Chapter 71: Zi Ya Divides His Army into Three Routes

诗曰： 丞相兴兵列战车，虎贲将士实堪夸。诸侯鼓舞皆忘我，黎庶歌讴尽弃家。 剑戟森罗飞瑞彩，旌旗掩映舞朝霞。须知天意归仁圣，纵有征诛若浪沙。

The poem says: The prime minister raised an army and arranged war chariots; the tiger 贲 generals and soldiers are indeed worthy of praise. The feudal lords were so inspired that they all forgot about me; the common people sang songs, completely abandoning their homes. Swords and halberds were densely arranged, radiating auspicious colors; banners and flags shimmered in the morning glow of dawn. One must know that Heaven's will belongs to benevolence and sainthood; even if there are campaigns and punishments, they are as fleeting as sand in a wave.

话说准提道人上岭，大呼曰：“请孔宣答话！”少时，孔宣出营，见一道人来得蹊跷。怎见得？有偈为证，偈曰： 身披道服，手执树枝。八德池边常演道，七宝林下说三乘。顶上常悬舍利子，掌中能写没文经。飘然真道客，秀丽实奇哉。炼就西方居胜境，修成永寿脱尘埃。莲花成体无穷妙，西方首领大仙来。

It is said that the Daoist Master Zhunti ascended the hill and shouted loudly, "Please Kong Xuan come forward to speak!" After a short while, Kong Xuan came out of his camp and saw that the Daoist master had arrived in an unusual manner. How so? There is a verse to attest, the verse says: Clad in Daoist robes, holding a branch in hand. Frequently expounding the Dao by the Eight Virtues Pool, and speaking of the Three Vehicles beneath the Seven Treasures Grove. On his head often hung a relic; in his palm he could write scriptures without words. Gracefully, a true Daoist traveler; truly wondrous and beautiful indeed. Cultivated to dwell in the Western Pure Land's superior realm, perfected for eternal longevity and freed from worldly dust. Bodily transformed into lotus, infinitely wondrous; the great immortal leader of the West has arrived.

话说孔宣见准提道人，问曰：“那道者通个名来！”道人曰：“我贫道与你有缘，特来同你享西方极乐世界，演讲三乘大法，无罣无碍，成就正果，完此金刚不坏之体，岂不美哉！何苦与此杀劫中寻生活耶？”孔宣大笑曰：“一派乱言，又来惑吾！”道人曰：“你听我道。我见你有歌为证，歌曰： 功满行完宜沐浴，炼成本性合天真。天开于子方成道，九戒三皈始自新。 脱却羽毛归极乐，超出凡笼养百神。洗尘涤垢全无染，返本还元不坏身。”

It is said that Kong Xuan saw Master Zhunti and asked, "Daoist, please state your name!" The Daoist said, "I, this poor Daoist, share a karmic connection with you. I have specially come to accompany you in enjoying the Western Pure Land, expounding the Three Vehicles' great teachings, free from hindrance and obstruction, achieving the true fruition, perfecting this indestructible Diamond Body—would that not be wonderful!" "Why go to such lengths to seek life in the midst of this cycle of killing and calamity?" Kong Xuan laughed loudly, saying, "A bunch of nonsense, trying to deceive me again!" The Daoist said, "Listen carefully to what I say." I have a song as evidence of your cultivation. The song says: When merit is full and conduct complete, one should bathe in purity; refining the original nature to unite with innate truth. Heaven opens at Zi hour for Dao to be realized; only after observing nine precepts and making three returns can one begin anew. Shedding feathers and plumage, returning to the Pure Land; transcending the cage of ordinariness, nurturing a hundred deities. Washing away dust and stains, completely unblemished; returning to one's original nature and fundamental essence, an indestructible body."

孔宣听罢大怒，把刀望道人顶上劈来。准提道人把七宝妙树一刷，把孔宣的大杆刀刷在一边。孔宣忙取金鞭在手，复望准提道人打来。道人又把七宝妙树刷来，把孔宣的鞭又刷在一边去了。孔宣止存两只空手，心上著急，忙将当中红光一撒，把准提道人撒去。燃灯看红光撒去了准提道人，不觉大惊。只见孔宣撒去了准提道人，只是睁著眼，张著嘴，须臾间，顶上盔，身上袍甲，纷纷粉碎，连马压在地下，只听得孔宣五色光里一声雷响，现出一尊圣像来，十八只手，二十四首，执定璎珞伞盖，花罐鱼肠，如持神杵、宝锉、金铃、金弓、银戟、旛旗等件。准提道人作偈曰： “宝焰金光映日明，西方妙法最微精。千千璎珞无穷妙，万万祥光逐次生。 加持神杵人罕见，七宝杯中岂易行。今番同赴莲台会，此日方知大道成。”

After hearing this, Kong Xuan became furious and swung his sword toward the Daoist's head. Master Zhunti waved the Seven Treasures Wondrous Tree, and with a flick, sent Kong Xuan's large polearm sword flying to one side. Kong Xuan quickly took up his golden whip and once again charged toward Master Zhunti. The Daoist once more waved the Seven Treasures Wondrous tree, sending Kong Xuan's whip flying to one side again. Kong Xuan was left with only empty hands, and feeling anxious, he quickly scattered a red light from the center of his body to cast Master Zhunti away. Randel saw the red light scatter Master Zhunti, and could not help but be greatly startled. He saw Kong Xuan scatter Master Zhunti away, and only opened his eyes wide and mouth agape. In an instant, the helmet on his head, the robe and armor on his body crumbled into pieces one after another; even his horse collapsed to the ground. Just then, from within a flash of five-colored light came a thunderclap, revealing a sacred statue: eighteen arms, twenty-four heads, holding in hand various items such as jeweled canopies, flower vases, fish intestines, like wielding divine pestles, precious chisels, golden bells, golden bows, silver halberds, banners and flags. Master Zhunti composed a verse: "Precious flames of golden light shine brightly under the sun; the wondrous teachings of the West are most subtle and refined. Thousand upon thousand jeweled ornaments reveal endless wonders, ten-thousand upon ten-thousand auspicious lights arise in succession." The divine pestle for empowerment is rarely seen by mortals; how easy could it be to attain the Seven Treasures Cup? This time, together we attend the Lotus Platform assembly; only today do I know that the great Dao is realized."

且说准提道人将孔宣用丝绦扣著他颈下，把加持宝杵放在他身上，口称：“道友，请现原形！”霎时间，现出一只目细冠红孔雀来。准提道人坐在孔雀身上，一步步走下岭，进了子牙大营。准提道人曰：“贫道不下来了。”欲别子牙。子牙曰：“老师大法无边。孔宣将吾许多门人诸将不知放于何地？”准提问孔宣曰：“道友今日已归正果，当还子牙众将门人。”孔雀应曰：“俱监在行营里。”准提道人对子牙说过，别了燃灯，把孔雀一扑，只见孔雀二翅飞腾，有五色祥云紫雾盘旋，迳往西方去了。

Meanwhile, Master Zhunti tied Kong Xuan with a silken cord around his neck and placed the empowered treasure pestle upon him. He called out, "Daoist friend, please reveal your original form!" In an instant, a peacock with fine eyes and a red crest appeared. Master Zhunti sat upon the peacock's back, step by step descending the hill into Suba's main camp. Master Zhunti said, "I will not descend any further." He wished to bid farewell to Suba. Suba said, "Master, your great Dharma is boundless. "Kong Xuan has caused much trouble for my many disciples and generals—where are they placed now?" Master Zhunti asked Kong Xuan, "Daoist friend, you have today returned to the true fruition; you should return Suba's generals and disciples." The peacock replied, "They are all detained in the field camp." After informing Suba, Master Zhunti bid farewell to Randel. He gave the peacock a pat; at once, the peacock spread its wings and soared into the sky, with five-colored auspicious clouds and purple mists swirling around it as it directly flew westward and vanished.

且说子牙同韦护、陆压，领众将至孔宣行营，招降兵卒。众兵见无头领，俱愿投降。子牙许之，忙至后营，放众门人。诸将等出来，至本营拜谢子牙、燃灯毕。次日，崇黑虎等回崇城。燃灯、陆压俱各归山。杨戬仍催粮去讫。子牙传令：“催动人马。”大军过了金鸡岭，一路无词，兵至汜水关。探马报入。子牙传令安营，在关下札住大寨。怎见得： 营安胜地，寨背孤虚。南分朱雀北玄武，东按青龙西白虎。提更小校摇金铃，传箭儿郎擒 战鼓。依山傍水结行营，暗伏强弓百步弩。

Meanwhile, Suba, together with Wei Hu and Lu Ya, led the generals to Kong Xuan's field camp to recruit surrendered soldiers. The soldiers, seeing no leader present, all willingly surrendered. Suba agreed and hurried to the rear camp to release his disciples. The generals emerged, came to their own camp, and after bowing and thanking Suba and Randel, completed the ceremony. The next day, Chong Heihu returned to Chongcheng. Randel and Lu Ya both returned to their respective mountains. Yang Jian continued to urge the completion of grain supplies. Suba issued an order: "Urgently mobilize troops and horses." The main army passed Jinji Ling, proceeding without incident along the way until it reached Sishui Pass. A scout horseman reported in. Suba gave orders to set up camp and established the main encampment below the pass. How so: The camp is situated in a superior location, with the fortress behind it facing an empty space. Zhuque to the south and Xuanwu to the north; Qilong to the east and Baihu to the west. Junior officers on duty shook golden bells, while messengers carried orders for battle drums. The field camp was established with mountains behind and water nearby; hidden were powerful bows and hundred-step crossbows.

子牙升帐坐下，将正印佥哪吒为先行，把南宫适补后哨，住兵三日。

Suba ascended to his tent and took his seat, appointing Nezha as the vanguard with the official seal, and assigning Nan Gong Shi to command the rear guard. Troops remained stationed for three days.

且说汜水关韩荣闻孔宣失机，周兵又至下关，与众将上城，看子牙人马著实整齐。但见得： 一团杀气，摆一川铁马兵戈；五彩纷纷，列千杆红旗赤帜。 画戟森罗，轻飘豹尾描金五彩旛；兵戈凛冽，树立斩虎屠龙纯雪刃。 密密钢锋，如列百万大小水晶盘；对对长枪，似排数千粗细冰淋尾。 幽幽画角，犹如东海老龙吟；唧唧提铃，酷似檐前铁马响。 长弓初吐月，短弩似飞凫。锦帐团营如密布，旗旛绣带似层云。 道服儒巾，尽是玉虚门客；红袍玉带，都系走马先行。 正是：子牙东进兵戈日，我武惟扬在此行。

Meanwhile, Han Rong of Sishui Pass heard that Kong Xuan had failed in his mission and that the Zhou forces had once again arrived at the lower pass. He climbed onto the city wall with his generals to observe Suba's troops, who were indeed well-organized. He saw: A mass of killing qi; an entire plain filled with iron-clad horses, weapons and spears; Five-colored banners fluttered in the air, thousands of red flags and crimson standards lined up. Painted halberds stood densely arranged; light banners with golden patterns on five-colored leopard-tail designs fluttered gently; Weapons and spears gleamed coldly, standing upright like pure snow blades capable of slaying tigers and dragons. Dense rows of sharp steel edges, as if arranging hundreds of millions of large and small crystal plates; Pair upon pair of long spears, like thousands of thick and thin ice lollipops lined up. The deep sound of painted horns echoed like the roar of an old dragon from the East Sea; The jingling of bells sounded just like the clinking of iron horses hanging beneath eaves. Long bows seemed to shoot out from the moon, short crossbows resembled flying ducks. Silk tents and encampments were as densely arranged as a tight formation; banners and embroidered ribbons looked like layered clouds. Daoist robes and Confucian headwear—every one was a disciple of the Yuxu School; Red robes with jade sashes—all were vanguard riders. Indeed: On the day Suba advanced eastward with weapons and spears, our martial might was displayed in this campaign.

韩荣看子牙大营，尽是大红旗，心下疑惑。韩荣下城，在银安殿与众将官修本，差官往朝歌告急；一边点将上城，设守城之法。且说子牙在中军正坐，有先行官哪吒进前言曰：“兵至关下，宜当速战。师叔住兵不战，何也？”子牙曰：“不可。吾如今三路分兵：一路取佳梦关；一路取青龙关；佥二位总兵以取二关，非才德兼全、英雄一世者不足以当此任。吾知非黄将军、洪将军不可。”二将至前。子牙曰：“二位可拈一阄，分为左右。”二将应喏。子牙把二阄放在桌上，只见黄飞虎拈的是青龙关；洪锦拈的是佳梦关。二将各挂红簪花，每一路分兵十万。黄飞虎的先行是邓九公；黄明、周纪、龙环、吴谦、黄飞豹、黄飞彪、黄天禄、黄天爵、黄天祥、太鸾、邓秀、赵升、孙焰红，择吉日祭旗，往青龙关去了。洪锦的先行是季康；南宫适、苏护、苏全忠、辛免、太颠、闳夭、祁恭、尹籍，分兵十万，往佳梦关去了。离了汜水关，一路上浩浩军威，人喊马嘶，三军踊跃，过了些重山重水，县府州衙，哨马报入中军：“前至佳梦关了。”洪锦传令安营。立了大寨。三军呐喊，洪锦升帐，众将参谒。洪锦曰：“兵行百里，不战自疲。俟次日谁先取关走一遭？”季康应声：“愿往。”洪锦许之。季康次日，上马提刀，至关下搦战。佳梦关主将胡升、胡雷、徐坤、胡云鹏正议退兵，只见报马入帅府：“启总兵：周将请战。”胡升问：“谁人退周将走一遭？”傍有徐坤领令，全装甲胄出关。季康认得是徐坤，大呼曰：“徐坤，今日天下尽属周王，汝何为尚逆天命而强战也？”徐坤大骂：“反贼！谅尔不过一走使耳，你有何能，敢出大言！”纵马摇枪直取。季康手中刀赴面交还。两马相交，大战五十馀合。季康口中念念有词，只见顶上一道黑气，黑气中现一狗头。正酣战之间，徐坤被狗夹脸一口，徐坤未曾防备，怎经得一口，不觉手中枪法大乱，早被季康手起一刀，挥于马下，枭了首级，掌鼓进营报功。不题。且说报马报与胡升，说徐坤阵亡。胡升心下甚是不乐。次日，左右又报：“有周将讨战。”胡升令胡云鹏走一遭。云鹏领令上马，提斧出得关来。看来将乃是苏全忠。胡云鹏大骂：“反贼！天下反完了，你也不可反。你姐姐是朝阳宠后，这等忘本！你好生坐在马上，待吾来擒你！”二马拨开，枪斧并举，大战龙潭虎穴。战有三四十合，胡云鹏不觉汗流。正是： 征云惨淡遮红日，海沸江翻神鬼愁。

Han Rong looked at Suba's main encampment, where all the banners were bright red; he felt puzzled and uncertain in his heart. Han Rong descended from the city wall, went to Yinan Hall with his generals, drafted a report, and sent envoys to Chaoguo for urgent reinforcements; while on the other hand he selected generals to man the city walls and arranged defensive strategies. Meanwhile, in his central command tent, Suba was seated when the vanguard officer Nezha stepped forward and said, "The troops have arrived at the pass; we should engage in battle without delay. Why does Uncle Master hold back our forces and not fight?" Suba said, "No. Now I have divided my forces into three routes: one route to capture Jiameng Pass; one route to take Qinglong Pass; I have appointed two generals in charge of capturing the two passes, but only those who are both talented and virtuous, as well as heroes of their generation, can be entrusted with such a responsibility. I know that no one other than General Huang and General Hong would suffice." The two generals stepped forward. Suba said, "Both of you may draw lots to determine who takes the left and right routes." The two generals responded with a respectful "Yes, Master." Suba placed the two lots on the table. Huang Feihu drew Qinglong Pass; Hong Jin drew Jiameng Pass. The two generals each received red floral decorations and were assigned ten thousand troops for their respective routes. Huang Feihu's vanguard was Deng Jiugong; Huang Ming, Zhou Ji, Long Huan, Wu Qian, Huang Feibao, Huang Feibiao, Huang Tianlu, Huang Tianjue, Huang Tianxiang, Tailuan, Deng Xiu, Zhao Sheng, and Sun Yanhong selected a propitious day to perform the flag-sacrificing ceremony before departing for Qinglong Pass. Hong Jin's vanguard was Ji Kang; Nan Gong Shi, Su Hu, Su Quanzhong, Xin Mian, Taodian, Hongyao, Qi Gong, and Yin Ji were assigned ten thousand troops each and departed for Jiameng Pass. Leaving Sishui Pass, the army marched along with great military might; shouts of soldiers and neighing horses echoed through the air. The three armies were full of enthusiasm as they passed many mountains, rivers, counties, prefectures, and towns. Scouts reported into the central command: "We have arrived at Jiameng Pass." Hong Jin issued orders to set up camp. The main encampment was established. The three armies shouted in unison, and Hong Jin ascended to his command tent where the generals paid their respects. Hong Jin said, "An army marching a hundred li without battle will tire itself out on its own. Who among you would like to lead the charge and capture the pass first thing tomorrow?" Ji Kang responded immediately, "I shall go." Hong Jin approved. The next day, Ji Kang mounted his horse with sword in hand and went to the foot of the pass to challenge the enemy to battle. The main generals of Jiameng Pass, Hu Sheng, Hu Lei, Xu Kun, and Hu Yunpeng were just discussing the retreat when a scout galloped into the command headquarters and reported: "Your Excellency, the Zhou general is challenging for battle." Hu Sheng asked, "Who will go out to drive off the Zhou general?" łoży Xu Kun took command and fully armed in armor rode out of the pass. Ji Kang recognized it was Xu Kun and shouted, "Xu Kun! Today the whole world belongs to King Zhou. Why do you still defy Heaven's mandate and insist on fighting?" Xu Kun cursed loudly, "Rebel scoundrel! I suppose you are merely a messenger. What ability do you have to dare speak such big words?" He urged his horse forward, brandished his spear, and charged straight at Ji Kang. Ji Kang met the charge with his sword in hand, engaging Xu Kun directly. Their horses clashed as they fought fiercely for more than fifty rounds. Ji Kang muttered incantations under his breath, and suddenly a black vapor appeared above him; within the vapor emerged the head of a dog. In the midst of their intense battle, Xu Kun was suddenly bitten on the face by the dog. Unprepared for this attack, he could not maintain his spear technique and quickly lost control. Before he knew it, Ji Kang raised his sword and struck him down from his horse, beheading him. Ji Kang then returned to camp with the head in hand, beating drums to report his victory. Details are omitted here. Meanwhile, the scout reported to Hu Sheng that Xu Kun had been killed in battle. Hu Sheng was deeply distressed by the news. The next day, his attendants reported again: "A Zhou general is demanding battle." Hu Sheng ordered Hu Yunpeng to go out and meet the challenge. Hu Yunpeng accepted the order, mounted his horse, raised an axe, and rode out of the pass. Looking at the approaching general, it was Su Quanzhong. Hu Yunpeng cursed loudly, "Rebel scoundrel! " The world has already rebelled completely. Even you cannot rebel." Your elder sister is the beloved empress of Chao Yang. How could you be so ungrateful and forget your roots!" Sit well on your horse, and I shall come to capture you myself!" The two horses separated briefly before charging again, their spear and axe raised together as they fiercely engaged in a battle like one between dragon grottoes and tiger dens. After about thirty to forty rounds of fighting, Hu Yunpeng found himself sweating profusely. It was said: The dark clouds of war dim the red sun; the surging seas and turbulent rivers make gods and ghosts mourn.

胡云鹏那里是苏全忠对手，只杀得马仰人翻，措手不及，被苏全忠大呼一声，把胡云鹏刺于马下，枭了首级，回营见洪锦报功。哨马又报入关中，报与主将曰：“胡云鹏失机阵亡。”胡升与胡雷曰：“贤弟，今两阵连失二将，天命可知。况今天下归周，非止一处，俺弟兄商议，不若归周，以顺天时，亦不失豪杰之所为。”胡雷曰：“长兄之言差矣！我等世受国恩，享天下高爵厚禄，今当国家多事之秋，不思报本，以分主忧，而反说此贪生之语。常言道：‘主忧臣辱。”以死报国，理之当然。长兄切不可提此伤风败俗之言！待吾明日定要成功。”胡升默然无言可对。各归营中歇息。

Hu Yunpeng was no match for Su Quanzhong and, in the fierce battle, his horse reared and he fell to the ground, completely unprepared. With a loud shout, Su Quanzhong pierced Hu Yunpeng from his horse, severed his head, and returned to camp to report his success to Hong Jin. A scout galloped back into the pass and reported to the main general: "General Hu Yunpeng has been killed in battle." Hu Sheng said to his brother Hu Lei, "Dear younger brother, we have now lost two generals on the battlefield. Heaven's will is clear. Moreover, today the world has submitted to Zhou, not just in one place. My brothers and I should discuss surrendering to Zhou to follow Heaven's timing; it would still be an act worthy of heroes." Hu Lei said, "Elder brother, your words are mistaken! We have long received the nation's grace, enjoying high ranks and generous rewards. Now that our country is in a time of crisis, we should think of repaying this kindness and sharing the burden with our sovereign. Instead, you speak such cowardly words out of fear for your life. As the old saying goes: "When the ruler is troubled, his ministers are shamed." To die for one's country is only natural. Elder brother, you must not utter such words that harm the customs and morals of our people! Tomorrow I shall definitely achieve victory." Hu Sheng fell silent, unable to respond. They each returned to their camps to rest.

次日，胡雷奋勇出关，向周营讨战。报马报入中军，有南宫适出马。胡雷大呼：“南宫适慢来！”胡雷手中刀望南宫适顶门上砍来。南宫适手中刀劈面相迎。两马相交，双刀并举，一场大战。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 二将凶猛俱难并，棋逢对手如枭獍。来来去去手无停，下下高高心不定。一个扶王保驾弃残生；一个展土开疆拚性命。生前结下杀人冤，两虎一伤方得胜。

The next day, Hu Lei bravely rode out of the pass and challenged the Zhou camp for battle. A scout galloped into the central command to report, and Nan Gong Shi rode out in response. Hu Lei shouted loudly, "Nan Gong Shi, come no closer!" Hu Lei raised his sword and swung it down toward Nan Gong Shi's head. Nan Gong Shi met the attack with a swift slash of his own sword. Their horses clashed, and both raised their swords in fierce combat. A great battle ensued. How intense the battle was can be seen from this verse, which says: Both generals were fierce and formidable; it was like a contest between matched rivals as fierce as xiao and jing. Back and forth they fought without pause, their movements rising and falling unpredictably, their minds unsettled. One was determined to protect the king at all costs, forsaking his own life; The other fought for territory and glory, risking his very life. Before death they had sown the seeds of deadly enmity; only when one tiger was wounded could victory be claimed.

南宫适与胡雷战有三四十合，被南宫适卖个破绽，胡雷用力一刀砍入南宫适怀里来，马头相交，南宫适让过刀，伸开手把胡雷生擒活捉，拿至军前，辕门下马，迳进中军报功。洪锦传令：“推来。”及至众士卒将胡雷推至帐前，立而不跪。洪锦曰：“既被擒来，何得抗拒？”胡雷大骂曰：“反国逆贼！你不思报国大恩，反助恶成害，真狗彘也！吾恨不能食汝之肉！”洪锦大怒，命：“推出去，斩讫报来！”立时将胡雷推出辕门，须臾斩首号令。洪锦方与南宫适贺功。才饮酒，旗门来报：“胡雷又来讨战。”洪锦大怒，传令：“把报事官斩了！为何报事不明？”左右一声，把报事官绑出去。报事官大呼：“冤枉！”洪锦令推回来，问其故：“你报事不明，理当该斩，为何口称冤枉？”报事官曰：“老爷，小人怎敢报事不明，外面果然是胡雷。”南宫适曰：“待末将出营，便知端的。”洪锦沉吟惊异。只见南宫适复上马出营来见，果是胡雷。南宫适大骂曰：“妖人焉敢以邪术惑吾！不要走！”纵马舞刀，二将复战。其如胡雷本事实不如南宫适，未及三十合，依旧擒胡雷下马，掌鼓进营，来见洪锦。洪锦大喜，将胡雷推至军前。洪锦不知何术，两边大小众将纷纷乱议，惊动后营。龙吉公主上中军帐来问其缘故。洪锦将胡雷的事说了一遍。龙吉公主叫把胡雷推至帐前一看，公主笑曰：“此乃小术，有何难哉！”叫把胡雷顶上头发分开，公主取三寸五分乾坤针放在胡雷泥丸宫钉将下去，立时斩了。公主曰：“此乃替身法，何足为奇！”正是： 因斩胡雷招大祸，子牙难免这场非。

Nan Gong Shi and Hu Lei fought for about thirty to forty rounds. Nan Gong Shi feigned a weakness, and as Hu Lei struck with all his might, his sword plunged into Nan Gong Shi's chest. As their horses' heads met, Nan Gong Shi dodged the blade, reached out, and seized Hu Lei by hand, capturing him alive. He brought Hu Lei to the front of the army, dismounted at the 辕门 (yuanmen), and directly entered the central command to report his capture as a feat. Hong Jin gave orders: "Bring him forward." When the soldiers pushed Hu Lei to the tent, he stood upright and refused to kneel. Hong Jin said, "You have already been captured; why do you dare resist?" Hu Lei cursed loudly and said, "Rebels of the traitorous state! You do not think of repaying your country's great grace but instead aid evil and cause harm. You are truly a dog or pig!" I regret I cannot eat your flesh!" Hong Jin was furious and ordered, "Drag him out and behead him. Report back when it is done!" At once, Hu Lei was dragged out through the 辕门 (yuan men), and in a short while his head was severed as an example. Hong Jin then congratulated Nan Gong Shi on his achievement. They had just begun to drink when a report came from the flag gate: "Hu Lei has returned for battle!" Hong Jin was furious and gave orders, "Sever the head of the officer who brought this report! Why did you report falsely?" At the command, attendants immediately bound the officer and dragged him out. The officer cried out in protest: "It is unjust! I am innocent!" Hong Jin ordered him to be brought back and questioned, "You have reported falsely; you should indeed be executed. Why do you claim innocence?" The officer replied, "My lord, how could I dare to report falsely? It is indeed Hu Lei outside." Nan Gong Shi said, "Let me go out of the camp and you will soon know for certain." Hong Jin hesitated in surprise. Just then, Nan Gong Shi returned on horseback and led Hu Lei into the camp; it was indeed Hu Lei. Nan Gong Shi cursed loudly, "How dare you, a demon, use sorcery to deceive me! Don't run!" He urged his horse forward and brandished his sword, and the two generals resumed their battle. As before, Hu Lei was no match for Nan Gong Shi. Before thirty rounds had passed, he was once again captured and dragged off his horse. Nan Gong Shi beat the drums in triumph as he returned to camp and presented himself before Hong Jin. Hong Jin was greatly pleased and had Hu Lei brought forward to the front of the troops. No one knew what kind of sorcery was at play, and both sides' generals, large and small, began to argue in confusion, causing a commotion that reached the rear camp. Princess Long Ji came to the central command tent to inquire about the cause of the disturbance. Hong Jin recounted the entire incident involving Hu Lei. Princess Long Ji ordered Hu Lei to be brought before her tent, and upon seeing him, she smiled and said, "This is but a minor trick. What difficulty could it pose!" She ordered Hu Lei's hair on his head to be parted, and Princess Long Ji took a three-inch-five-fen Qiankun needle, placed it at the point of Hu Lei's Niwan Palace (a reference to an acupoint), and drove it down. Immediately, he was beheaded. The princess said, "This is merely a body-substitute technique; what is there to find extraordinary about it!" Indeed: Because of the beheading of Hu Lei, a great disaster was summoned; Zi Ya could not avoid this controversy.

话说洪锦斩了胡雷，号令在辕门。有报马报入关中：“启总兵爷：二爷阵亡，号令辕门。”胡升大惊：“吾弟不听吾言，故有丧身之厄。料成汤文武不足镇服天下诸候。”令中军官，修纳降文书，“速献关寨，以救生民涂炭。”只见左右将纳降文表修理停当，只等差人纳款。

Speaking of Hong Jin, after he had beheaded Hu Lei, the head was displayed at the 辕门 (Yuanmen). A scout galloped into Jiameng Pass and reported, "Your Excellency General: the second lord has been killed in battle; his head is now displayed at Yuanmen." Hu Sheng was greatly shocked and said, "My younger brother did not heed my words, so he has met this tragic fate. I see now that the virtue and martial strength of Cheng Tang are insufficient to subdue all the feudal lords under heaven." He ordered the central command officer to prepare a surrender document and said, "Quickly hand over the pass and fortress in order to save the people from suffering." Soon, attendants had prepared the surrender document properly, waiting only for an envoy to deliver it.

且说洪锦正与众将饮酒贺功，忽报：“佳梦关差官纳款。”洪锦传：“令来。”将差官令至军前，呈上文表。洪锦展开观看： 　“镇守佳梦关总兵胡升洎佐贰众将等，谨具降表与奉天讨逆元帅麾下：升等仕商有年，岂意纣王肆行不道，荒淫无度，见弃于天，仇溺士庶，皇天不保，特命我周武王以张天讨。兵至佳梦关，升等不自度德，反行拒敌，致劳元戎奋威，斩将殄兵，莫敢抵当。今已悔过改行，特修降表，遣使纳款，恳鉴愚悃，俯容改过之恩，以启更新之路，正元帅不失代天宣化之心，吊民伐罪之举，则升等不胜感激待命之至。谨表。”洪锦看罢，重赏差官：“我也不及回书，明日早进关安民便了。”来使回关，见胡升，禀曰：“洪总兵准其纳款，不及回书，明早进关。”胡升令左右将佳梦关上竖起周家旗号，打点户口册，集库藏钱粮，俟明早交割事宜。正打点间，忽报：“府外来有一穿红的道姑，要见老爷。”胡升不知就里，传令：“请来。”少时，道姑从中道而进，甚是凶恶，腰束水火绦，至殿前打稽首。胡升欠身还礼，问曰：“师父至此，有何见谕？”道姑曰：“吾乃是丘鸣山火灵圣母是也。汝弟胡雷是吾徒弟，因死于洪锦之手，吾特下山来为他复仇。汝系他同胞弟兄，不念手足之情，君臣之义，乃心向外人，而反与仇敌共立哉！”胡升听得此语，忙下拜，口称：“老师，弟子实是不知，有失迎迓，望乞恕罪。弟子非是事仇，自思兵微将寡，才浅学疏，不足以当此任；况天下纷纷，俱思归周，纵然守住，终是要属他人，徒令军民日夜辛苦，弟子不得已纳降，不过救此一郡生灵耳，岂是贪生畏死之故。”火灵圣母曰：“这也罢了。只我下山，定复此仇。你可将城上还立起成汤旗号，我自有处。”胡升没奈何，又拽起成汤旗来。洪锦正打点明日进关，只见报马来报：“佳梦关依旧又拽起成汤旗号。”洪锦大怒：“这匹夫焉敢如此反覆戏侮我！等待明日拿这匹夫碎尸万段，以泄此恨！”且说火灵圣母问胡升曰：“关中有多少人马？”胡升曰：“马步军卒有二万。”圣母曰：“你挑选三千名出来与我，自下教场教演，方有用处。”胡升即选三千熊彪大汉。圣母命三千人俱穿大红，赤身，披发，背上贴一红纸葫芦，脚心里俱书写“风火”符印，一只手执刀，一只手执旛，下教场操演。不题。且说次日，洪锦命苏全忠关下讨战。胡升挂“免战牌”。全忠只得回营，见洪锦曰：“胡升挂‘免战’二字，末将只得暂回。”洪锦怒气不息。只见火灵圣母操演人马，至一七方才精熟。那日，火灵圣母命关上去了“免战牌”，一声炮响，关中军马齐出。火灵圣母骑金眼驼，与练成火龙兵，隐在后面；先令胡升在前讨战。胡升得令，一马当先，来至军前，要洪锦出来答话。探马报入关中：“关上有胡升讨战。”洪锦闻报，上马提刀，带左右将官出营。一见胡升，大骂：“逆贼！反覆无常，真乃狗彘匹夫！敢来戏侮于我！”纵马舞刀直取。胡升未及还手，只见火灵圣母催开金眼驼，用两口太阿剑，大呼：“洪锦不要走！吾来也！”洪锦仔细定睛，见道姑连人带兽，似一块火光滚来。洪锦问曰：“来者何人？”圣母答曰：“吾乃丘鸣山火灵圣母是也。你敢将吾门下胡雷杀了！吾今特来报仇。你可速速下马受死，莫待吾怒起，连累此十万生灵，死无噍类也。”道罢，将太阿剑飞来直取。洪锦手中大杆刀火速忙迎。未及数合，洪锦方欲用旗门遁以诛火灵圣母，但不知圣母头上戴一顶金霞冠，冠上有一淡黄包袱盖住，火灵圣母将包袱挑开，现出十五六丈金光，把火灵圣母笼罩当中。他看的见洪锦，洪锦看不见他，早被圣母把洪锦照前甲上一剑砍来。洪锦躲不及，已劈开锁子连环甲。洪锦“哎呀”一声，带伤而逃。火灵圣母招动三千火龙兵冲杀进大营来。好利害！怎见得好火，有赋为证，赋曰： 炎炎烈焰迎空燎，赫赫威风遍地红。却似火轮飞上下，犹如火鸟舞西东。这火不是燧人钻木，又不是老君炼丹，非天火，非野火，乃是火灵圣母炼成一块三昧火；三千火龙兵勇猛，风火符印合五行，五行生化火煎成，肝木能生心火旺，心火致令脾土平，脾土生金金化水，水能生木彻通灵，生生化化皆因火，火燎长空万物荣。烧倒旗门无拦挡，抛锣弃鼓各逃生，焦头烂额尸堆积，为国亡身一旦空。正是：洪锦灾来难躲避，龙吉公主也遭凶。

Meanwhile, Hong Jin was just celebrating with the generals when a report came: "An envoy from Jiameng Pass has arrived to surrender." Hong Jin ordered, "Bring him in." The envoy was brought forward to the army and presented the document. Hong Jin unfolded and read the document: "Zongbing Hu Sheng, the commander in charge of Jiameng Pass, along with his subordinates and officers, respectfully submit this surrender table to the command of Your Highness, the Commander-in-Chief of Heaven's Mandate against Rebellion: For many years we have served the Shang dynasty. We never expected King Zhou to act so recklessly, indulging in debauchery without restraint, thus being abandoned by heaven. He has caused suffering and death for both officials and commoners; heaven no longer protects him. Therefore, Heaven has specially appointed our King Wu of Zhou to carry out the righteous campaign." When your troops arrived at Jiameng Pass, we failed to assess our own virtue and instead resisted. This caused the mighty forces of Your Highness to exert their power, beheading generals and annihilating soldiers, leaving none daring to oppose." Now we have repented and changed our ways, so we specially prepared this surrender table and sent an envoy to submit it. We humbly beg you to recognize our sincerity and kindly grant us the grace of allowing us to reform, thus opening a path for renewal. May Your Highness not fail in your mission as Heaven's representative to spread virtue and educate the people, nor neglect the righteous act of rescuing the suffering and punishing the guilty. We, Hu Sheng and others, are deeply grateful and await your orders with utmost reverence." Respectfully submitted." After reading the document, Hong Jin generously rewarded the envoy and said, "I will not bother to reply with a letter. We shall enter the pass early tomorrow morning to pacify the people." The envoy returned to the pass and reported to Hu Sheng, saying, "General Hong has accepted our surrender but did not write a reply. He will enter the pass tomorrow morning." Hu Sheng ordered his attendants to raise the Zhou dynasty's flag at Jiameng Pass, prepare the household registers, gather up stored money and grain from the treasury, and await the handover arrangements for the next morning. Just as they were preparing everything, a report suddenly came: "Outside the mansion there is a red-robed Daoist nun who wishes to see you, my lord." Hu Sheng did not know what was going on and ordered, "Please bring her in." After a short while, the Daoist nun entered from the central path. She appeared very fierce, with a water-and-fire sash tied around her waist, and she kowtowed at the hall's front. Hu Sheng bowed slightly in return and asked, "Reverend Master, why have you come here? What instructions do you have for me?" The Daoist nun said, "I am none other than Huo Ling Shenmu of Qiuming Shan." "My younger brother Hu Lei was my disciple, and because he died at the hands of Hong Jin, I have specially come down from the mountain to avenge him." "You are his blood brother; you do not think of the bond between siblings or the loyalty between ruler and subject, yet your heart turns to outsiders while you stand together with an enemy!" Upon hearing these words, Hu Sheng hurriedly knelt and bowed, saying, "Master, your disciple was truly unaware; I failed to welcome you properly. I beg for your forgiveness." "I am not serving an enemy, but I have been thinking that my forces are weak and my generals few, with limited talent and shallow learning; I am truly unworthy of this responsibility." "Moreover, the world is in chaos and all desire to return to Zhou. Even if I were to hold out, it would ultimately fall into others' hands anyway. It would only cause soldiers and civilians endless hardship day after day. Your disciple had no choice but to surrender; it was merely to save the lives of the people in this region. How could it be for selfish reasons or fear of death?" Huo Ling Shenmu said, "Well then, let that pass." "I have come down the mountain and will surely avenge this." "You may still raise the flag of Cheng Tang on the city walls; I shall take care of everything myself." Hu Sheng had no choice but to raise the flag of Cheng Tang once again. Hong Jin was just preparing for his entry into the pass the next day when a scout galloped in and reported, "The flag of Cheng Tang has once again been raised at Jiameng Pass." Hong Jin was furious and said, "This wretch dares to toy with me like this!" "I shall wait until tomorrow to seize that rascal and dismember him into ten thousand pieces, so as to vent my anger!" Meanwhile, Huo Ling Shenmu asked Hu Sheng, "How many troops and horses are stationed in the pass?" Hu Sheng replied, "There are 20,000 infantry and cavalry soldiers." The venerable mother said, "You should select 3,000 of them for me. I will personally train them at the drill ground; only then will they be of any use." Hu Sheng immediately selected 3,000 strong and valiant men. The venerable mother ordered all 3,000 men to wear bright red robes, go shirtless, let their hair loose, and paste a red paper gourd on their backs. They were also to write the talisman "Fenghuo" (Wind Fire) in the soles of their feet; one hand held a sword while the other held a banner, and they began training at the drill ground. No further details are given. Meanwhile, the next day Hong Jin ordered Su Quanzhong to challenge from outside the pass. Hu Sheng hung up a "No Battle" sign. Quanzhong had no choice but to return to camp and reported to Hong Jin, saying, "Hu Sheng has hung up a 'No Battle' sign; your subordinate could do nothing but return temporarily." Hong Jin's anger did not subside. Meanwhile, it was seen that Huo Ling Shenmu trained the troops and soldiers until they had become proficient after seven days. On that day, Huo Ling Shenuser ordered the "No Battle" sign removed from the pass. A cannon was fired, and all the troops within the pass marched out together. Huo Ling Shenmu rode a golden-eyed camel and led her trained Fire Dragon soldiers, hiding in the rear; She first ordered Hu Sheng to lead the charge at the front. Hu Sheng received the order and rode ahead, arriving before the enemy army, demanding Hong Jin to come out for a parley. A scout galloped back into the pass and reported, "Hu Sheng is challenging at the gate." Upon hearing the report, Hong Jin mounted his horse, took up his sword, and led his generals to leave camp. As soon as he saw Hu Sheng, he shouted in anger, "Traitor!" You are fickle and treacherous; you are truly a despicable wretch! How dare you mock me!" He spurred his horse and brandished his sword, charging directly at Hu Sheng. Before Hu Sheng could even react, Huo Ling Shenmu urged her golden-eyed camel forward and brandished two Ta'e swords, shouting loudly, "Hong Jin, do not run away!" Here I come!" Hong Jin looked closely and saw the Daoist nun, together with her beast, rolling toward him like a ball of fire. Hong Jin asked, "Who dares come forth?" The venerable mother replied, "I am none other than Huo Jing Shenmu of Qiuming Mountain." You dared to kill my disciple Hu Lei! I have come especially to avenge this. You had better dismount and accept death immediately, or else when my anger rises, I will not only kill you but also bring disaster upon these ten thousand innocent lives, leaving them all dead without a single survivor." After saying this, she hurled her Ta'e sword straight at Hong Jin. Hong Jin quickly raised his large spear to block it. Before several exchanges could take place, Hong Jin intended to use the flag gate 遁 (a magical technique) to eliminate Huo Ling Shenmu. However, he did not know that on her head she wore a golden 霞冠 (Xia Guan), and atop it was a pale yellow cloth bundle covering. Huo Ling Shenmu lifted the bundle, revealing a golden light fifteen or sixteen zhang in length, which enveloped her completely. She could see Hong Jin clearly, but he could not see her. Before long, the venerable mother struck a sword blow at his chest armor from in front of him. Hong Jin failed to dodge in time and was already cut through his linked chainmail armor. Hong Jin cried out, "Aiyaaa!" and fled with injuries. Huo Ling Shenmu led her 3,000 Fire Dragon soldiers in a fierce charge toward the main camp. How formidable! To describe how fierce the fire was, a rhapsody testifies to it. The rhapsody says: The blazing flames rise toward the sky in fierce conflagration; the mighty and awe-inspiring wind turns the earth red all over. They resemble wheels of fire flying up and down, just like fiery phoenixes dancing from west to east. This fire is not the result of Suiren drilling wood, nor is it Laojun refining cinnabar. It is neither heavenly fire nor wild fire; rather, it is a trinity flame refined by Huo Ling Shenmu herself. The 3,000 fire dragon soldiers are valiant and fierce; the wind-fire talismans harmonize with the Five Elements. The Five Elements generate and transform each other to create this fiery essence: liver wood can produce strong heart fire, which in turn brings balance to spleen earth; spleen earth generates metal, which transforms into water, and water nourishes wood, making it thoroughly spiritual. All generation and transformation stem from fire; the flames illuminate the sky, bringing prosperity to all things. The flames burned down the flag gates without hindrance; drums and gongs were cast aside as all fled for their lives. Corpses with scorched heads and faces piled up, and in a moment, those who had died for their country perished in vain. Indeed: Hong Jin could not escape the disaster befalling him, and Long Ji Princess also suffered a tragic fate.

话说洪锦身著剑伤，逃进大营，不意火灵圣母领三千火龙兵冲杀进营，势不可当。三军叫苦，自相践踏，死者不计其数。龙吉公主在后营，听得一声三军呐喊，急上马拎剑，走出中军，见洪锦伏鞍而逃，洪锦不及对龙吉公主说金光的事，龙吉公主只见火势冲天，烈焰卷起，正欲念咒救火，又见一块金光奔至面前。公主不知所以，忙欲看时，被火灵圣母举剑照龙吉公主劈来。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

Speaking of Hong Jin, who was wounded by the sword strike, he fled into his main camp. Unexpectedly, Huo Ling Shenmu led her 3000 Fire Dragon soldiers to charge into the camp, an unstoppable force. The three armies cried out in despair; they trampled each other in chaos, and countless died as a result. Princess Long Ji, in the rear camp, heard a sudden cry from the three armies and quickly mounted her horse with sword in hand. She rushed out of the central command to see Hong Jin fleeing on his horse. Before Hong Jin could explain the matter of the golden light to Princess Long Ji, she saw flames bursting into the sky and fierce fire rolling toward her. Just as she was about to chant a spell to put out the fire, a ball of golden light suddenly rushed toward her face. The princess did not know what was happening and hurried to look, but she was struck by Huo Ling Shenmu's sword aimed directly at her. Whether the princess would survive or perish remains to be seen in the next chapter.