Chapter 66: Hong Jin's Great Battle at Western Qiqi City

诗曰： 奇门遁术阵前开，斩将搴旗亦壮哉。黑焰引魂遮白日，青旛掷地画尘埃。三山关上多英俊，五气崖前有异才。不是仙娃能幻化，只因月老作新媒。

The poem says: The extraordinary door of divination opens before the battlefield; to behead generals and seize their banners is indeed magnificent. Black flames lead souls, obscuring the daylight; green banners cast upon the ground trace dust and ashes. At Sanshan Pass there are many heroes and outstanding men; at Wuqi Cliff, there are those with extraordinary talents. Not because fairy children can transform themselves, but because the old moon deity has become a new matchmaker.

话说燃灯合山，挤住殷郊，四路人马齐上山来。武王至山顶上，看见殷郊这等模样，滚鞍下马，跪于尘埃，大呼：“千岁！小臣姬发，奉法克守臣节，并不敢欺君枉上。相父今日令殿下如此，使孤有万年污名。”子牙挽扶武王而言曰：“殷郊违逆天命，大数如此，怎能脱逃。大王要尽人臣之道，行礼以尽主公之德可也。”武王曰：“相父今日把储君夹在山中，大罪俱在我姬发了。望列位老师大开恻隐，怜念姬发，放了殿下罢！”燃灯道人笑曰：“贤王不知天数。殷郊违逆天命，怎能逃脱，大王尽过君臣之礼便罢了。大王又不可逆天行事。”武王两次三番劝止。子牙正色言曰，“老臣不过顺天应人，断不敢逆天而误主公也。”武王含泪，撮土焚香，跪拜在地，称“臣”泣诉曰：“臣非不救殿下，奈众老师要顺守天命，实非臣之罪也。”拜罢，燃灯请武王下山，命广成子推犁上山。广成子一见殷郊这等如此，不觉落泪。正是： 只因出口犁锄愿，今日西岐怎脱逃。

It is said that Rendeng Heshan cornered Yin Jiao, and four routes of troops all marched up the mountain. King Wu arrived at the summit and, upon seeing Yin Jiao in such a condition, dismounted his horse, knelt on the ground, and cried out loudly: "My lord!" "I, Ji Fa, a humble minister, have faithfully upheld my duty as a subject, and I dare not deceive or wrong Your Majesty." "Father-in-law, by ordering the prince to act in this way today, you have left me with a disgrace that will last for millennia." Zi Ya supported King Wu and said, "Yin Jiao has defied the Mandate of Heaven; such is the great destiny. How could he possibly escape?" "The king must fulfill the way of a subject, and by performing rites you will fully demonstrate your virtue as a ruler." King Wu said, "Father-in-law, today you have trapped the crown prince in the mountains; all the great sins will fall upon me, Ji Fa." "I beg each of you esteemed sages to show compassion and mercy, take pity on me, Ji Fa, and release the prince!" Rendeng Dao Ren smiled and said, "The noble king does not understand heavenly destiny." "Yin Jiao has violated the Mandate of Heaven, how could he possibly escape? Your Majesty should merely fulfill the rites between ruler and subject." "The king must not act against heavenly will either." King Wu repeatedly tried to dissuade them. Zi Ya spoke solemnly, "An old minister merely follows heavenly will and responds to the people's wishes; I would never dare act against heaven and mislead my lord." King Wu, with tears in his eyes, took up some earth and burned incense, knelt on the ground and wept as he addressed them respectfully: "I am not unwilling to save the prince; it is only that all of you esteemed sages must follow heavenly destiny. This is truly not my fault." After the prayer, Rendeng asked King Wu to descend the mountain and ordered Guangchengzi to drive a plow up the hill. Guangchengzi, upon seeing Yin Jiao like this, could not help but weep. It was precisely: Because of the vow to bring forth plows and hoes, how could Xiqi escape today?

只见武吉犁了殷郊。──殷郊一道灵魂往封神台来；清福神祇柏鉴用百灵旛来引殷郊。──殷郊怨心不服，一阵马迳往朝歌城而来。纣王正与妲己在鹿台饮酒。好风！怎见得，有赞为证： 刮地遮天暗，愁云照日昏。鹿台如泼墨，一派靛妆成。先刮时扬尘播土，次后来倒树推林。只刮得嫦娥抱定梭罗树，空中仙子怎腾云。吹动昆仑顶上石，卷得江河水浪浑。

One could see Wu Ji plowing Yin Jiao. --Yin Jiao's soul made its way toward the Fengshen Altar; The deity of pure blessings, Bai Jian, used a banner of hundred spirits to guide Yin Jiao. --Yin Jiao, filled with resentment and unwilling to accept his fate, rode straight toward Chaoguo City. lou King Zhou was drinking wine at Lütai Palace with Daji. "Fine wind!" How can this be seen? A verse testifies: The wind howls, darkening the earth and sky; gloomy clouds obscure the sun. Lütai is as if painted with ink, all dyed in indigo hues. lou First it raised dust and scattered soil; then came the uprooting of trees and felling of forests. The wind blew so fiercely that Chang'e had to cling tightly to a shalder tree, and even celestial maidens in the air could hardly ride clouds. It blew stones from the peak of Kunlun Mountain and churned up muddy waves in rivers and streams.

话说纣王在鹿台上正饮酒，听得有人来，纣王不觉昏沉，就席而卧。见一人三首六臂，立于御前，口称：“父王，孩儿殷郊为国而受犁锄之厄。父王可修仁政，不失成汤社稷。当任用贤相，速拜元戎，以任内外大事。不然，姜尚不久便欲东行，那时悔之晚矣！孩儿还要诉奏，恐封神台不纳，孩儿去也！”纣王惊醒，口称：“怪哉！”妲己、胡喜妹、王贵人三人共席欠身，忙问曰：“陛下为何口称‘怪哉’？”纣王把梦中事说了一遍。妲己曰：“梦由心作，陛下勿疑。”纣王乃酒色昏君，见三妖娇态，把盏传杯，遂不在心。只见汜水关韩荣有本进朝歌告急。其本至文书房，微子看本，看见如此，心下十分不乐，将此本抱入内庭。纣王正在显庆殿。当驾官启奏：“微子侯旨。”王曰：“宣。”微子至殿前，行礼毕，将汜水关韩荣报本呈上。纣王展看，见张山奉敕征讨失利，又带著殷郊殿下绝于岐山。纣王看毕大怒，与众臣曰：“不道姬发自立武王，竟成大逆；屡屡征伐，损将折兵，不见成功。为今之计，可用何卿为将？若不早除，大为后患。”班内一臣乃中谏大夫李登，进礼称“臣”曰：“今天下不静，刀兵四起，十馀载未宁。虽东伯侯姜文焕、南伯侯鄂顺、北伯侯崇黑虎，此三路不过癣疥之疾；独西岐姜尚助姬发而为不道，肆行祸乱，其志不小。论朝歌城内，皆非姜尚之敌手。臣荐三山关总兵官洪锦，才术双全，若得此臣征伐，庶几大事可定。”纣王即传旨，赍敕往三山关，命洪锦得专征伐。使命持诏，迳往三山关来。一路无词，一日来至三山关馆驿中安下。次日，洪锦待佐贰官接旨，开读毕，交代官乃是孔宣。不日俟孔宣交代明白，洪锦领十万雄师，离了高关，往西岐进发。好人马！怎见得？有赞为证： 一路上：旌旗迷丽日，杀气乱行云。刀枪寒飒飒，剑戟冷森森。弓攀秋月样，箭插点寒星。金甲黄邓邓，银盔似玉钟。锣响惊天地，鼓擂似雷鸣。人似貔貅猛，马似蛟龙雄。今往西岐去，又送美前程。

It is said that King Zhou was drinking on Lütai when he heard someone approaching. Overcome by dizziness, he collapsed onto the couch and lay there. He saw a man with three heads and six arms standing before the throne, who said, "Father King, your son Yin Jiao suffered the calamity of plows and hoes for the sake of our country. "Your Majesty should cultivate benevolent governance to preserve the state and ancestral legacy of King Chengtang." "You should appoint a wise prime minister, quickly bestow the title of general-in-chief, to oversee all major affairs within and beyond the court. "Otherwise, Jiang Shang will soon set out eastward; by then, it will be too late to regret!" "I still have more to plead," the boy continued, "but I fear the Fengshen Altar may not accept me. Farewell!" King Zhou awoke in alarm and exclaimed, "Strange indeed!" Daji, Hu Ximei, and Wang Guiren, who were sitting together on the same couch, leaned forward in haste and asked, "Your Majesty, why did you say 'Strange indeed!'" King Zhou recounted what had happened to him in his dream. Daji said, "Dreams arise from the mind; Your Majesty need not doubt." King Zhou was a debauched and drunken ruler. Seeing the three beauties in their coquettish postures, he raised his cup to drink again and no longer gave it another thought. Just then, Han Rong of Sishui Pass submitted a memorial to Chaoguo City in urgent distress. The memorial arrived at the Office of Documents, where Wei Zi read it and, upon seeing its contents, felt deeply distressed. He took the document into the inner court. King Zhou was in Xianqing Hall at that time. The attendant-in-attendance announced, "Duke Wei Zi awaits the king's decree." The king said, "Summon him." Wei Zi arrived before the hall, performed his respects, and presented Han Rong's memorial from Sishui Pass. King Zhou unfolded the document to read it, and saw that Zhang Shan had suffered a defeat in his imperial mission to campaign, and that Prince Yin Jiao had been cut off at Qishan Mountain. After reading it, King Zhou became furious and said to his ministers, "The unrighteous Ji Fa has declared himself King Wu, committing a great act of rebellion; "Time after time we have launched campaigns, losing generals and troops without achieving success." "What should be done now? Which general can I appoint?" "If we do not deal with this soon, it will become a great future threat." Among the court officials, one minister named Li Deng, a central remonstrant, advanced with a bow and respectfully said, "Nowadays the realm is in turmoil, war erupts everywhere, and peace has not been restored for over ten years. "Although the Eastern Marquis Jiang Wenhuan, the Southern Marquis E Shun, and the Northern Marquis Chong Heihu from these three routes are a problem, they are merely trifling irritations; "Only the Western Qiqi Jiang Shang aiding Ji Fa in his rebellion is a serious threat, spreading disaster and chaos with great ambition. "In terms of those within Chaoguo City, none can rival Jiang Shang." "I recommend General Hong Jin, the commander of Sanshan Pass, who is both talented and skilled. If this minister is given command to campaign, perhaps we can finally settle this matter." King Zhou immediately issued an imperial decree and dispatched a mandate to Sanshan Pass, ordering Hong Jin to be granted full authority for the campaign. The envoy carrying the edict went directly to Sanshan Pass. Along the way there were no incidents, and within a day he arrived at the inn in Sanshan Pass and took rest. The next day, Hong Jin waited for his deputy officials to receive the decree. After it was read aloud, the official in charge of the handover was Kong Xuan. After a few days and once Kong Xuan had clearly completed the handover, Hong Jin led an army of one hundred thousand strong troops, left Gaoguan, and marched toward Western Qiqi. "Fine troops!" How so? A verse testifies: Along the way: banners and flags obscured the bright sun, while a killing aura disturbed the drifting clouds. Swords and spears gleamed coldly; halberds and lances appeared chillingly sharp. Bows arched like autumn moons, arrows piercing the cold stars above. Golden armor gleamed yellow and bright; silver helmets resembled jade bells. The sound of gongs startled heaven and earth, while the beating of drums echoed like thunderclaps. Men were as fierce as pishou beasts; horses as mighty as dragons. Now marching toward Western Qiqi, they would bring a glorious future ahead.

话说洪锦一路行来，兵过岐山。哨马报入中军：“人马已至西岐了。”洪锦传令：“安营。”立下寨栅。先行官季康、柏显忠上帐参见。洪锦曰：“今奉敕征讨，尔等各宜尽心为国。姜尚足智多谋，非同小敌，须是谨慎小心，不得造次草率。”二将曰：“谨领台命。”次日，季康领令出营，至西岐城下搦战。探马报入相府，子牙大喜，三十六路征伐，今日已满，可以打点东征。”忙问曰：“那一员将官去走一遭？”南宫适愿往。子牙许之。南宫适领命出城，见季康犹如一块乌云而至。南宫适曰：“来者何人？”季康答曰：“吾乃洪锦总兵麾下正印官季康是也；今奉敕征伐。尔等叛逆之徒，理当受首辕门，尚敢领兵拒敌，真是无法无君！”南宫适笑曰：“似你这等不堪之类，西岐城也不知杀了百万，又在你这一二人而已！快快回兵，免你一死。”季康大怒，纵马舞刀直取。南宫适手中刀赴面相迎。二将战有三十回合，季康乃左道傍门，念动咒语，顶上现一块黑云，云中现出一只犬来，把南宫适夹膊子上一口，连袍带甲，扯去半边，几乎被季康刀劈了。南宫适諕得魂不附体，败进城，至相府回话，将咬伤一事诉说了一遍。子牙不乐。只见季康进营，见洪锦，言：“得胜，伤南宫适败进城去了。洪锦大喜：“头阵胜，阵阵胜。”次日，柏显忠上马，至城下请战。探马报入相府，子牙问：“谁人出马？”有邓九公应曰：“末将愿往。”子牙许之。邓九公开放西岐城，走马至军前，认得是柏显忠，大呼曰：“柏显忠！天下尽归明主，你等今日不降，更待何时？”柏显忠曰：“似你这匹夫，负国大恩，不顾仁义，乃天下不仁不智之狗彘耳！”邓九公大怒，催开坐骑，使开合扇大刀，直取柏显忠。显忠挺枪刺来。二将交锋，如同猛虎摇头，不亚狮子摆尾，只杀的天昏地暗。怎见得，有赞为证： 这一个顶上金盔飘烈焰；那一个黄金甲挂连环套。这一个猩猩血染大红袍；那一个粉素征袍如白练。这一个大刀挥如闪电光；那一个长枪恰似龙蛇现。只一个胭脂马跑鬼神惊；那一个白龙驹走如银霰。红白二将似天神，虎斗龙争真不善。

It is said that Hong Jin marched along the way and his troops passed over Qishan Mountain. A scout horseman reported to the central camp: "The troops have arrived at Western Qiqi." Hong Jin gave orders, "Set up camp." They immediately set up encampments and palisades. The vanguard officers Ji Kang and Bai Xianzhong entered the tent to pay their respects. Hong Jin said, "Now I have been ordered by imperial decree to campaign; you must all devote yourselves wholeheartedly for the country. "Jiang Shang is full of wisdom and strategy, not an ordinary foe; you must be cautious and careful, never acting recklessly or carelessly." The two generals said, "We respectfully accept your orders." The next day, Ji Kang led the order to leave camp and went down to Western Qiqi City to challenge for battle. A scout horseman reported the news to Zi Ya's prime ministerial residence, and Zi Ya was greatly pleased. "The campaigns of thirty-six routes are now complete; today we can prepare for our eastern expedition." He hurriedly asked, "Which general should go and take a look?" Nangong She volunteered to go. Zi Ya agreed. Nangong She accepted the order and left the city, where he saw Ji Kang approaching like a dark cloud. Nangong She asked, "Who dares approach?" Ji Kang replied, "I am Ji Kang, the official under General Hong Jin's command; "I have been ordered to campaign. "You rebels should be executed at the 辕门 (Yuanmen, a gate for punishment); yet you dare lead troops to resist. How utterly lawless and disrespectful!" Nangong She laughed and said, "Fools like you have already been slain by millions in Western Qiqi's city; what difference will one or two of you make!" "Return to your troops quickly, and I'll spare you a death." Ji Kang became furious, spurred his horse forward, brandished his saber, and charged straight at him. Nangong She met the attack head-on with his blade in hand. The two generals fought for about thirty rounds. Ji Kang, who practiced dark and unorthodox arts, recited an incantation, causing a black cloud to appear above his head. From the cloud emerged a dog that bit Nangong She on the arm, tearing away half of his robe and armor. It was almost as if Ji Kang's saber had cleaved him in two. Nangong She, terrified and nearly out of his wits, retreated into the city and hurried to Zi Ya's residence to report. He recounted in detail how he had been bitten by the dog. Zi Ya was displeased. Just then, Ji Kang returned to the camp and reported to Hong Jin: "I have won a victory; I wounded Nangong She and drove him back into the city in defeat. Hong Jin was overjoyed, saying, "Victory on the first charge means victory on every subsequent one." The next day, Bai Xianzhong mounted his horse and went to the city walls to challenge for battle. A scout galloped into Zi Ya's residence with news, prompting Zi Ya to ask, "Who will ride out to meet him?" Deng Jiugong volunteered and said, "I am willing to go." Zi Ya gave his approval. Deng Jiugong opened the gates of Western Qiqi and rode swiftly to the front lines. Recognizing Bai Xianzhong, he shouted loudly, "Bai Xianzhong!" "The realm now belongs entirely to the enlightened sovereign. If you do not surrender today, when else will you wait?" Bai Xianzhong replied, "You lowly wretch! You have betrayed the great kindness of your country and disregarded benevolence and righteousness. You are nothing but a despicable dog or pig in this world!" Deng Jiugong became furious, urged his horse forward, unsheathed his large folding fan saber, and charged directly at Bai Xianzhong. Xianzhong brandished a spear to counterattack. The two generals clashed in fierce combat, their movements as fierce as a tiger shaking its head or a lion swishing its tail. The battle raged so intensely that it darkened the sky and shook the earth. How fierce was this battle? A verse attests to it: One wears a golden helmet with flames blazing above; the other dons golden armor linked in interlocking rings. One's crimson robe is stained with blood; the other wears a plain white military robe as pure as silk. One wields his saber with flashes like lightning; the other's long spear appears as a dragon or snake emerging. One's vermilion horse gallops so fiercely that ghosts and spirits are startled; the other's white steed moves swiftly like silver snowflakes. The two red and white-clad generals, like celestial gods, fiercely contend in a battle of tigers and dragons—truly fierce and unrelenting.

二将大战二三十回合，邓九公乃是有名大将，展开刀如同闪电，势不可当。柏显忠那里是九公敌手，被九公卖个破绽，手起一刀，把柏显忠挥于马下。邓九公得胜进城，至相府回话：“斩了柏显忠首级报功”。子牙令：“将首级号令城上。”且说洪锦见折了一将，在中军大怒，咬牙切齿，恨不得平吞了西岐。次日，领大队人马，坐名要子牙答话。哨马报入相府。子牙闻报，即将排队伍出城。炮声响处，西岐门开，一枝人马而出。洪锦看城内兵来，纪律严整，又见左右归周豪杰，一个个胜似虎狼，那三山五岳门人，飘飘然俱有仙风道骨。两傍雁翅排开，宝纛旗下乃开国武成王黄飞虎。子牙坐四不相，穿一身道服，体貌自别。怎见得，有诗为证： 金冠如鱼尾，道服按东方。丝绦悬水火，麻鞋系玉璫。手执三环剑，胸藏百炼钢。帝王师相品，万载把名扬。

The two generals fiercely engaged in battle for more than twenty or thirty rounds. Deng Jiugong, a renowned general, wielded his saber like lightning, his might unstoppable. Bai Xianzhong was no match for General Jiugong. Taking advantage of an opening, Deng Jiugong raised his saber and struck down Bai Xianzhong from his horse with one powerful blow. Deng Jiugong returned to the city in victory and went to Zi Ya's residence for a report, saying: "I have beheaded Bai Xianzhong and present his head as proof of my success." Zi Ya ordered, "Display the severed head on the city walls for all to see." Meanwhile, Hong Jin, upon losing one of his generals, was furious in the central camp. He gnashed his teeth and could hardly contain his rage, wishing he could swallow Western Qiqi whole. The next day, Hong Jin led a large force of troops and demanded Zi Ya personally come out to speak with him. A scout galloped in and reported the news at Zi Ya's residence. Upon hearing the report, Zi Ya immediately ordered his troops to form ranks and march out of the city. As cannon fire echoed, the gates of Western Qiqi opened, and a contingent of troops rode forth. Hong Jin looked at the disciplined and orderly troops emerging from within the city. He also observed the heroes who had pledged allegiance to Zhou, each of them fierce as tigers or wolves. The disciples of the Three Mountains and Five Peaks floated with an ethereal grace, all displaying a divine aura of immortals. On both sides, the troops spread out like cranes in flight, and under the banner of the treasure-standard was Huang Feihu, the founding Martial King Wucheng. Zi Ya rode a Si Bushang (a mythical four-legged beast), wearing a Taoist robe that set his appearance apart from the rest. How did he appear? A poem attests to it: His golden crown resembles a fish's tail; his Taoist robe follows the East. Silken sashes dangle with symbols of water and fire; hemp shoes are tied with jade pendants. He holds a three-ring sword in hand, his chest filled with the strength of tempered steel. A prime minister and teacher to emperors, his name will echo through ten thousand years.

话说洪锦走马至军前，大呼曰：“来者是姜尚么？”子牙答曰：“将军何名？”洪锦曰：“吾乃奉天征讨大元戎洪锦是也。尔等不守臣节，违天作乱，往往拒敌王师，法难轻贷。今奉旨特来征讨尔等，拏解朝歌，以正国法。若知吾利害，早早下骑就擒，可救一郡生灵涂炭。”子牙笑曰：“洪锦，你既是大将，当理知机。天下尽归周主，贤士尽叛独夫；料你不过一泓水，能济甚事。今诸侯八百齐伐无道，吾不久会兵孟津，吊民伐罪，以救生民涂炭，削平祸乱。汝等急急早降，乃归有道，自不失封候之位耳。尚敢逆天以助不道，是自取罪戾也。”洪锦大骂：“好老匹夫！焉敢如此肆志乱言！”遂纵马舞刀，冲过阵来。傍有姬叔明大呼曰：“不得猖獗！”催开马，摇枪直取洪锦。二将杀在一堆。姬叔明乃文王第七十二子，这殿下心性最急，使开枪势如狼虎，约战有三四十合。洪锦乃左道术士出身，他把马一夹，跳出圈子外面，将一皂旗往下一戳，把刀往上一愰，那旗化作一门，洪锦连人带马迳进旗门而去。殿下不知，也把马赶进旗门来。此时洪锦看得见姬叔明；姬叔明看不见洪锦，马头方进旗门，洪锦在旗门里一刀把姬叔明挥于马下。子牙大惊。洪锦收了旗门，依旧现身，大呼曰：“谁来与吾见阵？”傍有邓婵玉走马至军前，大呼：“匹夫！少待恃强！吾来也！”洪锦看见一员女将奔来，金盔金甲，飞临马前。怎见得，有诗为证： 女将生来正幼龄，英风凛凛貌娉婷。五光宝石飞来妙，辅国安民定太平。

As the story continues, Hong Jin rode forward to the front lines and shouted loudly, "Are you Jiang Shang who comes forth?" Zi Ya replied, "What is your name, general?" Hong Jin said, "I am Hong Jin, the Grand Commander of Heaven's Mandate for Pacification." "You have failed to uphold your loyalty as a subject and dared defy the mandate of Heaven, resisting our imperial forces. The law will not show you leniency." "Now I have come here by imperial decree to punish you and bring you back to Chaogu, so that the state's laws may be upheld." "If you understand your peril, dismount and surrender at once; this will save the people of this region from suffering." Zi Ya smiled and said, "Hong Jin, you are a great general; you should know the signs of fortune. The realm now belongs to King Zhou, and virtuous men have all turned against the tyrant; I can see you are but a shallow pool of water—what great matter could you possibly achieve?" "Now, eight hundred feudal lords have united to punish the tyrant. Soon I will gather my forces at Mengjin, relieve the suffering of the people, and bring justice by rescuing them from hardship while quelling this chaos." "If you surrender quickly, you will return to the righteous path and retain your position as a marquis. You need not lose it." "To still dare defy Heaven's mandate and aid the tyrant is to invite punishment upon yourself." Hong Jin shouted in fury, "You old rascal!" How dare you speak so recklessly and act with such arrogance!" With that, he spurred his horse forward, raised his saber high, and charged through the ranks. Ji Shuming shouted from the side, "Do not grow arrogant!" He urged his horse forward, brandished a spear, and charged directly at Hong Jin. The two generals engaged in fierce combat, locked together in battle. Ji Shuming was the seventy-second son of King Wen. This prince had a particularly hasty and impetuous nature, wielding his spear with ferocity like wolves or tigers. The two fought for about thirty to forty rounds. Hong Jin, who had originally been a practitioner of dark arts, suddenly squeezed his horse's sides and leaped out of the circle. He thrust a black flag downward and raised his saber upward. The flag transformed into a gate, through which Hong Jin rode straight in with both man and horse, vanishing within the flag-gate. The prince did not realize what was happening and urged his horse to charge into the flag gate as well. At this moment, Hong Jin could see Ji Shuming; but Ji Shuming could not see Hong Jin. Just as the prince's horse entered the flag gate, Hong Jin from within struck with his saber and slashed Ji Shuming off his horse. Zi Ya was greatly shocked. Hong Jin retracted the flag gate, returned to his physical form, and shouted loudly, "Who will come forth to meet my challenge?" From the side came Deng Chanyu, who rode forward to the front and shouted, "You wretch!" Do not act so arrogantly! I am here to deal with you!" Hong Jin saw a female general galloping toward him, clad in golden helmet and armor, arriving swiftly before his horse. How did she appear? A poem testifies: A young maiden born with virtue, her bearing noble and graceful. Five-colored gems shine brilliantly as she comes; she shall assist the state, bring peace to its people, and stabilize tranquility.

邓婵玉一马冲至阵前。洪锦也不答话，舞刀直取。佳人手中双刀急架忙迎。洪锦暗思：女将──不可恋战，速斩为上策。洪锦依然去把皂旛如前用度，把马走入旗门里面去了，只说邓婵玉赶他。不知婵玉有智，也不来赶，忙取五光石往旗门里一石打来，听得洪锦在旗门内“哎哟”一声，面已著伤，收了旗旛，败回营去了。子牙回兵进府，又见伤了一位殿下，郁郁不爽，纳闷在府。

Deng Chanyu rode forward in a single charge to the front of the formation. Hong Jin did not respond and immediately brandished his saber, charging straight at her. The heroine quickly raised her twin sabers to meet the attack head-on. Hong Jin thought secretly: "A female general—do not linger in battle; it is best to slay her quickly." Hong Jin, as before, used the black banner and rode his horse into the flag gate. He claimed that Deng Chanyu was chasing after him. Unbeknownst to Hong Jin, Deng Chanyu was wise and did not pursue. Instead, she quickly hurled a five-colored gemstone into the flag gate. A moment later, from within the gate came a cry of "Aiyao!" as Hong Jin had been struck in the face. He retracted his banner, wounded and defeated, and retreated back to camp. Zi Ya returned with his troops into the city and entered the residence, where he saw that another prince had been wounded. Troubled and dejected, he remained in a state of gloom within the residence.

且言洪锦被五光石打得面上眼肿鼻青，激得只是咬牙，忙用丹药敷贴，一夜全愈。次日，上马亲至城下，坐名只要女将。哨马报入相府，言：“洪锦只要邓婵玉。”子牙无计，只得著人到后面来说。土行孙见人来报，忙对邓婵玉曰：“今日洪锦坐名要你，你切不可进他旗门。”婵玉曰：“我在三山关大战数年，难道左道也不知？我岂有进他旗门去的理。”二人正议论间，时有龙吉公主听见，忙出净室，问曰：“你二人说甚么？”土行孙对：“成汤有一大将洪锦，善用幻术，将皂旗一面，化一旗门，殿下姬叔明赶进去，被他一刀送了性命。昨与婵玉交战，他又用皂旛，被他不赶，只一石往里面打去，打伤此贼。他今日定要婵玉出马，故此弟子分付他今日切不可赶他。如若不去，使他说吾西岐无人物。”龙吉公主笑曰：“此乃小术，叫做‘旗门遁’。皂旛为内旗门，白旛为外旗门。既然如此，待吾收之。”土行孙上银安殿，对子牙把龙吉公主的事说了一遍。子牙大喜，忙请公主上殿。公主见子牙，打稽首，曰：“乞借一坐骑，待吾去收此将。”子牙令取五点桃花驹。龙吉公主独自出马，开了城门，一骑当先。洪锦见女将来至，不是邓婵玉。洪锦问曰：“来者乃是何人？”龙吉公主曰：“你也不必问我。我要说出来，你也不知。你只是下马受死，是你本色。”洪锦大笑，骂曰：“好大胆的贱人，焉敢如此！”纵马舞刀来取。公主手中鸾飞剑急架忙迎。二骑交锋，只三四合，洪锦又把内旗门遁使将出来。公主看见，也取出一首白旛，往下一戳，将剑一分，白旛化作一门，公主走马而入，不知所往。洪锦及至看时，不见了女将，大惊。──不知外旗门有相生相克之理。龙吉公主从后赶将出来，公主虽是仙子，终是女流，力气甚少，及举剑望洪锦背上砍来。正中肩甲，洪锦“哎哟”一声，不顾旗门皂旛，往正北上逃走。龙吉公主随后赶来，大叫：“洪锦速速下马受死！吾乃瑶池金母之女，来助武王伐纣。莫说你有道术，便赶你上天入地，也要带了你的首级来！”望前紧赶。洪锦只得舍生奔走。往前久赶，看看赶上，公主又曰：“洪锦莫想今日饶你！吾在姜丞相面前说过，定要斩你方回。”洪锦听罢，心下著忙，身上又痛，自思：“不若下马借土遁逃回，再作区处。”龙吉公主见洪锦借土遁逃走，笑曰：“洪锦这五行之术，随意变化，有何难哉！吾来也！”下马借木遁赶来。──取“木能克土”之意。看看赶至北海，洪锦自思曰：“幸吾有此宝在身，不然怎了？”忙取一物，往海里一丢。那东西见水重生，搅海翻波而来。──此物名曰鲸龙

Meanwhile, Hong Jin had been struck by the five-colored gemstone, leaving his eyes swollen and nose bruised. Fuming with rage, he gritted his teeth and quickly applied medicinal pills to treat the wounds, which healed completely in one night. The next day, Hong Jin personally rode to the city walls, demanding specifically for the female general by name. A scout galloped into the residence and reported: "Hong Jin is demanding Deng Chanyu specifically." Zi Ya had no choice but to send someone behind to speak with her. Tu Xingsun, upon hearing the report, hurried to Deng Chanyu and said, "Today Hong Jin is specifically demanding you. You must not enter his flag gate." Chanyu replied, "I have fought for years at San Shan Pass; could I possibly be unaware of dark arts? How would I ever consider entering his flag gate?" While the two were discussing, Princess Longji happened to overhear and hurried out from her chamber, asking, "What are you two talking about?" Tu Xingsun replied, "A great general of Cheng Tang named Hong Jin is skilled in illusionary arts. He uses a black flag to create a gate-like portal. Prince Ji Shuming rushed into it and was beheaded by him. Yesterday, when fighting Chanyu, he used the same black banner again. She did not chase after him but instead hurled a stone into it, wounding this villain." Now that he is determined to challenge Chanyu today, I have instructed her not to chase after him again. If we do not send someone, he will say there are no capable people in Western Qiqi." Princess Longji smiled and said, "This is a minor trick known as 'Flag Gate Retreat.'" The black banner creates an inner flag gate, while the white banner forms an outer one. If that is so, let me deal with it." Tu Xingsun went to Yin'an Hall and told Zi Ya the entire story about Princess Longji. Zi Ya was greatly pleased and hurriedly invited the princess onto the hall. Princess Longji bowed deeply to Zi Ya and said, "I beg for a steed; let me go and capture this general." Zi Ya ordered the retrieval of Wodian Taohua Ju. Princess Longji rode out alone, opened the city gate, and led the way on horseback. Hong Jin saw a female general approaching but realized it was not Deng Chanyu. Hong Jin asked, "Who are you who has come here?" Princess Longji said, "You need not ask me." Even if I were to tell you, you would not know. "You should just dismount and accept death; this is your true nature." Hong Jin laughed loudly, cursing, "How dare you, a lowly woman, act so boldly!" He spurred his horse and brandished his saber to attack. Princess Longji quickly raised her Luanfei sword in response. The two clashed on horseback, exchanging only three or four blows when Hong Jin once again employed the Inner Flag Gate Retreat. Princess Longji saw this and also took out a white banner, thrusting it downward. She slightly parted her sword, and the white banner transformed into a gate. Princess rode in on horseback and disappeared without a trace. When Hong Jin looked again, he could no longer see the female general and was greatly startled. --He did not know that there is a principle of mutual generation and overcoming between the outer flag gate and others. Princess Longji rushed out from behind. Although she was a fairy, being ultimately a woman, her strength was limited; as she raised her sword to strike Hong Jin on the back. It struck right in his shoulder armor, and with a cry of "Aiyao!" Hong Jin no longer paid attention to the flag gate or black banner but fled northward. Princess Longji hurried after him, shouting loudly, "Hong Jin, dismount and die at once! I am the daughter of the Queen Mother of Heaven, here to assist King Wu in his campaign against Zhou." Even if you have magical arts and try to escape to heaven or into the earth, I will bring your head back with me!" She urged her horse forward in pursuit. Hong Jin had no choice but to flee for his life. After chasing forward for a long time, she was about to catch up and shouted again, "Hong Jin, do not think you will be spared today! I promised Chancellor Jiang that I would only return after slaying you." After hearing this, Hong Jin became anxious and, his body still hurting, thought to himself, "I might as well dismount and use the earth retreat technique to escape back for now and think of another plan." Princess Longji, seeing Hong Jin escape using the earth retreat technique, smiled and said, "Hong Jin's five-element techniques may change at will, but what is there to find difficult! I am coming!" She dismounted and used the wood retreat technique to pursue him. --This was in accordance with the principle that "wood can overcome earth." She chased after him all the way to the North Sea, where Hong Jin thought to himself, "I'm fortunate to have this treasure with me; otherwise, how could I escape?" He quickly took an object and threw it into the sea. That item, upon touching water, came back to life, churning up waves and surging toward them from the sea. --This object was called a Jinglong (whale dragon).

。洪锦脚跨鲸龙，奔入海内而去。龙吉公主赶至北海，只见洪锦跨鲸而去。怎见得，有赞为证： 烟波荡荡，巨浪悠悠。烟波荡荡接天河，巨浪悠悠连地脉。潮来汹涌，水浸湾还。潮来汹涌，犹如霹雳吼三春；水浸湾还，却似狂风吹九夏。乘龙福老，往来必定皱眉行；跨鹤仙童，反覆果然忧虑过。近岸无村舍，傍水少鱼舟。浪卷千层雪，风生六月秋。野禽凭出没，沙乌任浮沉。眼前无钓客，耳畔有闻鸥。海底鱼游乐，天边鸟过愁。

. Hong Jin straddled the Jinglong and rushed into the sea to escape. Princess Longji arrived at the North Sea, only to see Hong Jin riding on a whale dragon as he vanished into the sea. How can this be described? A verse testifies: The misty waves stretch endlessly, and the great surges flow on without end. Misty ripples stretch to connect with the Milky Way; mighty waves meander to link with the earth's veins. Tides surge and crash, while waters seep back into bays. The surging tides roar like thunder in early spring; the receding waters swirl as if fierce winds were blowing through the ninth summer. Riding a dragon, the old man of fortune, when going or coming, must frown his way forward; The immortal child riding a crane, indeed, has worried repeatedly. Near the shore there are no villages or houses; by the water's edge, few fishing boats can be seen. Waves roll like thousands of layers of snow; winds arise to bring autumn in June. Wild birds appear and disappear at will, while sandpipers float or sink as they please. Before one's eyes there are no anglers; by the ear, gulls can be heard calling. Fish swim and play in the depths of the sea; birds flying past the horizon bring sorrow.

话言龙吉公主赶至北海，见洪锦跨鲸而逃。公主笑曰：“幸吾离瑶池带得此宝而来。”忙向锦囊中取出一物，也往海里一丢。那宝贝见水，复现原身，滑喇喇分开水势，如泰山一般。──此宝名为神；原身浮于海面。公主站立于上，仗剑赶来。此神善降鲸龙。起头鲸龙入海，搅得波浪滔天；次后来神入海，鲸龙无势。龙吉公主看看赶上，祭起困龙索，命黄巾力士：“将洪锦速拿往西岐去！”黄巾力士领娘娘法旨，凭空把洪锦拎去，拿往西岐，至相府，往阶下一摔。子牙正与众将官共议军情，只见空中摔下洪锦，子牙大喜。不知洪锦性命如何，且听下回分解。

Speaking of Princess Longji, she arrived at the North Sea and saw Hong Jin escaping on a whale. Princess smiled and said, "I'm fortunate that I brought this treasure with me from the Jade Pool." She quickly took an item out of her brocade pouch and threw it into the sea as well. The treasure, upon touching water, resumed its original form, splitting the waters with a whooshing sound like Mount Tai. --This treasure was named Shen; its original form floated on the sea surface. Princess stood upon it, brandishing her sword as she pursued him. This treasure is especially skilled at subduing whale dragons. The whale dragon surged into the sea, churning up waves that reached the sky; Then came the treasure into the sea, and the whale dragon lost its power. Princess Longji was about to catch up, raised the Dragon-Binding Rope, and commanded the Yellow Turban Warriors: "Quickly seize Hong Jin and take him back to Western Qiqi!" The Yellow Turban Warriors, obeying the Empress's decree, lifted Hong Jin from midair and carried him to Western Qiqi. Upon arriving at the prime minister's residence, they hurled him down onto the steps below. Zi Ya was just discussing military affairs with his generals when he suddenly saw Hong Jin fall from the sky. Zi Ya was greatly pleased. What happened to Hong Jin's life? We shall hear in the next chapter.