Chapter 64: Luo Xuan Sets Fire to Xi Qi City

诗曰： 离宫原是火之精，配合干支在丙丁。烈石焚山情更恶，流金烁海势偏横。 在天烈曜人君畏，入地藏形万姓惊。不是罗宣能作难，只因西土降仙卿。

The poem says: The palace of separation is originally the essence of fire; its combination with heavenly stems and earthly branches lies in Bing and Ding. Fiery stones burn mountains, making feelings even more cruel; flowing gold scorches the sea, with a momentum that spreads recklessly. In the heavens, its blazing brilliance makes emperors fear; on earth, its hidden form startles all the people. It is not that Luo Xuan could create trouble, but only because from the western land descended a celestial official.

话说探马报入中军：“启千岁：有一道人请千岁答话。”殷郊暗想：“莫不是吾师来此？”随即出营，果然是广成子。殷郊在马上欠身言曰：“老师，弟子甲胄在身，不敢叩见。”广成子见殷郊身穿王服，大喝曰：“畜生！不记得山前是怎样话？你今日为何改了念头？”殷郊泣诉曰：“老师在上，听弟子所陈：弟子领命下山，又收了温良、马善；中途遇著申公豹，说弟子保纣伐周。弟子岂肯有负师言。弟子知吾父残虐不仁，肆行无道，固得罪于天下，弟子不敢有违天命；只吾幼弟又得何罪，竟将太极图把他化作飞灰，他与你何雠，遭此惨死！此岂有仁心者所为，此岂以德行仁之主！言之痛心刺骨！老师反欲我事雠，是诚何心！”殷郊言罢，放声大哭。广成子曰：“殷郊，你不知申公豹与子牙有隙，他是诳你之言，不可深信。此事乃汝弟自取，实是天数。”殷郊曰：“申公豹之言固不可信；吾弟之死，又是天数，终不然是吾弟自走入太极图中去，寻此惨酷极刑。老师说得好笑！今兄存弟亡，实为可惨。老师请回；俟弟子杀了姜尚以报弟雠，再议东征。”广成子曰：“你可记得发下誓言？”殷郊曰：“弟子知道。就受了此厄，死也甘心，决不愿独自偷生！”广成子大怒，喝一声，仗剑来取。殷郊用戟架住：“老师，没来由你为姜尚与弟子变颜，实系偏心；倘一时失体，不好看相。”广成子又一剑劈来。殷郊曰：“老师何苦为他人不顾自己天性，则老师所谓‘天道、人道’，俱是矫强？”广成子曰：“此是天数，你自不悔悟，违背师言，必有杀身之祸！”复又一剑砍来。殷郊急得满面通红，曰：“你既无情待我，偏执己见，自坏手足，弟子也顾不得了！”乃发手还一戟来。师徒二人战未及四五合，殷郊祭番天印打来。广成子著慌，借纵地金光法逃回西岐至相府。正是： 番天印传殷殿下，岂知今日打师尊。

The story goes that a scout horseman reported to the central camp: "Your Highness, there is a Taoist priest requesting an audience with Your Highness." Yan Jiao thought to himself in secret: "Could it be that my master has come here?" He immediately left the camp, and indeed it was Guangchengzi. Yan Jiao bowed from his horse and said: "Master, your disciple is clad in armor and dares not kneel to pay respects." Guangchengzi saw Yan Jiao dressed in royal attire and shouted angrily: "Beast!" "Do you not remember what was said before the mountain?" "Why have you changed your mind today?" Yan Jiao wept and pleaded: "Master above, please hear what your disciple has to say: I received my orders from the mountain and also recruited Wen Liang and Ma Shan; along the way I met Shen Gongbao, who told me that your disciple should support Zhou Zhu and attack the Zhou." How could your disciple possibly betray his master's words? Your disciple knows that my father is cruel and unkind, acting without morality, thus committing offenses against the world; your disciple dares not defy Heaven's will; yet my younger brother, what crime did he commit? You turned him into flying ashes with the Taiji Diagram. What grudge does he have against you to suffer such a cruel death! Is this what a person of compassion would do? Is this the act of a ruler who governs with virtue and benevolence! The words pierced his heart painfully! "Master, you now wish for me to serve an enemy—what kind of heart could possibly do this!" After Yan Jiao finished speaking, he burst into loud weeping. ล Guangchengzi said: "Yan Jiao, you do not know that Shen Gongbao and Ziya have a grudge; his words are deceptive, and you must not believe them deeply. This matter was entirely your brother's own doing—it is truly the will of Heaven." Yan Jiao said: "Shen Gongbao's words are indeed not to be trusted; my brother's death, being the will of Heaven, still cannot mean that my younger brother voluntarily entered the Taiji Diagram to seek such a cruel and brutal punishment. Master, what you say is laughable! Now the elder brother lives while the younger perishes—this is truly tragic. Master, please return; until your disciple slays Jiang Shang to avenge my brother's death, then we shall discuss the eastern expedition." Guangchengzi said: "Do you remember the oath you took?" Yan Jiao replied: "Your disciple knows." I would endure this calamity, and even die with no regrets; I absolutely refuse to live on in secret by myself!" Guangchengzi became furious, shouted loudly, drew his sword, and attacked. Yan Jiao parried with his halberd: "Master, for no reason you are changing your face toward me because of Jiang Shang; this is truly partiality; if we lose composure momentarily, it would not look good." Guangchengzi struck again with his sword. Yan Jiao said: "Master, why go to such lengths for others and disregard your own nature? Then what you call 'the Way of Heaven' and 'the Way of Humanity' are all artificial and forced?" Guangchengzi said: "This is the will of Heaven. You yourself do not regret or awaken to it, and by defying your master's words, you are bound to suffer a calamity that costs your life!" He struck again with another sword blow. Yan Jiao became so agitated that his face turned red, and he said: "Since you treat me without compassion, stubbornly adhere to your own views, and have destroyed our bond as master and disciple, I can no longer hold back!" He then took the initiative and struck back with his halberd. The master and disciple had barely exchanged four or five blows when Yan Jiao summoned up the Fantian Seal to strike. Guangchengzi, in a panic, used the Golden Light Method of Earth's Leap and fled back from Xi Qi to the Prime Minister's residence. Indeed: The Fantian Seal was passed down to Prince Yan, who never knew that today it would strike his master.

话说广成子回相府，子牙迎著，见广成子面色不似平日，忙问今日会殷郊详细。广成子曰：“彼被申公豹说反。吾再三苦劝，彼竟不从；是吾怒起，与他交战。那孽障反祭番天印来打我；吾故此回来，再做商议。”子牙不知番天印的利害，正说之间，门官报：“燃灯老爷来至。”二人忙出府迎接。至殿前，燃灯对子牙曰：“连吾的琉璃灯也来寻你一番，俱是天数。”子牙曰：“尚该如此，理当受之。”燃灯曰：“殷郊的事大，马善的事小；待吾先收了马善，再做道理。”乃谓子牙曰：“你须得……如此如此，方可收服。”子牙俱依此计。次日，子牙单人独骑出城，坐名“只要马善来见我！”左右报马报入中军：“启千岁爷：姜子牙独骑出城，只要马善出战。”殷郊自思：“昨日吾师出城见我，未曾取胜；今日令子牙单骑出城要马善，必有缘故。且令马善出战，看是如何。”马善得令，拎枪上马，出辕门，也不答话，直取子牙。子牙手中剑赴面相迎。未及数合，子牙也不归营，望东南上逃走。马善不知他的本主等他，随后赶来。未及数射之地，只见柳阴之下立著一个道人，让过子牙，当中阻住，大喝曰：“马善！你可认得我？”马善只推不知，就一枪来刺。燃灯袖内取出琉璃望空中祭起，那琉璃望下掉来。马善抬头看见，及待躲时，燃灯忙令黄巾力士：“可将灯焰带回灵鹫山去。”正是： 仙灯得道现人形，反本还元归正位。

The story continues: Guangchengzi returned to the Prime Minister's residence, and Ziya met him. Seeing that Guangchengzi's expression was unlike his usual self, he hurriedly asked for a detailed account of today's encounter with Yan Jiao. Guangchengzi said: "He has been turned against us by Shen Gongbao." I tried repeatedly to advise him earnestly, but he refused to listen; my anger arose, and I fought with him. That wretched demon even dared to summon the Fantian Seal against me; thus I have returned, so we may discuss further." Ziya did not know the dangers of the Fantian Seal. Just as he was speaking, a gate official reported: "Master Randeng has arrived." The two men hurriedly left the residence to welcome him. At the hall, Randeng said to Ziya: "Even my Luli Lamp has come seeking you—it is all the will of Heaven." Ziya replied: "It should be so; I must accept it as fate." Randeng said: "The matter of Yan Jiao is great, while the matter of Ma Shan is small; let me first subdue Ma Shan before we proceed further." He then said to Ziya: "You must... do this and that, in order to subdue him." Ziya followed the plan exactly. The next day, Ziya rode out of the city alone on horseback and declared: "I demand to see Ma Shan!" The scouts reported into the central camp: "Your Highness, Jiang Ziya has ridden out alone from the city and demands that Ma Shan come to fight." Yan Jiao reflected: "Yesterday my master went out of the city to see me, but did not achieve victory; today Ziya has sent him alone on horseback to demand Ma Shan—there must be a reason." Let me send out Ma Shan to fight and see what happens." Ma Shan received the order, took up his spear, mounted his horse, rode out through the gate, said nothing, and charged directly at Ziya. Ziya met him with a sword strike aimed straight at Ma Shan's face. After only several exchanges, Ziya did not return to camp but fled toward the southeast. Ma Shan was unaware that his master was waiting for him and pursued after him. Before several shots could be fired, Ma Shan saw a Taoist priest standing beneath the willow shade. The priest had let Ziya pass and now blocked his path in the middle, shouting: "Ma Shan!" Do you recognize me?" Ma Shan pretended not to know and immediately thrust his spear forward. Randeng took out the Luli Lamp from his sleeve, raised it into the air in a ritual offering, and the lamp fell down toward Ma Shan. Ma Shan looked up and saw it, but by the time he tried to dodge, Randeng quickly ordered the Yellow Turban Warriors: "You may take the lamp's flame back to Lingjiu Mountain." Indeed: The immortal lamp, having attained the Dao, reveals a human form; returning to its origin and essence, it returns to its rightful place.

话说燃灯收了马善，令力士带上灵鹫山去了。不提。

The story continues: Randeng subdued Ma Shan and ordered the warriors to take him up to Lingjiu Mountain. No further mention is made of it.

且说探马来报入中军：“启千岁：马善追赶姜尚，只见一阵光华，止有战马，不见了马善。未敢擅专，请令定夺。”殷郊闻报，心下疑惑，随传令：“点炮出营，定与子牙立决雌雄。”只见燃灯收了马善，方回来与广成子共议：“殷郊被申公豹说反，如之奈何？”正说之间，探马报入相府：“有殷殿下请丞相答话。”燃灯曰：“子牙公，你去得。你有杏黄旗，可保其身。”子牙忙传令，同众门人出城。炮声响亮，西岐门开，子牙一骑当先，对殷郊言曰：“殷郊，你负师命，难免犁锄之厄。及早投戈，免得自侮。”殷郊大怒，见了雠人，切齿咬牙，大骂：“匹夫把吾弟化为飞灰，我与你誓不两立！”纵马摇戟，直取子牙。子牙仗剑迎之。戟剑交加，大战龙潭虎穴。且说温良走马来助，这壁厢哪吒登开风火轮接住交兵。两下里只杀得： 黑霭霭云迷白日，闹嚷嚷杀气遮天。枪刀剑戟冒征烟，阔斧犹如闪电。好勇的成功建业；恃强的努力当先。为明君不怕就死；报国恩欲把身捐。只杀得一团白骨见青天，那时节方才收军罢战。

Meanwhile, a scout horseman reported into the central camp: "Your Highness, Ma Shan pursued Jiang Shang. Suddenly there was a flash of light, and only his warhorse remained—Ma Shan himself had vanished." We dared not act on our own initiative; please give orders for what to do next." Yan Jiao, upon hearing the report, felt puzzled and immediately gave orders: "Sound the signal to leave camp; I shall definitely settle this contest of strength with Ziya." Just then, Randeng had subdued Ma Shan and returned to join Guangchengzi for a discussion: "Yan Jiao has been turned against us by Shen Gongba—what can we do about it?" Just as they were speaking, a scout horseman arrived at the Prime Minister's residence and reported: "Prince Yan requests an audience with the Chancellor." Randeng said: "Master Ziya, you should go." "You have the Xinghuang Banner; it can protect your life." Ziya quickly gave orders and, together with his disciples, left the city. The sound of cannons echoed, the gates of Xi Qi opened, and Ziya rode ahead alone. Facing Yan Jiao, he said: "Yan Jiao, by betraying your master's command, you cannot escape the calamity of being plowed under." Surrender your weapons at once to avoid bringing shame upon yourself." Yan Jiao was furious. Seeing his enemy, he gnashed his teeth and shouted in rage: "You wretch turned my younger brother into flying ashes! I swear we shall never coexist!" He urged his horse forward, brandished his halberd, and charged straight at Ziya. Ziya met him with his sword drawn. Halberd and sword clashed as they engaged in fierce battle, a struggle as intense as tigers and dragons fighting in the depths of a cave. Meanwhile, Wen Liang rode up to assist, while over here Nezha stepped onto his Wind and Fire Wheels to meet him in battle. The two sides fought fiercely: Dark clouds obscured the daylight, and a clamorous aura of killing intent blocked out the sky. Spears, swords, halberds, and axes rose in battle smoke; broad axes flashed like lightning. The brave achieve success and establish great feats; those who rely on strength strive to lead the way. For a wise ruler, one fears not death; To repay the nation's grace, one is willing to sacrifice one's life. They fought until bones lay white beneath the sky; only then did they finally withdraw their troops and end the battle.

且说温良祭起白玉环来打哪吒，不知哪吒也有乾坤圈，也祭起来；不知金打玉，打得纷纷粉碎。温良大叫一声：“伤吾之宝，怎肯干休！”又战哪吒。被哪吒一金砖正中后心，打得往前一愰，未曾闪下马来；方欲逃回，不意被杨戬一弹子，穿了肩头，跌下马去，死于非命。殷郊见温良死于马下，忙祭番天印打来。子牙展开杏黄旗，便有万道金光，祥云笼罩；又现有千朵白莲，谨护其身；把番天印悬在空中，只是不得下来。子牙随祭打神鞭，正中殷郊后背，翻筋斗落下马去。杨戬急上前欲斩他首级，有张山、李锦二骑抢出，不知殷郊已借土遁去了。子牙竟获全胜进城，燃灯与广成子共议曰：“番天印难治。且子牙拜将已近，恐误吉辰，罪归于你。”广成子告曰：“老师为我设一谋，如何除得此恶？”燃灯曰：“无筹可治，奈何！奈何！”

Meanwhile, Wen Liang summoned up his White Jade Ring to strike Nezha, but did not know that Nezha also had the Qiankun Circle and raised it as well; Unaware of the clash between gold and jade, they shattered each other into countless fragments. Wen Liang shouted in agony: "My treasure has been destroyed—how could I possibly let this rest!" He fought Nezha again. Nezha struck Wen Liang in the back with a golden brick, causing him to stagger forward but not fall from his horse; Just as he was about to retreat, unexpectedly Yang Jian shot a bullet that pierced his shoulder, causing him to fall from his horse and die an untimely death. Yan Jiao, seeing Wen Liang fall dead beneath his horse, hurriedly summoned the Fantian Seal to strike him. Zi Ya spread out the apricot-yellow banner, and at once ten thousand golden rays of light emerged, with auspicious clouds enveloping it; thousands of white lotus flowers also appeared to protect his body. The Fantian Seal hung in the air, but could not descend upon him. Zi Ya then summoned up the God-Beating Whip, which struck Yan Jiao squarely on his back, causing him to somersault off his horse and fall. Yang Jian hurried forward to behead him, but Zhang Shan and Li Jin rode out from the side unexpectedly. Unbeknownst to them, Yan Jiao had already escaped by earth burrowing. Zi Ya thus achieved a complete victory and entered the city. Rendeng and Guangchengzi discussed together, saying: "The Fantian Seal is difficult to subdue. Moreover, Zi Ya's ceremony for appointing a general is approaching, and we fear it may disrupt the auspicious hour; the blame will fall upon you." Guangchengzi said: "Master, devise a plan for me—how can we eliminate this villain?" Rendeng replied: "There is no strategy to subdue it; what can be done! What can be done!"

且说殷郊著伤逃回进营，纳闷郁郁不喜。且说辕门外来一道人，戴鱼尾冠，面如重枣，海下赤髯，红发，三目，穿大红八卦服，骑赤烟驹。道人下骑，叫：“报与殷殿下，吾要见他。”军政官报入中军：“启千岁：外边有一道者求见。”殷郊传令：“请来。”少时，道人行至帐前。殷郊看见，忙降阶接见。道人通身赤色，其形相甚恶。彼此各打稽首，殷殿下忙欠身答曰：“老师可请上坐。”道人亦不谦让，随即坐下。殷郊曰：“老师高姓？大名？何处名山洞府？”道人答曰：“贫道乃火龙岛焰中仙罗宣是也；因申公豹相邀，特来助你一臂之力。”殷郊大悦，治酒款待。道人曰：“吾乃是斋，不用荤。”殷郊命治素酒相待。不提。一连在军中过了三四日，也不出去会子牙。殷郊问曰：“老师既为我而来，为何数日不会子牙一阵？”道人曰：“我有一道友，他不曾来；若他来时，我与你定然成功，不用殿下费心。”且说那日正坐，辕门官军来报：“有一道者来访。”罗宣与殷郊传令：“请来。”少时，见一道者，黄脸，虬须，身穿皂服，徐步而来。殷郊乃出帐迎接，至帐，行礼尊于上坐。道人坐下。罗宣问曰：“贤弟为何来迟？”道人曰：“因攻战之物未完，故此来迟。”殷郊对道人曰：“请问道长高姓？大名？”道人曰：“吾乃九龙岛炼气士刘环是也。”殷郊传令治酒款待。次早，二位道者出营，来至城下，请子牙答话。探马忙报入相府：“启丞相：有二位道人请丞相爷答话。”子牙随即同众门人出城，排开队伍。只见催阵鼓响，对阵中有一道者，生得甚是凶恶，怎见得： 鱼尾冠，纯然烈焰；大红袍，片片云生。丝绦悬赤色，麻履长红云。剑带星星火，马如赤爪龙。面如血泼紫，钢牙暴出唇。三目光辉观宇宙，火龙岛内有声名。

Meanwhile, Yan Jiao, wounded and fleeing back to his camp, brooded in gloom and was unhappy. Meanwhile, outside the camp gate came a Daoist priest wearing a fish-tail crown, with a face like red dates, crimson beard below his cheeks, red hair, three eyes, dressed in a bright red Eight Trigrams robe, riding a chestnut horse. The Daoist dismounted and called out: "Tell Prince Yan, I wish to see him." The military official reported into the central camp: "Your Highness, a Daoist priest outside requests an audience with you." Yan Jiao gave orders: "Please bring him in." After a short while, the Daoist arrived before the tent. Yan Jiao saw him and hurriedly descended the steps to receive him. The Daoist was entirely red in color, his appearance extremely ugly. They bowed to each other; Prince Yan hurriedly leaned forward and said: "Master, please take the upper seat." The Daoist did not refuse modestly but sat down immediately. Yan Jiao asked: "Master, what is your esteemed surname? What is your great name?" Which famous mountain or cave dwelling are you from?" The Daoist replied: "I am the poor Daoist Luo Xuan, the Flame Immortal of Huolong Island; because Shen Gongbao invited me, I have specially come to lend you a helping hand." Yan Jiao was greatly pleased and prepared wine to entertain him. The Daoist said: "I am a vegetarian; I do not eat meat." Yan Jiao then ordered the preparation of vegetarian wine to entertain him. No further mention is made. For three or four days in a row, he remained within the camp and did not go out to meet Zi Ya. Yan Jiao asked: "Master, since you have come for my sake, why have you not fought Zi Ya even once in these several days?" The Daoist said: "I have a Daoist friend who has yet to arrive; when he arrives, I and you will surely achieve success without the need for Your Highness to worry." Meanwhile, while they were sitting there one day, a camp gate official reported: "A Daoist priest has come to visit." Luo Xuan and Yan Jiao gave orders: "Please bring him in." After a short while, they saw a Daoist priest with a yellow face and bushy beard, dressed in black robes, walking calmly forward. Yan Jiao stepped out of the tent to greet him; upon reaching the tent, he bowed and honored him with an upper seat. The Daoist sat down. Luo Xuan asked: "Dear brother, why are you late?" The Daoist replied: "Because my preparations for battle were not yet complete, I arrived late." Yan Jiao said to the Daoist: "May I ask your esteemed surname, Master? What is your great name?" The Daoist said: "I am Liu Huan, the Qi Cultivator of Jiulong Island." Yan Jiao gave orders to prepare wine and entertain him. The next morning, the two Daoist priests left camp and went down to the city walls, requesting an audience with Zi Ya. The scout horsemen quickly reported into the prime minister's residence: "Your Excellency, two Daoist priests request an audience with you." Zi Ya immediately went out of the city together with his disciples and arranged their formation. They saw the war drums sound, and in the opposing formation stood a Daoist priest whose appearance was extremely fierce. How so: Fish-tail crown, entirely ablaze with fiery flames; bright red robe, with clouds rising in every fold. Silken sash hung crimson, straw shoes trailed long red clouds. Sword hanger sparkled with starry fire; his horse resembled a red-clawed dragon. His face was as if dyed in blood, purple in hue, with steel-like teeth protruding from his lips. Three eyes radiated light to survey the universe; he was famed within Huolong Island.

话说子牙对诸门人曰：“此人一身赤色，连马也是红的！”众弟子曰：“截教门下，古怪者甚多。”话未毕，罗宣一骑马当先，大呼曰：“来者可就是姜子牙？”子牙答曰：“道兄，不才便是。不知道友是何处名山？那里洞府？”罗宣曰：“吾乃火龙岛焰中仙罗宣是也。吾今来会你。只因你依仗玉虚门下，把吾辈截教甚是耻辱，吾故到此与你见一个雌雄，方知二教自有高低，非在于口舌争也。你那左右门人不必向前；料你等不过毫末道行，不足为能。只我与你比个高下。”道罢，把赤烟驹催开，使两口飞烟剑，来取子牙。子牙手中剑急架相迎。二兽盘旋，未及数合，哪吒登开风火轮，摇枪来刺。罗宣傍有刘环跃步而出，抵住哪吒。大抵子牙的门人多，不由分说，杨戬舞三尖刀冲杀过来；黄天化使开双锤，也来助战；雷震子展开二翅，飞起空中，将金棍刷来；土行孙使动宾铁棍，往下三路也自杀来；韦护绰步，使降魔杵劈头就打；四面八方，围裹上来。罗宣见子牙众门人不分好歹，一涌而上，抵当不住，忙把三百六十骨节摇动，现出三首六臂，一手执照天印，一手执五龙轮，一手执万鸦壶，一手执万里起云烟，双手使飞烟剑，好利害！怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 赤宝丹天降异人，浑身上下烈烟熏，离宫炼就非凡品，南极熬成迥出群。火龙岛内修真性，焰氧声高气似云。纯阳自是三昧火，烈石焚金恶杀神。

As they spoke, Zi Ya said to his disciples: "This man is entirely red in color—even his horse is red!" The disciples replied: "Among the followers of the Jie Sect, there are many who are strange and unusual." Before they could finish speaking, Luo Xuan rode forward first, shouting: "Are you the one who comes—Jiang Zi Ya?" Zi Ya replied: "Daoist elder, it is I, a humble person. I wonder which famous mountain your esteemed Daoist friend hails from?" Which cave dwelling?" Luo Xuan said: "I am Luo Xuan, the Flame Immortals of Huolong Island. I have come to challenge you now." It is because you rely on your status as a disciple of the Yuxu Sect and have greatly humiliated our Jie Sect. Therefore, I am here to see who is superior or inferior between us, so that all may know there are naturally ranks among the two sects, not merely through verbal disputes. Your disciples on either side need not step forward; I know your abilities are but trifling, insufficient to be considered capable. Only I shall contend with you for superiority." Having said this, he spurred his chestnut horse and brandished two Smoky Sword Blades to attack Zi Ya. Zi Ya quickly raised the sword in his hand to meet the attack. The two warriors circled each other, and before a few exchanges had passed, Nezha leaped onto his Wind-Fire Wheel and brandished his spear to strike. Liu Huan, standing beside Luo Xuan, stepped forward and met Nezha head-on. Generally speaking, Zi Ya had many disciples; without further ado, Yang Jian brandished his three-pointed knife and charged forward. Huang Tianhua wielded his twin hammers and also came to join the battle; Lei Zhenzi spread his two wings, flew into the air, and swung down a golden staff. Tu Xingsun brandished an iron staff and charged from below in three directions; Wei Hu took a step forward, raised his Demonic Subjugation Mallet, and struck down at the head. From all directions, they closed in around him. Luo Xuan, seeing that Zi Ya's disciples did not distinguish between right and wrong but surged forward en masse, could no longer hold his ground. He quickly moved all 360 joints of his body and revealed a three-headed, six-armed form: one hand held the Zhaotian Seal, another the Five Dragon Wheel, another the Myriad Crows Flask, another the Ten Thousand Li Cloud-Raising Staff, while two hands wielded the Smoky Sword Blades—how formidable! How formidable was he? A verse testifies to this, saying: A crimson treasure from the heavens descends upon an extraordinary man; his entire body is steeped in fiery smoke. In the Palace of Separation, he refines himself into a rare being; at Nanji, he forges himself beyond the common crowd. On Huolong Island, he cultivates his true nature; flames and oxygen roar with a voice as lofty as clouds. Pure yang is naturally the Threefold Fire; fierce stones burn gold, and he slays evil gods.

话说罗宣现了三首六臂，将五龙轮一轮把黄天化打下玉麒麟。早有金、木二吒救回去了。杨戬正欲暗放哮天犬来伤罗宣，不意子牙早祭起打神鞭望空中打来，把罗宣打得几乎翻下赤烟驹来。哪吒战住了刘环，把乾坤圈打来，只打得刘环三昧火冒出，俱大败回营。

As they spoke, Luo Xuan transformed into a three-headed, six-armed figure and with one spin of the Five Dragon Wheel sent Huang Tianhua crashing down from his Jade Qilin. Jin Zhaxia and Mu Zhaxia quickly came to rescue him back. Yang Jian was just about to secretly release the Howling Sky Dog to injure Luo Xuan, but unexpectedly Zi Ya had already summoned up the God-Striking Whip and struck from above, nearly causing Luo Xuan to fall off his chestnut steed. Nezha held Liu Huan at bay and struck with the Qiankun Ring, hitting so hard that Liu Huan's Threefold Fire flared up. Both were heavily defeated and retreated back to their camp.

张山在辕门观看，见岐周多少门人，祭无穷法宝，一个胜如一个，心中自思：“久后灭纣者必是子牙一辈。”心中甚是不悦。只见罗宣失利回营，张山接住慰劳。罗宣曰：“今日不防姜尚打我一鞭，吾险些儿坠下骑来。”忙取葫芦中药饵，吞而治之。罗宣对刘环曰：“这也是西岐一群众生该当如此，非我定用此狠毒也。”道人咬牙切齿。正是： 山红土赤须臾了，殿阁楼台化作灰。

Zhang Shan, watching from the camp gate, saw how many disciples of Qi Zhou there were, summoning countless treasures and 法宝 (fǎbǎo), each more formidable than the last. In his heart he mused: "In time, those who will overthrow King Zhou must surely be Zi Ya's generation." He was deeply displeased in his heart. Just then, Luo Xuan returned to the camp after suffering a setback; Zhang Shan met him and comforted him. Luo Xuan said, "Today I was not prepared for Jiang Shang to strike me with his whip; I nearly fell from my mount." He quickly took the medicinal pills from a gourd and swallowed them to treat himself. Luo Xuan said to Liu Huan, "This is also the fate of those beings in Xi Qi; it is not that I deliberately used such cruelty." The Daoist gritted his teeth with anger. Indeed: Mountains red and soil scorched in an instant, halls, pavilions, and towers all turned to ashes.

话说罗宣在帐内与刘环议曰：“今夜把西岐打发他乾乾净净，免得费我清心。”刘环道：“他既无情，理当如此。”正是子牙灾难至矣，子牙只知得胜回兵，那知有此一节。不意时至二更，罗宣同刘环借著火遁，乘著赤烟驹，把万里起云烟射进西岐城内。此万里起云烟乃是火箭，及至射进西岐城内，可怜东、西、南、北，各处火起，相府、皇城，到处生烟。子牙在府内只听的百姓呐喊之声，振动华岳。燃灯已知道了，与广成子出静室看火。不题。──怎见得，好火： 黑烟漠漠，红焰腾腾。黑烟漠漠，长空不见半分毫；红焰腾腾，大地有光千里赤。初起时，灼灼金蛇：次后来，千千火块。罗宣切齿逞雄威，恼了刘环施法力。燥乾柴烧烈火性，说甚么燧人钻木；热油门上飘丝，胜似那老子开炉。正是那无情火发，怎禁这有意行凶。不去弭灾，返行助虐。风随火势，焰飞有千丈馀高；火逞风威，灰迸上九霄云外。乒乒乓乓，如同阵前炮响；轰轰烈烈，却似锣鼓齐鸣。只烧得男啼女哭叫皇天，抱女携儿无处躲。姜子牙总有妙法不能施；周武王德政天齐难逃避。门人虽有，各自保守其躯；大将英雄，尽是獐跑鼠窜。正是灾来难避无情火，慌坏青鸾斗阙仙。

As they spoke, Luo Xuan and Liu Huan discussed in the tent: "Tonight we should thoroughly destroy Xi Qi so that it will not trouble my peace of mind." Liu Huan said, "Since they are heartless, this is only fitting." Indeed, disaster was about to befall Zi Ya. Zi Ya only knew of returning victorious with his troops; he had no idea that this would happen. Unbeknownst to them, by the second watch of the night, Luo Xuan and Liu Hua used their fire 遁 (dun) technique, riding on chestnut steeds, and shot clouds of smoke into Xi Qi city with the Ten Thousand Mile Cloud Smoke. This Ten Thousand Mile Cloud Smoke was in fact a fire arrow. Upon being shot into Xi Qi city, alas! Fires broke out everywhere to the east, west, south, and north; smoke rose from the prime minister's residence, the royal palace, and all over the place. Zi Ya was in his mansion when he only heard the cries of the people, shaking Mount Hua. Randel had already learned about it and came out of the quiet chamber with Guangchengzi to look at the fire. No further mention is made. ──How fierce was the fire: Dark smoke spread endlessly, red flames surged high. Endless dark smoke filled the sky; not a single trace of daylight could be seen in the vast heavens; Scarlet flames surged upward, and the earth glowed with red light for thousands of miles. At first, it was like glowing golden serpents; later on, countless blocks of fire followed. Luo Xuan gritted his teeth and displayed his mighty power, angering Liu Huan who then unleashed his magical strength. Dry firewood burned with fierce intensity; what need was there to speak of Suiren drilling wood? Hot oil dripped from the gates like flowing silk, surpassing even Laozi's furnace. Indeed, it was that merciless fire breaking out; how could one restrain such deliberate cruelty? Instead of quelling the disaster, they added to its cruelty. The wind followed the fire's rage; flames soared more than a thousand zhang high; Fire displayed the might of the wind, and ashes burst upward beyond the nine clouds in the sky. Boom boom, like cannon fire on a battlefield; Roar and blaze, just as gongs and drums rang out together. The fire burned so fiercely that men wept and women cried to heaven; parents clutched their children, carrying them in their arms with nowhere to hide. Jiang Ziya had no way to employ his wondrous methods; King Wu of Zhou, with virtue as great as heaven itself, could not escape the calamity. Though he had disciples, each was only concerned with protecting their own bodies; The great generals and heroes were all like startled deer and scurrying rats. Indeed, when disaster strikes with merciless fire, it threw the Qinglei and the warriors of the palace into chaos.

话说武王听得各处火起，连宫内生烟，武王跪在丹墀，告祈后土、皇天曰：“姬发不道，获罪于天，降此大厄，何累于民？只愿上天将姬发尽户灭绝，不忍万民遭此灾厄。”俯伏在地，放声大哭。且说罗宣将万鸦壶开了，万只火鸦飞腾入城，口内喷火，翅上生烟；又用数条火龙，把五龙轮架在当中，只见赤烟驹四蹄生烈焰，飞烟宝剑长红光，那有石墙、石壁烧不进去。又有刘环接火，顷刻齐休，画阁雕梁，即时崩倒。正是： 武王有福逢此厄，自有高人灭火时。

As they spoke, King Wu heard that fires had broken out everywhere and even smoke was rising within the palace. Kneeling on the red-painted terrace, he prayed to Hou Tu and the heavens: "Ji Fa has been unjust; I have incurred heaven's wrath by bringing this great calamity upon you, how could it burden my people?" "I only wish the heavens would completely wipe out every member of Ji Fa's family; I cannot bear to see all the people suffer such a disaster." He fell prostrate on the ground and wept aloud. Meanwhile, Luo Xuan opened the Ten Thousand Crows Vase; ten thousand fiery crows flew into the city, spewing fire from their beaks and producing smoke from their wings; He also used several fire dragons to support the Five Dragon Wheel in the center. One could see the chestnut steed's four hooves burning with fierce flames, and the Flying Smoke Sword emitting red light; not even stone walls or stone barriers could resist being burned through. Liu Huan also joined in with fire, and in a moment everything was consumed; painted pavilions and carved beams collapsed instantly. Indeed: King Wu has the fortune to encounter this calamity, for there will be a great sage who puts out the fire at that time.

话说罗宣正烧西岐，来了凤凰山青鸾斗阙的龙吉公主──乃是昊天上帝亲生，瑶池金母之女；只因有念思凡，贬在凤凰山青鸾斗阙，今见子牙伐纣，也来助一臂之力。正值罗宣来烧西岐，娘娘就假此好见子牙。遂跨青鸾来至。远远的只见火内有千万火鸦，忙叫：“碧云童儿，将雾露乾坤网撒开，往西岐火内一罩。”此宝有相生相克之妙，雾露者乃是真水；水能克火，故此随即息灭，即时将万只火鸦尽行收去。罗宣正放火乱烧，忽不见火鸦。往前一看，见一道姑，戴鱼尾冠，穿大红绛绡衣。罗宣大呼：“乘鸾者乃是何人，敢灭吾之火？”公主笑曰：“吾乃龙吉公主是也。你有何能，敢动恶意，敢逆天心，来害明君，吾特来助阵。你可速回，毋取灭亡之祸。”罗宣大怒，将五龙轮劈面打来。公主笑曰：“我知道你只有这些伎俩。你可尽力发来！”乃忙取四海瓶拏在手中，对著五龙轮；只见一轮竟打在瓶里去了。──火龙进入于海内，焉能济事！罗宣大叫一声，把万里起云烟射来。公主又将四海瓶收住去了。刘环大怒，脚踏红焰，仗剑来取。公主把脸一红，将二龙剑望空中一丢。刘环那里经得起，随将刘环斩于火内。罗宣忙现三首六臂，祭照天印打龙吉公主。公主把剑一指，此印落于火内，又将剑丢起去。罗宣情知难拒，拨赤烟驹就走。公主再把二龙剑丢起，正中赤烟驹后臂。赤烟驹自倒，将罗宣撞下火来，借火遁而逃。公主忙施雨露，且救了西岐火焰，好见子牙。怎见得好雨，有赞为证：

As they spoke, just as Luo Xuan was burning down Xi Qi, the Dragon Ji Princess of Fenghuang Mountain's Qinglei Palace arrived. She was the biological daughter of Haotian Shangdi and the child of Yaochi Jinmu; She had once harbored thoughts of descending to the mortal world and was therefore banished to the Qinglei Palace on Fenghuang Mountain. Now, upon seeing Zi Ya's campaign against King Zhou, she came to lend a helping hand. Just as Luo Xuan was coming to burn down Xi Qi, the Empress used this opportunity to meet Zi Ya in person. She then rode her qingluan and arrived. From afar, she saw countless fiery crows within the flames and quickly called out: "Bi Yun Tonger, spread open the Mist and Dew Qiankun Net and cast it over the fire in Xi Qi." This treasure had the wondrous property of mutual generation and overcoming; mist and dew were none other than true water; Water could overcome fire, so the flames immediately died out. At once, all ten thousand fiery crows were captured and taken away. Luo Xuan was just setting fire to everything in chaos when suddenly the fiery crows vanished from sight. He looked ahead and saw a Daoist nun wearing a fish-tail crown and dressed in a deep red, embroidered robe. Luo Xuan shouted angrily: "Who is the one riding the qingluan? Who dares to extinguish my fire?" The princess smiled and said, "I am none other than Princess Longji. What ability do you possess to act with ill intent and defy heaven's will, coming here to harm a just ruler? I have come especially to assist the army." "You had better return at once, lest you invite disaster and annihilation." Luo Xuan became furious and struck her face with the Five Dragon Wheel. The princess smiled and said, "I know you have nothing but these tricks up your sleeve." "Go ahead and try your best!" She quickly took the Four Seas Vase in her hand and pointed it at the Five Dragon Wheel; One could see that the wheel was struck right into the vase. ──The fire dragon has entered the sea; how can it accomplish anything! Luo Xuan let out a loud cry and shot the Ten Thousand Mile Cloud Smoke at her. The princess once again used the Four Seas Vase to absorb it away. Liu Huan became furious, stepped on red flames, and brandished his sword to attack her. The princess blushed slightly and tossed the Twin Dragon Sword into the air. Liu Huan could not withstand it, and was instantly beheaded in the fire. Luo Xuan hurriedly transformed into a three-headed and six-armed figure, summoned up the Sky-Illuminating Seal to strike Princess Longji. The princess pointed her sword at it; the seal fell into the fire, and she once again tossed her sword upward. Realizing he could not resist any longer, Luo Xuan turned his chestnut steed and fled. The princess once again tossed the Twin Dragon Sword upward; it struck precisely on the hind leg of the chestnut steed. The chestnut steed collapsed, throwing Luo Xuan off and into the fire; he escaped by using his fire 遁 (dun) ability. The princess quickly summoned rain and dew, extinguishing the flames in Xi Qi to prepare for meeting Zi Ya. How was this good rain? A verse testifies:

潇潇洒洒，密密沉沉。潇潇洒洒，如天边坠落明珠；密密沉沉，似海口倒悬滚浪。初起时，如拳大小；次后来，瓮泼盆倾。沟壑水飞千丈玉，涧泉波浪万条银。西岐城内看看满，低凹池塘渐渐平。真是武王有福高明助，倒泻天河往下倾。

Drizzling and sprinkling, dense and heavy. Drizzling and sprinkling like pearls falling from the sky; Dense and heavy, as if rolling waves were suspended upside down at the ocean's mouth. At first, the drops were about the size of a fist; Later on, it poured down like water being poured from a jar or bucket. Rivers and gullies surged with jade-like waves thousands of zhang high, while brook waters rippled like silver threads in the tens of thousands. The city of Xi Qi was soon filled with water; low-lying ponds and ditches gradually became level. Indeed, King Wu had the fortune to be aided by a wise and capable person, as if the Milky Way were being poured down from above.

话说龙吉公主施雨救灭西岐火焰，满城民人齐声大叫曰：“武王洪福齐天，普施恩泽，吾等皆有命也！”合城大小，欢声震地。一夜天翻地沸，百姓皆不得安生。武王在殿内祈祷，百官带雨问安。子牙在相府，神魂俱不附体。只见燃灯曰：“子牙忧中得吉，就有异人至也。贫道非是不知，吾若是来治此火，异人必不能至。”话言未了，有杨戬报入府来：“启师叔：有龙吉公主来至。”子牙忙降阶迎迓上殿。公主见燃灯、广成子在殿上，公主打稽首，口称：“道兄请了！”子牙忙问燃灯曰：“此位何人？”公主忙答曰：“贫道乃龙吉公主，有罪于天；方才罗宣用火焚烧西岐，贫道今特来此间，用些须小法术，救灭此火，特佐子牙东征，会了诸侯，有功于社稷，可免罪愆，得再回瑶池耳，真不负贫道下山一场。”子牙大喜，忙分付侍儿，打点焚香净室，与公主居住。西岐城内这一场嚷闹，大是利害，乃收拾公阙府第。不表。

As they spoke, Princess Longji summoned rain to extinguish the flames in Xi Qi. The people throughout the city cried out together: "King Wu's great fortune is as vast as heaven itself; his universal grace and blessings have saved our lives!" The entire city, young and old alike, rejoiced with voices that shook the earth. That night was one of chaos as if heaven had turned upside down; the people could not find peace or rest. King Wu prayed in the hall, while officials, drenched by rain, came to inquire about his well-being. Zi Ya was at the prime minister's mansion, and his spirit and soul were detached from his body. Just then Randal said: "Zi Ya will find good fortune in the midst of worry, for an extraordinary person is about to arrive." "I am not unaware; if I were to come and put out this fire myself, the extraordinary person would certainly not come." The words had barely been spoken when Yang Jian entered the mansion and reported: "Respectfully reporting to Uncle Master, Princess Longji has arrived." Zi Ya hurriedly descended the steps to welcome her onto the hall. The princess saw Randal and Guangchengzi on the dais, bowed deeply with a respectful 稽首 (qishou), and said: "Greeting you, Daoist elder brothers!" Zi Ya quickly asked Randal, "Who is this person?" The princess hurriedly replied: "I am Princess Longji; I have committed a crime against heaven. Just now, Luo Xuan used fire to burn Xi Qi. I have specially come here today and will use a little bit of minor magic to put out this fire. I wish to assist Zi Ya in his eastern expedition, to meet with the feudal lords, achieve merit for the state, thus avoiding punishment for my sins, and be allowed to return once more to 瑶池 (Yaochi). This would truly not make my journey down from the mountain a waste." Zi Ya was greatly pleased and quickly ordered his attendants to prepare incense, clean the room, and make arrangements for the princess's residence. The commotion in Xi Qi city was indeed serious; they had to tidy up and prepare the official mansions and residences. No further details are given.

且说罗宣败走下山，喘息不定，倚松靠石，默然沉思：“今日把这些宝贝一旦失与龙吉公主，此恨怎消。”正愁恨时，只听得脑后有人作歌而至。歌曰： “曾做菜羹寒士，不去奔波朝市。宦情收起，打点林泉事。高山采紫芝，溪边理钓丝。洞中戏耍，闲写‘黄庭’字。把酒醺然，长歌腹内诗。识时，扶王立帝基。知机，罗宣今日危。”

Meanwhile, Luo Xuan fled down the mountain in defeat, breathing heavily and leaning against a pine tree or stone, silently pondering: "Today I lost all these treasures to Princess Longji at once; how can this grudge be erased?" While he was brooding in anger, he suddenly heard someone singing a song from behind him. The song said: "I once made vegetable soup as a poor scholar, never going to the bustling capital. I put aside official affairs and prepared for life in the mountains and streams." Picking purple ginseng on high mountains, mending fishing lines by the stream. Playing in the cave, idly writing characters from the "Huangting Jing." Drinking wine to intoxication, singing long songs of poems within my heart. Knowing the right time, I helped the king establish an imperial foundation. Understanding fate: Luo Xuan is in danger today."

话说罗宣听罢，回头一看，见个大汉，戴扇云盔，穿道服，持戟而至。罗宣问曰：“汝是何人，敢出大言？”其人答曰：“吾乃李靖是也。今日往西岐见姜子牙，东进五关，吾无有进见之功，今日拏你，权敌一功。”罗宣大怒，跃身而起，将宝剑来取。二人交锋。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

When Luo Xuan heard this, he turned around and saw a tall man wearing a fan-shaped cloud helmet, dressed in Daoist robes, holding a halberd. Luo Xuan asked: "Who are you? How dare you speak such bold words?" The man replied, "I am Li Jing. Today I went to Xi Qi to see Jiang Ziya, and for advancing through the Five Passes in the east, I have not yet earned a merit of audience. Today I will seize you as a temporary substitute for one such merit." Luo Xuan was furious, leapt to his feet, and drew his treasure sword to attack. The two clashed in battle. Whether he would live or die remains to be seen; we shall hear the continuation in the next chapter.