Chapter 5: Yunzhongzi Presents a Sword to Eliminate Demons

诗曰： 白云飞雨过南山，碧落萧疏春色闲。楼阁金辉来紫雾；交梨玉液驻朱颜。 花迎白鹤歌仙曲；柳拂青鸾舞翠鬟。此是仙凡多隔世，妖氛一派透天关。

The poem says: White clouds fly past Mount Nan with rain, Azure skies are sparse and spring colors idle. Towers and pavilions glow golden amid purple mists; Jiaoli and jade nectar preserve the rosy hue of youth. Flowers greet white cranes singing immortal songs; Willows brush past green 鸾 dancing with emerald hairpins. This is a world apart between immortals and mortals; demonic mists form a path piercing the heavens.

不言纣王贪恋妲己，终日荒淫，不理朝政。话说终南山有一炼气士，名曰云中子，乃是千百年得道之仙。那日闲居无事，手携水火花篮，意欲往虎儿崖前采药；方才驾云兴雾，忽见东南上一道妖气，直冲透云霄。云中子打一看时，点首嗟叹：“此畜不过是千年狐狸，今假托人形，潜匿朝歌皇宫之内，若不早除，必为大患。我出家人慈悲为本，方便为门……”忙唤金霞童子：“你与我将老枯松枝取一段来，待我削一木剑，去除妖邪。”童儿曰：“何不用照妖宝剑，斩断妖邪，永绝祸根？”云中子笑曰：“千年老狐，岂足当我宝剑！只此足矣。”童儿取松枝与云中子，削成木剑，吩咐童子：“好生看守洞门，我去就来。”云中子离了终南山，脚踏祥云，望朝歌而来。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 不用乘骑与驾舟，五湖四海任遨游。大千世界须臾至，石烂松枯当一秋。

It was not said that King Zhou was greedy for Daji, indulging in debauchery all day and neglecting state affairs. The story goes that on Zhongnan Mountain there was a qigong cultivator named Yunzhongzi, who was an immortal who had attained the Dao after thousands of years. On that day, while idly staying at home with nothing to do, he carried a basket for picking herbs and intended to go to Huer Ya to gather medicinal herbs; Just as he was about to ride the clouds and raise mist, he suddenly saw a demonic aura from the southeast surging straight up through the heavens. Yunzhongzi looked closely and nodded with sighs: "This beast is merely a fox over a thousand years old, now assuming human form to hide within the royal palace of Chaogē. If not eliminated soon, it will surely become a great calamity. "As a monk, I take compassion as my foundation and convenience as my gate..." He quickly called out to Jinxiatongzi: "Go get me a piece of old withered pine branch; let me carve it into a wooden sword to eliminate the demonic evil." The boy asked, "Why not use the Demon-Identifying Magic Sword to sever the demon and forever eradicate this calamity?" Yunzhongzi smiled and said, "An old fox of a thousand years is hardly worthy to face my magic sword! This alone will suffice." The boy fetched the pine branch for Yunzhongzi, who carved it into a wooden sword. He instructed the boy: "Take good care of the cave entrance; I will be right back." Yunzhongzi left Zhongnan Mountain, treading auspicious clouds and heading toward Chaogē. How was this achieved? A poem serves as evidence; the poem says: No need to ride or sail, The Five Lakes and Four Seas are free for roaming. The vast thousandfold world is reached in a moment; Stones crumble and pines wither within one autumn.

且不言云中子往朝歌来除妖邪。只见纣王日迷酒色，旬月不朝，百姓皇皇。满朝文武议论纷纷。内有上大夫梅伯与首相商容、亚相比干言曰：“天子荒淫，沉湎酒色，不理朝政，本积如山，此大乱之兆也。公等身为大臣，进退自有当尽的大义。况君有诤臣，父有诤子，士有诤友。下官与二位丞相俱有责焉。今日不免鸣钟击鼓，齐集文武，请驾临轩，各陈其事，以力诤之，庶不失君臣大义。”商容曰：“大夫之言有理。”传执殿官：“鸣钟鼓请王升殿。”纣王正在摘星楼宴乐，听见大殿上钟鼓齐鸣，左右奏：“请圣驾升殿。”纣王不得已，吩咐妲己曰：“美人暂且安顿，待朕出殿就回。”妲己俯伏送驾。纣王秉圭坐辇，临殿登座。文武百官朝贺毕。天子见二丞相抱本上殿，又见八大夫抱本上殿，与镇国武成王黄飞虎抱本上殿。纣王连日酒色昏迷，情思厌倦，又见本多，一时如何看得尽，又有退朝之意。只见二丞相进前，俯伏奏曰：“天下诸侯本章候命。陛下何事旬月不临大殿。日坐深宫，全不把朝纲整理，此必有在王左右迷惑圣聪者。乞陛下当以国事为重，无得仍前高坐深宫，废弛国事，大拂臣民之望。臣闻天位惟艰，况今天心未顺，水旱不均，降灾下民，未有不非政治得失所致。愿陛下留心邦本，痛改前辙，去谗远色，勤政恤民；则天心效顺，国富民丰，天下安康，四海受无穷之福矣。愿陛下幸留意焉。”纣王曰：“朕闻四海安康，万民乐业，止有北海逆命，已令太师闻仲剿除奸党，此不过疥癣之疾，何足挂虑？二位丞相之言甚善，朕岂不知。但朝廷百事，俱有首相与朕代劳，自是可行，何尝有壅滞之理。纵朕临轩，亦不过垂拱而已，又何必哓哓于口舌哉。”君臣正言国事，午门官启奏：“终南山有一炼气士云中子见驾，有机密重情，未敢擅自朝见，请旨定夺。”纣王自思：“众文武诸臣还抱本伺候，如何了得。不如宣道者见朕闲谈，百官自无纷纷议论，且免朕拒谏之名。”传旨：“宣！”云中子进午门，过九龙桥，走大道，宽袍大袖，手执拂尘，飘飘徐步而来。好齐整！但见： 头带青纱一字巾，脑后两带飘双叶，额前三点按三光，脑后双圈分日月。道袍翡翠按阴阳，腰下双绦王母结。脚登一对踏云鞋，夜晚闲行星斗怯。上山虎伏地埃尘，下海蛟龙行跪接。面如傅粉一般同，唇似丹朱一点血。一心分免帝王忧，好道长，两手补完天地缺。

Leaving aside Yunzhongzi's journey to Chaogē to eliminate the demon, one could see King Zhou indulging daily in wine and beauty, neglecting court for weeks on end, causing great anxiety among the people. The literati and military officials throughout the court were discussing it in heated debate. Among them, the senior minister Meibo and Prime Minister Shangrong, as well as Vice Premier Bi Gan, said: "The Son of Heaven indulges in debauchery, is immersed in wine and beauty, and neglects state affairs. The accumulated problems are like mountains; this is a sign of great chaos. As you gentlemen hold the position of high ministers, your actions and inactions must fulfill the righteousness that should be upheld. Moreover, a ruler has remonstrating ministers, a father has remonstrating sons, and a scholar has remonstrating friends. I, along with the two chancellors, both bear responsibility for this. Today we must not hesitate to ring the bells and beat the drums, gather all the literati and military officials, invite His Majesty to appear at the pavilion, and each present their concerns, striving to remonstrate with him. Only then can we preserve the great righteousness between ruler and subject." Shangrong said: "The minister's words are reasonable." He ordered the palace attendants: "Ring the bells and beat the drums to invite the King to ascend the throne hall." King Zhou was feasting and enjoying himself at Zhaixing Lou when he heard the bells and drums ringing in unison on the main hall. His attendants reported: "Your Majesty, please ascend to the throne hall." King Zhou had no choice but to instruct Daji: "Dear beauty, rest for now; I shall return shortly after leaving the hall." Daji knelt and bowed as he departed. King Zhou held the jade tablet, sat on a palanquin, and ascended to his throne in the hall. The literati and military officials completed their formal greetings. The Son of Heaven saw the two chancellors carrying their reports onto the hall, then saw eight senior ministers also bringing their documents forward, along with General Huang Feihuo, the Duke of Guo, who likewise presented his report. King Zhou had been indulging in wine and beauty for days, growing drowsy and weary. Seeing so many reports at once, he could not possibly read them all and began to feel the urge to dismiss court. Just then, the two chancellors stepped forward and knelt, presenting a report: "The reports from feudal lords across the land await Your Majesty's command. Why has Your Majesty not appeared in court for weeks? Remaining daily deep within the palace, you have entirely neglected to manage state affairs. There must be someone near the King who is misleading Your Majesty's wisdom. We humbly request that Your Majesty place the state above all else, and not continue to remain secluded in the palace, neglecting national affairs and greatly disappointing your subjects. We have heard that holding the Mandate of Heaven is a difficult responsibility. Especially now, when Heaven's will has not yet aligned with us—floods and droughts are unevenly distributed, disasters befalling the people—it cannot help but raise questions about the successes or failures in governance. We hope Your Majesty will pay close attention to the foundation of the state, earnestly correct past mistakes, reject flattery and distance yourself from beauty, diligently govern, and show concern for your people; then Heaven's will shall align with us, the state shall grow wealthy and its people prosperous, all under a peaceful and secure realm, bringing endless blessings to the four seas. We humbly hope Your Majesty will kindly give this your attention." King Zhou said: "I have heard that the four seas are at peace and all people enjoy their livelihoods, except for the rebellion in the Northern Sea. I have already ordered Grand Tutor Wen Zhong to eliminate the traitorous faction. This is merely a minor skin ailment; what need is there for concern? The words of the two chancellors are most wise—how could I not know this. But all matters of court have the Prime Minister and me to manage on your behalf, so it is naturally feasible. How could there possibly be any obstruction? Even if I were to appear in court, it would merely involve sitting idle and doing nothing. Why must you insist on such verbal arguments?" While the ruler and ministers were earnestly discussing state affairs, an official at Wumen Hall reported: "A qigong cultivator from Zhongnan Mountain named Yunzhongzi has arrived to see Your Majesty. He has a secret and urgent matter but dares not present himself without permission. Please grant instructions." King Zhou thought to himself: "All the literati and military ministers are still waiting with their reports; how can I possibly deal with this. It would be better to summon the Daoist practitioner for a casual conversation; then the officials will not raise further arguments, and I can avoid being accused of rejecting advice." The imperial decree was issued: "Summon him!" Yunzhongzi entered Wumen Gate, crossed the Jiulong Bridge, and walked along the main road. In his wide robe and long sleeves, holding a whisk broom, he came drifting forward with measured steps. How dignified! One could see: He wore a blue gauze one-character cap on his head, with two ribbons flowing behind like double leaves. Three points marked the forehead in accordance with the three lights; twin circles at the back divided day and night. His Daoist robe, emerald-green, symbolized yin and yang; below his waist were two sashes tied in the Queen Mother's knot. On his feet he wore a pair of cloud-treading shoes, so light that at night they seemed to shy away from the stars and constellations. Tigers on the mountain would kneel in submission before his dust, while dragons beneath the sea would prostrate themselves to greet him. His face was as smooth and pale as powdered white; his lips were like a single drop of vermilion blood. With one heart, he relieves the worries of emperors and kings; with two hands, he mends the gaps in heaven and earth.

道人左手携定花篮，右手执著拂尘，近到滴水檐前，执拂尘打个稽首，口称：“陛下，贫道稽首了。”纣王看这道人如此行礼，心中不悦，自思：“朕贵为天子，富有四海，‘率土之滨，莫非王臣’，你虽是方外，却也在朕版图之内，这等可恶！本当治以慢君之罪，诸臣只说朕不能容物，朕且问他端的，看他如何应我？”纣王曰：“那道者从何处来？”道人答曰：“贫道从云水而至。”王曰：“何为云水？”道人曰：“心似白云常自在，意如流水任东西。”纣王乃聪明智慧天子，便问曰：“云散水枯，汝归何处？”道人曰：“云散皓月当空，水枯明珠出现。”纣王闻言，转怒为喜，曰：“方才道者见朕稽首而不拜，大有慢君之心；今所答之言，甚是有理，乃通智通慧之大贤也。”命左右：“赐坐。”云中子也不谦让，旁侧坐下。云中子欠身而言曰：“原来如此。天子只知天子贵，三教原来道德尊。”帝曰：“何见其尊？”云中子曰：“听衲子说来： 但观三教，惟道至尊。上不朝于天子；下不谒于公卿。避樊笼而隐迹，脱俗网以修真。乐林泉兮绝名绝利，隐岩谷兮忘辱忘荣。顶星冠而曜日，披布衲以长春。或蓬头而跣足，或丫髻而幅巾。摘鲜花而砌笠，折野草以铺茵。吸甘泉而漱齿，嚼松柏以延龄。歌之鼓掌，舞罢眠云。遇仙客兮，则求玄问道；会道友兮，则诗酒谈文。笑奢华而浊富，乐自在之清贫。无一毫之罣碍，无半点之牵缠。或三三而参玄论道，或两两而究古谈今。究古谈今兮叹前朝之兴废，参玄论道兮究性命之根因。任寒暑之更变，随乌兔之逡巡。苍颜返少，白发还青。携箪瓢兮到市廛而乞化，聊以充饥；提花篮兮进山林而采药，临难济人。解安人而利物，或起死以回生。修仙者骨之坚秀，达道老神之最灵。判凶吉兮明通爻象，定祸福兮密察人心。阐道法，扬太上之正教；书符籙，除人世之妖氛。谒飞神于帝阙，步罡气于雷门。扣玄关，天昏地暗；击地户，鬼泣神钦。夺天地之秀气，采日月之精华。运阴阳而炼性，养水火以胎凝。二八阴消兮若恍若惚，三九阳长兮如杳知冥。按四时而采取，炼九转而丹成。跨青鸾直冲紫府，骑白鹤游遍玉京。参乾坤之妙用，表道德之殷勤。比儒者兮官高职显，富贵浮云；比截教兮五刑道术，正果难成。但谈三教，惟道独尊。”

The Daoist held a flower basket in his left hand and a whisk broom in his right. As he approached the eaves, he raised the whisk, bowed deeply with clasped hands, and said: "Your Majesty, your humble servant has paid respects." King Zhou, seeing the Daoist perform such a bow, felt displeased and thought to himself: "I am the Son of Heaven, rich in all four seas; 'all within the borders are my subjects.' Though you may be an outsider from beyond worldly affairs, you still dwell within my realm. How impudent! I should punish him for disrespecting the ruler, but if I do so, my ministers will say I cannot tolerate others. Let me first ask him directly and see how he responds." King Zhou asked: "Daoist, from where have you come?" The Daoist replied: "Your humble servant has arrived from the clouds and waters." King Zhou asked: "What is meant by 'clouds and waters'?" The Daoist said: "My heart is like white clouds, always free; my mind flows as water, going east or west at will." King Zhou, a wise and intelligent Son of Heaven, then asked: "When clouds disperse and waters dry up, where will you return to?" The Daoist said: "When the clouds scatter, a bright moon fills the sky; when the water dries up, a pearl of light appears." Upon hearing this, King Zhou changed from anger to joy and said: "Earlier, the Daoist bowed but did not kneel before me—this clearly showed disrespect toward the ruler; but now his answer is most reasonable. He must be a great sage of profound wisdom and insight." He ordered those nearby: "Grant him a seat." Yunzhongzi did not refuse the courtesy and sat down on the side. Yunzhongzi leaned forward and said: "So it is like this. The Son of Heaven knows only the value of being a king, yet the Three Teachings are originally held in highest esteem for their morality and virtue." The emperor asked: "How is this respect shown?" Yunzhongzi said: "Let me, a humble monk, explain: Among the Three Teachings, only Dao is supreme. It does not bow to the Son of Heaven; Nor does it pay homage to ministers and officials. It avoids the cage of worldly affairs, conceals its traces, and escapes the web of 俗俗俗 to cultivate true Dao. Finding joy in forests and springs, it forsakes fame and profit; hiding in cliffs and valleys, it forgets disgrace and honor. Wearing a star-adorned cap that shines like the sun, clad in patched robes for eternal spring. Some may have disheveled hair and bare feet; others wear pigtail buns with wide sashes. They pluck fresh flowers to adorn their hats, break wild grasses to lay as mats. They drink sweet spring water to rinse their teeth and chew pine and cypress to prolong life. Singing while clapping, they dance and then sleep among the clouds. Meeting a Daoist immortal, they seek mysteries of the Dao; Meeting fellow Daoists, they recite poetry and drink wine while discussing literature. They laugh at luxury and vulgar wealth, finding joy in a life of simplicity and poverty. Not the slightest hindrance, not the faintest entanglement. Sometimes three together to discuss Dao and mysteries; sometimes two to explore past and present. Exploring the past and present, they sigh at the rise and fall of former dynasties; discussing Dao and mysteries, they probe the roots of life and nature. They remain unaffected by changing seasons or the passing of time. Their aged faces return to youth, their white hair turns green again. Carrying a bamboo basket and gourd, they go into the marketplace to beg for alms, just enough to satisfy hunger; With flower baskets in hand, they enter forests and mountains to gather herbs, ready to help those in need. They relieve the people's distress and benefit all things; sometimes even bringing the dead back to life. Those cultivating immortality have strong, refined bones; those who grasp Dao are the wisest of all sages. They discern good and evil through clear divination signs, and determine fortune or misfortune by closely observing human hearts. They expound the Daoist teachings and uphold the orthodox doctrines of Supreme Ultimate (Tai Shang). They write talismans and records to eliminate demonic influences from the world. They visit flying deities at the imperial palace, and tread the constellations of divine energy at Thunder Gate. Striking the mystic gate, heaven darkens and earth grows dim; Striking the earthly door, ghosts weep and gods admire. They seize the refined essence of heaven and earth, and gather the quintessence of sun and moon. They manipulate yin and yang to cultivate their nature, nurturing water and fire until the embryo solidifies. When yin wanes in cycles of two eights, it becomes hazy and indistinct; when yang grows in cycles of three nines, it is as if entering a realm beyond comprehension. Following the four seasons to gather ingredients, they refine them through nine transformations until the cinnabar is complete. They ride a green 鸾 (qiluan) straight up to the Purple Palace, and ride white cranes to tour all of Jade Capital. They ponder the wondrous workings of Heaven and Earth, and demonstrate earnest devotion to Dao and virtue. Compared to Confucian scholars who hold high office and prominent positions, wealth and honor are but passing clouds; Compared to the sect of severance, whose five punishments and Daoist techniques make it hard to attain true enlightenment. But when discussing the Three Teachings, only Dao is held in supreme reverence."

纣王听言大悦：“朕聆先生此言，不觉精神爽快，如在尘世之外，真觉富贵如浮云耳。但不知先生果住何处洞府？因何事而见朕？请道其详。”云中子曰：“贫道住终南山玉柱洞，云中子是也。因贫道闲居无事，采药于高峰，忽见妖气贯于朝歌，怪气生于禁闼，道心不缺，善念常随，贫道特来朝见陛下，除此妖魅耳。”纣王笑曰：“深宫秘阙，禁闼森严，防维更密，又非尘世山林，妖魔从何而来？先生此来莫非错了！”云中子笑曰：“陛下若知道有妖魅，妖魅自不敢至矣。惟陛下不识这妖魅，他方能乘机蛊惑。久之不除，酿成大害。贫道有诗为证，诗曰： 艳丽妖娆最惑人，暗侵肌骨丧元神。若知此是真妖魅，世上应多不死身。”

King Zhou heard these words and was greatly pleased: "Hearing your words, O Master, I feel my spirit refreshed and invigorated, as if beyond the mundane world. Indeed, wealth and honor now seem like passing clouds." But I wonder, where exactly does Master reside in your cave mansion? And for what reason have you come to see me, the Son of Heaven?" Please explain in detail." Yunzhongzi said, "I am a poor Daoist who resides at Yuzhu Cave on Zhongnan Mountain. I am Yunzhongzi. While idly dwelling without affairs, I was gathering herbs on a high peak when suddenly I saw demonic qi piercing toward Chao Ge, and strange qi arising from the palace gates. Though my Daoist mind remains unshaken and good thoughts constantly accompany me, I specially came to pay homage to Your Majesty in order to eliminate these demons and evils." King Zhou laughed and said, "The inner palace is secluded and the gates are strictly guarded. The defenses are even tighter than those of ordinary mountains or forests. How could demons possibly come from anywhere?" Surely you have made a mistake, Master!" Yunzhongzi smiled and said, "If Your Majesty truly understood the existence of demons, they would not dare to come at all. It is precisely because Your Majesty does not recognize these demons that they can take advantage and bewitch you. If left unchecked for long, they will eventually cause great harm. I have a poem to prove this point: The most bewitching are the beautiful and seductive, who secretly invade flesh and bones, causing the loss of one's vital spirit. If people knew these were true demons, there would be many more immortal beings in this world."

纣王曰：“宫中既有妖氛，将何物以镇之？”云中子揭开花篮，取出松树削的剑来，拿在手中，对纣王曰：“陛下不知此剑之妙，听贫道道来： 松树削成名‘巨阙’，其中妙用少人知。虽无宝气冲牛斗，三日成灰妖气离。”

King Zhou asked, "If there are demonic influences within the palace, what object can subdue them?" Yunzhongzi opened his flower basket, took out a sword carved from pine wood, held it in his hand, and said to King Zhou, "Your Majesty does not know the wonders of this sword. Let me explain: Carved from pine, its name is 'Juque,' whose wondrous uses few people know. Though it lacks the aura of a treasure that reaches ox and fighting constellations, in three days it turns to ash and demonic qi departs."

云中子道罢，将剑奉与纣王。纣王接剑曰：“此物镇于何处？”云中子曰：“挂在分宫楼，三日内自有应验。”纣王随命传奉官：“将此剑挂在分宫楼前。”传奉官领命而去。纣王复对云中子曰：“先生有这等道术，明于阴阳，能察妖魅，何不弃终南山而保朕躬，官居显爵，扬名于后世，岂不美哉！何苦甘为淡薄，没世无闻。”云中子谢曰：“蒙陛下不弃幽隐，欲贫道居官，贫道乃山野慵懒之夫，不识治国安邦之法，日上三竿堪睡足，裸衣跣足满山游。”纣王曰：“便是这等，有什么好处？何如衣紫腰金，封妻荫子，有无穷享用。”云中子曰：“贫道其中也有好处： 身消遥，心自在；不操戈，不弄怪；万事忙忙付肚外。吾不思理正事而种韮，吾不思取功名如拾芥，吾不思身服锦袍，吾不思腰悬角带，吾不思拂宰相之须，吾不思借君王之快，吾不思伏弩长驱，吾不思望尘下拜，吾不思养我者享禄千锺，吾不思簇我者有人四被。小小庐，不嫌窄；旧旧服，不嫌秽。制芰荷以为衣，结秋兰以为佩。不问天皇、地皇与人皇，不问天籁、地籁与人籁。雅怀恍如秋水同，兴来犹恐天地碍。闲来一枕山中睡，梦魂要赴蟠桃会。那里管玉兔东升，金乌西坠。”

After finishing his words, Yunzhongzi presented the sword to King Zhou. King Zhou took the sword and asked, "Where should this object be placed for protection?" Yunzhongzi replied, "Hang it on Fen Gong Lou. Within three days, there will naturally be results." King Zhou immediately ordered the attendants: "Hang this sword in front of Fen Gong Lou." The attendants accepted the order and left. King Zhou then said to Yunzhongzi, "With such Daoist skills, you understand yin and yang and can detect demons. Why not abandon Zhongnan Mountain to protect me personally? You could hold a prominent title, gain fame in later generations—would that not be wonderful! Why endure hardship and choose a life of simplicity, remaining unknown for all your days?" Yunzhongzi respectfully replied, "Your Majesty's kindness in not abandoning a reclusive hermit and wishing me to hold office is deeply appreciated. I am but an idle man of the mountains and fields, who knows nothing of statecraft or governance. I sleep until the sun rises high, and roam barefoot and half-naked through the hills." King Zhou said, "Even so, what good is there in that?" How could it compare to wearing purple robes and girding gold, bestowing titles on one's wife and children, and enjoying endless luxuries?" Yunzhongzi said: "There are also benefits to my way of life: My body is free from worldly burdens, and my heart is at peace; I do not wield weapons nor meddle in strange affairs; All worldly matters pass by without concern. I do not think of managing affairs or planting leeks, I do not desire fame and fortune as easily picked herbs. I do not wish to wear brocade robes nor gird a belt of authority. I do not long for bowing before the prime minister's beard, nor seek the swift pleasure granted by the Son of Heaven. I have no interest in drawing crossbows or charging ahead, nor in kneeling and paying homage from afar. I care not if those who support me enjoy thousands of measures of 禄 (lu), nor whether four people accompany me at all times. A small hut, no matter how narrow; Old clothes, no matter how dirty. I make my robe from lotus and hemp, and tie autumn orchids as my ornament. I ask not about Heaven Emperor, Earth Emperor, or Human Emperor; I care nothing for the sounds of heaven, earth, and humanity. My refined mind is as clear as autumn water; when my spirit stirs, I fear even heaven and earth may hinder me. When idle, I sleep on a pillow in the mountains, dreaming of attending the Peach Banquet of longevity. I care not whether the jade rabbit rises in the east or the golden crow falls in the west."

纣王听罢，叹曰：“朕闻先生之言，真乃清静之客。”忙命随侍官：“取金银各一盘，为先生前途盘费耳。”不一时，随侍官将红漆端盘捧过金银。云中子笑曰：“陛下之恩赐，贫道无用处。贫道有诗为证。诗曰： 随缘随分出尘林，似水如云一片心。两卷道经三尺剑，一条藜杖五弦琴。 囊中有药逢人度；腹内新诗遇客吟。一粒能延千载寿，漫夸人世有黄金。”

After hearing this, King Zhou sighed and said, "Hearing your words, Master, you are indeed a true recluse of tranquility." He quickly ordered the attendants: "Bring one tray each of gold and silver as travel expenses for Master's journey ahead." In no time, the attendants presented a lacquered red tray bearing gold and silver. Yunzhongzi laughed and said, "Your Majesty's generous gift is of no use to a poor Daoist like me. I have a poem as proof. The poem says: Following fate and nature, I leave the mundane world; my heart is like water or clouds, free and unbound. Two scrolls of Daoist scriptures, a three-foot sword; A staff of reed and a five-string zither. My bag holds medicine to help those I meet; New poems in my heart await a guest's recital. A single pill can prolong life for a thousand years; worldly gold and wealth are but fleeting."

云中子道罢，离了九间大殿，打了一稽首，大袖飘风，扬长竟出午门去了。两边八大夫正要上前奏事，又被一个道人来讲甚么妖魅，便耽阁了时候。纣王与云中子谈讲多时，已是厌倦，袖展龙袍，起驾还宫，令百官暂退。百官无可奈何，只得退朝。

After finishing his words, Yunzhongzhi left the nine-bay hall, bowed deeply once, and with flowing robes billowing in the wind, strode out through Wu Men Gate. Just as the Eight Ministers on both sides were about to step forward to report matters, another Daoist came to speak of demons and evil spirits, causing them to delay their time. King Zhou had conversed with Yunzhongzi for a long time and was now weary. He spread his dragon robe, rose from the throne to return to the palace, ordering all officials to withdraw temporarily. The ministers had no choice but to disperse and leave court.

话说纣王驾至寿仙宫前，不见妲己来接见，纣王心甚不安。只见侍御官接驾。纣王问曰：“苏美人为何不接朕？”侍御官启陛下：“苏娘娘偶染暴疾，人事昏沉，卧榻不起。”纣王听罢，忙下龙辇，急进寝宫，揭起金龙幔帐，见妲己面似金枝，唇如白纸，昏昏惨惨，气息微茫，恹恹若绝。纣王便叫：“美人，早晨送朕出宫，美貌如花，为何一时有恙，便是这等垂危！叫朕如何是好？”──看官，这是那云中子宝剑挂在分宫楼，镇压的这狐狸如此模样。倘若是镇压的这妖怪死了，可不保得成汤天下。也是合该这纣王江山有败，周室将兴，故此纣王终被他迷惑了。表过不题。──只见妲己微睁杏眼，强启朱唇，作呻吟之状，喘吁吁叫一声：“陛下！妾身早晨送驾临轩，午时远迎陛下，不知行至分宫楼前候驾，猛抬头见一宝剑高悬，不觉惊出一身冷汗，竟得此危症。想贱妾命薄缘悭，不能长侍陛下于左右，永效于飞之乐耳。乞陛下自爱，无以贱妾为念。”道罢，泪流满面。纣王惊得半晌无言，亦含泪对妲己曰：“朕一时不明，几为方士所误。分宫楼所挂之剑，乃终南山炼气之士云中子所进，言朕宫中有妖气，将此镇压，孰意竟于美人作祟。乃此子之妖术，欲害美人，故捏言朕宫中有妖气。朕思深宫邃密之地，尘迹不到，焉有妖怪之理。大抵方士误人，朕为所卖。”传旨急命左右：“将那方士所进木剑，用火作速焚毁，毋得迟误，几惊坏美人。”纣王再三温慰，一夜无寝。──看官：纣王不焚此宝剑，还是商家天下，只因焚了此剑，妖气绵固深宫，把纣王缠得颠倒错乱，荒了朝政，人离天怨，白白将天下失于西伯，此也是天意合该如此。不知焚剑如何，且听下回分解。

Now, as King Zhou arrived before Shouxian Palace, he found Lady Daji nowhere in sight to greet him. This greatly unsettled his mind. He only saw the attendants coming out to receive him. King Zhou asked, "Why has Lady Su not come to greet me?" The attendant respectfully replied to the King: "Empress Su has suddenly fallen ill, is unconscious and unable to rise from her bed." Upon hearing this, King Zhou hurriedly descended from his dragon palanquin and rushed into the sleeping quarters. He lifted the golden dragon curtain to find Lady Daji's face as pale as gold branches, her lips like white paper; she lay in a daze, looking pitifully weak with barely perceptible breath, on the verge of death. King Zhou cried out in alarm: "My beloved, this morning you sent me off from the palace with your beauty blooming like a flower. How could such an illness strike so suddenly and leave you on the brink of death!" What am I to do now?" ──Dear readers, this is the effect of Yunzhongzi's magical sword hung at Fen Gong Lou, subduing the fox spirit into such a pitiful state. If this demon were to die under suppression, it might endanger the safety of the Chengtang dynasty. It is also fated that King Zhou's kingdom would fall, and the Zhou house would rise. Thus, in the end, King Zhou was still ensnared by her. We will not dwell further on this matter. ──Just then, Lady Daji slightly opened her almond-shaped eyes and weakly parted her red lips in a pained expression. With labored breathing, she called out feebly: "Your Majesty!" This morning, I sent Your Majesty off at the pavilion. At noon, I came far to welcome you back. I did not know that while waiting for your arrival in front of Fen Gong Lou, when I suddenly looked up and saw a magical sword hanging high above, I was so startled that I broke out in cold sweat, which led to this dangerous illness. I fear my humble self is fated with a weak destiny and shallow karmic connections, unable to serve Your Majesty at your side for long or enjoy the eternal joy of being by your side. I beg Your Majesty to take care and not dwell on a lowly woman like me." After saying this, she wept bitterly. King Zhou was so shocked that he remained speechless for a moment, then wept as he said to Lady Daji: "For a time I was blinded and nearly deceived by the Daoist. The sword hung at Fen Gong Lou was presented by Yunzhongzi, a cultivator of Qi from Zhongnan Mountain. He claimed there were demonic influences in the palace and suggested this to subdue them. Little did I expect it would harm you, my beloved." It is this man's demonic arts that seek to harm you; he falsely claimed there were evil influences in the palace. I think deeply about our secluded and secure palace, where no dust or traces of the outside world can reach—how could there possibly be demons? Daoists often mislead people. I have been deceived." He immediately issued an order to his attendants: "Quickly take the wooden sword presented by that Daoist and burn it with fire. Do not delay, for it nearly frightened my beloved." King Zhou comforted her repeatedly and could not sleep all night. ──Dear readers: Had King Zhou not burned this magical sword, the Shang dynasty might have continued. But because he destroyed it, demonic influences remained deep within the palace and ensnared him completely, causing his court affairs to fall into chaos. People turned away from him, heaven resented him, and thus he lost the empire to Xi Bo in vain—this was also fated by Heaven. What happened after the sword was burned? We shall hear of it in the next chapter.