Chapter 52: Juelong Ling: Lord Wen Zhong Dies

诗曰： 几回奏捷建奇功，纣主荒淫幸女红。入国已无封谏表，到山应有泪江枫。 岂知魂梦烽烟绝，且听哀猿夜月空。纵有丹心成往事，年年杜宇泣东风。

The poem says: Several times he reported victories and achieved remarkable feats, while King Zhou indulged in debauchery and favored female craftsmanship. Entering the state without submitting a memorial to advise, upon reaching the mountain there should be tears mingling with maple leaves over the River Jiang. Who could have known that in dreams and spirits, the smoke of war would vanish; for now, listen to the sorrowful cries of apes beneath the moonlit emptiness. Even if a loyal heart has become past history, every year the cuckoo bird weeps in sorrow to the east wind.

话说闻太师见赤精子拿出阴阳镜，把麒麟一磕，跳出圈子外，往燕山下退去。赤精子也不来赶。太师气得面黄气喘，默默无言。辛环曰：“太师，两条路既不容行，不若还往黄花山，进青龙关去罢。”太师沉吟良久，曰：“吾非不能遁回朝歌见天子，再整大兵，以图恢复。只人马累赘，岂可舍此身行。”只得把人马调回，往青龙关大路而行。未及半日，见前边一枝人马驻札咽喉之处。闻太师传令：“安营，不意前有伏兵。”营不曾安定，只听得一声炮响，两杆红旗展动，哪吒脚踏风火轮，捻火尖枪，大呼曰：“闻太师休想回去！此处乃是你归天之地！”太师大怒，急得三只眼中射出金光，骂曰：“姜尚欺吾太甚！此处埋伏著不堪小辈，欺藐天朝大臣！”提鞭，纵麒麟飞来直取。哪吒火尖枪急架相还。鞭枪并举，一场大战。只见： 阴霾迷四野，冷气逼三阳。这壁厢旌旗耀彩，反令日月无光；那壁厢戈戟腾辉，致使儿郎丧胆。金鞭叱咤闪威风；神枪出没施妙用。闻太师忠心；三太 子赤胆。只杀得空中无鸟过，山内虎狼奔，飞沙走石乾坤黑，播土扬尘宇宙昏。

It is said that when Lord Wên saw Master Chìzǐjīng take out the Yin-Yang Mirror, strike the Qilin, and leap outside the circle, he retreated toward the foot of Yanshan Mountain. Master Chìzǐjīn did not pursue him either. The Grand Master was so angry that his face turned yellow and he gasped for breath, remaining silently speechless. Xīn Huán said, "Grand Master, since neither of the two paths allows passage, we might as well return to Huanghuashan and proceed toward Qinglong Pass." The Grand Master pondered for a long time, saying, "I am not unable to retreat back to Chao'ge to see the Son of Heaven and reorganize my great army in order to plan for recovery." "It is merely that my men and horses are exhausted; how can I abandon this body and flee?" He had no choice but to redeploy his troops and march along the main road toward Qinglong Pass. Before half a day had passed, he saw that ahead, a contingent of troops was stationed at a strategic choke point. Lord Wên gave orders: "Set up camp; we did not expect to encounter an ambush ahead." Before the camp had even been properly established, suddenly a cannon roared, two red banners were raised, and Nezha, treading on Wind-Fire Wheels while holding his Fire-Tip Spear, shouted loudly, "Lord Wên, you do not dare to return!" "This is the place where your soul shall meet its end!" The Grand Master became furious, and in desperation, golden light shot from his three eyes as he cursed, "Jiāng Shàng has humiliated me too much!" "These ambushers here are nothing but contemptible upstarts who dare to look down upon a minister of the Celestial Court!" He raised his whip and urged the Qilin forward, flying straight toward Nezha. Nezha quickly raised his Fire-Tip Spear to counterattack. Whip and spear clashed in a fierce battle. One could see: Dark clouds obscured the four directions, while cold air pressed upon the Three Yangs. On this side, colorful banners gleamed so brightly that they dimmed even the sun and moon; On the other side, spears and halberds glowed with brilliance, causing the young soldiers to lose their courage. The golden whip roared with commanding authority; the divine spear appeared and disappeared, employing wondrous techniques. Lord Wên's loyal heart; the Three Princes' fearless courage. The battle raged so fiercely that not a single bird flew through the sky, tigers and wolves fled from the mountains, sand and stones flew as if heaven and earth turned dark, while dust and soil rose to obscure the cosmos.

话说闻太师与邓忠、辛环、吉立、余庆把哪吒裹在垓心。哪吒那里惧他，使开一条枪，怎见得利害，有赞为证，赞曰： 枪是邠州铁，鍊成一段钢，落在能工手，造成丈八长。刺虎穿胸连树倒，降魔锋利似秋霜，大将逢之翻下马，冲营屣陈士俱亡。展放光芒天地暗，吐吞寒雾日无光。

It is said that Lord Wên, together with Deng Zhong, Xin Huan, Ji Li, and Yu Qing, surrounded Nezha in the center of their formation. Nezha was in no way afraid of them, and opened a path with his spear. To describe how fierce this was, there is an ode to serve as evidence. The ode says: The spear was made from iron of Bin Zhou, forged into a piece of steel; when it fell into the hands of a skilled craftsman, it became eight chi long. Its thrust could pierce a tiger's chest and fell trees, its sharpness to subdue demons was like autumn frost; when generals encountered it, they were thrown from their horses, and as it charged through the camp, both officers and soldiers perished. When unleashed, its radiance darkened heaven and earth; when it exhaled cold mist, even daylight lost its brightness.

哪吒抖搜神威，酣战五将，大叫一声，把吉立刺于马下；忙把风火轮登出阵来，取乾坤圈祭在空中，正中邓忠肩甲，翻下鞍鞽，被哪吒复一枪，结果了性命，──二道灵魂俱往封神台去了。闻太师见又折了邓忠、吉立二将，十分懊恼，不觉失措，无心恋战，夺路而走。哪吒大杀一阵，截断后面一半人马，“愿降者免死！”众兵齐告曰：“愿归明主。”哪吒得获全胜，回西岐报功。不表。且说闻太师兵败前行，至晚点札残兵，不足一万馀人。太师升帐坐下，愧赧无地。自思曰：“吾自征伐，未尝挫锐。今日西征，致有片甲无存之辱。”辛环在侧曰：“太师且请宽慰，‘胜负乃兵家之常’，何必挂心。俟回朝再整大队人马，以复此仇未迟。太师还当自己保重。”次日，起人马望黄花山进发。行至巳牌时候，猛见前面红旗招展，号炮喧天，见一将金甲红袍，坐玉麒麟上，使两柄银锤，刺斜而来，大呼曰：“奉姜丞相令，等候多时！今兵败将亡，眼见独力难支，天命已定。此处不降，更待何时！”闻太师见黄天化阻住去路，大怒，骂曰：“好反叛逆贼，敢出此言欺吾！”催开墨麒麟，单骑力战。黄天化鞭锤相架，战在山前。但见： 两阵鸣锣击鼓，三军呐喊摇旗。红旛招展振天雷，画戟轻翻豹尾。这一个舍命冲锋扶社稷；那一个拚生惯战定华夷。不是你生我死不相离，只杀得日月无光天地迷。

Nezha summoned his divine might and fiercely engaged the five generals in battle. With a loud shout, he impaled Ji Li on horseback; He quickly mounted his Wind-Fire Wheels and dashed out of the formation, raising the Qiankun Ring into the air. It struck Deng Zhong's shoulder armor directly, sending him tumbling from his horse. Nezha then drove in with another spear thrust, ending his life—both souls departed to the Platform of Fengshen. Lord Wên, upon seeing that he had lost the two generals Deng Zhong and Ji Li once more, became extremely frustrated. He could not help but lose his composure, no longer wished to continue fighting, and fled for his life down a narrow path. Nezha launched a fierce attack, cutting off half the rear forces, and shouted, "Those who surrender will be spared death!" The soldiers all cried out together, saying, "We wish to submit to our enlightened ruler." Nezha achieved a complete victory and returned to Xiqi to report his success. No further details are given. Meanwhile, Lord Wên had suffered a military defeat and continued forward with his retreating forces. By evening, he mustered the remnants of his army, which numbered less than ten thousand men. The Grand Master ascended to his tent and sat down, feeling deeply ashamed with nowhere to hide his disgrace. He reflected to himself, "Since I began my campaigns, I have never suffered a setback." "Yet today's western campaign has brought me the humiliation of losing not even a single piece of armor intact." Xin Huan, standing nearby, said, "Grand Master, please take comfort. 'Victory and defeat are common in warfare'—why should you trouble yourself?" "Wait until we return to the capital, reorganize our large forces, and take revenge at a later time." "You must also take good care of yourself, Grand Master." The next day, he mobilized his troops and set out toward Huanghuashan. When they had traveled until the hour of Sì, suddenly ahead they saw red banners fluttering and signal cannons roaring into the sky. A general in golden armor and a crimson robe was seen riding a jade Qilin, wielding two silver hammers, charging diagonally toward them while shouting loudly, "By order of Chancellor Jiāng, I have been waiting for you long!" "Now that your army has been defeated and your generals perished, it is clear that you alone cannot hold out any longer; Heaven's decree is already decided." "If you do not surrender here, when else will you wait!" Lord Wên, seeing that Huang Tianhua had blocked his path, became furious and cursed, "You good-for-nothing rebel! How dare you speak such words to mock me!" He spurred on the Black Qilin and charged forward alone in fierce combat. Huang Tianhua raised his whip and hammers to meet him, and the two clashed before the mountain. One could see: Drums beat and gongs rang from both sides, while troops shouted and banners waved. Red banners fluttered as if shaking the thunder of heaven; painted halberds lightly flipped like leopard tails. One side charged forward at the cost of life to support the state; the other fought with all his might, accustomed to battle and determined to stabilize both Han and non-Han peoples. It was not that one would live while the other died, but they were locked in a deadly struggle so fierce it darkened the sun and moon and confused heaven and earth.

话说二人交锋，约有二三十合，有辛环气冲牛斗，余庆怒发冲冠，二将来助太师。黄天化见二将来助战，把玉麒麟跳出阵外就走。余庆不知好歹，随后追来。黄天化挂下双锤，取火龙标回首一标，打下落马而死。──一魂进封神台去了。辛环见余庆落马，大叫一声：“吾来了！”肉翅飞来，锤钻往顶上打来。辛环是上三路，黄天化锤是短兵器，招架上三路不好挡抵，把玉麒麟跳出圈子就走。──这玉麒麟乃是道德真君坐骑，足有风云，速如飞电。──辛环不见机，赶来。被黄天化将攒心钉发出，正中肉翅。辛环在空中吊将下来。闻太师见辛环失利，忙催动残兵，望东南败走。黄天化连胜二阵，也不追赶，领兵回西岐报功去了。且言闻太师见后无袭兵，领人马徐徐而行；又见折了余庆，辛环带伤，太师十分不乐，一路上思前想后。人马行至晚间，有一座高山在前，但见山景凄凉，太师坐下，不觉兜底上心，自己吟诗嗟叹。诗曰： “回首青山两泪垂，三军凄惨更堪悲。当时只道旋师返，今日方知败 卒疲。可恨天时难预料，堪嗟人事竟何之！眼前颠倒浑如梦，为国丹心总不移。”

It is said that as the two engaged in battle for about twenty to thirty exchanges, Xin Huan's rage reached the stars, Yu Qing's anger caused his hair to stand on end, and both generals came to aid Lord Wên. Huang Tianhua saw the two generals coming to assist in battle and leaped off his jade Qilin, breaking through the formation and fleeing. Yu Qing, not knowing better, pursued him from behind. Huang Tianhua dropped his double hammers and retrieved the Fire Dragon dart, turning around to launch it in a single throw. Yu Qing was struck down from his horse and died instantly. —His soul proceeded directly to the Platform of Fengshen (the list of deified spirits). Xin Huan, seeing Yu Qing fall from his horse, shouted loudly, "I am coming!" He flew forward with fleshy wings and drove a hammer straight toward Huang Tianhua's head. Xin Huan was attacking from the upper three directions, and Huang Tianhua's hammers were short weapons; it was difficult to parry attacks coming from above. Huang Tianhua leaped off his jade Qilín and fled out of reach immediately. —This jade Qilin was the mount of Zhenjun De Dao, capable of riding on wind and clouds, swift as a flash of lightning. —Xin Huan failed to recognize the opportunity and pursued him anyway. Huang Tianhua shot out a Center-Piercing Nail, which struck Xin Huan's fleshy wing directly. Xin Huan fell from the sky in midair. Lord Wên, seeing Xin Huan's defeat, quickly urged his remaining troops to retreat toward the southeast. Huang Tianhua, having won two consecutive victories, did not pursue further but led his troops back to Xiqi to report the success. Meanwhile, Lord Wên, seeing no pursuing forces behind him, led his men forward at a slow pace; he also saw that Yu Qing had been killed and Xin Huan was wounded, which greatly distressed the Grand Master. Along the way, he pondered over past events and future prospects with deep concern. As night fell and the troops marched on, a tall mountain appeared ahead. The scenery was bleak and desolate; Lord Wên sat down and could not help feeling sorrow rise to his heart. He recited poetry of lamentation by himself. The poem says: "Looking back at the green hills, two tears fall; the three armies are desolate and even more sorrowful." "At that time I thought only of returning with my troops, but today I have learned of defeat and the exhaustion of my soldiers." It is regrettable how unpredictable Heaven's will can be; it is truly lamentable that human affairs have turned out this way! "The world before my eyes has turned upside down, as if in a dream; yet for the sake of the state, my loyal heart remains unshaken."

话说闻太师作罢诗，神思不宁。三军造饭，辛环整理，次日回兵。将至二更，只听得山顶上响声大振，炮发如雷。闻太师出帐观看，见山上是姜子牙同武王在马上饮酒，左右诸将用手指曰：“山下闻太师败兵在此。”太师听说，性如烈火，上了墨麒麟，提鞭杀上山来。只见一声雷响，一人也不见了。闻太师乃是神目，左右观看，又不见影迹。太师咬牙深恨，立骑寻思。忽然山下一声炮响，人马势如云集，围困山下，只叫“休走了闻太师！”太师大怒，催骑杀下山来；及自至山下，一军一卒俱无。太师喘息不定，方欲算卜，又见山顶上大炮响，子牙与武王拍手大笑而言曰：“闻太师今日之败，把数年英雄尽丧于此，有何面目再返朝歌！”闻太师厉声大骂：“姬发匹夫，焉敢如此！”纵骑复杀上山来。将至半山凹里，猛然飞起雷震子。好凶恶！怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 两翅飞腾起怪风，发红脸靛势如熊。终南秘授神仙术，辅佐姬周立大功。

It is said that after composing his poem, Lord Wên remained restless in spirit. The three armies prepared their meals while Xin Huan organized the arrangements; the next day they withdrew with their forces. It was nearly the second geng when suddenly a loud noise erupted from atop the mountain, cannons booming like thunder. Lord Wên stepped out of his tent to look and saw that on the mountain were Jiang Ziya and King Wu, drinking wine while mounted on their horses. The generals around them pointed with their fingers and said, "There below is Lord Wên's defeated army." Upon hearing this, the Grand Master burned with rage. He mounted his Black Qilin, raised his whip, and charged up the mountain in a fury. Just as he did so, there was a sudden thunderclap, and not a single person could be seen anymore. Lord Wên possessed divine eyesight; he looked left and right but saw no trace of them. The Grand Master gritted his teeth in deep resentment, remaining mounted as he pondered. Suddenly, a cannon roared from below the mountain; troops and horses gathered like clouds, surrounding him at the foot of the hill. They shouted, "Don't let Lord Wên escape!" The Grand Master became furious and spurred his mount to charge down the mountain; But when he arrived at the foot of the mountain, not a single soldier or officer could be found. The Grand Master gasped for breath in confusion. Just as he was about to consult an oracle, another cannon roared from the mountain peak. Jiang Ziya and King Wu clapped their hands and laughed loudly, saying, "Lord Wên's defeat today has cost him all his years of heroism right here; what face does he have to return to Chao'ge again!" Lord Wên shouted in furious curses, "Jī Fā, you lowly commoner, how dare you act so shamelessly!" He urged his horse forward once more and charged up the mountain. As he reached a hollow halfway up the mountain, suddenly Lei Zhensi flew down from above. How fierce and terrible! How fierce was the scene? There is a poem to serve as evidence, which says: With two wings that stirred up strange winds, red hair and blue face, his presence was like that of a bear. He secretly learned divine arts from Zhongnan Mountain, aiding Ji Zhou in achieving great feats.

闻太师只顾山上，未防山凹里飞起雷震子，一棍照闻太师打来。太师措手不及，叫声“不好！”将身一闪，让个空。不防那金棍正中墨麒麟后胯上，打得此兽竟为两段。太师跌下地来，随借土遁去了。辛环大呼曰：“雷震子不要走！吾来了！”肉翅飞起，来战雷震子。不防杨戬暗祭起哮天犬，一口把辛环的腿咬住了。雷震子一棍，正打著辛环顶门，死于非命。──也往封神台去了。雷震子获功回西岐去了。且说闻太师失了坐骑，自思：“不好归国。想吾三十万人马西征，大战三年有馀，不料失机，止存败残人马数千，致有片甲无存之诮。连吾坐骑俱死，门人、副将俱绝……”又见辛环已死，只影单形。太师落下土遁，默坐沉吟；半晌，仰天叹曰：“天绝成汤！当今失政，致天心不顺，民怨日生。臣空有赤胆忠心，无能回其万一。此岂臣下征伐不用心之罪也！”太师坐到天明，复起身招集败残士卒，迤而行。又无粮草，士卒疲敝乏甚，俱有饥色。猛然见一村舍，有簇人家。太师沉吟，饥不可行，乃命士卒：“向前去借他一顿饭，你等充饥。”众人向前观看，果然好个所在。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 竹篱密密，茅屋重重。参天野树迎门，曲水溪桥映户。道傍杨柳绿依依，园内花开香馥馥。夕照西沉，处处山林喧鸟雀；晚烟出灶，条条道径转牛羊。正是那：食饱鸡豚眠屋角，醉酣邻叟唱歌来。

Lord Wên was so focused on the mountain above that he failed to notice Lei Zhensi suddenly flying down from the hollow. With a single staff, Lei struck directly at Lord Wên. The Grand Master had no time to react and shouted in alarm, "This is bad!" He quickly shifted his body aside, narrowly avoiding the blow. Unbeknownst to him, the golden staff struck precisely on the hindquarters of Lord Wên's black qilin steed, splitting the beast into two halves. Lord Wên fell to the ground and immediately used a soil 遁 (earth 遁) technique to escape underground. Xin Huan shouted loudly, "Lei Zhensi, don't run away!" I'm coming for you!" With his fleshy wings flapping, he flew up to fight Lei Zhensi. Unbeknownst to them, Yang Jian secretly summoned the Howling Sky Hound, which bit down on Xin Huan's leg in one go. Lei Zhensi swung his staff and struck directly at the top of Xin Huan's head, killing him instantly by unnatural means. ——and thus he went to the Platform of Investiture for Immortals as well. Lei Zhensi returned to Xiqi, having earned a great feat. Meanwhile, Lord Wên, having lost his steed, thought to himself, "I cannot return to my country like this." I led thirty thousand troops on a western campaign, waging great battles for over three years. I did not expect to lose this opportunity; now only several thousand battered and defeated soldiers remain, leading to the mockery that not even a single piece of armor is left intact. Even my steed has perished, and all my disciples and deputy generals have been lost..." Seeing that Xin Huan was already dead, he felt utterly alone. Lord Wên descended from the earth 遁 (earth tunnel), sat in silence, and pondered deeply; After a while, he looked up to the sky and sighed, "The heavens have doomed Chengtang! The current ruler has lost his virtue, causing Heaven's will to turn against us and the people's resentment to grow day by day. I have only a loyal heart of red courage but lack the ability to reverse even one ten-thousandth part of this situation. This is not due to my failure as an official to fight with insufficient effort!" Lord Wên sat until dawn, then rose and gathered the remnants of his defeated troops, proceeding onward in a slow and dragging manner. With no provisions or forage available, the soldiers were extremely exhausted and worn out, all showing signs of starvation. Suddenly, he saw a village with clusters of houses and families living there. Lord Wên hesitated, knowing they could not go on without food, and ordered his soldiers, "Go forward and borrow a meal from them; it will help you all stave off hunger." The people went forward to look and found that indeed it was a fine place. How good was the place? There is an ode as evidence, which says: Dense bamboo fences and layered thatched huts. Wild trees reaching toward the sky greeted the gate, while winding streams and arched bridges reflected by the houses. Willows along the path were lush and green, while fragrant flowers bloomed in the garden, filling the air with their scent. As the sun set in the west, birds and sparrows chirped noisily throughout the woods; Evening smoke rose from the stoves, while paths wound with herds of cattle and sheep. Indeed it was: "After a full meal of pork and fowl, one sleeps at the eaves; a tipsy old neighbor sings songs as he comes."

话说军士来至庄前，问：“里面有人么？”忽然走出一位老叟，见是些残败军卒，忙问：“众位至小庄有何公干？”士卒曰：“吾等非是别人，乃是跟成汤闻太师老爷，因奉敕伐周，与姜尚交兵，失机而回；借你一饭充饥，后必有补。”那老人听罢，忙道：“快请太师老爷来。”众军士回去，禀太师曰：“前有一老人，专请老爷。”太师只得缓步行至庄前。老人忙倒身下拜，口称：“太师，小民有失迎迓，望乞恕罪。”太师亦以礼相答。老人忙躬身迎请太师里面坐。太师进里面坐下。老人急收拾饭，摆将出来。闻太师用了一餐，方收拾饭与众士卒吃了。歇宿一宵。次日，太师辞老叟，问曰：“你们姓甚么？昨日搅扰你家，久后好来谢你。”老人曰：“小民姓李，名吉。”闻太师分付左右记了。离了此间，同些士卒望青龙关大路而来，不觉迷踪失径。太师命军士站住，观看东、南、西、北。忽听林中伐木之声，见一樵人。太师忙令士卒，向前问那樵子。士卒向前问曰：“樵子，借问你一声。”樵子弃斧在地，上前躬身，口称：“列位有何事呼唤？”士卒曰：“我等是奉敕征西的；如今要往青龙关去。借问那条路近些？”樵子用手一指，“往西南上不过十五里，过白鹤墩，乃是青龙关大路。”士卒谢了樵子，来报与闻太师。太师命众人往西行，迤望前而走。──不知道这樵子乃是杨戬变化的，指闻太师往绝龙岭而来。

As the soldiers arrived in front of the village, they asked, "Is there anyone inside?" Suddenly, an old man stepped out and, seeing a group of battered soldiers, hurriedly asked, "What business brings you all to my humble village?" The soldiers replied, "We are not ordinary people; we follow Lord Wên of Chengtang. We were ordered to campaign against Zhou and engaged in battle with Jiang Shang, but due to a missed opportunity, we have returned in defeat; We are here only to borrow a meal from you to stave off our hunger. We will certainly repay it later." After hearing this, the old man hurriedly said, "Please bring Lord Wên quickly." The soldiers returned and reported to Lord Wên, saying, "There is an old man ahead who specifically requests your presence." Lord Wên had no choice but to slowly walk forward to the front of the village. The old man quickly knelt down and bowed, saying, "Lord Wên, your humble servant failed to welcome you properly. I beg for your forgiveness." Lord Wên also responded with courtesy. The old man hurriedly bowed and invited Lord Wên to sit inside the house. Lord Wên entered and sat down inside. The old man quickly prepared the meal and brought it out. Lord Wên had a meal first, then arranged food for all the soldiers to eat. They rested there overnight. The next day, Lord Wên bid farewell to the old man and asked, "What is your surname?" I disturbed your home yesterday; I will come back later to thank you." The old man said, "Your humble servant's surname is Li, and my name is Ji." Lord Wên instructed his attendants to record this information. Leaving the village, he traveled with some soldiers toward the main road of Qinglong Pass, but soon became lost and unable to find his way. Lord Wên ordered the soldiers to stop and look in all directions—east, south, west, and north. Suddenly they heard the sound of woodcutting from within the forest and saw a woodcutter. Lord Wên quickly ordered his soldiers to go forward and ask the woodcutter. The soldiers went up and asked, "Woodcutter, may we ask you a question?" The woodcutter dropped his axe on the ground, stepped forward with a bow, and said, "Honored guests, what is it you wish to ask?" The soldiers replied, "We are here on an imperial mission to campaign westward; we now intend to go toward Qinglong Pass. Might we ask which path is the nearest?" The woodcutter pointed with his hand and said, "Go southwest for no more than fifteen li. After passing Bahe Dun, you will reach the main road to Qinglong Pass." The soldiers thanked the woodcutter and returned to report this information to Lord Wên. Lord Wên ordered everyone to proceed westward, slowly moving forward along the way. ——Unbeknownst to them at the time, this woodcutter was actually a transformation of Yang Jian, who had directed Lord Wên toward Juelong Ling.

且说闻太师行过有二十里，看看至绝龙岭来。好险峻！但见： 巍巍峻岭，崒嵂峰峦。溪深涧陡，石梁桥天生险恶；壁峭崖悬，虎头石长就雄威。奇松怪柏若龙蟠；碧落丹枫如翠盖。云迷雾障，山巅直透九重霄；瀑布奔流，潺湲一泻千百里。真个是鸦雀难飞，漫道是人行避迹。烟岚障目，采药仙童怕险；荆榛塞野，打柴樵子难行。胡羊野马似穿梭，狡兔山牛如布阵。正是：草迷四野有精灵，奇险惊人多恶兽。

Meanwhile, after traveling about twenty li, Lord Wên soon arrived at Juelong Ling. How perilous and steep! One could see: Towering and precipitous mountains, with jagged peaks and ridges. Deep ravines and steep gorges, stone bridges formed by nature in a treacherous way; Steep cliffs and overhanging rocks, with massive boulders shaped like tiger heads exuding fierce power. Strange cypresses and twisted pines coiled like dragons; Vivid red maples against the blue sky formed emerald canopies. Clouds and mists obscured the view, with mountain peaks piercing directly into the nine heavens; Waterfalls rushed downward, cascading for hundreds of li in a continuous stream. Truly, it was so perilous that even crows and sparrows could not fly through; no wonder people avoided this place entirely. Misty vapors obscured the view; even immortal children gathering herbs feared the danger; Thorny thickets blocked the fields, making it hard for woodcutters to pass. Wild sheep and horses darted like shuttles; sly hares and mountain cattle moved as if in formation. Indeed: "Grasses cover the four wilds, hiding spirits; strange dangers abound with many fierce beasts."

话说闻太师行至绝龙岭，方欲进岭，见山势险峻，心下甚是疑惑。猛抬头，见一道人穿水合道服，认的是终南山玉柱洞云中子。闻太师慌忙上前问曰：“道兄在此何干？”云中子曰：“贫道奉燃灯命，在此候兄多时。此处是绝龙岭，你逢绝地，何不归降？”闻太师大笑曰：“云中子，你把我闻仲当作稚子婴儿。怎言吾逢绝地，以此欺吾。你我莫非五行之术，在道通知。你今如此戏我，看你有何法治我！”云中子曰：“你敢到这个所在来？”太师就行。云中子用手发雷，平地下长出八根通天神火柱，高有三丈馀，长圆有丈馀，按八卦方位：乾、坎、艮、震、巽、离、坤、兑。闻太师站立当中，大呼曰：“你有何术，用此柱困我？”云中子发手雷鸣，将此柱震开，每一根柱内现出四十九条火龙，烈焰飞腾。闻太师大笑曰：“离地之精，人人会遁；火中之术，个个皆能。此术焉敢欺吾！”搯定避火诀，太师站于里面。怎见得好火，有火赞为证，赞曰： 此火非同凡体，三家会合成功。英雄独占离地，浑同九转旋风。炼成通中火柱，内藏数条神龙，口内喷烟吐焰，爪牙动处通红。苦海煮乾到底，逢山烧得石空，遇木即成灰烬，逢金化作长虹。燧人初出定位，木里生来无踪。石中电火稀奇宝，三昧金光透九重。在天为日通明帝，在地生烟活编氓，在人五脏为心主，火内玄功大不同。饶君就是神仙体，遇我难逃眼下倾。

As Lord Wên arrived at Juelong Ling, he was just about to enter the mountain pass when he saw how perilous and precipitous it was. A deep sense of suspicion arose in his heart. Suddenly, he raised his head and saw a Daoist wearing a blue robe with water patterns; it was none other than Yunzhongzi of Yuzhu Cave on Zhongnan Mountain. Lord Wên hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "Daoist elder, what brings you here?" Yunzhongzi said, "Your humble Daoist has been sent by Rendeng and has waited for my elder brother here for a long time. This place is Juelong Ling; you have encountered an impassable dead end—why not surrender?" Lord Wên laughed loudly and said, "Yunzhongzi, do you take me, Wen Zhong, to be a child or an infant? How can you say I have encountered a dead end and use this to mock me?" You and I are not unfamiliar with the Five Elements techniques; we understand Dao as one. If you dare to mock me like this now, see what methods you have to deal with me!" Yunzhongzi replied, "How dare you come to such a place?" Lord Wên took immediate action. Yunzhongzi raised his hand and summoned thunder. From the flat ground, eight pillars of heavenly fire shot up, each over three zhang tall and more than one zhang in diameter, arranged according to the Eight Trigrams: Qian, Kan, Gen, Zhen, Xun, Li, Kun, and Dui. Lord Wên stood in the center and shouted loudly, "What kind of technique do you have to use these pillars to trap me?" Yunzhongzi struck with thunder, causing the pillars to tremble. From within each pillar emerged forty-nine fiery dragons, their flames surging upward in fury. Lord Wên laughed heartily and said, "The essence of the Earth Trigram—earth 遁 (tunneling)—is a skill known to many; the techniques involving fire are something everyone can do. How dare you use such a technique to intimidate me!" Lord Wên recited the incantation for fire resistance and stood within its protective field. How magnificent was this fire! A eulogy attests to it, which says: This fire is unlike any ordinary flame; its success comes from the union of three families. A hero alone occupies the Earth Trigram, while a whirlwind spins in nine transformations. Refined into towering pillars of fire, they conceal several divine dragons within; from their mouths smoke and flames spew forth, while their claws and fangs glow red-hot wherever they move. The bitter sea is boiled dry to the bottom; when it meets a mountain, it burns through stone. When it encounters wood, it turns everything into ashes; when it touches metal, it transforms it into a long rainbow. Sui Ren first established its position at the beginning of time; born from wood, it leaves no trace behind. A wondrous treasure, lightning fire hidden in stone, the Threefold Pure Golden Light pierces through nine layers. In heaven it is the radiant emperor of the sun; on earth, it gives rise to smoke and sustains common folk. In humans, it resides in the five viscera as the sovereign of the heart—its profound power within fire is unlike anything else. Even if you are a deity or immortal, you cannot escape destruction at my hands.

话说闻太师搯定避火诀，站于中间，在火内大呼曰：“云中子！你的道术也只如此！吾不久居，我去也！”往上一升，驾遁光欲走。不知云中子预将燃灯道人紫金钵盂磕住，浑如一盖盖定。闻太师那里得知，往上一冲，把九霄烈焰冠撞落尘埃，青丝发俱披下。太师大叫一声，跌将下来。云中子在外面发雷，四处有霹雳之声，火势凶猛。可怜成汤首相，为国捐躯！──一道灵魂往封神台来，有清福神祇用百灵旛来引太师。──太师忠心不灭，一点真灵借风迳至朝歌，来见纣王，申诉其情。此时纣王正在鹿台与妲己饮酒，不觉一阵昏沉，伏几而卧。忽见太师立于傍边，谏曰：“老臣奉敕西征，屡战失利，枉劳无功，今已绝于西土。愿陛下勤修仁政，求贤辅国；毋肆荒淫，浊乱朝政，毋以祖宗社稷为不足重，人言不足信，天命不足畏，企反前愆，庶可挽回。老臣欲再诉深情，恐难进封神台耳。臣去也！”迳往封神台来。──柏鉴引进其魂，安于台内。且说纣王猛然惊醒曰：“怪哉！异哉！”妲己曰：“陛下有何惊异？”纣王把梦中事说了一遍。妲己曰：“梦由心作。贱妾常闻陛下忧虑闻太师西征，故此有这个惊兆。料闻太师岂是失机之士。”纣王曰：“御妻之言是矣。”随时就放下心怀。且说子牙收兵，众门人都来报功。云中子收了神火柱，与燃灯二人回山去。不表。

As it happened, Lord Wên had recited the fire-resistant incantation and stood in the center. Within the flames, he shouted loudly, "Yunzhongzi! Your Daoist techniques are nothing more than this!" I will not stay here long—I am leaving now!" He rose upward, mounting a 遁 (tunneling) light to flee. Unbeknownst to him, Yunzhongzi had previously used the Purple Gold Bowl of Master Rendeng to seal it shut, like a lid firmly fastened in place. Lord Wên had no idea and surged upward, knocking the Nine Heavens Flame Crown down to the ground in a heap of ashes; his black hair tumbled loose. Lord Wên let out a loud cry and fell from the sky. Yunzhongzi summoned thunder from outside, and thunderclaps echoed in all directions as the flames raged fiercely. Alas! The prime minister of the Chengtang dynasty gave his life for the country! ——A soul passed toward the Fengshen Altar, where a deity of pure fortune and blessings used a hundred-spirit banner to guide Lord Wên. ——Lord Wên's loyal heart did not perish; his true spirit, carried by the wind, directly arrived at Chao Ge to see King Zhou and plead its case. At this time, King Zhou was drinking with Daji at Lutai when suddenly he felt drowsy and fell asleep on the table. Suddenly, he saw Lord Wên standing by his side and advised, "Your old servant was commissioned to campaign westward. I have suffered repeated defeats in battle, achieving nothing but wasted effort. Now I have perished in the western lands. I beg Your Majesty to diligently cultivate benevolent governance and seek virtuous ministers to assist the state; do not indulge in debauchery, corrupting court affairs; do not regard the ancestral state as unworthy of respect, nor people's words as unreliable, nor Heaven's mandate as something to be feared. If you can repent for past sins, perhaps it is still possible to redeem yourself. Your old servant wishes to plead my earnest feelings once more, but I fear it will be difficult for me to ascend the Fengshen Altar again. I am leaving now!" He directly proceeded toward the Fengshen Altar. ——Bai Jian led his soul inside and placed it within the altar. Meanwhile, King Zhou suddenly awoke in alarm and said, "Strange! How extraordinary!" Daji asked, "Your Majesty, what has startled you?" King Zhou recounted the events of his dream. Daji said, "Dreams arise from one's mind. I have often heard Your Majesty worry about Lord Wên's western campaign; this is why such an omen has appeared." Lord Wên is surely no man who would lose a chance. King Zhou said, "My consort speaks rightly." He immediately put his mind at ease. Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya withdrew his troops and all of his disciples came to report their achievements. Yunzhongzi retracted the divine fire pillars and, together with Master Rendeng, returned to the mountain. No further details are given.

再讲申公豹知闻太师绝龙岭身亡，深恨子牙；往五岳三山，寻访仙客伐西岐，为闻太师报雠。一日游至夹龙山飞龙洞，跨虎飞来，忽见山崖上一小童儿跳耍。申公豹下虎来看，此童儿却是一个矮子：身不过四尺，面如土色。申公豹曰：“那童儿，你是那家的？”土行孙见一道人叫他，上前施礼曰：“老师那里来？”申公豹曰：“我往海岛来。”土行孙曰：“老师是截教，是阐教？”申公豹曰：“是阐教。”土行孙曰：“是吾师叔。”申公豹问曰：“你师是谁？你叫甚名字？”土行孙答曰：“我师父是惧留孙。弟子叫做土行孙。”申公豹又问曰：“你学艺多少年了？”土行孙答曰：“学艺百载。”申公豹摇头曰：“我看你不能了道成仙，只好修个人间富贵。”土行孙问曰：“怎样是人间富贵？”申公豹曰：“据我看，你只好披蟒腰玉，受享君王富贵。”土行孙曰；“怎得能够？”申公豹曰：“你肯下山，我修书荐你，咫尺成功。”土行孙曰：“老师指我往那里去？”申公豹曰：“荐你往三山关邓九公处去，大事可成。”土行孙谢曰：“若得寸进，感恩非浅。”申公豹曰：“你胸中有何本事？”土行孙曰：“弟子善能地行千里。”申公豹曰：“你用个我瞧。”土行孙把身子一扭，即时不见。道人大喜。忽见土行孙往土里钻上来。公豹又曰：“你师父有困仙绳，你要去带下两根去，也成的功。”土行孙曰：“吾知道了。”土行孙盗了师父惧留孙的困仙绳，五壶丹药，迳往三山关来。不知胜负如何，且听下回分解。

Now, Shen Gongbao learned of Lord Wên's death at Juelong Ling and deeply resented Jiang Ziya; he went to the Five Peaks and Three Mountains, seeking immortal guests to attack Xi Qi in order to avenge Lord Wên. One day, while traveling to Jialong Shan Feilong Dong, he rode a tiger and flew there. Suddenly, he saw a young child playing on the cliffside. Shen Gongbao dismounted from his tiger to take a closer look, only to find that the child was actually a short man: no more than four chi tall and with a face ashen in color. Shen Gongbao asked, "Little boy, whose child are you?" Tuxing Sun, upon seeing a Daoist address him, stepped forward and bowed respectfully, asking, "Master, where have you come from?" Shen Gongbao replied, "I came from the sea island." Tuxing Sun asked, "Master, are you of the Jie Sect or the Chan Sect?" Shen Gongbao said, "I am of the Chan Sect." Tuxing Sun replied, "Then you are my uncle-teacher." Shen Gongbao asked in return, "Who is your teacher? What is your name?" Tuxing Sun answered, "My master is Juliusun. My name is Tuxing Sun." Shen Gongbao then asked, "How many years have you studied the arts?" Tuxing Sun replied, "A hundred years." Shen Gongbao shook his head and said, "In my opinion, you will never attain the Dao or become an immortal. You can only pursue wealth and honor in this mortal world." Tuxing Sun asked curiously, "What exactly is worldly wealth and honor?" Shen Gongbao said, "In my view, you are only fit to wear a dragon robe, girdle jade at your waist, and enjoy the wealth and honor of a king or emperor." Tuxing Sun said; "How can I achieve that?" Shen Gongbao said, "If you are willing to descend the mountain, I will write a letter of recommendation for you. Success is just within reach." Tuxing Sun asked, "Master, which direction should I go?" Shen Gongbao said, "I will recommend you to Deng Jiugong at Sanshan Guan. Great achievements can be made there." Tuxing Sun bowed in gratitude and said, "If I am granted even a small opportunity for advancement, my gratitude will be profound indeed." Shen Gongbao asked, "What skills do you possess?" Tuxing Sun replied, "My disciple is skilled in traveling a thousand li underground." Shen Gongbao said, "Show me an example." Tuxing Sun twisted his body and vanished instantly. The Daoist was greatly pleased. Suddenly, Tuxing Sun emerged from the ground. Gongbao added, "Your master has some divine binding ropes. If you take two of them with you, your mission will surely succeed." Tuxing Sun said, "I understand now." Tuxing Sun stole two of the divine binding ropes and five vats of elixirs from his master Juliusun, then directly went to Sanshan Guan. What will be the outcome remains to be seen in the next chapter.