Chapter 81: Ziya Encounters the Smallpox Deity at Tongguan Pass

诗曰： 痘疹恶疾胜疮疡，不信人间有异力。疱紫毒生追命药，浆清气绝索魂汤。 时行户户应多难，传染人人尽著伤。不是武王多福荫，枉教军士丧疆场。

The poem says: Smallpox is a loathsome disease surpassing sores and ulcers; one cannot believe there exists supernatural power in the human world. Pus purple, poison born, pursuing life-saving medicine; broth clear, vital energy cut off, soul-seeking decoction. At that time, the epidemic afflicted every household with great difficulty, and the contagion injured everyone. Were it not for King Wu's abundant blessings and protection, soldiers would have been in vain sent to perish on the battlefield.

话说吕岳走进阵去，杨任赶进阵来。吕岳上了八卦台，将瘟伞撑起，往下一罩。杨任把五火扇一扇，那伞化作灰烬，飘扬而去；又连扇了数扇，只见那二十把伞尽成飞灰。当有瘟部神祇李平进阵来，指望劝解吕岳，不要与周兵作难，也是天数该然，恰逢其会，常被杨任一扇子扇来，李平怎能脱逃，可怜！正是： 一点诚心分邪正，反遭一扇丧微躯。

The story says that Lü Yue walked into the formation, while Yang Ren hurriedly entered from the opposite side. Lü Yue ascended the Bagua Terrace, raised his plague umbrella, and lowered it downward to cover the area. Yang Ren waved his Five Fire Fan once, and that umbrella turned into ashes, drifting away; He continued to fan several more times, and soon all twenty umbrellas were reduced to flying ash. At that moment, Li Ping of the Plague Department deities entered the formation with the intention of persuading Lü Yue not to cause trouble for the Zhou forces. However, as fate would have it, he encountered Yang Ren just then and was fanned by him with a single fan stroke. How could Li Ping possibly escape? Piteous indeed! Indeed: A single sincere heart distinguishes good from evil, yet he was instead felled by a single fan stroke and lost his frail body.

李平误被杨任一扇子扇成灰烬。陈庚大怒，骂曰：“何处来的妖人，敢伤我弟！”举兵刃飞取杨任。杨任把扇子连扇数扇，莫说是陈庚一人，连地都扇红了。吕岳在八卦台上见势头凶险，捏著避火诀，指望逃走，不知杨任此扇乃五火真性，攒簇而成，岂是五行之火可以趋避。吕岳见火势愈炽，不能镇压，撤身往后便走，被杨任赶上前，连扇数扇，把八卦台与吕岳俱成灰烬。──三魂俱赴封神台去了。有诗为证，诗曰： 九龙岛内曾修炼，得道多年根未深。今日遭逢神火扇，可知天意灭嗔心。

Li Ping was mistakenly turned into ashes by Yang Ren's single fan stroke. Chen Geng became furious and scolded, "What demon from where dares to injure my brother!" He raised his weapon and flew toward Yang Ren. Yang Ren waved his fan several times in succession; not only was it enough to deal with Chen Geng alone, but even the ground itself turned red from the heat. Lü Yue, on the Bagua Terrace, seeing the dangerous situation, formed a fire-avoiding talisman with his fingers in an attempt to escape. However, he did not know that Yang Ren's fan was imbued with the true essence of Five Fires, condensed together—how could it be evaded by mere Five Elements fire? Lü Yue, seeing the flames grow fiercer and unable to suppress them, turned his back and fled. Yang Ren rushed forward, fanning several times in succession, reducing both the Bagua Terrace and Lü Yue himself into ashes. ——His three souls all departed to the Fengshen Terrace. There is a poem as evidence; the poem says: Within 九龙 Island he once cultivated, having attained the Dao for many years yet his roots remained shallow. Today, encountering the divine fire fan, one can see that Heaven's will is to extinguish wrathful thoughts.

话说杨任破了瘟阵，只见子牙在四不相上伏定，手执著杏黄旗，左右金花发现，拥护其身。诸门人看见，齐来搀住。子牙也不言语，面如淡金。只见四不相一跃而起。武王在辕门见武吉背负子牙而来，武王垂泪言曰：“相父不过为国为民，受过苦中之苦！”随将子牙背至中军，放在卧榻之上。云中子用丹药灌入于子牙口中，送下丹田。少时，子牙睁目，见众将官立于左右，乃言曰：“有劳列位苦心。”武王大喜曰：“相父且自安心，仔细调理。”子牙在军中安养了数日，只见云中子曰：“子牙且自宽心，只有万仙阵，我等再来助你，今日且奉别。”子牙不敢强留，云中子回终南山去了。子牙打点取关，只见杨任上前言曰：“前日不才已暗放了四将在内，元帅可作速调遣。”子牙见杨任说有四将在内，须得里外夹攻，方可取关。子牙传令，点众将攻关。且说徐芳又见破了瘟阵，左右来报：“方义真已死，四将不知所往。”心下十分著忙。只见门外杀声振地，锣鼓齐鸣，喊声不止，如天崩地塌之状。徐芳急上关来守御，只见周兵大势人马，四面架起云梯火炮，攻打甚急。有雷震子大怒，飞在空中，一棍刷在城敌楼上，把敌楼打塌了半边。徐芳禁持不住，急下城来。雷震子已站于城上。哪吒登起风火轮，也上城来。守城军士见雷震子这等凶恶，一齐走了。哪吒下城，斩落了锁钥，周兵一拥而入。徐芳见周营大势人马进关，只得纵马摇枪前来抵当，被周营大小众将把徐芳围困住当中，彼此混战。且说黄飞虎、南宫适、洪锦、徐盖听得关内喊杀，知是周兵成功，四将步行，赶至关前，见周兵已将徐芳围住，黄飞虎大叫曰：“徐芳休走，吾来也！”徐芳正在著忙之际，又见黄飞虎等四人冲杀前来，不觉吃了一惊，措手不及，被黄飞虎一剑砍来，徐芳望后一闪，那剑竟砍落马首，把徐芳撞下鞍鞽，被士卒生擒活捉，拿缚关下。众将收了军卒，迎姜元帅进关，升厅坐下，出榜安民毕。有黄飞虎、南宫适等来见子牙。子牙曰：“将军等身受陷穽之苦，幸皇天庇佑，转祸为福，此皆将军等为国忠心，感动天地耳。”众将在穿云关安置已定，子牙分付：“把徐芳推来。”左右将徐芳拥至阶前，徐芳立而不跪。子牙骂曰：“徐芳，你已擒兄已绝手足之情，为臣有失边疆之责，你有何颜尚敢抗礼？此乃人中之禽兽也！速推出斩首！”众军士把徐芳推出斩首，号令在穿云关。武王设宴与众将饮酒，犒赏三军。翌日，子牙传令起兵。行有八十里，兵至潼关，安营炮响，立下寨棚。子牙升帐，众将官参谒毕，商议取关。

The story says that after Yang Ren broke the plague formation, he saw Ziya seated firmly on Sibuxiang, holding a plum-yellow banner in his hand. Golden flowers blossomed around him to both sides, surrounding and protecting his body. The disciples saw this and all came forward to support him. Ziya said nothing, his face as pale as gold. Suddenly, Sibuxiang leaped up. King Wu, at the 辕 men (entrance of the military camp), saw Wu Ji carrying Ziya on his back. King Wu wept and said, "My prime minister father endured more than enough suffering for the sake of the country and its people!" He immediately carried Ziya to the central camp and placed him on a couch. ල Yunzhongzi administered medicinal pills into Ziya's mouth, guiding them down to his lower dantian. After a short while, Ziya opened his eyes and saw the generals standing on both sides. He then said, "I am indebted to your kind efforts." King Wu was greatly pleased and said, "My prime minister father, please rest assured and take good care of yourself." Ziya rested in the camp for several days. Then Yunzhongzi said, "Master Ziya, please remain at ease. Only when it comes to the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation will I and others come back to assist you. For now, I must take my leave." Ziya did not dare to insist on keeping him, so Yunzhongzi returned to Zhongnan Mountain. Ziya made preparations to take up the position, when Yang Ren stepped forward and said, "Yesterday I secretly placed four generals inside. Commander-in-Chief may now dispatch them quickly." Ziya, upon hearing from Yang Ren that four generals were already inside the pass, realized they would need to attack both from within and without in order to capture it. Ziya issued orders, summoning his troops to launch an assault on the pass. Meanwhile, Xu Fang saw that the plague formation had been broken again. His attendants on both sides reported, "Fang Yizhen has already died, and the four generals have disappeared without a trace." He was extremely anxious in his heart. Suddenly, from outside the gate came a deafening clamor of battle cries shaking the earth, gongs and drums ringing in unison, shouts continuing without end, as if the heavens were collapsing and the earth breaking apart. Xu Fang hurried to the pass to defend, only to see a massive force of Zhou troops raising cloud ladders and fire cannons from all directions, attacking with great urgency. Lei Zhensi became furious and flew into the air, swinging his staff to strike the enemy watchtower on the city wall, smashing half of it down. Xu Fang could no longer hold out and hurriedly fled from the city walls. Lei Zhensi had already taken his stand on top of the city wall. Nezha mounted his Wind-Fire Wheels and also ascended to the city walls. The defending soldiers, seeing Lei Zhensi's ferocity, all fled in unison. Nezha descended from the city wall and cut down the locks; Zhou troops surged in en masse. Xu Fang, seeing the massive force of Zhou troops entering the pass, had no choice but to urge his horse forward with spear in hand to resist. However, he was surrounded by the numerous generals from the Zhou camp and became locked in chaotic battle. Meanwhile, Huang Feihu, Nangong Shi, Hong Jin, and Xu Gai heard the shouts from within the pass and realized that the Zhou forces had succeeded. The four generals hurried on foot to the front of the pass, where they saw the Zhou troops had already surrounded Xu Fang. Huang Feihu shouted loudly, "Xu Fang, do not run! Here I come!" Just as Xu Fang was in a state of panic, he saw Huang Feihu and the other four men charging forward. Startled and caught off guard, he failed to react in time. As Huang Feihu swung his sword, Xu Fang jumped backward in alarm; the sword struck the horse's head instead, knocking it down and causing Xu Fang to fall from the saddle. He was then captured alive by the soldiers and bound below the gate. The generals gathered their troops, welcomed General Jiang into the pass, led him to sit in the hall, and after posting proclamations to pacify the people, all was done. Huang Feihu, Nangong Shi and others came to see Ziya. Ziya said, "You generals have endured the suffering of being trapped. Fortunately, Heaven has protected and blessed you, turning misfortune into fortune. This is all due to your loyal hearts for the country, which have moved heaven and earth." The generals had already settled in Chuanyun Pass. Ziya ordered, "Bring Xu Fang forward." Attendants brought Xu Fang to the steps before them; he stood upright and refused to kneel. Ziya scolded, "Xu Fang, you have already captured your brother and severed the bond of siblings. As a minister, you failed in your duty to defend the frontier. How dare you still show such face as to resist with courtesy?" You are nothing but a beast among men! "Quickly drag him out and behead him!" The soldiers dragged Xu Fang outside the pass and executed him, displaying his head as a warning at Chuanyun Pass. King Wu held a banquet for the generals to drink together, rewarding all three armies with feasting and gifts. The next day, Ziya issued orders to mobilize the troops. After marching about eighty li, the army arrived at Tongguan Pass. They set up camp with cannon fire and immediately established their encampment. Ziya ascended his tent, where the generals paid their respects upon finishing, then discussed plans to capture the pass.

且言潼关主将余化龙有子五人，乃是余达、余兆、余光、余先、余德，惟余德一人在海外出家，不在潼关，连余化龙只有父子五人守此关隘。忽听关外炮响，探事报知：“周兵抵关下寨。”余化龙谓四子曰：“周兵此来，一路屡屡得胜，今日至此，亦是劲敌，须是要尽一番心力。”四子齐曰：“父亲放心，料姜尚有多大本领，不过偶然得胜，谅他可能过得此关！”不言余化龙父子商议，再言子牙次日升帐，问左右：“谁去取此关见阵一遭？”傍有太鸾应声曰：“末将愿往。”子牙许之。太鸾出营，至关下搦战。哨马报入关中。余化龙命长子余达出关。余达领令出关。太鸾见潼关内有一将，银甲红袍，真个齐整，滚出关来。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 紫金冠，名束发；飞凤额，雉尾插。面如傅粉一般同，大红袍罩连环甲。狮鸾宝带现玲珑，打将钢鞭如铁塔。银合马跑白云飞，白银枪杵鞍下拉。大红旗上书金字：潼关首将名余达。

Meanwhile, the commander of Tongguan Pass, Yu Hualong, had five sons: Yu Da, Yu Zhao, Yu Guang, Yu Xian, and Yu De. Only Yu De was living abroad as a monk and not present at Tongguan; thus, Yu Hualong had only his father and these four sons to defend this pass. Suddenly, cannon fire was heard from outside the pass; scouts reported, "Zhou troops have arrived and set up camp below the pass." Yu Hualong said to his four sons, "The Zhou forces have come here. They have won victory after victory along the way. Now that they've arrived at this pass, they are a formidable foe; we must exert our utmost effort." The four sons said in unison, "Father, please rest assured. Although Jiang Shang may have some skills, his victories are merely coincidental; we can be sure he cannot pass this pass!" Without further mention of Yu Hualong and his sons discussing their plans, let us now return to Ziya. On the following day, he ascended his tent and asked those around him, "Who will go to capture this pass and test its defenses?" Tailing responded promptly, saying, "I volunteer to go." Ziya gave his approval. Tailing left the camp and went to the base of the pass to challenge the enemy. The scout horse reported into the pass. Yu Hualong ordered his eldest son, Yu Da, to leave the pass and engage him. Yu Da accepted the order and left the pass. Tailing saw a general from within Tongguan Pass wearing silver armor and a red robe, neatly dressed, charging out of the pass. How was this described? A verse testifies to it: Purple gold crown, named for its bound hair; Flying phoenix browplate, pheasant tail feathers inserted. łoż His face was as smooth and pale as powdered white; a crimson robe covered his linked armor. A lion-luan belt displayed intricate patterns, while the steel whip he wielded was as sturdy as an iron pagoda. His silver-coated horse galloped with clouds flying; a white spear, like a pestle, was drawn beneath the saddle. On his crimson banner were golden characters: "Tongguan's First General, Yu Da."

话说太鸾大呼曰：“潼关来将何名？”余达曰：“吾乃余元帅长子余达是也；久闻姜尚大逆不道，兴兵构怨，不守臣节，干犯朝廷关隘，是自取灭亡耳。”太鸾曰：“吾元帅乃奉天征讨，东进五关，吊民伐罪，会合天下诸侯，观政于商；五关进之有三，尔尚敢拒逆天兵哉。速宜倒戈，免汝一死；若候关破之日，玉石俱焚，追悔何及！”余达大怒，摇枪直取。太鸾手中刀赴面来迎。二将大战，二三十合，余达拨马便走。太鸾随后赶来。余达闻脑后马至，挂下枪，取出撞心杵，回手一杵，正中太鸾脸上。太鸾翻下鞍鞽。可怜为将官的，正是： 祸福随身于顷刻，翻身落马项无头。

The story says Tailing shouted loudly, "What is the name of the general coming from Tongguan?" Yu Da said, "I am Yu Da, the eldest son of General Yu Hualong; I have long heard that Jiang Shang is a great rebel, raising arms to provoke resentment. He does not uphold the virtue of a subject and dares to violate the pass of our court—this is but self-inflicted destruction." Tailing replied, "Our commander-in-chief has been commissioned by Heaven to launch a campaign. Advancing eastward through five passes, he uplifts the people and punishes the guilty, uniting all feudal lords under heaven to observe governance in Shang; three of the five passes have already fallen. How dare you still resist Heaven's army?" Surrender quickly and turn your weapons against your former side, and I will spare your life; if you wait until the pass is breached, both jade and stone shall be reduced to ashes—then it will be too late to regret!" Yu Da became furious and charged forward with his spear. Tailing met the attack head-on with his sword in hand. The two generals engaged in fierce combat for more than twenty or thirty exchanges, when Yu Da suddenly turned his horse and fled. Tailing pursued him immediately. Yu Da, hearing the approach of a horse from behind, lowered his spear and drew out an impact pestle. With one backward strike, he hit Tailing directly on the face. Tailing was knocked off his saddle. Piteous is the fate of this general, as the verse says: Fortune and misfortune shift in an instant; a single fall from horse brings beheading.

余达把太鸾一杵打下马来，复一枪结果了性命，枭了首级，掌鼓进关，见父请功，将首级号令于关上。败兵回见子牙报知，子牙闻太鸾已死，心下不乐。次日，子牙升帐，只见苏护上帐，欲去取关，子牙许之。苏护上马，至关下讨战。哨马报知。余化龙命次子余兆出关对敌。苏护问曰：“来者何人？”余兆曰：“吾乃余元帅次男余兆是也。尔是何名？”苏护曰：“吾非别人，乃冀州侯苏护是也。”余兆曰：“老将军，末将不知是老皇亲。老将军身为贵戚，世受国恩，宜当共守王土，以图报效，何得忘椒房之宠，一旦造反，以助叛逆，切为将军不取！一旦武王失恃，那时被擒，身戮国亡，遗讥万世，追悔何及。速宜倒戈，尚可转祸为福耳。”苏护大怒：“天下大势，八九已非商土，岂在一潼关也！”纵马摇枪，直取余兆。余兆手中枪急架忙迎。二马来往，未及十合，余兆取一杏黄旛一展，咫尺似一道金光一愰，余兆连人带马就不见了。苏护不知所往，急自左右看时，脑后马至；慌忙转马，早被余兆一枪刺中胁下，苏护翻鞍落马──一魂已往封神台去了。余兆取了首级，进关来见父报功，将首级号令，庆喜。不表。且说子牙又见折了苏护，著实伤悼。苏护长子苏全忠闻报痛哭。上帐欲报父仇；子牙不得已，许之。苏全忠领令，至关下搦战。哨马报进关来，余化龙令第三子余光出关对敌。苏全忠见关中一少年将来，切齿咬牙，大喝曰：“你可是余兆？快来领死！”余光曰：“非也。吾乃是余元帅三子余光是也。”苏全忠大怒，纵马摇戟，冲杀过来。二马相交，戟枪并举，大战有二十馀合，余光拨马便走。苏全忠因父亲被害，怒发如雷，大骂曰：“不杀匹夫，誓不回兵！”赶下阵来。余光按下枪，取梅花标，回手一标，有五根一齐动手。全忠身中三标，几乎坠于马下，败回周营。余光得胜，进关见父回令：“标打苏全忠败回。”余化龙曰：“明日待吾亲会姜尚，设谋共破周兵，必取全胜。”次日，关中点炮呐喊，余总兵带四子出关，至周营搦战。哨马报进营来。子牙与众将出营拒敌，左右军威甚齐。余化龙见子牙出兵，叹曰：“人言子牙善于用兵，果然话不虚传。”余化龙看罢，一骑当先：“姜子牙请了！”子牙答礼曰：“余元帅，不才甲胄在身，不能全礼。不才奉天征讨独夫，以除不道，吊民伐罪，所以望风纳降，俱得保全富贵；所有逆命者，随即败亡，国家尽失。元帅不得以昨日三次侥幸之功，认为必胜之策。倘执迷不悟，一时玉石俱焚，悔之何及？请自三思，毋贻伊戚。”余化龙笑曰：“似你出身浅薄，不知天高地厚戴载之恩，

Yu Da struck Tailing off his horse with the pestle, then finished him off with a spear thrust. He severed Tailing's head and displayed it on a pole at the pass entrance before returning to report his success to his father, Yu Hualong. The head was placed as a warning atop the gate of Tongguan. The retreating soldiers returned to report to Ziya, who upon hearing that Tailing had died, felt sorrow and displeasure. The next day, Ziya ascended his tent when Su Hu entered to request permission to capture the pass. Ziya granted him approval. Su Hu mounted his horse and went below the pass to issue a challenge. The scout horse reported this news. Yu Hualong ordered his second son, Yu Zhao, to leave the pass and face him in battle. Su Hu asked, "Who is the one coming forth?" Yu Zhao said, "I am Yu Zhao, the second son of General Yu Hualong. What is your name?" Su Hu said, "I am no one else but Su Hu, the Marquis of Jizhou." Yu Zhao said, "Elder General, your junior officer did not know you were a noble relative to our late emperor. As a noble relative, you have long enjoyed the nation's grace and should jointly defend our royal territory to repay it. How could you forget your imperial favor and suddenly rebel in aid of traitors? This is truly regrettable for a general such as yourself! Once King Wu loses his support, should he be captured at that time, the country will perish and your body will suffer punishment. You will then face eternal disgrace and regret it too late. You had better switch sides immediately; only then can you possibly turn misfortune into fortune." Su Hu became greatly enraged and said, "The trend of the world has already shifted; more than eight or nine tenths is no longer Shang territory. How can it depend on one Tongguan!" He spurred his horse, waved his spear, and charged directly at Yu Zhao. Yu Zhao quickly raised his spear to meet the attack. The two horses circled each other, and before ten exchanges had passed, Yu Zhao unfurled a yellow banner. In an instant, as if a golden light flashed within arm's reach, both Yu Zhao and his horse vanished from sight. Su Hu did not know where he had gone. As he quickly looked to his left and right, a horse suddenly came up behind him; He frantically turned his horse, but it was too late—Yu Zhao had already pierced Su Hu's side with a spear thrust. Su Hu fell from his saddle and—his soul had departed to the Platform of Investiture of Gods. Yu Zhao severed Su Hu's head, returned through the pass to report his achievement to his father, and displayed the head as a warning while rejoicing. No further details are given. Meanwhile, Ziya was greatly grieved upon learning of Su Hu's death. Su Quanzhong, Su Hu's eldest son, wept bitterly upon hearing the news. He entered Ziya's tent to avenge his father; Ziya had no choice but to grant him permission. Su Quanzhong accepted the order and went below the pass to challenge them. The scout horse reported into the pass, and Yu Hualong ordered his third son, Yu Guang, to leave the gate and face him in battle. Su Quanzhong saw a young general emerge from within the pass and, grinding his teeth in anger, shouted, "Are you Yu Zhao?" Come quickly to receive death!" Yu Guang said, "No. I am Yu Guang, the third son of General Yu Hualong." Su Quanzhong became greatly enraged and spurred his horse forward, brandishing his halberd as he charged. The two horses clashed, their weapons raised in fierce combat. They fought for more than twenty exchanges before Yu Guang turned his horse and fled. Su Quanzhong, enraged by the death of his father, roared like thunder and cursed, "Unless I kill this wretch, I shall never withdraw my troops!" He charged down upon him. Yu Guang lowered his spear, took out a plum blossom dart, and with one hand, launched five darts at once. Quanzhong was struck by three of the darts and nearly fell from his horse before retreating back to the Zhou camp in defeat. Yu Guang, having won the victory, entered the pass and reported to his father: "I felled Su Quanzhong with darts, and he returned in defeat." Yu Hualong said, "Tomorrow I shall personally meet Jiang Shang to devise a plan and jointly defeat the Zhou forces. We must achieve complete victory." The next day, within the pass cannons were fired and shouts echoed. General Yu Hualong led his four sons out of the gate to challenge the Zhou forces at their camp. The scout horse reported back into the camp. Ziya and his generals left the camp to resist the enemy, with both flanks of the Zhou army displaying formidable order and strength. Yu Hualong saw Ziya leading his troops out and sighed, saying, "People say that Ziya is skilled in military strategy; indeed, the words are not exaggerated." After observing, Yu Hualong rode ahead and called out, "I greet you, Jiang Ziya!" Ziya returned the courtesy and said, "General Yu, I am unworthy. Clad in armor, I cannot perform a full ritual. I have been commissioned by Heaven to campaign against the tyrant and eliminate his injustice, to console the people and punish the guilty. Therefore, those who surrender upon hearing of our arrival are all preserved in their wealth and honor; All who defy this mandate will swiftly perish, and their states will be entirely lost. General, you must not take the three fortunate victories of yesterday as a guaranteed strategy for certain success. If you remain stubborn and unenlightened, in an instant both jade and stone will be reduced to ashes—how could regret come in time? Please think this over carefully, lest you bring upon yourself sorrow." Yu Hualong laughed and said, "You, with your shallow background, do not understand the boundless grace of Heaven and Earth that supports you,

只知妖言惑众，造反叛主，以逞狂为；今日逢吾，只教你片甲无存，死无葬身之地矣。”大叫：“左右！谁与我拿姜尚见头一功？”只见左右四子冲杀过来。苏全忠战住余达；余兆敌住武吉；邓秀抵住余光；余先战住黄飞虎；余化龙压住阵脚。四对儿交兵，这场大战，怎见得好杀，有赞为证，赞曰： 两阵上旗旛齐磨，四对将各逞英豪。长枪阔斧并相交，短剑斜挥闪耀。苏全忠英雄赳赳，余达似猛虎头摇；武吉只教活拿余兆；邓秀喊捉余光餐刀；黄飞虎恨不得枪挑余先下马；众儿郎助阵似潮涌波涛。咫尺间天昏地暗，杀多时鬼哭神嚎。这一阵只杀得尸横遍野血凝膏，尚不肯干休罢了。

you only know how to spread false words to mislead the people, rebel against your sovereign, and indulge in reckless behavior; Today you have met me. I shall make sure not a single piece of armor remains on you, leaving no place for your corpse to be buried!" He shouted loudly, "Left and right! Who will step forward to seize Jiang Shang for the first feat of valor?" At once, his four sons from both flanks charged forward. Su Quanzhong engaged Yu Da in battle; Yu Zhao faced off against Wu Ji; Deng Xiu held his ground against Yu Guang; Yu Xian engaged Huang Feihong in battle; Yu Hualong personally held the center of the formation. The four pairs of warriors clashed in fierce battle. This great engagement was marked by intense combat, as a verse attests: On both sides the banners and flags were raised together; four pairs of generals each displayed their heroic might. Long spears met broad axes in fierce exchange, while short swords flashed and slashed diagonally. Su Quanzhong stood valiantly as a hero; Yu Da swayed his head like a fierce tiger. Wu Ji sought only to capture Yu Zhao alive; Deng Xiu shouted as he lunged at Yu Guang with his blade. Huang Feihong wished nothing more than to spear Yu Xian off his horse; The ranks of soldiers surged forward like waves in a rising tide. Within arm's reach, the heavens darkened and the earth grew dim; after prolonged slaughter, ghosts wept and gods wailed. This battle raged on until corpses lay strewn across the field and blood congealed like fat, yet neither side was willing to cease.

八员战将，各要争先，余达拨马就走；苏全忠随后赶来，被余达回手一杵，正中护心镜上，打得纷纷粉碎，苏全忠翻身落马；余达勒回马，挺枪来刺；早有雷震子展开变翅，飞来且快，使开黄金棍，当头刷来；余达只得架棍。周营内早有偏将祁恭将全忠救回。话说余化龙见雷震子敌住余达，自纵马舞刀来取子牙；傍有哪吒登风火轮挺枪来刺，来往冲突，两军杀在虎穴之中。正酣战间，却有杨戬催粮至营，见子牙间对交兵，杨戬立马横刀，看十人对敌，不分胜负。杨戬自思曰：“待我暗助他等一阵。”远远将哮天犬祭起。余化龙那里知道，被哮天犬一口咬了颈子，连盔都带去了。哪吒见余化龙著伤，急祭起乾坤圈，一圈正中余先肩窝，大败而走。周兵挥动人马，冲杀一阵；只杀得尸横遍野，血淋草稍。子牙掌鼓回营。正是： 眼前得胜欢回寨，只恐飞灾又降临。

The eight generals fought fiercely, each vying for precedence; Yu Da turned his horse and fled; Su Quanzhong pursued him closely, but Yu Da turned and struck with his pestle, hitting Su directly in the center of his chest plate. The blow shattered it into pieces, and Su Quanzhong fell from his horse; Yu Da reined in his horse and thrust his spear forward to stab; Just then, Leizhenzi spread his transformed wings and flew swiftly from above. He brandished a golden staff and struck down at Yu Da's head; Yu Da had no choice but to raise the staff to block it. From within the Zhou camp, a subordinate general named Qi Gong quickly arrived and rescued Su Quanzhong back into safety. Meanwhile, Yu Hualong saw Leizhenzi holding off Yu Da and personally spurred his horse forward with sword in hand to attack Ziya; Beside him, Nezha mounted his Fenghuo Lun and charged forward with spear in hand. The two sides clashed fiercely within the battlefield's maelstrom. While the battle was at its height, Yang Jian arrived with provisions to the camp and saw Ziya locked in combat. Yang Jian immediately halted his horse, drew his sword, and observed ten warriors engaged in fierce struggle, neither side gaining an advantage. Yang Jian thought to himself, "Let me secretly assist them for a while." From afar, he summoned his Xao Tian Quan. Yu Hualong had no idea what was happening and was suddenly bitten on the neck by Xao Tian Quan, who took his helmet along with it. Nezha saw Yu Hualong wounded and immediately summoned the Qiankun Ring, which struck Yu Xian squarely in the armpit. Yu's forces were greatly defeated and fled. The Zhou troops rallied their men and horses, charging forward for a fierce assault; They slaughtered so fiercely that corpses lay scattered across the field and blood dripped from the tips of the grass. Ziya beat his drum and returned to camp in triumph. Indeed: With victory at hand, joy returns to the encampment; yet one fears that disaster may still descend from above.

话说余化龙被哮天犬所伤，余先又打伤肩臂，父子二人呻吟一夜；府中大小俱不能安。不一日，余德回家探父，家将报知：“五爷来了。”余化龙尚自呻吟不已；只见余德走近卧榻之前，见父亲如此模样，急忙请问。余化龙将前事备述一遍。余德曰：“不妨，这是哮天犬所伤。”忙取丹药，用水敷之，即时全愈。又用药调治兄长余先。当日晚景休题。次日，余德出关至周营，只要姜子牙答话。哨马报入中军，子牙随出大营，见一道童，头挽抓髻，麻鞋道服，仗剑而来。子牙曰：“道者从那里来？”余德曰：“我乃余化龙第五子余德是也。杨戬用哮天犬咬伤吾父亲；哪吒用圈打伤吾兄；今日下山，特为父兄报仇。吾与汝等，共显胸中道术，以决雌雄。”撒步仗剑，来取子牙。傍有杨戬舞刀忙迎。哪吒提枪，显出三首八臂，雷震子、韦护、金吒、木吒、李靖一齐上前迎敌，口称：“拿此泼道，休得轻放！”众门人一齐上前，把余德围在垓心，总有奇术，不能使用。杨戬见余德浑身一团邪气裹住，知是左道之术，把马跳出圈子去，取弹弓在手，发出金丸，正中余德。余德大叫一声，借土遁走了。子牙回营，杨戬见子牙曰：“余德乃左道之士，浑身一团邪气笼罩，防他暗用妖术。”子牙曰：“吾师有言：‘谨防达兆光先德。’莫非就是此余德也？”傍有黄飞虎曰：“前日四将轮战四日，果然是余达、余兆、余光、余先、余德。”子牙大惊，忧容满面，双锁眉梢，正寻思无计。

Meanwhile, Yu Hualong was wounded by Xao Tian Quan and Yu Xian had his shoulder and arm injured. Father and son groaned in pain throughout the night; the entire household, from high to low, could not find peace. Not long after, Yu De returned home to visit his father. The household guards reported, "The Fifth Lord has arrived." Yu Hualong was still groaning in pain; when Yu De approached his father's bedside and, seeing him in such a condition, hurriedly asked after his well-being. Yu Hualong recounted the entire incident to him. Yu De said, "Do not worry; this is an injury from Xao Tian Quan." He quickly retrieved some medicinal pills, mixed them with water to apply the treatment, and immediately his father was fully healed. He also used medicine to treat his elder brother Yu Xian. Details of the evening are omitted for brevity. The next day, Yu De went out through the pass to Zhou Ying's camp and demanded a meeting with Jiang Ziya. The scout horse reported to the central camp, and Ziya immediately left his main tent. He saw a young Daoist disciple with a topknot hairstyle, wearing hemp shoes and a Daoist robe, coming forward with a sword in hand. Ziya asked, "Disciple, from where do you come?" Yu De said, "I am Yu De, the fifth son of Yu Hualong. Yang Jian used Xao Tian Quan to bite and injure my father; Nezha used his magic hoop to strike and injure my elder brother; today I have come down the mountain specifically to avenge my father and elder brother." I shall now demonstrate with you all the Daoist arts within my chest, to determine who is superior or inferior." He stepped forward brandishing his sword and attacked Ziya. Yang Jian, nearby, quickly drew his saber to meet the attack. Nezha raised his spear and manifested a three-headed, eight-armed form. Leizhenzi, Weihu, Jinzha, Muzha, and Li Jing all rushed forward to confront the enemy, shouting, "Seize this rascally Daoist; do not let him escape easily!" The group of disciples all advanced together, surrounding Yu De in the center and preventing him from using any of his extraordinary techniques. Yang Jian saw that Yu De was enveloped in a mass of evil qi and realized it was an abominable technique. He spurred his horse to leap out of the circle, took up his slingshot, shot a golden pellet, which struck Yu De directly. Yu De let out a loud cry and fled using an earth 遁 technique. Ziya returned to the camp, and Yang Jian said to Ziya, "Yu De is a practitioner of abominable arts; he is enveloped in an aura of evil qi. We must be wary that he may secretly use demonic techniques." Ziya said, "My master once said: 'Beware of Da Zhaoguang Xiande.' Could this be the very Yu De referred to?" Huang Feihuo, nearby, said, "Four days ago, four generals took turns in battle for four days; indeed they were Yu Da, Yu Zhao, Yu Guang, Yu Xian, and Yu De." Ziya was greatly alarmed; worry filled his face, and he furrowed his brows in deep thought, unable to devise a plan.

且说余德著伤，败回关上，进府来，用药服了；不一时，身体全愈。余德切齿深恨曰：“我若留你一个，也不是有道之士！”彼时至晚，余德与四兄曰：“你们今夜沐浴净身，我用一术，使周兵七日内，叫他片甲无存。”四人依其言，各自沐浴更衣。至一更时分，余德取出五个帕来，按青、黄、赤、白、黑颜色，铺在地下。余德又取出五个小斗儿来，一人拿著一个，“叫你抓著洒，你就洒；叫你把此斗往下泼，你就泼。不用张弓射箭，七日内死他乾乾净净。”兄弟五人，俱站在此帕上。余德步罡斗法，用先天一气，忙将符印祭起。好风！。有诗为证，诗曰： 萧萧飒飒竟无踪，拔树崩山势更凶。莫道封夷无用处，藏妖影怪作先锋。

Meanwhile, Yu De, wounded and defeated, retreated back to the pass, returned to his residence, and took medicine to treat himself; not long after, his body was fully healed. Yu De gritted his teeth in deep hatred and said, "If I leave even one of you alive, I am not a true practitioner of the Dao!" At that time, as night fell, Yu De said to his four brothers, "Tonight you must bathe and purify yourselves. I shall employ a technique which will ensure the Zhou forces are utterly destroyed within seven days." The four men followed his instructions, each bathing and changing into fresh clothes. At the first watch of the night, Yu De took out five handkerchiefs in the colors blue, yellow, red, white, and black, and laid them on the ground. Yu De then took out five small buckets, gave one to each person, and said, "When I tell you to sprinkle, you must sprinkle; when I tell you to pour this bucket downward, you must do so." There is no need for drawing bows or shooting arrows; within seven days, they will be wiped out completely and thoroughly." The five brothers all stood on these handkerchiefs. Yu De performed the ritual of stepping in the pattern of the Big Dipper, used the primordial qi of Heaven and Earth, and hurriedly raised a talisman for invocation. A mighty wind! There is a poem to attest to this. The poem says: Suo suo, the wind blows without trace; it uproots trees and collapses mountains with even greater ferocity. Do not say that sealing off the enemy is useless, for hidden demons and strange specters serve as vanguard forces.

话说余德祭起五方云来至周营，站立空中，将此五斗毒痘四面八方泼洒，至四更方回。不表。且说周营众人俱肉体凡胎，如何经得起，三军人人发热，众将个个不宁。子牙在中军也自发热。武王在后殿，自觉身疼。六十万人马俱是如此。三日后，一概门人、众将，浑身上下俱长出颗粒，莫能动履；营中烟火断绝。止得哪吒乃莲花化身，不逢此厄；杨戬知道余德是左道之人，故此夜间不在营中，各自运度；因此上不曾侵染。只见过了五六日，子牙浑身上下俱是黑的。此痘形按五方：青、黄、赤、白、黑。哪吒与杨戬曰：“今番又是那年吕岳之故事。”杨戬曰：“吕岳伐西岐，还有城郭可依；如今不过行营寨栅，如何抵挡。倘潼关余家父子冲杀过来，如何济事！”二人心下甚是焦闷。且说余化龙父子六人在潼关城上来看，周营烟火全无，空立旗旛寨栅，余达曰：“乘周营诸将有难，吾等领兵下关，一齐杀出，只此一阵成功，却不为美！”余德曰：“长兄，不必劳师动众，他自然尽绝，也使傍人知我等妙法无边。──不动声色，令周兵六十万馀人自然灭绝。”父子五人齐曰：“妙哉！妙哉！”──看官：此正是武王有福，不然，若依余达之言，则周营兵将死无噍类。正是： 洪福已扶仁圣主，徒令余德逞奇谋。

Speaking of Yu De, he invoked clouds from the five directions to reach Zhou Ying's camp. Standing in midair, he sprinkled the five buckets of toxic smallpox in all directions and returned only at the fourth watch of the night. Details are omitted for brevity. Meanwhile, the Zhou camp's soldiers were all ordinary mortals; how could they withstand this? The entire army suffered from fevers, and every general was in distress. Ziya himself, within the central camp, also developed a fever. King Wu, in the rear palace, felt his body ache on its own. All 600,000 soldiers and horses were similarly afflicted. ල After three days, all disciples and generals began to sprout bumps all over their bodies and could no longer move. The camp was devoid of cooking fires; smoke had ceased entirely. Only Nezha, who was an incarnate lotus blossom, escaped this calamity; Yang Jian knew Yu De practiced abominable arts, so he had spent the night outside the camp and cultivated his own energy separately; thus avoiding infection. After five or six days, Ziya was found to be completely black all over his body. This smallpox manifested in the colors of the Five Directions: blue, yellow, red, white and black. Nezha said to Yang Jian, "This is once again a repeat of the story of Lü Yue from those years." Yang Jian replied, "When Lu Yue attacked Xi Qi, there were still city walls to rely upon; now we have only temporary camps and palisades; how can we resist?" If the Yu family father and son from Tongguan charge forward, how will we manage!" The two men were deeply anxious. Meanwhile, the six Yu family members, including Yu Hualong, stood on the city walls of Tongguan to observe. They saw that there was no smoke or fire in the Zhou camp and only empty banners and palisades standing. Yu Da said, "While the Zhou generals are suffering hardship, let us lead our troops down from the pass and charge out together. If we can achieve victory with just this one battle, would it not be glorious!" Yu De said, "Elder brother, there is no need to trouble the troops or mobilize a large force. They will naturally be wiped out entirely. This will also demonstrate to others that our wondrous techniques are boundless. ──without making a sound or showing any sign, causing over 600,00 soldiers of the Zhou army to perish naturally." The father and his five sons all said in unison: "Marvelous! " Marvelous!" ──Reader: This is precisely why King Wu was fortunate. Otherwise, had Yu Da's plan been carried out, the soldiers and generals of the Zhou camp would have perished without a single survivor. Indeed: Vast blessings already support the benevolent and sage ruler; Yu De's strange schemes are in vain.

话说杨戬见子牙看看病势危急，心下著慌，与哪吒共议曰：“师叔如此狼狈，呼吸俱难，如之奈何。”话犹未了，只见半空中黄龙真人跨鹤而来。杨戬、哪吒迎接黄龙真人至中军坐下，真人曰：“杨戬，你师父可曾来？”杨戬答曰：“不曾来。”真人曰：“他原说先来，如今该会万仙阵了。”话未绝时，又听得玉鼎真人自空中来至。杨戬迎迓，拜罢；玉鼎真人起身，入内营来看子牙，见子牙如此模样，真人点头叹曰：“虽是帝王之师，好容易！正是你： 七死三灾今已满，清名留在简篇中。”

Speaking of Yang Jian, he saw that Ziya's condition was growing increasingly critical and became greatly worried. He discussed with Nezha, saying, "Uncle Master is in such dire straits, barely able to breathe; what can we do about it?" Before they could finish speaking, a golden dragon True Man was seen riding on a crane from the middle of the sky. Yang Jian and Nezha welcomed the Golden Dragon True Man to sit in the central camp. The True Man said, "Yang Jian, has your master come?" Yang Jian replied, "He has not yet arrived." The True Man said, "He originally said he would come first; now it is time to meet at the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation." Before the words had finished, they heard Master Yuding arrive from above. Yang Jian welcomed and paid respects to him; Master Yuding rose, entered the inner camp to see Ziya, and upon seeing his condition, nodded and sighed, saying, "Though he is a king's teacher, it is truly difficult!" Indeed: "Seven deaths and three calamities are now fulfilled; his clear name remains recorded in the annals."

玉鼎真人叹息不已，随命杨戬：“你再在火云洞走一遭。”杨戬领命，借著土遁往火云洞而来，如风云一样。看看来至山脚下，好山，真无限的景致，有奇花馥馥，异香依依。怎见得，有赋为证，赋曰： 势连天界，名号火云。青青翠翠的乔松，龙鳞重叠；猗猗挺挺的秀竹，凤尾交加；蒙蒙茸茸的碧草，龙须柔软；古古怪怪的古树，鹿角丫叉。乱石堆山，似大大小小的伏虎；老藤挂树，似湾湾曲曲的腾蛇。丹壁上更有些分分明明的金碧影；低涧中只见那香香馥馥的瑞莲华。洞府中锁著那氤氤氲氲的雾霭；青峦上笼著烂烂熳熳的烟霞。对对彩鸾鸣，浑似那咿咿哑哑的律吕；双双丹凤啸，恍疑是嘹嘹喨喨的笙笳。碧水跳珠，点点滴滴从玉女盘中泄出；虹霓流彩，闪闪灼灼自苍龙岭上飞斜。真个是：福地无如仙境好，火云仙府胜玄都。

Master Yuding sighed deeply and then ordered Yang Jian, "You must go once more to Huoyun Cave." Yang Jian accepted the order and, using an earth 遁 technique, rushed toward Huoyun Cave as swiftly as wind and clouds. As he approached the foot of the mountain, it was a magnificent sight; truly an endless view. Exotic flowers bloomed in abundance and strange fragrances lingered in the air. How grand it was! A rhapsody attests to this, which says: Its might connects with the heavens; its name is Huoyun. Tall cypresses stand green and lush, their dragon-scale bark overlapping; lineno Graceful and upright are the fine bamboos, their phoenix-tail leaves interwoven; Soft and lush is the green grass, like dragon whiskers in its tenderness; Ancient and strange are the old trees, their antler-like branches branching out. Scattered stones pile up like mountains, resembling tigers of all sizes lying in wait; Old vines hang from the trees, like coiled and winding serpents. On the red walls are distinct golden and jade-like reflections; In the low ravines, fragrant and exquisite sacred lotus flowers can be seen. Within the cave residence, dense mists swirl thickly; On the green hills, brilliant and colorful clouds of mist are draped. Pairs of colorful phoenixes call out in harmony, their songs resembling the soft tones of musical instruments; Pairs of crimson phoenixes cry out, their calls echoing like the clear and resonant sounds of flutes and reed pipes. Emerald waters sparkle with droplets cascading point by point from a jade maiden's plate; Rainbows and radiant colors flash and flicker, slanting across the sky from the Azure Dragon Ridge. Indeed: A blessed land is no match for a fairyland; the Huoyun Immortal Residence surpasses even Xuandu.

话说杨戬看罢景致，不敢擅入；少时，见一水火童子出来，杨戬上前稽首曰：“敢烦师兄借传一语，杨戬求见。”童子认得杨戬，忙回礼曰：“师兄少待。”童子回言毕，进洞府来，“启老爷：外面有杨戬求见。”伏义圣人曰：“著他进来。”那童子复至外面：“杨戬进见。”杨戬至蒲团前，倒身下拜：“弟子杨戬愿老爷圣寿无疆！”拜罢，将书呈上。伏羲展玩，书曰： “弟子黄龙真人、玉鼎真人薰沐顿首，谨书上启辟天开地昊皇上帝宝座下：弟子仰仗三教，演习灵文，自宜默守蒲团，岂敢冒言渎奏。但弟子等运逢劫数，杀戒已临，襄应运之天子，伐无道之独夫。路至潼关，突遭余德以左道之幻术，暗毒害于生灵。兹有元戎姜尚暨门徒将士兵卒六十馀万，骤染颗粒之疮，莫辨为痈为毒，恹恹待尽，至呼吸以难通，旦夕垂亡，虽水浆而莫用。自思无奈，仰叩仁慈，恳祈大开恻隐，怜继天立极之圣君，拯无辜之性命，早施雨露，以慰倒悬。临启不胜待命之至！”

Speaking of Yang Jian, after admiring the scenery, he dared not enter 擅自; After a short while, a Water and Fire Attendant emerged. Yang Jian stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "I humbly request my senior brother to convey a message: Yang Jian wishes to see him." The attendant recognized Yang Jian and hurriedly returned the courtesy, saying, "Senior brother, please wait a moment." After delivering his message, the attendant entered the cave residence and said, "Reporting to Master: Yang Jian is outside requesting an audience." Fu Yi, the Sage, said, "Let him come in." The attendant then went back outside and announced, "Yang Jian may enter to pay his respects." Yang Jian approached before the mat, fell on his knees and kowtowed, saying, "Disciple Yang Jian wishes Master a long and boundless life!" After bowing, he presented the letter. Fu Xi unfolded and examined the letter, which read: "Disciples Huanglong Zhenren and Yuding Zhenren, having bathed in fragrant water and kowtowed with utmost respect, humbly write this letter to present before the Celestial Throne of the Primordial Emperor who opened heaven and earth: We disciples rely on the Three Teachings and study spiritual texts. Naturally we should remain silent and guard our meditation mats; how dare we rashly speak or make a disrespectful report. But as disciples, we have encountered calamity in our fate; the precept of killing has now arrived. We must assist the Son of Heaven who embodies destiny and punish the tyrant who defies righteousness. On our way to Tongguan, we suddenly encountered Yu De, who used forbidden arts and illusions to secretly poison the living beings. Now, General Jiang Shang and his disciples, along with over 600,000 soldiers and troops, have suddenly contracted a pustular disease. None can determine whether it is abscess or poison; they lie weak and waiting for death, their breathing difficult, on the verge of collapse at any moment, unable even to take in water or broth. We have no choice but to think of this and humbly appeal for your compassion. We earnestly request that you open your heart of mercy, take pity on the holy sovereign who upholds heaven's mandate, save these innocent lives, and quickly bestow rain and dew to comfort those in dire straits. We await your command with utmost urgency!"

伏羲看罢书，谓神农曰：“今武王有事于天下，乃是应运之君，数当有此厄难，吾等理宜助一臂之力。”神农曰：“皇兄之言是也。”遂取三粒丹药付与杨戬。杨戬得了丹药，跪而启曰：“此丹将何用度？”伏义曰：“此丹：一粒可救武王；一粒可救子牙；一粒用水化开，只在军前四处洒过，此毒气自然消灭。”杨戬又问曰：“不知此疾何名？”伏义曰：“此疾名为痘疹，乃是传染之病；若少救迟，俱是死症。”杨戬又启曰：“倘此疾后日传染人间，将何药能治？乞赐指示。”神农曰：“你随我出洞至紫云崖来。”杨戬随了神农来至崖前，寻了一遍；神农拔一草递与杨戬：“你往人间，传与后世，此药能救痘疹之患也。”杨戬又跪恳曰：“此草何名？”神农曰：“你听我道来：此草有诗为证，诗曰： 紫梗黄根八瓣花，痘疮发表是升麻。常桑曾说玄中妙，传与人间莫浪夸。”话说杨戬求了丹药，又传下升麻，以济后人，离了火云洞，迳至周营，来见玉鼎真人，备言：“……求得丹药，并升麻之草，可救痘疹之厄。”黄龙真人忙将丹药化开，先救武王；玉鼎真人来治子牙；杨戬与哪吒用水化开此丹，用杨枝洒起四处来。霎时间，痘疹之毒一时全消。正是：

After reading the letter, Fu Xi said to Shen Nong, "Now King Wu has taken action across the world; he is a sovereign destined by fate. He must endure this calamity. We should naturally lend him our support." Shen Nong said, "My imperial elder brother speaks rightly." He then took three pills of elixir and gave them to Yang Jian. Yang Jian, having received the elixir pills, knelt and asked respectfully, "What is the use of this medicine?" Fu Yi said, "This pill: one can save King Wu; one can save Ziya; and one, when dissolved in water and sprinkled around the army, will naturally eliminate this toxic qi." Yang Jian asked again, "I wonder what name is given to this illness?" Fu Yi said, "This disease is called doudian; it is an infectious illness; if treatment is delayed even slightly, all will be fatal." Yang Jian asked respectfully again, "If this disease spreads to the human world in the future, what medicine can cure it? I humbly beg for your instruction." Shen Nong said, "Follow me out of the cave to Ziyun Cliff." Yang Jian followed Shen Nong and arrived before the cliff. He searched for a while; Shen Nong pulled up a herb and handed it to Yang Jian, saying, "Go to the human world and pass this down to future generations. This medicine can cure smallpox." Yang Jian knelt again and earnestly asked, "What is the name of this herb?" Shen Nong said, "Listen carefully as I explain: There is a poem to attest to this herb. The poem says: Purple stalks and yellow roots with eight-petaled flowers—this is Shengma, used for erupting rashes in smallpox. The sage Sang once spoke of mysteries profound; pass it on to the world and do not boast recklessly." Speaking of Yang Jian, having obtained the elixir pills and also passed down Shengma to help future generations, he left Huoyun Cave and went directly to the Zhou camp. He came to see Yuding Zhenren and reported in detail: "……I have obtained the medicinal pills as well as the herb Shengma; they can save people from smallpox." Huanglong Zhenren quickly dissolved the elixir medicine and first used it to save King Wu; Yuding Zhenren came to treat Ziya; Yang Jian and Nezha dissolved this medicine in water, using willow branches to sprinkle it everywhere. In an instant, the poison of smallpox vanished completely. Indeed:

痘疹毒害从今起，后人遇著有生亡。

From now on, the poison of smallpox will bring death or life to those who encounter it in future generations.

周营内被杨戬、哪吒在四面洒遍。只三山五岳门人，与凡夫不同，俱是腹内有三昧真火的，又会五行之术，不觉俱先好了；人人切齿，个个咬牙。次日，子牙见众门人脸上俱有疤痕，子牙大怒，与众人共议取潼关泄恨。众人齐厉声大叫曰：“今日不取潼关，势不回军！”不知余化龙父子性命如何，且听下回分解。

Yang Jian and Nezha had sprinkled throughout all sides of the Zhou camp. All disciples from the Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks, unlike ordinary people, had within their bodies the Sanmei True Fire and also mastered the Five Elements techniques; they naturally recovered first; Everyone gritted their teeth in anger, each person clenching their jaws. The next day, Ziya saw that all his disciples had scars on their faces. Filled with rage, he gathered everyone to discuss capturing Tongguan and venting their anger. The crowd shouted in unison, "If we do not capture Tongguan today, we shall never return with our army!" Whether the lives of Yu Hualong and his father will be spared remains to be seen in the next chapter.