Chapter 91

诗曰： 力大排山气吐虹，手拖扒木快如风。行舟陆地谁堪及，破敌营门孰敢同。 擒虎英名成往事，食牛全气化崆峒。总来天意归周主，空作蟠龙岭下红。

The poem says: With great strength to push mountains and a breath that spews rainbows, he pulls down trees with his hands as swiftly as the wind. Sailing a boat on dry land—who can rival him? Breaking through enemy gates—who dares to match him? The heroic name of taming tigers has become a thing of the past; his full spirit, like that of eating oxen, is transformed into Kōngdòng. In all, Heaven's will belongs to the Zhou ruler; in vain does it become a red dragon coiled beneath the mountain.

话说子牙在将台上作法，只见风云四起，黑雾弥漫，上有天罗，下有地网，昏天惨地，罩住了周营。霹雳交加，电光驰骤，火光灼灼，冷气森森，雷响不止，喊声大振。各营内鼓角齐鸣，若天崩地塌之状。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 风雾蒙蒙电火烧，雷声响亮镇邪妖。桃精柳鬼难逃躲，早把封神名姓标。

It is said that Ziya performed a ritual on the general's platform. Suddenly, winds and clouds arose in all directions; dark mists spread everywhere. Above was a heavenly net, below an earthly snare—darkening the sky and desolating the earth—they covered over the Zhou camp. Thunder cracked and lightning flashed, streaking across the sky; flames glowed brightly while a chill air grew dense. Thunder rolled unceasingly, and shouts of alarm rang out loudly. In every camp, drums and horns sounded together, as if the sky were collapsing and the earth breaking apart. How can this be described? A poem serves as evidence: The poem says: Misty winds and dense fog, lightning and fire burning; thunder roars loudly to subdue demons and evil spirits. Spirit of peach trees and ghosts of willows find it hard to escape or hide; their names have long been marked on the tablet of divine judgment.

话说高明、高觉闯进周营，杀进中军，只见鼓声大振，三军呐喊。一声炮响，东有李靖，西有杨任，南有哪吒，北有雷震子，左有杨戬，右有韦护，一齐冲将出来，把高明等围住。台上有子牙作法。台下四个门人，齐把桃桩震动。上有天罗，下有地网，上下交合。子牙祭起打神鞭打将下来，高明、高觉难逃此难，只打得脑浆迸流。──一灵已往封神台去了。且说袁洪同常昊、吴龙在后面催军，杀进周营，被哪吒等接住大战。此时夤夜交兵，两军混战。韦护祭起降魔仵来打吴龙；吴龙早化青光去了。哪吒也祭起九龙神火罩来罩常昊；常昊化一道青气不见了。袁洪乃是白猿得道，变化多端，把元神从头上现出。杨任正欲取五火扇扇袁洪，不意袁洪顶上白光中元神手举一棍打来，杨任及至躲时，已是不及，早被袁洪一棍打中顶门，可怜！自穿云关归周，才至孟津，未受封爵而死。后人有诗叹之，诗曰： 自离成汤归紫阳，穿云关下破瘟。孟津尽节身先丧，俱是南柯梦一场。

It is said that Gao Ming and Gao Jue stormed into the Zhou camp, charging toward the central army. They saw drums beating loudly and all three armies shouting in unison. A cannon roared, and from the east came Li Jing, from the west Yang Ren, from the south Nezha, from the north Leizhenzi, on the left Yang Jian, and on the right Weihu. They all rushed out together, surrounding Gao Ming and his men. On the platform stood Ziya performing a ritual. Below the platform, his four disciples together shook the peach stakes violently. Above was a heavenly net and below an earthly snare; they converged from above and below. Ziya raised the God-Beating Whip to strike them down, and Gao Ming and Gao Jiao could not escape this calamity. They were beaten until their brains splattered out. ——Their spirits had already departed to the Tablet of Divine Judgment. Meanwhile, Yuan Hong, together with Chang Hao and Wu Long, was urging the rear troops forward to charge into the Zhou camp. They were met by Nezha and others in a fierce battle. At this time, during the dead of night, the two armies clashed in chaotic combat. Weihu raised his Demonic Subjugation Staff to strike Wu Long; Wu Long had already transformed into a green light and vanished. Nezha also raised the Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Canopy to cover Chang Hao; Chang Hao transformed into a streak of green vapor and disappeared. Yuan Hong was originally an enlightened white gibbon, capable of countless transformations; he manifested his original spirit from atop his head. Yang Ren was just about to take out the Five-Fire Fan to fan Yuan Hong when unexpectedly, from a white light above Yuan Hong's head, his original spirit raised a staff and struck down. By the time Yang Ren tried to dodge, it was too late; he had already been hit on the crown of his head by Yuan Hong's staff. How pitiful! Since returning to Zhou after passing through Chuanyun Pass, he had just reached Mengjin and died without yet receiving a title or rank. Later generations composed a poem lamenting this, the poem says: Since leaving Chengtang to return to Ziyang, he broke through the plague at Chuanyun Pass. He gave his life for righteousness in Mengjin before receiving any reward; it was all a dream of Nanke, nothing but an illusion.

话说杨任被袁洪打死，两军混战，至天明，子牙鸣金，两下收兵。子牙升帐，点视军将，已知杨任阵亡，著实嗟叹不已。杨戬上帐言曰：“今夜大战，虽然斩了高明、高觉，反折杨任一员大将。据弟子见袁洪等俱是精灵所化，急切不能成功。大兵阻于此地，何日结局。弟子今往终南山，借了照妖鉴来，照定他的原身，方可擒此妖魅也，不然终无了期。”子牙许之。杨戬离了周营，借土遁往终南山而来。不多时，早至玉柱洞前，按落遁光，至洞门听候云中子。少时，只见金霞童子出来，杨戬上前稽首曰：“师兄，借烦通报，有杨戬要见师伯。”童子忙还礼曰：“师兄少待，容吾通报。”童子进洞对云中子曰：“有杨戬在外面侯见。”云中子命童子：“著他进来。”童子出洞云：“师父请见。”杨戬见云中子，行礼毕，禀曰：“弟子今到此，欲求师伯照妖鉴一用。目今兵至孟津，有几个妖魅阻住周师，不能前进；虽大战数场，法宝难治。因此上奉姜元帅将令，特地至此，拜求师伯。”云中子曰：“此乃梅山七怪也。只你可以擒获。”忙取宝鉴付与杨戬。杨戬辞了终南，借土遁迳往周营内来见子牙，备言：“此是梅山七怪，明日俟弟子擒他。”话说袁洪在营中与常昊、吴龙众将议退诸侯之策，殷破败曰：“明日元戎不大杀一场以树威，使天下诸侯知道利害，则彼皆不能善解。与他迁延日月，恐师老军疲，其中有变，那时反为不美。”袁洪从其言。次日，整顿军马，炮声大振，来至军前。子牙亦带领众诸侯出营。两下列成阵势。袁洪一马当先。子牙谓袁洪曰：“足下不知天命久已归周，而何阻逆王师，令生民涂炭耶。速早归降，不失封侯之位，如若不识时务，悔无及矣。”袁洪大笑曰：“料尔不过是磻溪一钓叟耳，有何本领，敢出此大言！”回顾常昊曰：“与吾将姜尚擒了！”常昊纵马挺枪，飞来直取子牙。傍有杨戬催马舞刀，抵住厮杀。二马往来，刀枪并举，只杀得凛凛寒风，腾腾杀气。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 杀气腾腾锁孟津，梅山妖魅乱红尘。须臾难遁终南鉴，取次摧残作鬼磷。

It is said that Yang Ren was killed by Yuan Hong; the two armies continued to fight in chaos until dawn, when Ziya sounded the gong and both sides withdrew their troops. Ziya entered his tent and inspected the military officers; he already knew that Yang Ren had died in battle, and could not stop lamenting deeply. Yang Jian entered the tent and said, "Last night's fierce battle resulted in killing Gao Ming and Gao Jie, but we lost a great general—Yang Ren. According to my observation, Yuan Hong and others are all transformed from spirits; it is difficult to achieve success in the near future." Our main force is blocked here. When will this situation be resolved? "I, your disciple, shall now go to Zhongnan Mountain and borrow the Demon-Identifying Mirror. Only by identifying their original forms can we capture these demons; otherwise, this matter will never be resolved." Ziya agreed. Yang Jian left the Zhou camp and, using a soil-based earth 遁 (earth 遁 is translated as "earth 遁" since it's part of a term for an earth 遁 technique), headed toward Zhongnan Mountain. Not long after, he arrived in front of Yuzhu Cave. He descended from his 遁 light and waited at the cave entrance for Yunzhongzi. After a short while, Jinxia Tongzi came out. Yang Jian stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Elder Brother, I trouble you to inform my uncle Yunzhongzi that Yang Jian wishes to see him." The boy hurriedly returned the courtesy and said, "Elder Brother please wait a moment while I go and inform him." The boy entered the cave and addressed Yunzhongzi, saying: "Yang Jian is waiting outside." Yunzhongzi ordered the boy: "Tell him to come in." The boy went out of the cave and said, "Master Yunzhongzi requests your presence." Yang Jian bowed to Yunzhongzi and, after completing the ritual of respect, reported: "Disciple has come here today to request the use of Master's Demon-Identifying Mirror." At present, our troops have reached Mengjin, but several demons are blocking the Zhou army and preventing it from advancing; although we have fought in several battles, their magical treasures make them hard to subdue. Therefore, I was specially ordered by General Jiang and have come here especially to pay respects and request your aid." Yunzhongzi said: "These are the Seven Monsters of Meishan. You alone can capture them." He quickly took out the treasure mirror and gave it to Yang Jian. Yang Jian bid farewell to Zhongnan, used the earth 遁 technique to return directly to the Zhou camp and see Ziya. He reported in detail: "These are the Seven Monsters of Meishaan. Tomorrow, I shall capture them." It is said that Yuan Hong, in the camp, discussed strategies with Chang Hao, Wu Long and other generals to repel the feudal lords. Yin Pobai said: "Tomorrow, if our general does not launch a great battle to establish authority, allowing all the feudal lords under heaven to understand the consequences of their actions, they will not be willing to resolve matters amicably." If we delay day by day, the troops may grow weary and exhausted. There might be unexpected changes then, which would turn out to be undesirable." Yuan Hong followed his advice. The next day, the army was organized and prepared; cannon fire roared as they advanced to the front of the Zhou forces. Ziya also led the feudal lords out of camp. The two sides formed their battle formations. Yuan Hong rode ahead at the forefront. Ziya said to Yuan Hong: "You do not know that Heaven's mandate has long belonged to Zhou. Why then resist the royal army and cause suffering among the people? Surrender quickly, and you will not lose your position as a marquis. If you fail to recognize the times, it will be too late for regret." Yuan Hong laughed loudly and said: "I thought you were merely an old fisherman from Banxi. What ability do you have to dare make such grand claims!" He turned to Chang Hao and said: "Go, seize Jiang Shang for me!" Chang Hao spurred his horse forward with spear in hand, charging straight at Ziya like a flying arrow. Beside him, Yang Jian urged his horse and brandished his sword to hold off the attack, engaging in fierce combat. The two horses circled each other as swords and spears clashed together, the battle fierce enough to send a chill wind and an oppressive aura of death into the air. How fierce was this battle? A poem serves as proof: The poem says: Murderous aura rises thickly over Mengjin; the demons of Meishan have disturbed the mortal world. In a moment, they cannot escape the mirror from Zhongnan Mountain; soon they will be reduced to ghostly phosphorescence.

话说两人大战，未及十五合，常昊拨马便走。杨戬随后赶来，取出照妖鉴来照，原来是条大白蛇。杨戬已知此怪，看他怎样腾挪。只见常昊在马上忽现原身，有一阵怪风卷起，播土扬尘，秋云霭霭，冷气森森，现出一条大蛇。怎见得，有诗为证： 黑雾漫漫天地遮，身如雪练弄妖邪。神光闪灼凶顽性，久与梅山是旧家。

It is said that as the two great warriors fought, before fifteen exchanges had passed, Chang Hao turned his horse and fled. Yang Jian hurried after him and took out the Demon-Identifying Mirror to examine it; it turned out to be a large white snake. Yang Jian now knew of this monster, and watched how he would maneuver. Looking up, Yang Jian saw Chang Hao suddenly reveal his original form on horseback. A strange wind rose, kicking up dust and dirt; autumn clouds gathered heavily in the sky, a chill air thickened, and there appeared before them a huge serpent. How vivid was this scene? A poem serves as testimony: The poem says: Dark mists spread endlessly, blocking heaven and earth; his body like a snow-white silk ribbon, he toys with demons and evil. Divine light flashes, revealing the ferocious nature of this wretch; long has it dwelled in Meishan as an old den of demons.

话说杨戬看见白蛇隐在黑雾里面来伤杨戬，杨戬摇身一变，化作一条大蜈蚣，身生两翅飞来，钳如利刃。怎见他的模样，有诗为证： 二翅翩翩似片云，黑身黄足气如焚。双钳竖起挥双剑，先斩顽蛇建首勋。

It is said that when Yang Jian saw the white snake hiding in the black mist to attack him, he transformed with a twist of his body into a giant centipede. With two wings on its back, it flew toward the serpent, its pincers as sharp as blades. What did he look like? A poem serves as witness: The poem says: Two wings fluttered like a wisp of cloud; black body, yellow legs, his aura burning fiercely. With twin pincers raised as if wielding double swords, he first beheaded the stubborn serpent and established his initial feat of merit.

杨戬变做一条大蜈蚣，飞在白蛇头上，一剪两断。那蛇在地上挺折扭滚。杨戬复了本相，将此蛇斩做数断，发一个五雷诀，只见雷声一响，此怪震作飞灰。袁洪知白蛇已死，大怒，纵马使一根棍，大呼曰：“好杨戬！敢伤吾大将！”傍有哪吒登风火轮，现三头八臂，使火尖枪，抵住了袁洪。轮马相交，未及数合，哪吒祭起九龙神火罩，将袁洪连人带马罩住；哪吒用手一拍，现出九条火龙，将袁洪盘旋周绕焚烧。不知袁洪有七十二变玄功，焉能烧的著他，袁洪早借火光去了。吴龙见哪吒施勇，使两口双刀来战哪吒。哪吒翻身复来，接战吴龙。杨戬在傍，忙取照妖鉴照看，原来是一条蜈蚣。杨戬纵马舞刀，双战吴龙。吴龙料战不过，拨马便走。哪吒登风火轮就赶，杨戬曰：“道兄休赶，让吾来也。”哪吒听说，便立住了风火轮，让杨戬催马追赶。吴龙见杨戬赶来，即现原形，就马脚下卷起一阵黑雾，罩住自己。怎见得，有诗为证： 黑雾阴风布满天，梅山精怪法无边。谁知治克难相恕，千岁蜈蚣化罔然。

Yang Jian transformed into a giant centipede, flew onto the white snake's head, and with one snap of his pincers, severed it in two. The serpent writhed and twisted on the ground. Yang Jian resumed his original form, beheaded the serpent into several pieces, and cast a Five-Thunder spell. At once thunder cracked, and the monster was reduced to flying ashes by the shock of it. Yuan Hong, upon learning that the white snake had died, became furious and spurred his horse forward, wielding a staff. He shouted loudly: "Good Yang Jian! Dare you harm my general!" Beside him, Nezha mounted the Wind-Fire Wheel and manifested a three-headed, eight-armed form, wielding the Flame-Tip Spear to hold off Yuan Hong. Their horses clashed; before several exchanges had passed, Nezha raised the Nine-Dragon Divine Flame Canopy and covered Yuan Hong along with his horse. Nezha struck it once with his hand, summoning nine fiery dragons that coiled around Yuan Hong and set him ablaze. Unbeknownst to them, Yuan Hong possessed the mystical art of seventy-two transformations; how could fire possibly burn him? Yuan Hong had already vanished in the blaze. Wu Long, seeing Nezha's valor, brandished two twin swords to fight him. Nezha turned his body and returned, engaging Wu Long in battle once more. Yang Jian, watching nearby, quickly took out the Demon-Identifying mirror to examine him and discovered that he was actually a centipede. Yang Jian spurred his horse forward and brandished his sword, joining forces with Nezha to fight Wu Long together. Wu Long realized he could not win the battle and turned his horse to flee. Nezha mounted his Wind-Fire Wheel in pursuit, but Yang Jian said: "Elder Brother Daoist, do not chase. Let me handle it." Nezha heard this and stopped his Wind-Fire Wheel, allowing Yang Jian to urge his horse forward in pursuit. Wu Long saw Yang Jian coming after him and immediately revealed his original form, summoning a black mist from beneath the horse's hooves to cover himself. How was this scene described? A poem serves as testament: The poem says: Dark mists and cold winds spread across the sky; the spirits of Meishan possess boundless magical power. Who knew that no matter how one tried to subdue them, these creatures could not be easily subdued? A thousand-year-old centipede vanishes in vain.

吴龙见杨戬追赶，即现原形，影在黑雾之中，来伤杨戬。杨戬见此怪飞来，随即摇身一变，化作一只五色雄鸡。怎见得，诗曰： 绿耳金睛五色毛，翅如钢剑嘴如刀。蜈蚣今遇无穷妙，即丧原身怎脱逃。

Wu Long, seeing Yang Jian in pursuit, immediately revealed his original form and appeared within the black mist to attack Yang Jian. Yang Jian saw this monster flying toward him, immediately twisted his body and transformed into a five-colored rooster. How vivid was this transformation? The poem says: Green ears, golden eyes, and five-colored feathers; wings like steel swords, beak like a blade. The centipede now meets an endless marvel; it loses its original form and cannot escape.

杨戬化做一只金鸡，飞入黑雾之中，将蜈蚣一嘴，啄作数断，又除一怪。子牙与众将掌鼓进营。不表。

Yang Jian transformed into a golden rooster, flew into the black mist, and with one peck of his beak, tore the centipede into several pieces—thus eliminating another monster. Ziya and the generals beat their drums and marched back into camp. No further details are given.

却说殷破败、雷开与诸将亲自看见今日光景，不觉笑曰：“国家不祥，妖孽方兴，今日我们两员副将，岂知俱是白蛇、蜈蚣成精，来此惑人。此岂是好消息！不若进营与主将商议何如。”随进营来，见袁洪在中军闷坐，俱至帐前参谒。袁洪见众将来见，也觉没趣，乃对众将曰：“吾就不知常昊、吴龙乃是两个精灵，几乎被他误了大事。”众将曰：“姜子牙乃昆仑道德之士，麾下又有这三山五岳门人相随，料吾兵不能固守此地，请元帅早定大策，或战，或守，可以预谋，毋令临期掘井，一时何及。眼见我兵微将寡，力敌不能，依不才等愚见，不如退兵，固守城都，设防御之法，以老其师。此‘不战能屈人之兵’者，不知元帅尊意如何？”袁洪曰：“参军之言差矣！奉命守此地方，则此地为重；今舍此不守，反欲退拒城都，此为‘临门御寇’，未有不败者也。今姜尚虽有辅佐之人，而深入重地，亦不能用武。看吾在此地破敌，吾自有妙策，诸将勿得多言。”各人下帐。鲁仁杰与殷成秀曰：“方今时势，也都见了，料成汤社稷终属西岐。况今日朝廷不明，妄用妖精为将，安有能成功之理。但我与贤弟受国恩数代，岂可不尽忠于国；然而就死，也须是死在朝歌，见吾辈之忠义，不可枉死于此地，与妖孽同腐朽也。不若乘机讨一差遣，往而不返可也。”二将议定。忽有总督粮储官上帐来禀袁洪曰：“军中止有五日行粮，不足支用，特启元帅定夺。”袁洪命军政司修本，往朝歌催粮。傍有鲁仁杰出而言曰：“末将愿往。”袁洪许之。鲁仁杰领令，往朝歌去催粮。不表。

Meanwhile, Yin Pobai and Lei Kai, along with the other generals, had personally witnessed this scene today. They could not help but laugh and say: "This is an ill omen for our nation; evil spirits are just beginning to rise. Today, we two deputy commanders did not know that both of us were actually transformed by a white snake and a centipede, coming here to deceive people." This is certainly no good news! "We should go back to the camp and consult with our commander-in-chief." They immediately returned to the camp, saw Yuan Hong sitting in gloomy silence at the center of his forces, and all went before the tent to pay their respects. Yuan Hong, seeing the generals come to see him, felt somewhat embarrassed and said to them: "I did not know that Chang Hao and Wu Long were two spirits; they nearly caused me to miss a great opportunity." The generals said: "Jiang Ziya is a virtuous man of morality from Kunlun, and under his command are disciples from the Three Mountains and Five Great Peaks. We estimate that our troops cannot hold this place for long. Please, Commander-in-Chief, decide on a decisive strategy as soon as possible—whether to fight or defend—we must plan ahead and not wait until it is too late, like digging a well when one is already thirsty." With our troops few and commanders scarce, we cannot match their strength. In my humble opinion, it would be better to withdraw the army, hold the city firmly, set up defensive measures, and exhaust their forces over time. This is what they call 'winning without fighting—making the enemy's army surrender.' I wonder, Commander-in-Chief, what your esteemed opinion is?" Yuan Hong said: "The military advisor speaks wrongly!" "I was ordered to defend this place, so it is of great importance. Now you would abandon the defense and instead retreat to resist within the city walls—this is like 'defending at the threshold,' a strategy that has never failed to lead to defeat." Now, although Jiang Shang has assistants, he is deep in enemy territory and cannot fully employ his strength. Watch as I defeat the enemy here—I have my own brilliant strategy. Generals, say no more." Everyone then left the tent. Lu Renjie said to Yin Chengxiu: "The current situation is clear for all to see. I believe the state of Chengtang will ultimately belong to Xiqi." Moreover, today's court is corrupt and recklessly employs spirits as generals—how could such a regime possibly succeed? But my brother and I have received the nation's favor for generations; how can we not remain loyal to our country? However, if we must die, it should be in Chaoguo, so that our loyalty and righteousness may be seen. We cannot die here shamefully alongside these spirits and rot away with them. We should seize the opportunity to request a mission, go on it, and never return." The two generals made their decision. Suddenly, the chief officer in charge of provisions came into the tent and reported to Yuan Hong: "The army has only five days' worth of rations left, which is insufficient. I have come especially to request your command on this matter." Yuan Hong ordered the military administration office to prepare a report and send it to Chaoguo to urge for more provisions. lando Lu Renjie stepped forward and said: "I, your humble general, am willing to go." Yuan Hong agreed. Lu Renjie accepted the order and went to Chaoguo to request more provisions. No further details are provided.

且说朝歌城来了一个大汉，身高数丈，力能陆地行舟，顿餐只牛，用一根排扒木，姓邬，名文化；揭招贤榜投军。朝廷差官送邬文化至孟津营听用。来至辕门，左右报与袁洪。袁洪命：“令来。”邬文化同差官至中军，见礼毕，通名站立。袁洪见邬文化一表非俗，恍似金刚一般，撑住半天里，果是惊人。袁洪曰：“将军此来，必怀妙策。今将何计以退周兵？”邬文化曰：“末将乃一勇鄙夫，奉圣旨赍送元帅帐下调用，听凭指挥。”袁洪大喜：“将军此来，必定首建大功，何愁姜尚不授首也！”邬文化次日清晨上帐领令，出营搦战，倒拖排扒木，行至周营，大呼曰：“传与反叛姜尚，早至辕门洗颈受戮！”话说子牙在中军帐，猛听战鼓声响，抬头观看，见一大汉竖在半里，惊问众将曰：“那里来了一个大汉子？”众人齐来观看，果是好个大汉子，众皆大惊。正欲寻问，只见军政官报入中军来：“有一大汉，口出大言，请令定夺。”有龙须虎出曰：“弟子愿往。”子牙许之，分付曰：“你须仔细！”龙须虎领令出营来。邬文化低头往下一看，大笑不止：“那里来了一个虾精？”龙须虎抬头看邬文化，怎生凶恶，但见有诗为证，诗曰： 身高数丈体榔头，口似窑门两眼抠。丈二苍须加散线，尺三草履似行舟。 生成大力排山岳，食尽全牛赛虎彪。陆地行舟人罕见，蟠龙岭上火光愁。

Meanwhile, a tall man arrived in Chaoguo. He was several zhang tall and strong enough to row a boat on land or eat an entire ox at one meal. He used a long pole as his weapon. His surname was Wu, and his given name was Wenhua; he came to enlist by responding to the imperial recruitment edict. The court sent an official to deliver Wu Wenhua to Mengjin Camp for assignment. When he arrived at the 辕门 (Yuanmen, the main gate of a military camp), the guards reported his arrival to Yuan Hong. Yuan Hong ordered: "Bring him in." Wu Wenhua, accompanied by the official who had brought him, arrived at the central command tent. After bowing and paying respects, he announced his name and stood in place. Yuan Hong saw that Wu Wenhua had an extraordinary appearance, resembling a Vajra in form, as if he could hold up the sky. Indeed, his presence was impressive and awe-inspiring. Yuan Hong said: "General, your arrival must mean you have a brilliant strategy in mind. What plan do you propose to repel the Zhou forces?" Wu Wenhua replied: "I, your humble general, am but a man of brute strength. I have been sent here by imperial decree to serve under the command of Commander-in-Chief and await your orders." Yuan Hong was greatly pleased: "With General's arrival, great success will surely come first. What need do we have to worry about Jiang Shang not surrendering his head!" The next morning, at dawn, Wu Wenhua went to the tent to receive his orders and then left camp to challenge the enemy. Dragging his long pole behind him, he arrived at the Zhou army's encampment and shouted: "Tell the traitor Jiang Shang to come quickly to the 辕门 (Yuan Men) and prepare your necks for execution!" Meanwhile, in the central command tent, Ziya suddenly heard the sound of war drums. Looking up and observing, he saw a tall man standing half a li away. Startled, he asked his generals: "Where did this big man come from?" Everyone gathered to look and indeed saw a truly impressive giant of a man. All were greatly astonished. Just as they were about to ask questions, a military official entered the central tent and reported: "There is a tall man who speaks boastfully. Please give orders on how to deal with him." Longxu Hu stepped forward and said: "I, your disciple, am willing to go." Ziya agreed and instructed him: "You must be careful!" Longxu Hu accepted the order and left camp. lando Wu Wenhua looked down, saw him, and burst into laughter: "Where did a shrimp spirit come from?" Longxu Hu looked up at Wu Wenhua and saw how fierce he appeared. A poem describes this scene: The poem says: Tall as several zhang, his body like a hammer; mouth wide as a kiln door, two eyes dug deep. A blue beard over one zhang long with scattered threads; straw sandals three chi in length, as if rowing a boat. With great strength capable of moving mountains and valleys, he can devour an entire ox to rival the mightiest tiger or leopard. He walks on land as if rowing a boat—rarely seen by men; at Panlong Ling, flames of fire bring sorrow.

邬文化大呼曰：“周营中来的是个甚么东西？”龙须虎大怒，骂曰：“好匹夫！把吾当作甚么东西！吾乃姜元帅第二门徒龙须虎是也。”邬文化笑曰：“你是一个畜生，全无一些人相，难道也是姜尚门徒！”龙须虎曰：“村匹夫快通名来，杀你也好上功劳簿。”邬文化骂曰：“不识好歹业畜！吾乃纣王御前袁元帅麾下威武大将军邬文化是也。你快回去，叫姜尚来受死，饶你一命。”龙须虎大怒，骂曰：“今奉令特来擒你，尚敢多言！”发手一石打来。邬文化一排扒木打下来，龙须虎闪过，其钉打入土有三四尺深；急自拽起钉扒来，到被龙须虎夹大腿连腰上打了七八石头；再转身，又打了五六石头；只打得是下三路。邬文化身大，转身不活，不上一个时辰，被龙须虎连腿带腰打了七八十下，打得邬文化疼痛难当，倒拖著排扒木望正东上走了。龙须虎得胜回营，来见子牙，备言其事。众将俱以为大而无用，子牙也不深究所以，彼此相安不察。且说邬文化败走二十里，坐在一山崖上，擦腿摸腰，有一个时辰，乃缓缓来至辕门。左右报入中军曰：“启元帅：邬文化在辕门等令。”袁洪分付：“令来。”邬文化来帐前，参谒袁洪。袁洪责之曰：“你今初会战，便自失利，挫动锋锐，如何不自小心！”邬文化曰：“元帅放心。末将今夜劫营，管教他片甲不存，上报朝廷，下泄吾恨。”袁洪曰：“你今夜劫营，吾当助尔。”邬文化收拾打点，今夜去劫周营。此是子牙军士有难，故有此失。正是： 一时不察军情事，断送无辜填孟津。

Wu Wenhua shouted: "What kind of creature have you sent from the Zhou camp?" Longxu Hu became furious and scolded, saying: "You good-for-nothing!" Do you take me for some kind of nothing?!" "I am Longxu Hu, the second disciple of Commander-in-Chief Jiang." Wu Wenhua laughed and said: "You are nothing but a beast, with not even the slightest human appearance. Could you possibly be a disciple of Jiang Shang!" Longxu Hu said: "Villain, quickly state your name so I can kill you and record it as a merit on my list of achievements." Wu Wenhua scolded: "You ignorant beast!" "I am Wu Wenhua, the valiant general under Commander-in-Chief Yuan of King Zhou's court." You had better go back and call Jiang Shang to die. I will spare your life this time." Longxu Hu was furious and scolded: "I have come here especially to capture you under orders. How dare you speak so much!" He threw a stone at him with all his might. Wu Wenhua swung down his long pole, striking the stone. Longxu Hu dodged in time; the stone sank into the ground three or four chi deep. Wu Wenhua hurriedly tried to pull up his pole, but was caught off guard as Longxu Hu hit him in the thighs and waist with seven or eight stones; when he turned around again, another five or six stones struck him. The stones hit only the lower parts of his body. Wu Wenhua was tall and cumbersome, unable to turn quickly. Within the span of a single shichen (two hours), Longxu Hu struck him in the legs and waist seventy or eighty times. Wu Wenhua could no longer bear the pain and dragged his pole behind him as he fled eastward. Longxu Hu returned to camp victorious, went to see Ziya, and reported the entire incident in detail. The other generals all considered Wu Wenhua large but useless. Ziya did not deeply investigate the matter, and so both sides remained at peace without further inquiry. Meanwhile, Wu Wenhua fled twenty li and sat on a cliff, rubbing his legs and waist for an entire shichen. Then he slowly made his way back to the 辕门 (Yuan men). The guards reported into the central command: "Commander-in-Chief, Wu Wenhua is waiting at the 辕门 for your orders." Yuan Hong gave instructions: "Bring him in." Wu Wenhua came before the tent and paid his respects to Yuan Hong. Yuan Hong scolded him: "You have just had your first battle and already suffered a defeat. This has weakened our momentum—how could you not be more careful!" Wu Wenhua said: "Commander-in-Chief may rest assured." Tonight, I shall raid their camp and ensure not a single piece of armor remains. This will serve both to report my success to the court and satisfy my anger." Yuan Hong said: "If you raid their camp tonight, I shall assist you." Wu Wenhua prepared and made arrangements to raid the Zhou camp that night. This was a misfortune for Ziya's troops, hence this loss occurred. Indeed: A moment of neglect in military affairs leads to the senseless deaths of the innocent, filling Mengjin with sorrow.

话说子牙不意邬文化今夜劫营。将至二更时分，成汤营里一声炮响，喊声齐起，邬文化当头，撞进辕门。那是时黑夜，谁人抵敌。冲开七层鹿角，撞翻四方木栅、挡牌，邬文化把排扒木只是撞扫两边。也是周营军士有难，可怜被他冲杀得尸横遍野，血流成河，六十万人马在中军呼兄唤弟，觅子寻爷。又有袁洪协同，黑夜中袁洪放出妖气，笼罩住营中，惊动多少大小将官。子牙听得大汉劫营，急上了四不相，手执杏黄旗，护定身子，只听得杀声大振，心下著忙。又见大汉二目如两盏红灯，众门人各不相顾，只杀得孟津血水成渠。有诗为证，诗曰： 姜帅提兵会列侯，袁洪赌智未能休。朝歌遣将能摧敌，周寨无谋是自蹂。 军士有灾皆在劫，元戎遇难更何尤。可惜英雄徒浪死，贤愚无辨丧荒丘。

Meanwhile, Ziya had no expectation that Wu Wenhua would raid their camp that night. Just before the second geng (around 10 PM), a cannon shot rang out from the Chengtang camp, followed by shouts rising in unison. Wu Wenhua led the charge and crashed through the 辕门 (Yuanmen). It was pitch black at that time of night—nobody could resist him. He smashed through seven layers of deer horns, knocked over wooden fences and shields from all directions. Wu Wenhua simply swung his pole to the left and right, sweeping everything aside. It was a misfortune for the Zhou camp's soldiers. Poor souls were slaughtered by him, their bodies lying dead across the field and blood flowing like rivers. Among the sixty thousand troops in the central command, brothers called out to each other, sons searched desperately for fathers. Meanwhile, Yuan Hong also cooperated with the attack. In the darkness, Yuan Hong released a demonic aura that enveloped the camp, startling many generals and officers of all ranks. Ziya, hearing that the giant had raided the camp, quickly mounted his Si Bu Xiang (Four Not Horses), held up the apricot-yellow banner in hand, and protected himself. As he heard the rising cries of battle, he grew anxious. He also saw that the giant's eyes glowed like two red lanterns. Ziya's disciples, each preoccupied with their own battles, could not look after one another as they fought fiercely, turning Mengjin into a river of blood and water flowing in channels. A poem serves as testimony: The poem says: Jiang Shuai leads his troops to meet the marquises, while Yuan Hong's contest of wits has not yet ceased. Chaoguo sends generals capable of crushing the enemy; the Zhou camp, lacking strategy, is trampled by its own folly. The soldiers' calamities are all part of fate's design; when a general meets disaster, what more can be said? It is a pity that heroes die in vain, and the wise and foolish alike perish without distinction on desolate fields.

话说邬文化夤夜劫周营，后有袁洪助战；周将睡熟，被邬文化将排扒木两边乱扫，可怜为国捐躯，名利何在！袁洪骑马，仗妖术冲杀进营，不辨贤愚，尽是些少肩无臂之人，都做了破腹无头之鬼。武王有四贤保驾奔逃；子牙落荒而走；五七门徒借五遁逃去；只是披坚执锐之士，怎免一场大厄！该绝者难逃天数；有生者躲脱灾殃。且说邬文化直冲杀至后营，来到粮草堆根前。此处乃杨戬守护之所，忽听得大汉劫营，姜元帅失利，杨戬急上马看时，见邬文化来得势头凶，欲要迎敌，又顾粮草，心生一个计，且救眼下之厄，忙下马，念念有词，将一草竖立在手，吹口气，叫声：“变！”化了一个大汉，头撑天，脚踏地。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 头有城门大，二目似披缸。鼻孔如水桶，门牙扁担长。 胡鬓似竹笋，口内吐金光。大呼“邬文化”，与吾战一场。！

Now let us return to Wu Wenhua, who raided the Zhou camp in the dead of night, with Yuan Hong assisting from behind; The Zhou generals were fast asleep when Wu Wenhua swept the pole on both sides in chaos. Poor souls, sacrificing their lives for the country—where now are fame and profit! Yuan Hong, riding his horse and wielding demonic arts, charged into the camp. Without distinction of wisdom or folly, all were people with no arms on their shoulders, becoming ghosts without heads or pierced abdomens. King Wu had four virtuous ministers to protect and accompany him in his flight; Ziya fled into the wilderness; His five or seven disciples used the Five Evasions to escape; Only those clad in armor and wielding sharp weapons could not avoid this great calamity! Those destined to perish cannot escape their fate; The living managed to evade disaster. Let us now return to Wu Wenhua who charged straight into the rear camp and arrived at the base of the grain and forage piles. This place was guarded by Yang Jian. Suddenly hearing that the giant had attacked the camp and that General Jiang had suffered a defeat, Yang Jian quickly mounted his horse to look out. Seeing Wu Wenhua coming with fierce momentum, he wanted to fight but also needed to protect the grain supplies. A plan formed in his mind to resolve this immediate crisis. Hurriedly dismounting, he muttered some words, took a blade of grass in hand, blew on it, and shouted, "Transform!" It transformed into a giant man with his head touching the sky and feet planted firmly on the ground. How was this described? A eulogy serves as evidence: The praise says: His head is the size of a city gate, and his two eyes resemble large jars. His nostrils are like water buckets, and his front teeth as long as flat bamboo poles. His beard resembles bamboo shoots, and golden light radiates from within his mouth. He roared, "Wu Wenhua! Come fight me!" !

话说邬文化正尽力冲杀，灯光影里见一大汉，比他更觉长大，大呼曰：“那匹夫慢来！吾来也！”邬文化抬头看见，諕得魂不附体：“我的爷来了！”倒拖排扒木，回头就走，也不管好歹，只是飞跑。杨戬化身随后赶来一程，正遇袁洪。杨戬大呼曰：“好妖怪，怎敢如此！”使开三尖刀，飞奔杀来。袁洪使棍抵住。大战一回，杨戬祭哮天犬时，袁洪看见，化一道白光，脱身回营。且说孟津众诸侯闻袁洪劫姜元帅的大营，惊起南北二镇诸侯，齐来救应。两下混战，只杀到天明。子牙会集诸门人，寻见武王，收集败残人马，点算损折军兵有二十馀万；帐下折了将官三十四员；龙须虎被邬文化排扒木绝其性命。──军士有见龙须虚的头挂在排扒木上，因此报知。子牙闻龙须虎被乱军中杀死，子牙伤悼不已。众诸侯上帐，问武王安。杨戬来见子牙，备言：“邬文化冲杀，是弟子……如此治之，方救得行粮无虞。”子牙曰：“一时误于检点，故遭此厄，无非是天数耳。”心下郁郁不乐，纳闷中军。

Now let us return to Wu Wenthua, who was charging forward with all his might. In the glow of the lantern light, he saw a giant even larger than himself and shouted loudly, "You rascal! Come no closer!" "I am coming for you!" Wu Wenhua looked up and saw it, so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body. "My master has come!" he cried. He turned around and ran headlong, dragging the pole behind him without caring whether it was good or bad, just fleeing as fast as he could. Yang Jian's transformed giant followed for a while and soon encountered Yuan Hong. Yang Jian shouted angrily, "You demon! How dare you act so recklessly!" He brandished his three-pointed spear and charged forward to attack. Yuan Hong held up a staff to block it. After a fierce battle, when Yang Jian summoned the Xiaotian Dog, Yuan Hong saw it and transformed into a streak of white light to escape back to his camp. Now let us return to the various feudal lords at Mengjin, who had heard that Yuan Hong had raided General Jiang's main camp. They were alarmed and roused both northern and southern garrisons of feudal lords, who all rushed to come to his aid. The two sides clashed in chaos, fighting until dawn. Ziya gathered his disciples and found King Wu, collecting the remnants of their defeated forces. He counted that over 200,000 soldiers had been lost; thirty-four generals under his command had perished; Longxu Hu was killed by Wu Wenhua's pole, which ended his life. —Some soldiers saw Longxu Hu's head hanging on the pole and thus reported it. Ziya, upon hearing that Longxu Hu had been killed in the chaos of battle, was deeply grieved and mourned without ceasing. The feudal lords came to the tent to inquire about King Wu's safety. Yang Jian came to see Ziya and reported, "It was Wu Wenhua who led the charge. It was my disciple... Only by dealing with him in such a way could we save our supplies from danger." Ziya said, "It was a momentary failure to be vigilant that led us into this disaster. It is nothing but the will of Heaven." He felt deeply troubled and unhappy, brooding in the central command.

且说袁洪得胜回营，其本往朝歌报捷：“邬文化大胜周兵，尸塞孟津，其水为之不流。”群臣具贺：“自征伐西岐，从未有此大胜。”纣王大喜，日日纵乐，全不以周兵为事。且说杨戬来见子牙曰：“如今先将大汉邬文化治了，然后可破袁洪。”子牙曰：“须得……如此，方可绝得此人。”杨戬领令，去到孟津哨探路径。走有六十里，至一所在，地名蟠龙岭。此山弯环如蟠龙之势，中有空阔一条路，两头可以出入。杨戬看罢，心下大喜曰：“此处正好行此计也！”忙回见子牙，备言：“蟠龙岭地方可以行计。”子牙听说大喜，在杨戬耳边备说：“……如此如此，可以成功。”杨戬遂自去了。正是 计烧大将邬文化，须得姜公用此谋。

Now let us return to Yuan Hong, who returned victorious to his camp and went straight to Chaoguo to report the good news: "Wu Wenhua has greatly defeated the Zhou forces. Corpses block Mengjin so densely that even the river water cannot flow." The ministers all congratulated him, saying, "Since we began our campaign against Xiqi, there has never been such a great victory." King Zhou was overjoyed and indulged in pleasures day after day, completely ignoring the threat of the Zhou forces. Now let us return to Yang Jian, who came to see Ziya and said, "We should deal with the giant Wu Wenhua first; only then can we defeat Yuan Hong." Ziya replied, "We must... do this in such a way to completely eliminate this man." Yang Jian accepted the order and went to Mengjin to scout for paths. After traveling about sixty li, he arrived at a place called Panlong Ling. This mountain curved like the coiled posture of a dragon, with an open path in the middle that could be entered or exited from both ends. After inspecting it, Yang Jian was greatly pleased and said, "This is the perfect place to carry out this plan!" He hurried back to see Ziya and reported: "The area of Panlong Ling is ideal for executing the plan." Ziya was overjoyed upon hearing this and whispered to Yang Jian: "…Do it in such a way, and we can succeed." Yang Jian then left immediately. Indeed, To burn the great general Wu Wenhua in a plan requires General Jiang to devise this strategy.

话说子牙令武吉、南宫适：“ 领二千人马，往蟠龙岭去埋伏引火之物，中用竹筒引线，暗埋火炮、火箭各项等物，岭上俱用柴薪引火乾燥物件，预备停当，只等邬文化来至，便可行之。”二将领令去讫。话说邬文化得了大功，纣王差官赍袍、带、表礼等物奖谕，袁洪、邬文化二将谢恩，打发天使回朝歌。不表。袁洪对邬文化曰：“荷蒙天子恩宠奖谕，邬将军，我等当得尽忠竭力，以报国恩，不负吾辈名扬于天下也。”邬文化曰：“末将明日使姜尚无备，再杀他个片甲无存，早早奏凯。”袁洪大喜，设宴庆赏。正谈笑间，探事马报入中军：“启元帅：今有姜子牙与武王在辕门闲看吾营，不知有何原故，请令定夺。”袁洪听报，即令邬文化：“暗出大营，抄出子牙之后擒之，如探囊取物耳。”邬文化领令，忙出右营门，撒开大步，拖排扒木，如飞云掣电而来，大呼曰：“姜尚休走！今番吾定擒你成功也。速速下骑受死，免吾费力。”子牙与武王见邬文化追来，拨转坐骑，望西南而逃。邬文化见子牙、武王落荒而走，放心追来。子牙回顾，诱邬文化曰：“邬将军，你放我君臣回营，得归故国，再不敢有犯边疆，吾群臣感将军洪恩不浅矣。”邬文化曰：“今番错过，千载难逢。”拚命赶来，那里肯舍。望前赶了一个时辰。姜子牙与武王是有脚力的；邬文化步行，又当得他是急急追赶，一气赶了五六十里，邬文化气力已乏，立住脚不赶了。子牙回头看时，见邬文化不赶，子牙勒转坐骑，大呼曰：“邬文化，你敢来与吾战三合么？”邬文化大怒曰：“有何不敢？”回身又望前赶来。子牙勒转四不相又走，看看赶至蟠龙岭了，子牙君臣进山口去了。邬文化大喜：“姜尚进山，似鱼游釜中，肉在几上！”随后追进山口。不知邬文化性命如何，且听下回分解。

Now let us return to Ziya, who ordered Wu Ji and Nan Gong Shi: "Lead two thousand troops to Panlong Ling to set up an ambush with fire materials. Use bamboo tubes for fuses and secretly plant fire bombs and fire arrows of various kinds. Cover the mountain ridge entirely with dry firewood and flammable objects, prepare everything in advance, and wait only for Wu Wenhua to arrive before carrying it out." The two generals accepted the order and departed. Now let us return to Wu Wenchua, who had achieved great merit. King Zhou sent officials with robes, sashes, and ceremonial gifts as rewards and commendations. The two generals Yuan Hong and Wu Wenhua expressed their gratitude and dismissed the imperial envoy back to Chaoguo. No further details are given on this matter. Yuan Hong said to Wu Wenhua: "We are greatly honored by the emperor's grace and commendation. General Wu, we must now serve with utmost loyalty and effort to repay our country's kindness and not let down our reputation as men of renown in the world." Wu Wenhua replied, "Tomorrow I will strike when Jiang Shang is unprepared and wipe out his forces completely, leaving not a single piece of armor behind. We shall return in triumph soon." Yuan Hong was overjoyed and held a banquet to celebrate and reward the occasion. While they were chatting and laughing, a scout galloped into the central command and reported: "Your Excellency, now there is Jiang Ziya and King Wu leisurely observing our camp at the 辕门 (Yuanmen). I do not know what their intention may be. Please give orders." Yuan Hong, upon hearing the report, immediately ordered Wu Wenhua: "Stealthily leave the main camp and sneak behind Jiang Ziya to capture him. It will be as easy as taking something from a bag." Wu Wenhua accepted the order and hurriedly exited through the right gate of the camp, spreading his large steps and dragging his pole behind him. He came rushing forward like a bolt of lightning in the sky, shouting loudly: "Jiang Shang, don't run away!" This time I will surely capture you and achieve success! Quickly dismount and accept your death, so that I may not waste my strength." Ziya and King Wu saw Wu Wenhua chasing after them and turned their horses, fleeing toward the southwest. Seeing Ziya and King Wu fleeing into the wilderness, Wu Wenhua confidently pursued them. Ziya looked back and lured Wu Wenhua by saying, "General Wu, if you let my sovereign and I return to our camp and go back to our homeland, we shall never again dare to trespass on your borders. Our ministers would be deeply grateful for your great kindness." Wu Wenhua said, "If I let this opportunity slip now, it will never come again in a thousand years." He pushed himself to the limit and rushed forward, unwilling to give up. They chased for nearly an hour ahead. Jiang Ziya and King Wu were skilled riders; but Wu Wenhua was on foot. As he hurriedly chased, he ran for fifty or sixty li in one go and became exhausted. He stopped running and could not continue the pursuit. Ziya turned his horse around and saw that Wu Wenhua had stopped chasing. He reined in his steed and shouted, "Wu Wenhua, are you brave enough to fight me for three rounds?" Wu Wenhua became furious and said, "What is there that I dare not do?" He turned around once more and rushed forward to chase. Ziya reined in his Si Bu Xiang and rode off again, and soon they had reached Panlong Ling. Ziya and the royal ministers entered through the mountain pass and disappeared into it. Wu Wenhua was overjoyed: "Jiang Shang has entered the mountain, like a fish in a pot or meat on a table!" He followed closely and rushed into the mountain pass. What will happen to Wu Wenhua's life? We shall hear in the next chapter.