths of white clouds I chant 'Huangting,' A fresh breeze rises beneath my feet at the cave's mouth. In a world of non-action, all is pure and tranquil; Free from worldly ties, all matters become light." Alas, the boundless universe has no name. With a robe sleeve extended, the cosmos expands; A staff in hand, sun and moon shine bright. All is contained within a single pill of immortality."

陆压歌罢，见云霄把个稽首。琼霄曰：“你是散人陆压否？”陆压答曰：“然也。”琼霄曰：“你为何射死吾兄赵公明？”陆压答曰：“三位道友肯容吾一言，吾便当说；不容吾言，任你所为。”云霄曰：“你且道来！”陆压曰：“修道之士，皆从理悟；岂仗逆行。故正者成仙，邪者堕落。吾自从天皇悟道，见过了多少逆顺。历代以来，从善归宗，自成正果。岂意赵公明不守顺，专行逆，助灭纲败纪之君，杀戮无辜百姓，天怒民怨。且仗自己道术，不顾别人修持。此是只知有己，不知有人，便是逆天。从古来逆天者亡，吾今即是天差杀此逆士，又何怨于我！吾劝道友，此地居不久，此处乃兵山火海，怎立其身？若久居之，恐失长生之路。吾不知忌讳，冒昧上陈。”云霄沉吟，良久不语。琼霄大喝曰：“好孽障！焉敢将此虚谬之言，簧惑众听！射死吾兄，反将利口强辩！料你毫末之道，有何能处。”琼霄娘娘怒冲霄汉，仗剑来取。陆压剑架忙迎。未及数合，碧霄将混元金斗望空祭起。陆压怎逃此斗之厄！有诗为证： 此斗开天长出来，内藏天地按三才。碧游宫里亲传授，阐教门人尽受灾。

After finishing his song, Lu Ya bowed respectfully to Yunxiao. Qiongxiao asked: "Are you the recluse Lu Ya?" Lu Ya replied: "Indeed I am." Qiongxiao said: "Why did you shoot and kill my elder brother Zhao Gongming?" Lu Ya replied: "If the three Daoist friends would allow me to speak, I shall explain; if you do not permit my words, then act as you wish." Yunxiao said: "Then speak!" Lu Ya said: "Those who cultivate the Dao all seek understanding through reason; they do not rely on going against the Way. Therefore, those who follow the Right become immortals, while those who pursue the Evil fall into ruin. Since I attained enlightenment under Tianhuang, I have witnessed countless instances of right and wrong. Throughout the ages, those who follow virtue return to the root and achieve true cultivation. I did not expect Zhao Gongming to abandon the Way, insist on going against it, and assist a tyrant who destroyed order and morals, killing innocent civilians and provoking heaven's wrath and people's resentment. Moreover, he relied on his own Daoist arts without regard for the cultivation of others. This is knowing only oneself and not others; it is going against heaven itself. Since ancient times, those who defy heaven have perished. I am now Heaven's appointed agent to kill this rebellious cultivator; what grudge can there be against me! I advise the Daoist friends: you cannot dwell here for long. This place is a battlefield of fire and blood; how can one establish oneself here? If you stay too long, I fear you will lose the path to eternal life. I do not know if this is appropriate or taboo; I have spoken boldly and without ceremony." Yunxiao fell into deep thought, remaining silent for a long time. Qiongxiao shouted angrily: "You wretched demon! How dare you utter such false and misleading words to deceive the people!" You shot my elder brother, yet now use your silver tongue to defend yourself! I know that your trivial Dao is of no real power." Lady Qiongxiao's anger reached the heavens as she brandished her sword and attacked. Lu Ya quickly raised his sword to meet it. Before a few exchanges could take place, Bixiao summoned the Hunyuan Golden Basin and hurled it into the air. How could Lu Ya escape this calamity of the basin! A verse attests to this: This basin has existed since the opening of heaven, Within it are hidden heaven and earth according to the Three Powers. It was personally passed down in Biyou Palace; disciples of the Chan Sect all suffer calamity.

碧霄娘娘把混元金斗祭于空中，陆压看见，却待逃走；其如此宝利害，只听得一声响，将陆压拿去，望成汤老营一摔。陆压总有玄妙之功，也摔得昏昏默默。碧霄娘娘亲自动手，绑缚起来；把陆压泥丸宫用符印镇住，缚在旛杆上；与闻太师曰：“他会射吾兄，今番我也射他！”传长箭手，令五百名军来射。箭发如雨，那箭射在陆压身上；一会儿，那箭连箭杆与箭头都成灰末。众军卒大惊。闻太师观之，无不骇异。云霄娘娘看见如此，碧霄曰：“这妖道将何异术来惑我等！”忙祭金蛟剪。陆压看见，叫声：“吾去也！”化道长虹，迳自走了；来到篷下，见众位道友。燃灯问曰：“混元金斗把道友拿去，如何得返？”陆压曰：“他将箭来射我，欲与其兄报仇。他不知我根脚；那箭射在我身上，箭咫使成为灰末。复放金蛟剪时，吾自来矣。”燃灯曰：“公道术精奇，真个可羡！”陆压曰：“贫道今日暂别，不日再会。”不表。

Lady Bixiao raised the Hunyuan Golden Basin into the air, and Lu Ya saw it; he was about to flee; Such a powerful treasure proved decisive. Just as the sound of impact rang out, Lu Ya was seized and hurled toward the old camp of Chengtang with one throw. Though Lu Ya had some wondrous powers, he still landed in a daze and silence. Lady Bixiao personally took action to bind him up; she placed a talisman over his Tanshen Palace and bound him to the banner pole; and said to Minister Wenshi, "He shot my elder brother. This time, I shall shoot him too!" She summoned the archers and ordered 500 soldiers to shoot at him. Arrows rained down, striking Lu Ya's body; After a while, the arrows—along with their shafts and tips—turned to ash. The soldiers were greatly startled. Minister Wenshi observed this and was no less horrified and astonished. Lady Yunxiao, seeing this, said Bixiao, "This demonic Daoist is using some strange art to bewilder us!" She hurriedly summoned the Golden Crocodile Shears. Lu Ya saw this and cried out, "I shall go now!" He transformed into a long rainbow and fled directly; he arrived under the tent and saw his fellow Daoist friends. Randel asked, "How did my Daoist friend manage to return after being captured by the Hunyuan Golden Basin?" Lu Ya said, "They shot arrows at me in an attempt to avenge their elder brother. They did not know my origins; the arrows shot at me turned to ash upon striking my body. When they released the Golden Crocodile Shears again, I naturally returned." Randel said, "Your Dao technique is truly remarkable and admirable!" Lu Ya said, "This humble Daoist must bid you farewell for now; we shall meet again soon." No further details are given.

且说次日，云霄共五位道姑齐出来会子牙。子牙随带领诸门人，乘了四不相，众弟子分左右。子牙定睛看云霄跨青鸾而至。怎见得： 云髻双蟠道德清，红袍白鹤顶朱缨，丝绦束定乾坤结，足下麻鞋瑞彩生。 劈地开天成道行，三仙岛内炼真形。六气三尸俱抛尽，咫尺青鸾离玉京。

Let us now turn to the next day, when Yunxiao and five other Daoist nuns came out together to meet Ziya. Ziya led his disciples along with him, riding the Sibuxiang, while the other disciples took positions on either side. Ziya fixed his gaze as Yunxiao arrived astride a blue phoenix. How was this described: Her cloud-like hair was coiled in twin knots, embodying moral clarity; A red robe with a crimson tassel on the red phoenix crown, Silken sashes tied with the seals of heaven and earth, Beneath her feet, straw sandals radiated auspicious light. Splitting earth and opening heaven to achieve Dao cultivation, Within the Three Immortals' Island refining one's true form. All six qi and three corpses are cast away; in an instant, the blue phoenix departs from Yujing.

话说子牙乘骑向前，打稽首曰：“五位道友请了！”云霄曰：“姜子牙，吾居三仙岛，是清闲之士，不管人间是非；只因你将吾兄赵公明用钉头七箭书射死。他有何罪，你下此绝情，实为可恶！你虽是陆压所使，但杀人之兄，人亦杀其兄，我等不得不问罪与你。况你乃毫末道行，何足为论。就是燃灯道人知吾姊妹三人，他也不敢欺忤我。”子牙曰：“道友此言差矣！非是我等寻事作非，乃是令兄自取惹事。此是天数如此，终不可逃。既逢绝地，怎免灾殃！令兄师命不遵，要往西岐，是自取死。”琼霄大怒曰：“既杀吾亲兄，还借言天数，吾与你杀兄之仇，如何以巧言遮饰！不要走，吃吾一剑！”把鸿鹄鸟催开双翅，将宝剑飞来直取。子牙手中剑急架相还。只见黄天化纵玉麒麟，使两柄银锤冲杀过来。杨戬走马摇枪，飞来截杀。这壁厢碧霄怒发如雷，“气杀我也！”把花翎鸟二翅飞腾。云霄把青鸾飞开，也来助战。彩云仙子把葫芦中戳目珠抓在手中，要打黄天化下麒麟。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

As the story continues, Ziya rode forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Greetings to my five Daoist friends!" Yunxiao said, "Jiang Ziya, I dwell on the Three Immortals' Isle as a man of leisure and tranquility, taking no interest in worldly affairs; it is only because you shot my elder brother Zhao Gongming to death with the Nailhead Seven-Arrow Scroll. What crime did he commit that you would act so cruelly and heartlessly? It is truly despicable! Though it was Lu Ya who instigated you, the killing of one's elder brother will lead to others killing their own brothers; we cannot but hold you accountable. Moreover, your Dao cultivation is but a mere sprout—how could it be worthy of discussion? Even Master Randeng knows my three sisters and me, yet he dares not insult or defy us." Ziya said, "My Daoist friend, your words are mistaken! It is not that we have come to cause trouble; it was your elder brother who brought this upon himself. This is the way of Heaven's decree, and in the end, he could not escape it. Having encountered a place of no return, how could calamity be avoided! Your elder brother disregarded his master's command and insisted on going to Xi Qi; this was self-inflicted death." Qiongxiao became furious and said, "Having killed my dear elder brother, you now feign reliance on Heaven's decree. How can you use clever words to cover up the grudge of killing a brother! Do not run—take this sword of mine!" She urged the Honghu bird to spread its wings and flew her treasure sword straight toward him. Ziya quickly raised his sword in defense. Just then, Huang Tianhua rode the Jade Qilin and charged forward with two silver hammers. Yang Jian spurred his horse, brandishing a spear as he flew in to intercept and attack. On this side, Bixiao was furious with rage like thunder, "This anger will kill me!" She urged the Huoling bird to flap its wings and soar upward. Yunxiao flew her blue phoenix forward as well, coming to assist in battle. Caiyun Xianzi grabbed the Zhuomu Pearl from her gourd and was about to strike Huang Tianhua off his Qilin. Whether he would survive or not remains to be seen in the next chapter.