Chapter 50: Three Ladies' Scheme: The Yellow River Formation

诗曰： 黄河恶阵按三才，此劫神仙尽受灾。九九曲中藏造化，三三湾内隐风雷。 谩言阆苑修真客，谁道灵台结圣胎。遇此总教重换骨，方知左道不堪媒。

The poem says: The Yellow River's fierce formation follows the Three Talents; in this calamity, even immortals suffer disaster. In its ninety-nine bends lies hidden creation and transformation; within its three-by-three meanders are concealed wind and thunder. Idle words speak of those cultivating truth in Langyuan; who says the spiritual terrace has formed a sacred embryo? Meeting this, one must be taught to shed their bones anew; only then will they know that left-hand paths are unworthy of being mediators.

话说彩云仙子把戳目珠望黄天化劈面打来，──此珠专伤人目。──黄天化不及堤防，被打伤二目，翻下玉麒麟。有金吒速救回去。子牙把打神鞭祭起，正中云霄，吊下青鸾。有碧霄急来救时，杨戬又放起哮天犬，把碧霄肩膀上一口，连皮带服扯了一块下来。且言菡芝仙见势不好，把风袋打开，好风！怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 能吹天地暗，善刮宇宙昏。裂石崩山倒，人逢命不存。

The story goes that Caiyun Xianzi hurled the Zhuomu Pearl directly at Huang Tianhua; this pearl was specifically used to injure one's eyes. Huang Tianhua had no time to guard against it and was struck in both eyes, falling off the Jade Qilin. Jinzha quickly rescued him back. Ziya raised the Shenshen Whip in offering, which struck Yunxiao directly and caused her to fall from the Qingluan. When Biqiao hurried to rescue her, Yang Jian released the Xiaotian Dog again; it bit into Biqiao's shoulder and tore away a piece of flesh along with her robe. Meanwhile, Hanzhi Xian, seeing the situation was dire, opened his wind bag and released a powerful gust of wind! How great it was? A poem serves as evidence. The poem says: It can blow the heavens and earth into darkness, skillfully creating gloom across the universe. Rocks split and mountains collapse; anyone encountering it would lose their life.

菡芝仙放出黑风。子牙急睁眼看时，又被彩云仙子一戳目珠打伤眼目，几乎落骑。琼霄发剑冲杀，幸得杨戬前后救护，方保无虞。子牙走回芦篷，闭目不睁。燃灯下篷看时，乃知戳目珠伤了；忙取丹药疗治，一时而愈。子牙与黄天化眼目好了，黄天化切齿咬牙，终是怀恨，欲报此珠之雠。

Hanzhi Xian released a black wind. Ziya hurriedly opened his eyes to look, but was once again struck in the eyes by Caiyun Xianzi's Zhuomu Pearl and nearly fell from his mount. Qiong Xiao drew her sword to charge forward, but fortunately Yang Jian protected her from front and back, ensuring she was unharmed. Ziya returned to the reed tent and closed his eyes tightly, refusing to open them. When Rendeng came down from the tent to look, he realized that it was the Zhuomu Pearl that had caused the injury; he quickly retrieved medicinal pills for treatment, and in a short while, the injury healed. Ziya and Huang Tianhua's eyes were healed; Huang Tianhua gnashed his teeth in anger, still harboring resentment and wishing to avenge the injury caused by that pearl.

且说云霄被打神鞭打重了；碧霄被哮天犬咬了。三位娘娘曰：“吾到不肯伤你，你今番坏吾！罢，罢，罢！妹子，莫言他玉虚门下人，你就是我师伯，也顾不得了！”正是： 不施奥妙无穷术，那显仙传秘授功。

Meanwhile, Yunxiao had been severely struck by the Shenshen Whip; Biqiao had been bitten by the Xiaotian Dog. The three Lady Madams said, "I have not yet harmed you; now you have ruined me this time!" Enough, enough, enough! "Sister, do not say he is a disciple of the Yuxu School; even if you are my senior master, I cannot hold back anymore!" Indeed: Without employing the boundless wonders of profound techniques, how could one display the secret teachings and divine skills passed down by immortals?

话说云霄服了丹药，谓闻太师曰：“把你营中大汉子选六百名来与吾，有用处。”太师令吉立去，即时选了六百大汉前来听用。云霄三位娘娘同二位道姑往后营，用白土画成图式：何处起，何处止。内藏先天秘密，生死机关；外按九宫八卦，出入门户，连环进退，井井有条。人虽不过六百，其中玄妙不啻百万之师。纵是神仙入此，则神消魄散。其阵，众人也演习半月有期，方才走熟。那一日，云霄进营来见闻太师，曰：“今日吾阵已成，请道兄看吾会玉虚门下弟子。”太师问曰：“不识此阵有何玄妙？”云霄曰：“此阵内按三才，包藏天地之妙；中有惑仙丹，闭仙诀，能失仙之神，消仙之魄，陷仙之形，损仙之气，丧神仙之原本，损神仙之肢体。神仙入此而成凡，凡人入此而即绝。九曲曲中无直，曲尽造化之奇，抉尽神仙之秘。任他三教圣人，遭此亦难逃脱。”太师闻说大喜，传令：“左右，起兵出营！　”闻太师上了墨麒麟，四将分于左右。五位道姑齐至篷前，大呼曰：“左右探事的！传与姜子牙，看他亲自出来答话。”探事的报上篷来：“汤营有众女将讨战。”子牙传令，命众门人排班出来。云霄曰：“姜子牙，若论二教门下，俱会五行之术。倒海移山，你我俱会。今我有一阵，请你看。你若破得此阵，我等尽归西岐，不敢与你拒敌。你若破不得此阵，吾定为吾兄报仇。”杨戬曰：“道兄，我等同师叔看阵，你不可乘机暗放奇宝暗器伤我等。”云霄曰：“你是何人？”杨戬答曰：“我是玉泉山金霞洞玉鼎真人门下杨戬是也。”碧霄曰：“我闻得你有八九元功，变化莫测。我只看你今日也用变化来破此阵，我断不像你等暗用哮天犬而伤人也。快去看了阵来，再赌胜负！”杨戬等各忍怒气，保著子牙来看阵图。及至到了一阵，门上悬有小小一牌，上书：“九曲黄河阵”，士卒不多，只有五六百名，旗旛五色。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 阵排天地，势摆黄河。阴风飒飒气侵人，黑雾弥漫迷日月。悠悠荡荡，杳杳冥冥。惨气冲霄，阴霾彻地。消魂灭魄，任你千载修持成画饼；损神丧气，虽逃万劫艰辛俱失脚。正所谓：神仙难到，尽削去顶上三花；那怕你佛祖厄来，也消了胸中五气。逢此阵劫数难逃；遇他时真人怎躲？

The story continues: Yunxiao, having taken the medicinal pills, said to Duke Wenti: "Select six hundred of your strongest men from your camp for me; I have a use for them." The duchy ordered Ji Li to go immediately, and he promptly selected six hundred strong men who came forward to await orders. The three Lady Madams Yunxiao and the two Daoist nuns went to the rear camp, using white clay to draw a diagram: where it would begin and where it would end. Within were hidden the mysteries of the Primordial Heaven, the mechanisms governing life and death; externally arranged according to the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, with clear entries and exits, interlocking advances and retreats, all in perfect order. Though the number of people was no more than six hundred, the subtlety within was no less than that of an army of a million. Even if immortals entered here, their spirits would dissipate and their souls scatter. The formation required the people to practice for half a month before they could become fully familiar with it. On that day, Yunxiao entered the camp to see Duke Wenti and said, "Today my formation is complete. I invite you, my Daoist elder brother, to witness how we deal with the disciples of the Yuxu School." Duke Wenti asked, "I wonder what mysteries and subtleties this formation holds?" Yunxiao said, "This formation follows the Three Talents internally and contains within it the wonders of heaven and earth; within it are the Huxian Dan (Dan of Bewilderment for Immortals) and the Bixian Jue (Seal of Immortal's Spirit), which can bewilder an immortal's spirit, dissipate their soul, trap their form, damage their vital energy, destroy the original essence of immortals, and injure their limbs. Immortals entering this formation become ordinary beings; ordinary people entering it will perish immediately. Its nine winding bends contain no straight paths, each twist revealing the wonders of creation and uncovering all the secrets of immortals. Even if it were a sage from any of the Three Teachings, encountering this formation would make escape difficult." Duke Wenti, upon hearing this, was greatly pleased and gave orders: "Left and right, mobilize the troops and march out of camp! " Duke Wenti mounted the Hei Qilin, with four generals stationed on either side. The five Daoist nuns all arrived before the tent and shouted loudly: "Left and right scouts!" "Go convey this to Jiang Ziya, and see if he will personally come out to speak!" The scouts reported back to the tent: "Female generals from the Shang camp are demanding a battle." Ziya gave orders, commanding his disciples to line up and come out. Yunxiao said: "Jiang Ziya, if we speak of the disciples from both schools, they are all proficient in the Five Elements techniques. Turning seas and moving mountains—both you and I know how." Today, I have a formation for you to see. If you can break through this formation, we shall all return to Xiqi and dare not resist you any longer. But if you cannot break through it, I will surely avenge my elder brother!" Yang Jian said: "Elder Brother, let us go with Uncle to view the formation. You must not take advantage of the opportunity and secretly launch strange treasures or hidden weapons to harm us." Yunxiao asked: "Who are you?" Yang Jian replied, "I am Yang Jian, a disciple of Master Yuding Zhenren from the Jinxia Cave on Yuquan Mountain." Biqiao said: "I have heard that you possess the Bajiu Yuan Gong, a technique of transformation beyond prediction. Today I will see if you also use transformations to break through this formation; I certainly would not be like you and secretly employ the Xiaotian Dog to injure people." Go quickly, view the formation, and then we shall settle who is superior!" Yang Jian and others restrained their anger and escorted Ziya to examine the formation diagram. Upon arriving at the formation, they saw a small plaque hanging on the gate, inscribed with "Jiuqu Huanghe Zhen" (the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation). There were not many soldiers—only five or six hundred—and colorful banners fluttered. How great was it? A eulogy serves as evidence. The eulogy says: The formation arranges heaven and earth, its momentum resembling the Yellow River's flow. Cold winds howl with a chill that invades one's body; dark mists spread, obscuring the sun and moon. Vast and drifting, deep in obscurity. Gloomy energy pierces the heavens; dark haze reaches to the earth. Soul-destroying and spirit-dissolving, no matter how many years you cultivate, it all becomes an illusion; Damaging the spirit and losing vital energy—though one may escape countless hardships across ten thousand calamities, they will still stumble. As it is said: Even immortals find it hard to reach; all the Three Flowers atop their heads shall be stripped away; Not even if the Buddha himself were to come would he escape—his Five Qi within his chest would also vanish. Encountering this formation, one cannot escape their destined calamity; Meeting it, how could even a true immortal evade?

话言姜子牙看罢此阵，回见云霄。云霄曰：“子牙，你识此阵么？”子牙曰：“道友，明明书写在上，何必又言识与不识也。”碧霄大喝杨戬曰：“你今日再放哮天犬来？”杨戬倚了胸襟，仗了道术，催马摇枪来取。琼霄在鸿鹄鸟上执剑来迎。未及数合，云霄娘娘祭起混元金斗，杨戬不知此斗利害，只见一道金光，把杨戬吸在里面，往“黄河阵”里一摔。不怕你： 七十二变俱无用，怎脱“黄河阵”内灾！

After examining the formation, Jiang Ziya returned to see Yunxiao. Yunxiao asked: "Ziya, do you recognize this formation?" Ziya replied: "Daoist friend, it is clearly written there; why ask again if I know or not?" Biqiao shouted angrily at Yang Jian: "Are you going to unleash the Xiaotian Dog once more today?" Yang Jian puffed out his chest, relying on his Daoist techniques, urged his horse forward and brandished his spear to attack. Qiong Xiao, riding the Honghu Niao, held her sword ready to meet him. Before a few exchanges could take place, Lady Madam Yunxiao raised the Hunyuan Jindou. Yang Jian was unaware of its power; he only saw a streak of golden light that sucked him into it and hurled him into the "Yellow River Formation." No matter how you transform: Your seventy-two transformations are all useless—how can you escape the calamity within the "Yellow River Formation"!

却说金吒见拿了杨戬，大喝曰：“将何左道拿吾道兄！”仗剑来取。琼霄持宝剑来迎。金吒祭起困龙桩。云霄笑曰：“此小物也！”托金斗在手，用中指一指，困龙桩落在斗中。二起金斗，把金吒拿去，摔入“黄河阵”中。正是此斗： 装尽乾坤并四海，任他宝物尽收藏。

Meanwhile, Jinzha saw Yang Jian captured and shouted angrily: "How dare you use left-hand arts to seize my Daoist elder brother!" He brandished his sword to attack. Qiong Xiao met him with her treasure sword. Jinzha raised the Kunlong Zhuang (Dragon-Binding Stake). Yunxiao laughed and said, "This is but a trifle!" She held the golden basin in her hand, pointed at it with her middle finger, and the Dragon-Binding Stake fell into the basin. She raised the golden basin again, seized Jinzha with it, and hurled him into the "Yellow River Formation." Indeed, this golden basin: It can contain all of heaven and earth along with the four seas; no matter what treasures you possess, they will be collected within.

话说木吒见拿了兄长去，大呼曰：“那妖妇将何妖术敢欺吾兄！”这道童狼行虎跳，仗剑且凶，望云霄一剑劈来。云霄急架忙迎。未及三合，木吒把肩膀一摇，吴钩剑起在空中。云霄一见，笑曰：“莫道吴钩不是宝，吴钩是宝也难伤吾！”云霄用手一招，宝剑落在斗中。琼霄再祭金斗，木吒躲不及，一道金光，装将去了，也摔在“黄河阵”中。云霄大怒，把青鸾一纵二翅飞来，直取子牙。子牙见拿了三位门人去，心下惊恐，急架云霄剑时，未及数合，云霄把混元金斗祭起来拿子牙。子牙忙将杏黄旗招展。旗现金花，把金斗敌住在空中，只是乱翻，不得落将下来。子牙败回芦篷，来见燃灯等。燃灯曰：“此宝乃是混元金斗。这一番方是众位道友逢此一场劫数。你们神仙之体有些不祥。入此阵内，根深者不妨，根浅者只怕有些失利。”

The story continues: Muzha saw his elder brother taken and shouted, "What devil woman dares to use evil arts to humiliate my elder brother!" This Daoist youth moved like a wolf and leaped like a tiger, brandishing his sword fiercely and striking at Yunxiao with one blow. Yunxiao hurriedly raised her sword to block it. Before three exchanges could take place, Muzha shook his shoulder and the Wugou Sword rose into the air. Yunxiao saw this and laughed, saying: "Do not say that the Wugou is not a treasure; even if it were, it would be hard to harm me!" Yunxiao merely raised her hand and the treasure sword fell into the basin. Qiong Xiao raised the golden basin once more, and Muzha could not avoid it in time. A streak of golden light took him away and hurled him into the "Yellow River Formation" as well. Yunxiao was greatly enraged, spread her Qingluan's wings twice in a swift flight, and charged directly at Ziya. Ziya, seeing his three disciples captured, was alarmed and quickly raised his sword to block Yunxiao's strike. Before a few exchanges could occur, Yunxiao summoned the Hunyuan Jindou to seize Ziya. Ziya quickly unfurled his Xinghuang Banner. The banner revealed golden flowers, which held the basin in midair and prevented it from descending; it merely flipped about chaotically. Ziya retreated back to his reed tent and went to see Rendeng and others. Rendeng said, "This treasure is the Hunyuan Jindou." This time marks a true calamity for all of you Daoist friends. Your immortal bodies are somewhat ill-omened. Entering this formation, those with deep roots will be unharmed, but those with shallow roots may suffer some losses."

且说云霄娘娘回进中营。闻太师见一日擒了三人入阵，太师问云霄曰：“此阵内拿去的玉虚门人怎生发落？”云霄曰：“等我会了燃灯之面，自有道理。”闻太师营中设席款待。张天君“红沙阵”困著三人，又见云霄这等异阵成功，闻太师爽怀乐意。正是： 屡胜西岐重重喜，只怕苍天不顺情。

Meanwhile, Madam Yunxiao returned to the central camp. Duke Wenshi, upon learning that three people had been captured into the formation in a single day, asked Yunxiao, "What shall we do with the disciples of Yuxu who have been taken into this formation?" Yunxiao said, "I will meet Rendeng first. There will be a plan." In Duke Wenshi's camp, a banquet was prepared to entertain the guests. Zhang Tianjun, who had trapped three people in his "Red Sand Formation," now saw Yunxiao's unusual formation succeed and Duke Wenshi was delighted. Indeed: Repeated victories over Xiqi bring joy upon joy, yet one fears the heavens may not favor us.

且说闻太师欢饮而散。次日，五位道姑齐至篷前，坐名请燃灯答话。燃灯同众道人排班而出。云霄见燃灯坐鹿而出。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 双抓髻，乾坤二色；皂道服，白鹤飞云。仙丰并道骨，霞彩现当身。顶上灵光千丈远，包罗万象胸襟。九返金丹全不讲，修成圣体彻灵明。灵鹫山上客，元觉道燃灯。

Meanwhile, Duke Wenshi dispersed from the banquet in high spirits. The next day, five Daoist nuns arrived together at the tent entrance and called for Rendeng to come out and speak. Rendeng, along with the other Daoists, emerged in formation. Yunxiao saw Rendeng emerging on a deer. How was this? A eulogy serves as evidence, which says: Double braids, two colors of heaven and earth; Black Daoist robes, white cranes flying through clouds. Immortal aura and Daoist bones; rosy light surrounds his body. The spiritual radiance above his head stretches for thousands of zhang, encompassing myriad phenomena within his broad chest. Nine transformations of golden pills are not discussed; cultivation has perfected a sacred body with complete spiritual clarity. A guest from Lingjiu Mountain, the enlightened Daoist Rendeng.

且说燃灯见云霄，打稽首，曰：“道友请了！”云霄曰：“燃灯道人，今日你我会战，决定是非。吾摆此阵，请你来看阵。只因你教下门人将吾道污蔑太甚，吾故此才有念头。如今月缺难图。你门下有甚高明之士，谁来会吾此阵？”燃灯笑曰：“道友此言差矣！佥押‘封神榜’，你亲自在宫中，岂不知循环之理，从来造化，复始周流。赵公明定就如此，本无仙体之缘，该有如此之劫。”琼霄曰：“姐姐既设此阵，又何必与他讲甚么道德。待吾拿他，看他有何术相抵！”琼霄娘娘在鸿鹄鸟上仗剑飞来。这壁厢恼了众门下。内有一道人作歌曰： “高卧白云山下，明月清风无价。壶中玄奥，静里乾坤大。夕阳看破霞，树头数晚鸦。花阴柳下，笑笑逢人话；剩水残山，行行到处家。凭咱茅屋任生涯，从他金阶玉露滑。”

Meanwhile, Rendeng saw Yunxiao and bowed deeply, saying, "Greeting you, Daoist friend!" Yunxiao said, "Daoist Rendeng, today our meeting in battle will decide right from wrong. I have arranged this formation and invite you to observe it. It is because your disciples have greatly defamed our sect that I now feel compelled to act. Now, with the moon incomplete, it cannot be mended. Which of your disciples is truly outstanding enough to challenge my formation?" Rendeng smiled and said, "Daoist friend, you are mistaken! You were personally in the palace when the "Fengshen Bang" was sealed. How could you not know the principle of cycles? Since ancient times, creation and transformation have flowed on endlessly. Zhao Gongming was destined to be so; he had no karmic connection with an immortal body and thus deserved such a calamity." Qiong Xiao said, "Since my elder sister has set this formation, why then must we speak to him about morality? Let me seize him and see what arts he can use to resist!" Madam Qiong Xiao flew forward on a Honghu bird, sword in hand. This provoked the anger of Rendeng's disciples. Among them, a Daoist sang a song: "High in the white clouds beneath the mountain, bright moon and fresh breeze are priceless. The mysteries within the gourd; in stillness lies an immense universe of heaven and earth. Watching the sunset pierce through rosy clouds, counting crows perched on tree branches at dusk. Beneath blooming flowers and willows, smiling as I meet people to chat; Amidst remaining streams and broken mountains, step by step, wherever I go is home. "Let my thatched hut be where I live out my days; let their golden steps and jade dew slip away as they please."

赤精子歌罢，大呼曰：“少出大言！琼霄道友，你今日到此，也免不得‘封神榜’上有名。”轻移道步，执剑而来。琼霄听说，脸上变了两朵桃花，仗剑直取。步鸟飞腾，未及数合，云霄把混元金斗望上祭起，一道金光，如电射目，将赤精子拿住，望“黄河阵”内一摔，跌在里面，如醉如痴，即时把顶上泥丸宫闭塞了。──可怜千年功行，坐中辛苦，只因一千五百年逢此大劫，乃遇此斗，装入阵中，总是神仙也没用了。广成子见琼霄如此逞凶，大叫：“云霄休小看吾辈，有辱阐道之仙，自恃碧游宫左道！”云霄见广成子来，忙催青鸾，上前问曰：“广成子，莫说你是玉虚宫头一位击金钟首仙，若逢吾宝，也难脱厄。”广成子笑曰：“吾已犯戒，怎说脱厄？定就前因，怎违天命。今临杀戒，虽悔何及！”仗剑来取。云霄执剑相迎。碧霄又祭金斗。只见金斗显耀，目观不明，也将广成子拿入“黄河阵”内。──如赤精子一样相同，不必烦叙。此混元金斗，正应玉虚门下徒众该削顶上三花；天数如此，自然随时而至，总把玉虚门人俱拿入“黄河阵”，闭了天门，失了道果。只等子牙封过神，再修正果，返本还元。此是天数。话说云霄将混元金斗拿文殊广法天尊，拿普贤真人，拿慈航道人、道德真君，拿清微教主太乙真人，拿灵宝太法师，拿惧留孙，拿黄龙真人：把十二弟子俱拿入阵中；止剩的燃灯与子牙。且说云霄娘娘又倚金斗之功，无穷妙法，大呼曰：“月缺今已难圆，作恶到底！燃灯道人，今番你也难逃！”又祭混元金斗来擒燃灯，燃灯见事不好，借土遁化清风而去。三位娘娘见燃灯走了，暂归老营。闻太师见“黄河阵”内拿了玉虚许多门人，十分喜悦，设席贺功。云霄娘娘虽是饮酒而散，默坐自思：“事已做成，怎把玉虚门下许多门人困于阵中，……此事不好处，使吾今日进退两难。”

After Chi Zijing finished singing, he shouted loudly, "Don't make such big boasts! Daoist Qiong Xiao, you have come here today and cannot escape having your name on the 'Fengshen Bang.'" He lightly stepped forward with his Daoist gait, sword in hand. Upon hearing this, Qiong Xiao's face flushed like two peach blossoms; she brandished her sword and charged straight forward. The bird took flight, but before a few exchanges could take place, Yunxiao raised the Hunyuan Jindou upward. A streak of golden light shot out like lightning and seized Chi Zijing. With one throw toward the "Yellow River Formation," he was hurled inside, falling into a daze as if drunk or delirious. At once, his crown's Tingtang Palace was sealed shut. — Alas, a thousand years of cultivation and effort, all the toil in meditation, yet due to this great calamity at 1500 years, he encountered this clash and was captured into the formation. Even immortals are rendered useless after all. Guangchengzi, seeing Qiong Xiao acting so brutally, shouted loudly: "Yunxiao, do not underestimate us! To shame the immortals of the Chan Sect by relying on the dark arts of Biyou Palace!" Yunxiao, seeing Guangchengzi approaching, hurriedly urged her Qingluan forward and asked, "Guangchengzi, do not think yourself the foremost immortal of Yuxu Palace who strikes the golden bell. Even if you meet my treasures, it will be hard for you to escape this calamity." Guangchengzi laughed and said, "I have already broken the precepts. How can I speak of escaping disaster? It is all determined by past causes; how could one defy Heaven's decree? Now, facing the precept of killing, even regret comes too late!" He brandished his sword and charged forward. Yunxiao took up her sword to meet him head-on. Bixiao once again summoned the golden basin. The golden basin shone brilliantly, blinding the eyes, and seized Guangchengzi into the "Yellow River Formation." — Just like Chi Zijing, it was the same; there is no need to repeat the details. This Hunyuan Jindou exactly corresponds to the disciples of Yuxu Sect who should have their three flowers on their crowns stripped away; Fate is thus, and naturally comes with time. All the disciples of Yuxu were captured into the "Yellow River Formation," their heavenly gates sealed and their Daoist fruits lost. They would only wait for Ziya to complete the god rankings, then correct their Daoist achievements and return to their original essence. This is the will of Heaven. It is said that Yunxiao captured Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, Puxian Zhenren, Cihai Dao Ren, Daode Zhenjun, Qingwei Jiaozhu Taiyi Zhenren, Lingbao Taofashi, Juliusun, and Huanglong Zhenren with the Hunyuan Jindou, capturing all twelve disciples into the formation; Only Rendeng and Ziya remained. Meanwhile, Madam Yunxiao once again relied on the power of the golden basin and its endless wonders. She shouted loudly: "The broken moon can no longer be made whole; you have done evil to the end! Daoist Rendeng, this time you cannot escape either!" Yunxiao once again summoned the Hunyuan Jindous to capture Rendeng. Seeing that things were going badly, Rendeng used a soil 遁 (earth 遁) technique and vanished into a clear breeze. The three Madams, seeing that Rendeng had fled, temporarily returned to their main camp. Duke Wenshi saw that many disciples of Yuxu had been captured into the "Yellow River Formation" and was extremely pleased. He arranged a banquet to celebrate their achievement. Although Madam Yunxiao dispersed from the banquet after drinking, she sat in silence and pondered: "The matter is already done. How can I trap so many disciples of Yuxu within this formation? ... This situation is difficult to handle, leaving me today caught between a rock and a hard place."

且说燃灯逃回篷上，只见子牙上篷相见，坐下。子牙曰：“不料众道兄俱被因于“黄河阵”中，吉凶不知如何？”燃灯曰：“虽是不妨，可惜了一场功夫虚用了。如今我贫道只得往玉虚宫走一遭。子牙，你在此好生看守，料众道友不得损身。”燃灯彼时离了西岐，驾土遁而行，霎时来至昆仑山麒麟崖；落下遁光，行至宫前，又见白鹤童儿看守九龙沉香辇。燃灯向前问童儿曰：“掌教师尊往那里去？”白鹤童儿口称：“老师，老爷驾往西岐，你速回去焚香静室，迎鸾接驾。”燃灯听罢，火速忙回至篷前，见子牙独坐，燃灯曰：“子牙公，快焚香结彩，老爷驾临！”子牙忙净洁其身，秉香道傍，迎迓鸾舆。只见霭霭香烟，氤氲遍地。怎见得，有歌为证，歌曰： 混沌从来道德奇，全凭玄理立玄机。太极两仪并四象，天开于子任为之。 地丑人寅吾掌教，“黄庭”两卷度群迷。玉京金阙传徒众，火种金莲是我为。 六根清静除烦恼，玄中妙法少人知。二指降龙能伏虎，目运祥光天地移。 顶上庆云三万丈，遍身霞绕彩云飞。闲骑逍遥四不相，默坐沉檀九龙车。 飞来异兽为扶手，喜托三宝玉如意。白鹤青鸾前引道，后随丹凤舞仙衣。 羽扇分开云雾隐，左右仙童玉笛吹。黄巾力士听敕命，香烟滚滚众仙随。 阐道法扬真教主，元始天尊离玉池。

Meanwhile, Rendeng fled back to the tent and saw Ziya already there. They greeted each other and sat down. Ziya said, "I did not expect that all my Daoist brothers were trapped in the 'Yellow River Formation'; I do not know what their fate will be?" Rendeng said, "Although it is not a complete loss, it is still regrettable that so much effort was in vain. Now I, this poor Daoist, have no choice but to make one trip to Yuxu Palace. Ziya, you must stay here and guard carefully; I believe none of our Daoist friends will suffer serious harm." At that time, Rendeng left Xiqi and rode the earth 遁 technique. In an instant, he arrived at Qilin Cliff on Kunlun Mountain; He descended from the 遁 light and walked to the palace entrance, where he saw a white crane boy tending the nine-dragon chenxiang palanquin. Rendeng stepped forward and asked the boy, "Where has our Master Teacher gone?" The white crane boy replied, "Master Rendeng, Master has gone to Xiqi. You should return quickly, burn incense in the quiet chamber, and await his arrival with reverence." After hearing this, Rendeng hurriedly returned to the tent. He saw Ziya sitting alone and said, "Master Ziya, quickly burn incense and prepare decorations—our Master is coming!" Ziya hurriedly purified himself, held the incense in hand by the roadside, and welcomed the arrival of the phoenix-carriage. A thick cloud of fragrant smoke was seen, filling the ground with a dense mist. How can this be described? A song serves as proof, which says: Since the beginning of chaos, morality and virtue have been wondrous; all rely on profound principles to establish mysteries. Taiji combines the Two Instruments with the Four Symbols; Heaven opens at Zi, and he takes charge of it all. When Earth is Chou and Man is Yin, I take the teaching; with two volumes of "Huangting," I guide all who are lost. Disciples at Yujing Jinque pass on my teachings; the fire seed and golden lotus—these are mine to command. Six roots pure and tranquil, free from worries; the wondrous Daoist arts within mystery few know. Two fingers subdue dragons to tame tigers; eyes radiate auspicious light, shifting heaven and earth. A joyous cloud three zhang long crowns the head; rosy mist surrounds the body as colorful clouds fly. Leisurely ride the Xiangyao (Four Not-Interfering); sit in silent meditation on the nine-dragon car of chenxiang. Strange beasts fly to serve as attendants; joyfully hold the three treasures, a jade 如意 (as you wish). White cranes and green phoenixes lead the way ahead; red phoenixes follow behind in flowing immortal robes. A feather fan parts clouds and mists, revealing hidden scenes; jade flutes are played by immortal boys on either side. Yellow-turbaned warriors listen to the imperial decree; fragrant smoke rolls thickly as a host of immortals follow. The Chan Sect's laws and teachings spread—true Master, Yuanshi Tiandi leaves the Jade Pool.

话说燃灯、子牙听见半空中仙乐，一派嘹喨之音，燃灯秉香，轵道伏地曰：“弟子不知大驾来临，有失远迎，望乞恕罪。”元始天尊落了沉香辇，南极仙翁执羽扇随后而行。燃灯、子牙请天尊上芦篷，倒身下拜。天尊开言曰：“尔等平身。”子牙复俯伏启曰：“三仙岛摆“黄河阵”，众弟子俱有陷身之厄，求老师大发慈悲，普行救拔。”元始曰：“天数已定，自莫能解，何必你言。”元始默言静坐。燃灯、子牙侍于左右。至子时分，天尊顶上现庆云，有一亩田大；上放五色毫光，金灯万盏，点点落下，如檐前滴水不断。且说云霄在阵中，猛见庆云现出，云霄谓二妹子曰：“师伯至矣！妹子，我当初不肯下山，你二人坚执不从。我一时动了无明，偶设此阵，把玉虚门人俱陷在里面，使我又不好放他，又不好坏他。今番师伯又来，怎好相见，真为掣肘。”琼霄曰：“姐姐此言差矣！他又不是吾师，尊他为上，不过看吾师之面。我不是他教下门人，任凭我为，如何怕他？”碧霄曰：“我们见他，尊他。他无声色，以礼相待；如他有自尊之念，我们那认他甚么师伯！既为敌国，如何逊礼。今此阵既已摆了，说不得了，如何怕得许多！”话说元始天尊次日清晨命南极仙翁：“将沉香辇收拾，吾既来此，须进‘黄河阵’走一遭。”燃灯引道，子牙随后，下篷行至阵前。白鹤童儿大呼曰：“三仙岛云霄快来接驾！”只见云霄等三人出阵，道傍欠身，口称：“师伯，弟子甚是无礼，望乞恕罪！”元始曰：“三位设此阵，乃我门下该当如此。只是一件，你师尚不敢妄为，尔等何苦不守清规，逆天行事，自取违教之律！尔等且进阵去，我自进来。”三位娘娘先自进阵，上了八卦台，看元始进来如何。且说天尊拍著飞来椅，迳进阵来；沉香辇下四脚离地二尺许高，祥云托定，瑞彩飞腾。天尊进得阵来，慧眼垂光，见十二弟子横睡直躺，闭目不睁。天尊叹曰：“只因三尸不斩，六气未吞，空用功夫千载。”天尊道心慈悲，看罢方欲出阵。八卦台上彩云仙子见天尊回身，抓一把戳目珠打来。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 奇珠出手焰光生，灿烂飞腾太没情。只说暗伤元始祖。谁知此宝一时倾。

Now, as Master Randeng and Ziyi heard celestial music in the half-air, a clear and resounding melody, Randeng took up incense and knelt on the ground, saying: "Disciple did not know Your Majesty had arrived; we failed to welcome you from afar. We humbly beg for forgiveness." Yuanshi Tiandi descended from the chenxiang palanquin, and Nanji Xianweng held a feather fan and followed behind. Randeng and Ziyi invited the Heavenly Lord onto the reed canopy, then knelt down to bow deeply. The Heavenly Lord spoke: "Rise, both of you." Ziyi once again prostrated himself and said: "The Three Immortal Islands have arranged the 'Yellow River Formation'; all my disciples are in danger of being trapped. I beg you, Master, to show great compassion and universally rescue them." Yuanshi said: "The heavenly decree is already set; no one can change it. Why do you speak of this?" Yuanshi sat in silent meditation. Randeng and Ziyi stood on either side, waiting in attendance. At the hour of Zi, a joyous cloud appeared above Yuanshi's head, as large as an acre of farmland; It emitted five-colored rays of light. Golden lamps in the ten-thousands shone, each one dropping point by point like dripping water from an eave, unceasingly. Meanwhile, Yunxiao in the formation suddenly saw the joyous cloud appear. Yunxiao said to her younger sister: "Uncle Master has arrived!" Sister, I originally refused to descend the mountain, and you two insisted on not following me. At the time, I was moved by ignorance and carelessly set this formation, trapping all the disciples of Yuxu within. Now it puts me in a dilemma: I cannot release them, yet I also dare not harm them. Now that Uncle Master has come again, how can we meet him? It is truly a hindrance." Qiong Xiao said: "Sister, your words are wrong! He is not our master. We respect him highly only out of regard for our teacher's face. I am not one of his disciples, so I can act as I please—why should I fear him?" Bixiao said: "When we see him, we respect him. He does not show anger or emotion but treats us with courtesy; If he has any sense of self-respect, then why should we recognize him as our Uncle Master at all!" Since we are enemies, how can we show deference? Now that this formation has already been set up, there is no turning back—why fear so much!" Now, on the next morning, Yuanshi Tiandi ordered Nanji Xianweng: "Prepare the chenxiang palanquer. Since I have come here, I must enter the 'Yellow River Formation' and take a walk through it." Randeng led the way, Ziyi followed behind, stepping down from the canopy to arrive before the formation. A white crane attendant cried out loudly: "Yunxiao of the Three Immortal Islands, come quickly to receive His Majesty!" Only then did Yunxiao and the other two emerge from the formation, bowing slightly at the roadside while saying: "Uncle Master, your disciple has been most impolite. We humbly ask for forgiveness!" Yuanshi said: "The three of you set this formation; it is only as my disciples deserve. Yet one thing: even your teacher dares not act recklessly, yet you three have gone so far as to defy the heavenly order and violate the pure precepts of our sect—bringing upon yourselves the laws against heresy! You may enter the formation first; I shall come in myself." The three Ladies entered the formation ahead, ascending to the Bagua Platform to see how Yuanshi would proceed. Meanwhile, as the Heavenly Lord sat on a flying chair and entered directly into the formation; The chenxiang palanquiner rose about two chi off the ground, supported by auspicious clouds, with radiant colors swirling upward. As Yuanshi entered the formation, his wise eyes cast a glance and saw twelve disciples lying haphazardly—some on their sides, some flat on their backs—all with closed eyes. Yuanshi sighed and said: "It is only because you have not severed the Three Corpses, nor swallowed the Six Qi—your thousand years of effort are in vain." Moved by compassion from his Daoist mind, Yuanshi looked around and was about to leave the formation. On the Bagua Platform, Caiyun Xianzi saw Yuanshi turning back and hurled a handful of stinging eye-beads at him. How did this unfold? A poem testifies to it: Strange pearls in hand ignite with flame; dazzling and soaring, they show no mercy. They were meant only to secretly injure Yuanshi Zu. But who knew this treasure would be overturned in an instant?

话说元始天尊看罢“黄河阵”方欲出阵，彩云仙子将戳目珠从后面打来。那珠未到天尊跟前，已化作灰尘飞去。云霄见而失色。且说元始出阵，上篷坐下。燃灯曰：“老师进阵内，众道友如何？”元始曰：“三花削去，闭了天门，已成俗体，即是凡夫。”燃灯又曰：“方才老师入阵，为何不破此阵，将众道友提援出来，大发慈悲。”元始笑曰：“此教虽是贫道掌，尚有师长，必当请问过道兄，方才可行。”言未毕，听空中鹿鸣之声，元始曰：“八景宫道兄来矣。”忙下篷迎迓。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 鸿蒙剖破玄黄景，又在人间治五行。度得轩辕升白昼，函关施法道常明。

Now, after Yuanshi Tiandi had finished inspecting the "Yellow River Formation" and was about to exit, Caiyun Xianzǐ hurled the stinging eye-beads from behind. Before those beads could reach Yuanshi, they had already turned to dust and vanished into the air. Yunxiao saw this and paled with fear. Meanwhile, Yuanshi exited the formation and sat down on the canopy. Randeng said: "Master, after you entered the formation, how are our Daoist friends?" Yuanshi said: "Their Three Flowers have been stripped away; the heavenly gates are closed. They have become ordinary bodies—mere common men." Randeng added: "Just now, when Master entered the formation, why did you not destroy it and rescue our Daoist friends? Why not show great compassion?" Yuanshi smiled and said: "Though this sect is under my charge, there are still senior masters. I must first consult with my Daoist elder brother before taking any action." Before he could finish speaking, a deer's call echoed from the sky. Yuanshi said: "My Daoist elder brother of Bajing Palace has arrived." He quickly descended from the canopy to greet him. How did this unfold? A verse testifies: The primordial void is split, the Xuanhuang scene revealed; once more, he governs the Five Elements in the mortal world. He guides Xuanyuan to ascend at noon's light; at Hangu Pass, he spreads his laws and Dao remains bright.

话说老子乘牛从空而降，元始远迓，大笑曰：“为周家八百年事业，有劳道兄驾临！”老子曰：“不得不来。”燃灯明香引道上篷，玄都大法师随后。燃灯参拜，子牙叩首毕，二位天尊坐下。老子曰：“三仙童子设一“黄河阵”，吾教下门人俱厄于此，你可曾去看？”元始曰：“贫道先进去看过，正应垂象，故候道兄。”老子曰：“你就破了罢，又何必等我？”二位天尊默坐不言。且说三位娘娘在阵，又见老子顶上现一座玲珑塔于空中，毫光五色，隐现于上。云霄谓二妹曰：“玄都大老爷也来了，怎生是好？”碧霄娘娘道：“姐姐，各教各授，那里管他？今日他再来，吾不是昨日那样待他，那里怕他？”云霄摇头，“此事不好。”琼霄曰：“但他进此阵，就放金蛟剪，再祭混元金斗，何必惧他？”且说次日，老子谓元始曰；“今日破了“黄河阵”早回，红尘不可久居。”元始曰；“道兄之言是也。”命南极仙翁收拾香辇；老子上了板角青牛，燃灯引道，遍地氤氲，异香馥道，满散红霞。行至“黄河阵”前，玄都大法师大呼曰：“三仙姑快来接驾！”里面一声钟响，三位娘娘出阵，立而不拜。老子曰：“你等不守清规，敢行忤慢！尔师见吾且躬身稽首，你焉敢无状！”碧霄曰：“吾拜截教主，不知有玄都。上不尊，下不敬，礼之常耳。”玄都大法师大喝曰：“这畜生好胆大，出言触犯天颜！快进阵！”三位娘娘转身入阵。老子把牛领进阵来，元始沉香辇也进了阵。白鹤童儿在后，齐进“黄河阵”来。不知三位娘娘性命如何，且听下回分解。

Now, Laozi rode a bull and descended from the sky. Yuanshī went far to greet him, laughing heartily: "For Zhou's eight-hundred-year legacy, it is no small trouble for you, my Daoist elder brother, to have come!" Laozi said: "I had no choice but to come." Randeng burned incense and led the way onto the canopy, followed by Xian Du Da Fashi. Randeng paid respects, Ziyi kowtowed, and after they finished, the two Heavenly Lords sat down. Laozi said: "The three immortal youths set up a 'Yellow River Formation.' My disciples are all trapped within. Have you gone to see them?" Yuanshi said: "I went in first to take a look, and indeed the signs correspond. That is why I waited for you, my elder brother." Laozi said: "Then just destroy it yourself—why wait for me?" The two Heavenly Lords sat in silence, saying nothing. Meanwhile, the three Ladies within the formation saw another sight: above Laozi's head appeared a translucent pagoda in midair, emitting five-colored rays of light that flickered and shimmered. Yunxiao said to her two younger sisters: "Master Xian Du has also arrived—what are we to do?" Lady Bixiao said: "Sister, each sect teaches its own disciples. Why should we care about him? Even if he comes again today, I will not treat him as I did yesterday—why should I fear him?" Yunxiao shook her head and said: "This is no good." Qiong Xiao said: "But if he enters this formation, we shall unleash the Golden Crocodile Shears and again invoke the Hunyuan Golden Basin. Why fear him at all?" Meanwhile, on the next day, Laozi said to Yuanshi: "Today we shall destroy the 'Yellow River Formation,' return early. One cannot dwell long in the mundane world." Yuanshi said: "You speak rightly, my elder brother." He ordered Nanji Xianwong to prepare the incense palanquin; Laozi mounted his horned blue ox. Randeng led the way. The ground was filled with a misty haze, strange fragrances permeated the path, and crimson clouds spread everywhere. As they arrived before the "Yellow River Formation," Xian Du Da Fashi cried out loudly: "Three Immortal Ladies, come quickly to receive His Honor!" Inside, a bell rang. The three Ladies emerged from the formation and stood there without bowing. Laozi said: "You have violated the pure precepts, daring to act disrespectfully! Your teacher bows and kowtows before me—how dare you behave so shamelessly!" Bixiao said: "I bow to the leader of the Jie Sect, and I do not know who Xian Du is. If those above are disrespectful, then those below need not be reverent—this is but the norm of rites." Xian Du Da Fashi shouted angrily: "This beast has great audacity, speaking words that offend the heavenly presence! Quickly enter the formation!" The three Ladies turned and entered the formation. Laozi led his ox into the formation, and Yuanshi's chenxiang palanque also entered. The white crane attendants followed behind them all as they advanced into the "Yellow River Formation." Whether the three Ladies would survive or perish remains to be seen in the next chapter.