Chapter 92: Yang Zhan and Nezha Capture Seven Demons

诗曰： 梅山七怪阻周兵，逞异夸能苦战争。狗宝虽凶谁独死，牛黄纵恶自戕生。 朱贞伏地先无项；杨显纵横后亦薨。堪笑白猿多惹事，千年道行等闲倾。

The poem says: The seven monsters of Meishan blocked the Zhou army, displaying their strange powers and boasting abilities in bitter warfare. Though fierce, who among the dog's treasure died alone; even if evil, the ox gallstone destroyed itself. Zhu Zhen fell to the ground first without a neck; Yang Xian, after moving about freely, also died. It is laughable that the white monkey caused so many troubles; thousands of years of cultivation were overturned in vain.

话说武吉、南宫适望见子牙引邬文化进山，先让过子牙与武王，用木石叠断前山。只见邬文化赶进山口，不见了子牙、武王，立住了脚，迟疑四望，竟无踪迹。正欲回身出山，只听得两边炮响，杀声振地，山上用滚木大石叠断山口，军士用火弓、火箭、火炮、乾柴等物望山下抛放，只见四下里火起，满谷烟生。怎见得好火，赞曰： 腾腾烈焰，滚滚烟生。一会家地塌山崩；霎时间雷轰电掣。须臾绿树尽沾红，倾刻青山皆带赤。那怕你铜墙铁壁，说甚么海阔河宽，汤著他烁石流金，遇著时枯泉辙涸。风乘火势逞雄威，火借风高拚恶毒。休说邬文化血肉身躯，就是满山中披毛带角的皆逢其劫。

It is said that Wu Ji and Nangong Shi saw Zi Ya leading Wuhua into the mountain. They first let Zi Ya and King Wu pass, then blocked the front of the mountain by piling up wood and stones. Wuhua hurried into the mountain pass, but could not see Zi Ya or King Wu. He stopped and hesitated, looking around in all directions, yet found no trace of them. Just as he was about to turn back and leave the mountain, he suddenly heard cannon fire from both sides, with shouts of battle shaking the earth. On the mountain, rolling logs and large stones were piled up to block the pass. Soldiers used fire bows, fire arrows, fire cannons, dry firewood, and other items to hurl them down the mountain. Soon, fires broke out in all directions and thick smoke filled the valley. How magnificent was the fire! A verse praises it: The blazing flames rose high, and thick smoke rolled forth in waves. In a moment, the ground collapsed and the mountain crumbled; Suddenly, thunder roared and lightning flashed. In a short while, the green trees were all stained red; in an instant, the emerald hills turned crimson. No matter how strong your copper walls or iron fortifications, no matter what you say about vast seas and wide rivers, when touched by it, even stones melt like gold; when encountered, even dry wells and waterless ruts cannot escape. The wind carried the fire's fury to display its mighty power, while the fire used the height of the wind to unleash its cruel poison. Do not speak of Wuhua's flesh and blood body; even if all the creatures with fur and horns in the mountain were to encounter this calamity, they would be caught in it.

话说邬文化见后面火起，叠断归路，抽身转奔进山来。那山脚下地炮、地雷发作，望上打来。可怜顶天立地大汉，陆地行舟的英雄，只落得顷刻化为灰烬！后人有诗叹之： 夜劫周营立大功，孟津河下逞英雄。姜公妙算驱杨戬，火化蟠龙一阵风。

It is said that Wuhua saw the fire rising from behind and blocking his way back, so he turned around and rushed deeper into the mountain. Beneath the foot of the mountain, underground cannons and landmines exploded upward toward him. Alas! A mighty man who stood tall as the sky, a hero who could sail on land—only to be reduced to ashes in an instant! Later generations composed a poem lamenting this: At night, the Zhou camp was attacked and great achievements were made; at Mengjin River, he displayed his heroism. Master Jiang's brilliant strategy drove Yang Zhan away; a gust of wind turned the coiled dragon into ashes in an instant.

话说杨戬、武吉、南宫适见烧死了邬文化，俱回来见姜子牙，备言前事。子牙大喜；又谓杨戬曰：“只是袁洪此怪未除，如之奈何？”杨戬曰：“此怪乃梅山得道白猿，最是精灵，俟徐徐除之。”子牙曰：“且等东伯侯来至，诸侯方可进兵。”

It is said that Yang Zhan, Wu Ji, and Nangong Shi, having seen Wuhua burned to death, all returned to see Jiang Ziya and reported the events in detail. Zi Ya was greatly pleased; he said to Yang Zhan, "However, the monster Yuan Hong still remains. What can we do about it?" Yang Zhan said, "This monster is a white gibbon who attained the Dao on Meishan Mountain. It is especially cunning and must be dealt with gradually." Zi Ya said, "Let us wait for Dongbo Hou to arrive; only then can the feudal lords advance their troops."

话说袁洪闻报，知道烧死了邬文化，心中不乐，正独坐纳闷，忽报：“辕门外有一陀头求见。”袁洪传令：“请来。”少时，陀头至中军，打稽首曰：“元帅，贫道稽首了。”袁洪曰：“道者请了。道者从何处来？有何见谕？”陀头曰：“吾亦在梅山地方居住，与元帅相隔不远，姓朱，名子真。今知元帅为纣王出力，特来助一臂之力。不识元帅肯容纳否？”袁洪听说大喜，邀请陀头上坐。朱子真再三谦让，就席而坐。傍有参军殷破败、雷开二将听得又是梅山之士，乃相谓叹曰：“此又是常昊、吴龙一党。”袁洪命治酒管待朱子真。一宵不表。次日，朱子真提宝剑在手，率左右行至周营，坐名请元帅答话。军政官报入中军。子牙听见有道者，忙传令南北二处诸侯齐出辕门，排开队伍，自己亲率诸众弟子出辕门，列成阵势。见成汤旗门脚下，来一陀头，怎见得，有赞为证： 面如黑漆甚蹊跷，海下髭髯一剪齐。长唇大耳真凶恶，眼露光华扫帚眉。皂服丝绦飘荡荡，浑身冷气侵人肌。梅山猪怪逢杨戬，不久周营现此躯。

It is said that Yuan Hong, upon hearing the report of Wuhua's death by fire, was not pleased. As he sat alone in thought, a sudden report came: "A hunchbacked man requests an audience at the gate." Yuan Hong gave orders, "Please bring him in." After a short while, the hunchbacked man arrived at the central command and bowed deeply, saying, "General Yuan Hong, I, this poor Daoist, pay my respects." Yuan Hong said, "Daoist, please sit down. From where have you come?" What is your message to me?" The hunchbacked man said, "I also reside in the area of Meishan Mountain and live not far from you, General. My surname is Zhu and my name is Zizhen. Now I have learned that you, General, are exerting effort for King Zhou, so I specially came to lend a helping hand. I wonder if General would be willing to accept me?" Yuan Hong was greatly pleased upon hearing this and invited the hunchbacked man to sit in an honored position. Zhu Zizhen repeatedly declined with humility before finally taking his seat. Nearby, the two generals Shen Jun Yin Pobai and Lei Kai, upon hearing that he was another native of Meishan Mountain, exchanged glances and sighed to each other, saying, "This is yet another member of Chang Hao's and Wu Long's faction." Yuan Hong ordered wine and food to be prepared for Zhu Zizhen. The details of that night are omitted. The next day, Zhu Zizhen held a precious sword in his hand and led his attendants to the Zhou camp, demanding an audience with General Yuan Hong. The military official reported this into the central command. Zi Ya, upon hearing of the Daoist's arrival, quickly gave orders for feudal lords from both north and south to exit through the gate, form their ranks, while he personally led his disciples out of the gate and arranged them into an array. They saw a hunchbacked man approaching from beneath the flag of Cheng Tang. How did he appear? A verse testifies: His face was as black as lacquer, strange and peculiar; his beard below the jaw was neatly trimmed in one cut. Long lips and large ears truly showed fierceness and cruelty; eyes gleamed with light, and his eyebrows resembled a broom. His black robe and silk sash fluttered in the wind; a chill aura surrounded him, invading one's skin with cold. The pig demon of Meishan encountered Yang Zhan; not long after, this body appeared at the Zhou camp.

话说朱子真步行至前，见子牙簇拥而至。子牙曰：“道者何人？”朱子真曰：“吾乃梅山炼气士朱子真是也。”姜子牙曰：“你不守分安居，来此何干？是自寻死亡也。”朱子真大笑曰：“成汤相传数十世，尔等世受国恩，无故造反，侵夺关隘，反言天命人心，真是妖言惑众，不忠不孝之夫！吾今日到此，快快下马纳降，各还故土，尚待你等以不死；如有半字不然，那时拿住，定碎尸万段，悔无及矣。”子牙大骂曰：“无知匹夫！你死在目前，尚不自知，犹自饶舌也！”朱子真仗剑来取子牙。只见傍有南伯侯麾下副将余忠──此人不信道术──使狼牙棒，面如紫枣，三绺长髯，飞马大呼曰：“此功留与我来取！”子牙见左哨来了余忠，一马当先，也不答话，使开棒夹头就打。朱子真手中剑劈面交还。步马相交，剑棒并举。未及二十合，朱子真转身就走。余忠随后赶来。子牙传令：“擂鼓呐喊，以助军威。”余忠追来，未及一里之馀，──朱子真乃是妖魅，足下阴风簇拥，一派寒雾笼罩，故马亦追之不上。──朱子真把身子立住，余忠马看看至近，子真回头，把口一张，一道黑烟喷出，笼罩其身，现出本相，一口把余忠咬了半段，余忠尸骸倒于马下。朱子真复现元身，回奔而来，大呼曰：“姜子牙敢与吾立见雌雄么？”杨戬在傍，用照妖宝鉴一照，原来是一个大猪。杨戬把马催开，使三尖刀从后面大喝曰：“好业障少来！有吾在此！”使开刀，分顶门砍来。朱子真手中剑急架忙迎。步马相交，刀剑并举。未及数合，朱子真抽身就走。杨戬随后赶来。朱子真加前，复现原身，将杨戬一口吃去。子牙见杨戬如此，传令回兵进营。朱子真得胜，来见袁洪，袁洪大喜，治酒管待朱子真贺功。正饮之间，忽报：“辕门有一杰士求见。”袁洪传令：“令来。”少时，见一人面如傅粉，海下长髯，顶生二角，戴一顶束发冠，至帐下行礼毕，袁洪问曰：“杰士何方人氏？”其人答曰：“末将姓杨，名显，祖居梅山人氏。”──此杰士乃是羊精也，借“羊”成姓，也是梅山一怪，俱是袁洪一起。只恐傍人看破，故此陆续而来，托姓借名，以掩众人耳目。──当日袁洪留在军中，赐坐饮酒。杨显与朱子真各自夸能斗胜，哓哓不休。殷破败自思：“此又是袁洪等一党妖孽耳！”默对雷开不语。只见大小将官正饮酒，方到二更时分，听得朱子真腹内有人言曰：“朱道人！你可知道吾是谁？”朱子真惊得魂不附体，忙问曰：“你是谁？你实在那里？”杨戬在腹内答曰：“吾乃玉泉山金霞洞玉鼎真人门徒杨戬是也。今已在你腹内。你只知贪吃血食，不知在梅山吃

It is said that Zhu Zizhen walked forward and saw Zi Ya arriving with a large entourage. Zi Ya asked, "Who are you, Daoist?" Zhu Zizhen said, "I am Zhu Zizhen, a cultivator of vital energy from Meishan Mountain." Jiang Zi Ya said, "You do not abide by your proper place and remain at peace. What business brings you here?" This is but to seek death for yourself." Zhu Zizhen laughed loudly and said, "The legacy of Cheng Tang has lasted for dozens of generations. You have all received the nation's grace through many generations yet rebel without cause, seizing passes and fortresses. To speak instead of heavenly mandate and public sentiment is truly to spread false doctrines, deceiving the people—you are indeed unfaithful and unfilial men!" I have come here today. If you quickly dismount, surrender, and return to your native lands, I may yet spare your lives; if there is even a single word of refusal, when we capture you then, we shall surely dismember you into ten thousand pieces—regret will come too late!" Zi Ya shouted in anger, "You ignorant fool! Death is upon you and yet you do not realize it; still you dare to speak idly!" Zhu Zizhen brandished his sword and charged at Zi Ya. Just then, from the side came Yu Zhong, a deputy general under Nanbo Hou—this man did not believe in Daoist arts. He wielded a tusk club, had a face like a purple jujube, and three long whiskers; he galloped forward shouting, "This feat shall be mine to claim!" Zi Ya saw Yu Zhong coming from the left wing, riding at the forefront. Without saying a word, he brandished his club and struck directly at him. Zhu Zizhen parried with his sword, striking back face-on. Horse and foot clashed as swords and clubs were raised in battle together. Before twenty exchanges, Zhu Zizhen turned around and fled. Yu Zhong rushed after him. Zi Ya gave orders, "Beat the drums and shout to boost our military might." Yu Zhong pursued, but had not gone more than a li—Zhu Zizhen was an evil spirit; dark winds gathered beneath his feet and a chill mist enveloped him, so even the horse could not catch up. Zhu Zizhen stopped his body. Yu Zhong's horse was nearly upon him when Zhu Zizhen turned back, opened his mouth wide, and a jet of black smoke spewed out, enveloping his form. He revealed his true shape and bit off half of Yu Zhong's body; Yu Zhong fell dead from the saddle. Zhu Zizhen once again revealed his original form and galloped back, shouting loudly, "Jiang Zi Ya, dare you face me in a decisive battle to see who is superior?" Yang Zhan, standing nearby, used the Mirror of Revealing Demons to look. It turned out to be a large pig. Yang Zhan spurred his horse forward and, wielding the Three-Tipped Dagger from behind, shouted loudly, "You wicked demon, come no closer!" I am here to stop you!" He raised his blade and swung it down toward the top of Zhu Zizhen's head. Zhu Zizhen quickly raised his sword to block and meet the strike. Horse and foot clashed again as swords and blades were raised in combat together. Before several exchanges, Zhu Zizhen pulled back and fled once more. Yang Zhan rushed after him. Zhu Zizhen sped forward, once again revealing his original form and bit Yang Zhan in half. Seeing what happened to Yang Zhan, Zi Ya gave orders for the troops to retreat into camp. Zhu Zizhen returned victorious and presented himself before Yuan Hong, who was greatly pleased and prepared wine to entertain Zhu Zizhen in celebration of his success. While they were still drinking, a report suddenly came: "A distinguished man requests an audience at the 辕门." Yuan Hong gave orders: "Bring him in." After a short while, a man appeared with a face as smooth as powdered white paint and long whiskers below the jaw. Two horns sprouted from his head, and he wore a hair-tied crown. After bowing in the tent, Yuan Hong asked, "Distinguished guest, where are you from?" The man replied, "I am General Yang Xian. My ancestors lived in Meishan." Yang Xian and Zhu Zizhen each boasted of their abilities and victories, arguing endlessly. Yin Pobai thought to himself, "This is yet another demon in Yuan Hong's faction!" He silently faced Lei Kai without speaking. Just then, the generals and officers were still drinking when it was just past the second watch of the night. Suddenly they heard a voice from within Zhu Zizhen say, "Master Zhu!" Do you know who I am?" Zhu Zizhen was so startled that his soul seemed to leave his body. He hurriedly asked, "Who are you? Where exactly are you?" Yang Zhan answered from within, saying, "I am Yang Zhan, a disciple of Master Yuding, the True Man of Jinxia Cave on Yuquan Mountain. I have already entered your belly." You only know to greedily consume blood and flesh, yet you did not realize that while eating in Meishan...

了多少众生，今日你这业障罪恶贯盈，我把你的肝肠弄一弄！”把手在他心肝上一揸，朱子真大叫一声：“痛杀我也！”口称：“大仙饶了小畜罢！”杨戬曰：“你是欲生，欲死？”朱子真曰：“望大仙慈悲！小畜在梅山也不知费几许辛苦，采天地灵气，吸日月精华，方能修成人形；今不知分量，干犯天威，望乞恕饶，真再生之德也！”杨戬曰：“你既要全生，你可速现原身，跪伏周营，吾当饶你性命；如不依吾言，我把你的心、肝、肺、腑都摘下你的来！”朱子真没奈何，有法也无处使，只得苦苦哀告。杨戬大叫曰：“如若迟了，吾就动手！”朱子真只得随现原形，是一个大猪，愰愰荡荡，走出辕门，就把袁洪急得抓耳挠腮，杨显恼得一天火发，有力也无有用处，只得听之而已。话说猪精走至周营辕门前跪伏，此时南宫适巡营，刚才四更，巡至辕门，只见一猪伏著，南宫适曰：“此是民间豢养的，怎走至此间来？等到天明，叫原人领去。”杨戬在猪腹内大呼曰：“南将军，报与姜元帅得知，此是梅山猪怪。今早见阵，是吾钻入他腹里，特来擒伏至此，快请元帅来辕门发落！”南宫适方悟，知是杨戬变化在他肚里，不觉大喜，忙进营门，至中军外帐，将云板敲响，请元帅升帐议事。内使传与子牙，子牙忙升帐。南宫适上帐启元帅曰：“杨戬收服梅山猪精，已在营门，请元帅发落。”子牙传令，命众将：“掌上灯球火把出营。”不一时，一声炮响，子牙率领众诸侯齐出辕门，看时，果是一口大猪，跪伏在地。子牙问曰：“你这业障，没来由，何苦自取杀身之祸！”杨戬在腹内应曰：“请元帅施行，斩除此怪，以绝后患。”子牙传令：“命南宫适行刑。”南宫适手起一刀，将猪头斩落在地。杨戬借血光而出，现了自己真身。众诸侯无不欣羡。子牙命将猪头挂在辕门号令。俱回营寨。不表。

how many lives you have devoured. Today, your accumulated sins and evil deeds are at their peak; I shall now stir up your entrails!" With a hand on his heart and liver, he gave it a violent twist. Zhu Zizhen let out a loud cry, "It hurts me to death!" He cried out, "Great Immortal, spare this lowly beast of mine!" Yang Zhan said, "Do you wish to live or die?" Zhu Zizhen pleaded, "I beg for your mercy, Great Immortal! My lowly beast form in Meishan did not know how much hardship I endured, gathering the vital energies of heaven and earth, absorbing the essence of sun and moon, before finally achieving a human shape; now I have acted without understanding my place, defying heavenly authority. I beg for your forgiveness and mercy; it would truly be a virtue of rebirth!" Yang Zhan said, "If you wish to preserve your life completely, quickly reveal your original form and kneel before the Zhou camp; I shall spare your life; if you do not heed my words, I will pluck out your heart, liver, lungs, and internal organs!" Zhu Zizhen had no choice; he had magic but nowhere to use it, so he could only bitterly plead for mercy. Yang Zhan shouted loudly, "If you delay any longer, I shall take action!" Zhu Zizhen had no alternative but to reveal his original form, which was a huge pig. Wobbling and staggering, it exited the 辕门 (Yuanmen gate). This so enraged Yuan Hong that he scratched his ears and rubbed his temples in frustration, while Yang Xian burned with anger from head to toe. Though they were full of strength, there was nothing they could do but let it happen. Now, as the pig demon knelt before the 辕门 (Yuanmen) of the Zhou camp, General Nangong Shi was on patrol. It was just past four watch periods when he arrived at the gate and saw a pig lying there. Nangong Shi said, "This is an animal raised by common people; how did it come here?" "Wait until daylight breaks, then have the original owner take it away." Yang Zhan shouted from within the pig's belly, "General Nan, inform Commander Jiang of this: it is the pig demon from Meishan. This morning in battle, I pierced into its belly; I have specially captured and brought it here. Quickly summon the commander to the 辕门 (Yuanmen Gate) for judgment!" Nangong Shi suddenly realized that Yang Zhan had transformed and hidden inside the pig's belly. He could not help but feel greatly pleased, so he hurried into the camp gate to the outer tent of the central army, struck the yunban (a ceremonial wooden clapper), and requested Commander Jiang to ascend his command tent for a meeting. The inner attendants conveyed the message to Ziya, who promptly ascended his command tent. Nangong Shi entered the tent and addressed Commander Jiang, saying, "Yang Zhan has subdued the pig demon of Meishan; it is now at the camp gate. Please, commander, give orders for its handling." Ziya gave an order and commanded all the generals: "Light up lanterns, fireballs, and torches and go out of camp." In no time, a cannon shot rang out. Ziya led all the feudal lords to exit the 辕门 (Yuanmen). Upon looking, they indeed saw a huge pig kneeling on the ground. Ziya asked, "You wretched creature, for no reason at all—why bring upon yourself this calamity of death!" Yang Zhan responded from within, saying: "Please Commander Jiang to carry out the punishment and slay this demon so as to eliminate future troubles." Ziya gave orders: "Command General Nangong Shi to carry out the execution." General Nangong Shi raised his hand and with a single stroke, beheaded the pig. Yang Zhan emerged in the bloodshed and revealed his true form. All the feudal lords could not help but admire him with envy. Ziya ordered that the pig's head be hung at the 辕门 (Yuanmen entrance) as a warning to others. All returned to their camps. No further details are given.

只见袁洪谓杨显曰：“似此露出本相，成何体面！把吾辈在梅山千年道术，一代英名，俱成画饼，岂不愧哉！誓不与姜尚干休！”杨显曰：“杨戬他恃自己有变化之术，不意朱子真误中奸计，若不复此恨，岂能再立于人世！”二人正彼此痛恨，忽辕门官报入中军：“启元帅：有天使至，请令定夺。”袁洪忙出辕门，迎接天使。天使曰：“奉天子敕，命送一贤士至军前听用。”袁洪接了旨意，打发天使去了，复至中军坐下，命左右：“令来将参谒。”来将至中军参拜毕，袁洪亦问曰：“将军何名？”来者答曰：“末将姓戴，名礼，梅山人氏；闻纣王招贤，故不辞千里之远，特来效劳于麾下。”──此怪也是梅山之狗精，恐怕被人识破，故此陆续而来，若为不知耳。──袁洪与众将曰：“今目又添一贤士，定然与他决一雌雄。”随传令：“放炮呐喊。”三军排队伍出营，请子牙答话。周营军政司报入中军：“启元帅：有袁洪搦战。”子牙随带诸将出营。见袁洪走马至军前，子牙曰：“袁洪，你不知时务，眼见覆军杀将，天意可知。今纣恶贯盈，人神共怒，谅尔不过区区螳臂，敢与天下诸侯相拒哉！”袁洪笑曰：“你偶尔得胜，便自矜夸，量你今日断然无生回之理。”问左右曰：“谁与吾捉此反臣也？”左有杨显大呼曰：“俟末将擒此反贼！”子牙看来将白面长须，顶生二角。怎见得，有赞曰： 顶上金冠生杀气，柳叶甲挂龙鳞砌。头生双角气峥嵘，白面长须声更细。梅山妖孽号羊精，也至孟津将身毙。从来邪正到头分，何苦身投罗网地。

At this moment, Yuan Hong said to Yang Xian, "To reveal our true forms like this—what kind of dignity does that leave us with! It has reduced our thousands of years of cultivation and martial arts on Meishan Mountain, as well as the great reputation we have earned, to mere empty dreams. Is this not a source of shame!" We swear never to let Jiang Shang go unpunished!" Yang Xian said, "Yang Zhan relies on his own transformation techniques. Unexpectedly, Zhu Zizhen fell into a treacherous trap. If we do not avenge this grievance, how can we ever stand among people again!" While the two were still filled with mutual hatred, suddenly a 辕门 (Yuanmen guard) official reported into the central camp: "Reporting to Commander Jiang: there is an imperial envoy arriving. Please give orders." Yuan Hong hurriedly exited the 辕门 (gate) to greet the celestial messenger. The celestial envoy said, "By imperial decree of the Son of Heaven, I am ordered to send a virtuous scholar to your army for use." Yuan Hong received the decree, dismissed the celestial envoy, and returned to the central camp. He sat down and ordered his attendants: "Summon the incoming general for an audience." After the general had paid respects at the central camp, Yuan Hong also asked, "What is your name, General?" The respondent answered, "I am General Dai Li, a native of Meishan; hearing that King Zhou was recruiting virtuous men, I did not hesitate to travel thousands of miles and have specially come to serve under your command." ——This demon is also a dog spirit from Meishan. Fearing that someone might discover his true identity, he has come gradually and in sequence; it seems no one suspects this. ——Yuan Hong said to the generals, "Now another virtuous man has joined our ranks; we shall surely fight a decisive battle with them." He immediately gave orders: "Fire cannons and raise shouts!" The three armies formed ranks and exited the camp to invite Ziya for a response. The Zhou army's military administration officer reported into the central tent: "Reporting to Commander Jiang: Yuan Hong is challenging us for battle." Ziya immediately led his generals out of camp. Seeing Yuan Hong ride up to the front, Ziya said, "Yuan Hong, you do not understand the times. You have seen your army defeated and generals slain; this is clearly Heaven's will. Now King Zhou's evil deeds have reached their peak, and both men and gods are enraged. I can see that you are but a mere mantis with tiny arms, how dare you resist the feudal lords of the world!" Yuan Hong laughed and said, "You have won by chance; now you boast. I can assure you that today there is no way for you to return alive." He then asked those around him, "Who will go with me to capture this traitorous minister?" To his left, Yang Xian shouted loudly, "Let the lowly general take this rebel villain!" Ziya looked at the incoming general and saw a man with pale face and long beard, two horns growing from his head. How could this be described? A verse praises: A golden crown on his head exudes a killing aura, and willow-leaf armor is adorned with dragon-scale patterns. With two horns growing from the head, his presence is imposing; pale face and long beard mark a voice that is even more refined. A demonic beast of Meishan known as the Yang spirit, he too will perish at Mengjin. Right and wrong are always destined to be separated in the end; why trouble oneself by stepping into a trap?

话说杨显走马摇戟，冲杀过来。杨戬在旗门下用照妖鉴一照，却是一只羊精。杨戬收鉴，走马舞三尖刀，也不答话，接住厮杀。刀戟并举，杀在虎穴龙潭。二将正战之间，又只见汤营里一将，使两口刀，飞奔前来，大叫曰：“杨兄弟，吾来助尔一臂之力！”子牙傍有哪吒登风火轮，使开火尖枪迎来。怎见得此怪，有诗为证： 嘴尖耳大最蹊跷，遍体妖光透九霄。七怪之中他是首，千年得道一神獒。

Now, Yang Xian rode forward with his halberd raised and charged fiercely. Yang Zhan used the demon-revealing mirror beneath the banner to take a look, and it turned out to be a sheep spirit. Yang Zhan put away his mirror, rode forward, brandished his three-pointed spear, and without saying a word, engaged in fierce combat. Swords and halberds clashed as they fought fiercely amidst the tiger's den and dragon's pool. While the two generals were locked in battle, suddenly a general from the Shang camp appeared. Wielding two swords and galloping forward, he shouted, "Brother Yang, I have come to lend you a hand!" Beside Ziya stood Nezha, who mounted the Fenghuo Lun (wind and fire wheels) and brandished his Fire-Tip Spear to meet him. How could one describe this demon? A poem testifies: With a sharp snout and large ears, it is most peculiar; its demonic aura radiates through the nine heavens. Among the seven demons, he ranks first; for a thousand years cultivated, he is a divine mastiff.

话说哪吒用枪阻住，大呼曰：“匹夫慢来！通名来，好记功劳簿。”来将答曰：“吾乃袁洪副将戴礼是也。”哪吒使开枪，劈胸就刺。戴礼双刀急架相还。轮马相交，刀枪并举，大战在一处。且说杨戬战杨显有二三十合，杨显拨马便走。杨戬赶来。杨显在马上吐出一道白光，连马罩住，现原身来伤杨戬。杨戬化一只白额斑斓猛虎。杨显见杨戬变了一只猛虎，已克治了他，急欲逃走，被杨戬一刀砍为两段。杨戬割下羊头，大叫曰：“启元帅：弟子又杀了梅山一怪也！”戴礼与哪吒正酣战间，戴礼口内吐出一粒红珠，有碗口大小，望哪吒顶门打来。哪吒见势头凶凶，谅不能治伏，只得闪一枪败下阵来。杨戬见哪吒失机，走马大呼曰：“业障不得无礼！吾来也！”使开三尖刀来战戴礼。二人大战二十馀合，戴礼拨马便走。杨戬纵马赶来。戴礼又吐出一粒红珠，现出光华，来伤杨戬。杨戬祭起哮天犬，飞在空中。此犬乃是仙犬，看见此珠，十分凶恶，竟让过他的珠来奔戴礼。戴礼见仙犬奔来，正欲抽身逃走，早被哮天犬一口咬住，不能挣挫。杨戬手起一刀，挥于马下。有诗为证，诗曰： 梅山狗怪逞猖狂，炼宝伤人势莫当。岂意仙犬能伏怪，红尘血染命空亡。

Now, Nezha blocked his way with the spear and shouted loudly, "Husbandman, hold on!" State your name first; I must record it in my register of merits." The incoming general replied, "I am Dai Li, the deputy general under Yuan Hong." Nezha brandished his spear and thrust directly at his chest. Dai Li quickly raised both swords to block the attack. They rode past each other, swords and spear clashing in fierce battle at one spot. Meanwhile, Yang Zhan fought against Yang Xian for twenty to thirty exchanges before Yang Xian turned his horse and fled. Yang Zhan pursued him. While on horseback, Yang Xian exhaled a beam of white light that enveloped both himself and his horse. He revealed his original form to attack Yang Zhan. Yang Zhan transformed into a fierce tiger with a white brow and black stripes. Yang Xian saw that Yang Zhan had turned into a fierce tiger, which could subdue him. In desperation to escape, he was cut in two by Yang Zhan with one stroke of his blade. Yang Zhan severed the sheep's head and shouted, "Reporting to Commander Jiang: your disciple has slain another demon from Meishan!" While Dai Li and Nezha were locked in fierce combat, Dai Li spat out a red pearl from his mouth. As large as a bowl, it flew toward the top of Nezha's head. Nezha saw that the attack was fierce and realized he could not subdue it, so he had no choice but to dodge with his spear and retreat from the battlefield. Yang Zhan saw that Nezha had missed an opportunity, rode forward and shouted loudly, "You wretched demon, you must not be disrespectful! I am coming!" He brandished his three-pointed blade to fight Dai Li. The two engaged in fierce battle for more than twenty exchanges, and then Dai Li turned his horse and fled. Yang Zhan pursued him closely. Yang Zhan rode forward to chase after him. Dai Li once again spat out a red pearl, emitting radiant light, and attacked Yang Zhan with it. Yang Zhan summoned Xiaotian Quan (the Howling Sky Dog), which flew into the air. This dog was a divine beast; upon seeing this pearl, it became extremely fierce and let the pearl pass before rushing toward Dai Li. Dai Li saw the divine dog charging and tried to pull away to escape, but before he could do so, Xiaotian Quan had already bitten him in one leap, leaving him unable to struggle. Yang Zhan raised his blade and struck, sending Dai Li tumbling from his horse. A poem testifies to this event: The dog demon of Meishan acts wildly, wielding treasures to harm people with unstoppable might. Who could have thought that the divine dog would subdue this demon? In the red dust of battle, blood was spilled and his life came to a futile end.

话说杨戬杀了狗怪，掌鼓回营。子牙升帐，见杨戬屡破诸怪，大喜，庆贺杨戬。不表。

Now, after Yang Zhan had slain the dog demon, he beat the drums and returned to camp. Ziya ascended his command tent and saw that Yang Zhan had repeatedly defeated the various demons; he was greatly pleased and celebrated with Yang Zhan. No further details are given.

且说袁洪回至中军，又见戴礼被戮，现出原形，心下甚是不乐。众将交头接耳，纷纷议论，十分没趣。忽辕门官来报，“启元帅：辕门外有一大将来见。”袁洪传令：“令来。”少时，令至帐前，见一人身高一丈六尺，顶上双角，卷嘴，尖耳，金甲，红袍，全身甲胄，十分轩昂，戴紫金冠，近前施礼。袁洪问曰：“将军高姓？大名？”来将答曰：“末将姓金，双名大升，祖贯梅山人氏。”──此来者又是牛怪，用三尖刀，力大无穷，今来助袁洪，俱是梅山七怪之数。袁洪故问，以遮众人耳目。──袁洪乃设酒管待。次日，金大升上了独角兽，提三尖刀，至周营搦战。哨马报入中军：“启元帅：成汤营有一大将请战。”子牙对众将问曰：“谁见阵走一遭？”言未毕，傍有郑伦出而言曰：“末将愿往。”子牙许之。郑伦上了金睛兽，拎降魔杵，出了营门，见对面一将，生的异怪雄伟，郑伦问曰：“来者何人？”金大升答曰：“吾乃袁洪麾下副将金大升是也。尔是何人？快通名来。”郑伦答曰：“吾乃总督五军上将军郑伦是也。吾观你异相非人，焉敢阻时雨之师，有逆天之罪！早早归周，共破独夫，以诛无道。如不知机，自取辱身之祸。”金大升大怒，催开独角兽，使三尖刀砍来。郑伦手中杵劈面相迎。二兽相交，大战数合。金大升乃是牛怪，腹内炼成一块牛黄，有碗口大小，喷出来，如火电一般。郑伦不及堤防，正中脸上，打伤鼻孔，腮绽唇裂，倒撞下兽去，被金大升手起一刀，挥为两段。可怜！正是： 胸中奇术成何用，只落名垂在史篇。

Meanwhile, Yuan Hong returned to the central camp and saw Dai Li killed, his original form revealed; this greatly upset him. The generals whispered among themselves, discussing it in hushed tones, and the atmosphere was very dull. Suddenly, a gate officer reported, "Your Highness: A great general has come to see you outside the 辕门 (yuanmen)." Yuan Hong gave orders, "Bring him in." After a short while, the order was carried out and the man arrived before the tent. He stood over ten feet tall, with two horns on his head, a curled mouth, pointed ears, golden armor, a red robe, fully clad in armor, exuding an air of dignity. He wore a purple gold crown and approached to pay respects. Yuan Hong asked, "What is your honorable surname?" "What is your great name?" The general replied, "Your servant's surname is Jin, and my full name is Dasheng. My ancestors were from Meishan." ——This newcomer was yet another ox demon, wielding a three-pointed blade and possessing boundless strength. He had come to aid Yuan Hong; all were among the seven demons of Meishan. Yuan Hong pretended to ask questions, merely to conceal things from the eyes and ears of his men. ——Yuan Hong then arranged a banquet to entertain him. The next day, Jin Dasheng rode a unicorn and brandished his three-pointed blade as he went to the Zhou camp to challenge them. A scout horseman reported into the central camp: "Your Highness: A great general from the Shang forces is requesting a duel." Ziya asked his generals, "Who will go out to meet this challenge?" Before the question was finished, Zheng Lun stepped forward and said, "Your servant is willing to go." Ziya gave his approval. Zheng Lun mounted the Jinjing Shou (Golden-Eyed Beast), carried his Jiangmo Chu (Magic Subduing Mace), and exited the camp gate. Facing him was a general of strange, imposing appearance. Zheng Lun asked, "Who dares to come forth?" Jin Dasheng replied, "I am Jin Dasheng, the deputy general under Yuan Hong's command. Who are you?" "Quickly state your name." Zheng Lun replied, "I am General Zheng Lun, the overall commander of the five armies. I see that you have an unusual appearance and are not human; how dare you block our righteous army, committing a crime against heaven itself!" Surrender to the Zhou now and join us in overthrowing the tyrant and punishing the unjust. "If you do not recognize the signs, you will bring upon yourself a disaster of shame." Jin Dasheng became furious and spurred his unicorn forward, wielding his three-pointed blade to strike. Zheng Lun raised his mace to meet the attack head-on. The two beasts clashed, and they engaged in fierce combat for several rounds. Jin Dasheng was an ox demon who had cultivated a gallstone inside his body, the size of a bowl. When he expelled it, it shone like fire and lightning. Zheng Lun was caught off guard, and the gallstone struck him right in the face, injuring his nose and splitting his cheeks and lips. He fell from his beast, only to be cut into two halves by Jin Dasheng with a single stroke of his blade. Pitiful! Indeed: What good is one's extraordinary skill in the chest, if it only ends with a name recorded in history?

话说金大升斩了郑伦，掌鼓回营。报马报入中军：“启元帅：郑伦被汤营大将金大升所伤，请令定夺。”子牙闻报，著实伤悼，叹曰：“郑伦屡建大功，自从苏侯归周，一路督粮，有功王室，岂知至此丧于无名下将之手，情实可伤！”子牙泪下如雨。有诗以吊之。诗曰： 胸中妙术孰能班，岂意遭逢丧此间！惟有清风常作伴，忠魂依旧返家山。

Now, after Jin Dasheng had beheaded Zheng Lun, he beat his drum and returned to camp. A scout horseman reported into the middle camp: "Your Highness: General Zheng Lun was injured by Jin Dasheng of the Shang forces. Please give orders." Ziya, upon hearing the report, was deeply grieved and sighed, "Zheng Lun had repeatedly established great achievements. Since Su Hou returned to the Zhou, he has been in charge of overseeing supplies along the way, serving meritoriously for the royal house. Who could have foreseen that he would perish at the hands of an obscure junior general? The situation is truly heartbreaking!" Tears streamed down Ziya's face like rain. There is a poem to mourn him: The poem says: Who among the learned could rival his skill, yet who would have thought he'd meet his end here! Only the clear wind remains as a companion; his loyal spirit still returns to his native hills.

话说子牙次日令下：“谁为郑伦报恨走一遭？”傍有杨戬应声答曰：“弟子愿往。”子牙许之。杨戬随即上马提刀，至成汤营前，坐名要金大升出来答话。少时，见成汤营内炮声响处，只见金大升坐独角兽，来至军前，大呼曰：“来者通名！”杨戬曰：“吾乃杨戬是也。你就是金大升么？”大升曰：“然也。”杨戬舞刀直取。金大升手中三尖刀赴面来迎。二将俱是三尖刀，往来冲突，一场大战，有三十馀合。杨戬先未曾用照妖鉴照他，不防金大升喷出牛黄──此宝犹如火块飞来。杨戬见来得太急，化一道金光，往正南而走。金大升随后赶来。大升的独角兽来的快，杨戬忙取照妖鉴出来照时，却原来是个水牛。杨戬回身，正欲变化食他，忽然前面一阵香风缥渺，异味芳馨，氤氲遍地，有五彩祥云，隐隐中一对黄旛飘荡，当中有一位道姑，跨青鸾而至；傍有女童三四对，应声叫曰：“杨戬早来见娘娘圣驾！”杨戬听说，乃向前抄手施礼曰：“弟子杨戬参见娘娘。”那道姑曰：“杨戬，吾非别神，乃女娲娘娘是也。今见成汤数尽，周室当兴，吾特来助你降伏梅山之怪。”令杨戬立于一傍，乃命青云女童：“将此宝去把那业障牵来。”青云女童接宝在手，只见金大升足踏阴云，提刀赶来。青云女童上前拦住，大呼曰：“那业障！娘娘圣驾在此，休得无礼！今奉娘娘法旨，特来擒你！”金大升大怒，将刀往上一举，劈面砍来。青云女童将伏妖索祭起空中，只见黄巾力士将金大升穿起鼻子来，用铜锤把金大升背脊上打了三匹锤，一声雷响，金大升现出原身，乃是一匹水牛。杨戬向前倒身下拜：“弟子杨戬愿娘娘圣寿无疆！”女娲曰：“杨戬，你且将牛怪带回周营发落；我还助你收伏白猿精怪也。”杨戬别了女娲娘娘，把牛牵著回来。且说子牙在中军，听报到：“杨戬化一道金光往正南上去了。这大将赶去，不知凶吉。”子牙惊疑不定。哪吒曰：“杨戬自有运用，元帅何必惊疑？”子牙曰：“方今东伯侯人马未至，况有梅山七怪阻住吾师，使吾心下不能安然。”言未毕，只见报马来报：“启元帅：杨戬回来。”子牙令至帐前，问其原故。杨戬把女娲娘娘收伏牛怪之事说了一遍，“……今至辕门，请元帅发落。”子牙传令：“请众诸侯齐至大营门，看吾号令此怪。”少时，众诸侯齐至辕门。子牙命牵过牛怪，用缚妖索将此怪缚在地下，令南宫适行刑。南宫适手起一刀，将牛头斩下。孟津河八十万人马齐声喝采。子牙命将牛头挂在旗竿上号令，掌鼓回营。却说袁洪已知梅山众弟兄俱被子牙所灭，欲前而不能进，欲后而不能退，著实无计，事属两难，心下甚是忧疑。不表。

Now, on the next day, Ziya issued an order: "Who will go and avenge Zheng Lun?" Yang Zhan stepped forward and answered, "Your disciple is willing to go." Ziya gave his approval. Yang Zhan immediately mounted his horse, took up his blade, and went to the front of the Shang camp, demanding Jin Dasheng come out personally for a confrontation. After a short while, cannon fire echoed from within the Shang camp. Jin Dasheng rode his unicorn forward and shouted, "State your name!" to the challenger. Yang Zhan replied, "I am Yang Zhan. Are you Jin Dasheng?" Dasheng said, "Indeed I am." Yang Zhan brandished his blade and charged directly at him. Jin Dasheng met the attack with his three-pointed spear, coming straight toward Yang Zhan's face. Both generals wielded three-pointed blades and clashed fiercely in a great battle, exchanging over thirty rounds of attacks. Yang Zhan had not yet used his Dao Yao Jian (Ape-Demon Mirror) to examine him, and was unprepared as Jin Dasheng expelled the ox gallstone—a treasure that flew toward him like a block of fire. Yang Zhan, seeing it coming too quickly, transformed into a streak of golden light and fled southward. Jin Dasheng pursued him closely afterward. Jin Dasheng's unicorn was fast, and as Yang Zhan hurriedly took out the Dao Yao Jian to examine him, he realized it was actually a water buffalo. Yang Zhan turned around, just about to transform and devour him, when suddenly a fragrant breeze filled the air with an ethereal aroma. The scent was rich and sweet, enveloping the ground in misty vapors. A rainbow of auspicious clouds appeared, and from within them, two yellow banners swayed gently. In the center came a female Daoist nun riding on a green phoenix. Beside her were several pairs of young girls, who cried out in unison: "Yang Zhan, come quickly to pay respects to the Empress Mother's holy presence!" Upon hearing this, Yang Zhan stepped forward with clasped hands and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your disciple Yang Zhan pays respects to the Empress." The nun said, "Yang Zhan, I am no other deity; I am Nüwa, the Empress." Now that the Shang dynasty's fate is at an end and the Zhou shall rise, I have come especially to assist you in subduing the demons of Meishan." She ordered Yang Zhan to stand aside and then commanded a young girl on the green cloud: "Take this treasure and bring that karmic obstacle here." The girl on the green cloud took the treasure in her hand. Just then, Jin Dasheng was seen treading dark clouds and rushing forward with his blade drawn. The girl on the green cloud stepped forward to block him and shouted, "You karmic obstacle! The Empress Mother is here; do not be disrespectful!" I have come especially by the Empress's decree to capture you!" Jin Dasheng became enraged, raised his blade upward, and swung it toward her face. The girl on the green cloud raised the Fu Yao Suo (Demon-Subduing Rope) into the air. Suddenly, a yellow-clothed warrior appeared and pierced Jin Dasheng's nose with it. With a copper mallet, he struck Jin Dasheng three times on his back. A thunderous sound erupted, and Jin Dasheng revealed his true form—a water buffalo. Yang Zhan knelt forward in deep reverence: "Your disciple Yang Zhan wishes the Empress eternal longevity!" Nüwa said, "Yang Zhan, you may take this ox demon back to the Zhou camp for judgment; I will also assist you in subduing that white gibbon demon." Yang Zhan bid farewell to Empress Nüwa and led the ox back. Meanwhile, in the central camp, Ziya heard a report: "Yang Zhan transformed into a streak of golden light heading due south. This general went after him; we do not yet know whether it will end in good or ill fortune." Ziya was filled with alarm and uncertainty. Nezha said, "Yang Zhan can handle things himself; why should the general be alarmed or doubtful?" Ziya said, "At present, the forces of Dong Bo Hou have not yet arrived. Moreover, with the seven demons of Meishan blocking our army, I cannot feel at ease." Before he could finish speaking, a scout horseman arrived and reported: "Your Highness: Yang Zhan is returning." Ziya ordered him to come before the tent and asked about the circumstances. Yang Zhan recounted how Empress Nüwa had subdued the ox demon, saying, "…Now I have arrived at the 辕门 (yuan men), and await your Highness's orders." Ziya gave an order: "Summon all the feudal lords to gather at the main camp gate, and watch as I issue my command for this demon." After a short while, all the feudal lords gathered at the 辕门 (yuan mén). Ziya ordered the ox demon to be brought forward, bound him with a Demon-Binding Rope on the ground, and commanded Nan Gong Shi to carry out the execution. Nan Gong Shi raised his blade and beheaded the ox. The eighty thousand troops at Mengjin River cheered in unison. Ziya ordered the ox's head to be displayed on a pole as an example, then beat the drum and returned to camp. Meanwhile, Yuan Hong had already learned that his brothers from Meishan were all destroyed by Ziya. He wanted to advance but could not; he wished to retreat but dared not. Truly without a plan and caught between two difficulties, he was deeply anxious and uncertain in mind. No further details are given on this matter.

只见子牙回营升帐，问杨戬曰：“梅山绝了几怪？”杨戬屈指一算：“启元帅：已灭了六怪。”子牙曰：“今日晚传与众诸侯：二更时分齐劫成汤大营。”又令杨戬：“你可单劫袁洪，取巧降伏此怪，大事可定。”杨戬答曰：“弟子同哪吒双去建功，更觉易于为力。”子牙许之，仍将众将分派已定。不表。却说袁洪在营中与参军殷破败、雷开二将议曰：“今主上命吾等在此守御，此处周兵虽多，能者甚少，况连日朝歌不曾见有救兵，亦不曾见吾捷报，恐天子忧心，深属不便。”命中军具疏往朝歌，请天子速发援兵前来接应。中军官具表求救。且说子牙亲乘坐骑，时至二更，一声炮响，周兵呐一声喊，齐杀进成汤营里去。正是： 黑夜冲营无准备，三军无故受灾殃。

Ziya returned to camp and ascended his command tent, where he asked Yang Zhan, "How many of the Meishan demons have been eliminated?" Yang Zhan counted on his fingers and said, "Your Highness: Six of them have already been destroyed." Ziya said, "Tonight I will inform all the feudal lords: At two hours after midnight, we shall launch a joint attack on the main Shang camp." He also ordered Yang Zhan: "You may go alone to raid Yuan Hong, cleverly subdue this demon, and thus the great matter will be settled." Yang Zhan replied, "Disciple would like to go together with Nezha and achieve merit; it will be much easier." Ziya agreed, and the assignments of all the generals were finalized. No further details are given on this. Meanwhile, Yuan Hong was in his camp discussing with the two generals Shen Jun Yin Pobai and Lei Kai: "Now His Majesty has ordered us to defend here. Although there are many Zhou troops here, few of them are capable warriors. Moreover, for several days we have not seen any relief forces from Chao Ge, nor have our victories been reported. I fear the Son of Heaven will be worried, which would be most inconvenient." He ordered his central general to prepare a memorial and send it to Chao Ge, requesting the Son of Heaven to quickly dispatch reinforcements to come for support. The central general prepared a petition seeking rescue. Meanwhile, Ziya personally mounted his steed; at two hours after midnight a cannon was fired. The Zhou troops let out a loud cry and rushed into the Shang main camp together. Indeed: In the dark night, they stormed the camp unprepared; all three armies suffered disaster without cause.

话说南伯侯鄂顺领二百诸侯，一齐奋勇当先；北伯侯崇应鸾冲杀进左营；李靖、韦护、雷震子冲杀进右营；杨戬、哪吒杀入大营，进中军来战袁洪。且说袁洪听得周将劫营，忙上马，使一根铁棍，方出中军，恰逢杨戬，也不答话，二马相交，只杀得愁云荡荡，惨雾纷纷。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 夜劫汤营神鬼惊，喊声齐发鼓锣鸣。军兵奋勇谁堪敌，将士施威孰敢撄。 破败无心贪恋战，雷开有意奔途程。梅山七怪从今灭，扫荡妖氛宇宙清。

It was said that Duke Nanbo E Shun led two hundred feudal lords, and they all bravely took the lead; Duke Beibo Chong Yingluan charged into the left camp. Li Jing, Wei Hu, and Leizhenzi stormed into the right camp; Yang Zhan and Nezha rushed into the main camp and advanced to the central command post to fight Yuan Hong. Meanwhile, Yuan Hong heard that the Zhou generals had raided the camp and quickly mounted his horse. Wielding an iron staff, he was just leaving the central command post when he encountered Yang Zhan. Without exchanging words, their horses met in battle, and they fought fiercely, sending sorrowful clouds swirling and bleak mists rising thickly into the air. How was this scene? A poem testifies to it, the poem says: The night raid on Shang's camp startled gods and ghosts; cries rang out together with beating drums and cymbals. Brave soldiers fought fiercely, who could match them? Commanders displayed their might, none dared to oppose. Yin Pobai had no heart for the battle and did not linger; Lei Kai was eager to flee, making haste on his way. The seven demons of Meishan are now destroyed; the demon-infested air is swept away and the universe grows clear once more.

话说众诸侯齐杀入成汤营里，只杀的尸横绿野，血满成渠，哀声惨切，不堪听闻。只见杨戬大战袁洪，袁洪现出原身，起在半空，将杨戬劈头一棍，打得火星迸出。杨戬有七十二变，随化一道金光，起在空中，也照袁洪顶上一刀劈将下来。这袁洪也有八九工夫，随刀化一道白气，护住其身。杨戬大喝曰：“梅山猿头，焉敢弄术！拿住你定要剥皮抽筋！”袁洪大怒曰：“你有多大本领，敢将吾兄弟尽行杀害，我与你势不两立！必擒你碎尸万段，以报其恨！”他二人各使神通，变化无穷，相生相克，各穷其技，凡人世物件、禽兽，无不变化，尽使其巧，俱不见上下。袁洪暗思：“此时其兵已攻破大营，料不能支，且将他诓上梅山，入吾巢穴，使他不能舒展，那时再擒他不难。”遂弃了大营，往梅山逃去。不表。且说众诸侯追杀成汤残败人马，杀到天明，子牙鸣金收兵，众诸侯各自回营。正是： 诸侯鞭敲金镫响，子牙全胜进辕门。

It was said that the feudal lords all rushed into the Shang camp, killing so fiercely that corpses lay scattered across green fields and blood flowed down ditches. The mournful cries were heart-rending and unbearable to hear. Just then, Yang Zhan was locked in fierce battle with Yuan Hong. Yuan Hong revealed his original form, rose into the air halfway up, and struck Yang Zhan on the head with a staff, sending sparks flying. Yang Zhan had seventy-two transformations; he transformed into a golden light, rose into the sky, and also struck down at Yuan Hong's head with a blade. Yuan Hong had his own skills of eight or nine transformations; he turned into a white vapor at the same time to protect himself. Yang Zhan shouted angrily, "You monkey-headed demon of Meishan, how dare you use your arts!" "I will seize you and definitely skin you alive and extract your tendons!" Yuan Hong was furious and said, "What great abilities do you have to dare kill all my brothers? I will never coexist with you!" "I must capture you and cut your body into ten thousand pieces to avenge this hatred!" The two of them each used their supernatural powers, transforming endlessly. They countered and overcame one another, exhausting all their skills. Every object in the mortal world, every bird or beast, was transformed at will; they both displayed great ingenuity, yet neither gained an advantage over the other. Yuan Hong secretly thought, "At this moment, his troops have already breached the main camp. I cannot hold out much longer. I should lure him up to Meishan Mountain and into my lair, where he will be unable to move freely. Then it will not be difficult for me to capture him." So Yuan Hong abandoned the main camp and fled toward Meishan Mountain. No further details are provided on this matter. Meanwhile, the feudal lords pursued and killed the remnants of Shang forces until dawn. Ziya then sounded the gong to recall his troops, and all the feudal lords returned to their camps separately. Indeed: The feudal lords' whips cracked as golden stirrups rang; Ziya, victorious in full, entered the 辕门 (Yuan Men).

话说杨戬见袁洪纵祥光前去，乃弃了马，亦纵步借土遁紧紧追赶。只见袁洪随变一块怪石立在路傍。杨戬正赶，忽然不见了袁洪，即运神光，定睛观看，已知袁洪化为怪石；随即变化一石匠，手执锤钻，上前锤他。袁洪知他识破，便化阵清风往前去了。如此两家各使神通，看看赶上梅山，忽的又不见了袁洪。杨戬上得梅山，果然好景。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 梅山形势路羊肠，古柏乔松两岸傍。飒飒阴风云雾长，妖魔假此匿行藏。

It was said that Yang Zhan saw Yuan Hong vanish in a luminous aura ahead, so he abandoned his horse and also took a step forward, using the earth 遁 (tun) technique to chase after him closely. Just then Yuan Hong transformed into an odd-shaped rock and stood by the roadside. Yang Zhan was in hot pursuit when suddenly Yuan Hong vanished from sight. He immediately summoned his divine light, fixed his gaze intently, and realized that Yuan Hong had transformed into the odd-shaped rock; He then transformed himself into a stonemason, holding a hammer and drill in his hands, and approached to strike the stone. Yuan Hong realized that he had been discovered and transformed into a gust of clear wind, vanishing ahead. In this way, the two sides each used their supernatural abilities; they were about to catch up with Meishan Mountain when Yuan Hong suddenly vanished again. Yang Zhan climbed onto Meishan Mountain, and indeed the scenery was magnificent. How could this be described? A poem testifies, saying: Meishan's terrain is winding like a sheep's intestine; ancient cypresses and tall pines line both banks. Whistling cold winds stretch with clouds and mists; demons and monsters use this to hide their movements.

话说杨戬上了梅山，四面观望一遍，忽听得崖下一声响，窜出千百小猴儿，手执棍棒，齐来乱打杨戬。杨戬见众小猢猴左右乱打，情知不能取胜，“不若脱身下山。”杨戬化道金光去了。方才转过一坡，只听一派仙乐之音，满地祥云缭绕，又见女娲娘娘驾临。杨戬俯伏山下，叩首曰：“弟子杨戬不知娘娘圣驾降临，有失回避，望娘娘恕罪！”女娲曰：“你虽是玉泉山金霞洞玉鼎真人门徒，善会八九变化，不能降伏此怪。吾将此宝授你，可以收伏此恶怪也。”杨戬叩首拜谢，女娲娘娘自回宫去了。杨戬将此宝展开看时，心中甚是欢喜。──此宝乃“山河社稷图”。──杨戬一一依法行之，悬于一大树上。杨戬复上梅山，依旧找寻原路。话说袁洪见杨戬复上梅山，乃大呼曰：“杨戬，你此来是自送死也！”杨戬大笑曰：“你今日谅无生理！”使开刀，直取袁洪。袁洪也使开棍劈面交还。二人大战一会，杨戬转身就走。袁洪随后赶来。杨戬下了梅山，往前又走，忽见前面一座高山，杨戬迳上了山。袁洪随赶上山来。不知此山乃女娲娘娘赐的“山河社稷图”变化的。袁洪赶上山来，入于圈套，再不能下山。杨戬将身一踪，下了“山河社稷图”，只见袁洪在山上左撺右跳。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

It was said that after Yang Zhan reached Meishan Mountain, he looked around in all directions. Suddenly, a loud noise came from beneath the cliff as hundreds of little monkeys darted out, holding sticks and clubs, rushing forward to attack him wildly. Yang Zhan saw the little monkeys attacking from all sides in chaos and realized he could not win, "Better to escape and descend the mountain." Yang Zhan transformed into a golden light and left. Just as he turned around a slope, he suddenly heard a melody of divine music, with auspicious clouds swirling all over the ground. He then saw Niwa Nai Nai arriving in her chariot. Yang Zhan knelt at the foot of the mountain and kowtowed, saying, "Disciple Yang Zhan did not know that Your Majesty had descended in person; I failed to avoid you. I beg for your forgiveness!" Niwa said, "Although you are a disciple of Master Yuding from the Jin Xia Cave on Yuquan Mountain and skilled in transformations, you cannot subdue this demon. I will give you this treasure; it can help you capture and subdue the evil demon." Yang Zhan kowtowed in gratitude, and Niwa Nai Nai returned to her palace. When Yang Zhan unfolded the treasure to examine it, he was very pleased in his heart. ——This treasure is the "Map of Mountains and Rivers, Earth and State." ——Yang Zhan followed the instructions step by step and hung it on a large tree. Yang Zhan returned to Meishan Mountain once more, searching for his original path. It was said that Yuan Hong saw Yang Zhan returning to Meishan Mountain and shouted loudly, "Yang Zhan! You are coming here to deliver yourself for death!" Yang Zhan laughed heartily and said, "You will surely die today!" He brandished his blade and charged straight at Yuan Hong. Yuan Hong also raised his staff to strike back in the face. The two warriors fiercely fought for a while, then Yang Zhan turned around and ran away. Yuan Hong rushed after him. Yang Zhan descended from Meishan Mountain and continued forward, when suddenly he saw a tall mountain ahead. Yang Zhan directly climbed up the mountain. Yuan Hong hurriedly followed him onto the mountain. Unbeknownst to them, this mountain was transformed from the "Map of Mountains and Rivers, Earth State" bestowed by Niwa Nai Nai. Yuan Hong chased up the mountain, fell into a trap, and could no longer descend. Yang Zhan took a step back, descended from the "Map of Mountains and Rivers," and saw Yuan Hong leaping about in frustration on the mountain. What would happen to his life? Stay tuned for the next episode.