Chapter 60: Ma Yuan Goes Down the Mountain to Aid Yin Hong

诗曰： 玄门久炼紫真宫，暴虐无端性更残。五厌贪痴成恶孽，三花善果属欺谩。 纣王帝业桑林晚，周武军威瑞雪寒。堪叹马元成佛去，西岐犹自怯心剜。

The poem says: For a long time, the Xuanmen has refined the Zi Zhen Gong; ruthless and senseless, its nature is even more cruel. Five aversions, greed, and delusion lead to evil karma; the three flowers of virtue belong to deceit and falsehood. King Zhou's imperial cause was delayed at Sanglin, while King Wu of Zhou's military might braved the cold auspicious snow. Alas, Ma Yuan attained Buddhahood and departed; Xi Qi still hesitates with a timid heart.

话说黄飞虎大战殷洪，二骑交锋，枪戟上下，来往相交，约有二十回合。黄飞虎枪法如风驰电掣，往来如飞，抢入怀中。殷洪招架不住。只见庞弘走马来助；这壁厢黄天禄纵马摇枪，敌住庞弘。刘甫舞刀飞来；黄天爵也来接住厮杀。苟章见众将助战，也冲杀过来；黄天祥年方十四岁，大呼曰：“少待！吾来！”枪马抢出，大战苟章。毕环走马，使鐧杀来。黄天化举双锤接住。且说殷洪敌不住黄飞虎，把戟一掩就走。黄飞虎赶来。殷洪取出阴阳镜，把白光一愰。黄飞虎滚下骑来。早被郑伦杀出阵前，把黄飞虎抢将过去了。黄天化见父亲坠骑，弃了毕环，赶来救父。殷洪见黄天化坐的是玉麒麟，知是道德之士，恐被他所算，忙取出镜子，如前一愰。黄天化跌下鞍鞽，也被擒了。苟章欺黄天祥年幼，不以为意，被天祥一枪，正中左腿，败回行营。殷洪一阵擒二将，掌得胜鼓回营。且说黄家父子五人出城，到擒了两个去，止剩三个回来，进相府泣报子牙。子牙大惊，问其原故，天爵等将“镜子一愰，即便拿人”，诉了一遍。子牙十分不悦。只见殷洪回至营中，令：“把擒来二将抬来。”殷洪明明卖弄他的道术，把镜子取出来，用红的半边一愰。黄家父子睁开二目，见身上已被绳索絪住；及推至帐前，黄天化只气得三尸神暴跳，七窍内生烟。黄飞虎曰：“你不是二殿下？”殷洪喝曰：“你怎见得我不是？”黄飞虎曰：“你既是二殿下，你岂不认得我武成王黄飞虎？当年你可记得我在十里亭前放你，午门前救你？”殷洪听罢，“呀”的一声：“你原来就是大恩人黄将军！”殷洪忙下帐，亲解其缚；又令放了黄天化。殷洪曰：“你为何降周？”飞虎欠身打躬曰：“殿下在上：臣愧不可言。纣王无道，因欺臣妻，故弃暗投明，归投周主。况今三分天下，有二归周；天下八百诸侯无不臣服。纣王有十大罪，得罪天下，醢戮大臣，炮烙正士，剖贤之心，杀妻戮子，荒淫不道，沉湎酒色，峻宇雕梁，广兴土木，天愁民怨，天下皆不愿与之俱生，此殿下所知者也。今蒙殿下释吾父子，乃莫大之恩。”郑伦在傍，急止之曰：“殿下不可轻释黄家父子，恐此一回去，又助恶为衅，乞殿下察之。”殷洪笑曰：“黄将军昔日救吾兄弟二命，今日理当报之。今放过一番，二次擒之，当正国法。”叫左右：“取衣甲还他。”殷洪曰：“黄将车，昔日之恩吾已报过了；以后并无他说。再有相逢，幸为留意，毋得自遗伊戚！”黄飞虎感谢出营。正是： 昔日施恩今报德，从来万载不生尘。

It is said that Huang Feihuo engaged in fierce battle with Yin Hong; the two warriors clashed on horseback, their lances and halberds striking up and down as they exchanged blows for about twenty rounds. Huang Feihuo's lance techniques were like the wind rushing and lightning flashing, moving back and forth with the speed of flight, striking into Yin Hong's chest. Yin Hong could not hold out against the attacks. Just then, Pang Hong rode up to assist; On this side, Huang Tianlu spurred his horse and brandished his lance to confront Pang Hong. Liu Fu dashed in wielding a saber; Huang Tianjue also came to engage him in fierce combat. Gou Zhang, seeing the many generals joining the battle, charged forward as well; Huang Tianxiang, who was only fourteen years old, shouted loudly: "Wait a moment! I shall take him on!" With lance and horse, he rushed forward to engage Gou Zhang in a fierce battle. łoż Bi Huan rode up, wielding his trident and charging into the fray. Huang Tianhua raised his twin hammers to meet him. Meanwhile, Yin Hong could not withstand Huang Feihuo and, covering his halberd, turned and fled. Huang Feihuo pursued him. Yin Hong took out the Yin-Yang Mirror and flashed a burst of white light. Huang Feihuo was thrown off his horse. Before he could recover, Zheng Lun charged out from the front of the formation and seized Huang Feihuo, dragging him away. Huang Tianhua saw his father fall from his horse, abandoned Bi Huan, and rushed to rescue his father. Yin Hong saw that Huang Tianhua rode a Jade Qilin and realized he was a man of virtue and morality. Fearing that he might be outwitted, Yin Hong quickly took out the mirror and flashed it as before. Huang Tianhua fell from his saddle and was also captured. Gou Zhang, looking down on Huang Tianxiang for his youth, did not take him seriously. But Huang Tianxiang struck with a single lance thrust that hit Gou Zhang squarely in the left leg, forcing him to retreat back to camp in defeat. With one battle, Yin Hong captured two generals and returned to his camp while beating the drums of victory. Meanwhile, five members of the Huang family had left the city; two were captured and only three returned. They entered the Prime Minister's residence and wept as they reported to Ziyi. Ziyi was greatly shocked and asked for the reason, whereupon Huang Tianjue and others recounted how "a single flash of the mirror had been enough to capture people." Ziyi was very displeased. Just then, Yin Hong returned to his camp and ordered: "Bring the two captured generals here." Yin Hong clearly wanted to show off his magical arts, took out the mirror, and flashed its red half. The Huang family father and son opened their eyes and saw that ropes had already bound them tightly; When they were pushed forward to the tent, Huang Tianhua was so enraged that his Three Soul Deities leapt wildly and smoke arose from his seven orifices. Huang Feihuo said: "Aren't you the Second Prince?" Yin Hong shouted: "How can you be sure I am not?" Huang Feihuo replied, "If you are indeed the Second Prince, would you not recognize me, General Huang Feihuo of Wucheng?" Do you remember how I released you at the Shili Pavilion and saved you before the Wu Gate back in those days?" After hearing this, Yin Hong exclaimed with a gasp: "Oh! You are none other than General Huang, my great benefactor!" Yin Hong hurriedly left the tent and personally untied their bonds; he also ordered Huang Tianhua to be released. Yin Hong asked, "Why did you surrender to the Zhou?" Feihuo bowed respectfully and said: "Your Highness above: I am too ashamed to speak. King Zhou was tyrannical, and because he insulted my wife, I abandoned darkness for light and defected to the Zhou ruler." Moreover, now that two-thirds of the realm has fallen under the Zhou; all eight hundred feudal lords across the land have submitted without exception. King Zhou committed ten great crimes, offending the entire realm. He executed ministers with cruel punishment, roasted upright men on red-hot pillars, carved out the hearts of virtuous men, killed his wife and son, indulged in debauchery, drowned himself in wine and lust, built towering halls with ornate beams, and launched grand construction projects. Heaven mourned and the people resented him; all under heaven wished not to live alongside him—this is something Your Highness must know. Now that Your Highness has released my father and me, it is a most profound kindness." Zheng Lun, standing nearby, hurriedly interjected: "Your Highness must not lightly release the Huang family father and son. I fear that once they return, they will again assist in wrongdoing and cause trouble. I beg Your Highness to consider this carefully." Yin Hong smiled and said: "General Huang once saved the lives of my brothers; today, it is only right to repay him. If I let them go now, I shall capture them again in the future and then deal with them according to state law." He called out to those on his side: "Bring their armor and clothes back to them." Yin Hong said, "General Huang, I have already repaid you for your past kindness; there will be no further discussion of it. If we meet again, I hope you will take care and do not bring upon yourself unnecessary sorrow!" Huang Feihuo thanked him and left the camp. Indeed: Past kindness repaid with virtue, this truth has endured for countless ages without a trace of dust.

且说殷洪放回黄家父子，回至城下，放进城来，到相府谒见子牙。子牙大悦；间其故：“将军被获，怎能得复脱此厄？”黄飞虎把上件事说了一遍。子牙大喜：“正所谓‘天相吉人’。”话说郑伦见放了黄家父子，心中不悦，对殷洪曰：“殿下，这番再擒来，切不可轻易处治。他前番被臣擒来，彼又私自逃回。这次切宜斟酌。”殿下曰：“他救我，我理当报他。料他也走不出吾之手。”

Meanwhile, after releasing the Huang family father and son, Yin Hong returned them to the city gate. They were allowed into the city and went to the Prime Minister's residence to pay respects to Ziyi. Ziyi was overjoyed; he asked for the reason: "How could General have been captured and yet manage to escape this misfortune?" Huang Feihuo recounted the entire incident. Ziyi was delighted: "This is exactly what they say, 'Heaven aids those with good fortune.'" Meanwhile, Zheng Lun, seeing that the Huang family father and son had been released, was displeased. He said to Yin Hong: "Your Highness, if we capture them again this time, you must not deal with them lightly. Previously, when they were captured by me, they escaped secretly on their own. This time, we must be careful and deliberate." Your Highness replied: "He saved me; I should naturally repay him. I can assure you he will not escape my grasp."

次日，殷洪领众将来城下，坐名请子牙答话。探马报入相府。子牙对诸门人曰：“今日会殷洪，须是看他怎样个镜子。”传令：“排队伍。”炮声响亮，旗旛招展出城，对子马各分左右，诸门人雁翅排开。殷洪在马上把画戟指定，言曰：“姜尚为何造反？你也曾为商臣，一旦辜恩，情殊可恨！”子牙欠身曰：“殿下此言差矣！为君者上行而下效，其身正，不令而行；其身不正，虽令不从。其所令反其所好，民孰肯信之！纣王无道，民愁天怨，天下皆与为雠，天下共叛之，岂西周故逆王命哉。今天下归周，天下共信之，殿下又何必逆天强为，恐有后悔！”殷洪大喝曰：“谁与我把姜尚擒了？”左队内庞弘大叱一声，走马滚临阵前，用两条银装鐧冲杀过来。哪吒登风火轮，摇枪战住。刘甫出马来战；又有黄天化接住厮杀。毕环助战；又有杨戬拦住厮杀。且说苏侯同子苏全忠在辕门，看殷洪走马来战姜子牙，子牙仗剑来迎。怎见得这场恶杀： 扑咚咚陈皮鼓响，血沥沥旗磨朱砂。槟榔马上叫活拿，便把人参捉下。暗里防风鬼箭，乌头便撞飞抓。好杀！只杀得附子染黄沙，都为那地黄天子驾。

The next day, Yin Hong led his generals to the city walls and called out by name for Ziyi to come forward. A scout horseman reported this news into the Prime Minister's residence. Ziyi said to his disciples: "Today, when we meet Yin Hong, I must see what kind of mirror he uses." He gave orders: "Form the ranks." Cannons roared, banners fluttered as they marched out of the city. Horses were arranged on either side, and Ziyi's disciples spread out like the wings of a wild goose formation. From his horse, Yin Hong pointed with his painted halberd and declared: "Why has Jiang Shang rebelled? You were once a minister of the Shang dynasty, yet you betrayed your lord's kindness. How despicable and hateful!" Ziyi bowed slightly and said: "Your Highness is mistaken in this statement! A ruler who leads by example will see his subjects follow. If the ruler himself acts uprightly, orders need not be given for people to act accordingly; if he is not upright, even commands will go unheeded. If what the ruler orders contradicts his own desires, how can the people possibly trust him! King Zhou was tyrannical; the people mourned and Heaven resented him. All under heaven regarded him as an enemy, and all rebelled against him. How can it be said that Western Zhou is a traitor defying royal commands? Now, the realm has submitted to the Zhou, and all under heaven believe in it. Your Highness, why persist against Heaven's will? You may yet regret it!" Yin Hong roared angrily: "Who shall capture Jiang Shang for me?" From the left ranks, Pang Hong let out a fierce shout and rode forward to the front of the battlefield, charging in with two silver-tipped tridents. Ne Zha mounted his Fenghuo Lun (wind-fire wheels), brandished his spear, and engaged him in battle. Liu Fu rode out to fight; Huang Tianhua also joined in the fray. Bi Huan came to assist; Yang Jian also stepped in and joined the battle. Meanwhile, Su Hou and his son Su Quanzhong were at the 辕门 (Yuanmen) watching as Yin Hong rode out to fight Jiang Ziya. Ziyi came forward with sword in hand to meet him. How vivid was this fierce battle: The drums of Chenpi thundered with a loud pudongdong, and the banners, stained with blood, dripped vermilion like cinnabar. On the 槟榔 (binlang) horse, they shouted for a live capture and seized Ginseng (a nickname or title). The vivid description of this fierce battle: Pudongdong, the Chenpi drums thundered, and xuelili, the banners dripped blood like cinnabar ground into red pigment. On the Binlang horse they cried out for a live capture, and swiftly seized Renshen (a nickname or title) from his position. From the shadows came sudden attacks—ghostly arrows of Fangfeng, while Wutou dashed forward with flying grabs to strike. How fierce! The battle raged so fiercely that Fu Zi was stained with yellow sand, all for the sake of the Dihuang Tianzi's imperial chariot.

话说两家锣鸣鼓响，惊天动地，喊杀之声，地沸天翻。且说子牙同殷洪未及三四合，祭打神鞭来打殷洪。不知殷洪内衬紫绶仙衣，此鞭打在身上，只当不知。子牙忙收了打神鞭。哪吒战住庞弘，忙祭起乾坤圈，一圈将庞弘打下马去，复胁下一枪刺死。殷洪见刺杀庞弘，大叫曰：“好匹夫！伤吾大将！”弃了子牙，忙来战哪吒。戟枪并举，杀在虎穴。却说杨戬战毕环，未及数合，杨戬放出哮天犬，将毕环咬了一口，毕环负疼，把头一缩，凑手不及，被杨戬复上一刀，可怜死于非命。──二人俱进封神台去了。殷洪战住哪吒，忙取阴阳境照著哪吒一愰。哪吒不知那里帐，见殷洪拿镜子照他愰。不知哪吒乃莲花化身，不系精血之体，怎愰的他死？殷洪连愰数愰，全无应验。殷洪著忙，只得又战。彼时杨戬看见殷洪拿著阴阳镜，慌忙对子牙曰：“师叔快退后！殷洪拿的是阴阳镜。方才弟子见打神鞭虽打殷洪，不曾著重，此必有暗宝护身。如今又将此宝来愰哪吒，幸哪吒非血肉之躯，自是无恙。”子牙听说，忙命邓婵玉暗助哪吒一石，以襄成功。婵玉听说，把马一纵，将五光石掌在手上，望殷洪打来。正是： 发手石来真可羡，殷洪怎免面皮青。

It is said that on both sides, gongs rang and drums thundered in a deafening clamor, shaking the heavens and earth. The cries of battle boiled the ground and overturned the sky. Meanwhile, before Ziyi and Yin Hong had exchanged more than three or four rounds of blows, Ziyi summoned the Dashen Whip to strike Yin Hong. Unbeknownst to him, Yin Hong wore an inner layer of Zi Shou Xian Yi (Purple 绶 Immortal Robe). The whip struck his body but had no effect, as if he were unaware. Ziyi quickly retracted the Dashen Whip. Ne Zha was locked in battle with Pang Hong and, without hesitation, summoned the Qiankun Ring. With a single strike, he knocked Pang Hong from his horse and then drove a spear through him under the armpit, killing him instantly. Yin Hong, seeing Pang Hong killed, shouted angrily: "You wretched rascal! You have wounded my great general!" He abandoned Ziyi and rushed to fight Ne Zha. Spear and halberd clashed as they fought fiercely in the tiger's den. Meanwhile, Yang Jian had barely exchanged a few blows with Bi Huan when he released Xiaotian Quan (the Howling Sky Dog), which bit Bi Huan. In pain and recoiling his head, Bi Huan was caught off guard and struck down by another blow from Yang Jian. Poor Bi Huan thus met an untimely death. Both of them ascended to the God-Enshrinement Platform together. Yin Hong engaged Ne Zha and quickly took out the Yin Yang Jing (Yin-Yang Mirror), flashing it toward Ne Zha. Ne Zha, unaware of the trickery, saw Yin Hong holding up a mirror to flash at him. Unbeknownst to them, Ne Zha was an incarnate of lotus flowers and not a body composed of vital essence and blood—how could such a mirror strike him down? Yin Hong flashed the mirror several times, but nothing happened. Frustrated and in a hurry, Yin Hong had no choice but to continue fighting. At that moment, Yang Jian saw Yin Hong holding the Yin-Yang Mirror and hurriedly called out to Ziyi: "Uncle Master, retreat quickly! Yin Hong is using the Yin-Yang Mirror. Earlier, I saw that although the Dashen Whip struck Yin Hong, it did not truly harm him—this must be due to a hidden treasure protecting his body. Now he is using this artifact to strike Ne Zha, but fortunately, Ne Zha is not a flesh-and-blood body and remains unharmed." Upon hearing this, Ziyi immediately ordered Deng Chanyu to secretly assist Ne Zha with a stone strike to help secure the victory. Chanyu, upon receiving the order, spurred his horse forward and held up the Wuguang Shi (Five-Light Stone) in his hand, hurling it directly at Yin Hong. Indeed: The stone was hurled with true skill—how could Yin Hong escape a bruised face?

殷洪与哪吒大战局中，不防邓婵玉一石打来，及至著伤，打得头青眼肿，“哎哟”一声，拨骑就走。哪吒刺斜里一枪，劈胸刺来，亏杀了紫绶仙衣，枪尖也不曾刺入分毫。哪吒大惊，不敢追袭。子牙掌得胜鼓进城。殷洪败回大营，面上青肿，切齿深恨姜尚：“若不报今日之耻，非大丈夫之所为也！”

While locked in fierce battle with Ne Zha, Yin Hong was caught off guard by Deng Chanyu's stone strike. When the blow landed and struck him on the head, bruising it and swelling his eyes, he cried out, "Ai you!" and immediately turned his horse to flee. Ne Zha, from the side, drove his spear diagonally forward, aiming straight at Yin Hong's chest. Fortunately for him, the Zi Shou Xian Yi protected him so thoroughly that not even a hairbreadth of the spear tip pierced through. Ne Zha was greatly startled and dared not pursue further. Ziyi, having won the battle, marched into the city to the sound of victory drums. Yin Hong retreated in defeat to his main camp, his face bruised and swollen. Fuming with hatred toward Jiang Shang, he vowed: "If I do not avenge this day's humiliation, I am no true man!"

且说杨戬在银安殿启子牙曰：“方才弟子临阵，见殷洪所掌，实是阴阳镜。今日若不是哪吒，定然坏了几人。弟子往太华山去走一遭，见赤精子师伯，看他如何说。”子牙沉吟半晌，方许前去。杨戬离了西岐，借土遁到太华山来，随风而至。来到高山，收了遁术，迳进云霄洞来。赤精子见杨戬进洞，问曰：“杨戬，你到此有何说话？”杨戬行礼，口称：“师伯，弟子来见，求借阴阳镜与姜师叔，暂破成汤大将，随即奉上。”赤精子曰：“前日殷洪带下山去，我使他助子牙伐纣，难道他不说有宝在身？”杨戬曰：“弟子单为殷洪而来。现殷洪不曾归周，如今反伐西岐。”道人听罢，顿足叹曰：“吾错用其人！将一洞珍宝尽付殷洪。岂知这畜生反生祸乱！”赤精子命杨戬：“你且先回，我随后就至。”杨戬辞了赤精子，借土遁回西岐，进相府，来见子牙。子牙问曰：“你往太华山见你师伯如何说？”杨戬曰：“果是师伯的徒弟殷洪。师伯随后就来。”子牙心下焦闷。过了三日，门官报入殿前：“赤精子老爷到了。”子牙忙迎出府前。二人携手上殿。赤精子曰：“子牙公，贫道得罪！吾使殷洪下山，助你同进五关，使这畜生得归故土。岂知负我之言，反生祸乱。”子牙曰：“道兄如何把阴阳镜也付与他？”赤精子曰：“贫道将一洞珍宝尽付与殷洪。恐防东进有碍，又把紫绶仙衣与他护身，可避刀兵水火之灾。这孽障不知听何人唆使，中途改了念头。也罢，此时还未至大决裂，我明日使他进西岐赎罪便了。”一宿不表。次日，赤精子出城至营，大呼曰：“辕门将士传进去，著殷洪出来见我。”话说殷洪自败在营，调养伤痕，切齿痛恨，欲报一石之雠。忽军士报：“有一道人，坐名请千岁答话。”殷洪不知是师父前来，随即上马，带刘甫、苟章，一声炮响，齐出辕门。殷洪看见是师父，便自置身无地；欠背打躬，口称：“老师，弟子殷洪甲胄在身，不能全礼。”赤精子曰：“殷洪，你在洞中怎样对我讲？你如今反伐西岐，是何道理？徒弟，开口有愿，出语受之，仔细四肢成为飞灰也！好好下马，随吾进城，以赎前日之罪，庶免飞灰之祸。如不从我之言，那时大难临身，悔无及矣！”殷洪曰：“老师在上，容弟子一言告禀：殷洪乃纣王之子，怎的反助武王。古云：‘子不言父过。’况敢从反叛而弑父哉。即人神仙佛，不过先完纲常彝伦，方可言其冲举。又云：‘未修仙道，先修人道。人道未完，仙道远矣。’且老师之教弟子，且不论证佛成仙，亦无有教人有逆伦弑父之子。即以此奉告老师，老师当何以教我？”赤精子笑曰：“畜生！纣王

Meanwhile, Yang Jian addressed Ziyi at the Yin'an Hall: "Earlier on the battlefield, I observed that what Yin Hong wielded was indeed the Yin-Yang Mirror. Had it not been for Ne Zha today, several of us would surely have perished." I shall now go to Taohua Mountain and visit my elder master Chizigen. I wish to see what he has to say about this." Ziyi pondered for a moment before finally giving his permission. Yang Jian left Xiqi and, using the earth 遁 (earth 遁 technique), arrived at Taohua Mountain in an instant, arriving with the wind. Upon reaching the mountain peak, he dispelled his 遁术 (earth 遁 technique) and proceeded directly into Yunxiao Cave. Chizigen saw Yang Jian enter the cave and asked, "Yang Jian, what brings you here?" Yang Jian bowed and said, "Elder Master Chizigen, I have come to request the Yin-Yang Mirror from my Uncle Master Jiang for a brief time to defeat the great generals of Chengtang. I shall return it immediately." Chizigen said, "A few days ago, Yin Hong took the mirror down the mountain. I sent him to assist Ziyi in his campaign against Zhou. Did he not say that he had a treasure with him?" Yang Jian replied, "I have come here solely for Yin Hong's sake." Yin Hong has not yet returned to Zhou and now turns against Xiqi instead." Upon hearing this, the Daoist master stamped his foot in regret and sighed, "I have misused that man! He had given all the treasures of the cave to Yin Hong. How could I have known this beast would instead bring disaster!" Chizigen ordered Yang Jian, "You may return first; I shall follow shortly." Yang Jian bid farewell to Chizigen and returned to Xiqi via the earth 遁 technique, entering the prime minister's residence to see Ziyi. Ziyi asked, "What did your elder master Chizigen say when you visited him on Taohua Mountain?" Yang Jian replied, "Indeed, he is the disciple of my elder master, Yin Hong." My elder master will come shortly." Ziyi felt anxious and troubled in his heart. Three days later, the gate official reported before the hall: "Master Chizigen has arrived." Ziyi hurriedly stepped out of his residence to greet him. The two ascended the hall hand in hand. Chizigen said, "Master Ziyi, I have offended you!" I sent Yin Hong down the mountain to assist you in capturing the Five Passes together, hoping this beast might return to his homeland. How could I have known he would betray my trust and instead bring chaos." Ziyi asked, "Elder Brother Daoist, how did you also give him the Yin-Yang Mirror?" Chizigen replied, "I gave all the treasures of my cave to Yin Hong. Out of concern that his eastern advance might be hindered, I also gave him the Zi Shou Xian Yi to protect his body and shield him from disasters caused by weapons, water, or fire. This wretched creature must have been incited by someone unknown, causing him to change his mind halfway through." "Never mind. It is not yet too late for a major rupture; I shall have him come to Xiqi tomorrow to atone for his sins." One night passed, which we will not describe in detail. The next day, Chizigen left the city and went to the camp, shouting loudly: "Soldiers at the 辕门 (yuanmen), pass this in! Summon Yin Hong to come out and see me." Meanwhile, since his defeat at the camp, Yin Hong had been resting and tending to his wounds. Filled with hatred, he was determined to avenge the stone strike he had suffered. Suddenly, a soldier reported: "A Daoist master has arrived and specifically requested an audience with Lord Yin Hong." Yin Hong, unaware that it was his master arriving, immediately mounted his horse and led Liu Fu and Gou Zhang with him. With a thunderous cannon shot, they all rode out of the 辕门 (yuan men). When Yin Hong saw that it was his master, he felt utterly ashamed and had no place to hide. He bowed deeply with a bent back and said: "Master, disciple Yin Hong is clad in armor and cannot perform the full courtesy." Chizigen said, "Yin Hong, what did you say to me when you were still in my cave?" How can you now turn and attack Xiqi? What kind of logic is this?" Disciple, open your mouth to make a vow, speak it aloud and accept its consequences—otherwise, you will be reduced to ashes with no limbs left intact! Dismount at once and follow me into the city. This will redeem your sins of yesterday and perhaps spare you from being reduced to ashes." If you do not heed my words, then when great calamity befalls you, it will be too late to regret!" Yin Hong said: "Master, please allow me to speak: I am the son of King Zhou. How could I possibly turn and assist King Wu? As the old saying goes: 'A son does not speak ill of his father's faults.' How could I, even more so, dare to join a rebellion and kill my father?" Even if one is a human, immortal, or Buddha, they must first uphold the fundamental moral order before speaking of ascension to higher realms. It is also said: "Before cultivating the Dao of immortality, one must first cultivate the Dao of humanity." "If the human way remains incomplete, the path to immortality is far away." Moreover, Master, your teachings to me—regardless of whether one seeks enlightenment or immortality—have never encouraged anyone to become a son who violates morality and kills his father. I present this to you, Master. What would you have me do?" Chizigen laughed and said, "Beast! King Zhou

逆伦灭纪，惨酷不道，杀害忠良，淫酗无忌。天之绝商久矣。故生武周，继天立极。天心效顺，百姓来从。你之助周，尚可延商家一脉；你若不听吾言，这是大数已定，纣恶贯盈，而遗疚于子孙也。可速速下马，忏悔往愆。吾当与你解释此罪尤也。”殷洪在马上正色言曰：“老师请回。未有师尊教人以不忠不孝之事者。弟子实难从命！俟弟子破了西岐逆孽，再来与老师请罪。”赤精子大怒：“畜生不听师言，敢肆行如此！”仗手中剑飞来直取。殷洪将戟架住，告曰：“老师何苦深为子牙，自害门弟！”赤精子曰：“武王乃是应运圣君，子牙是佐周名世，子何得逆天而行横暴乎！”又把宝剑直砍来。殷洪又架剑，口称：“老师，我与你有师生之情，你如今自失骨肉而动声色，你我师生之情何在？若老师必执一偏之见，致动声色，那时不便，可惜前情教弟子一场，成为画饼耳。”道人大骂：“负义匹天！尚敢巧言！”又一剑砍来。殷洪面红火起：“老师，你偏执己见，我让你三次，吾尽师礼；这一剑吾不让你了！”赤精子大怒，又一剑砍来。殷洪发手，赴面交还。正是： 师徒共战抡剑戟，悔却当初救上山。

He violated moral order and destroyed discipline, was cruel and inhumane, killed loyal men, and indulged in lust and drunkenness without restraint. The heavens have long determined the end of Shang. Therefore, King Wu and Zhou were born to inherit heaven's mandate and establish order. Heaven's will is clear; the people follow willingly. Your aid to Zhou could still preserve a line of Shang descendants; If you do not listen to me, the great fate is already set. King Zhou's evil has reached its peak; this will bring lasting sorrow upon your descendants." You must dismount immediately and repent for your past sins. I shall help you atone for this particular wrongdoing." Yin Hong, standing upright on his horse, said solemnly: "Master, please return. There has never been a teacher who instructs others to act disloyally or dishonorably toward their parents. Disciple truly cannot obey this command! I shall return to you and confess my sins only after I have crushed the rebels of Xiqi." Chizigen was furious: "This beast has ignored his master's words and dares to act so recklessly!" With a sweep of the sword in his hand, he flew forward directly to strike. Yin Hong raised his halberd to block and pleaded: "Master, why go so far for Ziyi? You are harming your own disciples!" Chizigen said: "King Wu is the divinely ordained sage ruler, and Ziyi is a renowned minister who assists Zhou. How can you defy Heaven's will and act with such tyranny!" He then swung his precious sword straight toward him again. Yin Hong raised his sword to block again, saying: "Master, we share a master-disciple bond. Now you have lost your composure over family ties and are acting with anger; where is the affection between us as teacher and disciple?" "If you, Master, insist on a one-sided view and act out of anger, then at that time it will be too late. It would be a great pity for all the past affection I have shown as your disciple to turn into nothing but an empty promise." The Daoist master scolded fiercely: "You are a traitor who defies Heaven!" How dare you speak with such cunning words!" He swung his sword again. Yin Hong's face turned red with anger: "Master, you are stubbornly clinging to your own opinion. I have yielded to you three times and shown you all the respect a disciple should show his teacher; this time, I will not yield to this sword of yours!" Chizigen was enraged and swung his sword again. Yin Hong raised his hand and met the attack head-on. Indeed: Master and disciple clash, wielding swords and halberds; regret lingers over the day he was once rescued up the mountain.

话说殷洪回手与师父交兵，已是逆命于天。战未及数合，殷洪把阴阳镜拿出来，欲愰赤精子。赤精子见了，恐有差讹，借纵地金光法走了，进西岐城，来至相府。子牙接住，问其详细。赤精子从前说了一遍。众门人不服，俱说：“赤老师，你太弱了。岂有徒弟与师尊对持之理！”赤精子无言可答，纳闷厅堂。

Now that Yin Hong had turned around to fight his master, it was already an act of defying Heaven's decree. Before they could exchange more than a few blows, Yin Hong took out the Yin Yang Mirror and tried to dazzle Chizigen with it. Chizigen, upon seeing this, feared a mistake and used the Zongdi Jin Guang method to escape. He entered Xiqi City and arrived at the prime minister's residence. Ziyi received him and asked for details. Chizigen recounted the entire incident from beginning to end. The other disciples were dissatisfied and all said: "Master Chi, you are too weak. How can there be a reason for a disciple to oppose his master!" Chizigen had no words to reply and remained silent in the hall, troubled.

且说殷洪见师父也逃遁了，其志自高；正在中军与苏侯共议破西岐之策。忽辕门军士来报：“有一道人求见。”殷洪传令：“请来。”只见营外来一道人，身不满八尺，面加瓜皮，獠牙巨口，身穿大红，颈上带一串念珠，──乃是人之顶骨，──又挂一金镶瓢，──是人半个脑袋，──眼、耳、鼻中冒出火焰，如顽蛇吐信一般。殷殿下同诸将观之骇然。那道人上帐，稽首而言曰：“那一位殷殿下？”殷洪答曰：“吾是殷洪。不知老师那座名山？何处洞府？今到小营，有何事分付？”道人曰：“吾乃骷髅山白骨洞一气仙马元是也；遇申公豹请吾下山助你一臂之力。”殷洪大喜，请马元上帐坐了，“请问老师吃斋，吃荤？”道人曰：“吾乃吃荤。”殷洪传令，军中治酒，管待马元。当晚已过。次日，马元对殷洪曰：“贫道既来相助，今日吾当会姜尚一会。”殷洪感谢。道人出营，至城下，只请姜子牙答话。报马报入府中：“启丞相：城外有一道人请丞相答话。”子牙曰：“吾有三十六路征伐之厄，理当会他。”传令：“排队伍出城。”子牙随带众将、诸门人出得城来。只见对面来一道人，甚是丑恶。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 发似朱砂脸似瓜，金睛凸暴冒红霞。窍中吐出顽蛇信，上下斜生利刃牙。大红袍上云光长，金叶冠拴紫玉花。腰束麻绦太极扣，太阿宝剑手中拿。封神榜上无名姓，他与西方是一家。”

Meanwhile, Yin Hong, seeing that his master had fled, grew even more confident; he was in the central camp discussing strategies to conquer Xiqi with Su Hou. Suddenly, a soldier at the 辕门 (yuanmen) reported: "A Daoist monk requests an audience." Yin Hong gave orders: "Bring him in." A Daoist monk entered from outside the camp. He was less than eight chi tall, with a face like a melon rind and fangs protruding from his huge mouth. Dressed in bright red robes, he wore a string of prayer beads around his neck—these were human skull bones—and hung a golden gourd on it—the gourd contained half a human head. Flames spewed from his eyes, ears, and nose, like an angry snake flicking its tongue. Prince Yin and the generals present were all horrified at the sight. The Daoist monk entered the tent, bowed deeply, and asked: "Which one is Prince Yin?" Yin Hong replied: "I am Yin Hong. I do not know which famous mountain your master resides on?" What is the name of his cave dwelling?" Why have you come to my camp? What business do you have with me?" The Daoist monk said: "I am Ma Yuan, the Yiqi Xian of Baigu Dong on Kulu Mountain; Shen Gongbao invited me to descend from the mountain to lend you a hand." Yin Hong was greatly pleased and invited Ma Yuan into the tent. "May I ask, Master," he said, "do you prefer vegetarian food or meat?" The Daoist monk replied: "I eat meat." Yin Hong gave orders, and the army prepared a banquet to entertain Ma Yuan. The night passed quickly. The next day, Ma Yuan said to Yin Hong: "Since I have come here to assist you, today I shall confront Jiang Shang." Yin Hong expressed his gratitude. The Daoist monk left the camp and went to the city walls, where he called out for Jiang Ziyi to come forward. A scout galloped into the residence and reported: "Your Excellency, a Daoist monk outside the city requests an audience with you." Ziyi said: "I am destined to face hardships from thirty-six military campaigns; I should meet him." He gave orders: "Form ranks and march out of the city." Ziyi led his generals and disciples out of the city. They saw a Daoist monk approaching from across, who looked extremely ugly and fearsome. How did he appear? A poem testifies to this, the poem says: His hair is like cinnabar; his face resembles a melon. His golden eyes bulge fiercely, radiating crimson light. From the holes of his body emerge the fangs of an angry serpent; sharp and jagged teeth slant upward and downward. His bright red robe glows with cloud-like radiance, while his golden leaf crown is adorned with purple jade flowers. A hemp sash tied around his waist features a Taiji clasp; in hand he holds the Ta'e treasure sword. He is not listed on the Fengshen Bang, for he belongs to the Western Sect."

话说子牙至军前，问曰：“道者何名？”马元答曰：“吾乃一气仙马元是也。申公豹请吾下山，来助殷洪，共破逆天大恶。姜尚，休言你阐教高妙，吾特来擒汝，与截教吐气。”子牙曰：“申公豹与吾有隙，殷洪误听彼言，有背师教，逆天行事，助极恶贯盈之主，反伐有道之君。道者既是高明，何得不顺天从人，而反其所事哉。”马元笑曰：“殷洪乃纣王亲子，反说他逆天行事。终不然转助尔等，叛逆其君父，方是顺天应人。姜尚，还亏你是玉虚门下，自称道德之士，据此看来，真满口胡言，无父无君之辈！我不诛你，更待何人！”仗剑跃步砍来。子牙手中剑赴面交还。未及数合，子牙祭打神鞭打将来。马元不是‘封神榜’上人，被马元看见，伸手接住鞭，收在豹皮囊里。子牙大惊。正战之间，忽一人走马军前，凤翅盔，金锁甲，大红袍，白玉带，紫骅骝，大喝一声：“丞相，吾来也！”子牙看时，乃秦州运粮官、猛虎大将军武荣。因催粮至此，见城外厮杀，故来助战。一马冲至军前，展刀大战。马元抵武荣这口刀不住，真若山崩地裂，渐渐筋力难支。马元默念咒，道声：“疾！”忽脑袋后伸出一只手来，五个指头好似五个斗大冬瓜，把武荣抓在空中，望下一摔，一脚屣住大腿，两只手端定一只腿，一撕两块，血滴滴取出心来，对定子牙、众周将、门人，“嘓喳嘓喳”，嚼在肚里；大呼曰：“姜尚，捉住你也是这样为例！”把众将吓得魂不附体。马元仗剑，又来搦战。土行孙大呼曰：“马元少待行恶，吾来也！”抡开大棍，就打马元一棍。马元及至看时，是一个矮子。马元笑而问曰：“你来做甚么？”土行孙曰：“特来拿你。”又是一棍打来。马元大怒：“好孽障！”绰步撩衣，把剑往下就劈。土行孙身子伶俐，展动棍就势已钻在马元身后，拎著铁棍把马元的大腿连腰，打了七八棍；把马元打得骨软筋酥，招架著实费力。怎禁得土行孙在穴道上打。马元急了，念动真言，伸出那一只神手，抓著土行孙，望下一摔。马元不知土行孙有地行道术，摔在地下，就不见了。马元曰：“想是摔狠了，怎么这厮连影儿也不见了？”正是： 马元不识地行妙，尚将双眼使模糊。

Now that Ziyi had arrived at the front of the army, he asked: "What is your name, Daoist?" Ma Yuan replied: "I am Yiqi Xian Ma Yuan. Shen Gongbao has invited me to descend the mountain and assist Yin Hong in crushing this great villain who defies Heaven." Jiang Shang, do not boast of your Chanyi Sect's superiority. I have come especially to capture you and bring glory back to the Jie Sect." Ziyi said: "Shen Gongbao and I have long been at odds. Yin Hong has mistakenly listened to his words, defied the teachings of our master, acted against Heaven's will, aided a tyrant whose evil is beyond measure, and instead attacked a just ruler. If you are truly wise, why do you not follow Heaven's will and the ways of humanity, but instead betray your cause?" Ma Yuan laughed and said: "Yin Hong is King Zhou's own son. Yet you dare call him a rebel against Heaven. It would be absurd to say that aiding you all and rebelling against his sovereign and father is the way to follow Heaven's will or serve humanity. Jiang Shang, I had thought you were a disciple of Yuxu and claimed to be a man of virtue. But from what I see now, you are nothing but a lying scoundrel who has no respect for father or sovereign! If I do not kill you, then who else will?" With a leap and a sweep of his sword, he attacked. Ziyi raised the sword in his hand to meet the attack head-on. Before they could exchange more than several blows, Ziyi summoned forth the Dashen Whip and lashed out. Ma Yuan was not a name on the "Fengshen Bang." When he saw the whip, he reached out with his hand to catch it and stored it in a leopard-skin pouch. Ziyi was greatly startled. While the battle raged, suddenly a man rode up to the front of the army. He wore a Fengchi helmet and golden chain armor, was dressed in a bright red robe with a white jade sash, and rode a purple Huailou horse. With a loud shout he cried: "Your Excellency! I have arrived!" When Ziyi looked, it was none other than Wu Rong, the general in charge of transporting grain to Qin Zhou and known as the "Tiger General." He had come here to urge for supplies when he saw the battle outside the city, so he came to help fight. With a single charge on horseback to the front of the army, Wu Rong brandished his saber and joined in the fierce battle. Ma Yuan could no longer hold off Wu Rong's powerful blade, which struck with the force of an earthquake. Gradually, his strength began to wane. Ma Yuan silently recited a spell and shouted: "Ji!" Suddenly, a hand emerged from behind Ma Yuan's head. Each of its five fingers was as big as a winter melon. It seized Wu Rong in midair and hurled him down. With one foot pinning his thigh to the ground, it held each leg with both hands and tore them apart. Blood dripped as it pulled out Wu Rong's heart and, facing Ziyi, the Zhou generals, and disciples, it "chomped" and chewed it up into its belly; it roared: "Jiang Shang! If I catch you, I will do the same to you!" The generals were so frightened that they lost their wits. Ma Yuan brandished his sword and charged forward to challenge again. Tu Xingsun shouted: "Ma Yuan, cease your evil deeds for a moment! I am coming!" He brandished his large staff and swung it directly at Ma Yuan. When Ma Yuan looked, he saw a short man. Ma Yuan laughed and asked: "What are you here for?" Tu Xingsun said: "I have come especially to capture you." He swung another staff at him. Ma Yuan was furious: "You wretched demon!" He took a step, raised his robe, and brought the sword down in a fierce slash. Tu Xingsun was nimble and, with a quick motion of his staff, had already darted behind Ma Yuan. Grabbing the iron staff, he struck Ma Yuan's thigh and waist together seven or eight times; he hit so hard that Ma Yuan's bones felt weak and his muscles numb. It was truly exhausting for him to block the attacks. How could he withstand Tu Xingsun's blows aimed precisely at pressure points? Ma Yuan panicked, recited a true incantation, and extended that divine hand to grab Tu Xingsun and hurl him down. Ma Yuan did not know that Tu Xingsun possessed the earth-traveling technique; as soon as he was thrown to the ground, he vanished. Ma Yuan said: "I must have thrown him too hard—how come there's not even a shadow of that fellow left?" Indeed: Ma Yuan did not recognize the subtlety of earth-traveling, still using his eyes to search in confusion.

且说邓婵玉在马上见马元将土行孙摔不见了，只管在地上瞧，邓婵玉忙取五光石发手打来。马元未曾堤防，脸上被一石头，只打的金光乱冒，“哎呀”一声，把脸一抹，大骂：“是何人暗算打我？”只见杨戬纵马舞刀，直取马元。马元仗剑来战杨戬。杨戬刀势疾如飞电，马元架不住三尖刀，只得又念真言，复现那一只神手，将杨戬抓在空中，往下一摔，也像撕武荣一般，把杨戬心肺取将出来，血滴滴吃了。马元指子牙曰：“今日且饶你多活一夜，明日再来会你。”马元回营。殷洪见马元道术神奇，食人心肺，这等凶猛，心中甚是大悦。掌鼓回营，治酒与大小将校只饮至初更时候。不表。且说子牙进城至府，自思：“今日见马元这等凶恶，把人心活活的吃了，从来未曾见此等异人。杨戬虽是……如此，不知凶吉。”正是放心不下。却说马元同殷殿下饮酒，至二更时分，只见马元双眉紧皱，汗流鼻尖。殷洪曰：“老师为何如此？”马元曰：“腹中有点痛疼。”郑伦答曰：“想必吃了生人心，故此腹中作痛；吃些热酒冲一冲，自然无事。”马元命取热酒来吃了；越吃越疼。马元忽的大叫一声，跌倒在地下乱滚，只叫：“疼杀我也！”腹中嗗的响。郑伦曰：“老师腹中有响声，请往后营方便方便，或然无事，也不见得。”马元只得往后边去了。岂知是杨戬用八九元功，变化腾挪之妙，将一粒奇丹，使马元泻了三日，泻的马元瘦了一半。且说杨戬回西岐来见子牙，备言前事。子牙大喜。杨戬对子牙曰：“弟子权将一粒丹使马元失其形神，丧其元气，然后再做处治；谅他有六七日不能得出来会战。”正言之间，忽哪吒来报：“文殊广法天尊驾至。”子牙忙迎至银安殿，行礼毕，又见赤精子，稽首坐下。文殊广法天尊曰：“恭喜子牙公，金台拜将，吉期甚近！”子牙曰：“今殷洪背师言而助苏护征伐西岐，黎庶不安；又有马元凶顽肆虐；不肖如坐针毡。”文殊广法天尊曰：“子牙公，贫道因闻马元来伐西岐，恐误你三月十五日拜将之辰，故此来收马元。子牙公可以放心。”子牙大喜：“若得道兄相助，姜尚幸甚，国家幸甚！但不知用何策治之？”天尊附子牙耳曰：“如要伏马元，须是……如此如此，自然成功。”子牙忙令杨戬领法旨。杨戬得令，自去策应。正是： 马元今入牢笼计，可见西方有圣人。

Meanwhile, Deng Chanyu on horseback saw Ma Yuan throw Tu Xingsun to the ground and then search around in vain. Hurriedly, Deng Chanyu took out a Five-Light Stone and hurled it at him. Ma Yuan had not been on guard and was struck in the face by a stone, causing golden light to burst out. With an "Aiyah!" he wiped his face and shouted angrily: "Who is this person who has ambushed me?" Just then, Yang Jia rode forward with sword in hand, charging straight at Ma Yuan. Ma Yuan brandished his sword to fight Yang Jia. Yang Jia's sword moved as swiftly as lightning. Ma Yuan could not withstand the Three-Pointed Sword and had no choice but to recite another true incantation, summoning that divine hand once more. He seized Yang Jia in midair and hurled him down, just like he had done with Wu Rong, tearing out his heart and lungs and devouring them while blood dripped everywhere. Ma Yuan pointed at Ziyi and said: "I'll let you live for one more night today; I shall meet with you again tomorrow." Ma Yuan returned to his camp. Yin Hong, seeing Ma Yuan's miraculous Daoist techniques and how he devoured human hearts and lungs with such ferocity, was greatly pleased in his heart. The drum signaled the return to camp, where wine was prepared for all the generals and officers, who drank until the first watch of the night. No further details are given. Meanwhile, Ziyi entered the city and went to his residence. He pondered: "Today I witnessed Ma Yuan's extreme cruelty—he devoured a human heart alive. I have never seen such an extraordinary person before." "Although Yang Jia is... like this, it remains unknown whether he will survive or perish." He was indeed unable to put his mind at ease. Meanwhile, as Ma Yuan dined with Yin's court, by the second watch of the night, he was seen frowning tightly and sweating at the tip of his nose. Yin Hong asked: "Master, why are you like this?" Ma Yuan said: "There is a slight pain in my abdomen." Zheng Lun replied, "It must be because you ate raw human hearts; that's why your stomach hurts. Drink some hot wine to flush it out, and naturally everything will be fine." Ma Yuan ordered for hot wine to be brought, which he then drank. The more he drank, the worse the pain became. Suddenly Ma Yuan let out a loud cry and fell to the ground rolling about wildly, shouting, "It's killing me!" A gurgling sound came from his abdomen. Zheng Lun said, "Master, there is a gurgling noise in your stomach; please go to the rear camp and relieve yourself. Perhaps nothing will happen after all." Ma Yuan had no choice but to go behind. Little did he know that Yang Jia had used the Eight-Nine Yuan Gong, employing its subtle transformations and evasions, to give Ma Yuan a peculiar pill. As a result, Ma Yuan was purged for three days, losing half his weight in the process. Meanwhile, Yang Jia returned to Xiqi and went to see Ziyi, reporting all that had happened before. Ziyi was greatly pleased. Yang Jia said to Ziyi: "Disciple temporarily gave him a pill that caused Ma Yuan to lose his form and spirit, deplete his vital energy, and then we can deal with him further; I estimate he will not be able to come out for battle for six or seven days." While they were speaking, Nezha suddenly arrived and reported: "The Venerable Wenshu Guangfa Tianshen is here." Ziyi hurriedly welcomed him to the Yin'an Hall, paid his respects, and then saw Chizigen, who bowed respectfully and took a seat. Wenshu Guangfa Tianshen said: "Congratulations, Master Ziyi! The ceremony of bestowing the general's title at the Golden Altar is about to take place soon!" Ziyi said: "Now Yin Hong has defied his master's words and is aiding Su Hu in attacking Xiqi, causing unrest among the people; and there is also Ma Yuan, who is cruel and rampaging at will; I feel as if I am sitting on a bed of needles." Wenshu Guangfa Tianshen replied: "Master Ziyi, I heard that Ma Yuan had come to attack Xiqi and was afraid it might interfere with your ceremony of being enfeoffed as a general on the fifteenth day of the third month. Hence, I have come to subdue Ma Yuan." "You may rest assured, Master Ziyi." Ziyi was overjoyed: "If I can receive my Daoist elder brother's assistance, it is a great fortune for Jiang Shang and an even greater fortune for the nation! But I wonder what strategy you will use to deal with him?" The Tianshen whispered into Ziyi's ear: "If you wish to subdue Ma Yuan, it must be done... in this way. Naturally, it will succeed." Ziyi immediately ordered Yang Jia to receive the decree of Daoist instructions. Yang Jia received his orders and went off to carry them out. Indeed: Ma Yuan has now fallen into a trap; it is clear that there are sages in the West.

话说子牙当日申牌时分，骑四不相，单人独骑，在成汤辕门外若探望样子，用剑指东画西。只见巡哨探马报入中军曰：“禀殿下：有子牙独自一个在营前探听消息。”殷洪问马元曰：“老师，此人今日如此模样，探我行营，有何奸计？”马元曰：“前日误被杨戬这厮，中其奸计，使贫道有失形之累；待吾前去擒来，方消吾恨。”马元出营，见子牙怒起，大叫：“姜尚不要走！吾来了！”绰步上前，仗剑来取。子牙手中剑急架相还。步兽相交，未及数合，子牙拨骑就走。马元只要拿姜子牙的心重，怎肯轻放，随后赶来。不知马元胜负如何，且听下回分解。

On that day, at the time of Shen Pian, Ziyi rode on Sibuxiang, alone and unaccompanied. Outside Chengtang's 辕门 (yuanmen), he appeared as if inspecting the area, using his sword to point east and west. Just then, a scout on patrol galloped into the central camp and reported: "Your Highness, Ziyi is alone in front of the camp, eavesdropping for information." Yin Hong asked Ma Yuan: "Master, today this man is acting in such a manner and has come to spy on our camp. What treachery does he have in mind?" Ma Yuan said: "The day before yesterday, I was mistakenly tricked by that Yang Jia fellow. He used his treachery to cause me the misfortune of losing my form; I shall go and capture him myself, only then will I be able to dispel my anger." Ma Yuan left the camp and saw Ziyi. Filled with rage, he shouted: "Jiang Shang, don't run! I am coming for you!" He took a step forward and brandished his sword to attack. Ziyi quickly raised his sword in defense. Their steeds clashed, but before a few exchanges could take place, Ziyi turned and rode off. Ma Yuan, determined to seize Jiang Ziyi's heart, would not let him go so easily and pursued after him. Whether Ma Yuan will win or lose remains to be seen in the next chapter.