Chapter 70: Daoist Dianzhi Subdues Kong Xuna

诗曰： 准提菩萨产西方，道德根深妙莫量。荷叶有风生色相，莲花无雨立津梁。 金弓银戟非防患，宝杵鱼肠另有方。漫道孔宣能变化，婆娑树下号明王。

The verse says: Dianzhi Pusa was born in the West, with deep roots of virtue and morality beyond measure. Lotus leaves bear color and form as wind passes through them; lotus flowers stand firm as a bridge without rain. Golden bows and silver halberds are not for guarding against calamities, the treasure pestle and fish intestine have another method. Do not say Kong Xuan can transform at will; beneath the posa tree he is hailed as King Ming.

话说高继能与“五岳”大战，一条枪如银蟒翻身，风驰雨骤，甚是惊人。怎见得一场大战，有赞为证，赞曰： 刮地寒风如虎吼，旗旛招展红闪灼。飞虎忙施提芦枪；继能枪摇真猛恶。文聘使发托天叉；崔英银锤一似流星落。黑虎板斧似车轮；蒋雄神抓金纽索。三军喝彩把旗摇，正是“黑杀”逢“五岳”。

It was said that Gao Jinen fought a great battle with the "Five Great Mountains." His spear moved like a silver python turning over, swift as wind and sudden as rain, most astonishing indeed. How can one see the great battle? A eulogy serves as evidence. The eulogy says: The cold wind howled like a tiger, sweeping the ground; banners fluttered and red flames flickered. Fei Hu hurriedly deployed his Tulu spear; Jinen's spear swayed with true ferocity. Wen Pin wielded the Tuotian fork; Cui Ying's silver mace fell like a meteor. Hei Hu's broad axe was as large as a cart wheel; Jiang Xiong's divine claws were golden loops. The three armies cheered and waved their banners; it was indeed the "Black Slayer" meeting the "Five Great Mountains."

且说高继能久战多时，一条枪挡不住五般兵器，又不能跳出圈子，正在慌忙之时，只见蒋雄使的抓把金纽索一软，高继能乘空把马一撺，跳出圈子就走。崇黑虎等五人随后赶来。高继能把蜈蜂袋一抖，好蜈蜂！遮天映日，若骤雨飞蝗。文聘拨回马就要逃走，崇黑虎曰：“不妨。不可著惊，有吾在此。”忙把背后一红葫芦顶揭开了，里边一阵黑烟冒出，烟里隐有千只铁嘴神鹰。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 葫芦黑烟生，烟开神鬼惊。秘传玄妙法，千只号神鹰。乘烟飞腾起，蜈蜂当作羹。铁翅如铜剪，尖嘴似金针。翅打蜈蜂成粉烂，嘴啄蜈蜂化水晶。今朝“五岳”来相会，“黑杀”逢之命亦倾。

Let us speak of Gao Jinen, who had been engaged in prolonged battle for a long time. His spear could not hold off the five weapons, and he was unable to break out of the circle. Just as he was panicking, he saw Jiang Xiong's claws loosen the golden loop rope slightly. Seizing the opportunity, Gao Jinen spurred his horse and leaped out of the circle to flee. Chong Heihu and the other four men hurried after him. Gao Jinen shook his centipede bag, and out came a fine centipede! They blocked the sky and shaded the sun, like sudden rain or swarming locusts. Wen Pin turned his horse to flee, but Chong Heihu said, "Do not worry." "Do not be alarmed; I am here." He quickly removed the red gourd on his back, and from within a column of black smoke rose. Hidden in the smoke were over a thousand iron-beaked divine hawks. How can this be seen? A eulogy serves as proof. The eulogy says: From the gourd black smoke arises, and when it spreads, gods and ghosts are startled. Secretly transmitted wondrous methods summon a thousand divine hawks in chorus. Riding the smoke they soar upward, turning centipedes into soup. Iron wings like copper shears, sharp beaks as fine as golden needles. Wings beat the centipedes to powder; beaks peck them into crystal shards. Today, the "Five Great Mountains" have come together; when the "Black Slayer" meets them, his fate is doomed.

且说高继能蜈蜂尽被崇黑虎铁嘴神鹰翅打嘴吞，一时吃了个乾乾净净。高继能大怒：“焉敢破吾之术！”复回来又战。五人又把高继能围住。黄飞虎一条枪裹住了高继能。只见孔宣在营中问掠阵官曰：“高将军与何人对敌？”军政司禀曰：“与五员大将杀在垓心。”孔宣前往，出营门掠阵。见高继能枪法渐乱，才待走马出营，高继能早被黄飞虎一枪刺中胁下，翻鞍坠马。枭了首级，才要掌鼓回营，忽听得后边大呼曰：“匹夫少待回兵，吾来也！”五将见孔宣来至，黄飞虎骂曰：“孔宣！你不知天时，真乃匹夫也！”孔宣笑曰：“我也不对你这等草木之辈讲闲话，你且不要走，放马来！”把刀一愰，直取文聘、崇黑虎忙举双斧砍来，一似车轮，六骑交锋，直杀得： 空中飞鸟藏林内，山里狼虫隐穴中。

Let us speak of Gao Jiren's centipedes, all of which were beaten and devoured by Chong Heihu's iron-beaked divine hawks, leaving not a single one remaining. Gao Jiren was furious: "How dare you break my art!" He returned and fought again. The five men once more surrounded Gao Jiren. Huang Feihu's spear wrapped around Gao Jiren, trapping him. Just then Kong Xuan asked the officer in charge of scouting from within his camp: "General Gao, with whom are you engaged in battle?" The military official reported: "He is locked in fierce combat at the center of the battlefield with five great generals." Kong Xuan went forward and left the camp gate to scout. He saw that Gao Jiren's spear techniques were growing increasingly disordered. Just as he was about to ride out of the camp, Gao Jiren had already been pierced in the side by Huang Feihu's spear and fell from his horse. They severed his head, just as they were about to beat the drum and return to camp, when suddenly a loud cry came from behind: "Hold your horses, you wretch! I am coming!" The five generals saw Kong Xuan approaching. Huang Feihu scolded, saying: "Kong Xuan!" "You do not know the will of Heaven; you are truly a wretch!" Kong Xuan laughed and said, "I will not waste words on you lowly weeds. Do not run away; come forth and fight!" He brandished his sword, and straightaway attacked. Wen Pin and Chong Heihu hurriedly raised their double axes to strike back, the blades as large as cart wheels. Six riders clashed in fierce combat, fighting so fiercely that: Birds in flight hid within the woods; wolves and beasts in the mountains concealed themselves in their dens.

孔宣见这五员将兵器来得甚是凶猛，“若不下手，反为他所算。”把背后五道光华往下一愰，五员战将一去毫无踪影，只剩得五骑归营。子牙正坐，只见探事官来报：“五将被孔宣华光撒去，请令定夺。”子牙大惊曰：“虽然杀了高继能，到又折了五将！且按兵不动。”话说孔宣进营，把神光一抖，只见五将跌下，照前昏迷。分付左右监在后营。孔宣见左右并无一将，只得自己一个，也不来请战，只阻住咽喉总路，周兵如何过去得。

Kong Xuan saw that these five generals wielded weapons with great ferocity and thought, "If I do not strike now, they will outwit me." He brandished the five beams of light from behind his back downward, and in an instant, the five generals vanished without a trace, leaving only their five horses to return to camp. Zi Ya was seated when a scout officer arrived and reported: "The five generals have been taken away by Kong Xuan's radiant light. Please give orders." Zi Ya was greatly shocked and said, "Although Gao Jiren has been killed, we have now lost five more generals!" "Let us hold our forces in place for the time being." It was said that Kong Xuan returned to camp and shook his divine light. At once, the five generals fell down, unconscious as before. He ordered those on either side to imprison them in the rear camp. Kong Xuan saw there were no other generals on either side, only himself. He did not come to challenge them but instead blocked the main pass at their throats; how could the Zhou forces possibly pass through?

话说子牙头运粮草官杨戬至辕门下马，大惊曰：“这时侯还在此处？”军政官报与子牙：“督运官杨戬听令。”子牙传令：“令来。”杨戬上帐三谒毕，禀曰：“催粮参千五百，不误限期，请令定夺。”子牙曰：“督粮有功，当得为国。”杨戬曰：“是何人领兵阻在此处？”子牙把死了黄天化，并擒拿了许多将官的事说了一遍。杨戬听得黄天化已死，正是： 道心推在汪洋海，却把无名上脑来。

It was said that Yang Jian, the officer in charge of transporting provisions for Zi Ya, arrived at the 辕门 (yuanmen) and dismounted. He was greatly surprised and exclaimed: "Are you still here at this hour?" The military official reported to Zi Ya: "Supervisor of transport Yang Jian, report for orders." Zi Ya gave the order: "Come forward." Yang Jian entered the tent, kowtowed three times in succession, and reported: "I have transported 1500 measures of grain on schedule without delay. Please give orders." Zi Ya said, "For overseeing the transport of provisions with success, you deserve to serve your country." Yang Jian asked: "Who is it that leads troops and blocks our path here?" Zi Ya recounted the entire story of Huang Tianhua's death, as well as how many generals had been captured. Upon hearing that Huang Tianhua was dead, Yang Jian felt just as the verse says: The Daoist heart is cast into the vast ocean, yet now unnamed worries rise to his mind.

杨戬曰：“明日元帅亲临阵前，待弟子看他是甚么东西作怪，好以法治之。”子牙曰：“这也有理。”杨戬下帐，只见南宫适、武吉对杨戬曰：“孔宣连拿黄飞虎、洪锦、哪吒、雷震子莫知去向。”杨戬曰：“吾有照妖鉴在此，不曾送上终南山去。明日元帅会兵，便知端的。”次日，子牙带众门人出营，来会孔宣。巡营军卒报入中军。孔宣闻报出来，复会子牙，曰：“你等无故造反，诬谤妖言，惑乱天下诸侯，妄起兵端，欲至孟津会合天下叛贼，我也不与你厮杀，我只阻住你不得过去，看你如何会得成！待你等粮草尽绝，我再拿你未迟。”只见杨戬在旗门下把照妖鉴照著孔宣，看镜里面似一块五彩装成的玛瑙，滚前滚后。杨戬暗思：“这是个甚么东西？”孔宣看见杨戬照他，孔宣笑曰：“杨戬，你将照妖鉴上前来照，那远远照，恐不明白。大丈夫当明白做事，不可暗地里行藏。我让你照！”杨戬被孔宣说明，便走马至军前，举鉴照孔宣，也是如前一般。杨戬迟疑。孔宣见杨戬不言不语，只管照，心中大怒，纵马摇刀直取。杨戬三尖刀急架相还。刀来刀架，两马盘旋，战有三十回合，未分胜负。杨戬见起先照不见他的本像，及至厮杀，又不见取胜，心下十分焦躁，忙祭起哮天犬在空中。那哮天犬方欲下来奔孔宣，不觉自己身轻飘飘落在神光里面去了。韦护来助杨戬，忙祭降魔杵打将下来。孔宣把神光一撒。杨戬见势头不好，知他身后的神光利害，驾金光走了。只见韦护的降魔杵早落在红光之中去了。孔宣大呼曰：“杨戬，我知道你有八九玄机，善能变化，如何也逃走了？敢再出来会我？”韦护见失了宝杵，将身隐在旗下，面面相觑。孔宣大呼：“姜尚！今日与你定个雌雄！”孔宣走马来战。子牙后有李靖大怒，骂曰：“你是何等匹夫！焉敢如此猖獗！”摇戟直冲向前，抵住孔宣的刀。二将又战在虎穴龙潭之中。李靖祭起按三十三天玲珑金塔往下打来。孔宣把黄光一绞，金塔落去无踪无影。孔宣叫：“李靖不要走！来擒你也！”正是： 红光一展无穷妙，方知玄内有真玄。

Yang Jian said: "Tomorrow, when the general-in-chief personally arrives at the front lines, let your disciple see what kind of demon he is causing trouble, so that I may deal with him according to the law." Zi Ya said: "That makes sense as well." Yang Jian left the tent and saw Nan Gongshi and Wu Ji, who said to Yang Jian: "Kong Xuan has captured Huang Feihu, Hong Jin, Nezha, and Leizhenzi; no one knows where they have gone." Yang Jian said: "I still possess the Mirror of Detecting Demons here, which I never sent up to Zhongnan Mountain. Tomorrow, when the general-in-command gathers his troops, we will know for certain." The next day, Zi Ya led his disciples out of camp to meet Kong Xuan. Patrolling soldiers from the camp reported into the central command. Kong Xuan, upon hearing the report, came out and met Zi Ya again. He said: "You have rebelled without cause, spread false accusations of demonic words, confused the feudal lords throughout the land, recklessly started a war, and sought to gather at Mengjin with rebels from all over. I will not fight you; I shall merely block your path so that you cannot pass through. See if you can still achieve your goal!" "I will not be too late to capture you when your provisions run out." Just then, Yang Jian stood beneath the flag gate and used his Mirror of Detecting Demons to look at Kong Xuan. In the mirror, he saw something resembling a piece of multicolored agate, rolling back and forth. Yang Jian pondered silently: "What kind of creature is this?" Kong Xuan saw Yang Jian examining him and laughed, saying: "Yang Jian, you are holding up the Mirror of Detecting Demons. If you want to see clearly, come closer; looking from afar may not reveal the truth." A true man should act openly and honestly, without hiding his actions in secret. "I will let you look!" Yang Jian, having been challenged by Kong Xuan, rode forward to the front of the army and raised his mirror to examine him. It was just as before. Yang Jian hesitated. Kong Xuan, seeing that Yang Jian remained silent and kept examining him, became greatly enraged and spurred his horse forward, brandishing his sword to attack directly. Yang Jian quickly raised his three-pointed spear to parry the strike. Sword met sword, their horses circling each other; they fought for thirty rounds without a clear victor. Yang Jian, seeing that he had failed to detect Kong Xuan's true form at first and now found himself unable to gain the upper hand in battle, became extremely anxious. He quickly summoned his Xiaotian Dog into the air above. Just as the Xiaotian Dog was about to descend and attack Kong Xuan, it suddenly found itself light and floated down into the divine radiance. Wei Hu came to assist Yang Jian and quickly summoned his Demonic Subjugation Pestle to strike it down. Kong Xuan scattered the divine light with a wave of his hand. Yang Jian, sensing that things were going badly for him and realizing the power of the divine light behind Kong Xuan, mounted his golden radiance and fled. Just then, Wei Hu's Demonic Subjugation Pestle had already fallen into the red light and vanished. Kong Xuan shouted loudly: "Yang Jian, I know you possess the Eight-Nine Mysteries and are skilled in transformation. How could you also run away?" "Dare you come out again to meet me?" Wei Hu, having lost his treasure pestle, concealed himself behind the flag and exchanged glances with others in embarrassment. Kong Xuan shouted: "Jiang Shang! Today, I shall settle with you who is superior and who is inferior!" Kong Xuan spurred his horse forward to fight. Zi Ya's rear was guarded by Li Jing, who became furious and scolded: "What kind of wretch are you!" How dare you act so recklessly!" He brandished his halberd and charged forward, holding off Kong Xuan's sword. The two generals once again fought fiercely in the midst of a tiger's den and dragon's pool. Li Jing summoned his Thirty-Three Heavens Lijing Golden Pagoda from above to strike down. Kong Xuan twisted the yellow light, and the golden pagoda vanished without a trace. Kong Xuan called out: "Li Jing, do not run! I am coming to capture you!" Indeed: The red light spreads endlessly wondrous, revealing that within the Dao lies even deeper mystery.

话说金木二吒见父亲被擒，兄弟二人四口宝剑飞来，大骂：“孔宣逆贼！敢伤吾父！”弟兄二人举剑就砍。孔宣手中刀急架相迎。只三合，金吒祭遁龙桩，木吒祭吴钩剑，俱祭在空中，总来孔宣把这些宝贝不为稀罕，只见俱落在红光里面去了。金木二吒见势不好，欲待要走，被孔宣把神光复一撒，早已拿去。子牙见此一阵折了许多门人，子牙怒从心上起，恶向胆边生，“吾在昆仑山也不知会过多少高明之士，岂惧你孔宣一匹夫哉！”催开四不相，怒战孔宣。未及三四合，孔宣将青光往下一撒。子牙见神光来得利害，忙把杏黄旗招展，那旗现有千朵金莲，护住身体，青光不能下来。──此正是玉虚之宝，自比别样宝贝不同。孔宣大怒，骤马赶来。子牙后队恼了邓婵玉，用手把马拎回，抓一块五光石打来。正是： 发手红光出五指，流星一点落将来。

It was said that Jin Mu'er and Erzha, upon seeing their father captured, flew forward with four swords in hand and shouted angrily: "Kong Xuan, traitorous villain! How dare you harm our father!" The two brothers raised their swords and attacked. Kong Xuan quickly raised his sword to parry the attack. After only three exchanges, Jinzha summoned the Dunlong Zhuang, and Mujia summoned the Wugou Sword. They both launched their treasures into the air to attack Kong Xuan. However, Kong Xuan did not regard these treasures as anything special; they were all swallowed by the red light. Jin Mu'er and Erzha saw that the situation was turning against them, and just as they tried to flee, Kong Xuan spread his divine light once more and had already captured them. Zi Ya, seeing so many of his disciples fall in this battle, felt anger rise from within and hatred surge at the thought. "I have encountered countless accomplished sages on Kunlun Mountain; how could I possibly fear you, a mere commoner named Kong Xuan!" He urged forward his Sibuxiang and angrily engaged Kong Xuan in battle. Before three or four exchanges had passed, Kong Xuna spread the green light downward. Zi Ya saw that this divine light was extremely powerful and quickly unfurled the Xinghuang Flag. The flag revealed a thousand golden lotus blossoms, shielding his body so that the green light could not descend. ——This was indeed one of the treasures of Yuxu; naturally, it was unlike any other treasure. Kong Xuna became furious and spurred his horse forward to pursue. Behind Zi Ya, Deng Chanyu from the rear ranks became enraged and pulled back his horse by hand. He seized a Wuguang Stone and hurled it at Kong Xuna. Indeed: With a flick of the wrist, red light emerged from five fingers; like a falling meteor, it came hurtling down.

孔宣被邓婵玉一石打伤面门，勒转马望本营逃回。不防龙吉公主祭起鸾飞宝剑，从孔宣背后砍来。孔宣不知，左臂上中了一剑，大叫一声，几乎堕马，负痛败进营来；坐在帐中，忙取丹药敷之，立时全愈。方把神光一抖，收了诸般法宝，仍将李靖、金木二吒监禁，切齿深恨。不表。

Kong Xuna was struck in the face by Deng Chanyu's stone and, reining his horse around, fled back to his own camp. Unbeknownst to him, Princess Longji summoned the Luanfei Treasure Sword and struck from behind Kong Xuna. Unaware of this, a sword strike hit his left arm, and with a loud cry, Kong Xuna nearly fell from his horse. In pain, he retreated into camp. He sat in the tent and quickly took medicinal pills to treat the wound; instantly, he was fully healed. He then shook his divine light and retracted all the various treasures, still imprisoning Li Jing, Jin Mu'er, and Erzha while gnashing his teeth in deep resentment. No further details are given.

子牙鸣金收军回营。只见杨戬已在中军。子牙升帐，问曰：“众门人俱被拿去，你如何到还来了？”杨戬曰：“弟子仗师尊妙法，师叔福力，见孔宣神光利害，弟子预先化金光走了。”子牙见杨戬未曾失利，心上还略觉安妥，然而心下甚是忧闷：“吾师偈中说‘界牌关下遇诛仙’，如何在此处有这枝人马阻住许久？似此如之奈何！”正忧闷之间，武王差小校来请子牙后帐议事。子牙忙至后帐，行礼坐下。武王曰：“闻元帅连日未能取胜，屡致损兵折将，元帅既为诸将之元首，六十万生灵俱悬于元帅掌握。今一旦信任天下诸侯狂悖，陡起议论，纠合四方诸侯，大会孟津，观政于商，致使天下鼎沸，万姓汹汹，糜烂其民。今阻兵于此，众将受羁縻之厄，三军担不测之忧，使六十万军士抛撇父母妻子，两下忧心，不能安生，使孤远离膝下，不能尽人子之礼，又有负先王之言。元帅听孤，不若回兵，固守本土，以待天时，听他人自为之，此为上策。元帅心下如何？”子牙暗思：“大王之言虽是，老臣恐违天命。”武王曰：“天命有在，何必强为！岂有凡事阻逆之理？”子牙被武王一篇言语把心中惑动，这一会执不住主意，至前营，传令与先行官：“今夜灭灶班师。”众将官打点收拾起行，不敢谏阻。二更时，辕门外来了陆压道人，忙忙急急，大呼：“传与姜元帅！”子牙方欲回兵，军政官报入：“启元帅：有陆压道人在辕门外来见。”子牙忙出迎接。二人携手至帐中坐下。子牙见陆压喘息不定，子牙曰：“道兄为何这等慌张？”陆压曰：“闻你退兵，贫道急急赶来，故尔如此。”乃对子牙曰：“切不可退兵！若退兵之时，使众门人俱遭横死。天数已定，决不差错。”子牙听陆压一番言语，也无主张，故此子牙复传令：“叫大小三军，依旧扎住营寨。”武王听见陆压来至，忙出帐相见，问其详细。陆压曰：“大王不知天意。大抵天生大法之人，自有大法之人可治。今若退兵，使被擒之将俱无回生之日。”武王听说，不敢再言退兵。且说次日，孔宣至辕门搦战。探马报入中军。陆压上前曰：“贫道一往，会会孔宣，看是如何。”陆压出了辕门，见孔宣全装甲胄，陆压问曰：“将军乃是孔宣？”宣答曰：“然也。”陆压曰：“足下既为大将，岂不知天时人事？今纣王无道，天下分崩，愿共伐独夫。足下以一人欲挽回天意耶？甲子之期乃灭纣之日，你如何阻得住？倘有高明之士出来，足下一旦失手，那时悔之晚矣。”孔宣笑曰：“料你不过草木愚夫，识得甚么天时人事！”把刀一愰，来取陆压。陆压手中剑急架忙迎。步马相交，未及五六合，陆压取葫芦欲放斩仙飞刀；只见孔宣将五色神光望陆压撒来。陆压知神光利害，化作长虹而走；进得营来，对子牙曰：“果是利害，不知是何神异，竟不可解。贫道只得化长虹走来，再作商议。”子牙听见，越加烦闷。孔宣在辕门不肯回去，只要“姜尚出来见我，以决雌雄；不可难为三军苦于此地！”左右报入中军。子牙正没奈何处治。孔宣在辕门大呼曰：“姜尚有元帅之名，无元帅之行，畏刀避剑，岂是丈夫所为！”正在辕门百般辱骂子牙，只见二运官土行孙刚至辕门，见孔宣口出大言，心下大怒：“这匹夫焉敢如此藐吾元帅！”土行孙大骂：“逆贼是谁？敢如此无理！”孔宣抬头，见一矮子，提条铁棍，身高不过三四尺长，孔宣笑曰：“你是个甚么东西，也来说话？”土行孙也不答话，滚到孔宣的马足下来，举棍就打。孔宣轮刀来架。土行孙身子伶俐，左右窜跳，三五合，孔宣甚是费力。土行孙见孔宣如此转折，随纵步跳出圈子，诱之曰：“孔宣，你在马上不好交兵，你下马来，与你见个彼此，吾定要拿你，方知吾的手段！”孔宣原不把土行孙放在眼里，便以此为实，暗想：“这匹夫合该死！不要讲刀砍他，只是一脚也踢做两断。”孔宣曰：“吾下马来与你战，看你如何！”这个正是： 你要成功扶纣王，谁知反中巧中机。

Zi Ya sounded the gong and withdrew his troops back to camp. It was seen that Yang Jian had already arrived at the central command. Zi Ya ascended to his tent and asked, "All our disciples have been captured; how is it that you still returned?" Yang Jian replied, "By relying on my master's wondrous methods and the blessings of my uncle, I saw how powerful Kong Xuna's divine light was. Disciple had foreseen this and transformed into a golden light to escape beforehand." Zi Ya, seeing that Yang Jian had not suffered any defeat, felt somewhat reassured in his heart. However, he was still deeply troubled: "My master's prophecy said 'At Jiepaiguan you will meet Zhuxian,' yet how is it that this force of troops has blocked us for so long here?" What can we do in such a situation!" While he was still troubled, King Wu sent a junior officer to summon Zi Ya to the rear tent for a discussion. Zi Ya hurriedly went to the rear tent, paid his respects, and sat down. King Wu said, "I have heard that General, you have been unable to achieve victory for several days and have repeatedly suffered losses in troops and generals. As the leader of all your commanders, the lives of sixty thousand people hang in your hands." "Now, if you were to suddenly trust the rebellious lords of all under heaven and provoke discussions, gathering together the feudal lords from every direction for a grand assembly at Mengjin to observe the governance of Shang, it would cause turmoil across the land, unrest among the people, and bring ruin upon the common folk." "Now, by holding troops here, the generals are trapped in this plight and the entire army bears the burden of unforeseen worries. This causes sixty thousand soldiers to be separated from their parents and spouses, causing anxiety on both sides and preventing them from living at peace. It also forces me to remain far away from your side, unable to fulfill my filial duties as a son, and I have failed the words of our late king." "Listen to me, General. It would be better for you to withdraw your troops and firmly defend our homeland while waiting for the right time from heaven. Let others act as they will; this is the best strategy." "What are General's thoughts on this?" Zi Ya thought to himself, "Although the King's words are reasonable, I fear that as an old minister, I may be going against Heaven's will." King Wu said, "Heaven's will is already clear; why insist on acting forcefully!" "How can there be a reason for every matter to face obstacles and resistance?" Zi Ya was unsettled by King Wu's words, and for a moment could not make up his mind. Upon arriving at the front camp, he gave orders to the vanguard officer: "Tonight, extinguish the cooking fires and withdraw our troops." The commanders prepared and packed up for departure without daring to advise or stop him. At the second watch of the night, Lu Ya Dao Ren arrived at the main gate in great haste and shouted loudly: "Summon General Jiang!" Zi Ya had just decided to withdraw his troops when the military official reported: "Your Excellency, Dao Ren Lu Ya is here at the 辕门 (main gate) to see you." Zi Ya hurried out to greet him. The two men walked hand in hand into the tent and sat down. Zi Ya noticed that Lu Ya was breathing heavily, so he asked, "Dao Xiong, why are you in such a rush?" Lu Ya said, "I heard that you were withdrawing your troops and hurried here as quickly as I could, hence this state." He then said to Zi Ya: "Under no circumstances should you withdraw the troops! If you retreat now, all your disciples will suffer untimely deaths." "The heavens have already decided the fate; there can be no mistake." After hearing Lu Ya's words, Zi Ya was still uncertain and had no clear plan. Therefore, Zi Ya once again gave orders: "Command the entire army to remain in their encampments as before." King Wu heard that Lu Ya had arrived and hurried out of his tent to meet him, asking for the details. Lu Ya said, "Your Majesty does not know Heaven's will." Generally speaking, those born with great power are naturally subject to others of equal or greater power. "If we withdraw our troops now, the captured generals will have no chance for survival." King Wu, upon hearing this, dared not speak of retreating again. Meanwhile, the next day, Kong Xuna arrived at the 辕门 to challenge for battle. The scout horseman reported into the central command. Lu Ya stepped forward and said, "I shall go alone to meet Kong Xuna; let us see what he is made of." Lu Ya exited the 辕门 and saw Kong Xuna fully clad in armor. Lu Ya asked, "Are you General Kong Xuna?" Kong Xuna replied, "Indeed I am." Lu Ya said, "You are a great general; how can you not know the will of Heaven and the course of human affairs?" "Now King Zhou is tyrannical, causing the realm to fall into chaos. I hope you will join us in punishing this despot." "Do you truly believe that one man can go against Heaven's will?" "The day of Jiazi is the day when King Zhou shall fall. How could you possibly stop it?" "If a truly accomplished person appears, and you fail in battle, it will be too late to regret your actions at that time." Kong Xuna laughed and said, "I take you for nothing more than a foolish commoner; what do you know of Heaven's will or human affairs!" With a flash of his sword, Kong Xuna attacked Lu Ya. Lu Ya quickly raised his sword to meet the attack head-on. As their horses clashed, before five or six exchanges had passed, Lu Ya reached for his gourd to release the Zhanxian Feidao (Slaying Immortal Flying Blade). Just then, Kong Xuna cast his five-colored divine light toward Lu Ya. Lu Ya, knowing the danger of this divine light, transformed into a long rainbow and fled; After returning to camp, Lu Ya said to Zi Ya: "It is indeed formidable. I do not know what kind of divine power it is; it cannot be countered." "I had no choice but to transform into a rainbow and flee for now, and we must discuss further plans." Upon hearing this, Zi Ya became even more troubled. Kong Xuna remained at the 辕门 and refused to leave, insisting, "Jiang Shang must come out to meet me so we may settle this once and for all; I will not allow these troops to suffer here any longer!" The guards reported this into the central command. Zi Ya was at a loss for how to deal with the situation. Kong Xuna shouted from the 辕门: "Jiang Shang has the title of general but lacks the conduct of one. To fear swords and avoid blades is not the act of a true man!" While Kong Xuna was hurling all sorts of insults at Zi Ya from the 辕门, two officers, Tu Xingsun, just arrived at the gate. Seeing Kong Xuna speaking so boldly, they were furious: "How dare this commoner show such contempt for our general!" Tu Xingsun angrily shouted, "Who is this traitorous villain?" How dare you act so impudently!" Kong Xuna looked up and saw a short man holding an iron staff, no more than three or four chi tall. Kong Xuna laughed and said: "What are you, that you dare to speak?" Tu Xingsun did not reply but rolled under Kong Xuna's horse and raised his staff to strike. Kong Xuna swung his sword to block. Tu Xingsun was nimble, darting left and right; after three or five exchanges, Kong Xuna found it very difficult. Seeing Kong Xuna struggling, Tu Xingsun leapt out of the circle and taunted him: "Kong Xuna, it is not easy to fight while on horseback. Dismount and let us settle this properly! I will surely capture you so that you may know my true abilities!" Kong Xuna had originally looked down on Tu Xingsun and took the taunt seriously, thinking to himself: "This commoner is doomed!" "I need not even draw my sword to kill him; a single kick would snap him in two." Kong Xuna said, "I shall dismount and fight you. Let us see how it goes!" This was precisely: You wished to achieve success by supporting King Zhou, yet who knew you would fall into a clever trap.

孔宣下马，执剑在手，往下砍来。土行孙手中棍望上来迎。二人恶战在岭下。且说报马报入中军：“启元帅：二运官土行孙运粮至辕门，与孔宣大战。”子牙著忙，恐运粮官被掳，粮道不通，令邓婵玉出辕门掠阵。婵玉立在辕门。不表。且说土行孙与孔宣步战，大抵土行孙是步战惯了的，孔宣原是马上将军，下来步战，转折甚是不疾，反被土行孙打了几下。孔宣知是失计，忙把五色神光往下撒来。土行孙见五色光华来得疾速神异，知道利害，忙把身子一扭，就不见了。孔宣见落了空，忙看地下。不防邓婵玉发手打来一石，喝曰：“逆贼看石！”孔宣听得响，及至抬头时，已是打中面门，“哎呀”一声，双手掩面，转身就走。婵玉乘机又是一石，正中后颈，著实带了重伤，逃回行营。土行孙夫妻二人大喜，进营见子牙，将打伤孔宣，得胜回营的话说了一遍。子牙亦喜，对土行孙曰：“孔宣五色神光，不知何物，摄许多门人将佐。”土行孙曰：“果是利害，俟再为区处。”子牙与土行孙庆功。不表。

Kong Xuna dismounted, took his sword in hand, and swung down to strike. Tu Xingsun raised his staff upward to meet the blow. The two engaged in fierce battle beneath the hillside. Meanwhile, a scout horseman reported to the central command: "Your Excellency, the two officers Tu Xingsun arrived at the 辕门 with supplies and are now engaged in battle with Kong Xuna." Zi Ya was alarmed, fearing that the supply officers might be captured and the grain route cut off. He ordered Deng Chanyu to go out through the 辕门 and provide support. Chanyu stood at the 辕门. No further details are given. Meanwhile, Tu Xingsun was fighting Kong Xuna on foot. As Tu Xingsun had long been accustomed to infantry combat, while Kong Xuna was originally a mounted general and thus clumsy in foot-to-foot battle, he found himself struck several times by Tu Xingsun. Realizing his mistake, Kong Xuna quickly cast down the Five-Colored Divine Light. Tu Xingsun saw that the five-colored light came swiftly and mysteriously, realizing its danger. He quickly twisted his body and vanished from sight. Kong Xuna found himself striking empty air and hurriedly looked down at the ground. Unaware, Deng Chanyu suddenly hurled a stone toward him, shouting, "Rebel villain! Take this stone!" Kong Xuna heard the sound and, by the time he looked up, the stone had already struck his face. "Aiyah!" he cried out, covering his face with both hands before turning around and fleeing immediately. Chanyu seized the opportunity to hurl another stone, which struck Kong Xuna right on his back of the neck, inflicting a serious injury. He fled back to his camp in retreat. Tu Xingsun and his wife were greatly delighted, entered the camp to see Zi Ya, and recounted how they had wounded Kong Xuna and returned victorious. Zi Ya was also pleased, and said to Tu Xingsun: "Kong Xuna's Five-Colored Divine Light is unknown in origin; it has captured many of our officers and assistants." Tu Xingsun said, "Indeed, it's formidable. We shall deal with it properly next time." Zi Ya celebrated the victory with Tu Xingsun. No further details are given.

孔宣坐在营中大恼，把脸被他打伤二次，颈上亦有伤痕，心中大怒，只得服了丹药。次日全愈，上马，只要发石的女将，以报三石之仇。报马报入中军。邓婵玉就欲出阵。子牙曰：“你不可出去。你发石打过他三次，他岂肯善与你甘休？你今出去，必有不利。”子牙止住婵玉，分付：“且悬‘免战牌’出去。”孔宣见周营悬挂“免战牌”，怒气不息而回。且说次日，燃灯道人来至辕门。军政官报入中军：“启元帅：有燃灯道人至辕门。”子牙忙出辕门迎接，入帐行礼毕，尊于上坐。子牙口称“老师”，将孔宣之事一一陈诉过一遍。燃灯曰：“吾尽知之。今日特来会他。”子牙传令：“去了‘免战牌’。”左右报于孔宣。孔宣知去了“免战牌”，忙上马提刀，至辕门请战。燃灯飘然而出。孔宣知是燃灯道人，笑曰：“燃灯道人，你是清静闲人，吾知你道行且深，何苦也来惹此红尘之祸？”燃灯曰：“你既知我道行深高，你便当倒戈投顺，同周王进五关，以伐独夫，如何执迷不悟，尚敢支吾也？”孔宣大笑曰：“我不遇知音，不发言语。你说你道行深高，你也不知我的根脚，听我道来： 混沌初分吾出世，两仪太极任搜求。如今了却生生理，不向三乘妙里游。”

Kong Xuna sat in his camp, greatly enraged. His face had been struck twice and there were also wounds on his neck; filled with anger, he could only take medicinal pills to recover. The next day, fully recovered, he mounted his horse and sought a female general skilled in stone-throwing to avenge the three stones. A scout horseman reported into the central command. Deng Chanyu was about to leave the formation. Zi Ya said, "You must not go out." He has already been struck by your stones three times; how could he possibly let you off easily? If you go out now, it will surely bring you misfortune." Zi Ya stopped Chanyu and ordered: "Hang the 'No Battle' sign outside for now." Kong Xuna saw the "No Battle" sign hanging from the Zhou camp and returned, still filled with anger. Meanwhile, on the next day, Rendeng Dao Ren arrived at the 辕门. The military official reported into the central command: "Your Excellency, Master Rendeng Dao Ren has arrived at the 辕门." Zi Ya hurriedly went out through the 辕门 to greet him, entered the tent and paid respects, then honored Rendeng Dao Ren with a seat of honor. Zi Ya respectfully addressed him as "Master Teacher" and recounted the entire matter concerning Kong Xuna in detail. Rendeng said, "I am fully aware of it." "I have come especially today to meet with him." Zi Ya gave orders: "Remove the 'No Battle' sign." The message was conveyed to Kong Xuna. Kong Xuna learned that the "No Battle" sign had been removed, quickly mounted his horse with sword in hand and went to the 辕门 for battle. Rendeng emerged gracefully. Kong Xuna recognized Rendeng Dao Ren and smiled, saying: "Master Rendeng, you are a man of peace and leisure. I know your cultivation is profound; why trouble yourself with such worldly troubles?" Rendeng replied, "Since you know my cultivation is deep and lofty, you should lay down your arms and submit. Join King Zhou in advancing through the Five Passes to overthrow this tyrant. Why remain stubbornly misguided and dare to resist?" Kong Xuna laughed heartily and said, "I have not met a true kindred spirit, so I remain silent." "You say your cultivation is profound, yet you do not know my origins. Listen well: Since the primordial chaos first divided, I emerged into existence; in the Two Instruments and Taiji, I am freely sought." "Now I have resolved all worldly matters of life and death. I no longer seek the wondrous teachings of the Three Vehicles."

孔宣道罢，燃灯一时也寻思不来：“不知此人是何物得道？”燃灯曰：“你既知兴亡，深通玄理，如何天命不知，尚兀自逆天耶？”孔宣曰：“此是你等惑众之言，岂有天位已定，而反以叛逆为正之理？”燃灯曰：“你这孽障！你自恃强梁，口出大言，毫无思忖，必有噬脐之悔！”孔宣大怒，将刀一摆，就来战燃灯。燃灯口称：“善哉！”把宝剑架刀，才战二三回合，燃灯忙祭起二十四粒定海珠来打孔宣。孔宣忙把神光一摄，只见那宝珠落在神光之中去了。燃灯大惊；又祭紫金钵盂。只见也落在神光中去了。燃灯大呼：“门人何在？”只听半空中一阵大风飞来，内现一只大鹏雕来了。孔宣见大鹏雕飞至，忙把顶上盔挺了一挺，有一道红光直冲牛斗，横在空中。燃灯道人仔细定睛，以慧眼观之，不见明白，只听见空中有天崩地塌之声。有两个时辰，只听得一声响亮，把大鹏雕打下尘埃。孔宣忙催开马，把神光来撒燃灯。燃灯借著一道祥光，自回营来；见子牙陈说利害，“不知他是何物。”只见大鹏雕也随至帐前。燃灯问大鹏曰：“孔宣是甚么东西得道？”大鹏曰：“弟子在空中，只见五色祥云护住他的身子，也像有两翅之形，但不知是何鸟。”正议之间，军政官来报：“有一道人至辕门求见。”子牙同燃灯至辕门迎接。见此人挽双抓髻，面黄身瘦，髻上戴两枝花，手中拿一株树枝，见燃灯来至，大喜曰：“道友请了！”燃灯忙打稽首曰：“道兄从何处来？”道人曰：“吾从西方来，欲会东南两度有缘者。今知孔宣阻逆大兵，特来渡彼。”燃灯已知西方教下道人，忙请入帐中。那道人见红尘滚滚，杀气腾腾，满目俱是杀运，口里只道：“善哉！善哉！”来至帐前，施礼坐下。燃灯问曰：“贫道闻西方乃极乐之乡，今到东土，济渡众生，正是慈悲方便。请问道兄尊姓大名？”道人曰：“贫道乃西方教下准提道人是也。前日广成子道友在俺西方，借青莲宝色旗，也会过贫道。今日孔宣与吾西方有缘，特来请他同赴极乐之乡。”燃灯闻言大喜曰：“道兄今日收伏孔宣，正是武王东进之期矣。”准提曰：“非但东进，孔宣得道，根行深重，与西方有缘。”准提道罢，随出营来会孔宣。不知胜负如何，且听下回分解。

After Kong Xuna finished speaking, Rendeng was momentarily at a loss: "I wonder what kind of being this person is who has attained the Dao?" Rendeng said, "Since you understand rise and fall, and are well-versed in the profound principles of the Dao, how can you be unaware of Heaven's will yet still defiantly oppose it?" Kong Xuna replied, "These are merely your words to mislead the people. How can it be reasonable that once Heaven's mandate is set, rebellion should instead become righteousness?" Rendeng said, "You wretched demon!" "By relying on your strength and arrogance, you speak such bold words without a moment's thought. You will surely regret it bitterly!" Kong Xuna became furious, brandished his sword, and charged at Rendeng for battle. Rendeng exclaimed, "Good!" He raised his sword to parry the blade. After only two or three exchanges, Rendeng hurriedly summoned twenty-four Dinghai Pearls to strike Kong Xuna. Kong Xuna quickly activated his divine light, and the precious pearls fell into it without effect. Rendeng was greatly startled; he then summoned the purple-gold basin. It too fell into the divine light and was ineffective. Rendeng cried out in alarm, "Where are my disciples?" Suddenly a strong wind blew from the sky, and from it emerged a giant Fenghuang eagle. Kong Xuna saw the giant Fenghuang eagle flying toward him and quickly adjusted his helmet. A beam of red light shot up from his head, piercing through the stars, stretching across the sky. Master Rendeng carefully focused his eyes and observed with his wisdom, but could not discern the truth. He only heard a deafening sound of heaven collapsing and earth cracking in the air. After two hours, there was suddenly a loud crash as the giant Fenghuang eagle fell to the ground. Kong Xuna hurriedly spurred his horse and unleashed his divine light toward Rendeng. Rendeng,借助 a beam of auspicious light, returned to his camp on his own; he saw Zi Ya explaining the situation and said, "I do not know what kind of being he is." Just then, the giant Fenghuang eagle also arrived in front of the tent. Rendeng asked the Fenghuang, "What kind of being is Kong Xuna who has attained cultivation?" The Fenghuang replied, "While I was in the air, I saw five-colored auspicious clouds surrounding his body. It seemed as if he had two wings, but I do not know what kind of bird it is." While they were still discussing this, a military official reported: "A Daoist master has arrived at the 辕门 to request an audience." Zi Ya and Rendeng went together to the 辕门 to welcome him. They saw this person with braided pigtails, a yellowish and thin face, two flowers on his hair buns, holding a branch of tree in hand. Upon seeing Rendeng arrive, he joyfully said, "Greeting, Daoist friend!" Rendeng hurriedly bowed and asked, "Brother Daoist, from where have you come?" The Daoist said, "I came from the West to meet two people of southeast who are destined to be connected. Now I know that Kong Xuna is obstructing and resisting your great army, so I have come especially to save him." Rendeng already knew this was a Daoist from the Western Teachings and hurriedly invited him into the tent. The Daoist saw the swirling red dust, the surging killing aura, and everywhere was filled with a destiny of slaughter. He muttered to himself, "Good!" "Good! Good!" He arrived in front of the tent, paid respects, and sat down. Rendeng asked, "I have heard that the West is a land of ultimate bliss. Now you come to the East and save sentient beings—this truly reflects compassion and kindness." May I ask for your esteemed name, Master Daoist?" The Daoist said: "I am the Daoist Dianzhi from the Western Teachings. My Daoist friend Guangchengzi visited my place in the West a few days ago, borrowed the Qinglian Baose Banner, and also met with me." Today, Kong Xuna has karmic connections with my Western Teachings, so I have specially come to invite him to join me in the Land of Ultimate Bliss." Rendeng heard this and was greatly pleased, saying: "Brother Daoist, if you can subdue Kong Xuna today, it will mark the time for King Wu's advance to the east." Dianzhi said: "It is not only about advancing eastward. Kong Xuna has attained cultivation, with deep roots and karmic connections to the West." After Dianzhi finished speaking, he immediately left the camp to meet Kong Xuna. Whether victory or defeat will follow remains to be seen in the next chapter.