Chapter 51

诗曰： 昔日行兵夸首相，今逢时数念应差。风雷阵设如奔浪，龙虎营排似落花。 纵有黄河成个事，其如苍赤更堪嗟。劝君莫待临龙地，同向灵台玩物华。

The poem says: In days of old, marching troops praised the prime minister; now, encountering timely circumstances, one recalls that things should have been different. Storms and thunder are arranged like surging waves; dragon and tiger camps are deployed like falling flowers. Even if the Yellow River could accomplish something, how much more lamentable is it for the blue and red [forces]? I advise you not to wait until arriving at Longtian; together, let us go to Lingtai to admire the beauty of things.

话说二位天尊进阵。老子见众门人似醉而未醒，沉沉酣睡，呼吸有鼻息之声。又见八卦台上有四五个五体不全之人，老子叹曰：“可惜千载功行，一旦俱成画饼！”且说琼霄见老子进阵来观望，便放起金蛟剪去，那剪在空中挺折如剪，头交头，尾交尾，落将下来。老子在牛背上看见金蛟剪落下来，把袖口望上一迎，那剪子如芥子落于大海之中，毫无动静。碧霄又把混元金斗祭起；老子把风火蒲团往空中一丢，唤黄巾力士：“将此斗带上玉虚宫去！”三位娘娘大呼曰：“罢了！收吾之宝，岂肯干休！”三位齐下台来，仗剑飞来直取。──难道天尊与他动手，──老子将乾坤图抖开，命黄巾力士：“将云霄裹去了，压在麒麟崖下！”力士得旨，将图裹去。不题。且言琼霄仗剑而来。元始命白鹤童子把三宝玉如意祭在空中，正中琼霄顶上，打开天灵。──一道灵魂往封神台去了。碧霄大呼曰：“道德千年，一旦被你等所伤，诚为枉修功行！”用一口飞剑来取元始天尊，被白鹤童子一如意，把飞剑打落尘埃。元始袖中取一盒，揭开盖，丢起空中，把碧霄连人带鸟装在盒内；不一会化为血水。──一道灵魂也往封神台去了。有诗为证： 修道千年岛内成，殷勤日夜炼无明。无端排下“黄河阵”，气化清风损七情。

The story says that the two heavenly lords entered the formation. Laozi saw his many disciples as if drunk but not yet awake, deeply and heavily asleep, with the sound of snoring in their breathing. He also saw on the Bagua Terrace several people with missing limbs, and Laozi sighed, saying, "Alas, a thousand years of merit and cultivation, all reduced to castles in the air in an instant!" Meanwhile, Qiong Xiao saw Laozi entering the formation to observe and immediately unleashed a Golden Crocodile Shears. That shears in midair bent like scissors, head meeting head, tail meeting tail, descending downward. Laozi, seeing the Golden Crocodile Shears falling from above while riding on an ox's back, raised his sleeve upward to meet it. The shears fell like a mustard seed into the ocean, causing no disturbance at all. Bi Xiao then offered up the Hunyuan Golden Basin; Laozi tossed a wind-and-fire meditation cushion into the air and called out to the Huangjin Force Soldiers, "Take this basin up to Yuxu Palace!" The three ladies-in-waiting cried out in great alarm: "Enough!" "How could we possibly let them take our treasures without a fight!" All three descended from the terrace together, brandishing swords and flying straight toward him. --Would the heavenly lord fight with them? --Laozi unfolded the Qiankun Map and ordered the Huangjin Force Soldiers: "Wrap Yun Xiao up and press her beneath the Kirin Cliff!" The force soldiers received the order and wrapped her up with the map. No further mention is made of it. Meanwhile, Qiong Xiao came wielding a sword. Yuanshi ordered the White Crane Attendant to offer up the Sanbao Yu Ruyi in midair. It struck precisely at Qiong Xiao's crown, opening her heavenly fontanelle. --A soul of spirit departed toward the Fengshen Terrace. Bi Xiao cried out in alarm: "Moral cultivation for a thousand years, yet in an instant it is injured by you all—truly, all the effort has been in vain!" She hurled a flying sword to attack Yuanshi Tianzun, but the White Crane Attendant struck it down into the dust with a single Ruyi. Yuanshi took a box from his sleeve, opened the lid, and tossed it into midair, enclosing Bi Xiao along with her bird inside the box; In no time at all, she was transformed into blood water. --A soul of spirit also departed toward the Fengshen Terrace ． There is a poem to attest: For a thousand years cultivating Dao on an island, diligently day and night refining ignorance. Senselessly arranging the "Yellow River Formation," anger transforms into clear wind, damaging the seven emotions.

话说三位娘娘已绝。菡芝仙同彩云仙子还在八卦台上，看二位天尊。元始既破“黄河阵”，众弟子都睡在地上。老子用中指一指，地下雷鸣一声，众弟子猛然惊醒；连杨戬、金木二吒齐齐跃起，拜伏在地。老子乘牛转出，回至篷上。众门人拜毕。元始天尊曰：“今日诸弟子削了顶上三花，消了胸中五气，遭逢劫数，自是难逃。况今姜尚有四九之惊，尔等要往来相佐；再赐尔等纵地金光法，可日行数千里。”又问：“尔等镇洞之宝？”“俱装在混元金斗内。”命：“取来还你等。如今留南极仙翁破‘红沙阵’，我同道兄暂回玉虚宫。白鹤童子，陪你师父同回。”遂命“返驾”。众门人排班送二位天尊回驾。

The story says that the three ladies-in-waiting had already perished. Hanzhi Xian and Caiyun Xianshi were still on the Bagua Terrace, watching the two heavenly lords. After Yuanshi had broken the "Yellow River Formation," all his disciples lay sleeping on the ground. Laozi pointed with his middle finger, and a thunderous sound erupted from underground; all the disciples suddenly woke up in alarm; Even Yang Jian, Jin Zhu, and Mu Zhu leapt to their feet together, bowing and prostrating themselves on the ground. Laozi rode his ox out of the formation and returned to the pavilion above. The disciples had finished their bows. Yuanshi Tianzun said, "Today, all the disciples have had their three flowers atop their heads stripped away and the five qi in their chests dissipated. Encountering this calamity was inevitable. Moreover, now Jiang Shang is facing a peril of four nines; you all must go back and forth to assist him; I shall bestow upon you the method of longitudinal earth golden light, which allows one to travel thousands of li in a single day." He then asked, "What are your treasures for subduing caves?" "They are all stored inside the Hunyuan Golden Basin." He ordered, "Bring them and return them to you. Now I shall leave the Old Man of Nanji to break the 'Red Sand Formation'; my Dao elder brother and I will temporarily return to Yuxu Palace. "White Crane Attendant, accompany your master back." He then ordered the return journey. The disciples formed ranks to see off the two heavenly lords as they returned.

且说彩云仙子怒气不息。菡芝仙见破了“黄河阵”，退老营来见闻太师，太师已知阵破，玉虚门人都救回去了，心下十分不安，忙具表遣官往朝歌求救；又发火牌，调三山关总兵官邓九公往麾下听用。

Meanwhile, Caiyun Xianshi remained filled with anger and did not calm down. Hanzhi Xian, having witnessed the "Yellow River Formation" being broken, withdrew from the old camp to visit Wen Taishi. The Grand Master had already learned of the formation's destruction and that all disciples of Yuxu were rescued; his heart was filled with great unease, so he quickly prepared a memorial and sent officials to Chaoguo for help; He also issued a red tablet, summoning General Deng Jiugong of the Sanshan Pass to serve under his command.

且说燃灯在篷上与众道者默坐。南极仙翁打点破“红沙阵”。子牙到九十九日上，来见燃灯，口称：“老师，明日正该破阵。”次日，众仙步行排班，南极仙翁同白鹤童儿至阵前，大呼曰：“吾师来会‘红沙阵’主！”张天君从阵里出来，甚是凶恶，跨鹿提剑，杀奔前来。抬头见是南极仙翁，张绍曰：“道兄，你是为善最乐之士，亦非破阵之流，此阵只怕你： 可惜修就神仙体，若遇红沙顷刻休！”

Meanwhile, Rendeng sat in silence with the Dao followers on the pavilion. The Old Man of Nanji prepared to break the "Red Sand Formation." On the ninety-ninth day, Jiang Ziya came to see Rendeng and respectfully said, "Master Teacher, tomorrow is precisely the time to break the formation." The next day, the immortals formed ranks on foot. The Old Man of Nanji and the White Crane Attendant arrived before the formation and cried out loudly: "My master has come to meet the 'Red Sand Formation' master!" Zhang Tianjun emerged from within the formation, looking extremely fierce. Riding a deer and holding a sword, he charged forward to attack. Looking up and seeing it was the Old Man of Nanji, Zhang Shao said: "Dao elder brother, you are a man who finds joy in doing good deeds, not one who breaks formations. This formation will surely trouble you: "Pity that you have cultivated an immortal body; if you encounter Red Sand, your existence shall end in an instant!"

话说南极仙翁曰：“张绍，你不必多言。此阵今日该是我破。料你也不能久立于阳世。”张天君大怒，纵鹿冲来，把剑往仙翁顶上就劈。傍有白鹤童子将三宝玉如意赴面交还。来往未及数合，张天君掩一剑，望阵中就走。白鹤童子随后跟来。南极仙翁同入阵内。张绍下鹿，上台，把红沙抓了数片，望仙翁打来。南极仙翁将五火七翎扇把红沙一扇，红沙一去，影迹无踪。张天君掇起一斗红沙望下一泼。仙翁把扇子连扇数扇，其沙去无影向。南极仙翁曰：“张绍今日离逃此厄！”张绍欲待逃遁，早被白鹤童子祭起玉如意，正中张绍后心，打翻跌下台来。白鹤童子手起一剑，即时血染衣襟。正是： 未曾破阵先数定，怎脱封神台下来。

The story says the Old Man of Nanji replied: "Zhang Shao, you need not speak further. "This formation is destined to be broken by me today." "I foresee that you cannot remain long in the mortal world." Zhang Tianjun became furious, urged his deer forward, and swung his sword to strike at the Old Man of Nanji's head. Beside him, the White Crane Attendant hurled the Sanbao Yu Ruyi directly at his face in return. Before a few exchanges could take place, Zhang Tianjun parried with his sword and fled back into the formation. The White Crane Attendant followed closely behind. The Old Man of Nanji entered the formation together with him. Zhang Shao dismounted from his deer, ascended the terrace, grabbed several handfuls of red sand, and hurled them at the Old Man of Nanji. The Old Man of Nanji used his Five Fire Seven Feathers Fan to fan away the red sand. The moment it was fanned, the red sand vanished without a trace. Zhang Tianjun scooped up a basin of red sand and poured it downward. The Old Man of Nanji fanned repeatedly with his fan, and the sand disappeared without a trace. The Old Man of Nanji said: "Zhang Shao will escape this calamity today!" Zhang Shao tried to flee, but before he could escape, the White Crane Attendant had already offered up a jade Ruyi, which struck precisely at Zhang Shao's back. He was knocked over and fell from the terrace. The White Crane Attendant raised his sword, and immediately blood stained his robe. Indeed: Before the formation is broken, one's fate is already decided; how could he escape from beneath the Fengshen Terrace?

且说南极仙翁破了“红沙阵”，白鹤童子见三穴内有人。南极仙翁发一雷，惊动哪吒、雷震子，俱将身一跃，睁开眼看见南极仙翁，知是昆仑山师尊来救护。哪吒急来扶武王，武王已是死了。坐下逍遥马，百日都坏了。燃灯在外面见破了“红沙阵”，子牙催骑入阵，来看武王时，已是死了。子牙哭声不止。燃灯曰：“不妨，前日入阵时，有三道符印护其前后心体；武王该有百日之灾，吾自有处治。”命雷震子背负武王尸骸，放在篷下，用水沐浴。燃灯将一粒丹药用水研化，灌入武王口内。有两个时辰，武王睁眼观看，方知回生；见子牙众门人立于左右，王曰：“孤今日又见相父也！”子牙差左右听用官，送武王回宫。

Meanwhile, after the Old Man of Nanji had broken the "Red Sand Formation," the White Crane Attendant saw people inside the three caves. The Old Man of Nanji summoned a thunderclap, which startled Ne Zha and Leizhenzi. Both leapt up, opened their eyes, saw the Old Man of Nanji before them, and realized it was their master from Kunlun Mountain who had come to rescue them. Ne Zha hurriedly came to support King Wu, but King Wu was already dead. The horse he rode on had been ruined after a hundred days of inactivity. Rendeng, outside and having seen the "Red Sand Formation" broken, Jiang Ziya urged his horse into the formation. When he came to see King Wu, it was already too late—King Wu had died. Jiang Ziya wept uncontrollably. Rendeng said, "Do not worry. On the previous day when entering the formation, there were three talismans protecting his front and back body; King Wu was destined to suffer a hundred-day calamity, but I have already taken care of it." He ordered Leizhenzi to carry King Wu's body and place it beneath the pavilion, where he would bathe it with water. Rendeng took a pill of elixir, ground it into paste with water, and poured it into King Wu's mouth. After about two hours, King Wu opened his eyes to look around and realized he had returned to life; Seeing Jiang Ziya's disciples standing on both sides, the king said, "Today I see my father-in-law again!" Jiang Ziya ordered officials to be stationed for service and sent King Wu back to his palace.

且说燃灯与众道者曰：“列位道友，贫道今破十阵，与子牙代劳已完，众位各归府。只留广成子，你去桃花岭阻闻仲，不许他进佳梦关；又留赤精子，你去燕山阻闻仲，不许他进五关。二位速去！又留慈航道人在此，以下请回。”众道人方才出篷欲去，忽云中子至。──燃灯请上篷，──打稽首曰：“列位道兄请了！”众道者曰：“云中子乃福德之仙也，今不犯‘黄河阵’，真乃大福之士。”云中子曰：“奉敕炼通天神火柱，绝龙岭等候闻太师。”燃灯曰：“你速去，不可迟。”云中子去了。燃灯把印剑交与子牙。燃灯曰：“我贫道也往绝龙岭，助云中子一臂之力。吾今去也！”止留慈航同子牙在篷上。子牙传令：“把麾下众将调来。”南宫适等齐至篷前，见姜子牙行礼毕，立于两傍。子牙传：“明日开队，与闻太师共决雌雌。”众将得令。不题。

Meanwhile, Rendeng said to the Dao followers: "Dear Dao friends, I have now broken ten formations and completed my task on behalf of Jiang Ziya. Each of you should return to your respective domains. "Only Guangchengzi remains; go to Peach Blossom Ridge and block Wen Zhong, not allowing him to advance into Jiameng Pass; "Also leave Chizigenzi; go to Yanshan and block Wen Zhong, preventing him from entering the Five Passes. Both of you, go quickly! "I shall leave Cihai Daoist here; the rest of you may return." Just as the Daoists were about to exit the pavilion, Yunchongzi suddenly arrived from the clouds. --Rendeng invited him onto the pavilion,-- and he bowed deeply, saying: "Dear Dao elder brothers, greetings!" The Dao followers said, "Yunchongzi is an immortal of virtue and fortune. Now he has not offended the 'Yellow River Formation,' truly a man of great fortune." Yunchongzi said, "I have been commissioned to refine the Through-Heaven Divine Fire Pillar and await Grand Master Wen at Juelong Ling." Rendeng said: "Go quickly, do not delay." Yunchongzi departed. Rendeng handed the seal and sword to Jiang Ziya. Rendeng said: "I, a poor Daoist, shall also go to Juelong Ling and lend Yunchongzi a helping hand. "I am leaving now!" Only Cihai remained with Jiang Ziya on the pavilion. Jiang Ziya issued an order: "Summon all my subordinates and generals." Nangong Shi and others arrived together before the pavilion. After bowing to Jiang Ziya, they stood on either side. Jiang Ziya gave orders: "Tomorrow we shall form our ranks and face Grand Master Wen to determine who is superior." The generals received the order. No further details are given.

且说闻太师见十绝阵俱破，只等朝歌救兵；又望三山关邓九公来助；与彩云仙子、菡芝仙共议。二仙曰：“不料三仙遭厄，两位师伯下山，故有今日之挫。把吾截教不如灰草。”闻太师长吁一声。忽听得周营炮响，喊声大震，来报曰：“姜子牙请太师答话。”闻太师大怒曰：“吾不速拿姜尚报雠，誓不俱生！”遂遣邓、辛、张、陶，分于左右；二女仙齐出辕门。太师跨墨麒麟，如烟火而来。子牙曰：“闻太师，你征战三年有馀，雌雄未见。你如今再摆十绝阵否？”传令：“把吊著的赵江斩了！”武吉把赵江斩在阵前。闻太师大叫一声，提鞭冲杀过来。有黄天化催开玉麒麟，用两柄银锤挡住闻太师。菡芝仙在辕门，怒从心上起，恶向胆边生，纵步举宝剑，来助闻太师。这壁厢杨戬纵马摇枪，前来敌住了菡芝仙。彩云仙子见杨戬敌住了菡芝仙，仗剑冲杀过来。哪吒大喝一声：“休冲吾阵！”脚登风火轮，战住了彩云仙子。邓、辛、张、陶四将齐出。这壁厢武成王黄飞虎、南宫适、武吉、辛甲四将来迎。两家这场大战： 两阵咚咚擂战鼓，五色旛摇飞霞舞，长弓硬弩护辕门，铁壁铜墙齐队伍。太师九云冠上火焰生；黄天化金锁甲上霞光吐。女仙是大海波中戏水龙；杨戬似万仞山前争食虎。搜搜刀举，好似金睛怪兽吐征云；幌幌长枪，一似巨角龙蛟龙争戏水。鞭来锤架，银花响喨迸寒光；枪去剑迎，玉焰生风飘瑞雪。刀劈甲，甲中刀，如同山前猛虎斗狻猊；枪刺盔，盔中枪，一个深潭玉龙降水兽。使斧的天边皓月皎光辉；使鐧的万道长虹飞紫电。使枪的紫气照长空，使刀的庆云离顶上。有诗为证： 大战一场力不加，亡人死者乱如麻。只为君王安社稷，不辨贤愚血染沙。

Meanwhile, Grand Master Wen saw that all ten arrays of annihilation had been broken and was waiting only for the reinforcements from Chaoguo; he also looked forward to Duke Deng Jiugong of Sanshan Guan coming to assist. He discussed the matter with Caiyun Xianzi and Hanzhi Xian. The two immortals said: "We did not expect the three immortals to suffer misfortune, and that our two senior masters descended from the mountain, hence today's setback. Our Jie Sect is no better than ashes and weeds." Grand Master Wen sighed deeply. Suddenly, the sound of cannons from the Zhou camp was heard, followed by a great uproar. A messenger reported: "Jiang Ziya requests an audience with Grand Master." Grand Master Wen was furious and said, "If I do not swiftly capture Jiang Shang to avenge this humiliation, I swear we shall never live together!" He then dispatched Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao to the left and right flanks; the two female immortals both exited through the gate of the 辕门 (yuanmen). Grand Master Wen rode a black qilin, coming forth like a burst of fireworks. Jiang Ziya said: "Grand Master Wen, you have been waging war for over three years now, yet the outcome remains undecided. Will you once again set up your ten arrays of annihilation?" An order was given: "斩 the Zhao Jiang who is currently being hanged!" Wu Ji beheaded Zhao Jiang before the array. Grand Master Wen let out a loud cry and charged forward with his whip in hand. Huang Tianhua spurred on the Jade Qilin, using two silver hammers to block Grand Master Wen. Hanzhi Xian, at the 辕门 (yuan men), was filled with anger from within and malice rising in his gall. He took a step forward, raised his treasure sword, and came to assist Grand Master Wen. On the other side, Yang Jian spurred his horse and brandished his spear to confront Hanzhi Xian directly. Caiyun Xianzi saw that Yang Jian had engaged Hanzhi Xian and, drawing her sword, charged forward to attack. Nezha shouted loudly: "Do not charge through my formation!" He stepped onto the Wind and Fire Wheels and engaged Caiyun Xianzi in battle. The four generals Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tiao all rushed forward together. On the other side came four generals: Huang Feihu, Nangong Shi, Wu Ji, and Xin Jia to meet them. This great battle between the two sides: The war drums of both armies thundered loudly; five-colored banners fluttered and danced like flying brocade. Longbows and strong crossbows guarded the 辕门 (yuan mén); iron walls and copper ramparts lined up in formation. Flames rose from Grand Master Wen's Jiuyun Crown; Huang Tianhua's Golden Chain Armor radiated a glow of brocade-like light. The female immortals were like dragons playing in the waves of the great sea; Yang Jian was like a tiger vying for prey before a ten-thousand-foot mountain. The raised swords clashed fiercely, as if golden-eyed monstrous beasts were exhaling clouds of war; The long spears waved wildly, like giant-horned dragons and jiao dragons vying to play in the water. Whips lashed against hammers, silver blossoms ringing out with flashes of cold light; 胧 Swords met spears, jade-like flames dancing in the wind as auspicious snow drifted by. Swords cleaved armor, and blades clashed against armor, like a fierce tiger fighting a suanni beast before the mountain; Spears pierced helmets, and spears met within helmets, as if a jade dragon from a deep pool descended to subdue water beasts. The wielder of the axe was like the bright moon in the sky, radiating brilliant light; The user of the mace was as if ten thousand long rainbows flew with flashes of purple lightning. The spear wielder's purple aura illuminated the vast sky, while the sword wielder was surrounded by auspicious clouds rising from above their head. There is a poem to attest: A great battle raged with no added strength, the fallen lay dead in chaotic heaps. It was all for the king's peace and stability of the state, without distinguishing between wise or foolish, their blood stained the sands.

且说子牙大战闻太师。菡芝仙把风袋抖开，一阵黑风卷起。不知慈航道人有定风珠，随取珠将风定住，风不能出。子牙忙祭起打神鞭，正中菡芝仙顶护，打得脑浆迸出，死于非命。──一道灵魂往封神台去了。彩云仙子听得阵后有响声，回头看时，早被哪吒一枪，刺中肩甲，倒翻在地；后加一枪，结果了性命。──也往封神台去了。武成王大战张节，黄飞虎枪法如神，大吼一声，把张节一枪刺于马下。──一灵也往封神台去了。闻太师力战黄天化，又见折了三人，无心恋战，掩一鞭，暂回老营。止有邓忠、辛环、陶荣三将；见今日又损了张节，四将中少了一人，十分不悦。

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya engaged in a fierce battle with Grand Master Wen. Hanzhi Xian opened his wind bag and unleashed a gust of black wind. Unbeknownst to them, Cihai the Daoist possessed a Wind-Still Pearl; he promptly retrieved it and used it to still the wind, preventing it from escaping. Jiang Ziya quickly summoned his God-Beating Whip, which struck the protective canopy atop Hanzhi Xian's head, smashing it and causing his brains to spill out; he died a tragic death. ——His soul departed toward the Fengshen Altar. Caiyun Xianzi heard a noise from behind the formation and turned around just in time to be struck by Nezha's spear, which pierced her shoulder armor. She fell to the ground; a second spear strike followed, ending her life. ——Her soul also departed toward the Fengshen Altai. Wuchengwang Huang Feihu engaged Zhang Jie in fierce combat. His spear techniques were divine; with a mighty roar, he struck Zhang Jie from horseback and sent him crashing to the ground. ——His soul also departed toward Fengshen Tai. Grand Master Wen, struggling against Huang Tianhua and having lost three of his men, no longer wished to continue the battle. He lashed his whip and temporarily retreated back to his main camp. Only three generals remained: Deng Zhong, Xin Huan, and Tao Rong; they saw that Zhang Jie had been lost today, reducing their four generals to three, and were very displeased.

且言子牙全胜回兵，慈航作辞回山。子牙进城，升银安殿，传令：“众将用过午饭，上殿听点。”众将领令。子牙进内室，写柬帖，只至午末未初，银安殿上打聚将鼓响，众将上殿，参谒听令。子牙令黄天化领柬帖、令箭；又命哪吒领柬帖、令箭；雷震子也领柬帖、令箭：“你们三路行，只须……如此如此。”子牙令：“黄飞虎等领兵五千冲左哨；南宫适等领兵五千冲右哨。”又令：“金吒、木吒、龙须虎冲辕门；四贤、八俊随于后队接应。辛甲、辛免、太颠、闳夭、祁恭、尹籍领三千人马，大呼曰：‘归顺西岐有德之君，坐享安康；扶助成汤无道之主，灭伦绝纪。早归周地，不致身亡！’先散开成汤人马，以孤其势。大功只在今晚可成。”又令：“杨戬领三千人马，先烧彼之粮草。彼军不战自乱。你如烧了粮草，截战后，再往绝龙岭助雷震子成功。”杨戬领令去讫。正是： 挖下战坑擒虎豹，满天张网等蛟龙。

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya returned victorious with his troops, while Cihai bid farewell and departed back to the mountains. Jiang Ziya entered the city, ascended the Yin'an Hall, and issued an order: "All generals should have their midday meal and then gather on the hall to receive their assignments." The generals received the command. Jiang Ziya went into the inner chamber to write a letter. By mid-afternoon, the drum for assembling the generals was beaten on Yin'an Hall; the generals ascended the hall and paid respects while awaiting orders. Jiang Ziya ordered Huang Tianhua to deliver the letter, along with a command arrow; he also ordered Nezha to take the letter and command arrow. Lei Zhenzi was also given a letter and a command arrow: "The three of you shall proceed along separate routes, but must do as follows..." Jiang Ziya commanded: "Huang Feihu and others are to lead five thousand troops to charge the left flank; Nangong Shi et al. shall each lead five thousand men to attack the right flank." He also ordered: "Jinzha, Muzha, and Longxuhu shall charge the 辕门 (Yuanmen); the Four Sages and Eight Heroes shall follow in the rear to provide support." Xin Jia, Xin Mian, Tai Dian, Hong Yao, Qi Gong, and Yin Ji led three thousand troops and shouted loudly: "Submit to the virtuous ruler of Xiqi and enjoy peace and security; Supporting Chengtang's tyrannical ruler who has no morality is to destroy ethics and sever the bonds of propriety." Return early to Zhou territory, so as not to lose your lives!" First scatter the forces of Chengtang to isolate and weaken their strength. A great victory can be achieved tonight alone." He also ordered: "Yang Jian shall lead three thousand men to first burn their grain and supplies. Their army will fall into chaos without even fighting." If you burn their supplies, after cutting off their rear forces, proceed to Juelong Ling to assist Lei Zhenzi in achieving success." Yang Jian received the order and departed. Indeed: Digging a war pit to capture tigers and leopards, stretching a net across the sky to await the dragon.

不表子牙前来劫营，且言闻太师损兵折将，在帐中独坐无言。猛然当中神目看见，西岐一股杀气直冲中军，太师笑曰：“姜尚今日得胜，乘机劫吾大寨。”急令：“邓忠、陶荣在左哨；辛环在右哨；吉立、余庆领长箭手守后营粮草。吾在中军，看谁进辕门！”太师准备夜战。当时天晚，日落西山。将近一鼓时分，子牙把众将调出，四面攻营。人马暗暗到了成汤大辕门，左右有灯笼为号，一声信炮，三军呐喊，鼓声大振，杀声齐起。怎见得这场夜战： 征云笼四野，杀气锁长空。天昏地暗交兵，雾惨云愁厮杀。初时战斗，灯笼火把相迎；次后交攻，剑戟枪刀乱刺。离宫不朗，左右军卒乱奔；坎地无光，前后将兵不正。昏昏沉沉，月朦胧，不辨谁家宇宙；渺渺漫漫，灯惨淡，难分那个乾坤。征云紧护，拚命士卒往来相持；战鼓忙敲，舍死将军纷纷对敌。东西混战，剑戟交加；南北相持，旌旗掩映。狼烟火炮，似雷声霹雳惊天；虎节龙旗，如闪电翻腾上下。摇旗小校，夤夜里战战兢兢；擂鼓儿郎，如履冰俱难措手。周兵勇猛，纣卒奔逃。只见：滔滔流血坑渠满，叠叠横尸数里平。有诗为证： 劫营功业妙无穷，三路冲营建大功。只为武王洪福广，名垂青史羡姜公。

Without detailing Jiang Ziya's impending raid on the camp, let us instead speak of Grand Master Wen, who had suffered losses in troops and generals. He sat alone in his tent, silent and speechless. Suddenly, through the central divine eye, he saw a surge of killing energy from Xiqi rushing straight toward his central army. Grand Master Wen smiled and said: "Jiang Shang has won today's battle and is now seizing the opportunity to raid my main camp." He quickly ordered: "Deng Zhong and Tao Rong shall be stationed at the left flank; Xin Huan on the right flank; Ji Li and Yu Qing shall lead the longbowmen to guard the rear camp's supplies." "I shall remain in the central army and see who dares enter the 辕门 (Yuan Men)!" Grand Master Wen prepared for a night battle. At that time, the day was late and the sun had set behind the western hills. Just before the first drum of the night, Jiang Ziya deployed his generals to attack from all directions against the camp. The troops quietly arrived at the main 辕门 (Yuan Men gate) of Chengtang. Lanterns on both sides served as signals; a signal cannon was fired, followed by shouts from all three armies and the resounding beat of drums, with cries of battle rising in unison. How was this night battle described: War clouds shrouded the four directions, and a killing aura locked the vast sky. The heavens darkened and the earth dimmed as armies clashed; mist and clouds of sorrow mingled with fierce combat. At first, in battle, lanterns and torches met each other; Later, as the fighting intensified, swords, halberds, spears, and blades clashed in chaotic thrusts. The palace was dimly lit, with soldiers from both sides running into chaos; The earth lacked light, and the front and rear generals' troops were disarrayed. In hazy confusion, with a dim moon, it was impossible to tell whose realm this was; Vast and boundless, the lanterns were pale and bleak, making it hard to discern which heaven and earth it was. War clouds tightly encircled as desperate soldiers moved back and forth in a deadlock; Battle drums were hastily beaten, and fearless generals rushed to face their enemies one after another. A chaotic battle raged east and west, with swords and halberds clashing in all directions; Forces from north and south held their ground, banners interwoven. Wolf smoke and fire cannons roared like thunderclaps that shook the heavens; Tiger insignias and dragon banners surged up and down like flashes of lightning. Junior officers waving flags, trembling nervously in the dead of night; Drummers pounding their drums, as if treading on ice and unable to act decisively. The Zhou troops were valiant, while the Zhou soldiers fled in panic. One could see: rivers of blood filled ditches and trenches, and piles of corpses stretched for miles across the plain. There is a poem to attest: The feat of raiding the enemy camp was wondrous beyond measure; great achievements were made by charging in from three routes. It is all because King Wu's vast fortune and blessings, that his name is recorded in history for admiration of Jiang Gong.

话说子牙督前军，冲开了七层围子，呐一声喊，杀进大辕门。闻太师忙上了墨麒麟，提鞭冲来，大呼曰：“姜尚，今番与你定个雌雄！”提鞭来取。子牙仗剑交还。金吒在左，木吒在右，龙须虎发手放出石头打将来，如飞蝗骤雨。成汤军卒如何招架得开，多是著伤。闻太师酣战在中军。黄飞虎杀进左营，有邓忠、陶荣大喝曰：“黄飞虎慢来！”黄家父子兵把二将困在左营。邓忠抖精神，使开板斧，陶荣显本事，双鐧忙轮，二将大战在左营。南宫适冲进右营，只见辛环大叫：“南宫适休走！”把肉翅飞来。西岐数将战住辛环。灯球火把，照耀如同白昼。黄昏厮杀，黑夜交兵，惨惨阴风，咚咚战鼓。闻太师正征战之间，子牙祭起打神鞭。闻太师当中神目看见，疾忙躲时，早中左肩臂。龙须虎发石乱打，三军驻札不定；大队一乱，周兵呐喊，四面围裹上来。闻太师如何抵挡得住。黄飞虎有四子黄天祥等，年少勇猛，势不可当，展枪如龙摆尾，转换似蟒翻身。陶荣躲不及，早被一枪刺于马下。邓忠挡不住，只得败走。辛环见周兵势甚大，不敢恋战，知锋锐已挫，料不能取胜；又见后营火起，杨戬烧了粮草，军兵一乱，势不可解。只见火焰冲天，金蛇乱舞，周军锣鸣鼓响，只杀得鬼哭神号。闻太师大兵已败，又听得周兵四处大叫曰：“西岐圣主，天命维新。纣王无道，陷害万民。你等何不投西岐受享安康！何苦用力而为独夫，自取灭亡！”成汤军士在西岐日久，又见八百诸侯归周者甚众，兵乱不由主将，呐一声喊，走了一半。闻太师有力也无处使，有法也无处用。只见归降者漫散而去，不降者且战且走。且说周兵赶杀成汤败卒，怎见得： 赶上将连衣剥甲，逞著势顺手夺枪。鐧敲鼻凹，打的眉眼张开；锤打当胸，洞见心肝肺腑。连肩拽背著刀伤，肚腹分崩遭斧剁。锤打的利害，枪刺的无情。著箭的穿袍透铠，遇弹子鼻凹流红。逢叉俱丧魄，遇鞭碎天灵。愁云惨惨黯天关，急急逃兵寻活路。

Now the story returns to Jiang Ziya, who led the vanguard and broke through seven layers of encirclement. With a single shout, he charged into the main 辕门 (Yuanmen) gate. Grand Master Wen hurriedly mounted his Hei Qilin, raised the whip, and charged forward, shouting loudly: "Jiang Shang! This time I shall settle with you once and for all who is superior!" He brandished his whip to strike. Jiang Ziya drew his sword and met the attack. Jinzha was on the left, Muzha on the right; Longxu Hu Fa released stones that flew toward them like swarms of locusts and sudden rain. The Chengtang soldiers could not withstand the assault, and many were wounded. Grand Master Wen was fiercely engaged in battle at the central camp. Huang Feihong charged into the left camp, where Deng Zhong and Tao Rong shouted loudly: "Huang Feihou, hold your ground!" The Huang family father-son forces trapped the two generals in the left camp. Deng Zhong summoned his spirit, brandishing a broad axe; Tao Rong displayed his skills, rapidly spinning his double clubs. The two generals engaged in fierce battle within the left camp. Nangong Shi charged into the right camp, where Xin Huan shouted loudly: "Nangong Shi, do not run away!" He flew over with his fleshy wings. Several generals from Xi Qi engaged Xin Huan in battle and held him at bay. Lanterns and torches illuminated the battlefield as if it were broad daylight. Fierce fighting continued from dusk into the night, with bleak winds and resounding war drums echoing through the darkness. While Grand Master Wen was in the midst of battle, Jiang Ziya summoned his God-Beating Whip. Grand Master Wen saw it with his divine eyes and tried to dodge quickly, but the whip had already struck his left shoulder. Longxu Hu Fa hurled stones in all directions, causing the three armies to be unsettled and unable to hold their positions; As soon as the main force fell into chaos, the Zhou troops shouted in unison, surrounding them from all four directions. Grand Master Wen could no longer withstand the onslaught. Huang Feihou had four sons, including Huang Tianxiang, who were young and valiant, their momentum unstoppable. They wielded their spears like dragons swishing their tails, turning and shifting as serpents rolled over. Tao Rong could not evade in time and was pierced from his horse by a spear thrust. Deng Zhong, unable to withstand the attack, had no choice but to retreat in defeat. Xin Huan, seeing that the Zhou forces were overwhelmingly strong, dared not continue fighting. He realized their sharpness had been blunted and knew victory was unlikely; He also saw the rear camp on fire, as Yang Jian burned their supplies. The troops fell into chaos and the situation could not be salvaged. Flames shot up to the sky, golden serpents danced wildly; the Zhou army sounded gongs and drums, killing so fiercely that ghosts wept and gods wailed. Grand Master Wen's main force had already been defeated, and then he heard the Zhou troops shouting from all directions: "The holy ruler of Xi Qi, ordained by heaven to usher in a new era. King Zhou is tyrannical and has wronged the people." Why do you not all surrender to Xi Qi and enjoy peace and safety!" Why go to such lengths to serve a tyrant, only to bring about your own destruction!" The Chengtang troops, stationed in Xi Qi for a long time, saw that many of the eight hundred feudal lords had already submitted to Zhou. The soldiers became disorganized and beyond their commanders' control; with one loud shout, half of them fled. Grand Master Wen had strength but nowhere to use it, and strategies but no way to apply them. Some surrendered and scattered away, while those who refused to surrender fled in disarray as they fought. Meanwhile, the Zhou troops pursued and killed the retreating Chengtang soldiers. How was this described: They chased down generals, stripping their armor off as they ran; taking advantage of the momentum, they seized spears with ease. Clubs struck noses and cheeks, eyes and brows forced wide open from the blows; Maces smashed into chests, revealing hearts, livers, and lungs. Blades slashed through shoulders and backs; bellies were split open by axe blows. Maces struck fiercely, spears pierced mercilessly. Arrows pierced through robes and armor; bullets struck noses, drawing blood freely. Those who encountered tridents lost their souls; those struck by whips had their heads shattered. Gloomy clouds darkened the heavens, and retreating soldiers hurriedly sought a way to survive.

闻太师兵败，且战且走。辛环飞在空中，保让太师，邓忠催住后队。一夜败有七十馀里，至岐山脚下。子牙呜金收队。正是： 三军踊跃声悦，姜相成功奏凯还。

Grand Master Wen's forces were defeated; he fought while retreating. Xin Huan flew in the air to protect Grand Master Wen, while Deng Zhong urged the rear forces forward. For one night of retreat, they fled over seventy li and reached the foot of Qishan Mountain. Jiang Ziya sounded his golden horn to recall his troops. Indeed: The three armies cheered in joy, as Prime Minister Jiang returned triumphant with victory.

话说闻太师败至岐山，收住败残人马，点视，止三万有馀。太师又见折了陶荣，心中闷闷不语。邓忠曰：“太师，如今兵回那里？”闻太师问：“此处往那里去？”辛环曰：“此处往佳梦关去。”太师道：“就往佳梦关去。”催动人马前进，可怜兵败将亡，其威甚挫，著实没兴。一路上人人叹息，个个吁嗟。人马正行间，只见桃花岭上一首黄旛，旛下有一道人，乃是广成子。闻太师向前问曰：“广成子，你在此有甚么事？”广成子答曰：“特为你，在此等候多时。你今违天逆命，助恶灭仁，致损生灵，害陷忠良，是你自取。我今在此，也不与你为雠，只不许你过桃花岭。任凭你往别处去便罢。”闻太师大怒曰：“吾今不幸，兵败将亡；敢欺吾太甚！”催开墨麒麟，提鞭就打。广成子撒步向前，用宝剑急架相还。未及三五合，广成子取番天印祭于空中。太师一见，知印利害，拨转麒麟望西便走。邓忠跟著太师退回。辛环曰：“太师方才怎的怕他，便自退兵？”太师曰：“广成子番天印，吾等招架不住。若中此印，倘或无生，如何是好！且自避他。只如今不得过此岭，却往那里去？”邓忠曰：“不若进五关往燕山去。”太师只得调转人马，往燕山大路而来。太师晓行夜住，不一日，人马行至燕山。猛然抬头，见太华山上竖一首黄旛，赤精子立于旛下。太师催麒麟至前。赤精子曰：“来者乃闻太师。你不必往此燕山去。此处非汝行之地。吾奉燃灯命，在此阻你，不许你进五关。原是那里来，还是那里去。”太师只气得三尸魂暴躁，七窍内生烟，大呼曰：“赤精子，吾乃截教门人，总是一道，何得欺吾太甚！我虽兵败，拚得一死，定与你做一场，岂肯擅自干休！”将麒麟一夹，四蹄登开，使开金鞭，神光灿烂。赤精子抖动麻鞋，挥开宝剑，鞭剑相交。未及五七合，赤精子取阴阳镜出来。不知闻太师性命如何，且听下回分解。

Now the story returns to Grand Master Wen, who had retreated to Qishan Mountain and gathered his remaining forces. Upon inspection, he found only over thirty thousand soldiers left. Grand Master Wen also saw that Tao Rong had been lost and remained silent with a heavy heart. Deng Zhong said, "My Lord, where shall we retreat now?" Grand Master Wen asked, "Where does this road lead to from here?" Xin Huan said, "From here it leads toward Jiameng Pass." Grand Master Wen said, "Then we shall proceed to Jiameng Pass." He urged his troops forward. Alas, with their forces defeated and generals lost, their might was greatly diminished, and they were truly disheartened. Along the way, every person sighed and each one lamented. As the troops were marching along, they suddenly saw a yellow banner atop Peach Blossom Ridge. Under the banner stood a Daoist priest—this was Guangchengzi. Grand Master Wen stepped forward and asked, "Guangchengzi, what business do you have here?" Guangchengzi replied, "I am here specifically for you. I have been waiting for a long time." You now defy heaven and disobey fate, aiding evil while destroying benevolence. You have caused the suffering of lives and the downfall of loyal men—this is your own doing. I am here now, not to be your enemy, but I will not allow you to pass through Peach Blossom Ridge." You may go elsewhere as you wish." Grand Master Wen became furious and said, "Today I am most unfortunate, with my army defeated and generals lost; How dare you insult me so greatly!" He spurred his Hei Qilin forward and raised the whip to strike. Guangchengzi stepped forward quickly, brandishing his treasure sword to block and counterattack. Before three or five exchanges had passed, Guangchengzi summoned the Fanti Yin talisman into the air above them. Grand Master Wen immediately recognized the power of the seal and turned his Qilin westward, fleeing in haste. Deng Zhong followed Grand Master Wen back in retreat. Xin Huan asked, "My Lord, why did you just fear him and withdraw your troops?" Grand Master Wen said: "Guangchengzi's Fanti Yin is too powerful for us to withstand. If we were struck by this seal, there might be no chance of survival—what would become of us!" We had better avoid him for now. Since we cannot pass this ridge, where else shall we go?" Deng Zhong said: "We might as well proceed through the Five Passes toward Yanshan." Grand Master Wen had no choice but to turn his troops around and head along the main road toward Yanshan. Grand Master Wen traveled day and night, and in no time at all, his troops arrived at Yanshan Mountain. Suddenly raising their heads, they saw a golden banner erected on Taohua Mountain, with Chizigen standing beneath it. Grand Master Wen urged his Qilin forward to the front. Chizigen said, "The one who approaches is Grand Master Wen. You need not go to Yanshan any further. This is no place for you to tread. I have been ordered by Randeng to block your path here and forbid you from entering the Five Passes. Return where you came from, for that is where you must go." Grand Master Wen was so enraged that his three souls and seven spirits grew restless, smoke rising from the seven orifices of his body. He shouted angrily: "Chizigen! I am a disciple of the Jie Sect; we are all part of one Dao. How dare you treat me with such arrogance!" "Though I have suffered a military defeat, I will fight to the death and settle this with you in battle. How could I possibly retreat without a struggle!" He spurred his Qilin, its four hooves pounding the ground as he brandished his golden whip, radiating a brilliant divine light. Chizigen shook his straw shoes, brandished his treasure sword, and their whip and sword clashed together. Before five or seven exchanges had passed, Chizigen summoned forth the Yin Yang Jing mirror. Whether Grand Master Wen's life would be spared remains to be seen in the next chapter.