Chapter 79: Four Generals Captured at Chuanyun Pass

诗曰： 一关已过一关逢，法宝多端势更凶。法戒引魂成往事，龙安酥骨有来讧。 几多险处仍须吉，若许能时总是空。堪笑徐芳徒逆命，枉劳心思竟何从！

The verse says: One pass has been passed and another is encountered; many methods of the Dao are fierce in their forms. The legal warnings lead souls into past events, while Long'an's tender bones have come to be known. How many dangerous places still require good fortune; if one is allowed to act, all things are ultimately empty. It is laughable that Xu Fang merely defies fate, in vain laboring his mind—what path does he finally follow!

话说徐盖当晚默默退归后堂。不提。只见次日王豹也不来见主将，竟领兵出关，往周营搦战。报马报入中军。子牙问：“谁人见阵走一遭？”哪吒应曰：“我愿住。”子牙许之。哪吒登风火轮，提火尖枪，奔出营来。王豹见一将登风火轮而来，忙问曰：“来者莫非哪吒么？”哪吒答曰：“然也。”摇枪就刺。王豹的画戟急架忙迎。王豹知哪吒是阐教门下，自思：“打人不过先下手。”正战间，发一劈面雷来打哪吒。不知这雷只好伤别人；哪吒乃是莲花化身之客，他见雷声至，火焰来，把风火轮一登，轮起空中，雷发无功。哪吒祭起乾坤圈去，正中王豹顶门，打昏落马；哪吒复一枪刺死；枭了首级，号令回营，来见子牙，备言前事。子牙大喜。且说徐盖闻报王豹阵亡，暗思：“二将不知时务，自讨杀身之祸。不若差官纳降，以免生民涂炭。”正忧疑之际，忽报：“有一陀头来见。”徐盖命：“请来。”道人进府，至殿前打稽首曰：“徐将军，贫道稽首。”徐盖曰：“请了！道者至此，有何见谕？”道人曰：“将军不知，吾有一门徒，名唤彭遵，丧于雷震子之手；特至此为他报仇。”徐盖曰：“道者高姓？大名？”道人曰：“贫道姓法，名戒。”徐盖见道人有些仙风道骨，忙请上坐。法戒不谦，欣然上坐。徐盖曰：“姜子牙乃昆仑道德之士，他帐下有三山五岳门人，恐不能胜他。”法戒曰：“徐将军放心，我连姜尚俱与你拿了，以作将军之功。”徐盖曰：“若如此，乃是老师莫大之恩。”忙问：“老师是素，是荤？”法戒曰：“持斋。我不用甚东西。”一夕无词。次日法戒提剑在手，迳至周营，坐名要请姜子牙答话。探马报入中军：“有一头陀请元帅答话。”子牙传令，带众门人出营，来会这头陀。只见对面并无士卒，独自一人。怎见得： 赤金箍，光生灿烂；皂盖服，白鹤朝云。丝绦悬水火，顶上焰光生。五遁三除无比赛，胸藏万象包成。自幼根深成大道，一时应堕红尘。封神榜上没他名，要与子牙赌胜。

The story says that on that evening, Xu Gai silently withdrew to the rear hall. No further mention is made of it. It was only seen that the next day, Wang Bao did not come to see his commanding general but instead led his troops out of the pass and went to Zhou's camp to challenge for battle. The scout horseman reported into the central command. Ziya asked, "Who has seen the enemy formation and gone through it once?" Nezha responded, saying, "I am willing to go." Ziya agreed. Nezha mounted the Fenghuo Lun, held his Huojian Qiang, and rushed out of camp. Wang Bao saw a general riding the Fenghuo Lun and hurriedly asked, "Is the one coming here not Nezha?" Nezha replied, "Indeed it is." He shook his spear and charged to strike. Wang Bao quickly raised his painted halberd in haste to meet the attack. Wang Bao realized that Nezha was a disciple of the Chan Sect and thought to himself, "In fighting, one cannot beat another without striking first." While they were engaged in battle, Wang Bao unleashed a splitting thunderbolt aimed directly at Nezha's face. Unbeknownst to him, this thunderbolt could only harm others; Nezha was a guest transformed from lotus flowers. When he saw the thunder approaching and flames coming, he mounted his Fenghuo Lun once more; as the wheel rose into the air, the thunderbolt proved ineffective. Nezha summoned up his Qiankun Circle, which struck precisely at Wang Bao's crown, knocking him unconscious and off his horse; Nezha then drove a spear through him again, killing him. He severed the head and displayed it as a warning before returning to camp. He then came to see Ziya, fully recounting what had happened earlier. Ziya was greatly pleased. Meanwhile, Xu Gai, upon hearing the report of Wang Bao's death on the battlefield, secretly thought to himself, "These two generals failed to understand the situation and brought about their own deaths. It would be better to send an envoy to surrender and avoid further suffering for the people." Just as he was in doubt, a messenger suddenly reported, "A monk is coming to see you." Xu Gai ordered, "Please bring him in." The Daoist entered the mansion and performed a deep bow before the hall, saying, "General Xu, I, this poor Daoist, pay my respects." Xu Gai said, "Please sit!" "What business brings you here, Master Daoist?" The Daoist said, "General, you may not know— I have a disciple named Peng Zun who was killed by Leizhenzi; I have come here especially to take revenge for him." Xu Gai asked, "What is your esteemed surname, Master Daoist?" "Your great name?" The Daoist said, "This poor Daoist's surname is Fa, and my given name is Jie." Xu Gai saw that the Daoist had a somewhat divine and Daoist bearing and hurriedly invited him to sit in an upper seat. Fa Jie did not demur but happily took the upper seat. Xu Gai said, "Jiang Ziya is a moral and virtuous man of Kunlun. Under his command are disciples from the Three Mountains and Five Great Mountains; it seems we cannot defeat him." Fa Jie said, "General Xu, please rest assured. I will capture even Jiang Shang for you and present them as your achievement." Xu Gai said, "If that is the case, it would be a great favor from Master Teacher." He hurriedly asked, "Master Teacher, do you prefer vegetarian or meat dishes?" Fa Jie said, "I observe a vegetarian diet." "I do not need much of anything," he added. They spent the night without further words. The next day, Fa Jie held his sword in hand and went directly to Zhou's camp, demanding by name that Jiang Ziya come out for a parley. A scout horseman reported into the command tent: "There is a monk requesting the general to respond." Ziya gave orders and led his disciples out of camp to meet this monk. It was seen that on the opposite side there were no soldiers at all, only a lone individual. How could one describe it: A crimson golden headband, radiant and brilliant; a dark-robed garment, with white cranes facing the clouds. Silken sashes hung with water and fire; flames glowed above his head. Five evasions, three eliminations—none can rival him; in his chest lies the myriad phenomena of the universe, fully contained. From a young age, with deep roots, he attained the great Dao, yet at one time fell into the red dust of the world. His name does not appear on the Fengshen Bang; he wishes to challenge Ziya for victory.

子牙把四不相催至军前见法戒，曰：“道者请了！”法戎道：“姜子牙，久闻你大名，今日特来会你。”子牙曰：“道者姓甚？名谁？”法戒曰：“我乃篷莱岛炼气士姓法，名戒。彭遵是吾门下，死于雷震子之手。你只叫他来见我，免得你我分颜！”雷震子在旁，听得舌尖上丢了一个“雷”字，大怒，骂曰：“讨死的泼道！我来也！”把风雷二翅飞在空中，将黄金棍劈面打来。法戒手中剑急架忙迎。两下里大战有四五回合，法戒跳出圈子去，取出一旛，对著雷震子一愰。雷震子跌在尘埃。徐盖左右军士将雷震子拿了；虽然困将起来，只是闭目不知人事。法戒大呼曰：“今番定要擒姜尚！”旁有哪吒大怒，骂曰：“妖道用何邪术，敢伤我道兄也！”登开风火轮，摇开火尖枪，来战法戒。法戒未及三四回合，忙把那旛取出来也愰哪吒。哪吒乃莲花化身，却无魂魄，如何愰得动他。法戒见哪吒在风火轮上安然不能跌将下来，已自著忙。哪吒见法戎拿一首旛在手内愰，知是左道之术，不能伤己，忙祭乾坤圈打来。法戒躲不及，打了一交。哪吒方欲用枪来刺，法戒已借土遁去了。子牙收兵回营，见折了雷震子，心下甚恼，纳闷在中军。且说法戒被哪吒打了一圈，逃回关内。徐盖见法戒著伤而回，便问：“老师，今日初阵如何失机？”法戒曰：“不妨，是我误用此宝。他原来是灵珠子化身，原无魂魄，焉能擒他。”忙取丹药，吃了一粒，即时全愈；分付左右：“把雷震子抬来！”法戒对雷震子将旛连转两转。雷震子睁开眼一观，已被擒捉。法戒大怒，骂曰：“为你这厮，又被哪吒打了我一圈！”命左右：“拿去杀了！”徐盖在旁解曰：“老师既来为我末将，且不可斩他，暂监在囹圄之中，候解往朝歌，俟天子发落，表老师莫大之功，亦知末将请老师之微功耳。”──看官：此是徐盖有意归周，故假此言遮饰。──法戒听说，笑曰：“将军之言甚是有理。”正是： 徐盖有意归周主，不怕陀头道术高。

Ziya urged his Sibuxiang forward until it reached the front of the army where Fa Jie was, and said, "Master Daoist, please come forth!" Fa Rong said, "Jiang Ziya, I have long heard of your great name. Today I have specially come to meet you." Ziya asked, "What is your surname, Master Daoist?" "And what is your name?" Fa Jie said, "I am Fa Jie, a cultivator of Qi from Penglai Island. Peng Zun was my disciple and died at the hands of Leizhenzi." "Just have him come to see me, so we need not quarrel!" Leizhenzi, standing nearby, heard that the word "Lei" had been omitted from his name and became furious. He cursed, saying, "You damned Daoist looking for death!" "I am coming for you!" He spread his wind and thunder wings, flew into the air, and swung his golden staff down to strike Fa Jie in the face. Fa Jie quickly raised his sword to meet it head-on. The two engaged in fierce battle for about four or five rounds, when Fa Jie suddenly leapt out of the circle and took out a banner, waving it toward Leizhenzi. Leizhenzi fell to the ground in a heap. Xu Gai's soldiers on both sides seized Leizhenzi; Although they bound him, he merely closed his eyes and was unconscious. Fa Jie shouted loudly, "This time I shall surely capture Jiang Shang!" Nezha, standing nearby, became furious and cursed, saying, "You demon Daoist—what dark magic do you use to dare harm my Daoist elder brother!" He mounted the Fenghuo Lun and raised his Huojian Qiang to fight Fa Jie. Before three or four rounds had passed, Fa Jie hurriedly took out the banner again and waved it toward Nezha. Nezha was an incarnation of lotus flowers, without a soul or spirit—how could the banner affect him? Fa Jie saw that Nezha remained unshaken on his Fenghuo Lun, unable to be knocked off. This threw Fa Jie into a panic. Nezha saw that Fa Rong was waving a banner in his hand and realized it to be an evil technique of the Left Path, which could not harm him. He quickly summoned up his Qiankun Ring to strike back. Fa Jie failed to dodge in time and was struck down with a blow. Just as Nezha was about to drive his spear forward, Fa Jie had already vanished using the earth 遁 technique. Ziya withdrew his troops back to camp and, upon seeing that Leizhenzi had been captured, became greatly annoyed. He brooded in the command tent. Meanwhile, Fa Jie, having been struck by Nezha's ring, fled back into the pass. Xu Gai saw Fa Jie return wounded and asked, "Master Teacher, how did you lose your opportunity in today's first battle?" Fa Jie said, "It is nothing. It was my mistake to use this treasure improperly." "He was originally the incarnation of Lingzhuzi and had no soul or spirit; how could I possibly capture him?" He hurriedly took some medicinal pills, ate one, and was immediately healed; He ordered his attendants: "Bring Leizhenzi here!" Fa Jie waved the banner at Leizhenzi and turned it twice in succession. Leizhenzi opened his eyes to look, but found himself already captured. Fa Jie became furious and cursed, "Because of you, I was struck again by Nezha with his ring!" He ordered the guards: "Take him away and kill him!" Xu Gai, standing nearby, interceded and said, "Master Teacher has come for my sake as a junior officer. Please do not execute him now. Temporarily imprison him in the dungeon until he can be sent to Chaoguo, awaiting the emperor's decision. This will demonstrate your great achievement, Master Teacher, and also show the slight contribution of this humble officer in inviting you." ──Reader: This was Xu Gai's deliberate attempt to return to Zhou, so he used these words as a pretext. ──Fa Jie heard this and smiled, saying, "General, your words are very reasonable." Indeed: Xu Gai had a deliberate intent to return to the Zhou ruler; he feared not the monk's Daoist arts.

话说法戒次日出关，又至周营搦战。军政官报与子牙。子牙随即出营会战，大呼曰：“法戒！今日与你定个雌雄！”催开四不相，仗剑直取。法戒手中剑赴面迎来。战未及数合，旁有李靖纵马摇画杆戟来助子牙。子牙祭起打神鞭早来打法戒。不知此宝只打得神，法戒非封神榜上之人，正是： 封神榜上无名字，不怕昆仑鞭一条。

The story says that the next day Fa Jie left the pass once more and went to Zhou's camp to challenge for battle again. The military official reported this to Ziya. Ziya immediately left camp for the battle and shouted, "Fa Jie! Today I shall settle with you who is superior!" He urged on his Sibuxiang and brandished his sword, charging directly forward. Fa Jie raised his sword in response to meet him head-on. Before several exchanges had taken place, Li Jing from the side rode forward with a painted halberd to assist Ziya. Ziya invoked his God-Beating Whip and struck Fa Jie before he could react. Unbeknownst to them, this treasure only struck gods; Fa Jie was not a person listed on the God-Beating Edict. Indeed: Not named upon the God-Beating List, one fears not even a single Kunlun whip.

话说子牙祭鞭来打法戒，不意被法戒将鞭接去；子牙著忙。忽然土行孙催粮到营前；见法戒将打神鞭接去，土行孙大怒，走向前大呼曰：“吾来也！”法戒见个矮子用条铁棍打来，法戒仗剑迎战。三人正杀在一处，不意杨戬也催粮来至，见土行孙大战头陀，走马舞三尖刀亦来助战。子牙见杨戬来至，心中大喜。两员运粮官双战法戒。正是天数不由人，不意郑伦催粮也到；郑伦见土行孙、杨戬双战道人，郑伦自思曰：“今日四人战这头陀不下，毕竟是左道之人。我也是督粮官，他成得功，我也成得功！”将金睛兽催开，冲杀过来，就把子牙喜不自胜。子牙兜回四不相，传令军士：“擂鼓助战！”法戒被三运督粮官裹在垓心，不得落空，纵有法宝，如何使用？只见土行孙宾铁棍在下三路上打了几棍；法戒意欲逃走；郑伦见土行孙成功，恐法戒逃遁，忙将鼻窍中两道白光哼出来。法戒听得，不知是甚么东西响，忙抬头一看，看见两道白光。正是： 眼见白光出鼻窍，三魂七魄去无踪。

The story says that Ziya invoked his whip to strike Fa Jie, but unexpectedly, Fa Jie caught the whip and took it away; Ziya became flustered. Suddenly, Tuxingsun arrived at the camp with provisions; seeing Fa Jie had taken away the God-Beating Whip, Tuxingsun became furious and strode forward shouting, "I am coming!" Fa Jie saw a short man attacking with an iron staff and took up his sword to meet the challenge. The three were just locked in fierce combat when unexpectedly Yang Jian arrived with provisions. Seeing Tuxingsun engaged in battle with the monk, Yang Jian rode forward and brandished his Three-Tip Dagger to join the fight as well. Ziya was greatly pleased upon seeing Yang Jian arrive. The two officers in charge of provisions joined forces to fight Fa Jie. Indeed, fate is not determined by man; unexpectedly, Zheng Lun also arrived with provisions; Zheng Lun saw Tuxingsun and Yang Jian fighting the Daoist together, and he thought to himself, "Today four men cannot subdue this monk; he is surely a practitioner of left-hand arts. I am also an officer in charge of provisions—if they can achieve success, so can I!" He urged on his Golden-Eyed Beast and charged forward, causing Ziya to be overjoyed. Ziya wheeled back Sibuxiang and gave orders to the soldiers: "Beat the drums to support the battle!" Fa Jie was surrounded at the center by three officers in charge of provisions, unable to escape. Even with treasures, how could he use them? Just then Tuxingsun struck several times with his iron staff at the lower three directions; Fa Jie intended to flee; Zheng Lun, seeing Tuxingsun's success and fearing Fa Jie might escape, hurriedly emitted two beams of white light from his nostrils. Fa Jie heard it and did not know what was making the sound, so he quickly looked up and saw two beams of white light. Indeed: White light emerges from the nostrils; three souls and seven spirits vanish without a trace.

话说法戒跌倒在地，被乌鸦兵生擒活捉绑了。子牙用符印镇住了法戒的泥丸宫，掌得胜鼓回营。法戒方睁开眼，见浑身上了绳索，叹曰：“岂知今日在此地误遭毒手！”追悔无及。只见子牙升帐坐下，三运官来见子牙。子牙曰：“三运得功不小！”奖谕三运官曰： “运督军需，智擒法戒。玄机妙算，奇功莫大！”

The story says that Fa Jie fell to the ground, where he was captured alive and bound by the crow soldiers. Ziya used a talisman to subdue Fa Jie's Tanden Palace (a point in Daoist practice) and returned to camp, beating the drum of victory. Fa Jie just opened his eyes and saw that ropes had bound him all over. He sighed, saying, "Who could have known I would today fall victim to treachery in this place!" Regret came too late. Just then Ziya ascended the tent and sat down, whereupon the three officers in charge of provisions came to see him. Ziya said, "The three of you have achieved no small feat!" He praised the three officers, saying: "Transporting and supervising military supplies, you used wisdom to capture Fa Jie. Mysterious strategy and divine calculation—your extraordinary achievement is immeasurable!"

子牙奖谕毕。三员官称谢子牙。子牙传令：“推法戒来。”众军卒将法戎推至中军。法戒大呼曰：“姜尚，你不必开言。今日天数合该如此，正所谓‘大海风波见无限，谁知小术反擒吾。’可知是天命耳。速将军令施行！”子牙曰：“既知天命，为何不早降？”命左右：“推出去斩了！”众军士把法戒拥至辕门，方欲行刑，只见一道人作歌而来，歌曰： “善恶一时忘念，荣枯都不关心。晦明隐现任浮沉，随分饥餐餐饮。静坐蒲团存想，昏聩便有魔侵。故将恶念阻明君，何苦红尘受刃。”

After Ziya had finished bestowing his commendations. The three officers thanked Ziya. Ziya gave orders: "Bring Fa Jie forward." The soldiers pushed Fa Rong to the center of the camp. Fa Jie shouted, "Jiang Shang, you need not speak further. Today fate decrees it so; as the saying goes, 'The vast ocean's waves reveal boundless dangers—who could have known that petty arts would capture me instead.' It is clear this is but the will of Heaven. Carry out your military orders swiftly!" Ziya said, "If you now know it is Heaven's will, why did you not surrender earlier?" He ordered those on his left and right: "Drag him out and behead him!" The soldiers led Fa Jie to the 辕门 (Yuanmen, a gate of the military camp), just as they were about to carry out the execution, when suddenly a Daoist came singing. The song went: "Good and evil forgotten in an instant, prosperity or decay concerns me not. In darkness or light, I drift as I please; content with whatever food comes my way." Sitting in stillness on a mat, one's thoughts may wander and demons may intrude. Therefore, I block the evil thoughts of enlightened rulers—why suffer the blade in this world of dust?"

歌罢，大呼曰：“刀下留人，不可动手！你与我报知元帅，说准提道人来见。”杨戬忙报与子牙曰：“有西方准提道人来至。”子牙同众门人迎接至辕门外，请准提道人进中军。准提曰：“不必进营。贫道有一言奉告：法戒虽然违天阻逆元帅，理宜正法；但封神榜上无名，与我西方有缘。贫道特为此而来，望子牙公慈悲。”子牙曰：“老师分付，尚岂敢违。”传令：“放了。”准提上前，扶起法戒曰：“道友，我那西方绝好景致，请道兄皈依： 西方极乐真幽境，风清月朗天籁定。白云透出引祥光，流水潺潺如谷应。猿啸鸟啼花木奇，菩提路上芝兰胜。松摇岩壁散烟霞，竹拂云霄招彩凤。七宝林内更逍遥，八德池边多寂静，远列巅峰似插屏，盘旋溪壑如幽磬，昙花开放满座香，舍利玲珑超上乘。昆仑地脉发来龙，更比昆仑无命令。”

After finishing his song, he shouted, "Hold your blades! Do not strike!" "Go and inform the general that Zhunti Dao Ren has come to see him." Yang Jian hurriedly reported to Ziya, saying, "A Western Daoist named Zhunti has arrived." Ziya and his disciples went out to meet him at the 辕门 (Yuan Men) and invited Dao Ren Zhunti into the central camp. Zhunti said, "There is no need to enter the camp." "I have a word of advice for you: Although Fa Jie has defied Heaven and obstructed the general, he should be punished according to law; yet his name does not appear on the God-Beating List. He has a karmic connection with my Western Land." I have come especially for this reason, and I hope you will show mercy, Master Ziya." Ziya said, "If my master instructs me thus, how dare I disobey?" He gave orders: "Release him." Zhunti stepped forward, helped Fa Jie up, and said, "Dao friend, the Western Land has a most beautiful scenery. Please, Dao brother, take refuge there: The Western Pure Land is truly an exquisite realm; winds are gentle, moon bright, and Heaven's music resounds in stillness. White clouds pierce through to reveal auspicious light; flowing water murmurs like a valley's echo. Monkeys howl, birds sing, and flowers and trees are wondrous; the Bodhi path is adorned with ginseng and orchids beyond compare. Pines sway on rocky walls, scattering mist and rosy clouds; bamboo brushes the cloud-piercing sky to summon colorful phoenixes. Within the Seven Treasures Grove, one roams in carefree bliss; beside the Eight Virtues Pool, peace and quiet abound. Distant peaks stand like towering screens; winding valleys echo like deep chimes. When the Udumbara flower blooms, its fragrance fills the hall; when the relics shimmer with clarity, they transcend all attainment. The dragon-like energy of Kunlun's earth and veins flows forth—its splendor surpasses even that of Kunlun, beyond any decree."

话说准提道人逆罢西方景致，法戒只得皈依，同准提辞了众人，回西方去了。──后来法戒舍卫国化祁它太子，得成正果，归于佛教；至汉明、章二帝时，兴教中国，大阐沙门。此是后事。不表。

The story says that after Dao Ren Zhunti described the scenery of the Western Land, Fa Jie had no choice but to take refuge. He bid farewell to the crowd with Zhunti and returned westward. ──Later, Fa Jie became a disciple of the Shawei Kingdom's Prince Qita, attained true enlightenment, and returned to Buddhism; During the reigns of Emperor Ming and Emperor Zhang of the Han dynasty, he propagated the Buddhist teachings in China and greatly expanded the monastic order. This was a later event. I will not elaborate further.

且说界牌关主将见法戒被擒，忙命左右，将囹圄中雷震子放了，开关，同雷震子至营门纳降。探马报入中军：“启元帅：雷震子辕门等令。”子牙大喜，忙命：“令来。”雷震子至帐前对子牙曰：“徐盖久欲归周，屡被众将阻挠；今特同弟子献关纳降，不敢擅入，在辕门外听令。”子牙传令：“令来。”徐盖缟素进营，拜倒在地，启曰：“末将有意归周，无奈左右官将不从，致羁行旌，屡获罪戾，纳款已迟，死罪，死罪！望元帅海宥。”子牙曰：“徐将军既知天命归周，亦不为迟，何罪之有？”忙令请起。徐盖谢过，请子牙进关安抚军民。子牙传令：“催人马进关。”子牙升银安殿，一面迎请武王，一面清查户口、库藏。次日，武王驾进界牌关。众将迎接武王上银安殿，参谒毕，王曰：“相父劳心远征，使孤不得与相父共享升平，孤心不安。”子牙曰：“老臣以天下诸侯为重，民坐水火之中，故不敢逆天以图安乐。”子牙领徐盖拜见武王，武王曰：“徐将军献关有功，命设宴犒赏三军。”一宵已过。次日，子牙传令：“起兵前取穿云关。”放炮起程，三军呐喊，不过八十里一关，前哨探马报入中军：“前军已抵穿云关下。”子牙传令：“放炮安营。”正是： 战将东征如猛虎，营前小校似欢狼。

Let us return to the main narrative. The commander of Jiepaiguan, upon seeing Fa Jie captured, hurriedly ordered his attendants to release Leizhenzi from prison, opened the pass, and together with Leizhenzi went to the camp gate to surrender. A scout reported into the central command: "Your general, Leizhenzi is waiting at the 辕门 for orders." Ziya was overjoyed and quickly ordered, "Bring him in." Leizhenzi came before the tent and said to Ziya: "Xu Gai has long desired to return to Zhou, but was repeatedly obstructed by other generals; now I have specially come with my disciple to surrender the pass. We dare not enter 擅自 (sanzhan, without permission) and await orders at the 辕门." Ziya gave orders: "Bring him in." Xu Gai entered the camp in plain white robes, knelt and prostrated himself on the ground, and said: "Your humble servant has long wished to return to Zhou. Unfortunately, my fellow officers refused to comply, which caused me to be detained from following your banner and repeatedly commit offenses. My surrender is now delayed; I beg for mercy, I beg for mercy! I pray the general will show boundless clemency." Ziya said, "General Xu, now that you understand Heaven's will and return to Zhou, it is not too late. What crime could there be?" He quickly ordered him to rise. Xu Gai thanked Ziya and invited him into the pass to pacify the soldiers and civilians. Ziya gave orders: "Urged the troops forward into the pass." Ziya ascended Yinan Hall, where he arranged to welcome King Wu on one hand and conducted a census of the population and inventory of the treasury on the other. The next day, King Wu entered Jiepaiguan Pass in his chariot. The generals welcomed King Wu to Yinan Hall. After the formalities of greeting were completed, the king said, "My regent father has labored far in his campaigns, and I have been unable to share with you a time of peace; this makes my heart uneasy." Ziya said, "Your humble servant considers the feudal lords of the world and the people suffering in water and fire; thus I dared not defy Heaven for my own comfort." Ziya led Xu Gai to pay respects to King Wu. King Wu said, "General Xu has contributed by surrendering the pass; I shall order a banquet to reward and entertain the entire army." One night passed. The next day, Ziya gave orders: "March forward to capture Chuanyun Pass." The signal gun was fired, and the army set off. The three divisions shouted in unison as they advanced no more than eighty li to a pass. A scout reported into the central camp: "The vanguard has already reached the foot of Chuanyun Pass." Ziya gave orders: "Fire the signal gun and set up camp." Indeed: The general's eastern campaign is like a fierce tiger; junior officers before the camp are as jubilant wolves.

话说穿云关主将徐芳乃是徐盖兄弟。徐芳闻知兄长归周，只急得三尸神暴跳，口鼻内生烟，大骂：“匹夫不顾父母妻子，失身反叛，苟图爵位，遗臭万年！”忙点聚将鼓。众将俱上殿参谒。徐芳曰：“不幸吾兄忘亲背君，苟图富贵，献了关隘，已降叛臣。但我一门难免戮身之罪。为今之计，必尽擒贼臣，以赎前罪方可。”只见先行官龙安吉曰：“主将放心，待末将先拿他几员贼将解往朝歌请罪，然后俟擒渠魁，以赎前愆，以显忠荩；则主将满门良眷自然无事矣。”徐芳曰：“此言正合吾意。只愿先行与诸将协力同心，以剿叛逆，上报主恩，是吾之愿也，其他亦非所顾忌。”众将商议。不表。且说次日，子牙升帐，问曰：“谁取穿云关去走一遭？”徐盖应声曰：“启元帅：穿云关主将乃是末将之弟，不用张弓只箭，末将说舍弟归周，以为进身之资。”子牙大喜曰：“将军若肯如此，真为不世之奇功，岂止进身而已！”徐盖上马至关下，大呼曰：“左右，开关！”守关军卒不敢擅自开关，忙报入帅府：“启主帅：有大老爷在关下叫关。”徐芳大喜：“快令开关，请来。”把关军士去了。徐芳分付左右：“埋伏刀斧手，两旁伺候。”不一时，左右开关。徐盖不知亲弟有心拿他，徐盖进关，来至府前下马，迳至殿前。徐芳也不动身，问曰：“来者何人？”徐盖大笑曰：“贤弟何为见我至此，而犹然若不知也？”徐芳大喝一声，命：“左右，拿了！”两边跑出刀斧手，将徐盖拿下绑了。徐芳曰：“辱没祖宗匹夫！你降反贼，也不顾家眷遭殃。今日你自来至此，正是祖宗有灵，不令满门受屠戮也！”徐盖大骂曰：“你这不知天时的匹夫！天下尽已归周，纣王亡在旦夕，何况你这弹丸之地，敢抗拒吊民伐罪之师！你要做忠臣，你比苏护、黄飞虎如何？洪锦、邓九公何如？我今被你所擒，死固无足惜；但不知何人擒你，以泄吾忿也！”徐芳传令：“把这逆命的匹夫且监侯，俟拿了周武、姜尚，一齐解往朝歌正罪。”左右将徐盖监了。徐芳问：“谁为国讨头阵走一遭？”一将应声而出，乃正印先行官神烟将军马忠愿往。徐芳许之。马忠领令开关，炮声响处，杀至周营。报马报入中军：“启元帅：穿云关有将搦战。”子牙曰：“徐盖休矣！”忙令哪吒去取关，就探徐盖消息。哪吒领令，上了风火轮，出得营来，见马忠金甲红袍，威风凛凛。哪吒走至军前，马忠曰：“来者莫非哪吒否？”哪吒曰：“然也。你既知我，为何不倒戈纳降？”马忠大怒曰：“无知匹夫！你等妄自称王，逆天反叛，不守臣节，侵王疆土，罪在不赦。不日拿住你等，粉骨碎身

The story says that Xu Fang, commander of Chuanyun Pass, was the brother of Xu Gai. Xu Fang, upon hearing that his elder brother had returned to Zhou, was so furious that his three soul spirits leaped in rage, smoke spewed from his nose and mouth, and he cursed loudly: "You wretch! You abandoned your parents and wife and children, betrayed your body for rebellion, and sought titles selfishly—your name will be a stench for ten thousand years!" He hurriedly beat the drum to assemble his generals. All the generals ascended the hall and paid their respects. Xu Fang said, "Alas, my brother has forgotten his kin and betrayed the sovereign. For selfish gain of wealth and rank, he surrendered the pass and is now a traitorous minister." "But our family cannot escape the crime of being put to death." "The plan now is that we must capture all these traitorous ministers and thus redeem our previous crimes." Just then, the vanguard officer Long Anji said, "Commander, please rest assured. Let me first capture several of those traitorous generals and send them to Chaoge for punishment. Then I shall await orders to seize their ringleader in order to atone for our previous offenses and demonstrate loyalty." "Then, Commander, your entire family will naturally be safe." Xu Fang said, "These words are exactly in line with my thoughts. I only hope that the vanguard and all the generals will work together with one heart to root out these rebels, thus repaying our sovereign's kindness. This is my wish; other matters are not worth worrying about." The generals discussed the matter. Details need not be mentioned here. Meanwhile, the next day Ziya ascended his command tent and asked, "Who will go to Chuanyun Pass for a mission?" Xu Gai responded, "Your Excellency: The commander of Chuanyun Pass is my younger brother. Without drawing a bow or an arrow, I shall persuade him to return to Zhou as a means for advancement." Ziya was greatly pleased and said, "If General is willing to do so, it will indeed be an extraordinary feat unmatched in the world; this is not merely a matter of advancement!" Xu Gai mounted his horse and went to the foot of the pass, shouting loudly, "Left and right, open the gate!" The soldiers guarding the pass dared not open it without authorization and hurriedly reported to the headquarters: "Your Excellency, there is a senior officer calling for the gate at the foot of the pass." Xu Fang was overjoyed and said, "Quickly order the gate to be opened and invite him in." The soldiers guarding the gate left. Xu Fang gave orders to those on his side: "Ambush the executioners with axes and swords, and wait by both sides." In no time at all, the gate was opened. Xu Gai did not know that his younger brother had a hidden intention to capture him. Xu Gai entered the pass, rode up to the headquarters, dismounted, and proceeded directly into the hall. Xu Fang did not move from his seat and asked, "Who is it that has come?" Xu Gai laughed heartily and said, "Dear younger brother, why do you see me here yet pretend not to know me?" Xu Fang shouted sharply and ordered, "Left and right, seize him!" Executioners with axes and swords from both sides rushed out and seized Xu Gai, binding him. Xu Fang said, "You shameless wretch who disgraced our ancestors! You surrendered to the rebel and did not care that your family would suffer. Today you have come here of your own accord; this is precisely because our ancestors' spirits are at work, preventing the entire family from being slaughtered!" Xu Gai cursed loudly and said, "You ignorant wretch who does not know the will of Heaven! The whole world has already submitted to Zhou. King Zhou is doomed to perish in the near future. How much more so for your puny territory, which dares resist our righteous army that rescues the people and punishes the guilty! If you wish to be a loyal minister, how do you compare with Su Hu or Huang Feihong? How about Hong Jin and Deng Jiugong? I am now captured by you, so death is nothing to be regretted; but I do not know who will capture you in the future to satisfy my anger!" Xu Fang gave orders: "Tie up this rebellious wretch and hold him in custody for now. Wait until we capture King Wu of Zhou and Jiang Shang, then send them all together to Chaoge to be punished." Left and right took Xu Gai into custody. Xu Fang asked, "Who will go for the first battle on behalf of our state?" A general stepped forward in response. He was Zhengyin Vanguard General Shenyan, Marshal Ma Zhong, who volunteered to go. Xu Fang approved his request. Ma Zhong accepted the order, opened the gate, and as the cannon roared, he charged into Zhou's camp. A scout reported to the central camp: "Your Excellency, a general from Chuanyun Pass has come to challenge us." Ziya said, "Xu Gai is doomed!" He quickly ordered Nezha to take the pass and investigate Xu Gai's situation. Nezha accepted the order, mounted his Fenghuo Lun (wind and fire wheels), left camp, and saw Ma Zhong in golden armor and a red robe, exuding imposing authority. Nezha approached the front of the army, whereupon Ma Zhong asked, "Are you not Nezha?" Nezha said, "Indeed I am." Since you know me, why do you not lay down your arms and surrender?" Ma Zhong was furious and said, "You ignorant wretch! "You dare to falsely claim kingship, rebel against Heaven's will, betray your ministerial virtue, and invade the sovereign's territory—your crimes are unforgivable. Soon we shall capture you all and reduce you to dust and broken bones.

；尚自不知，犹且巧言饶舌！”哪吒笑曰：“我看你等好一似土蛙、腐鼠，顷刻便为齑粉，何足与言！”马忠怒起，摇手中枪，飞来直取。哪吒的枪闪灼光明。轮马相交，双枪并举，杀至穿云关下。正是： 马忠神烟无敌手，只恐哪吒道德高。

; You still do not know this, yet you dare to speak with cunning words!" Nezha laughed and said, "I see you all as nothing more than a dirt toad or a rotting rat—soon to be crushed into paste. What is there worth speaking with you about!" Ma Zhong became furious, raised his spear in hand, and charged straight at Nezha. Nezha's spear flashed with brilliant light. Wheeling and galloping, their spears clashed as they fought all the way to the foot of Chuanyun Pass. Indeed: Ma Zhong, the divine smoke general, has no equal; yet one fears Nezha's lofty virtue.

马忠知哪吒是道德之士，手段高强，自思：“我若不先下手，恐他先弄手脚，却是不美。”马忠把口一张，只见一道黑烟喷出，连人带马都不见了。哪吒见马忠黑烟喷出口，迷住一块，忙将风火轮登起，把身子一摇，现出八臂三头。蓝脸獠牙，起在空中。马忠在烟里看不见哪吒，急收神烟，正欲回马，只听得哪吒大叫：“马忠休走！吾来了！”马忠抬头，见哪吒三头八臂，蓝面獠牙，在空中赶来，马忠諕得魂不附体，拨马就走。哪吒忙将九龙神火罩抛来，罩住马忠，复把手一拍，罩里现出九条火龙围绕，霎时间，马忠化为灰烬。怎见得，有诗为证： 乾元玄妙授来真，秘有灵符法更神。火枣琼浆原自异，马忠应得化微尘。

Ma Zhong realized that Nezha was a man of virtue and possessed formidable skills. Thinking to himself, "If I do not strike first, he may take the initiative and play tricks on me, which would be undesirable." Ma Zhong opened his mouth wide, and a jet of black smoke erupted. Both he and his horse vanished from sight. Nezha saw Ma Zhong emit a jet of black smoke from his mouth, obscuring an area. Quickly mounting his Fenghuo Lun, Nezha shook his body and transformed into the eight-armed, three-headed form. With a blue face and fangs, he rose into the air. Ma Zhong could not see Nezha within the smoke and hastily retracted his divine smoke. Just as he was about to turn back, he heard Nezha shout loudly: "Ma Zhong, do not run away! Here I come!" Ma Zhong looked up and saw Nezha with three heads, eight arms, a blue face, and fangs coming after him in the air. Terrified out of his wits, Ma Zhong turned his horse around and fled immediately. Nezha quickly threw the Jiulong Shenhuo Zhao (Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Cover) toward Ma Zhong, covering him. Then with a clap of his hands, nine fiery dragons appeared around the cover in an instant, and Ma Zhong was reduced to ashes. How can this be seen? A verse attests: The profound mysteries of Qianyuan are truly bestowed; secret talismans and methods are even more divine. Fire dates and immortal nectar are originally unique; Ma Zhong should rightly be reduced to the tiniest dust.

话说哪吒烧死马忠，收了神火罩，得胜回营，来见子牙，备言烧死马忠一事。子牙大喜，庆功。不表。

The story says that after Nezha burned Ma Zhong to death, he retrieved the divine fire cover and returned victorious to camp. He went to see Ziya and reported in detail about burning Ma Zhong. Ziya was overjoyed and celebrated the victory. Details need not be elaborated here.

只见报马报入关中：“启主帅：马忠被哪吒烧死。”徐芳大怒。旁边转过韵安吉曰：“马忠不知浅深，自恃一口神烟，故有此败。待末将明日成功，拿几员反将，解往朝歌请罪。”次日，龙安吉上马出关，前来搦战。哨马报入中军。子牙问：“谁人出马？”只见武成王黄飞虎上帐曰：“末将愿往。”子牙许之。黄飞虎上了五色神牛，提枪出营。龙安吉见一员周将，──怎见得，有诗为证： 惯战能争气更扬，英雄猛烈性坚强。忠心不改归周主，铁面无回弃纣王。 青史名标真义士，丹台像列是纯良。至今伐纣称遗迹，留得声名万古香。

Just then, a scout reported into the pass: "Your Excellency, Ma Zhong has been burned to death by Nezha." Xu Fang was furious. From the side, Yun Anji stepped forward and said, "Ma Zhong did not understand the depth of his opponent's strength. He relied on a breath of divine smoke, hence this defeat." Tomorrow I shall achieve success and capture several rebel generals to send them to Chaoge in order to request punishment for our crimes," said the junior officer. The next day, Long Anji mounted his horse and left the pass to challenge the enemy. A scout reported into the central camp. Ziya asked, "Who will go out to fight?" Just then, Marshal Huang Feihong of Wucheng said from the tent, "Your humble servant is willing to go." Ziya approved. Huang Feihong mounted his Wuse Shen Niu (Five-Color Divine Ox) and brandished his spear as he left camp. Long Anji saw a Zhou general—how can this be described? A verse attests: Skilled in battle and bold, his spirit soars; heroic and fierce, his nature is resolute. Loyal to the core, he remains devoted to King Zhou; with an iron face, he turns away from King Zhou without hesitation. His name is inscribed in history as a true righteous man; his image stands among the pure and virtuous on the Red Platform. To this day, he is remembered for his campaign against King Zhou as a legacy; his name remains fragrant through the ages.

龙安吉大呼曰：“来者何人？”飞虎曰：“吾乃武成王是也。”龙安吉曰：“你就是黄飞虎？反叛成汤，酿祸之根，今日正要擒你！”催开马摇手中斧来取。黄飞虎手中枪急架忙迎。二将相交，枪斧并举，大战五十馀合。二将真是“棋逢敌手，将遇作家”。龙安吉见黄飞虎的枪法毫无渗漏，心不暗思：“莫与他卖弄精神。”把枪一挑，锦囊中取出一物，望空中一丢，只听得有叮当之声，龙安吉曰：“黄飞虎，看吾宝贝来也！”黄飞虎不知何物，抬头一看，早已跌下鞍鞽。关内人马呐一声喊，将黄飞虎生擒活捉，绳缠索绑，拿进穿云关去了。报马报入中军：“黄飞虎被擒。”子牙大惊曰：“是怎么样拿了去的？”掠阵官回曰：“正战之间，只见龙安吉丢起一圈在空中，有叮当之声，黄将军便跌下坐骑，因此被擒。”子牙听说不悦：“此又是左道之术！”且说龙安吉将黄飞虎拿进穿云关来见徐芳，黄飞虎站立言曰：“吾被邪术拿来，应以一死报国恩也。”徐芳骂曰：“真是匹夫！舍故主而投反叛，今反说‘欲报国恩’，何其颠倒耶！且监在监中。”徐盖见黄飞虎来至，忙慰曰：“不才恶弟，不识天时，恃倚邪术，不意将军亦遭此罗网之厄。”黄飞虎点头无语，惟有咨嗟而已。话说徐芳治酒，与龙安吉贺功。次日又至周营搦战。子牙问：“谁敢出马？”只见洪锦出马，来至阵前，看见是龙安吉，──龙安吉曾在洪锦帐下为偏将──洪锦曰：“龙安吉，你今见故主，为何不下马纳降，尚敢支吾耶？”龙安吉笑曰：“反将洪锦，何得多言！我正欲拿你等，解进朝歌，以正国法，尔何不知进退，尚敢巧言也。”发马就杀，刀斧并举。龙安吉祭起一圈，起在空中。不知此圈两个，左右翻覆，如太极一般，扣就阴阳连环双锁，此圈名曰“四肢酥”。此宝有叮当之声，耳听眼见，浑身四肢，骨解筋酥，手足齐软。当时洪锦听见空中响，抬头一看，便坐不住鞍鞽，跌下马来，又被龙安吉拿了进关。洪锦自思：“此贼昔在吾帐下，我就不知他有这件东西，误陷匹夫之手！”左右将洪锦推至殿前，来见徐芳。徐芳大喜曰：“洪锦，你奉命征讨，如何反降逆贼？今日将何面目又见商君也！”洪锦曰：“天意如此，何必多言！吾虽被擒，其志不屈，有死而已！”徐芳传令：“且送下监去。”黄飞虎见洪锦也至监中，各各嗟叹而已。子牙又听得探马报进营来，言洪锦被擒，子牙心下十分不乐。次日，报：“龙安吉又来搦战。”子牙问：“谁去见阵？”只见南宫适出马，与龙安吉战有数合，被龙安吉仍用四肢酥拿进关来见徐芳。徐芳分付：“也送下监中。”

Long Anji shouted loudly, "Who has come?" Feihong said, "I am Marshal Huang of Wucheng." Long Anji said, "You are Huang Feihong?" "You rebelled against Chengtang and became the root of calamity; today I am precisely here to capture you!" He spurred his horse forward, brandishing an axe in hand. Huang Feihong quickly raised his spear to block and meet the attack. The two generals engaged in battle, their spears and axes clashing fiercely; they fought for more than fifty exchanges. Indeed, the two generals were "meeting a worthy opponent like a chess player encountering an equal, or a general facing his match." Long Anji observed that Huang Feihong's spear techniques were flawless, and inwardly he thought, "I should not try to outmatch him in spirit." He flicked his spear upward, reached into a brocade pouch, and retrieved an object. He tossed it into the air; there was a clear ringing sound. Long Anji said, "Huang Feihong, behold my treasure!" Huang Feihong did not know what the object was. He looked up and suddenly fell from his horse's saddle. The troops within the pass let out a loud shout, captured Huang Feihong alive, bound him with ropes and cords, and took him into Chuanyun Pass. A scout galloped to the central camp and reported: "Huang Feihong has been captured." Ziya was greatly surprised and said, "How could he have been taken?" The scout replied, "While in the midst of battle, Long Anji threw a ring into the air. It made a ringing sound, and General Huang fell from his mount immediately; thus he was captured." Ziya, upon hearing this, was displeased: "This is yet another instance of left-hand arts!" Meanwhile, Long Anji brought Huang Feihong into Chuanyun Pass to present him before Xu Fang. Standing upright, Huang Feihong declared, "I was captured by evil arts; I should die in order to repay the kindness of my country." Xu Fang scolded, "You are truly a petty man!" "You abandoned your former lord to join the rebels. Now you dare say, 'I wish to repay my country's kindness'—how absurd and upside-down!" "Lock him up in the prison." Xu Gai saw Huang Feihong arrive and hurriedly consoled him, saying, "My unworthy younger brother failed to recognize the right time. Relying on evil arts, I did not expect that General would also fall into this trap." Huang Feihong nodded in silence, with nothing to say but only sighs. Meanwhile, Xu Fang prepared a banquet and celebrated the victory with Long Anji. The next day, they once again went to the Zhou camp to challenge for battle. Ziya asked, "Who dares to ride out?" Huang Jin rode out and arrived at the front of the formation. He saw it was Long Anji—Long Anji had once served as a subordinate general under Huang Jin—and said, "Long Anji, now that you see your former lord, why do you not dismount and surrender? Why still dare to hesitate?" Long Anji laughed and said, "Rebel general Huang Jin, what need is there for so many words!" "I am precisely here to capture you and deliver you to Chaoguo, so that the state's laws may be upheld. How is it that you do not know when to advance or retreat, yet still dare to speak with cunning words?" He spurred his horse forward and attacked fiercely, their swords and axes clashing. Long Anji summoned a ring into the air once more. Unbeknownst to others, this ring split into two, flipping left and right like the Taijiquan, forming a yin-yang linked double lock. This ring was named "Sizhu Su" (Paralysis of Limbs). This treasure emitted a ringing sound; upon hearing and seeing it, one's entire body would feel as if the limbs were loosened, bones dislocated, tendons softened, and hands and feet turned to jelly. At that moment, Huang Jin heard the sound from above and looked up. Immediately he could not remain in his saddle but fell off his horse. He was once again captured by Long Anji and taken into the pass. Huang Jin reflected to himself, "This villain once served under my command, yet I did not know he possessed such an item. I have fallen into the hands of a petty man!" Guards pushed Huang Jin forward to the hall, where he was presented before Xu Fang. Xu Fang rejoiced greatly and said, "Huang Jin, you were ordered to campaign in conquest—how is it that you have surrendered to a rebel?" "With what face will you now meet King Shang today!" Huang Jin said, "Such is the will of Heaven; why speak further?" "Though I have been captured, my resolve remains unbroken. Death alone awaits!" Xu Fang gave orders: "Take him to the prison for now." Huang Feihong saw that Huang Jin had also been sent to the prison, and both sighed in sorrow. Ziya once again heard a scout report into camp that Huang Jin had been captured, and he was deeply displeased. The next day, word came: "Long Anji has come again to challenge for battle." Ziya asked, "Who will go out to meet the formation?" Nan Gongshi rode out and fought Long Anji for several exchanges, but was once again captured by the "Sizhu Su" (Paralysis of Limbs) ring and taken into the pass to be presented before Xu Fang. Xu Fang ordered, "Also send him to prison."

只见报马报与子牙。子牙大惊。旁有正印先行哪吒言曰：“这龙安吉是何等妖术，连擒数将；待末将见阵，便知端的。”不知龙安吉性命如何，且听下回分解。

A scout soon reported the news to Zi Ya. Ziya was greatly shocked. Standing nearby, Ne Zha, the official vanguard, said, "What kind of demonic arts does this Long Anji possess? He has captured several generals in succession; I shall go out to meet him and find out the truth." What will become of Long Anji's fate? Stay tuned for the next chapter.