Chapter 78: Three Teachings Unite to Break the Zhuxian Formation

诗曰： 诛仙恶阵四门排，黄雾狂风雷火偕。遇劫黄冠遭劫运，堕尘羽士尽尘埋。 剑光徒有吞神骨，符印空劳吐黑霾。纵有通天无上法，时逢圣主应多乖。

The poem says: To exterminate a xian, an evil formation is arranged at four gates; yellow mists and fierce winds accompany thunder and fire. Meeting calamity, the yellow-capped ones suffer misfortune; feather-robed sages fall into dust and are buried by it. Sword light is but a futile attempt to devour divine bones; talismans and seals in vain emit black mists. Even if one possesses supreme methods reaching the heavens, at such a time encountering a sage ruler should bring many misfortunes.

话说老子一气化的三清，不过是元气而已，虽然有形有色，裹住了通天教主，也不能伤他。──此是老子气化分身之妙，迷惑通天教主，竟不能识。老子见一气将消，在青牛上作诗一首，诗曰： “先天而老后天生，借李成形得姓名。曾拜鸿钧修道德，方知一气化三清。”

It is said that the Three Purities, who were transformed by Laozi's single breath of energy, are nothing but primordial qi. Although they have form and color, they enclose the Patriarch Tongtian yet cannot harm him. ——This is the marvel of Laozi's qi transformation and body division, deceiving Patriarch Tongtian to the point where he cannot recognize it. Laozi, seeing that his single breath of energy was about to dissipate, composed a poem while riding the blue ox. The poem says: "Born before heaven and growing old after heaven is born, borrowing Li's form to obtain name and surname." Once I paid homage to Hongjun to cultivate morality and virtue; only then did I come to know the transformation of one breath into the Three Purities."

话说老子作罢诗，一声钟响，就不见了三位道人。通天教主心下愈加疑惑，不觉出神，被老子打了二三扁拐。多宝道人见师父受了亏，在八卦台作歌而来。歌曰： “碧游宫内谈玄妙，岂忍吾师扁拐伤；只今舒展胸中术，且与师伯做一场！”

It is said that after Laozi finished composing his poem, a single bell rang, and suddenly the three Daoist sages were no longer visible. Patriarch Tongtian became even more puzzled in his heart, lost in thought unconsciously, and was struck two or three times on the backside by Laozi. Dao Ren Duobao, seeing his master had suffered a loss, came singing a song from the Bagua Terrace. linersw Song says: "In the Biyou Palace discussing profound Dao, how could we bear to see our master struck on the backside; " "Now I shall unfold the techniques within my chest and have a contest with my senior uncle!"

歌罢，大呼：“师伯！我来了！”好多宝道人！仗剑飞来直取。老子笑曰：“米粒之珠，也放光华！”把扁拐架剑，随取风火蒲团祭起空中，命黄巾力士：“将此道人拿去，放在桃园，俟吾发落！”黄巾力士将风火蒲团把多宝道人卷将去了。正是： 从今弃邪归正道，他与西方却有缘。

After finishing his song, he shouted loudly: "Senior Uncle! I am coming!" Duobao Dao Ren! He brandished his sword and flew straight toward him. Laozi laughed and said, "A grain of rice as a pearl—how can it emit brilliance!" He held the backside stick against the sword, then summoned a wind-and-fire cushion and hurled it into the air. He commanded the Red Turban Warriors: "Seize this Daoist and take him to Peach Garden; wait for my orders!" The Red Turban Warriors used the wind-and-fire cushion to roll Duobao Dao Ren away. Indeed: "From now on, abandoning evil and returning to the righteous path—his connection with the West is destined."

且说老子用风火蒲团把多宝道人拿往玄都去了，老子竟不恋战，出了陷仙门，来至芦篷。众门人与元始迎接坐下。元始问曰：“今日入阵，道兄见里面光景如何？”老子笑曰：“他虽摆此恶阵，急切也难破他的；被吾打了二三扁拐。多宝道人被吾用风火蒲团拿往玄都去了。”元始曰：“此阵有四门，得四位有力量的方能破得。”老子曰：“我与你只顾得两处，还有两处，非众门人所敢破之阵。此剑你我不怕，别人怎么经得起？”正议论间，忽见广成子来禀曰：“二位老师，外面有西方教下准提道人来至。”老子、元始二人忙下篷迎接，请上篷来，叙礼毕，坐下。老子笑曰：“道兄此来，无非为破诛仙阵来，收西方有缘；只是贫道正欲借重，不意道兄先来，正合天数，妙不可言！”准提道人曰：“不瞒道兄说，我那西方：花开见人人见我。因此贫道来东南两土，未遇有缘；又几番见东南二处有数百道红气冲空，知是有缘，贫道借此而来，渡得有缘，以兴西法，故不辞跋涉，会一会截教门下诸友也。”老子曰：“今日道兄此来，正应上天垂象之兆。”准提道人问曰：“这阵内有四口宝剑，俱是先天妙物，不知当初如何落在截教门下？”老子曰：“当时有一分宝岩，吾师分宝镇压各方；后来此四口剑就是我通天贤弟得去，已知他今日用此作难。虽然众仙有厄，原是数当如此。如今道兄来的恰好；只是再得一位，方可破此阵耳。”准提道人曰：“既然如此，总来为渡有缘，待我去请我教主来。正应三教会诛仙，分辨玉石。”老子大喜，准提道人辞了老子，往西方来请西方教主接引道人，共遇有缘。正是： 佛光出在周王世，兴在明章释教开。

Meanwhile, Laozi used the wind-and-fire cushion to take Dao Ren Duobao away to Xuandu. Without lingering in battle, he left Xianxian Gate and arrived at Lupeng. His disciples and Yuanshi welcomed him and seated him down. Yuanshi asked, "Today when you entered the formation, Brother Dao, what did you see inside?" Laozi smiled and said, "Although he has arranged this evil formation, it is difficult to break through immediately; " I struck him two or three times with my backside stick. Dao Ren Duobao was taken by me to Xuandu using the wind-and-fire cushion." Yuanshi said, "This formation has four gates; it can only be broken by four powerful individuals." Laozi said, "I and you can manage two of the gates; as for the remaining two, they are not formations that our disciples dare to break. "This sword we fear not, but how could others withstand it?" While they were discussing this, suddenly Guangchengzi arrived and reported, "The two masters, there is Dao Ren Zhunti from the Western Teachings outside." Laozi and Yuanshi hurriedly left the tent to welcome him, invited Dao Ren Zhunti into the tent, exchanged courtesies, and then sat down. Laozi smiled and said: "Brother Dao's arrival here is surely to break the Zhusxian Formation, to gather those with karmic connections from the West; I was just about to rely on you when I did not expect that you arrived first—this is exactly in line with the heavenly decree, a marvel beyond words!" Dao Ren Zhunti said: "I will not hide this from you, Brother Dao. In my Western Teachings: when the flower blooms, all see it; everyone sees me." Therefore, I came to the eastern and southern lands, but have not yet encountered those with karmic connection; On several occasions, I saw hundreds of red qi streams surging into the sky in the eastern and southern regions. Knowing that these were signs of karmic connections, I came here to rescue those with such ties, to promote the Western Teachings, hence I did not hesitate to travel far, just to meet my fellow friends from the Jie Sect." Laozi said: "Today, Brother Dao's arrival is exactly in accordance with the omen of Heaven's will." Dao Ren Zhunti asked, "There are four treasure swords within this formation, all of which are wondrous objects from before Heaven. I wonder how they originally ended up in the possession of the Jie Sect disciples?" Laozi said: "At that time, there was a Precious Treasures Rock. My master divided treasures to subdue the various directions; Later on, these four swords were obtained by my virtuous younger brother Tongtian. I already knew that he would use them to create difficulties today." Although the immortals are now in trouble, this is all according to fate. Now that you have come at just the right time; only one more person is needed to break this formation." Dao Ren Zhunti said, "If that is the case, I have come here to rescue those with karmic ties. Let me go and invite my Patriarch." This is exactly the meeting of the Three Teachings at Zhusxian, to distinguish jade from stones." Laozi was greatly pleased. Dao Ren Zhunti bid farewell to Laozi and went westward to invite Patriarch Jieyin, the leader of the Western Teachings, to meet those with karmic connections together. Indeed: "Buddha's light appeared in the era of King Zhou, and flourished during the reigns of Ming and Zhang when Buddhism was established."

且说准提来至西方，见了接引道人，打稽首坐下。接引道人曰：“道友往东土去，为何回来太速？”准提道人曰：“吾见红光数百道俱出阐、截二教之门。今通天教主摆一诛仙阵，阵有四门，非四人不能破。如今有了三位，还少一位。贫道特来请道兄去走一遭，以完善果。”西方教主曰：“但我自未曾离清净之乡，恐不谙红尘之事，有误所委，反为不美。”准提曰：“道兄，我与你俱是自在无为，岂有不能破那有象之阵！道兄不必推辞，须当同往。”接引道人如准提道人之言，同往东土而来。只见足踏祥云，霎时而至芦篷。广成子来禀老子与元始曰：“西方二位尊师至矣。”老子与元始率领众门人下篷来迎接。见一道人，身高丈六。但见： 大仙赤脚枣梨香，足踏祥云更异常。十二莲台演法宝，八德池边现白光。 寿同天地言非谬，福比洪波语岂狂。修成舍利名胎息，清闲极乐是西方。

Meanwhile, Dao Ren Zhunti arrived in the West, paid respects to Patriarch Jieyin and sat down. Patriarch Jieyin said: "Dao You, why have you returned to the West so quickly after going east?" Dao Ren Zhunti replied: "I saw hundreds of red lights emerging from the gates of both the Chan and Jie Sects. Now Patriarch Tongtian has arranged a Zhusxian Formation with four gates, which cannot be broken without four people. Currently there are already three of them, but one is still missing. I have specially come to invite you to go once, in order to complete the karmic result." The Patriarch of the Western Teachings said, "But I have never left my pure and tranquil homeland; I fear that I am unfamiliar with worldly affairs. If I make a mistake in what is entrusted to me, it would be unbecoming." Zhunti said: "Brother Dao, both you and I are free and unattached, practicing non-action. How could we possibly be unable to break that formation with its visible forms! You need not refuse; you must go together." Patriarch Jieyin followed Dao Ren Zhunti's words and went eastward with him. They were seen treading auspicious clouds, arriving at Lupeng in an instant. Guangchengzi came to report to Laozi and Yuanshi: "The two venerable masters from the West have arrived." Laozi and Yuanshi led their disciples down from the tent to welcome them. They saw a Daoist, six zhang tall in height. But behold: The great immortal walks barefoot with the fragrance of red dates and pears, treading auspicious clouds in an extraordinary manner. Twelve lotus platforms display treasures; white light appears by the Eight Virtues Pool. Longevity matching heaven and earth is no false claim; blessings comparable to surging waves are not wild words. Having cultivated into pearl-like relics, known as fetal breathing—tranquil bliss and ultimate joy is the West.

话说老子与元始迎接接引、准提上了芦篷，打稽首，坐下。老子曰：“今日敢烦，就是三教会盟，共完劫运，非吾等故作此障孽耳。”接引道人曰：“贫道来此，会有缘之客，也是欲了冥数。”元始曰：“今日四友俱全，当早破此阵，何故在此红尘中扰攘也！”老子曰：“你且分付众弟子，明日破阵。”元始命玉鼎真人、道行天尊、广成子、赤精子：“你四人伸手过来。”元始各书了一道符印在手心里，“明日你等见阵内雷响，有火光冲起，齐把他四口宝剑摘去，我自有妙用。”四人领命，站过去了。又命燃灯：“你站在空中；若通天教主往上走，你可把定海珠往下打，他自然著伤。一来也知我阐教道法无边。”元始分付毕，各自安息。不言。只等次日黎明，众门人排班，击动金钟、玉磬。四位教主齐至诛仙阵前，传令命左右：“报与通天教主，我等来破阵也。”左右飞报进阵。只见通天教主领众门人齐出戮仙门来，迎著四位教主。通天教主对接引、准提道人曰：“你二位乃是西方教下清净之乡，至此地意欲何为？”准提道人曰：“俺弟兄二人虽是西方教主，特往此处来遇有缘。道友，你听我道来： 身出莲花清净台，三乘妙典法门开。玲珑舍利超凡俗，璎珞明珠绝世埃。 八德池中生紫焰，七珍妙树长金苔。只因东土多英俊，来遇前绿结圣胎。”

It is said that Laozi and Yuanshi welcomed Patriarch Jieyin and Dao Ren Zhunti onto the 芦篷, paid them respects with a 稽首, and then sat down. Laozi said: "Today's trouble is to convene the Three Teachings in alliance, together completing this calamity cycle. It is not that we intentionally create such obstacles." Patriarch Jieyin replied: "I have come here to meet guests with karmic connections; it is also my wish to resolve the fated karma." Yuanshi said: "Today, all four of you are present; we should break this formation as soon as possible. Why linger and cause disturbances in the mundane world!" Laozi said: "You may now instruct your disciples to prepare for breaking the formation tomorrow." Yuanshi ordered Yuding Zhenren, Daoheng Tianzun, Guangchengzi, and Chizigen: "The four of you, extend your hands." Yuanshi inscribed a talisman and seal on each of their palms. "Tomorrow, when you hear thunder within the formation and see flames rising, all four of you remove those four treasure swords together; I have my own wondrous use for them." The four received their orders and stepped aside. He also ordered Randeng: "You stand in the air; if Patriarch Tongtian tries to move upward, you may throw the Dinghai Pearl downward and he will naturally be injured." This way we also demonstrate that our Chan Sect Daoist methods are boundless." After Yuanshi had given all the instructions, everyone rested accordingly. No further words were spoken. They only waited until the next morning at dawn, when all disciples formed ranks and struck the golden bell and jade chime. The four Patriarchs arrived together before the Zhusxian Formation and gave orders to their attendants: "Inform Patriarch Tongtian that we have come to break his formation." The messengers flew into the formation to deliver the message. Patriarch Tongtian led his disciples out of Luxian Gate together, meeting face-to-face with the four Patriarchs. Patriarch Tongtian addressed Patriarch Jieyin anddao Ren Zhunti, saying: "You two are from the pure and tranquil homeland of the Western Teachings. What is your purpose in coming to this place?" Dao Ren Zhunti replied: "My brother and I, though Patriarchs of the Western Teachings, have specially come here to meet those with karmic ties." Dao You, listen well: Born from the lotus on a pure platform, the wondrous teachings of the Three Vehicles open the Dharma gate. Linglong pearl-like relics transcend the mundane; jingluo and pearl treasures surpass worldly dust. Purple flames arise in the Eight Virtues Pool, golden moss grows on the Seven Treasures wondrous trees. It is because there are many heroes and talents in the East who come to meet the green before, forming a sacred embryo."

话说接引道人说罢，通天教主曰：“你有你西方，我有我东土，如水火不同居，你为何也来惹此烦恼。你说你莲花化身，清净无为，其如五行变化，立竿见影。你听我道来： 混元正体合先天，万劫千番只自然。渺渺无为传大法，如如不动号初玄。 炉中久炼全非汞，物外长生尽属乾。变化无穷还变化，西方佛事属逃禅。”

After Patriarch Jieyin finished speaking, Patriarch Tongtian said: "You have your West; I have my East. Like water and fire that cannot coexist—why do you also come to cause such trouble? You speak of your lotus transformation, pure and non-action; yet the Five Elements change and transform, with effects as immediate as a shadow under a pole. Listen well to what I say: The original essence of the Primordial Unity unites with Heaven's primacy; through ten thousand calamities and countless cycles, it remains natural. Vastly non-action transmits the great Dharma; unmoving and unchanging, it is called Chuxuan from the beginning. Long refined in the furnace, it is no longer mercury; eternal life beyond material things entirely belongs to Qian. Transformations without end continue transforming—Buddhist matters of the West belong to fleeing Chan."

话说准提道人曰：“通天道友，不必夸能斗舌。道如渊海，岂在口言。只今我四位至此，劝化你好好收了此阵，何如？”通天教主曰：“既是四位至此，毕竟也见个高下。”通天教主说罢，竟进阵去了。元始对西方教主曰：“道兄，如今我四人各进一方，以便一齐攻战。”接引道人曰：“吾进离宫。”老子曰：“吾进兑宫。”准提曰：“吾进坎地。”元始曰：“吾进震方。”四位教主各分方位而进。且说元始先进震方，坐四不相迳进诛仙门。八卦台上通天教主手发雷声，震动诛仙宝剑。那剑愰动。元始顶上庆云迎住，有千朵金花，璎珞垂珠，络绎不绝，那剑如何下得来。元始进了诛仙门，立于诛仙阙。只见西方教主进离宫，乃是戮仙门。通天教主也发雷声震那宝剑。接引道人顶上现出三颗舍利子，射住了戮仙剑。那剑如钉钉一般，如何下来得。西方教主进了戮仙门，至戮仙阙立住。老子进西方陷仙门。通天教主又发雷震那陷仙剑。只见老子顶上现出玲珑宝塔，万道光华，射住陷仙剑。老子进了陷仙门，也在陷仙阙立住。准提道人进绝仙门，只见通天教主发一声雷，震动绝仙剑。准提道人手执七宝妙树，上边放出千青金莲，射住了绝仙剑，也进了绝仙门来，到了绝仙阙。四位教主，齐进阙前。老子曰：“通天教主，吾等齐进了你诛仙阵，你意欲何为？”老子随手发雷，震动四野，诛仙阵内一股黄雾腾起，迷住了诛仙阵。怎见得， 腾腾黄雾，艳艳金光。腾腾黄雾，诛仙阵内似喷云；艳艳金光，八卦台前如气罩。剑戟戈矛，浑如铁桶；东西南北，恰似铜墙。此正是截教神仙施法力，通天教主显神通。愰眼迷天遮日月，摇风喷火憾江山。四位圣人齐会此，劫数相遭岂易逢。

Dao Ren Zhunti then said: "Patriarch Tongtian, there is no need for you to boast and argue eloquently. The Dao is as deep as the sea; how can it be confined to mere words? Now that we four have come here, let us advise you to dismantle this formation and act properly. What do you say?" Patriarch Tongtian replied: "Since the four of you have come here, we must finally see who is superior." After Patriarch Tongtian finished speaking, he entered the formation. Yuanshi said to the Western Patriarch: "Elder Brother Dao, now that we four are here, let us each enter one direction so that we may attack together." Dao Ren Jieying said: "I shall enter the Palace of Li." Laozi said: "I shall enter the Palace of Dui." Zhunti said: "I shall enter the Earth of Kan." Yuanshi said: "I shall enter the Direction of Zhen." The four Patriarchs each entered their respective directions. Meanwhile, Yuanshi first advanced toward the Direction of Zhen and directly entered the 诛仙门 (Zhu Xian Gate) through the Four Unchanging Path. On the Bagua Terrace, Patriarch Tongtian struck with thunderous power from his hands, shaking the Zhu Xian treasure sword. The sword trembled. Above Yuanshi's head, auspicious clouds intercepted it; thousands of golden flowers bloomed, adorned with jingluo (ornamental chains) and hanging pearls, flowing endlessly—how could the sword descend? Yuanshi entered the Zhu Xian Gate and stood at the Zhu Xian Que. Just then, the Western Patriarch advanced toward the Palace of Li, which was the Lu Xian Gate. Patriarch Tongtian also struck with thunderous power to shake that treasure sword. Above Dao Ren Jieying's head, three sacred relics appeared and held the Lu Xian Sword in place. The sword was as firmly fixed as a nail—how could it descend? The Western Patriarch entered the Lu Xian Gate and stopped at the Lu Xian Que. Laozi advanced toward the Western Xian Xian Gate. Patriarch Tongtian once again struck with thunder to shake the Xian Xian Sword. Just then, above Laozi's head appeared a latticed treasure pagoda emitting myriad rays of radiant light, holding the Xian Xian Sword in place. Laozi entered the Xian Xian Gate and also stopped at the Xian Xian Que. Dao Ren Zhunti advanced toward the Jue Xian Gate; just then, Patriarch Tongtian unleashed a thunderclap that shook the Jue Xian Sword. Dao Ren Zhunti held the Seven Treasures Marvelous Tree in his hand, from which thousands of azure golden lotuses bloomed and pinned down the Jue Xian Sword; he also entered the Jue Xian Gate and arrived at the Jue Xian Que. The four Patriarchs all advanced to before the Que. Laozi said: "Patriarch Tongtian, we have all entered your Zhu Xian Formation. What do you intend to do?" Laozi casually unleashed thunder, shaking the four directions; a thick yellow mist arose within the Zhu Xian Formation, obscuring it. How was this seen? Rolling and rolling yellow mists, brilliant golden radiance. Rolling yellow mists—within the Zhu Xian Formation it was as if clouds were erupting; Brilliant golden light—the Bagua Terrace seemed shrouded in a luminous aura. Swords, halberds, spears, and lances—everything was as solid as an iron drum; East, west, south, and north—all were like copper walls. This was precisely the moment when the immortal beings of the Jie Sect displayed their magical powers, as Patriarch Tongtian demonstrated his supernatural abilities. Blinding mists obscured sun and moon; swirling winds and spouting flames shook mountains and rivers. Four Sages gathered here together—such a meeting of calamitous fates is not easily encountered.

且说四位教主齐进四阙之中，通天教主仗剑来取接引道人。接引道人手无寸铁，只有一拂尘架来。拂尘上有五色莲花，朵朵托剑。老子举扁拐纷纷的打来。元始将三宝玉如意架剑乱打。只见准提道人把身子摇动，大呼曰：“道友快来！”半空中又来了孔雀大明王。准提现出法身，有二十四首，十八只手，执定了璎珞、伞盖、花贯、鱼肠、金弓、银戟、加持神杵、宝锉、金瓶，把通天教主裹在当中。老子扁拐夹后心就一扁拐，打的通天教主三昧真火冒出。元始祭三宝玉如意来打通天教主。通天教主方才招架玉如意，不防被准提一加持杵打中，通天教主翻鞍滚下奎牛，教主就借土遁而起。不知燃灯在空中等侯，才待上时，被燃灯一定海珠又打下来。阵内雷声且急，外面四仙家各有符印在身，奔入阵中，广成子摘去诛仙剑，赤精子摘去戮仙剑，玉鼎真人摘去陷仙剑，道行天尊摘去绝仙剑。四剑既摘去，其阵已破。通天道人独自逃归；众门人各散去了。且说四位教主破了诛仙阵，元始作诗以笑之，诗曰： 堪笑通天教不明，千年掌教陷群生。仗伊党恶污仙教，番聚邪宗枉横行。 宝剑空悬成底事，元神虚耗竟无名。不知顺逆先遭辱，犹欲鸿钧说反盈。

Meanwhile, the four Patriarchs had all entered among the four Ques; Patriarch Tongtian brandished his sword to confront Dao Ren Jieying. Dao Ren Jieying had no weapon in hand, only a whisk with which he raised a defense. On the whisk bloomed five-colored lotuses, each petal supporting the sword. Laozi raised his staff and struck repeatedly. Yuanshi wielded the Three Treasures Jade 如意 (ruyi scepter) to wildly parry and strike with the sword. Just then, Dao Ren Zhunti shook his body and shouted loudly: "Elder Brother, come quickly!" From the middle of the sky came another Peacock Great King of Brightness. Zhunti manifested his Dharma body, with twenty-four heads and eighteen arms, holding jingluo ornaments, parasols, flower garlands, fish entrails, golden bows, silver halberds,加持 (jia zhi) divine pestles, treasure files, and golden vases, surrounding Patriarch Tongtian in the center. Laozi struck with his staff at the back of Patriarch Tongtian's heart, causing the Threefold True Fire to erupt. Yuanshi invoked the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi Scepter to strike Patriarch Tongtian. Just as Patriarch Tongtian was defending against the Jade Ruyi, he did not expect Dao Ren Zhunti's 加持 (jia zhi) pestle to strike him. Patriarch Tongtian tumbled off his Qiu Niu beast and immediately rose by using a earth 遁 (dun) escape technique. Unbeknownst to him, Rendeng was waiting in the air above; just as he was about to ascend, another Dinghai Pearl from Rendeng struck him down. Thunder roared urgently within the formation, while outside, the four immortal masters each bore talismans and seals on their persons as they rushed into the formation: Guangchengzi removed the Zhu Xian Sword, Chijingzi took away the Lu Xian Sword, Yuding Zhenren plucked out the Xian Xian Sword, and Daohang Tianzun seized the Jue Xian Sword. With the four swords removed, the formation was already broken. Patriarch Tongtian fled alone; His disciples scattered in all directions. Meanwhile, the four Patriarchs having broken the Zhu Xian Formation, Yuanshi composed a poem to mock him. The poem said: It is laughable that Patriarch Tongtian lacks understanding; for a thousand years as headmaster, he has trapped all beings in suffering. Relying on his faction's evil and corrupt cultivation sect, he gathered heretical followers to recklessly dominate. The treasure sword hangs in vain—what purpose does it serve? His spiritual essence is wasted, and he remains nameless. He failed to discern the natural order and was disgraced first; yet still he dares to speak of reversing Heaven's will and growing arrogant.

话说四位教主上了芦篷坐下。元始称谢西方教主曰：“为我等门人犯戎，动劳道兄扶持，得完此劫数，尚容称谢！”老子曰：“通天教主逆天行事，自然有败而无胜。你我顺天行事，天道福善祸淫，毫无差错，如灯取影耳。今此阵破了，你等劫数将完，各有好处。姜尚，你去取关；吾等且回山去。”众门人俱别过姜子牙，随四位教主各回山去了。

The four Patriarchs then took their seats on the 芦蓬 (Lu Peng). Yuanshi bowed to thank the Western Patriarch, saying: "Because my disciples have provoked conflict, I trouble Elder Brother Dao for your support. We have completed this calamitous fate and still dare to express our gratitude!" Laozi said: "Patriarch Tongtian acts against Heaven's will; naturally, he can only suffer defeat and never victory. We act in accordance with Heaven's will. The Dao of Heaven bestows blessings on the virtuous and calamity on the wicked, without a single mistake—it is as clear as catching a shadow with a lamp." Now that this formation has been broken, your calamitous fate will soon end, and each of you shall have good fortune. Jiang Shang, go and take the pass; we shall return to our mountains." The disciples all bid farewell to Jiang Ziya and followed the four Patriarchs back to their respective mountains.

子牙送别师尊，自回汜水关来会武王；众将官来见。元帅至帅府，参见武王。王曰：“相父远破恶阵，谅有众仙，孤不敢差人来问候。”子牙谢恩毕，对曰：“荷蒙圣恩，仰仗天威，三教圣人亲至，共破了诛仙阵，前至界牌关了，请大王明日前行。”武王传旨治酒贺功。不表。

Ziyi bade farewell to his master and returned alone to Sishui Pass to meet King Wu; The generals came to pay their respects. The general went to the command headquarters and paid his respects to King Wu. King Wu said: "My father-in-arms has gone far to destroy the evil formation, and many immortals must have been involved. I dare not send anyone to inquire after you." After thanking the king, Ziyi replied: "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's grace. Relying on Heaven's might and with the Three Sages personally arriving to assist together, we have broken the Zhu Xian Formation and now approach Jiepai Pass. I request that His Majesty proceed there tomorrow." King Wu issued an order for a banquet to celebrate the achievement. Details are omitted here.

又说通天教主被老子打了一扁拐，又被准提道人打了一加持宝杵，吃了一场大亏，又失了四口宝剑，有何面目见诸大弟子！自思：“不若往紫芝崖立一坛，拜一恶旛，名曰‘六魂旛’。”──此旛有六尾，尾上书接引道人、准提道人、老子、元始、武王、姜尚六人姓名，早晚用符印，俟拜完之日，将此旛摇动，要坏六位的性命。正是： 左道凶心今不息，枉劳空拜六魂旛。

Meanwhile, Patriarch Tongtian had been struck by Laozi's staff and then hit with Dao Ren Zhunti's 加持 (jia zhi) treasure pestle. He suffered a great loss, lost his four treasure swords, and now had no face to meet his senior disciples! He thought to himself: "I might as well go to Zizhi Cliff and set up an altar, raise a banner of evil, named the 'Liu Hun Banner.'" —This banner has six tails, each inscribed with the names of Dao Ren Jieying, Dao Ren Zhunti, Laozi, Yuanshi, King Wu, and Jiang Shang. With talismans and seals used morning and evening, on the day it is completed, by shaking this banner, he intends to destroy their lives. Indeed: Evil intent in dark arts still lingers; all efforts to invoke the Liu Hun Banner are in vain.

不表通天道人拜旛，后在万仙阵中用。且说界牌开徐盖升了银安殿，与众将商议曰：“方今周兵取了汜水开，驻兵不发。前日来的那多宝道人摆甚诛仙阵，也不知胜败。如今且修本，差官往朝歌去取救兵来，共守此关。”只见差官领了本章往朝歌来，一路无词，渡了黄河，进了朝歌城，至午门下马，到文书房。那日是箕子看本，见徐盖的本大惊：姜尚兵进汜水关，取左右青龙关、佳梦关，兵至界牌关，事有燃眉之急！”箕子忙抱本来见纣王，往鹿台来。当驾官奏知：“箕子侯旨。”纣王曰：“宣来。”箕子上台，拜罢，将徐盖本进上。纣王览本，惊问箕子曰：“不道姜尚作反，侵夺孤之关隘，必须点将协守，方可阻其大恶。”箕子奏曰：“如今四方不宁，姜尚自立武王，其志不小；今率兵六十万来寇五关，此心腹大患，不得草草而已，愿皇上且停饮乐，以国事为本，社稷为重，愿皇上察焉！”纣王曰：“皇伯之言是也。朕与众卿共议，点官协守。”箕子下台。纣王闷闷不悦，无心欢畅。忽妲己、胡喜妹出殿见驾，行礼坐下。妲己曰：“今日圣上双锁眉头，郁郁不乐，却是为何？”王曰：“御妻不知，今日姜尚兴师，侵犯关隘，已占夺三关，实是心腹之大患；况四方刀兵蜂起，使孤心下不安，为宗庙社稷之虑，故此忧心。”妲己笑而奏曰：“陛下不知下情，此俱是边庭武将，钻刺网利；架言周兵六十万来犯关庭，用金贿赂大臣，诬奏陛下，陛下必发钱粮支应；故此守关将官冒破支消，空费朝廷钱粮，实为有私，何常有兵侵关。正为里外欺君，情实可恨！”纣王闻奏，深信其言有理，因问妲己曰：“倘守关官复有本章，何以批发？”妲己曰：“不必批发，只将赍本官斩了一员，以警将来。”纣王大喜，遂传旨：“将赍本官枭首，号令于朝歌。正是： 妖言数句江山失，一统华夷尽属周。

Details of Patriarch Tongtian performing this ritual and raising the banner are omitted, as it will be used later within the Wan Xian Formation. Meanwhile, at Jiepaikai, Xu Gaiseng occupied the Yin'an Hall and discussed with his generals: "Now that Zhou's forces have captured Sishuikai but remain stationed without advancing. The other day, Dao Ren Duobao set up some kind of Zhu Xian Formation; we still do not know whether it succeeded or failed. Now, let us first strengthen our defenses and send envoys to Chaoguo for reinforcements so that we may jointly defend this pass." The envoy received the official document and set off for Chaoguo. Along the way, there were no incidents; he crossed the Yellow River, entered Chaoguo City, dismounted at Wumen Gate, and arrived at the Office of Documents. That day, Ji Zi was in charge of reviewing the documents. Upon reading Xu Gaiseng's report, he was greatly alarmed: "Jiang Shang's troops have advanced to Sishui Pass and captured both Qinglong Pass and Jiameng Pass; now they are at Jiepai Pass—this is an urgent crisis!" Ji Zi hurriedly carried the report to see King Zhou and went to Lutai. The attendant announced: "Ji Zi awaits Your Majesty's command." King Zhou said: "Summon him in." Ji Zi ascended the platform, paid his respects, and presented Xu Gaiseng's document. King Zhou read the report and, startled, asked Ji Zi: "The wicked Jiang Shang has rebelled and invaded my passes. We must immediately appoint generals to assist in defending them so that we may stop this great evil." Ji Zi replied: "Now, the four directions are unstable. Jiang Shang has declared King Wu as sovereign; his ambitions are great; he now leads sixty thousand troops to attack our five passes. This is a dire threat at the heart of our kingdom and cannot be treated lightly. I humbly request Your Majesty to suspend your feasts and music, place state affairs first, and regard the nation's well-being as most important. I pray that Your Majesty will take this seriously!" King Zhou said: "My Uncle's words are correct. I shall discuss with the ministers and appoint officials to assist in defense." Ji Zi descended from the platform. King Zhou was sullen and unhappy, with no interest in joy or entertainment. Suddenly, Daji and Hu Ximei exited the hall to see the king, paid their respects, and sat down. Daji said: "Today, Your Majesty's brows are furrowed in double locks of worry; you appear deeply unhappy. Why is this?" The king said: "My dear consort does not know. Today, Jiang Shang has raised an army and invaded our passes; he has already seized three of them. This is indeed a dire threat at the core of our kingdom; moreover, with armed forces rising like swarming bees in all directions, I feel uneasy. For the sake of our ancestral temple and state, I am thus worried." Daji smiled and said: "Your Majesty does not understand the situation below. These are all frontier generals who have taken advantage of the situation for their own gain; they claim that sixty thousand Zhou troops are coming to attack the passes, bribed high officials with gold, and falsely reported to Your Majesty. Naturally, Your Majesty would then have to allocate money and provisions in response; thus the commanders guarding the passes recklessly spent funds, squandering the court's money and provisions for their own private interests. How often have troops actually invaded the passes? This is precisely an instance of deception from within and without; it is truly despicable!" King Zhou, upon hearing this report, deeply believed her words to be reasonable. He then asked Daji: "If the officials guarding the passes submit another memorial, how should I respond?" Daji said: "There is no need to issue a response. Simply execute one of the officials who submitted the memorial as a warning for the future." King Zhou was greatly pleased and immediately issued an order: "Execute the official who submitted the memorial, behead him publicly in Chaoguo as a warning. Indeed: A few words of evil counsel caused the loss of the realm; all of China and its surrounding peoples became united under Zhou.

话说纣王信妲己之言，忙传旨意：“将界牌关走本官即时斩首号令！”箕子知之，忙至内庭，来见纣王：“皇上为何而杀使命？”王曰：“皇伯不知，边庭钻刺，诈言周兵六十万，无非为冒支府库钱粮之计；此乃是内外欺君，理当斩首，以戒将来。”箕子曰：“姜尚兴兵六十万，自三月十五日金台拜将，天下尽知，非是今日之奏。皇上若杀界牌关走使，不致紧要；失边庭将士之心。”王曰：“料姜尚不过一术士耳，有何大志？况且还有四关之险，黄河之隔，孟津之阻，岂一旦而被小事所惑也。皇伯放心，不必忧虑。”箕子长吁一声而出；看著朝歌宫殿，不觉潸然泪下，嗟叹社稷丘墟。箕子在九间殿作诗以叹之，诗曰： “忆昔成汤放桀时，诸侯八百归尽斯。谁知六百馀年后，更甚南巢几倍奇！”

It is said that King Zhou believed Daji's words and quickly issued an order: "Immediately behead the official from Jiepai Pass who submitted this report and display his head as a warning!" Ji Zi, upon learning of this, hurried to the inner court to see King Zhou: "Your Majesty, why have you killed a messenger?" The king said: "Uncle, you do not know. The frontier officials have taken advantage of the situation and falsely claimed that sixty thousand Zhou troops are attacking; their only intention is to recklessly draw money and provisions from the state treasury; this is an act of deception both within and without, so he should be executed as a warning for those who come after." Ji Zi said: "Jiang Shang has raised sixty thousand troops. Since the fifteenth day of the third month, when he was formally appointed general at Jintai, this is known throughout the land; it is not a report made today. If Your Majesty executes the envoy from Jiepai Pass, it may not be of great consequence; but you will lose the hearts and minds of your frontier generals and soldiers." The king said: "Jiang Shang is merely a minor sorcerer; what great ambitions could he possibly have? Moreover, there are still the dangers of four passes, the barrier of the Yellow River, and the obstruction at Mengjin. How could we be so easily deceived by such a trivial matter in just one day?" Uncle, please rest assured; there is no need to worry." Ji Zi sighed deeply and left. Looking at the palaces of Chaoguo, he could not help but shed tears, sighing over the ruins of the state. Ji Zi composed a poem in the Jiujian Hall to express his lament. The poem says: "Recalling past times when King Cheng Tang exiled Jie, eight hundred feudal lords submitted and returned." Who could have known that more than six hundred years later, the calamity would be even worse by several times over than Nan Chao!"

话说箕子作罢诗回府。不表。

It is said that after Ji Zi finished composing his poem, he returned to his residence. No further details are given.

且说姜元帅在汜水关点人马进征，来辞武王。子牙见武王曰：“老臣先去取关，差官请驾。”武王曰：“但愿相父早会诸侯，孤之幸矣。”子牙别了武王，一声炮响，人马往界牌关进发。──只离八十里，来之甚快。正行间，只见探马报入中军：“已至界牌关下。”子牙传令：“安营。”点炮呐喊。话说徐盖已知关外周兵安营，随同众将上城来看，周兵一派尽是红旗，鹿角森严，兵威甚肃。徐盖曰：“子牙乃昆仑羽士，用兵自有调度，只营寨大不相同。”旁有先行官王豹、彭遵答曰：“主将休夸他人本领，看末将等成功，定拿姜尚，解上朝歌，以正国法。”言罢，各自下城，准备厮杀。只见次日，子牙问帐下：“那员将官关下见头功？”帐下应声而出，乃魏贲曰：“末将愿往。”姜子牙许之。魏贲上马，提枪出营，至关下搦战。有报马报入关上曰：“启主帅：阙下有周兵讨战。”徐盖曰：“众将官在此，我等先议后行。纣王听信谗言，杀了差官，是自取灭亡，非为臣不忠之罪。今天下已归周武，眼见此关难守，众将不可不知。”彭遵曰：“主将之言差矣！况吾等俱是纣臣，理当尽忠报国，岂可一旦忘君徇私？古云：‘食君禄而献其地，是不忠也。’末将宁死不为！愿效犬马，以报君恩。”言罢，随上马出关；见魏贲连人带马，浑如一块乌云。怎见得： 幞头纯墨染，抹额衬缨红。皂袍如黑漆，铁甲似苍松。钢鞭悬塔影，宝剑插水锋。人如下山虎，马似出海龙。子牙门下客，骁将魏贲雄。

Meanwhile, General Jiang at Sishui Pass was mustering his troops for an expedition and came to bid farewell to King Wu. Zi Ya said to King Wu: "Your old minister will go first to capture the pass. I shall send an official to invite Your Majesty." King Wu said: "I only hope that my esteemed father will soon meet with the feudal lords. That would be my good fortune." Zi Ya bid farewell to King Wu, and upon a cannon's blast, his troops set out toward Jiepai Pass. It was only eighty li away; the arrival was very swift. While marching, a scout suddenly galloped into the central camp and reported: "We have arrived beneath Jiepai Pass." Zi Ya gave orders: "Set up camp." Cannons were fired and war cries echoed. It is said that Xu Gaiseng had already learned of the Zhou troops setting up camp outside the pass. He ascended the city wall with his generals to observe. The Zhou forces were all under red banners, their defenses bristling like antlers and their military presence imposing and solemn. Xu Gaiseng said: "Zi Ya is a disciple of Kunlun, and he naturally has his own strategies for deployment. This camp formation is quite different from the usual." A nearby vanguard officer, Wang Bao and Peng Zun, replied: "Commander, do not boast about others' abilities. Watch us accomplish the task; we will surely capture Jiang Shang and deliver him to Chaoguo to be punished according to state law." After saying this, they descended from the city wall and prepared for battle. The next day, Zi Ya asked his subordinates: "Which general wishes to lead the charge at the pass and claim the first feat of valor?" A voice responded from within the tent, and Wei Bin stepped forward: "I am willing to go." Jiang Zi Ya approved. Wei Bin mounted his horse, raised his spear, and exited the camp to challenge the defenders beneath the pass. A scout galloped up to the city wall and reported: "Your commander, there are Zhou troops below demanding battle." Xu Gaiseng said: "All generals are here. Let us first deliberate before taking action. King Zhou believed the slander and executed the envoy, bringing about his own downfall; it was not due to any disloyalty on the part of his ministers. Now that the realm has already submitted to King Wu, this pass is clearly difficult to defend; all generals must be aware of this." Peng Zun said: "Commander, your words are wrong! After all, we are all subjects of King Zhou; it is our duty to remain loyal and serve the country. How can we suddenly forget our sovereign for selfish reasons? As the old saying goes: "To receive a ruler's salary and yet surrender one's territory is disloyalty." I would rather die than do such a thing! I wish to serve as faithfully as a dog or horse, repaying the kindness of my sovereign." After saying this, he immediately mounted his horse and rode out from the pass; he saw Wei Bin on horseback, dark as a mass of black clouds. How was this described: His headpiece was dyed pure black; his forehead cloth was trimmed with red tassels. His dark robe gleamed like lacquer, and his iron armor resembled a stately cypress tree. A steel whip hung beside him like the shadow of a pagoda; a fine sword was sheathed at his side, sharp as water's edge. He was like a tiger descending from the mountain, and his horse resembled a dragon emerging from the sea. A valiant general under Zi Ya's command, the heroic Wei Bin.

话说彭遵见魏贲，大呼曰：“周将通名来！”魏贲答曰：“吾乃扫荡成汤天保大元帅姜麾下左哨先锋魏贲是也。你乃何人？若是知机，早献关隘，共扶周室；如不倒戈，城破之日，玉石俱焚，悔之晚矣！”彭遵大怒，骂曰：“魏贲，你不过马前一匹夫，敢出大言！”摇枪催马直取。魏贲手中枪赴面相迎。两马相交，双枪并举，一场大战。好魏贲！枪刀勇猛，战有三十回合，彭遵战不过魏贲，掩一枪往南败走。魏贲见彭遵败走，纵马赶来。彭遵回顾，见魏贲赶下阵来，忙挂下枪，囊中取出一物，往地下撒来。此物名曰菡萏阵，按三才八卦方位，布成一阵。彭遵先进去了。魏贲不知，将马赶进阵来。彭遵在马上发手一个雷声，把菡萏阵震动，只见一阵黑烟迸出，一声响，魏贲连人带马震得粉碎，彭遵掌得胜鼓进关。报马报入中军：“启元帅：魏贲连人带马震为齑粉。”子牙听罢，叹曰：“魏贲忠勇之士，可怜死于非命，情实可悯！”子牙著实伤悼。彭遵进关，来见徐盖，将坏了魏贲得胜事说了一遍。徐盖权为上了功绩。次日，徐盖对众将曰：“关中粮草不足，朝廷又不点将协守，昨日虽则胜了他一阵，恐此关终难守耳。”正议之间，报：“有周将搦战。”王豹曰：“末将愿往。”上马，提戟，开关，见一员周将，连人带马纯是一片青色。王豹曰：“周将何名？”苏护曰：“吾乃冀州侯苏护是也。”王豹曰：“苏护，你乃天下至无情无义之夫！你女受椒房之宠；身为国戚，满门俱受皇家富贵，不思报本，反助武王叛逆，侵故主之关隘，你有何面目立于天地之间！”催开马，摇戟来取苏护。苏护手中枪赴面来迎。二马相交，枪戟并举，苏护正战王豹，有苏全忠、赵丙、孙子羽三将一齐上来，把王豹围在垓心。王豹如何敌得住，自料寡不敌众，把马跳出圈子就走。赵丙随后赶来。正赶之间，被王豹回手一个劈面雷，打在脸上，可怜随驾东征，未曾受武王封爵之赏，赵丙翻下鞍鞽。孙子羽急来救时，王豹又是一个雷放出，此劈面雷甚是利害，有雷就有火，孙子羽被雷火伤了面门，跌下马来，早被王豹一戟一个，皆被刺死。苏家父子不敢向前。王豹也知机，掌鼓进关，回见徐盖，连诛二将，得胜回兵庆喜。不表。且说苏护父子进营来见子牙，备言损了二将。子牙曰：“你父子久临战场，如何不知进退，致损二将？”苏全忠曰：“元帅在上，若是马上征战，自然好招架；今王豹以幻术发手，有雷有火，打在脸上，就要烧坏面门，怎经得起，故此二将失利。”子牙曰：“误丧忠良，实为可恨！”次日，子牙曰：“众门人谁去关下走一遭？”言未毕，有雷震子曰：“弟子愿往。”子牙许之。雷震子出营，至关下搦战。报马报入关中。徐盖问：“谁去见阵走一遭？”彭遵领令出关，见雷震子十分凶恶，面如蓝靛，巨口，赤发，獠牙上下横生，彭遵大呼曰：“来者何人？”雷震子曰：“吾乃武王之弟雷震子是也。”彭遵不知雷震子胁有双翅，摇手中枪催开马，来取雷震子。雷震子把风雷翅飞起，使开黄金棍，劈头来打。彭遵那里招架得住，拨马就走。雷震子见他诈败，忙将翅飞起，赶来甚急，劈头一棍，彭遵马迟，急架时，正中肩窝上，打翻马下，枭了首级，进营来见子牙。子牙上了雷震子功绩簿。且说探马报入关中：“彭遵阵亡，将首级号令辕门。”徐盖曰：“此关终是难守，我知顺逆，你们只欲强持。”王豹听曰：“主将不必性急，待我明日战不过时，任凭主将处治。”徐盖默然无语。王豹竟回私宅去了。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

It is said that Peng Zun saw Wei Bin and shouted: "State your name, Zhou general!" Wei Bin replied: "I am Wei Bin, vanguard of the Left Flank under General Jiang, the Great Commander who will sweep away Cheng Tang and protect the heavens. Who are you?" If you have any sense, surrender the pass at once and join us in supporting the Zhou dynasty; if you do not switch sides, on the day the city falls, both jade and stone will be destroyed. It will be too late to regret it!" Peng Zun became furious and shouted: "Wei Bin, you are nothing but a common man before my horse. How dare you speak such big words!" He raised his spear, urged on his horse, and charged directly at him. Wei Bin met the attack head-on with his spear in hand. The two horses clashed, both men raising their spears; a fierce battle ensued. How valiant Wei Bin was! With fierce spearplay and boldness, they fought for thirty rounds. Peng Zun could not match Wei Bin's strength and, after parrying a strike, retreated south in defeat. Seeing Peng Zun retreating, Wei Bin spurred his horse forward to pursue him. Peng Zun looked back and saw Wei Bin charging down the field after him. In a hurry, he dropped his spear and took an object from his pouch, scattering it onto the ground. This item was called the Handan Formation. According to the positions of the Three Talents and Eight Trigrams, it formed a formation on the ground. Peng Zun entered first. Wei Bin, unaware of this, urged his horse into the formation. While on horseback, Peng Zun raised his hand and struck a thunderous sound, shaking the Handan Formation. Suddenly, a black smoke burst forth, followed by a loud explosion; Wei Bin was shattered into pieces along with his horse. Peng Zun then beat the drum of victory and rode back through the pass. A scout galloped into camp and reported: "Your commander, Wei Bin has been shattered into paste along with his horse." Upon hearing this, Zi Ya sighed and said: "Wei Bin was a loyal and brave man. It is pitiful that he died such an untimely death; the situation is truly sorrowful!" Zi Ya was deeply grieved. Peng Zun returned to the pass, saw Xu Gaiseng, and recounted how he had defeated Wei Bin in detail. Xu Gaiseng provisionally credited him with the feat. The next day, Xu Gaiseng addressed the assembled generals: "Our provisions within the pass are insufficient, and no reinforcements have been sent from the court. Although we won a battle yesterday, I fear this pass will ultimately be difficult to hold." While they were still discussing, a report came in: "A Zhou general is challenging us for battle." Wang Bao said: "I am willing to go." He mounted his horse, raised a halberd, opened the pass, and saw a Zhou general whose entire figure, both man and horse, was pure green in color. Wang Bao asked: "What is your name, Zhou general?" Su Hu said: "I am Su Hu, Marquis of Jizhou." Wang Bao said: "Su Hu, you are the most heartless and unfeeling man in the world! Your daughter enjoys imperial favor; as a member of the royal family, your entire clan enjoys imperial wealth and honor. Yet you do not think of repaying this favor, but instead aid King Wu in rebellion, invading the passes belonging to your former lord. What face do you have to stand among heaven and earth!" He urged his horse forward and brandished his halberd toward Su Hu. Su Hu met him head-on with a spear in hand. The two horses clashed, spears and halberds raised. Just as Su Hu was fighting Wang Bao, three generals—Su Quanzhong, Zhao Bing, and Sunziyu—all rushed forward to surround Wang Bao in the center of the battlefield. Wang Bao could not withstand them; realizing that he was outnumbered, he spurred his horse to break free from the encirclement and fled. Zhao Bing pursued him immediately. As Zhao Bing was in pursuit, he was struck by a sudden thunder-like blow from Wang Bao's hand to the face. Poor Zhao Bing, who had followed on this eastern expedition but had never received any enfeoffment or reward from King Wu, fell from his saddle. When Sunziyu rushed to rescue him, Wang Bao unleashed another thunder strike. This face-splitting thunder was extremely deadly; where there was thunder, there was fire. Sunziyu was struck in the face by the thunder and flame, fell from his horse, and before he could recover, both men were pierced through with a single thrust of Wang Bao's halberd and killed instantly. The Su family father and son dared not advance further. Wang Bao, sensing the opportunity, beat his drum to retreat into the pass and returned to see Xu Gaiseng. He reported having executed two enemy generals and led his victorious troops back in celebration. Details are omitted here. Meanwhile, Su Hu and his son entered the camp to see Jiang Ziya, reporting that they had lost two generals. Jiang Ziya said: "You father and son have long been on the battlefield; how could you not know when to advance or retreat, resulting in the loss of two generals?" Su Quanzhong said: "My lord general, if it were a mounted battle, naturally we could hold our own; now Wang Bao used his magical arts, striking with thunder and fire. When it hit the face, it would burn through one's features—how could we withstand such an attack? That is why those two generals were defeated." Jiang Ziya said: "To have lost loyal and capable men in this way is truly regrettable!" The next day, Jiang Ziya asked: "Which of my disciples will go down to the pass and take a look?" Before he could finish speaking, Leizhenzi said: "I am willing to go." Jiang Ziya gave his approval. Leizhenzi left the camp and went to challenge at the foot of the pass. A scout galloped into the pass with news. Xu Gaiseng asked: "Who will go out to inspect the battlefield?" Peng Zun accepted the order and went out of the pass. He saw Leizhenzi, who appeared extremely fierce: his face was blue as indigo, with a huge mouth, red hair, and fangs jutting out from upper and lower jaws. Peng Zun shouted loudly: "Who dares to come forth?" Leizhenzi said: "I am Leizhenzi, the younger brother of King Wu." Peng Zun did not know that Leizhenzi had a pair of wings on his back. He brandished the spear in his hand, spurred his horse forward, and charged at Leizhenzi. Leizhenzi raised his Fenglei Wings and took to the air, wielding a golden staff to strike Peng Zun from above. Peng Zun could not withstand the attack and turned his horse to flee immediately. Leizhenzi saw that Peng Zun was pretending to retreat and quickly took flight with his wings, giving chase. He struck from above with a thunderous blow. Peng Zun's horse lagged behind; as he desperately raised his weapon for defense, the golden staff hit him squarely in the armpit, knocking him off his horse. Leizhenzi beheaded him and returned to camp to report to Jiang Ziya. Jiang Ziya recorded a merit for Leizhenzi in the register of achievements. Meanwhile, scouts reported into the pass: "Peng Zun has been killed on the battlefield, and his head is now displayed at the 辕门 (yuanmen)." Xu Gaiseng said: "This pass will ultimately be hard to hold. I know the difference between right and wrong; you all only wish to persist in resistance." Wang Bao replied: "Commander, there is no need for you to be impatient. If I cannot win tomorrow's battle, then you may deal with me as you see fit." Xu Gaiseng fell silent and said nothing. Wang Bao returned to his private residence without further ado. What will happen next remains to be seen in the following chapter.