Chapter 82: Great Assembly of the Three Teachings: The Ten Thousand Immortals Formation

诗曰： 万仙恶阵列出隈，飒飒寒风劈面催。片片祥光笼斗柄，纷纷杀气透灵台。鱼龙此际分真伪，玉石从今尽脱胎。多少修持遭此劫，三尸斩去五云开。

The poem says: Ten thousand immortals' evil formation lines up in corners, the cold wind whips my face fiercely. Sheet by sheet of auspicious light envelops the Dipper's handle; Wave after wave of killing aura pierces the spiritual terrace. At this moment, fish and dragons part ways between genuine and false; From now on, jade and stones will completely shed their forms. How many cultivation efforts have met this calamity—cutting off the Three Corpses to open up the Five Clouds.

话说余化龙与余达等俱听了余德言语，不以周兵为意，逐日饮酒，只等周营兵将自己病死。那一日不觉就是第八日，余化龙对诸子言曰：“今日已是八日，不见探事官来报，我们可上城一看。”五子齐曰：“上城看看才是。”那时离了帅府，上得城来，只见周营比起初三四日光景不同：起先营中毫无烟火；今日周营中反觉腾腾杀气，烈烈威风，人人勇敢，个个精神，旌旗严整，金鼓分明，重重戈戟，叠叠枪刀。余化龙忙问余德曰：“这几日周营中已有复旧光景，此事如何？”余达从傍埋怨曰：“兄弟，你不从吾言，致有今日。岂有人是自家会死得尽的？”余德默然不言，暗思：“吾师传我此术，响应随时，岂有不准之理？其中必有原故。”乃对父兄言曰：“事已至此，迟疑无益。此必有人在暗中解了。谅他一时身弱，也不能争战。不若乘其不备，一战可以成功；迟则有变。”余化龙听说，只得领五子杀出关来，迳奔周营，欺周将身弱，余德穿道服仗剑在前，如风驰雨骤而来，喊声大振。姜子牙与众门人诸将正要出营，恰逢其时，杨戬曰：“此匹夫恃强欺敌，是自取死也。”子牙坐四不相，哪吒引道，众门人左右拥护，一齐杀出营来，大呼曰：“余化龙！今日是汝父子死期至矣！”金、木二吒气冲牛斗；杨任腹内生烟；雷震子声如霹雳；韦护咬碎钢牙；李靖欲平吞他父子；龙须虎足踏水云，奋勇争先。余家父子迎上前来。周营中众门人裹住了余家父子。未及数合，哪吒现了三首八臂，登起风火轮，先在潼关城上。军士见哪吒三首八臂，一声喊，散了个乾净。余化龙父子见哪吒上关，身子被众人裹住，不得跳出圈子，因此上出了神，被雷震子一棍，正中余光顶上，翻下马来。余达大呼曰：“匹夫！伤吾之弟，势不两立！”来战雷震子；又被韦护祭起降魔杵把余达打死，倒在尘埃。杨任将扇子一扇，余先、余兆二人化作飞灰而散。余德见兄弟已死四人，心中大怒，直奔子牙杀来。子牙身体方才好，谅战不过，急祭打神鞭于空中，正中余德，打翻在地，早被李靖一戟刺死。雷震子见哪吒上城，也飞进城来。余化龙见五子阵亡，潼关已归西土，在马上大呼曰：“纣王！臣不能尽忠扶帝业，为主报深仇，臣今拚一死而报君恩也！”余化龙仗剑自刎而亡。后人单道余化龙父子一门死节，后人有诗吊之，诗曰： 铁骑驰驱血刃红，潼关力战未成功。一门尽节忠商主，万死丹心泣晓风。苟禄真能惭素位，捐生今始识英雄。清风耿耿流千载，岂在渔樵谈笑中。

It is said that Yu Hualong and Yu Da, among others, had all heard Yu De's words. They did not take the Zhou army seriously, drinking wine every day, waiting for the soldiers in the Zhou camp to die of illness on their own. That day turned out to be the eighth day. Yu Hualong said to his subordinates, "Today is already the eighth day; we have not seen the scout officer report yet. We should go up to the city wall and take a look." The five subordinates said in unison, "Going up to the city wall for a look is indeed the right thing to do." At that time, they left the headquarters and climbed up to the city wall. They saw that the Zhou camp looked different from its condition in the first two or three days: at first there had been no smoke or fire in the camp; today, the Zhou camp instead seemed to exude a surging aura of killing intent and fierce martial might. Everyone was brave and spirited; banners were orderly arranged, drums and gongs clearly sounded, with rows upon rows of halberds and swords stacked in layers. Yu Hualong hurriedly asked Yu De, "The Zhou camp has already returned to its former condition these past few days. What is the situation?" Yu Da grumbled from the side, "Brother, you did not follow my words, which has led to this day." "How can people die out on their own?" Yu De remained silent, silently pondering: "My master taught me this technique; its response is always timely. How could it possibly be inaccurate?" There must be a reason behind it." He then said to his father and elder brothers, "Matters have reached this point; hesitation is of no benefit. There must be someone secretly resolving it in the shadows." I believe that, for a moment at least, he is too weak to engage in battle. It would be better to take advantage of their unpreparedness and launch one decisive battle to achieve success; delay will bring changes." Upon hearing this, Yu Hualong had no choice but to lead his five sons out of the pass and directly charge toward the Zhou camp. They took advantage of the Zhou generals' weakness; Yu De, wearing a Daoist robe and holding a sword at the forefront, came rushing forward like wind and rain in full force, shouting loudly. Jiang Ziya and his disciples, along with the generals, were just about to leave the camp when they coincidentally encountered this moment. Yang Jian said, "This commoner is relying on strength to bully the enemy; he is only bringing death upon himself." Jiang Ziya rode the Sibuxiang, Nezha led the way, and his disciples flanked him on both sides as they all charged out of camp together, shouting loudly, "Yu Hualong!" Today is the day your father-son line meets its end!" The two Zhazis, Jin and Mu, charged forward with fury reaching the ox and fighting stars; Yang Ren's abdomen emitted smoke; Lei Zhensi roared like thunder; Wei Hu gnashed his steel teeth; Li Jing wanted to swallow them father and son whole; Longxu Hu stepped on water and clouds, bravely rushing forward. The Yu family father and son advanced to meet them head-on. Jiang Ziya's disciples from the Zhou camp surrounded the Yu family father and sons. Before a few rounds could pass, Nezha manifested his three heads and eight arms, mounted the Wind-Fire Wheels, and first appeared on top of Tongguan city. The soldiers saw Nezha's three heads and eight arms; with one shout, they scattered completely. Yu Hualong's father and sons saw Nezha atop the pass. Their bodies were surrounded by the crowd, unable to break free from the circle. Thus, they became dazed and distracted; Yu Guang was struck on his head exactly by Lei Zhensi with a staff, causing him to fall off his horse. Yu Da shouted loudly, "Commoner!" You have injured my brother; we cannot coexist!" He rushed forward to fight Lei Zhensi; But Yu Da was again struck down by Wei Hu, who summoned the Demonic Subjugation Pestle and killed him, falling to the ground in dust. Yang Ren waved his fan once, and Yu Xian and Yu Zhao were turned into flying ashes and scattered. Yu De saw that four of his brothers had already died, filled with great anger, he rushed straight toward Jiang Ziya to attack him. Jiang Ziya had only just recovered from his illness. Knowing he could not fight, he hurriedly summoned the God-Beating Whip into the air, which struck Yu De directly and knocked him to the ground, where he was quickly pierced through by Li Jing's halberd and killed. Lei Zhensi saw Nezha on the city wall and flew into the city as well. Yu Hualong, seeing his five sons fall in battle and Tongguan already surrendered to the Western land, shouted from atop his horse, "King Zhou!" I have failed in my duty to serve the emperor and uphold your cause, and I cannot avenge you. Today, I shall give up my life to repay Your Majesty's kindness!" Yu Hualong took out his sword and committed suicide by cutting his own throat. Later generations especially recounted the Yu Hualong father-son family, who died upholding their loyalty. Later people composed a poem to mourn them; the poem says: Iron steeds gallop with blood-red blades, fierce battles at Tongguan end in failure. A whole family devoted their loyalty to the Shang ruler; ten thousand deaths could not extinguish their loyal hearts, weeping with the morning breeze. Gou Lu truly felt ashamed of his humble position; sacrificing one's life now reveals what a hero is. The clear wind remains loyal and flows through the ages, how could it be merely a topic of fishermen's and woodcutters' laughter?

话说余化龙自杀，子牙驱人马进关，出榜安民，清查库藏。子牙怜余化龙父子一门忠烈，命左右收尸厚葬。凡军士未得平复的，俱放在潼关调理。子牙方分剖已定，只见黄龙真人、玉鼎真人与子牙议曰：“前面就是万仙阵了，可请武王也暂歇在此关；我等领人马往前面，要路上先命人造起芦篷席殿，迎迓三教师尊。我等只此一举，以完劫数，了此红尘之杀运也。”子牙不觉大喜，忙命杨戬、李靖去造芦篷。二人领令去讫。周营众将自从遭痘疹之厄，人人身弱，个个狼狈，俱在关上将息。又过了数日，只见李靖回令：“芦篷俱已完备。”黄龙真人曰：“芦篷既完，只是众门人去得；馀者俱离四十里远，扎下团营，俟破阵后，方许起程。”众将得令，就驻此札。不表。

It is said that after Yu Hualong committed suicide, Jiang Ziya led his troops into the pass. He posted proclamations to pacify the people and conducted an inventory of the treasury. Jiang Ziya, moved by Yu Hualong's father-son family who had shown such loyalty and valor, ordered his attendants to collect their bodies for a respectful burial. All soldiers who had not yet recovered were placed in Tongguan for treatment and care. Just as Jiang Ziya had finished making arrangements, he saw Huanglong Zhenren and Yuding Zhenren discussing with him: "The Myriad Immortals Formation is just ahead. We may request King Wu to temporarily rest here in this pass; we shall lead our troops forward and have people along the way build reed canopies and mat halls in advance to welcome the Three Teacher Sages." With this single action, we shall complete the calamity cycle and end this killing fate in the mortal world." Jiang Ziya was overjoyed, quickly ordering Yang Jian and Li Jing to build the reed canopies. The two men accepted the order and went off accordingly. Since suffering from the pox plague, every soldier in the Zhou camp had become weak and disheveled; they were all resting on top of the pass. After several more days, Li Jing returned with a report: "All the reed canopies have been completed." Huanglong Zhenren said, "Since the reed canopies are complete, it is only a matter of our disciples going ahead; the rest should remain forty li away and set up encampments, waiting until the formation is broken before resuming their journey." The generals accepted the order and took up residence there. No further details are given.

且说子牙同二位真人，与诸门人弟子，前至芦篷上。但见悬花结彩，香气氤氲，迎接玉虚门下之客，今日万仙阵总会一面，满其红尘杀戒，再去返本还元。不一时这三山五岳众道人齐齐拍手大笑而来：广成子、赤精子、文殊广法天尊、普贤真人、慈航道人、清虚道德真君、太乙真人、灵宝大法师、道行天尊、惧留孙、云中子、燃灯道人，众道人见子牙稽首，曰：“今日之会，正完其一千五百年之劫数。”正是： 元满皈依从正道，静心定性诵“黄庭”。

Let us now speak of Jiang Ziya, along with the two immortals and his disciples, proceeding to the reed canopy. Looking around, they saw flowers hanging and colorful decorations tied up, with fragrant scents lingering in the air. This was to welcome guests from the Yu Xu school. Today marked a final gathering at the Myriad Immortals Formation, fulfilling their karmic debt of killing in the mortal world before returning to their original essence. In no time, the Daoists from the Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks all clapped their hands and laughed heartily as they arrived: Guangchengzi, Chijingzi, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, Puxian Zhenren, Cihai Daoren, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun, Taiyi Zhenren, Lingbao Dafashi, Daoheng Tianzun, Juliusun, Yunzhongzi, Randeng Daoren. The Daoists saw Jiang Ziya and bowed their heads in reverence, saying: "Today's gathering is precisely the completion of a calamity spanning one thousand five hundred years." Indeed: When virtue is fulfilled, one returns to the righteous path; with a calm mind and steady nature, chant the "Huangting Jing."

子牙迎接上篷坐下，先论破阵原故。燃灯曰：“只等师长来，自有道理。”众皆默然端坐。且说金灵圣母在万仙阵中，见燃灯道人顶上现了三花，冲上空中，已知玉虚门下众道者来了；随发一个雷声，振开万仙阵，一块烟雾撒开，现出万仙阵来。芦篷上众仙一见，睁目细看数番，见截教中高高下下，攒攒簇簇，俱是五岳三山四海之中云游道客，奇奇怪怪之人。燃灯点头对众道人叹曰：“今日方知截教有这许多人品。吾教不过屈指可数之人！”正是： 玄都大法传吾辈，方显清虚不二门。

Jiang Ziya welcomed them onto the canopy and they sat down. First, he discussed the original reasons for breaking the formation. Randeng said, "We only need to wait for our master; then there will naturally be a way." All the others sat in silence. Let us now speak of Jinling Shengmu, who was in the Myriad Immortals Array. She saw that atop Randeng Daoren's head appeared three flowers surging upward into the sky; she immediately realized that the Daoists from Yu Xu's school had arrived; She then summoned a thunderclap, which shook open the Myriad Immortals Array, and with a burst of smoke and mist, the array was revealed. The immortals on the reed canopy saw this and opened their eyes, carefully observing for several moments. They noticed that among the Jie School's ranks—high and low, densely packed—were wandering Daoists from the Five Sacred Peaks, Three Mountains, and Four Seas, as well as all sorts of strange and unusual people. Randeng nodded to the assembled Daoists and sighed, "Today I have finally realized that the Jie School has so many different types of people. My school only numbers a few!" Indeed: The great Dao of Xuandu is passed down to us; this reveals the pure and undivided gate of Qingxu.

内中有黄龙真人曰：“众位道友，自元始以来，为道独尊，但不知截教门中一意滥传，遍及匪类，真是可惜工夫，苦劳心力，徒费精神；不知性命双修，枉了一生作用，不能免生死轮回之苦，良可悲也！”道行天尊曰：“此一会，正是我等一千五百年之劫，难逢难遇。今我等先下篷看看，如何？”燃灯曰：“吾等不必去看，只等师尊来至，自有会期。”广成子曰：“我等又不与他争论，又不破他的阵，远观何妨？”众道人曰：“广成子言之甚当。”燃灯阻不住众人，只得下篷，一齐来看万仙阵。只见门户重叠，杀气森然。众仙摇首曰：“好利害！人人异样，个个凶形，全无办道修行意，反有争持杀伐心。”燃灯对众人曰：“列位道兄，你看他们可是神仙了道之品！”众仙看罢，方欲回篷，只听万仙阵中一声钟响，来了一位道人作歌而出，歌曰： “人笑马遂是痴仙，痴仙腹内有真玄。真玄有路无人走，惟我蟠桃赴几千。”

Among them, Huanglong Zhenren said: "Dear Daoist friends, since Yuanshi, we have held the Dao as supreme. But I do not know why the Jie School spreads its teachings recklessly to all sorts of people, even to outlaws and villains. It is truly a pity that so much effort, hard work, and spirit are wasted; they do not understand the cultivation of both life and nature. They have wasted their entire lives, failing to escape the suffering of birth and death in samsara; how truly sad it is!" Daoheng Tianzun said, "This gathering is precisely our calamity of one thousand five hundred years; it is a rare and difficult-to-encounter opportunity. Now let us first descend from the canopy to take a look, what do you say?" Randeng said, "We need not go down to see. We shall wait for our master's arrival; there will be a time for the meeting." Guangchengzi said, "We are not going to argue with them, nor break their formation. What harm is there in observing from afar?" The assembled Daoists said, "Guangchengzi speaks very rightly." Randeng could not stop the others and had no choice but to descend from the canopy with them all, coming together to observe the Myriad Immortals Array in person. They saw that the gates were layered and dense, filled with a chilling aura of killing intent. The immortals shook their heads and said, "How formidable!" Each person is strange in appearance; every one looks fierce. There is no trace of cultivation or spiritual practice, only a heart filled with contention and killing intent." Randeng said to the others, "Dear Daoist brothers, look at them—do you think they are of the caliber of immortals who have attained enlightenment?" The immortals had just finished observing and were about to return to the canopy when suddenly, from within the Myriad Immortals array, a bell rang. A Daoist emerged singing a song; the song said: "People laugh at Ma Sui as a foolish immortal, but this foolish immortal's abdomen holds true mystery." There is a path to the true mystery, yet no one walks it; only I have journeyed thousands of times through the Peach Garden."

马遂歌罢，大呼曰：“玉虚门下，既来偷看吾阵，敢与我见个高低？”燃灯曰：“你们只贪看恶阵，致多生此一段是非。”黄龙真人上前曰：“马遂，你休要这等自恃。如今吾不与你论高低，且等掌教圣人来至，自有破阵之时。你何必倚仗强横，行凶灭教也。”马遂跃步，仗剑来取。黄龙真人手中剑急忙来迎。只一合，马遂祭起金箍，把黄龙真人的头箍住了。真人头疼不可忍，众仙急救真人，大家回芦篷上来。真人急忙除金箍，除又除不掉，只箍得三昧真火从眼中冒出；大家闹在一处。不表。且说元始天尊来会万仙阵，先著南极仙翁持玉符先行。南极仙翁跨鹤而来，云光缥缈。马遂抬头，见是南极仙翁，急驾云光至半空中来，阻住去路。仙翁笑曰：“马遂，你休要猖獗，掌教师尊来了。”马遂正欲争持，只见后面仙乐一派，遍地异香，马遂知不可争持，按落云头，回归本阵。南极仙翁先至芦篷，率众仙迎銮接驾，上篷坐下。众门人拜毕，侍立两傍。元始曰：“黄龙真人有金箍之厄。”忙叫：“过来。”黄龙真人走至面前；元始用手一指，金箍随脱。真人谢毕，元始曰：“今日你等俱该图满此厄，各回洞府，守性修心，斩却三尸，再不惹红尘之难。”众门人曰：“愿老师圣寿无疆！”正静坐间，忽听得空中有一阵异香仙乐，飘飘而来。元始已知老子来至，随同众门人迎侯。老子下了板角青牛，携手上篷。众门人礼拜毕，老子拍掌曰：“周家不过八百年基业，贫道也到红尘中来三番四转；可见运数难逃，何怕神仙佛祖。”元始曰：“尘世劫运，便是物外神仙都不能免，况我等门人，又是身犯之者，我等不过来了此一番劫数耳。”二位师尊言过，端然默坐。至二更时分，只见各圣贤顶上现有璎珞庆云，祥光缭绕，满空中有无限瑞霭，直冲霄汉。且不言二位掌教师尊与众门人默坐芦篷。不表。

After finishing his song, Ma Sui shouted loudly: "Disciples of the Yu Xu school! Having come to secretly observe my formation, dare you face me and see who is superior?" Randeng said: "You were only greedily watching this evil array, which has caused all these unnecessary disputes." Huanglong Zhenren stepped forward and said: "Ma Sui, do not be so arrogant. Now I will not argue with you about superiority or inferiority; we shall wait for the Sage Patriarch to arrive, and then there will be a time to break your array." Why must you rely on strength and violence to act aggressively and destroy our school?" Ma Sui leaped forward, brandishing his sword to attack. Huanglong Zhenren quickly raised the sword in his hand to meet it. Just one exchange, Ma Sui summoned a golden hoop and bound Huanglong Zhenren's head with it. The immortal could not bear the unbearable headache; the other immortals rushed to save him, and they all returned to the reed canopy. The immortal hurriedly tried to remove the golden hoop but could not get it off, and it forced Trisika Fire to erupt from his eyes; everyone became entangled in a commotion. Details are omitted here. Let us now speak of Yuanshi Tianzun arriving at the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation; he first had Nanji Xianweng hold the jade talisman and proceed ahead. Nanji Xianwong rode a crane, with clouds shimmering faintly around him. Ma Sui looked up and saw it was Nanji Xianwong; he hurriedly rode the cloud light to the middle of the sky, blocking his path. Xianweng smiled and said: "Ma Sui, you must not be so defiant; the Patriarch Teacher has arrived." Ma Sui was just about to argue when he suddenly saw a band of divine music from behind, filling the ground with strange fragrances. Ma Sui realized that it would be futile to resist and descended from his cloud, returning to his original formation. Nanji Xianweng arrived at the reed canopy first and led the assembly of immortals to welcome Yuanshi Tianzun, ascending onto the canopy to sit down. After all his disciples had paid their respects, they stood on either side in attendance. Yuanshi said: "Huanglong Zhenren is suffering from the calamity of the golden hoop." He hurriedly called out, "Come here." Huanglong Zhenren walked up to the front. Yuanshi pointed a finger, and with that, the golden hoop fell off immediately. After Huanglong Zhenren had finished expressing his thanks, Yuanshi said: "Today you all should complete this tribulation. Return to your respective abodes, cultivate your nature and mind, sever the Three Corps, and no longer be entangled in worldly troubles." The disciples said: "May our revered teacher's holy life span be boundless!" While they were sitting in quiet meditation, suddenly a strange fragrance and divine music drifted down from the sky. Yuanshi already knew that Laozi had arrived and immediately went with his disciples to welcome him. Laozi dismounted from the green ox, took hold of someone's hand, and ascended onto the canopy together. After all the disciples had finished bowing, Laozi clapped his hands and said: "The Zhou dynasty's foundation will last no more than eight hundred years; I have already descended into the mortal world three or four times. It is clear that fate cannot be escaped, so why fear gods, immortals, and Buddhas?" Yuanshi said: "Calamities in the mortal world are unavoidable even for transcendent immortals beyond worldly affairs. How much less can our disciples escape them, as they have directly encountered these trials. We ourselves have merely come to endure this round of calamity." The two revered masters spoke in turn and then sat silently with composure. By the second watch of the night, one could see jeweled ornaments and auspicious clouds appearing above each sage's head, with radiant light swirling around them. The entire sky was filled with infinite auspicious mists that soared straight into the heavens. Let us not speak further of the two Patriarch Teacher masters and their disciples silently sitting in meditation at the reed canopy. Details are omitted here.

且说金灵圣母在万仙阵内，见瑞霭祥云，知二位师伯已至，自思曰：“今日掌教师伯已来，吾师也要早至方可。”及至天明，只听的半空中仙乐盈空，佩环之声不绝，群仙随通天教主离了碧游宫，亲至万仙阵来。金灵圣母得知，率领众仙，迎接教主，进了阵门，上了八卦台坐下。万仙叩谒毕，金灵圣母曰：“二位师伯俱已至此。”通天教主曰：“罢了！如今是月缺难圆，既摆此万仙阵，必定与他见个雌雄，以定一尊之位。今日是万仙统会，以完劫数。”随命长耳定光仙：“你且去芦篷上，见你二位师伯，下这一封书。”定光仙领命，迳至芦篷下，见杨戬等俱在左右站立。哪吒问曰：“来者何人？”长耳定光仙曰：“吾是奉命下书，来见师伯的。借你通报。”哪吒上前启知，老子曰：“命来。”哪吒下篷说知。定光仙上得篷来，见左右立著十二代门人，定光仙拜伏于地，将书呈上。老子看书毕，谓定光仙曰：“吾知道了。明日来破万仙阵也。”定光仙下篷至万仙阵，回复通天教主。且说次日，二位教主领众门徒来看万仙阵，下得篷来，至阵前一见，好万仙阵！怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 一团怪雾，几阵寒风。彩霞笼五色金光，瑞云起千丛艳色。前后排山岳修行道士与全真；左右立湖海云游陀头并散客。正东上：九华巾，水合袍，太阿剑，梅花鹿，都是道德清高奇异人；正西上：双抓髻，淡黄袍，古定剑，八叉鹿，尽是驾雾腾云清隐士；正南上：大红袍，黄斑鹿，昆吾剑，正是五遁三除截教公；正北上：皂色服，莲子箍，宾铁鐧，跨糜鹿，都是倒海移山雄猛客。翠蓝旛，青云绕绕；素自旗，彩气翩翩；大红旗，火云罩顶；皂盖旗，黑气施张；杏黄旛下千千条古怪的金霞，内藏著天上无、世上少、辟地开天无价宝。又是乌云仙、金光仙、虬首仙神光赳赳；灵牙仙、毗芦仙、金箍仙气概昂昂；七香车坐金灵圣母，分门列户；八虎车坐申公豹，总督万仙；无当圣母法宝随身；龟灵圣母包罗万象。金钟响，翻腾宇宙；玉磬敲，惊动乾坤；提炉排，袅袅香烟龙雾隐；羽扇摇，翩翩彩凤离瑶池。奎牛上坐的是混沌未分、天地玄黄之外、鸿钧教下通天截教主。只见长耳仙持定了神书奥妙道德无穷兴截灭阐六魂旛，左右金童随圣驾，紫雾红云离碧游。通天教主身心变，只因一怒结成雠，两教生克终有损，天翻地覆鬼神愁。昆仑正法扶明主，山河一统属西周。

Let us now speak of Jinling Shengmu within the Ten Thousand Immortals Array. Seeing the auspicious mists and clouds, she realized that her two elder uncles had already arrived. She thought to herself: "Now that my Patriarch Uncle has come, our teacher must also arrive soon." By the time dawn broke, one could hear divine music filling the sky from halfway up and the continuous sound of jade pendants. The assembly of immortals followed Tongtian Jiaozhu away from Biyou Palace and personally arrived at the Ten Thousand Immortal Array. Jinling Shengmu, upon learning of this, led her fellow immortals to greet the Patriarch and enter through the array gate. They ascended onto the Bagua Platform and sat down. After all ten thousand immortals had paid their respects, Jinling Shengmu said: "Both of my elder uncles have already arrived here." Tongtian Jiaozhu said: "Enough! Now it is like a broken moon that cannot be made whole again. Since this Ten Thousand Immortals Array has been set up, we must certainly face them and determine who is superior or inferior to establish the position of one supreme master." Today is the grand assembly of ten thousand immortals, to complete this cycle of calamity." He then ordered Chang'er Dingguang Xian: "You go to the reed canopy and present this letter to your two elder uncles." Dingguang Xian accepted his orders and went directly to the reed canopy, where he saw Yang Jian and others standing on both sides. Nezha asked: "Who is it that has come?" Chang'er Dingguang Xian said: "I have been sent to deliver a letter and come to see my elder uncle. Please inform him for me." Nezha stepped forward to report, and Laozi said: "Let him come." Nezha went down from the canopy to inform Dingguang Xian. Dingguang Xian ascended the canopy and saw twelve generations of disciples standing on either side. Dingguang Xian knelt on the ground, presented the letter, and paid his respects. After Laozi had finished reading the letter, he said to Dingguang Xian: "I understand now. Come tomorrow to break the Ten Thousand Immortals array." Dingguang Xian descended from the canopy and returned to the Ten Thousand Immortal array, reporting back to Tongtian Jiaozhu. Let us now speak of the next day, when the two Patriarchs led their disciples to come and inspect the Ten Thousand Immortal Formation. After descending from the canopy, upon arriving at the front of the array, they saw: what a magnificent Ten Thousand Immortals formation! How could one describe it? A eulogy serves as evidence. The eulogy says: A mass of strange mist, several gusts of cold wind. Colored clouds enshroud five-colored golden light; auspicious clouds arise in countless vibrant hues. In front and behind, mountain-like ranks of cultivated Taoist priests and Complete Perfection adherents stood; On the left and right stood wandering monks from lakes and seas, along with wandering ascetics. To the east: those wearing Jiuhua caps, Shuihe robes, carrying Tai'e swords, riding plum blossom deer—these were all extraordinary individuals of high moral character and spiritual cultivation; To the west: those with double braided pigtails, wearing pale yellow robes, carrying Guding swords, riding eight-pronged deer—these were all clear-minded hermits who rode clouds and mist; To the south: those in bright red robes, riding yellow-spotted deer, carrying Kunwu swords—these were indeed public officials of the Jie Sect who practiced the Five Evasions and Three Eliminations; To the north: those in black robes, wearing lotus seed hoops, carrying Bin Tie chains, riding sika deer—these were all mighty and fierce guests capable of overturning seas and moving mountains. Emerald-blue banners, with blue clouds swirling around; White flags, with colorful mists fluttering gracefully; Bright red banners, with fiery clouds covering the top; Black canopy flags, with dark mists spreading out; Under the apricot-yellow banner, thousands of strange golden mists twisted and coiled, concealing treasures without equal in heaven or on earth—priceless artifacts that had opened up the land and sky. There were also Wuyun Xian, Jinguang Xian, Qiu Shou Xian—divine beings whose radiant light was imposing and fierce; Lingya Xian, Pilu Xian, Jinggu Xian—all exuded a proud and dignified bearing; Jinling Shengmu sat in the seven-scented carriage, with disciples arranged in rows according to their sects; Shen Gongbao sat in an eight-tiger chariot, overseeing all ten thousand immortals. Wudang Shengmu carried her magical treasures with her; Guiling Shengmu encompassed all phenomena. The golden bell rang, shaking the universe; The jade chime struck, startling heaven and earth; Incense burners lined up, with curling incense smoke concealing dragon-like mists; Feather fans swayed, and colorful phoenixes gracefully departed from the Jade Pool. Sitting atop a qinian ox was Tongtian Jiaozhu of the Jie Sect under the Hongjun Teachings, who existed before chaos had yet to divide and when heaven and earth were still in their primordial state. One could see Chang'er Xian holding the divine book, the mysterious moral teachings of infinite power in the "Xingjie Miechan Liu Hun Fan," with golden boys on either side accompanying the sacred procession as purple mists and red clouds departed from Biyou. Tongtian Jiaozu's mind and body changed, for a single outburst of anger had forged enmity. The two sects, in their mutual opposition, would inevitably suffer losses; the heavens turned upside down and ghosts and gods mourned. The orthodox teachings of Kunlun supported the enlightened ruler, and under one unified rule, rivers and mountains belonged to the Western Zhou dynasty.

话说老子同元始来看万仙阵，老子一见万仙阵，与元始曰：“他教下就有这些门人！据我看来，总是不分品类，一概滥收，那论根器深浅，岂是了道成仙之辈。此一回玉石自分，浅深互见。遭劫者，可不枉用工夫，可胜叹息！”话犹未了，只见通天教主从阵中坐奎牛而出，穿大红白鹤绛绡衣，手执宝剑而来。老子看通天教主全无道气，一脸凶光。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 辟地开天道理明，谈经论法碧游京，五气朝元传妙诀，三花聚顶演无生。顶上金光分五彩，足下红莲逐万程。八卦仙衣飞紫气，三锋宝剑号青苹。伏虎降龙为第一，擒妖缚怪任纵横。徒众三千分左右，后随万姓尽精英。天花乱坠无穷妙，地拥金莲长瑞祯。度尽众生成正果，养成正道属无声。对对旛幢前引道，纷纷音乐及时鸣。奎牛稳坐截教主，仙童前后把香焚。霭霭沉檀云雾长，腾腾杀气自氤氲。白鹤唳时天地转，青鸾展翅海山澄。通天教主离金阙，来聚群仙百万名。

The story goes that Laozi and Yuanshi came to inspect the Ten Thousand Immortals Formations. Upon seeing the formation, Laozi said to Yuanshi: "His sect has such disciples! In my view, they have indiscriminately accepted all without distinguishing categories. How can one speak of their depth or shallowness in spiritual potential? These are not the kind who would attain enlightenment and become immortals." This single instance will distinguish jade from stones, revealing both depth and superficiality. Those who suffer calamities must not have wasted their efforts; how can one help but sigh with regret!" The words were not yet finished when suddenly Tongtian Jiaozu emerged from the formation riding a qinian ox, wearing a crimson robe with white cranes embroidered on it, holding a treasure sword in hand. Laozi observed that Tongtian Jiaozhun had no trace of Daoist energy and was instead radiating a fierce, malevolent aura. How could this be described? A eulogy serves as proof. The eulogy says: The principles of opening up the land and sky are clear, discussing scriptures and doctrines in Biyou Jing; Five Qi converging at Yuan transmit wondrous teachings, Three Flowers gathering on the crown reveal the unborn. Golden light above the head divides into five colors; red lotuses beneath his feet follow ten thousand paths. The Eight Trigrams immortal robe flies with purple qi, and the Three-Blade treasure sword is named Qingpin. Subduing tigers and dragons ranks first; capturing demons and binding monsters allows free movement in all directions. Three thousand disciples divided left and right, followed by ten thousand elite commoners behind. Heavenly flowers fell endlessly in wondrous patterns; golden lotuses on the earth grew auspicious signs of fortune. Having liberated all sentient beings to attain true fruit, cultivating the righteous path belongs to the silent and unseen. Pairs of banners led the way ahead; music and instruments sounded at just the right moment. Sitting steadily on his qinian ox, Jie Sect Patriarch was flanked by immortal children who lit incense before and behind him. The fragrant camphor smoke lingered in the clouds, while a dense aura of killing intent naturally arose. When the white cranes cried out, heaven and earth turned; when the green 鸾 spread its wings, seas and mountains became clear. Tongtian Jiaojun left his golden palace to gather millions of immortals together.

话说通天教主见二位教主，对面打稽首，曰：“二位道兄请了！”老子曰：“贤弟可谓无赖之极！不思悔过，何能掌截教之主？前日诛仙阵上已见雌雄，只当潜踪隐迹，自己修过，以忏往愆，方是掌教之主；岂得怙恶不改，又率领群仙布此恶阵。你只待玉石俱焚，生灵戕灭殆尽，你方才罢手，这是何苦定作此业障耶！”通天教主怒曰：“你等谬掌阐教，自恃己长，纵容门人，肆行猖獗，杀戮不道，反在此巧言惑众。我是那一件不如你？你敢欺我！今日你再请西方准提道人将加持杵打我就是了。不知他打我即是打你一般。此恨如何可解！”元始笑曰：“你也不必口讲，只你既摆此阵，就把你胸中学识舒展一二，我与你共决雌雄。”通天教主曰：“我如今与你的仇恨难解，除是你我俱不掌教，方才干休！”通天教主道罢，走进阵去；少时，布成一个阵势，乃是一个阵结三个营叠，攒簇而立。通天教主至阵前问曰：“你二人可识吾此阵否？”老子大笑曰：“此乃是吾掌中所出，岂有不知之理。此是太极两仪四象之阵耳！有何难哉！”通天教主曰：“可能破否？”元始曰：“你且听吾道来： 混元初判道为尊，炼就乾坤清浊分。太极两仪生四象，如今还在掌中存。”

Now, when Tongtian Jiaojun saw the two Patriarchs opposite him, he bowed deeply and said, "Brothers Dao, greetings!" Laozi said, "My worthy younger brother can truly be called most shameless! You do not think of repenting for your faults. How could you possibly hold the position as Patriarch of the Jie Sect?" "On the previous day, your strength was already tested in the Zhenxian Formation. You should have hidden yourself away and silently cultivated to atone for past sins; only then could you be a true Patriarch of the Sect; How can one persist in evil without reform and yet lead countless immortals to set up this wicked formation?" "You only intend for all, both jade and stone, to be burned together, for the lives of sentient beings to be nearly annihilated before you finally stop. Why must you deliberately create such karmic obstacles?"!" Tongtian Jiaozhu angrily said, "You falsely hold the Chanchiao Sect, relying on your own strengths and indulging your disciples to act recklessly, committing wanton slaughter in violation of morality. Yet you dare here to speak with cunning words to mislead the crowd. "In what way am I inferior to you?" You have dared to insult me! "Today, you may as well invite the Western Quandi Dao Ren again and let him strike me with his vajra staff." "You do not know that if he strikes me, it is just like striking you yourself." "How can this grudge ever be resolved!" Yuanshi smiled and said, "You need not speak further. Since you have set this formation, just demonstrate a little of the knowledge in your heart; I shall decide with you who is superior." Tongtian Jiaochu said, "Now the hatred between you and me is hard to resolve. Only if both of us no longer hold the position as Patriarchs will this matter finally rest!" After Tongtian Jiaochu finished speaking, he walked into the formation. After a short while, he set up an array formation, which was composed of three camps interwoven into one formation, clustered closely together. Tongtian Jiaoczhu went to the front of the array and asked, "Do you two recognize this formation of mine?" Laozi laughed heartily and said, "This is entirely within my palm; how could there be any reason for me not to know it. "This is merely the Taiji Two Instruments Four Symbols Formation!" "What difficulty could there possibly be!" Tongtian Jiaocu said, "Can you break it?" Yuanshi said, "Listen to my words: In the beginning of the primordial chaos, Dao was supreme; the heavens and earth were refined into clarity and turbidity. The Taiji Two Instruments gave birth to Four Symbols; now they still exist within my palm."

老子问曰：“谁去破此太极阵走一遭？”赤精子大呼曰：“弟子愿会此阵！”作歌而出，歌曰： “今朝圆满斩三尸，复整菩提在此时。太极阵中遇奇士，回头百事自相宜。”

Laozi asked, "Who will go and break this Taiji Formation for a while?" Chizigen loudly declared, "Disciple wishes to meet this formation!" He sang as he stepped forward. The song said: "Today, I have completed the severing of my three corpses; now is the time to restore and perfect Bodhi. "In the Taiji Formation, I shall meet a remarkable person; turning back, all hundred affairs will naturally fall into place."

赤精子跃身而出。只见太极阵中一位道人，长须黑面，身穿皂服，腰束丝绦，跳出阵前，大呼曰：“赤精子，你敢来会吾阵么？”赤精子曰：“乌云仙，你不可特强，此处是你的死地了！”乌云仙大怒，仗剑来取。赤精子手中剑赴面交还。未及三四个回合，乌云仙腰间掣出混元锤就打，一声响，把赤精子打了一跤。乌云仙才待下手，有广成子大呼曰：“少待伤吾道兄，吾来了！”仗剑抵住乌云仙。二人大战，未及数合，乌云仙又是一锤把广成子打倒在地。广成子爬将起来，往西北上走了。通天教主命乌云仙赶去，“定然拿来！”乌云仙领法旨，随后赶来。广成子前走；乌云仙后赶。看看赶上，广成子正无可奈何，转过山坡，只见准提道人来至。让过了广成子，准提阻住了乌云仙，笑容满面，口称：“道友请了！”乌云仙认得是准提道人，大叫曰：“准提道人，你前日在诛仙阵上伤了吾师，今又阻吾去路，情殊可恨！”仗宝剑望准提道人顶上劈来。道人把口一张，有一朵青莲托住了剑。言曰： “舌上青莲能托剑，吾与乌云有大缘。”

Chizigen leaped forward. Just then, a Daoist from within the Taiji Formation appeared. He had long beard and dark face, wore black robes, and tied his waist with a silk sash. He jumped forward to the front of the formation and shouted loudly, "Chizigen, dare you come challenge my array?" Chizigen said, "Wuyunxian, do not be so overconfident. This place is your death ground!" Wuyunxian was furious and brandished his sword to attack. Chizigen met the strike with his own sword, clashing face-to-face. Before three or four exchanges of blows, Wuyunxian suddenly pulled out a Hunyuan hammer from his waist and struck. With one loud sound, he knocked Chizigen to the ground. Just as Wuyunxian was about to strike again, Guangchengzi shouted loudly, "Do not harm my Dao elder brother yet! I am coming!" He brandished his sword and held off Wuyunxian. The two engaged in fierce battle, but before several exchanges of blows had passed, Wuyunxian struck again with his hammer and knocked Guangchengzi to the ground. Guangchengzi struggled to get up and fled toward the northwest. Tongtian Jiaoci ordered Wuyunxian to chase after him, "You must surely bring him back!" Wuyunxian accepted the decree and hurriedly pursued. Guangchengzi ran ahead; Wuyunxian chased from behind. Just as he was about to catch up, Guangchengzi had no choice but to turn around the hillside when suddenly Quandi Dao Ren appeared. Quandi let Guangchengzi pass and blocked Wuyunxian's path, smiling broadly as he said, "Dao friend, greetings!" Wuyunxian recognized Quandi Dao Ren and shouted, "Quandi Dao Ren! You injured my master on the Zhenxian Array two days ago. Now you block my path again—this is most grievous!" He brandished his treasure sword and slashed toward Quandi Dao Ren's head. The Daoist opened his mouth, and a green lotus emerged to catch the sword. He said: "A green lotus on my tongue can hold a sword; I and Wuyun share great karmic ties."

准提曰：“道友，吾与你是有缘之客，特来化你归吾西方，共享极乐，有何不美？”乌云仙大呼曰：“好泼道！欺吾太甚！”又是一剑。准提用中指一指，一朵白莲托剑。准提又曰：“道友，

Quandi said, "Dao friend, you and I are karmically connected. I have come especially to convert you to the West, so we may share in ultimate bliss together—what could be more beautiful?" Wuyunxian shouted angrily, "You rascal Daoist! You have wronged me too much!" He struck again with his sword. Quandi pointed with his middle finger, and a white lotus appeared to catch the sword. Quandi said again, "Dao friend,

掌上白莲能托剑，须知极乐在西方。二六莲台生瑞彩，波罗花放满园香。”

A white lotus in my palm can hold a sword. Know that ultimate bliss lies in the West." "Two and six lotus platforms emit auspicious colors; Bodhi flowers bloom, filling the garden with fragrance."

乌云仙大呼曰：“一派胡说！敢来欺我！”又是一剑。准提将手一指，一朵金莲托住。准提曰：“乌云仙友，吾乃是大慈大悲，不忍你现出真相，若是现时，可不有辱你平昔修炼工夫，化为乌有。我如今不过要与你兴西方教法，故此善善化你，幸祈急早回头。”乌云仙大怒，又是一剑砍来。准提将拂尘一刷，乌云仙手中剑只剩得一个靶儿。乌云仙大怒，拎起混元锤打来。准提就跳出圈子去了。乌云仙随后赶来。准提曰：“徒弟在那里？”只见了一个童儿来，身穿水合衣，手执竹枝而来。不知乌云仙凶吉如何，且听下回分解。

Wuyunxian cried out angrily, "All nonsense! You dare to insult me!" Quandi pointed a finger, and a golden lotus appeared to hold it up. Quandi said, "My friend Wuyunxian, I am filled with great compassion and pity. I cannot bear to see you reveal your true form now. If it were revealed at this moment, would that not be a disgrace to all the cultivation efforts you have made over the years, rendering them completely meaningless? "I now only wish to help you spread the teachings of the Western Sect. Therefore, I kindly try to convert you. I hope you will quickly turn back and reconsider." Wuyunxian became furious again and struck with his sword once more. Quandi swept his whisk broom, and Wuyunxian's sword was reduced to just a hilt in his hand. Wuyunxian grew furious again and lifted the Hunyuan hammer to strike. Quandi immediately leaped out of the circle and left. Wuyunxian hurriedly chased after him. Quandi asked, "Where is my disciple?" Just then a child appeared wearing water-repellent clothes and holding a bamboo branch in his hand. Whether Wuyunxian will meet fortune or misfortune remains to be seen in the next chapter.