Chapter 77: Laozi Burns One to Become the Three Pure Ones

诗曰： 一气三清势更奇，壶中妙法贯须弥。移来一木还生我，运去分身莫浪疑。 诛戮散仙根行浅，完全正果道无私。须知顺逆皆天定，截教门人枉自痴。

The poem says: A single breath of energy pervades the Three Pure Ones, its power even more wondrous; Within the Huxiang Vase, the subtle Dharma penetrates Sumeru. Transplanted from elsewhere, a single tree still brings me to life; When my divided form departs, do not recklessly doubt its movement. Those who are executed among the scattered immortals have shallow roots and conduct; Only by fully cultivating one's true attainment can one attain the Dao, which is impartial. One must know that both favorable and adverse circumstances are determined by Heaven; The disciples of Jiejiao in vain remain foolishly attached.

话说众门人来看诛仙阵，只见正东上挂一口诛仙剑，正南上挂一口戮仙剑，正西上挂一口陷仙剑，正北上挂一口绝仙剑，前后有门有户，杀气森森，阴风飒飒。众人贪看，只听得里面作歌曰： “兵戈剑戈，怎脱诛仙祸；情魔意魔，反起无名火。今日难过，死生在我。玉虚宫招灾惹祸，穿心宝锁，回头才知往事讹。咫尺起风波。这番怎逃躲。自倚才能，早晚遭折挫！”

Now the disciples came to see the Zuxian Formation. They saw a Zuxian Sword hanging in the exact east, a Luxian Sword in the exact south, a Xianxian Sword in the exact west, and a Juexian Sword in the exact north. There were doors and gates at the front and back of the formation, filled with a grim killing aura and a chilling, desolate wind. While the crowd was engrossed in looking around, they suddenly heard a song from within: "Blades and spears, swords and halberds—how can one escape calamity at Zuxian; Affectionate passions and mental obsessions—only give rise to nameless wrath. Today is hard to endure; life and death are in my hands." Yu Xu Gong has invited disaster upon itself. The heartpiercing treasure lock, when turned back to face, reveals the past was but a falsehood. Storms arise within mere paces. How can one now escape or hide from this?" Relying solely on one's own abilities, one is bound to suffer setbacks sooner or later!"

话说多宝道人在阵内作歌，燃灯曰：“众道友，你们听听作的歌声，岂是善良之辈！我等且各自回芦篷，等掌教师尊来，自有处治。”话犹未了，方欲回身，只见阵内多宝道人仗剑一跃而出，大呼曰：“广成子不要走，吾来也！”广成子大怒曰：“多宝道人，如今又是在你碧游宫，倚你人多，再三欺我；况你掌教师尊分附过，你等全不遵依，又摆此诛仙阵。我等犯了杀戒，毕竟你等俱入劫数之内，故造摆此业障耳。正所谓：‘阎罗注定三更死，怎肯留人到五更’！”广成子仗剑来取多宝道人。道人手中剑赴面交还。怎见得： 仙风阵阵滚尘沙，四剑忙迎影乱斜。一个是玉虚宫内真人辈；一个是截教门中根行差。一个是广成不老神仙体；一个是多宝西方拜释迦。二教只因逢杀运，诛仙阵上乱如麻。

Now, as Duobao Dao Ren sang this song within the formation, Rendeng said, "My fellow Dao companions, listen to these lyrics—surely they are not from a virtuous person! Let us each return to our reed huts for now, and await the arrival of our Preceptor. When he comes, there will naturally be a way to deal with this." Before the words had finished, they were about to turn back when suddenly Duobao Dao Ren from within the formation leapt out with a sword in hand and shouted loudly, "Guangchengzi, do not run! Here I come!" Guangchengzi was greatly enraged and said, "Duobao Dao Ren, now you are once again at your Biyou Gong. Relying on the large number of people under you, you have repeatedly bullied me; Moreover, our Preceptor has already issued orders binding upon all of you. Yet none of you have obeyed or followed them, and now you dare to set up this Zuxian Formation again. We have indeed violated the precept against killing, but you as well are all within the cycle of calamity. Therefore, this karmic obstacle has been created and arranged. As the saying goes: 'If Yama decrees death at three o'clock, how could he possibly allow one to live until five o'clock'!" Guangchengzi brandished his sword and advanced toward Duobao Dao Ren. The Daoist held up a sword to meet the attack head-on. How was it seen: A gust of divine wind stirred up dust and sand; four swords rushed forward, their shadows scattering in chaotic angles. One is a True Person from within Yu Xu Gong; The other is one of the Jiejiao disciples with shallow roots and conduct. One is Guangchengzi, an ageless immortal; lø The other is Duobao, who paid homage to Shijia in the West. The two schools clashed only because they encountered a time of killing; on the Zuxian Formation, chaos reigned like tangled hemp.

话说广成子祭起番天印，多宝道人躲不及，一印正中后心，扑的打了一跌，多宝道人逃回阵中去了。燃灯曰：“且各自回去，再作商议。”众仙俱上芦篷坐下。只听得半空中仙乐齐鸣，异香缥缈，从空而降。众仙下篷来，迎掌教师尊。只见元始天尊坐九龙沉香辇，馥馥香烟，氤氲偏地。正是： 提炉对对烟生雾，羽扇分开白鹤朝。

Now, Guangchengzi summoned the Fantian Seal. Duobao Dao Ren could not evade in time; the seal struck him squarely on his back, causing a loud thud as he fell to the ground. Duobao Dao Ren then fled back into the formation. Rendeng said, "Let us all return for now and deliberate further." All the immortals ascended to their reed huts and took their seats. They heard from midair a chorus of divine music, strange fragrances drifting down ethereally from the sky. The immortals descended from their huts to welcome their Preceptor. They saw Yuanshi Tianzun seated on a sedan chair of nine dragons and sandalwood, the fragrant smoke thick and pervasive, enveloping the ground in misty haze. It was precisely: Pairs of incense burners exhaled smoke into fog, while feather fans parted the way for cranes in attendance.

话说燃灯众人明香引道，接上芦篷。元始坐下，诸弟子拜毕，元始曰：“今日诛仙阵上，才分别得彼此。”元始正坐，弟子侍立两边。至子时正，元始顶上现出庆云，垂珠璎珞，金花万朵，络绎不断，远近照耀。多宝道人正在阵中打点，看见庆云升起，知是元始降临，自思：“此阵必须我师尊来至，方可有为；不然，如何抵得过他？”

Now Rendeng and others led the way with incense burning clearly, guiding Yuanshi Tianzun up to the reed huts. Yuanshi took his seat, and after all disciples had paid their respects, Yuanshi said, "Today, on the Zuxian Formation battlefield, we have only now clearly distinguished friend from foe." Yuanshi sat upright, with disciples standing in attendance on either side. At the exact hour of Zi, a celebratory cloud emerged above Yuanshi's head, adorned with hanging pearl ornaments and thousands upon thousands of golden flowers flowing continuously without end, illuminating both near and far. Duobao Dao Ren was just in the formation making preparations when he saw the celebratory cloud rise. Knowing it to be Yuanshi's arrival, he thought to himself: "This formation must have my Preceptor present before any action can be taken; Otherwise, how could we possibly withstand them?"

次日，果见碧游宫通天教主来了。半空中仙音响亮，异香袭袭，随侍有大小众仙，来的是截教门中师尊。怎见他的好处，有诗为证： 鸿钧生化见天开，地丑人寅上法台。炼就金身无量劫，碧游宫内育多才。

The next day, as expected, Biyou Gong's Tongtian Jiao Zhu arrived. From midair came a resounding divine melody, with strange fragrances wafting gently. Accompanied by numerous great and small immortals in attendance, it was the Preceptor of Jiejiao who had arrived. How did one see the excellence of his arrival? A poem testifies: The great cosmic forces manifest as Heaven opens; Earth's ugliness and human ambition ascend to the Dharma platform. Refined into an immortal body through countless kalpas, many talents are nurtured within Biyou Gong.

话说多宝道人见半空中仙乐响亮，如是他师尊来至，忙出阵拜迎进了阵，卜了八卦台坐下，众门人侍立台下，有上四代弟子，乃多宝道人、金灵圣母、武当圣母、龟灵圣母；又有金光仙、乌云仙、毗卢仙、灵牙仙、虬首仙、金箍仙、长耳定光仙相从在此。通天教主乃是掌截教之鼻祖，修成五气朝元，三花聚顶，也是万劫不坏之身。至子时，五气冲空。燃灯已知截教师尊来至。次日天明，燃灯启曰：“老师，今日可会诛仙阵么？”元始曰：“此地岂久居之所？”分付弟子：“排班。”赤精子对广成子；太乙真人对灵宝大法师；清虚道德真君对惧留孙；文殊广法天尊对普贤真人；云中子对慈航道人；玉鼎真人对道行天尊；黄龙真人对陆压；燃灯同子牙在后；金、木二吒执提炉；韦护与雷震子并列；李靖在后；哪吒先行。只见诛仙阵内金钟响处，一对旗开，只见奎牛上坐的是通天教主，左右立诸代门人。通天教主见元始天尊，打稽首曰：“道兄请了！”元始曰：“贤弟为何设此恶阵？这是何说？当时在你碧游宫共议‘封神榜’，当面弥封，立有三等：根行深者，成其仙道；根行稍次，成其神道；根行浅薄，成其人道，仍随轮回之劫。　此乃天地之生化也。成汤无道，气数当终；周室仁明，应运当兴，难道不知，反来阻逆姜尚，有背上天垂象。且当日‘封神榜’内应有三百六十五度，分有八部列宿群星，当有这三山五岳之人在数，贤弟为何出乎反乎，自取失信之愆。况此恶阵，立名便自可恶。只‘诛仙’二字，可是你我道家所为的事！且此剑立有‘诛’、‘戳’、‘陷’、‘绝’之名，亦非是你我道家所用之物。这是何说，你作此祸端？”通天教主曰：“道兄不必问我，你只问广成子，便知我的本心。”元始问广成子曰：“这事如何说？”广成子把三谒碧游宫的事说了一遍。通天教主曰：“广成子，你曾骂我的教下不论是非，不分好歹，纵羽毛禽兽亦不择而教，一体同观。想吾师一教传三友，吾与羽毛禽兽相并；道兄难道与我不是一本相传？”元始曰：“贤弟，你也莫怪广成子。其实，你门下胡为乱做，不知顺逆，一味恃强，人言兽行。况贤弟也不择是何根行，一意收留，致有彼此搬斗是非，令生灵涂炭。你心忍乎！”通天教主曰：“据道兄所说，只是你的门人有理，连骂我也是应该的？不念一门手足罢了。我已是摆了此阵，道兄就破吾此阵，便见高下。”元始曰：“你要我破此阵，这也不难，待吾自来见你此阵。”通天教主兜回奎牛，进了戮仙门；众门人随著进去。且看元始进来破此阵。正是： 截阐道德皆正果，方知两教不虚传。

Now, when Duobao Dao Ren saw the divine music resound from midair and realized it was his Preceptor arriving, he hurriedly exited the formation to bow in welcome. He entered the formation and divined on an octagonal platform before taking a seat. His disciples stood in attendance below the dais, including four generations of senior disciples: Duobao Dao Ren, Jinling Shengmu, Wudang Shengmu, and Guiling Shengmu; there were also Jin Guang Xian, Wu Yun Xian, Pilu Xian, Lingya Xian, Qiu Shou Xian, Jinggu Xian, and Chang'er Dingguang Xian present in attendance. Tongtian Jiao Zhu was the progenitor of the Jiejiao school, having cultivated to the state where the Five Qi converged toward the center and the Three Flowers gathered at the crown. He too had attained an immortal body that could not be destroyed through ten thousand kalpas. At the hour of Zi, his Five Qi surged into the sky. Rendeng already knew that Jiejiao's Preceptor had arrived. The next morning, after daylight broke, Rendeng respectfully asked, "Master, may we confront the Zuxian Formation today?" Yuanshi said, "Is this place a suitable one for prolonged residence?" He ordered his disciples: "Form ranks." Chizigen faced Guangchengzi; Taiyi Zhenren faced Lingbao Dafashi; Qingxu Daode Zhenjun faced Juliusun; Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun faced Puxian Zhenren; Yunzhongzi faced Cihai Dao Ren; Yuding Zhenren faced Daoheng Tianzun; Huanglong Zhenren faced Luya; Rendeng and Ziya stood at the rear; Jin Zhua and Mu Zhua held the incense burners; Weihu stood alongside Leizhenzi; Lijing was at the rear; Nezha led the way. They saw that within the Zuxian Formation, as a golden bell rang and a pair of banners unfurled, there sat Tongtian Jiao Zhu on a Qiniu beast, with generations of disciples standing at his side. Tongtian Jiao Zhi saw Yuanshi Tianzun and bowed deeply, saying, "Brother Dao greets you!" Yuanshi said, "Dear brother, why have you set up this evil formation? What do you mean by that?" At that time, when we discussed the "Fengshen Bang" together at your Biyou Gong, we sealed it face-to-face and established three categories: those with deep roots and conduct would attain the Dao of immortality; those with somewhat lesser roots and conduct would become gods; and those with shallow or weak roots and conduct would remain within the human path, still subject to the cycle of reincarnation. This is the natural transformation of Heaven and Earth. Cheng Tang was a tyrant, and his fate had reached its end; the Zhou dynasty is kind and enlightened, destined to rise in accordance with the Mandate of Heaven. Could you not know this? Instead, you oppose Jiang Shang, going against what Heaven has decreed." Moreover, on that day the "Fengshen Bang" was to contain 365 names, divided into eight departments and constellations of stars. Among them should have been those from the Three Mountains and Five Great Mountains. Dear brother, why do you act contrary now? You invite blame upon yourself for breaking faith. Moreover, this evil formation—its very name is inherently wicked. The mere words "Zuxian"—could such a thing be something our Daoist schools would do! Furthermore, these swords bear the names "Zhu," "Chuo," "Xian," and "Jue"—these are not objects used by our Daoist schools. What do you mean? Why have you caused such a calamity?" Tongtian Jiao Zhǔ said, "Brother Dao need not ask me. You only have to question Guangchengzi and you will know my true intentions." Yuanshi asked Guangchengzi, "How do you explain this matter?" Guangchengzi recounted the entire incident of his three visits to Biyou Gong. Tongtian Jiao Zu said, "Guangchengzi, you once scolded my disciples for not distinguishing right from wrong or good from evil. You claimed that even if they were feathered birds or beasts, I would teach them indiscriminately and treat all equally. I, who inherited our Master's teachings along with two others, am now placed on equal footing with birds and beasts by you; is it not true that we share the same origin in the Dao, Brother Dao?" Yuanshi said, "Dear brother, you must not blame Guangchengzi. In truth, your disciples have acted recklessly and disorderly, failing to distinguish between favorable and adverse circumstances, relying solely on strength, their actions as base as those of beasts. Moreover, dear brother, you have indiscriminately accepted disciples without discerning their roots or conduct. This has led to mutual disputes and conflicts, causing suffering among the people. Can your heart truly bear this!" Tongtian Jiao Zheng said, "According to what Brother Dao has said, it is only your disciples who are in the right. Is it even appropriate for them to curse and scold me?" They do not even consider that we are of one family, brothers in the Dao." I have already set up this formation. If Brother Dao wishes to break it, then we shall see who is superior." Yuanshi said, "You wish me to break this formation. That is not difficult. I shall come myself and see your formation." Tongtian Jiao Zhang rode back on his Qiniu beast and entered the Luxian Gate; his disciples followed him inside. Now watch as Yuanshi enters to break this formation. Indeed: Both Jiejiao and Chanjiao have cultivated the Dao and attained true attainment; only then does one know that both schools are not falsely transmitted.

话说元始在九龙沉香辇上，扶住飞来椅，徐徐正行至东震地，乃诛仙门。门上挂一口宝剑，名曰诛仙剑。元始把辇一拍，命四揭谛神撮起辇来，四脚生有四枝金莲花；花瓣上生光；光上又生花。一时有万朵金莲照在空中。元始坐在当中，迳进诛仙阵门来。通天教主发一声掌心雷，震动那一口宝剑一愰，好生利害！虽是元始，顶上还飘飘落下一朵莲花来。元始进了诛仙门，里边又是一层，名为诛仙阙。元始从正南上往里走，至正西，又在正北坎地上看了一遍。元始作一歌以笑之，歌曰： “好笑通天有厚颜，空将四剑挂中间。枉劳用尽心机术，独我纵横任往还。”

Now, Yuanshi was seated on the sedan chair of nine dragons and fragrant sandalwood. He held onto a flying chair that came from nowhere and slowly proceeded to the east, where the Zuxian Gate stood in the region governed by the Eastern Shock. A treasure sword hung above the gate, named the Zuxian Sword. Yuanshi struck his sedan chair and commanded four Jieti gods to lift it up. From each of its four corners, a golden lotus blossom sprouted; light emanated from the petals; and more blossoms grew upon the light. At once, ten thousand golden lotuses illuminated the sky above. Yuanshi sat in the center and directly entered through the Zuxian Formation Gate. Tongtian Jiao Zhuzi unleashed a palm-heart thunderclap, which shook the treasure sword and caused it to tremble violently—how formidable! Even though it was Yuanshi, a lotus blossom still fluttered down from above his head. Yuanshi entered the Zuxian Gate, and within it was another layer, named the Zuxian Que. Yuanshi walked from the exact south into the interior, reaching the exact west, and then inspected once more at the exact north in the Kan position. Yuanshi composed a song to mock him, singing: "How laughable is Tongtian with his thick face; in vain he hangs four swords in the middle. All his efforts and schemes are wasted; only I move freely, going and coming as I please."

话说元始依旧还出东门而去。众门人迎接，上了芦篷。燃灯请问曰：“老师！此阵中有何光景？”元始曰：“看不得。”南极仙翁曰：“老师既入阵中，今日如何不破了他的，让姜师弟好东行？”元始曰：“古云：‘先师次长。’虽然吾掌此教，况有师长在前，岂可独自专擅？候大师兄来，自有道理。”话说未了，只听得半空中一派仙乐之声，异香缥缈，板角青牛上坐一圣人，有玄都大法帅牵住此牛，飘飘落下来。元始天尊率领众门人前来迎接。怎见得，有诗为证： 不二门中法更玄，汞铅相见结胎仙。未离母腹头先白，才到神霄气已全。室内炼丹搀戊己，炉中有药夺先天。生成八景宫中客，不记人间几万年。

Now, Yuanshi continued out through the eastern gate as before. His disciples came to greet him and helped him onto a reed boat. Randel asked, "Master! What sights did you see within this formation?" Yuanshi said, "It cannot be seen." Nanjing Xianweng asked, "Master has already entered the formation. Why today did you not break it and allow Master Jiang's junior to proceed eastward?" Yuanshi said, "As an old saying goes: 'Respect the elder before the younger.'" Although I now hold this school, and given that there are senior masters ahead of me, how could I act unilaterally? I shall wait for the eldest master to arrive; then all will be resolved properly." The words were not yet finished when suddenly a divine music could be heard from the middle of the sky, accompanied by an ethereal fragrance. On a blue-horned qingniu ox rode a sage; the Xuantu Da Fashuai held the reins and descended gracefully. Yuanshi Tiandun led his disciples to go forward and welcome him. How can this be described? A poem testifies: Within the Gate of Non-Duality, the Dharma is even more profound; when cinnabar and lead meet, a fetal immortal forms. Before leaving the mother's womb, his head turns white first; Only upon reaching Shenxiao Heaven does his vital energy become complete. Inside the chamber, cinnabar is refined with the elements Wu and Ji; Within the furnace, medicinal herbs seize the primordial essence before Heaven. Born as a guest in the Palace of Eight Scenes, he no longer remembers how many ten-thousands of years have passed on Earth.

话说元始见太上老君驾临，同众门人下篷迎接，二人携手上篷坐下，众门人下拜，侍立两旁。老子曰：“通天贤弟摆此诛仙阵，反阻周兵，使姜尚不得东行，此是何意？吾因此来问他，看他有甚么言语对我。”元始曰：“今日贫道自专，先进他阵中走了一遭，未曾与他较量。”老子曰：“你就破了他的罢了。他肯相从就罢；他若不肯相从，便将他拿上紫霄宫去见老师，看他如何讲。”二位教主坐在篷上，俱有庆云彩气上通于天，把界牌关照耀通红。至次日天明，通天教主传下法旨，令众门人排班出去，“大师兄也来了，看他今日如何讲？”多宝道人同众门人击动了金钟玉磬，迳出诛仙阵来，请老子答话。哪吒报上篷来。少时，芦篷里香烟霭霭，瑞彩翩翩，你看老子骑著青牛而来。怎见得，有诗为证： 骑牛远远过前村，短笛仙音隔陇闻。辟地开天为教主，炉中炼出锦乾坤。话说老子至阵前，通天教主打稽首曰：“道兄请了。”老子曰：“贤弟，我与你三人共立‘封神榜’，乃是体上天应运劫数。你如何反阻周兵，使姜尚有违天命？”通天教主曰：“道兄，你休要执一偏向。广成子三进碧游宫，面辱吾教，恶语詈骂，犯上不守规矩。昨日二兄坚意只向自己门徒，反灭我等手足，是何道理？今兄长不责自己弟子，反来怪我，此是何意？如若要我释怨，可将广成子送至碧游宫，等我发落，我便甘休；若是半字不肯，任凭长兄施为，各存二教本领，以决雌雄！”老子曰：“似你这等说话，反是不偏向的？你偏听门人背后之言，彻动无明之火，摆此恶阵，残害生灵；莫说广成子未必有此言语，便有，也罪不致此。你就动此念头，悔却初心，有逆天道，不守清规，有犯嗔痴之戒。你趁早听我之言，速速将此阵解释，回守碧游宫，改过前愆，尚可容你还掌截教；若不听我言，拿你去紫霄宫，见了师尊，将你贬入轮回，永不能再至碧游宫，那时悔之晚矣！”通天教主听罢，须弥山红了半边，修行眼双睛烟起，大怒，叫曰：“李聃！我和你一体同人，总掌二教，你如何这等欺灭我，偏心护短，一意遮饰，将我抢白，难道我不如你！吾已摆下此阵，断不与你甘休！你敢来破我此阵？”老子笑曰：“有何难哉！你不可后悔！”正是： 元始大道今舒展，方显玄都不二门。

Now, when Yuanshi saw the Tai Shang Laojun arrive in person, he descended from his boat with all his disciples to welcome him. The two clasped hands and ascended together onto the boat where they sat down; the disciples knelt in reverence and stood on either side as attendants. Laozi said, "My virtuous younger brother Tongtian has set up this Zuxian Formation to block the Zhou army and prevent Jiang Shang from proceeding eastward. What is your intention?" I have come here specifically to ask him, to see what words he will offer in response to me." Yuanshi said, "Today I acted on my own initiative and personally entered his formation for a tour; I did not yet engage in any contest with him." Laozi said, "Then you might as well break it now. If he is willing to comply, then that will be the end of it; if he refuses to comply, take him up to Zixiao Palace and present him before Master Teacher. Let us see how he will explain himself." The two masters sat on the boat, and both were surrounded by auspicious clouds and radiant qi that extended up to Heaven, illuminating Jiepaiguan Gate in a brilliant red glow. The next day, at dawn, Tongtian Jiao Zhuzhi issued a decree and ordered his disciples to form ranks outside. "My eldest senior brother has also arrived; let us see how he will speak today?" Dabao Daoren, together with his disciples, struck the golden bell and jade chimes, directly exiting from the Zuxian Formation to invite Laozi for a discussion. Nezha reported up to the boat. After a short while, from within the reed boat arose fragrant smoke and auspicious colors swirling gracefully. You could see Laozi riding on his qingniu ox approaching. How can this be described? Let a poem testify: Riding the ox, he passes far beyond the village ahead; The sound of his bamboo flute drifts across the fields. He opened Heaven and Earth as a master of the Dao, refining within the furnace a splendid cosmos of heaven and earth. Now, when Laozi arrived at the formation's front, Tongtian Jiao Zhi performed a deep bow and said, "Brother Dao greets you." Laozi said, "My dear younger brother, the three of us established the 'Fengshen Bang' together; this was to fulfill Heaven's will and respond to the destined calamity. Why have you now gone against it by blocking the Zhou army, causing Jiang Shang to defy Heaven's decree?" Tongtian Jiao Zhi said, "Brother Dao, do not be rigid and biased. Guangchengzi entered the Biyou Palace three times, publicly shaming our school with foul words and insults, violating discipline by defying superiors. Yesterday my elder brother insisted on favoring only his own disciples, going so far as to destroy our brothers and sisters in the Dao—what kind of reasoning is this?" Now you, my elder brother, do not hold your own disciples accountable but instead blame me. What does this mean?" If you wish for me to release my resentment, then send Guangchengzi to Biyou Palace and let me deal with him as I see fit. Then I shall be content; if you refuse even by a single word, then let my elder brother act as he pleases. Let the two schools demonstrate their true abilities and decide who is superior!" Laozi said, "With words like yours, how can you claim to be impartial?" You have been biased in listening only to your disciples' behind-the-scenes words, stoking the fire of ignorance and setting up this evil formation to harm living beings; Even if Guangchengzi did not say those words, even if he did, his crime does not warrant such a punishment. You have entertained this thought and abandoned your original aspiration, going against the Dao of Heaven, violating pure discipline, and breaking the precepts against anger and ignorance. You should listen to my words at once, quickly dissolve this formation, return and guard Biyou Palace, reform your past faults, and still may be allowed to resume leadership of the Jie School; if you do not heed my words, I shall take you to Zixiao Palace. Presenting you before our Master Teacher, he will banish you into the cycle of reincarnation and you will never again be allowed near Biyou Palace. By then, it will be too late to regret!" After hearing this, Tongtian Jiao Zhu's half of the Sumeru Mountain turned red. His cultivation eyes filled with smoke as he became furious and shouted, "Li Dan! We are one and the same, jointly overseeing the two schools. How could you treat me so disrespectfully, showing favoritism and shielding your own, deliberately concealing the truth to belittle me? Do you think I am not as good as you!" I have already set this formation in place and will by no means let it rest with you!" Dare you come to break my formation?" Laozi laughed and said, "What is there that is difficult!" "Do not regret it later!" Indeed: The great Dao of Yuanshi now unfolds, revealing the Gate of Non-Duality in Xuantu.

老子复又曰：“既然要破我阵，我先让你进此阵，运用停当，我再进来，毋令得你手慌脚乱。”通天道人大怒曰：“任你进吾阵来，吾自有擒你之处！”道罢，通天道人随兜奎牛进陷仙门去，在陷仙阙下，等候老子。老子将青牛一拍，往西方兑地来；至陷仙门下，将青牛催动，只见四足祥光白雾，紫气红云，腾腾而起。老子又将太极图抖开，化一座金桥，昂然入陷仙门来。老子作歌，歌曰： “玄黄外兮拜明师，混沌时兮任我为。五行兮在我掌握，大道兮渡进群迷。清静兮修成金塔，闲游兮曾出关西。两手包罗天地外，腹安五岳共须弥。”

Laozi added, "Since you wish to break my formation, I shall first allow you to enter it. When your arrangements are in place, I will come in afterward and not let you become flustered." Tongtian Daoren became furious and said, "Come into my formation if you dare; I have already prepared a way to capture you!" Having said this, Tongtian Daoren rode his qiniu beast into the Xianxian Gate and waited beneath the Xianxian Que for Laozi. Laozi struck his qingniu ox, heading toward the Western Dui region; Upon arriving beneath the Xianxian Gate, he urged his qingniu forward. Suddenly, auspicious white mist and purple qi with red clouds arose from its four hooves, rising in a swirling mass. Laozi then unfurled the Taijitu diagram, transforming it into a golden bridge, and strode proudly through the Xianxian Gate. Laozi composed a song, singing: "Beyond the Yellow and Black, I bow to my enlightened teacher; in the time of chaos, I act as I will. The Five Elements are within my grasp; the great Dao leads all the lost souls across." In quiet cultivation, I built a golden pagoda; in leisurely wandering, I once traveled beyond Guanxi. With two hands, I encompass Heaven and Earth beyond; within my belly rest the Five Great Mountains and Sumeru."

话说老子歌罢，迳入阵来。且说通天教主见老子昂然直入，却把手中雷放出。一声响亮，震动了陷仙门上的宝剑。这宝剑一动，任你人仙首落。老子大笑曰：“通天贤弟，少得无礼，看吾扁拐！”劈面打来。通天教主见老子进阵，如入无人之境，不觉满面通红，遍身火发，将手中剑火速忙迎。正在战间，老子笑曰：“你不明至道，何以管立教宗？”又一扁拐照脸打来。通天教主大怒曰：“你有何道术，敢逆诛我的门徒？此恨怎消！”将剑挡拐，二圣人战在诛仙阵内，不分上下，敌斗数番。正是： 邪正逞胸中妙诀，水清处方显鱼龙。

After finishing his song, Laozi directly entered the formation. Meanwhile, Tongtian Jiao Zu saw that Laozi had confidently and directly entered, so he unleashed a thunderbolt from his hand. A loud crack of thunder reverberated through the treasure sword above the Xianxian Gate entrance. When this treasure sword moves, no matter who you are—even a human or immortal—your head will fall. Laozi laughed heartily and said, "My dear younger brother Tongtian, you are being impolite. Watch my flat staff!" He struck directly at his face. Tongtian Jiao Zhu saw that Laozi entered the formation as if it were empty, and could not help but blush with anger, his whole body burning. He quickly raised his sword to meet the attack. While they were locked in battle, Laozi laughed and said, "You do not understand the ultimate Dao—how can you possibly establish a school of teaching?" Another strike from his flat staff came crashing toward his face. Tongtian Jiao Zu became furious and said, "What Dao or technique do you possess that dares to defy me and destroy my disciples?" How can I ever forget this grudge!" He brandished his sword and staff, and the two sages clashed within the Zuxian Formation. They fought for several rounds without either gaining the upper hand. Indeed: Righteous and unrighteous minds each display their inner secrets; it is only in clear waters that the dragon and fish reveal themselves.

话说二位圣人战在陷仙门里，人人各自施威。方至半个时辰，只见陷仙门里八卦台下，有许多截教门人，一个个睁睛竖目，那阵内四面八方雷鸣风吼，电光闪灼，雾气昏迷。怎见得，有赞为证： 风气呼嚎，乾坤荡漾；雷声激烈，震动山川。电掣红绡，钻云飞火；雾迷日月，大地遮漫。风刮得沙尘掩面，雷惊得虎豹藏形，电闪得飞禽乱舞，雾迷得树木无踪。那风只搅得通天河波翻浪滚；那雷只震得界牌关地裂山崩；那电只闪得诛仙阵众仙迷眼；那雾只迷得芦篷下失了门人。这风真是推山转石松篁倒；这雷真是威风凛冽震人惊；这电真是流天照野金蛇走；这雾真是弥弥漫漫蔽九重。

Now, the two sages were locked in battle within Xianxian Gate; each displayed their own power. After half a shichen, within the Xianxian Gate at the Eight Trigrams Platform below, many disciples of the Jie School stood wide-eyed and staring intently. Thunder roared from all directions inside the formation, lightning flashed, and misty clouds obscured everything in confusion. How can this be described? Here is a verse to testify: The winds howled, Heaven and Earth swayed; thunder roared fiercely, shaking the mountains and rivers. Lightning flashed like crimson silk, piercing through clouds with flying sparks; Mist obscured the sun and moon, shrouding the earth in darkness. The wind blew sand and dust into faces; thunder startled tigers and leopards to hide their forms. Lightning caused birds to fly in disarray, while the mist obscured trees so they vanished from sight. The wind churned up waves and rolled tides on the Tongtian River; the thunder shook Jiepai Pass, causing the earth to crack and mountains to collapse; lightning flashed so fiercely that it blinded all the immortals within the Zuxian Formation; the mist obscured everything to such an extent that disciples at the luhutang lost sight of one another. This wind was truly powerful enough to push mountains, roll stones, and uproot pines and bamboo; this thunder was indeed so fierce and chilling that it terrified people; this lightning truly illuminated the sky and fields like a golden serpent darting through the air; this mist was indeed dense and widespread, obscuring even nine layers of Heaven.

话说老子在陷仙门大战，自己顶上现出玲珑宝塔在空中，那怕他雷鸣风吼。老子自思：“他只知仗他道术，不知守己修身，我也显一显玄都紫府手段与他的门人看看！”把青牛一拎，跳出圈子来；把鱼尾冠一推，只见顶上三道气出，化为三清。老子复与通天教主来战。只听得正东上一声钟响，来了一位道人，戴九云冠，穿大红白鹤绛绡衣，骑白而来；手仗一口宝剑，大呼曰：“李道兄！吾来助你一臂之力！”通天教主认不得，随声问曰：“那道者是何人？”道者答曰：“吾有诗为证： 混元初判道为先，常有常无得自然。紫气东来三万里，函关初度五千年。”

Now, as Laozi fought fiercely at Xianxian Gate, a crystal pagoda appeared above his head in the air; no matter how thunder roared or winds howled, he was unafraid. Laozi thought to himself, "He only knows how to rely on his Dao techniques, but he does not know self-cultivation and restraint. I shall also demonstrate the methods of Xuandu Zifu before his disciples!" He lifted Qingniu with one hand, leapt out of the formation circle; he pushed back his Yuyei Crown, and suddenly three streams of qi emerged from above his head, transforming into the Three Pure Ones. Laozi once again engaged Tongtian Jiao Zu in battle. Just then, a bell rang from the due east direction, and an Daoist arrived. He wore a Jiuyun Crown, donned a crimson robe embroidered with white cranes, and rode on a white steed; holding a precious sword in hand, he shouted loudly, "Brother Dao Li!" I have come to lend you a helping hand!" Tongtian Jiao Zu did not recognize him and asked, "Who is this Daoist?" The Daoist replied, "I have a poem to testify: From the beginning of the primordial chaos, Dao came first; ever-present and ever-absent, it attains nature. Purple qi from the east spans thirty thousand li; five thousand years mark its first crossing at Hangu Pass."

道人作罢诗曰：“吾乃上清道人是也。”仗手中剑来取。通天教主不知上清道人出于何处，慌忙招架。只听得正南上又有钟响，来了一位道者，戴如意冠，穿淡黄八卦衣，骑天马而来；一手执灵芝如意，大呼曰：“李道兄！吾来佐你共伏通天道人！”把天马一兜，仗如意打来。通天教主曰：“来者何人？”道人曰：“我也认不得，还称你做截教之主？听吾道来。诗曰： 函关初出至昆仑，一统华夷属道门。我体本同天地老，须弥山倒性还存。

After reciting his poem, the Daoist said, "I am Shangqing Daoren." He brandished the sword in hand to attack. Tongtian Jiao Zu, unsure of where Shangqing Daoren had come from, hastily raised his weapon to block and parry. Just then, another bell rang from the due south direction, and a Daoist arrived. He wore an Ru Yi Crown, donned a light yellow robe embroidered with the Eight Trigrams, and rode on a heavenly horse; holding a lingzhi scepter in one hand, he shouted loudly, "Brother Dao Li!" I have come to assist you together against Tongtian Daoren!" He reined in his heavenly horse and struck with the scepter. Tongtian Jiao Zu asked, "Who are you?" The Daoist said, "I do not know who you are either. How can I still call you the leader of the Jie Sect?" Listen to me speak. The poem says: From the first crossing of Hangu Pass, I journeyed on to Kunlun; the unification of Huayi belongs to the Daoist school. My body is originally one with Heaven and Earth, enduring through old age; even if Sumeru Mountain collapses, my nature remains.

吾乃玉清道人是也。”通天教主不知其故，“自古至今，鸿钧一道传三友；上清、玉清不知从何教而来？”手中虽是招架，心中甚是疑惑。正寻思未已，正北上又是一声玉磬响，来了一位道人，戴九霄冠，穿八宝万寿紫霞衣；一手执龙须扇，一手执三宝玉如意，骑地吼而来，大呼：“李道兄！贫道来辅你共破陷仙阵也！”通天教主又见来了这一位苍颜鹤发道人，心上不安，忙问曰：“来者何人？”道人曰：“你听我道来。诗曰： 混沌从来不计年，鸿蒙剖处我居先。参同天地玄黄理，任你傍门望眼穿。

"I am Yuqing Daoren." Tongtian Jiao Zu was puzzled and said, "Since ancient times until now, the great Dao of Hongjun has been passed down to three friends; how could Shangqing and Yuqing have come from any other school?" Though he continued to block with his hands, in his heart he was deeply puzzled. Just as he was pondering, a jade chime rang from the due north direction. A Daoist arrived wearing a Jiuxiao Crown and an embroidered purple xia robe with eight treasures and ten thousand years of longevity; holding a dragon whisker fan in one hand and a jade scepter representing the Three Treasures in the other, he rode on a dihou beast and shouted loudly, "Brother Dao Li!" I have come to aid you together in breaking through Xianxian Formation!" Tongtian Jiao Zu saw yet another old Daoist with a gray face and white beard arrive, and felt uneasy. He hurriedly asked, "Who are you?" The Daoist said, "Listen to me speak." The poem says: Since the beginning of chaos, time has never been counted; I was first to dwell where Hongmeng split apart. I partake in the Dao of Heaven and Earth's black and yellow principles; no matter how you, followers of side schools, strain your eyes, you cannot reach me.

吾乃太清道人是也。”四位天尊围住了通天教主，或上或下，或左或右，通天教主止有招架之功。且说截教门人见三位来的道人身上霞光万道，瑞彩千条，光婵灿烂，映目射眼，内有长耳定光仙暗思：“好一个阐教，来得毕竟正气！”深自羡慕。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

"I am Taiqing Daoren." The Four Celestial Lords surrounded Tongtian Jiao Zu. Some attacked from above, some below, others to the left or right; all Tongtian could do was block and parry. Meanwhile, the Jie School disciples saw that the three arriving Daoists radiated ten thousand rays of xia light and thousands of auspicious colors. The brilliance was dazzling and blinding to the eyes. Among them, Chang'er Dingguang Xian silently mused, "What a righteous school of Chan! They have indeed arrived with proper righteousness!" He felt deep admiration for it. What will happen next? Stay tuned for the next chapter.