Chapter 80: Yang Ren Descends the Mountain to Destroy the Plague Bureau

诗曰： 瘟伞盖属邪巫，疫疠阎浮尽若屠。列阵凶顽非易破，著人狂躁岂能苏。 须臾偏染家家尽，顷刻传尸户户殂。只为子牙灾未满，穿云关下受崎岖。

The poem says: A plague umbrella covers the realm of demons and witches, pestilence and disease sweep through Yanyu as if it were a slaughter. Arranging troops against fierce and stubborn enemies is no easy feat to break; the people, seized by madness and frenzy, how could they awaken? In a moment, the disease spreads to every household, and in an instant, corpses are carried from house to house as people perish. It is because Ziya's calamity was not yet fulfilled that he endured hardships beneath the Cloud-Piercing Pass.

话说哪吒上了风火轮，前来关下搦阵，大呼曰：“左右的！传与你主将，叫龙安吉出来见我！”徐芳闻报，令龙安吉出阵。龙安吉领命，出得关来，见哪吒在风火轮上，心下暗思：“此人乃是道术之士，不如先祭此宝，易于成功。”龙安吉至军前问曰：“来者可是哪吒么？”道罢，哪吒未及答应，就是一枪。哪吒的枪赴面相迎。轮马交还，只一合，龙安吉就祭四肢酥丢在空中，大叫：“哪吒！看我宝贝！”哪吒抬头看时，只见阴阳扣就如太极环一般，有叮当之声。龙安吉不知哪吒是莲花化身，原无魂魄，焉能落下轮来。倏然此圈落在地下。哪吒见圈落下，不知其故。龙安吉大惊。正是： 鞍鞽慌坏龙安吉，岂意哪吒法宝来。

Now, Nezha mounted his Wind-Fire Wheel and came to challenge before the pass, shouting loudly: "Left and right! Convey this message to your commander; tell Long Anji to come out and meet me!" Xu Fang, upon hearing the report, ordered Long Anji to go out and face the challenge. Long Anji accepted the order and came out from the pass. Seeing Nezha on his Wind-Fire Wheel, he secretly thought to himself: "This man is a practitioner of Daoist arts; it would be better to first invoke this treasure, which will make success easier." Long Anji approached the front of the army and asked: "Are you Nezha who has come here?" No sooner had he finished speaking than Nezha, before he could reply, launched a spear. Nezha's spear flew toward Long Anji's face to meet him head-on. As their steeds met in battle, barely one exchange had taken place when Long Anji immediately invoked the "Four Limbs Softener," casting it into the air and shouting: "Nezha!" Look at my treasure!" Nezha looked up and saw that the Yin-Yang Clasp was like a Taiji ring, producing a clinking sound. Long Anji did not know that Nezha had been reborn as a lotus, and thus possessed no soul or spirit; how then could the Wind-Fire Wheel fall from him? Suddenly, this ring fell to the ground. Nezha saw the ring fall and did not understand what had happened. Long Anji was greatly startled. Indeed: The saddle and stirrups in chaos, Long Anji lost his composure; how could he have expected Nezha's magical treasure to arrive?

话说哪吒又现出三头八臂，祭起乾坤圈，大呼曰：“你的圈不如我的，也还你一圈！”龙安吉躲不及，正中顶门，打下马来。哪吒复加上一枪，结果了性命。哪吒枭了首级，进营来见子牙：“取了龙安吉首级。”子牙大喜。

Now, Nezha once again manifested his three heads and eight arms, invoked the Qiankun Ring, and shouted loudly: "Your ring is no match for mine; here, return it to you with a circle of my own!" Long Anji could not dodge in time and was struck precisely on the crown of his head, falling from his horse. Nezha then added another spear strike, ending Long Anji's life. Nezha beheaded the corpse and entered the camp to report to Ziya: "I have taken Long Anji's head." Ziya was greatly pleased.

且说报马报知徐芳，徐芳大惊。只见左右无将，朝廷又不点官来协守，止得方义真一人而已，──“如之奈何？”忙修本遣官，赍赴朝歌。不表。忽见左右来报：“府前有一道人要见老爷。”徐芳忙传令：“请来。”少时，见一道人，三只眼，面如蓝靛，赤发獠牙，迳进府来。徐芳降阶迎接，请上殿，与道人打稽首，徐芳尊道人上坐。徐芳问曰：“老师是那座名山？何处洞府？”道人曰：“贫道乃九龙岛炼气士，姓吕，名岳。吾与姜尚有不世之仇，今特来至此，借将军之兵，以复昔日之仇。”徐芳大喜：“成汤洪福齐天，又有高人来助！”治酒相待。一宿晚景不提。却说次日，吕岳出关至营前，请子牙答话。报马报入中军：“启元帅：有一道人请元帅答话。”子牙不知是吕岳，分付：“点炮出营。”来至营前，看见对阵乃是吕岳，不觉可笑。岂意子牙两边众门人一见吕岳，人人切齿，个个咬牙。子牙曰：“吕道友，你不知进退，尚不愧颜！当日既得逃生而去，今日又为何复投死地也。”吕岳曰：“我今日来时，也不知谁死谁活！”只见雷震子大吼一声，骂曰：“不知死的匹夫！吾来了！”展开二翅，飞在空中。好黄金棍，夹头打来。吕岳手中剑急架忙迎。金吒步行，用双剑劈头砍来。木吒厉声大骂：“泼道！不要走！也吃吾一剑！”李靖、韦让、哪吒众门人一齐拥上前来，将吕岳困在垓心。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 杀气迷空透九重，一干神圣逞英雄。这场大战惊天地，海沸江翻势更凶。

Meanwhile, a scout arrived to inform Xu Fang of the news, and Xu Fang was greatly alarmed. He saw that there were no generals at his side, and the imperial court had not appointed any officials to assist in defense; he had only Fang Yizhen alone. — "What can I do now?" He quickly drafted a memorial and sent an official with it to Chaogu. No further details are given. Suddenly, attendants came to report: "Before the residence there is a Daoist priest who wishes to see you, my lord." Xu Fang quickly gave orders: "Please bring him in." After a short while, they saw a Daoist priest with three eyes, his face as blue as indigo, red hair and fangs, who strode directly into the residence. Xu Fang descended the steps to welcome him, led him onto the hall, and performed a respectful bow. Xu Fang then honored the Daoist priest by seating him in an upper position. Xu Fang asked: "Master, which famous mountain is your abode? Which hidden cave dwelling do you reside in?" The Daoist priest said: "I am a cultivator of Qi from Jiulong Island. My surname is Lü, and my name is Yue. I have an extraordinary grudge with Jiang Shang; I have come here especially to borrow General's troops in order to avenge the grievances of the past." Xu Fang was overjoyed: "The great fortune of King Tang is boundless in the heavens; now, another lofty sage has come to assist us!" He prepared a banquet to entertain him. Details of the evening and night are omitted. Now, on the following day, Lü Yue went out from the pass to the front of the camp and requested Ziya to come forward for a parley. A scout reported into the central command: "Your Excellency, there is a Daoist priest requesting that you come forward for a parley." Ziya did not know it was Lü Yue and ordered: "Fire the signal cannon and march out of camp." When he arrived at the front of the camp, he saw that it was Lü Yue facing him in battle array, and could not help but find it amusing. Little did he expect that upon seeing Lü Yue, all of Ziya's disciples on both sides were filled with rage, each and every one gnashing their teeth. Ziya said: "Daoist friend Lü, you do not know when to advance or retreat; is your face not ashamed! On that day, having already escaped with your life, why now have you once again thrown yourself into a place of death?" Lü Yue replied: "When I came today, I did not know who would die and who would live!" Just then, Leizhenzi roared loudly and scolded: "You ignorant fool who does not know death! I am here!" He spread his two wings and flew into the air. The golden staff was mighty, striking down from above. Lü Yue quickly raised his sword to block and meet the strike. Jinzha, walking on foot, attacked with twin swords, striking down at the head. Muzha shouted angrily: "Wretched Daoist! Do not run away! You shall taste my sword as well!" Li Jing, Wei Rang, Nezha and all their disciples rushed forward together, surrounding Lü Yue in the center of the battlefield. How was this scene? A poem serves as evidence; the poem says: Murderous aura fills the sky, piercing through nine heavens; a host of divine beings display their heroism. This great battle shook heaven and earth; the seas boiled and rivers churned with even fiercer ferocity.

话说众门人围住了吕岳，吕岳现出三首六臂，祭起列瘟印，把雷震子打将下来。众门人齐动手救回。子牙把打神鞭祭起空中，正中吕岳后背，打得三昧真火迸出，败回穿云关来。吕岳进关，徐芳接住，安慰曰：“老师，今日会战，其实利害。”吕岳曰：“今日出去早了，等吾一道友来，再出去，便可成功。”话说子牙进营，见雷震子著伤，心下又有些不悦。且自不题。

Now, as the disciples surrounded Lü Yue, he manifested three heads and six arms, invoked the Plague Seal, and struck Leizhenzi down from the air. The disciples all moved in to rescue him back. Ziya invoked the God-Beating Whip into the air, which struck Lü Yue squarely on his back. The blow caused the Threefold True Fire to burst forth from him, and he fled back toward Chuanyun Pass in defeat. Lü Yue entered the pass, where Xu Fang met him and comforted him, saying: "Master, today's battle was indeed perilous." Lü Yue said: "I left too early today. Let me wait for my Daoist friend to arrive, and then we shall go out again; success will be possible." Now, Ziya returned to the camp. Seeing that Leizhenzi was wounded, he felt somewhat displeased. Details of this are omitted for now.

只见吕岳在关上，一连住了几日。不一日，来了一位道者，至府前对军政官曰：“你与主将说，有一道人求见。”军政官报入，吕岳曰：“请来。”少时，一道人进府，与吕岳打了稽首，与徐芳行礼坐下。徐芳问吕岳曰：“此位老师高姓大名？”吕岳曰：“此是吾弟陈庚，今日特来助你，共破子牙，并擒武王。”徐芳称谢不尽，忙治酒款待。吕岳问陈庚曰：“贤弟前日所炼的那件宝贝，可曾完否？”陈庚答曰：“为等此宝完了，方才赶来，所以来迟；明日可以会姜尚耳。”正是： 炼就奇珍行大恶，谁知海内有高明。

It happened that Lü Yue remained on the pass for several consecutive days. No sooner had a day passed than a Daoist arrived, going to the front of the residence and speaking to the military official in charge: "Tell your commander that there is a Daoist who wishes to see him." The official reported this into the residence, and Lü Yue said: "Please bring him in." After a short while, a Daoist entered the residence. He performed a respectful bow to Lü Yue and paid his respects to Xu Fang before sitting down. Xu Fang asked Lü Yue: "What is the esteemed surname and name of this master?" Lü Yue said: "This is my younger brother, Chen Geng. He has come especially today to assist you in jointly defeating Ziya and capturing King Wu." Xu Fang expressed endless gratitude and quickly prepared a banquet to entertain them. Lü Yue asked Chen Geng: "Dear younger brother, have you completed the magical treasure you were refining a few days ago?" Chen Geng replied: "I delayed my arrival in order to complete this treasure, and that is why I came late; tomorrow we shall meet Jiang Shang." Indeed: Refining a wondrous treasure to commit great evil, who could have known there were sages of such lofty wisdom in the world?

一宿晚景无词。只至次日，吕岳命徐芳选三千人马，出关来会子牙，徐芳亲自掠阵。不表。且说子牙升帐，与众门人曰：“今日吕岳又来阻吾之兵，你们各要仔细。”正议间，左右来报：“杨戬辕门等令。”子牙传令：“令来。”杨戬来至帐前行礼毕，言曰：“奉命催粮无误。”子牙曰：“如今吕岳又来阻住穿云关。”杨戬曰：“吕岳乃是失机之士，何敢又阻行旌？”话犹未了，只见军政官来报：“吕岳会战。”子牙忙传令出营，率领众将，与诸门人随子牙来至营前。吕岳曰：“姜子牙，吾与你有势不两立之仇！若论两教作为，莫非如此，且你系元始门下道德之士。吾有一阵，摆与你看，但你认得，吾便保周伐纣；若是认不得，我与你立见高低。”子牙曰：“道友，你何不自守清净，往往要作此业障，甚非道者所为。你既摆阵，请摆来我看。”吕岳同陈庚进阵，有半个时辰，摆成一阵；复至军前，大呼曰：“姜子牙请看吾阵！”子牙同哪吒、杨戬、韦护、李靖上前来。杨戬曰：“吕道长，吾等看阵，不可发暗器伤人。”吕岳曰：“尔乃小辈之言。我自用堂堂之阵，正正之旗，岂有用暗器伤你之理！”子牙同众人往前后看了一遍，浑然一阵，又无字迹，如何认得。子牙心中焦躁：“此必是不可攻伐之阵，又是左道之术。”子牙忽然想起元始四偈：“界牌关下遇诛仙，穿云关底受瘟。”“此莫非是瘟阵？”乃对杨戬曰：“此正应吾师元始之言，莫非是瘟阵么？”杨戬曰：“待弟子对他说。”二人商议停当，回至军前。吕岳曰：“子牙公识此阵否？”杨戬答曰：“吕道长，此乃小术耳，何足为奇！”吕岳曰：“此阵何名？”杨戬笑曰：“此乃瘟阵。你还不曾摆全；俟摆全了，吾再来破你的。”吕岳闻杨戬之言，如石投大海，半晌无言。正是： 炉中玄妙全无用，一片雄心付水流。

Details of that night are omitted without further mention. On the following day, Lü Yue ordered Xu Fang to select three thousand troops and march out of the pass to meet Ziya. Xu Fang personally took command of the vanguard. No further details are provided. Now, Ziya ascended to his command tent and said to his disciples: "Today Lü Yue has come once again to block our troops; each of you must be especially careful." Just as they were discussing, attendants reported: "Yang Jian is waiting at the 辕门 (yuanmen) for orders." Ziya gave orders: "Bring him in." Yang Jian arrived at the tent, paid his respects, and said: "I have fulfilled my mission to urge for provisions without error." Ziya said: "Now Lü Yue has once again come to block Chuanyun Pass." Yang Jian replied: "Lü Yue is a man who lost his opportunity; how dare he once again block our advancing banners?" The words had not yet finished when suddenly an official arrived to report: "Lü Yue has come for battle." Ziya quickly gave orders to march out of camp, leading his generals and disciples as they followed him to the front of the encampment. Lü Yue said: "Jiang Ziya, I have with you a grudge so deep that we cannot both stand!" If it comes to the actions of our two sects, they are no different; yet you are a disciple of Yuanshi, a paragon of virtue and morality. I have an array to demonstrate before you; if you can recognize it, I shall support the Zhou in their campaign against the Shang. If not, we shall immediately see who is superior." Ziya said: "Daoist friend, why do you not maintain your own purity and tranquility, yet constantly engage in such karmic offenses? This is most unbecoming of a Daoist. If you are going to set up an array, then by all means, do so and let me see." Lü Yue and Chen Geng entered the formation. After half a shi (a time unit), they set up an array; Then, returning to the front of their forces, they shouted loudly: "Jiang Ziya! Look at our formation!" Ziya, together with Nezha, Yang Jian, Weihu, and Li Jing, stepped forward. Yang Jian said: "Master Lü, as we observe the formation, you must not use hidden weapons to harm people." Lü Yue replied: "Such words are those of a mere junior. I shall employ an open and honorable formation, with upright banners; how could I possibly resort to hidden weapons to harm you!" Ziya and the others walked around it, examining both front and back. It was a complete formation, without any inscriptions; how could they possibly recognize it? Ziya grew anxious in his heart: "This must be an array that cannot be attacked, another form of left-hand path sorcery." Suddenly Ziya recalled the four verses from Yuanshi: "At Jiepaiguan, you will encounter Zhuxian; at Chuanyunguan, you shall suffer plague." "Could this be a plague formation?" He then said to Yang Jian: "This is exactly what my master Yuanshi foretold. Could this not be a plague formation?" Yang Jian replied: "Let me, your disciple, speak to him." The two discussed and finalized their plan, then returned to the front of the army. Lü Yue asked: "Master Ziya, do you recognize this formation?" Yang Jian replied: "Master Lü, this is but a minor technique; what makes it so extraordinary!" Lü Yue asked: "What is the name of this formation?" Yang Jian smiled and said: "This is a plague formation. You have not yet completed the entire formation; Once you finish setting it up, I shall return to break yours." Lü Yue, upon hearing Yang Jian's words, felt as if a stone had been cast into the sea; for a long moment, he said nothing. Indeed: The profound mysteries in the furnace are of no use at all; one's ambitious aspirations flow away like water.

话说杨戬言罢，同众人回营。子牙升帐坐下，众门人齐赞杨戬利齿伶牙。子牙曰：“虽然一时回得他好看，终不知此阵中玄妙，如何可破？”哪吒曰：“且答应他一时，再作道理。况且十绝恶阵与诛仙阵这样大阵，俱也破了，何况此小小阵图，不足为虑。”子牙曰：“虽然如此，不可不慎。古人云：‘人无远虑，必有近忧。’岂可因其小而忽略。”众门人齐曰：“元帅之言甚善。”正议间，左右来报：“终南山云中子来见。”众门人曰：“武王洪福齐天，自有高人来济此阵之急也。”子牙忙迎出辕门，接住云中子。二人携手，行至帐中坐下。子牙曰：“道兄此来，必为姜尚遇此瘟阵也。”云中子笑曰：“特为此阵而来。”子牙欠身谢曰：“姜尚屡遭大难，每劳列位道兄动履，尚何以消受。”因请教：“此阵中有何秘术？当用何人可破？”云中子曰：“此阵不用别人，乃是子牙公百日之灾。只至灾满，自有一人来破。吾与你代掌帅印，调督军事。其馀不足为虑。”子牙曰：“但得道兄如此，姜尚便一死又何足惜，况未必然乎！”子牙欣然，就将剑、印付与云中子掌管。只见左右传与武王，武王闻知云中子说子牙有百日之灾，忙至中军。左右来报。云中子与子牙迎接上帐，行礼坐下。武王曰：“闻相父破阵，孤心不安。往往争持，致多苦恼，孤想不若回军，各安疆界，以乐民生，何必如此？”云中子曰：“贤王不知，上天垂象，天运循环，气数如此，岂是人为，纵欲逃之不能。贤王放心。”武王默然无语。

After Yang Jian finished speaking, he returned to camp with the others. Ziya ascended his tent and took a seat; all of his disciples praised Yang Jian for his eloquence and sharp tongue. Ziya said: "Although we have given him a good reply for the moment, in the end we still do not know the mysteries of this formation—how can it be broken?" Nezha said: "Let us agree with him for now, and then we shall think of a way to deal with the matter later. Besides, we have already broken great formations such as the Ten Absolute Evil Formation and the Zhuxian Formation; how much less should this small formation be a cause for concern." Ziya said: "Although that is so, we must still proceed with caution. As the ancients said: 'A man who has no long-term planning will surely have near worries.' We must not overlook it simply because it is small." All of Ziya's disciples said in unison: "The general's words are most wise." While they were still discussing, a messenger from the left and right arrived to report: "Yunzhongzi of Zhongnan Mountain is here to see you." The disciples said: "King Wu's great fortune reaches the heavens; naturally, a sage has come to assist in this urgent matter concerning the formation." Ziya hurriedly stepped out of the 辕门 (yuanmen, a gate at the front of an army camp) to greet Yunzhongzi. The two clasped hands and walked into the tent, where they sat down. Ziya said: "Daoist elder, your coming here must be because of Jiang Shang's encounter with this plague formation." Yunzhongzi smiled and said: "I have come especially for this formation." Ziya bowed respectfully in gratitude and said: "Jiang Shang has repeatedly encountered great calamities, always troubling each of my Daoist elder brothers to come personally. How can I possibly deserve such kindness?" He then respectfully asked: "What secret techniques are contained within this formation? Who should be used to break it?" Yunzhongzi said: "This formation does not require anyone else; it is precisely a hundred-day calamity for Master Ziya. Only when the period of misfortune has passed will someone come to break it on their own. I shall temporarily take charge of your command seal and oversee military affairs for you. The rest is nothing to worry about." Ziya said: "If only my Daoist elder brother can be here, even if Jiang Shang were to die, it would not matter at all. How much less is that likely to happen!" Ziya was delighted and immediately handed over his sword and seal for Yunzhongzi to manage. Just then, the messengers on both sides conveyed the news to King Wu. Upon hearing that Yunzhongzi had said Ziya was destined for a hundred-day calamity, King Wu hurriedly went to the central army camp. The attendants came to report. Yunzhongzi and Ziya welcomed King Wu into the tent, where he was received with bows and then seated. King Wu said: "I have heard that my father-in-law is facing this formation; I am deeply troubled." Frequent struggles have led to much suffering. The king thought it better to withdraw the army, let each side remain in their own territory, and bring peace and happiness to the people—why must we go through this?" Yunzhongzi replied: "Your Majesty does not know—Heaven has decreed this. The celestial order follows a cycle, and the course of events is thus determined by fate; it is not something that can be altered by human will. Even if one wishes to escape from it, they cannot. Your Majesty may rest assured." King Wu fell silent and said nothing.

且不言云中子与子牙商议破敌，且说吕岳进关，同陈庚将二十一把瘟伞安放在阵内，按九宫八卦方位，摆列停当；中立一土台，安置用度符印，打点擒拿周将。正与陈庚在阵内调度，见左右来报：“有一道人要见吕老爷。”吕岳曰：“是谁？与我请来。”少时，那道人飘然而至。吕岳一见李平来至，忙迎住，喜曰：“道兄此来，必是来助我一臂之力，以灭周武、姜尚也。”李平曰：“不然。我特来劝你。吾在中途，闻你摆瘟阵以阻周兵，我故此特地前来，相劝道兄。今纣王无道，罪恶贯盈，天下共叛，此天之所以灭商汤也。武王乃当世有德之君，上配尧舜，下合人心，是应运而兴之君，非草泽乘奸之辈。况凤鸣岐山，王气已锺久矣。道兄安得以一人扭转天命哉。子牙奉天征讨，伐罪吊民，会诸侯于孟津，正应灭纣于甲子。难道我李平反为武王，不为截教，来逆道兄之意？道兄若依我劝，可撤去此阵，但凭武王与子牙征伐取关。我们原系方外闲人，逍遥散淡，无束无拘，又何名繮利锁之不能解脱耶。”吕岳笑曰：“李兄差矣！我来诛逆讨叛，正是应天顺人。你为何自己受惑，反说我所为非也！你看我擒姜尚、武王，令他片甲不回。”李平曰：“不然。姜尚有七死三灾之厄，他也过了；遇过多少毒恶之人，十绝‘诛仙恶阵，他也经过；也非容易至此。古云：‘前车已覆，后车当鉴。’道兄何苦执迷如此？”李平五次三番劝不醒吕岳，此正是： 三部正神天数尽，李平到此也难逃。

Without mentioning Yunzhongzi and Ziya discussing how to defeat the enemy, let us now speak of Lü Yue entering the pass and placing the twenty-one plague umbrellas within the formation alongside Chen Geng. They arranged them according to the positions of the Nine Palaces and the Eight Trigrams, completing their setup; In the center they erected a small earthen platform to place the talismans and seals needed for use. They prepared everything in readiness to capture the Zhou generals. While Lü Yue was adjusting and directing matters within the formation with Chen Geng, a messenger arrived from both sides to report: "A Daoist is here to see Master Lu." Lü Yue asked: "Who is it? Bring him to me." After a short while, the Daoist arrived in an air of effortless grace. Upon seeing Li Ping arrive, Lü Yue hurried to greet him and joyfully said: "Daoist elder, your arrival must mean you have come to lend me a hand in order to destroy King Wu of Zhou and Jiang Shang." Li Ping replied: "Not quite. I have come specifically to advise you. On my way here, I heard that you had set up a plague formation to block the Zhou army. That is why I have specially come forward to advise you, my Daoist elder. Now King Zhou has no virtue; his crimes are heaped so high they overflow the heavens, and all under heaven have rebelled. This is why Heaven decrees the fall of Shang Tang. King Wu is a virtuous ruler of this age, matching Yao and Shun above and aligning with the will of the people below. He is a sovereign who rises in accordance with Heaven's mandate, not some petty opportunist from the grass roots. Moreover, the phoenix has sung on Mount Qi; the royal aura has long been concentrated there. How can you, my Daoist elder, hope to turn Heaven's decree with just one person? Ziya is carrying out the Mandate of Heaven by waging war, punishing evil and rescuing the people. He has gathered feudal lords at Mengjin, exactly fulfilling the destiny to overthrow King Zhou on the day Jiazi. Would I, Li Ping, have turned my back on King Wu and the Zhou, forsaking the Way of Jie instead, to oppose your will, my Daoist elder? If you, my Daoist brother, would follow my advice, you could dismantle this formation and simply allow King Wu and Ziya to conquer the passes through their own campaigns. We were originally free spirits of the outside world, living in carefree ease, unbound and unrestrained. Why should we not be able to escape from the fetters of fame and profit?" Lü Yue smiled and said: "Brother Li is mistaken! I have come to punish rebellion and traitors, which is exactly in accordance with Heaven's will and the people's desires. Why are you yourself deceived, yet go so far as to say that what I do is wrong! Look how I capture Jiang Shang and King Wu, leaving not a single soldier of theirs returning. Li Ping said: "Not so. Jiang Shang was destined to face seven deaths and three calamities, but he has already passed through them; He has encountered many wicked people, and even the Ten Absolute 'Zhuxian Evil Formation,' which is extremely deadly—he has passed through that as well; It was not easy for him to reach this point. As the ancients said: 'The cart in front has overturned; those behind should take it as a warning.' Why, my Daoist elder brother, do you persist so stubbornly in your delusion?" Despite Li Ping's repeated attempts to advise him, Lü Yue remained unmoved. This was indeed: The three divine forces have reached their limit in Heaven's decree; even Li Ping arrives here and cannot escape.

话说吕岳不听李平之劝，差官下书，知会姜尚，来破此阵。使命赍战书至子牙行营，来至辕门。左右报入中军，子牙命：“令来。”使命至中军，朝上见体毕，呈上战书。子牙拆开展玩，书曰： “九龙岛炼气士吕岳致书于西岐元帅姜子牙麾下：窃闻物极必返，逆天必罚。尔西岐不守臣节，以臣伐君，以下凌上，有干纲常，得罪天地；况且以党恶之象，屡抗敌于天兵，仗阐教之术，复屠城而杀将，恶已贯盈，入神共愤。故上天厌恶，特假手于吾，设此瘟阵。今差使致书，早早批宣，以决胜负。如自揣不德，急早倒戈，尚待尔不死。战书至日，速乞自裁。”

Speaking of Lü Yue, who did not heed Li Ping's advice, he sent an official to deliver a letter and informed Jiang Shang that they were coming to break this formation. The envoy carrying the challenge arrived at Ziya's headquarters, reaching the 辕门 (yuan men). The attendants on both sides reported to the central camp. Ziya ordered: "Bring him in." The envoy arrived at the central army, paid his respects upon entering, and presented the challenge letter. Ziya opened and unfolded the letter. It read: "From Lü Yue, a cultivator of Qi from Jiulong Island, to the headquarters of General Jiang Ziya, Commander-in-Chief of Xiqi: I have heard that when things reach their extreme, they must return; those who defy Heaven will surely be punished. You of Xiqi have failed to uphold the virtue of a subject, attacking your sovereign as a vassal and subordinating the superior. This violates the fundamental order of loyalty and righteousness, offending Heaven and Earth; Moreover, you have taken the form of a faction of evil and repeatedly resisted Heaven's army. Relying on the techniques of the Chan Sect, you have razed cities and slain generals; your wickedness has overflowed the heavens, provoking both gods and men to anger. Therefore, Heaven is disgusted with you and has specially entrusted me to set up this plague formation. Now I have sent an envoy with this letter; respond quickly and declare your position, so that we may decide the outcome of our contest." If you consider yourself unworthy, surrender immediately by turning your weapons against us; perhaps I will spare your life. Upon receipt of this challenge letter, quickly beg for mercy and take your own life."

且说子牙看罢书，将原书批回：“明日决破此阵。”来使领书，回见吕岳。不表。次日，云中子在中军请子牙上帐，用三道符印，──前心一道，后心一道，冠内一道；又将一粒丹药与子牙揣在怀中。打点停当，只听得关外炮响，报马报进营来：“有吕岳在营前搦战。”子牙上了四不相，武王同众将诸门下齐至军前掠阵。真好瘟阵！怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 杀气漫空，悲风四起。杀气漫空，黑暗暗俱是些鬼哭神嚎；悲风四起，昏邓邓尽是那雷轰电掣。透心寒，怎禁他冷气侵人；解骨酥，难当他阴风扑面。远观似飞砂走石，近看如雾卷云腾。瘟疫气阵阵飞来，水火扇翩翩乱举。瘟阵内神仙怕，正应姜公百日灾。

Meanwhile, after reading the letter, Ziya returned it with a reply: "Tomorrow I shall decisively break this formation." The envoy took back the reply and returned to report to Lü Yue. No further details are given. The next day, Yun Zhongzi invited Ziya to the central command tent. He used three talismans with seals: one on the front of the chest, one on the back of the chest, and one inside the hat; He also gave Ziya a pill to keep in his bosom. After everything was prepared, just as the cannon fire outside the pass sounded, a scout galloped into camp and reported: "Lü Yue is challenging for battle before our camp." Ziya mounted the Sibuxiang, and King Wu, along with all his generals and disciples, arrived at the front to inspect the battlefield. What a formidable plague formation! How so? A verse testifies to this, which says: Murderous qi fills the sky; sorrowful winds rise from all directions. Murderous qi spreads across the sky, and in the darkness are nothing but ghostly wails and divine lamentations; Sorrowful winds arise from all directions, and the dim surroundings are filled with thunderclaps and flashes of lightning. Piercing to the heart, how can one endure his cold qi invading the body; Bone-melting numbness—how could one withstand the chill winds striking the face. From afar, it appears as flying sand and rolling stones; up close, it is like swirling mist and surging clouds. Plague-infected qi swirls in waves, while fans of water and fire dance wildly about. Even immortals fear the plague formation; this is precisely the hundred-day calamity foretold for General Jiang Gong.

话说子牙至阵前曰：“吕岳，你今设此毒阵，与你定决雌雄。只怕你祸至难逃，悔之晚矣。”吕岳忙催开金眼驼，仗剑飞来直取。子牙手中剑急架忙迎。二人战未及数合，吕岳掩一剑，迳入阵去了。子牙催开四不相，随后赶进阵来。吕岳上了八卦台，将一把瘟伞往下一盖，昏昏黑黑，如红沙黑雾罩将下来，势不可当。子牙一手执定杏黄旗架往此伞。可怜！正是： 七死三灾扶帝业，万年千载竟留芳。

Now, Ziya arrived at the formation's front and said: "Lü Yue, you have now set this deadly formation. We shall determine our superiority here today. I only fear that when disaster comes to you, it will be too late for regret." Lü Yue quickly urged the Golden-Eyed Camel forward and brandished his sword, flying straight toward Ziya. Ziya hastily raised his sword to meet him head-on. Before they could exchange more than a few blows, Lü Yue feigned an attack with his sword and directly retreated into the formation. Ziya urged on the Sibuxiang and followed closely behind, entering the formation. Lü Yue ascended to the Bagua Platform, raised his plague umbrella downward, and a dark, murky haze descended like red sand and black mist, overwhelming in its intensity. Ziya held the Xinghuang Banner with one hand to counter this umbrella. Pitiful! Indeed: Seven deaths and three calamities support the emperor's cause; through ten thousand years, his fragrance endures.

话说吕岳将子牙困于阵中，复出阵前大呼曰：“姜尚已绝于吾阵，叫姬发早早受死！”武王在辕门闻吕岳之言，慌问云中子曰：“老师，相父若果绝于阵中，真痛杀孤家也！”云中子曰：“不妨，此是吕岳谬言。子牙有百日之灾。”只见后边哪吒、杨戬、金木二吒、李靖、韦护、雷震子一齐大呼：“拿这妖道碎尸万段，以泄我等之恨！”吕岳、陈庚二人向前迎敌，大战在一处。只杀的阴风飒飒，冷雾迷空。怎见得： 这几个赤胆忠良名誉大；他两个要阻周兵心思坏。一低一好两相持，数位正神同赌赛。降魔杵，来得快，正直无私真宝贝。这一边哪吒、杨戬善腾挪；那一边吕岳、陈庚多作怪。刀枪剑戟往来施，俱是玄门仙器械。今日穿云关外赌神通，各逞英雄真可爱。一个凶心不息阻周兵；一个要与武王安世界。若争恶战岂寻常，地惨天昏无可奈！

Now, Lü Yue had trapped Ziya within the formation and then exited to the front of the array, shouting loudly: "Jiang Shang has perished in my formation. Tell Ji Fa to surrender and die quickly!" King Wu, hearing Lü Yue's words at the 辕门 (Yuanmen), anxiously asked Yun Zhongzi: "Master, if my father-in-law really perishes in this formation, it would truly kill me with grief!" Yun Zhongzi said: "Do not worry. This is a false statement by Lü Yue. Ziya has only suffered from the hundred-day calamity." Just then, from behind came Nezha, Yang Jian, Jin Zhu and Mu Zhu, Li Jing, Wei Hu, and Leizhenzi, all shouting together: "Seize this demonic Daoist and dismember him into ten thousand pieces to vent our anger!" Lü Yue and Chen Geng advanced to meet the enemy, engaging in fierce battle. The battle raged with cold winds howling and chilling mists obscuring the sky. How so? These few loyal men of red courage have great reputations; The two of them plotted in vain to block the Zhou forces. One low, one high, they stood at a stalemate; several righteous gods competed fiercely together. The Demonic Subduing Mallet came swiftly, a truly precious treasure of righteousness and impartiality. On this side, Nezha and Yang Jian were skillful in their evasions; On the other side, Lü Yue and Chen Geng conjured many strange tricks. Swords, spears, halberds, and lances clashed back and forth; all were mystical weapons of the Daoist sect. Today at Chuanyun Pass, they tested their divine powers, each displaying heroic prowess in a truly admirable contest. One harbored relentless malice to block the Zhou army; The other sought to secure peace for King Wu and the world. If such a fierce battle of good and evil were common, it would darken both earth and sky with no way to stop it!

话说众人把吕岳、陈庚困在垓心，哪吒现出了三首八臂，把乾坤圈祭起，正中陈庚肩窝上。杨戬祭哮天犬，把吕岳头上咬了一口。二人迳败进瘟阵去了。众门人也不赶他，同武王进营。武王不见子牙，心下甚是不乐，问云中子曰：“相父受困于阵内，几时方能出来？”云中子曰：“不过百日之厄，灾满自然无事。”武王大惊曰：“百日无食，焉能再生？”云中子曰：“大王可记得在红沙阵内，也是百日，自然无事？古云：‘有福之人，千方百计莫能害他。无福之人，遇沟壑也丧性命。’大王不必牵挂。”且不讲武王纳闷在帐内，度日如年，双眉频锁。且说吕岳自困住了子牙，甚是欢喜，每日入阵内三次，用伞上之功，将瘟来毒子牙。可怜子牙全仗昆仑杏黄旗撑住瘟伞，阵内常放金光千百朵，或隐或现，保护其身。话说吕岳进关来，徐芳接住曰：“老师，今将姜尚困于阵内，不知他何日得死？周兵何日得剿？”吕岳曰：“吾自有法取之。”徐芳曰：“如今且把擒获周将解往朝歌请罪，吾另外再作一本，称赞老师功德，并请益兵防守。”吕岳曰：“不必言及吾等。你乃纣臣，理当如此；我是道门，又不受他爵绿，言之无用。只是不可把反臣留在关内，堤防不测，这到是紧要事；并请兵协守，再作理会。”徐芳领命，忙忙把四将点名，上了囚车，差方义真押解往朝歌请罪。正是： 指望成功扶帝业，中途自有异人来。

Now, the crowd had trapped Lü Yue and Chen Geng in the center. Nezha manifested his three heads and eight arms, raised up the Qiankun Ring, which struck precisely at Chen Geng's armpit. Yang Jian summoned Xiaotian Dog, who bit Lü Yue on the head. The two of them fled directly into the plague formation and disappeared. Ziya's disciples did not pursue them, but returned to camp with King Wu together. King Wu had not seen Ziya and was deeply troubled, asking Yun Zhongzi: "My father-in-law is trapped inside the formation. When will he be able to come out?" Yun Zhongzi replied: "It will not last more than a hundred days of calamity. Once the term is fulfilled, he will naturally be free from harm." King Wu was greatly shocked and said: "A hundred days without food—how can he possibly survive?" Yun Zhongzi replied: "Great King, do you remember when he was trapped in the Red Sand Formation for a hundred days as well? He naturally emerged unharmed. Ancient saying: "A man of great fortune cannot be harmed, no matter how many schemes are devised against him." "A man without fortune will lose his life even if he encounters a ditch or ravine." "Great King, there is no need to worry." Meanwhile, without recounting how King Wu remained troubled in his tent, counting each day as a year and constantly furrowing his brows with worry. Meanwhile, Lü Yue, having trapped Ziya, was overjoyed. Every day he entered the formation three times and used the power of his plague umbrella to poison Ziya with pestilence. Pitiful Ziya relied entirely on the Xinghuang Flag of Kunlun to withstand the plague umbrella. Inside the formation, golden light bloomed in hundreds of flowers, sometimes hidden and sometimes visible, protecting his body. Now, Lü Yue returned to the pass and Xu Fang met him, saying: "Master Teacher, now that we have trapped Jiang Shang in the formation, I wonder when he will die? "When shall we finally destroy the Zhou army?" Lü Yue said: "I have my own methods to deal with him." Xu Fang said: "Now, let us first send the captured Zhou generals to Chaoguo for punishment. I will also submit another memorial praising Master Teacher's virtues and requesting additional troops for defense." Lü Yue said: "There is no need to mention us. You are a minister of Zhou, and it is only proper for you to act this way; I am from the Daoist sect and do not accept his titles or rewards. Talking about it serves no purpose." However, we must not leave rebellious subjects inside the pass; guarding against unforeseen dangers is indeed a matter of utmost importance; and also request additional troops to assist in defense. We will deal with it accordingly." Xu Fang accepted the order and hurriedly took attendance of the four captured generals, placed them in prison carts, and dispatched Fang Yizhen to escort them to Chaoguo for punishment. Indeed: Aiming for success to support the emperor's cause, there will naturally be extraordinary people coming at mid-journey.

话说方义真押解四将往潼关来，算只有八十里，不一日就到。且按不下表。

Now, Fang Yizhen escorted the four generals toward Tongguan Pass; it was only eighty li away, and they arrived within a day. No further details are recorded here.

话说青峰山紫阳洞清虚道德真君闲暇无事，往桃园中来，见杨任在傍，真君曰：“今日正该你去穿云关以解子牙瘟阵之厄，并释四将之愆。”杨任曰：“老师，弟子乃文臣出身，非是兵戈之客。”真君笑曰：“这有何难，学之自然得会；不学虽会亦疏。”真君随入后洞，取出一根枪，名曰“飞电枪”，在桃园里，传与杨任，有歌为证，歌曰： 君不见：此枪名号为“飞电”。穿心透骨不寻常，刺虎降龙真可羡。先天铅汞配雌雄，炼就坎离相眷恋。也能飞，也能战，变化无穷随意见。今日与你破瘟，吕岳逢之鲜血溅。

Now, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun of the Ziyang Cave on Qinfeng Mountain, having nothing to do in his leisure time, went to the peach garden. Seeing Yang Ren nearby, Zhenjun said: "Today is precisely your appointed day to go to Chuanyun Pass and relieve Ziya from the plague formation's calamity, as well as absolve the four generals of their offenses." Yang Ren said: "Master Teacher, I am a disciple who comes from a scholarly background and not one accustomed to warfare or weapons." Zhenjun smiled and said: "What is there to find difficult? With study, you will naturally learn; Without learning, even if you know it, your skills will be lacking." Zhenjun then went into the rear cave, retrieved a spear, and said: "This is called the Feidian Spear." In the peach garden, he passed it on to Yang Ren. A song testifies to this; the song says: Have you not heard? This spear is named "Feidian". It pierces through bone and heart in an extraordinary way, capable of slaying tigers and subduing dragons—truly admirable. Lead and cinnabar from the primordial heavens are paired as yin and yang; through refinement, they form the union of Kan and Li in mutual affection. It can also fly and fight, changing endlessly according to one's will. Today I give it to you to break the plague formation—Lü Yue shall meet his fate with bloodshed when he encounters it.

话说杨任乃是封神榜上之神，自然聪慧，一见真君传授，须臾即会。真君曰：“我把云霞兽与你骑。还有一把五火神焰扇，你带了下山；若进阵中，须是……如此如此，自然破他瘟阵，何愁吕岳不灭耳！还有黄飞虎四将，有难在中途，你先可救他在关内，以为接应；破阵后，里外夹攻，定然成功。”杨任拜辞师父下山，上了云霞兽，把顶上角拍了一把，那骑四蹄自然生起云彩，望空中飞来。正是： 莫道此兽无好处，曾赴蟠桃四五番。

Now, Yang Ren was a deity on the Immortals' List of Fengshen and naturally intelligent. At once upon receiving instruction from Zhenjun, he quickly mastered it. Zhenjun said: "I shall give you the Yunxia Shou to ride. And there is also a Five-Fire Divine Flame Fan for you to take with you when you descend the mountain; When entering the formation, you must do this... and that. Naturally, you will break his plague formation—what reason is there to worry about Lü Yue not being destroyed!" Also, the four generals Huang Feihu are in trouble en route. You should first rescue them within the pass to serve as a backup; after breaking the formation, attack from both inside and outside—success is certain." Yang Ren bowed to his master and descended the mountain. He mounted the Yunxia Shou, patted its horn once, and with a natural rise of clouds from all four hooves, it flew toward the sky. Indeed: Do not say this beast has no merit; it once attended the Peach Banquet three or four times.

且说杨任霎时已至潼关，离城有三十里之远，只见方义真解著犯官前进，旗旛上大书“解岐周反将黄飞虎、南宫适……”等名字。杨任落下兽来，阻住去路，大呼曰：“来将那里去？”军士一见杨任，生得古怪跷蹊，眼眶里生出两只手来，手心里反有两只眼睛，骑著一匹神兽，五柳长髯，飘扬脑后，军士见之，无不骇然，飞报与方义真：“启上将军：前边来了个古怪异人阻住了路。”方义真仗自己胸襟，把马一夹，走出车前，见杨任如此行状，从来也不曾有这样的相貌，心中也自著惊，大呼曰：“来者何人？”杨任终是文官出身，言语自然轻柔，乃应曰：“不须问我，吾乃上大夫杨任是也。将军，天道已归明主，你又何必逆天行事，自取灭亡也。”方义真曰：“吾奉主将命令，押解周将往朝歌请功，你为何阻住去路？”杨任曰：“吾奉师命下山，来破瘟阵，今逢将军押解周将，理宜救护。我劝将军不若和我归了武王，正所谓应天顺人，不失封侯之位，有何不可。”方义真见杨任低言悄语，不把杨任放在心上，把手中枪一举，大喝曰：“逆贼休走，吃吾一枪！”杨任忙用手中枪急架相还。两家大战，未及数合，杨任恐军士伤了被擒官将，忙用五火神焰扇照著方义真一扇扇去。杨任不知此扇利害，一声响，怎见得，可怜！有诗为证，诗曰： 烈焰腾空万丈高，金蛇千道逞英豪。黑烟卷地红三尺，煮海翻波咫尺消。

Meanwhile, Yang Ren arrived at Tongguan Pass in an instant. Still thirty li away from the city, he saw Fang Yizhen escorting the captured officials forward, with banners clearly stating "Delivering the rebellious Zhou generals Huang Feihu, Nangong Shi..." and so on. Yang Ren dismounted his beast, blocked the way forward, and shouted: "Where are you going, you soldiers?" The soldiers, upon seeing Yang Ren, were startled by his strange and unusual appearance: two hands grew from the sockets of his eyes, each palm containing a pair of eyes. He rode a divine beast, with long beard like five willow branches fluttering behind him. The sight left no soldier unshaken, and they quickly reported to Fang Yizhen: "General, an extraordinary figure has appeared ahead, blocking our path." Fang Yizhen, relying on his own confidence, spurred his horse forward and stepped out in front of the carriage. Seeing Yang Ren's bizarre appearance—never before had he encountered such a visage—he was secretly startled and shouted: "Who dares to come here?" Yang Ren, though a civilian by background, naturally spoke in a gentle tone. He replied: "There is no need to ask me; I am Yang Ren, the senior minister. "The Mandate of Heaven has already returned to its rightful ruler. Why must you defy heaven and invite your own destruction?" Fang Yizhen said: "I have been ordered by the supreme commander to escort these Zhou generals toward Chaoguo for reward. Why do you block our path?" Yang Ren said: "I have descended the mountain upon my master's command to break the plague formation. Now I encounter you, General, escorting Zhou generals, and it is only right that I rescue them." "I advise you to return with me to King Wu. As the saying goes, 'Heaven's will and people's hearts must be followed.' You would not lose your position as a marquis—what is there not to agree?" Fang Yizhen saw Yang Ren speaking in a low and gentle tone, paid no heed to him at all, raised his spear in hand, and roared: "Rebel, do not run! Taste my spear!" Yang Ren quickly used the spear in his hand to block it. The two sides engaged in fierce battle, but before several exchanges had passed, Yang Ren feared that the soldiers might injure the captured officials. He quickly used his Five-Fire Divine Flame Fan to strike Fang Yizhen with a powerful sweep. Yang Ren did not know the power of this fan; at one loud sound, how pitiful it was! There is a poem to attest: The poem says: Fiery flames soar ten thousand zhang into the sky, golden serpents in thousands display their might. Black smoke rolls across the earth, red three chi high; boiling seas and surging waves vanish within a zhi.

话说杨任把扇子一扇，方义真连人带马化一阵狂风去了。众军士见了，呐一声喊，抱头弃兵，奔走回关。且说黄飞虎等见杨任这等相貌，知是异人，忙在陷车中问曰：“来者是那一位尊神？”杨任认得是黄飞虎，──俱是一殿之臣，──忙下了云霞兽，口称：“黄将军，我非别人，不才便是上大夫杨任。因纣王失政，起造鹿台，我等直谏，昏君将吾剜去二目。多亏道德真君救吾上山，将两粒仙丹纳放目中，故此生出手中之眼耳。今特著我下山，来破瘟阵，先救将军等，故效此微劳耳。”随放了四将，四将谢过了杨任，只是咬牙深恨。杨任曰：“四位将军且不必出关，且借住民家，待吾破了瘟阵，那时率众取关，公等可作内应。只听炮声为号，不可有误。”黄飞虎等感谢杨任，自投关内民家去了。且说杨任上了云霞兽，出穿云关，来至周营，下了云霞兽。军政官见了大惊。杨任曰：“早报于武王，吾非反臣也。”报马报入中军：“有异人求见。”云中子知是杨任来了，忙传令：“请进中军。”诸将见了，各自骇然。杨任见云中子下拜，曰：“师叔在此，料吕岳何能为患。”云中子安慰，谢毕请起，与众门人相见。杨任来见武王。武王大惊，问其原故；杨任把纣王剜目之事又说了一遍。武王大喜，命治酒款待。杨任又将救了四将事表过，“……吾师特命不才来破瘟阵耳。”云中子曰：“你来的正好。还差三日，正是百日之厄完满。”众门人见又添杨任，各有欢喜之色，不觉过了三日。次日清晨，周营炮响，大队齐出，一干周将与众门人并武王、云中子齐至辕门，看杨任破瘟阵。杨任至阵前大呼曰：“吕岳何不早来见我！”只见阵内吕岳道人现了三首六臂，手拎宝剑而出，见杨任相貌异常，心下也是惊骇，忙问曰：“你是何人？通个名来！”杨任曰：“吾乃道德真君门下杨任是也；今奉师命下山，特来破你瘟阵。”吕岳笑曰：“你不过一小童耳，敢出大言！”仗剑来取。杨任飞电枪急架相迎。二兽相交，枪剑并举。战未三合，吕岳掩一剑望阵中而走。杨任大呼：“吾来也！”杨任进阵，不知吉凶如何，且听下回分解。

Speaking of Yang Ren, after he swept the fan once, Fang Yizhen and his horse were instantly turned into a gust of wind and vanished. The soldiers saw this and let out a cry, dropped their weapons in terror, and fled back to the pass. Meanwhile, Huang Feihu and others, upon seeing Yang Ren's unusual appearance, knew he was a strange figure. They hurriedly asked from within the cage: "Who are you, great deity?" Yang Ren recognized Huang Feihu—both were ministers of the same court—and quickly dismounted from his Yunxia Shou, saying: "General Huang, I am no one else. I am Yang Ren, a senior minister." Because King Zhou lost his virtue and built the Lu Tai palace, we directly advised him. The tyrant king had my two eyes gouged out. It was only thanks to Zhenjun Daode that I was saved and taken up the mountain, where he placed two pills of immortality into my eyes. Hence, these eyes grew from my hands. "I have now been specially sent down the mountain to break this plague formation and first rescue you, General. This is but a small effort on my part." He then released the four generals. The four generals thanked Yang Ren, their teeth clenched in deep hatred. Yang Ren said: "The four generals need not leave the pass for now. Please stay in a civilian's home temporarily. Wait until I break this plague formation, and then lead your forces to take the pass—your men can serve as an inside force." "Just listen for the cannon fire as a signal. Do not make any mistakes." Huang Feihu and others thanked Yang Ren and went into civilian homes within the pass on their own. Meanwhile, Yang Ren mounted his Yunxia Shou again and left Chuanyun Pass, arriving at the Zhou camp. He then dismounted from the Yunxia Shou. The military officials saw him and were greatly startled. Yang Ren said: "Report to King Wu immediately—I am no traitor." The messenger galloped into the central camp and reported: "An extraordinary figure requests an audience." Yunzhongzi knew it was Yang Ren who had arrived, and quickly gave orders: "Please bring him into the central camp." The generals saw this and were each startled. Yang Ren knelt before Yunzhongzi and said: "With my uncle here, I dare say Lü Yue cannot cause any trouble." Yunzhongzi comforted him. After the thanks were completed and Yang Ren was asked to rise, he met with all the disciples. Yang Ren came to see King Wu. King Wu was greatly surprised and asked about the reason; Yang Ren recounted once again how King Zhou had gouged out his eyes. King Wu was overjoyed and ordered wine to be prepared for a banquet in Yang Ren's honor. Yang Ren also reported the matter of rescuing the four generals, saying: "…My master specially sent me to break this plague formation." Yunzhongzi said: "You have come just in time. Three days remain, and the hundred-day calamity will then be complete." The disciples saw another addition in Yang Ren and were all delighted. Unaware, the three days passed quickly. The next morning, at dawn, the Zhou camp's cannons roared. The main force marched out together. A group of Zhou generals and disciples, along with King Wu and Yunzhongzi, all arrived at the 辕门 (yuanmen) to witness Yang Ren break the plague formation. Yang Ren shouted from before the formation: "Lü Yue, why have you not come forward to face me yet!" Inside the formation, Daoist Lü Yue appeared with three heads and six arms, holding a treasure sword as he stepped out. Seeing Yang Ren's unusual appearance, Lü Yue was also startled and hurriedly asked: "Who are you?" "State your name!" Yang Ren said: "I am Yang Ren, disciple of Zhenjun Daode; I have descended the mountain under my master's command to specifically break your plague formation." Lü Yue laughed and said: "You are merely a child, yet you dare speak such big words!" He brandished his sword to attack. Yang Ren swiftly raised his Thunderbolt Spear to meet the attack head-on. The two beasts clashed, spears and swords brandished together. Before three exchanges had passed, Lü Yue turned his sword inward and fled into the formation. Yang Ren shouted: "I am coming!" As Yang Ren entered the formation, whether fortune or misfortune awaited him remains to be seen in the next chapter.