Chapter 96: Jiang Ziya Issues Orders to Capture Daji

诗曰： 从来巧笑号倾城，狐媚君王浪用情。袅娜腰肢催命剑，轻盈体态引魂兵。 雉鸡有意能歌月，玉石无心解鼓声。断送殷汤成个事，依然都带血痕薨。

The poem says: Since ancient times, a charming smile has been called "tilting the city," fox-like coquetry leads the king to use his feelings recklessly. Graceful and supple waist, a sword that cuts life; light and nimble figure, an army that lures the soul. The pheasant sings to the moon with intent; jade and stone, without mind, understand the drum's sound. Ending the Shang dynasty was a matter of consequence; still, they all died with bloodstains on them.

话说武王是仁德之君，一时那里想起“鼓进金止”之意。只见众将听的鼓响，各要争先，枪刀剑戟，鞭抓锤，钩镰钺斧，拐子流星，一齐上前，将纣王裹在垓心。鲁仁杰对雷鵾、雷鹏曰：“‘主忧臣辱’，吾等正于此时尽忠报国，舍一死以决雌雄，岂得令反臣扬威逞武哉！”雷鵾曰：“兄言是也。吾等当舍死以报先帝。”三将纵马杀进重围。怎见得纣王大战天下诸侯，有赞为证，赞曰： 杀气迷空锁地，烟尘障岭漫山。摆列诸侯八百，一时地覆天翻。花腔鼓擂如雷震，御林军展动旗旛。众门人犹如猛虎，殷纣王渐渐摧残。这也是天下遭逢杀运，午门外撼动天关。众诸侯各分方位，满空中剑戟如攒。东伯侯姜文焕施威仗勇；南伯侯鄂顺抖擞如彪。北伯侯崇应鸾横拖雪刃；武王下南宫适似猛虎争餐。正东上青旛下，众诸侯犹如靛染；正西上白旛下，骁勇将恍若冰岩。正南上红旛下，众门徒浑如火块；正北上皂旛下，牙门将恰似乌漫。这纣王神威天纵；鲁仁杰一点心丹。雷鵾右遮左架；雷鹏右护左拦。众诸侯齐动手那分上下；殷纣王共三员将前后胡戡。顶上砍。这兵器似飕飕冰块；胁下剌，那剑枪如蟒龙齐翻。只听得叮叮当当响亮，乒乒乓乓循环。鞭来打，鐧来敲，斧来劈，剑来剁，左左右右吸人魂；勾开鞭，拨去鐧，逼去斧，架开剑，上上下下心惊颤。正是那纣王力如三春茂草，越战越有精神；众诸侯怒发，恍似轰雷，喊杀声闻斗柄。纣王初时节精神足备，次后来气力难撑。为社稷何必贪生，好功名焉能惜命！存亡只在今朝，死生就此目下。殷纣王毕竟勇猛，众诸侯终欠调停。喝声：“著！”将官落马；叫声：“中！”翻下鞍鞽。纣王刀摆似飞龙，砍将伤军如雪片，劈诸侯如同儿戏，斩大将鬼哭神惊。当此时恼了哪吒殿下，那杨戬怒气冲冲，大喝道：“纣王不要逃走！等我来与你见个雌雄！”可怜见：惊天动地哭声悲，嚎山泣岭三军泪。英雄为国尽亡躯，血水滔滔红满地。马撞人死口难开，将劈三军无躲避。只杀的：哀声小校乱奔驰，破鼓折枪都抛弃。多少良才带血回，无数军兵拖伤去。纣王胆战将心惊，雷鵾、雷鹏无主意。这是：君王无道丧家邦，谋臣枉用千条计。这一阵只杀得：雪消春水世无双，风卷残红铺满地。

It is said that King Wu was a benevolent and virtuous ruler, so at the time he did not think of the meaning behind "drum advance, gold stop." One could see that upon hearing the drum sound, all the generals wanted to take the lead; spears, swords, halberds, whips, claws, hammers, hooks, sickles, axes, staffs, and staves were brandished as they all rushed forward together, surrounding King Zhou in the center. Lu Renjie said to Lei Kun and Lei Peng, "When the ruler is worried, his ministers are disgraced. At this very moment, we must show our loyalty and serve the country by giving up one's life to decide who is superior or inferior; how could we allow a traitorous minister to display power and martial prowess!" Lei Kun said, "Your words are right. We should give up our lives to repay the late emperor." The three generals rode forward and charged into the thick encirclement. How can one see King Zhou's great battle against the feudal lords of the world? A eulogy serves as evidence. The eulogy says: Murderous aura obscures the sky and locks the land; smoke and dust block the mountains and spread across hills. Eight hundred feudal lords are arrayed, causing a moment of heaven overturned and earth turned upside down. The ornate drums beat like thunder shaking the heavens; the imperial guards raise their banners and flags. The multitude of disciples were as fierce as tigers, gradually wearing down King Yin Zhou. This was also a time when the world encountered a fatal destiny; at Wumen Gate outside, the heavenly gates were shaken. The feudal lords each took their positions, and in the air above, swords and halberds gathered like a storm. Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhuan displayed his might with valor; Nanbo Hou E Shun brandished weapons like a fierce beast. Beibo Hou Chong Yingluan dragged a snow-white blade across; King Wu descended from Nangong, fierce as a tiger vying for food. phalt On the eastern side beneath the blue banner, the feudal lords were as dark as indigo-dyed cloth; On the western side beneath the white banner, valiant generals appeared like icy cliffs. In the south under the red banner, the disciples were as fiery as blocks of flame; In the north beneath the black banner, the gate generals were like dark shadows. This King Zhou was endowed with divine might from heaven; Lu Renjie took a single red pill of the heart. Lei Kun defended left and right; Lei Peng guarded the right and blocked the left. All the feudal lords moved their hands at once, vying to determine superiority; King Yin Zhou and his three generals fought desperately in front and behind. A strike from above. These weapons were like whistling ice blocks; A thrust beneath the ribs, those swords and spears coiled up like pythons. One could only hear a loud clanging sound, ringing continuously in a cycle of pings and clangs. Whips lashed out, maces struck, axes cleaved, swords chopped—left and right, they sucked the souls from men; Hooks deflected whips, maces were pushed aside, axes driven back, swords parried—up and down, the heart trembled with fear. Indeed, King Zhou's strength was like luxuriant spring grass in early spring, growing stronger and more spirited the longer he fought; The feudal lords raged with fury, like thunderclaps, their shouts of battle echoing to the handle of the Dipper. At first, King Zhou was full of spirit and energy; but later on, his strength could no longer hold out. For the state, why should one fear death? For glory, how can one cherish life! Survival or destruction depends on today; life and death are decided at this very moment. After all, King Yin Zhou was brave and fierce, while the feudal lords ultimately lacked coordination. A shout: "Strike!" The officer fell from his horse; A cry of, "Hit!" He tumbled off the saddle. King Zhou's sword moved like a flying dragon, cutting through injured soldiers as easily as snowflakes; he beheaded feudal lords as if playing with children, slaying great generals so fiercely that ghosts wept and gods were startled. At this moment, Prince Nezha was enraged; Yang Jian, filled with anger, shouted loudly, "King Zhou, do not run away! Wait for me to fight you and see who is superior or inferior!" Pitiful indeed: a sorrowful cry that shakes heaven and earth, the wails of three armies echoing through mountains and valleys with tears. Heroes for their country give up their bodies; blood flows in torrents, staining the ground red. Horses trample men to death, mouths unable to speak; generals slash through three armies without anyone able to avoid them. Only the killing could be seen: wailing junior officers fled in chaos, broken drums and shattered spears were all abandoned. How many talented men returned bloodied; countless soldiers dragged away with wounds. King Zhou trembled in fear, his heart shaken; Lei Kun and Lei Peng had no plan left. This is: a ruler without virtue loses his country, wise ministers in vain devise countless strategies. This battle only resulted in: melting snow and spring water unmatched in the world, wind sweeping fallen petals across the ground.

话说纣王被众诸侯围在垓心，全然不惧，使发了手中刀，一声响，将南伯侯一刀挥于马下。鲁仁杰枪挑林善。恼了哪吒，登开风火轮，大喝曰：“不得猖獗，吾来也！”傍有杨戬、雷震子、韦护、金木二吒一齐大叫曰：“今日大会天下诸侯，难道我等不如他们！”齐杀至重围。杨戬刀劈了雷鵾；哪吒祭起乾坤圈，把鲁仁杰打下鞍鞽，丧了性命。雷震子一棍结果雷鹏。东伯侯姜文焕见哪吒众人立功，将刀放下，取鞭在手，照纣王打来。纣王及至看时，鞭已来得太急，闪不及，早已打中后背，几乎落马，逃回午门。众诸侯呐一声喊，齐追至午门。只见午紧闭，众诸侯方回。子牙鸣金收兵，升帐坐下。众诸侯来见子牙。子牙查点大小将官，损了二十六员。又见南伯侯鄂顺被纣王所害，姜文焕等著实伤悼。武王对众诸侯曰：“今日这场恶战，大失君臣名分，姜君侯又伤主上一鞭，使孤心下甚是不忍。”姜文焕曰：“大王言之差矣！纣王残虐，人神共怒，便杀之于市曹，犹不足尽其辜，大王又何必为彼惜哉！”

It is said that King Zhou, surrounded by the feudal lords in the center of their encirclement, was completely fearless. He brandished his sword and with one loud sound, slashed down Nanbo Hou from his horse. Lu Renjie speared Lin Shan. This enraged Nezha, who mounted his Wind and Fire Wheels and shouted loudly, "You shall not be so arrogant! Here I come!" Beside him, Yang Jian, Leizhenzi, Wei Hu, Jin Zha and Mu Zha all shouted together, "Today is the great gathering of feudal lords from around the world; how can we be less than they are!" They rushed into the thick encirclement together. Yang Jian cleaved Lei Kun with his sword; Nezha summoned up the Qiankun Ring, which struck Lu Renjie and knocked him off his saddle, causing his death. Leizhenzi killed Lei Peng with a single staff strike. Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhua, seeing Nezha and others achieving feats of merit, dropped his sword, took up a whip in hand, and struck at King Zhou. When King Zhou saw it, the whip had already come too quickly; he could not dodge in time and was struck on his back, nearly falling from his horse. He fled back to Wumen Gate. With one shout, the feudal lords all chased after him to Wumen Gate together. They saw that Wumen was tightly closed and returned only then. Ziya sounded the gong to recall his troops, entered his tent, and sat down. The feudal lords came to see Ziya. Ziya checked the number of his generals and found that twenty-six had been lost. He also saw that Nanbo Hou E Shun had been killed by King Zhou, and Jiang Wenhua was deeply grieved. King Wu said to the feudal lords, "Today's fierce battle has greatly violated the proper hierarchy between ruler and minister. Moreover, Lord Jiang struck a whip at His Majesty, which makes my heart very reluctant." Jiang Wenhua said, "Your Majesty's words are mistaken! King Zhou is cruel and tyrannical, provoking the anger of both men and gods. Even executing him in public would not be enough to fully repay his crimes; why should Your Majesty still feel pity for him!"

话说纣王被姜文焕一鞭打伤后背，败回午门，至九间殿坐下，低首不言，自己沉吟叹曰：“悔不听忠谏之言，果有今日之辱！可惜鲁仁杰、雷鵾兄弟皆遭此难！”傍有中大夫飞廉、恶来奏曰：“今陛下神威天纵，虽于千万人之中，犹能刀劈数名反臣。只是误被姜文焕鞭伤陛下龙体，只须保养数日，再来会战，必定胜其反叛也。古云：‘吉人天相。’‘胜负乃兵家之常’，陛下又何须过虑？”纣王曰：“忠良已尽，文武萧条；朕已著伤，何能再举，又有何颜与彼争衡哉？”随卸甲胄入内宫。不表。且说飞廉谓恶来曰：“兵困午门，内无应兵，外无救援，眼见旦夕必休；吾辈何以处之？倘或兵进皇城。‘荆出失火，玉石俱焚。’可惜百万家资，竟被他人所有！”恶来笑曰：“长兄此言竟不知时务！凡为丈夫者，当见机而作。眼见纣王做不得事业，退不得天下诸侯，亡在旦夕；我和你乘机弃纣归周，原不失了自己富贵。况武王仁德，姜子牙英明，他见我等归周，必不加罪。如此方是上著。”飞廉曰：“贤弟此言使我如梦中唤醒。只是还有一件，以我愚意，俟他攻破皇城之日，我和你入内庭，将传国符玺盗出，藏隐于家，待诸侯议定，吾想继汤者必周，等武王入内庭，吾等方去朝见，献此国玺玉符。武王必定以我们系忠心为国，欣然不疑，必加以爵禄。此不是一举两得？”恶来又曰：“即后世必以我等为知机，而不失‘良禽择木，贤臣择主’之智。”二人言罢大笑，自谓得计。正是： 痴心妄想居周室，斩首西岐谢将台。

It is said that after King Zhou was struck on the back by Jiang Wenhua's whip and retreated to Wumen, he returned to Jiujian Hall, sat down, lowered his head in silence, and sighed to himself, "I regret not listening to my loyal advisors' advice; indeed, I have suffered this humiliation today! Alas, Lu Renjie and the brothers Lei Kun all perished in this disaster!" Beside him, Zhong Dafu Feilian and E Lai presented a report saying, "Now that Your Majesty is endowed with divine might from Heaven, even among ten thousand men, he can still cleave several traitorous ministers with his sword. It was only a mistake that Lord Jiang Wenhua struck Your Majesty's dragon body with his whip. It will require just several days of rest and care, then we can fight again; surely we shall defeat these rebels. Ancient words say: "Heaven aids the virtuous." "Victory and defeat are common in warfare," so why should Your Majesty worry excessively?" King Zhou said, "Loyal and virtuous men have all perished; the ranks of scholars and warriors are desolate; I am already wounded, how can I raise an army again? What face do I have to contend with them?" He then removed his armor and entered the inner palace. No further details are given. Let us now say that Feilian told E Lai, "The troops are trapped at Wumen Gate; there is no response from within and no rescue from outside. It is evident that the end will come soon; What should we do about this?" If the enemy troops advance into the imperial city, "Once a fire breaks out in Jing, jade and stone are both burned." How pitiful that millions of assets will end up in the hands of others!" E Lai laughed and said, "Older brother, your words show you are unaware of current affairs! All men should act according to the situation. Now that we see King Zhou cannot accomplish any great cause, nor can he repel the feudal lords of the world; his downfall is imminent; You and I should seize this opportunity to abandon King Zhou and return to the Zhou, which would not lose our own wealth and honor. Moreover, King Wu is kind and virtuous, and Jiang Ziya is wise; if they see us returning to the Zhou, they will surely not hold it as a crime. This would be the best course of action." Feilian said, "Dear younger brother, your words have awakened me from a dream. But there is still one thing. In my humble opinion, when they break through the imperial city, you and I will enter the inner court, steal out the national seal of authority, hide it in our home, wait until the feudal lords have decided matters; I think that whoever succeeds King Tang must be the Zhou. When King Wu enters the inner court, we shall go to pay homage and present this jade seal of state. King Wu will surely regard us as loyal men who love the country, accept our offering without suspicion, and bestow upon us titles and official positions. Would this not be a case of achieving two benefits with one action?" E Lai added, "Later generations will surely regard us as men who understand the situation and not lose the wisdom of 'a good bird chooses its tree, a virtuous minister chooses his ruler.'" After finishing their conversation, the two laughed heartily, considering themselves to have devised an excellent plan. Indeed: Foolish and deluded in their desire to dwell within the Zhou court, they were beheaded at Xi Qi's Altar of Generals as a warning.

话说飞廉与恶来共议弃纣归周，不表。

Speaking of Feilian and E Lai discussing abandoning King Zhou to return to the Zhou together, we will not elaborate further here.

且说纣王入内宫，有妲己、胡喜媚、王贵人三个前来接驾。纣王一见三人，不觉心头酸楚，语言悲咽，对妲己曰：“朕每以姬发、姜尚小视，不曾著心料理，岂知彼纠合天下诸侯，会兵于此。今日朕亲与姜尚会兵，势孤莫敌。虽然斩了他数员反臣，到被姜文焕这厮鞭伤后背，致鲁仁杰阵亡，雷鵾兄弟死节。朕静坐自思，料此不能久守，亡在旦夕。想成汤传位二十八世，今一旦有失，朕将何面目见先帝于在天之也！朕已追悔无及，只三位美人与朕久处，一旦分离，朕心不忍，为之奈何？倘武王兵入内庭，朕岂肯为彼所掳！朕当先期自尽。但朕绝之后，卿等必归姬发。只朕与卿等一番恩爱，竟如此结局，言之痛心！”道罢，泪如雨下。三妖闻纣王之言，齐齐跪下，泣对纣王曰：“妾等蒙陛下眷爱，镂心刻骨，没世难忘。今不幸遭此离乱，陛下欲舍妾身何往？”纣王泣曰：“朕恐被姜尚所掳，有辱我万乘之尊。朕今别你三人，自有去向。”妲己俯伏纣王膝上，泣曰：“妾听陛下之言，心如刀割。陛下何遽忍舍妾等而他往耶？”随扯住纣王袍服，泪流遍面，柔声娇语，哭在一处，甚难割舍。纣王亦无可奈何，遂命左右治酒，与三美人共饮作别。纣王把盏，作诗一首，歌之以劝酒，诗曰： “忆昔歌舞在鹿台，孰知姜尚会兵来。分飞鸾凤惟今日，再会鸳鸯已隔垓。 烈士尽随烟焰灭，贤臣方际运弘开。一杯别酒心如醉，醒后沧桑变几回。”

Meanwhile, King Zhou entered the inner palace, where three ladies—Daji, Huximei, and Wang Guiren—came forward to greet him. As soon as King Zhou saw the three, he could not help but feel a pang of sorrow in his heart. His words were choked with grief. He said to Daji, "I have always looked down on Ji Fa and Jiang Shang as insignificant figures, never paying them any serious attention. How could I know that they had gathered feudal lords from all over the world and brought their armies here? Today, I personally confronted Jiang Shang's forces, but my position is isolated and I have no match for them. Although I have beheaded several of his rebellious ministers, it was still this wretch Jiang Wenhuan who lashed my back with a whip, resulting in Lu Renjie's death on the battlefield and the brothers Lei Kun dying as loyal subjects. Sitting quietly and thinking to myself, I realize that this city cannot be held for long; its fall is imminent. I think of the twenty-eight generations since King Cheng Tang passed on his throne; now it is lost in an instant. How can I face my ancestors in heaven with such shame! I have already regretted it too late. Only these three beauties have been with me for a long time; if we must part ways, my heart cannot bear it. What can I do about this? If King Wu's troops enter the inner palace, how could I possibly allow myself to be captured by him! I shall end my life before that happens. But after I am gone, you three must inevitably go to Ji Fa. The love and affection between us has come to such a tragic end; it is heartbreaking to speak of!" After saying this, he wept as if rain were falling. The three demons, hearing King Zhou's words, all knelt down and wept before him, saying, "We have been favored by Your Majesty; your love is etched in our hearts and bones, unforgettable even for a lifetime. Now, unfortunately, we face this separation and turmoil. Where would Your Majesty go without us?" King Zhou wept and said, "I fear that I might be captured by Jiang Shang, which would bring disgrace to my status as the Son of Heaven. Today, when I part from you three, I have a destination in mind." Daji fell to her knees before King Zhou and wept, saying, "Hearing Your Majesty's words, my heart feels as if it is being cut by a knife. How could Your Majesty be so cruel as to abandon us and go elsewhere?" She then grabbed hold of King Zhou's robe, tears streaming down her face. In a soft and coquettish voice, she wept together with him, making it extremely difficult to part ways. King Zhou had no choice but to give in. He then ordered the attendants to prepare wine and shared a final drink with the three beauties as they parted ways. King Zhou raised his cup and composed a poem, singing it to encourage drinking. The poem said: "Recalling past songs and dances at Lutai, who could have known that Jiang Shang would gather an army? Today is the day when phoenixes and mandarin ducks part ways; if we meet again, it will be on opposite sides of a battlefield. Loyal men have all perished in the flames; only virtuous ministers can now usher in an era of great fortune. A cup of parting wine makes my heart feel as if drunk; how many times will the world change after I awaken?"

话说纣王作诗毕，遂连饮数杯。妲己又奉一盏为寿。纣王曰：“此酒甚是难饮，真所谓不能下咽者也！”妲己曰：“陛下且省愁烦。妾身生长将门，昔日曾学刀马，颇能厮杀。况妹妹喜媚与王贵人善知道术，皆通战法。陛下放心，今晚看妾等三人一阵成功，解陛下之忧闷耳。”纣王闻言大悦：“若是御妻果能破贼，真百世之功，朕又何忧也！”妲己又奉纣王数杯，乃与喜媚、王贵人结束停当，议定今晚去劫周营。纣王见三人甲胄整齐，心中大喜，只看今晚成功。不表。

Speaking of King Zhou, after finishing his poem, he drank several cups in succession. Daji then presented another cup to wish him longevity. old King Zhou said, "This wine is very hard to drink; it's truly something that cannot be swallowed!" Daji said, "Your Majesty should try to forget your worries. I was raised in a military family; I once learned swordsmanship and horseback riding, and am quite capable of engaging in battle. Moreover, my younger sister Huximei and Wang Guiren are well-versed in Daoist arts and both understand the art of war. Your Majesty, please rest assured; tonight you will see us three accomplish a great feat in one battle and relieve your worries." King Zhou, upon hearing this, was greatly pleased: "If my beloved wife can indeed defeat the rebels, it would be a merit that will last for generations; what else should I worry about!" Daji then served King Zhou several more cups of wine. Afterward, she and Huximei as well as Wang Guiren prepared themselves properly and decided to raid the Zhou camp that very night. King Zhou, seeing the three of them fully armed and well-prepared, was overjoyed in his heart, looking forward to their success that night. We will not elaborate further on this here.

且说子牙在营中筹算：“甲子届期，纣王当灭。”心中大喜，不曾著意，就未曾提防三妖来劫营，故此几乎失利。只见将至二更，只听得半空中风响。怎见得，有赋为证，赋曰： 冷冷飕飕，惊人清况。飒飒萧萧，沙扬尘障。透壁穿窗，寻波逐浪。聚怪藏妖，兴魔伏魉。也会去助虎张威，会去从龙俯仰。起初时，都是些悠悠荡荡淅零声；次后来，却尽是滂滂湃湃呼吼响。且休言摧残月里婆罗；尽道是刮倒人间丛莽。推开了积雾重云，吹折了兰桡画浆。苍松翠竹尽遭殃，朱阁丹楼俱扫荡。这一阵风只吹得鬼哭与神惊，八百诸侯俱胆丧。

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya in the camp was calculating: "When the day of Jiazi arrives, King Zhou will be destroyed." He was so delighted that he did not pay attention and failed to guard against the three demons coming to raid the camp, which is why he nearly suffered a defeat. Just as it was approaching the second watch of the night, suddenly there came a sound of wind from halfway up in the sky. How was this described? A rhapsody serves as evidence; it says: Cold and whistling, startling the quiet scene. Sudden gusts of wind, rustling and howling, raise sand and dust to obscure the view. Penetrating walls and windows, chasing waves through the air. Gathering strange creatures and hiding demons, stirring up evil spirits to subdue ghosts. It would also go to help the tiger display its might, or follow the dragon in rising and falling. At first, it was only a faint rustling sound, drifting and lingering; Later on, however, the wind became loud and roaring with great force. Let alone speaking of destroying the Bodhi tree in the moonlight; It was said to have uprooted all the thick undergrowth on earth. It pushed aside dense mists and heavy clouds, blowing down fragrant canes and painted reeds. Tall cypresses and green bamboos were all ruined; red pavilions and vermilion towers were swept away completely. This gust of wind blew so fiercely that ghosts wept, gods trembled, and all eight hundred feudal lords lost their courage.

话说妲己与胡喜媚等三人俱全装甲胄，甚是停当。妲己用双刀，胡喜媚用两口宝剑，王贵人用一口绣鸾刀，俱乘桃花马；发一声响，杀入周营。各驾妖风，播土扬尘，飞砂走石，冲进周营内来。只见周营中军士，咫尺间不分南北，那辨东西，守营小校尽奔驰，巡逻将士皆束手。真个是：层围木栅撞得东倒西歪，铁骑连车冲得七横八竖。惊动了大小众将，急报子牙。子牙忙起身出帐观看，只见一派妖风怪雾，滚将进来。子牙忙传令：“命众门人齐去，将妖怪获来！”哪吒听得，急登风火轮，摇火尖枪；杨戬纵马，使三尖刀；雷震子使黄金棍；韦护用降魔杵；李靖摇方天戟；金、木二吒用四口宝剑，齐杀出中军帐来，迎敌三妖。只见三妖全身甲胄，横冲直撞，左右厮杀。杨戬大呼曰：“好业障！不要猖獗，敢来此自送死也！”哪吒登轮，夺勇当先；七位门人将三妖围在垓心。子牙在中军用五雷正法镇压邪氛，把手一放，半空中一声霹雳，只震得三妖胆战心寒。三妖见来的势头不好，俱是道术之士，料难取胜，不敢恋战，借一阵怪风，连人带马冲出周营，往午门逃回。三妖自二更入周营，只至四更方才逃回来，也伤了些士卒。不表。且说纣王在午门外看三妃今夜劫营成功，洗目以待。忽见三妃来至，纣王问曰：“三卿劫营，胜负如何？”妲己曰：“姜子牙俱有准备，故此不能成功，几乎被他众门人困于垓心，险不能见陛下也。”纣王闻言大惊，低首不言，进了午门，上了大殿，纣王不觉泪下曰：“不期天意丧吾，莫可救解。”妲已亦泣曰：“妾身指望今日成功，平定反臣而安社稷，不料天心不顺，力不能支，如之奈何！”纣王曰：“朕已知天意难回，非人力可解，从今与你三人一别，各自投生，免使彼此牵绊。”把袍袖一摆，迳往摘星楼去了。三妖也慰留不住。后人有诗叹之，诗曰： 大厦将倾止一茎，尚思劫寨破周兵。孰知天意归真主，犹向三妖诉别情。

Speaking of Daji and Huximei along with the third woman, they were all fully armed in complete armor, well-prepared. Daji wielded a pair of sabers; Huximei used two precious swords, and Wang Guiren carried one embroidered 鸾 saber. All rode peach-blossom-colored horses; With a loud cry, they charged into the Zhou camp. Each rode on demonic winds, stirring up dust and dirt, flying sand and rolling stones as they charged into the Zhou encampment. The soldiers in the Zhou camp could no longer distinguish north from south, or east from west within a few feet. The junior officers guarding the camp fled in all directions, and the patrolling troops stood helplessly by. Indeed: wooden stockades were knocked over in all directions, and rows of iron-clad cavalry and chariots were smashed into complete disarray. The commotion alarmed the generals both great and small, who immediately reported to Jiang Ziya. Jiang Ziya quickly rose from his tent to take a look and saw an eerie wind and strange mist rolling in. Jiang Ziya immediately gave orders: "Command all my disciples to go together and capture these demons!" Nezha, upon hearing this, quickly mounted his Wind-Fire Wheels and brandished his Fire-Tip Spear; Yang Jian rode forward, wielding a three-pointed knife; Lei Zhensi wielded his golden staff; Wei Hu used the Demonic Subjugation Pestle; Li Jing brandished his Fangtian Halberd; Jin and Mu Zhazha each wielded two precious swords. Together, they rushed out from the central command tent to confront the three demons. The three demons were fully armored and charging through the battlefield in all directions, engaging in fierce combat on both sides. Yang Jian shouted loudly, "What a wretched demon! Do not be so arrogant; dare to come here and offer your own death!" Nezha mounted his wheel, leading the charge with great courage; The seven disciples surrounded the three demons at the center of the battlefield. Jiang Ziya, in the central command, used the Five Thunder Divine Method to suppress the demonic aura. With a wave of his hand, there was a thunderclap from halfway up the sky, shaking the three demons with fear and cold dread. Seeing that the situation was unfavorable and realizing they were facing Daoist practitioners, the three demons knew victory would be difficult. They did not dare to continue fighting and took advantage of a strange gust of wind to charge out of the Zhou camp with both men and horses, fleeing back toward Wumen Gate. The three demons had entered the Zhou camp at the second watch and did not return until the fourth watch, having wounded some of the soldiers along the way. We will not elaborate further here. Meanwhile, King Zhou was waiting outside Wumen Gate to see whether his three concubines would succeed in their raid that night. He watched with eager eyes. Suddenly, he saw the three concubines returning and asked, "My ladies, how did your raid on the camp go? What was the result?" Daji replied, "Jiang Ziya was fully prepared; therefore, we could not succeed. We were almost surrounded at the center of his forces and barely managed to return in time to see Your Majesty." King Zhou, upon hearing these words, was greatly shocked. He lowered his head in silence and entered Wumen Gate before ascending the main hall. Overcome with emotion, he wept and said, "I had not expected Heaven's will to be against me; there is no way to save or resolve this." Daji wept as well and said, "I had hoped to succeed today in quelling the rebellious ministers and stabilizing the state. I did not expect Heaven's will to go against us; our strength is insufficient. What can we do about it!" King Zhou said, "I now know that Heaven's will cannot be reversed; it is beyond human power to change. From today onward, I must part from the three of you. Let us each take our own path and reincarnate, so as not to bind one another any longer." With a wave of his robe, he went directly toward Zhaixing Tower. The three demons could not stop him from leaving. Later generations composed a poem lamenting this, which said: A great hall about to collapse is held up by only one reed; still they thought of raiding the camp and breaking through Zhou's forces. Who could have known Heaven's will had already chosen a true ruler, yet he still turned to the three demons to express his parting feelings.

话说三妖见纣王自往摘星楼去了，妲己谓二妖曰：“今日纣王此去，必寻自尽，只我等数年来把成汤一个天下送得乾乾净净，如今我们却往那里去好？”九头雉鸡精曰：“我等只好迷惑纣王，其他皆不听也。此时无处可栖，不若还归轩辕坟去，依然自家巢穴，尚可安身，再为之计。”玉石琵琶精曰：“姐姐之言甚善。”三妖共议还归旧巢。不表。

Now, when the three demons saw that King Zhou had gone on his own to Zhaixing Tower, Daji said to the other two demons, "Today, upon leaving, King Zhou will surely seek death. For years now, we have completely ruined Chengtang's empire; but now, where should we go?" Jiutou Zhiji Jing said, "We can only deceive King Zhou. He does not listen to anything else." At this time, there is nowhere for us to dwell. We might as well return to Xuan Yuan Fen, our own lair, where we can still find a place of safety and make plans anew." Yushi Pipa Jing said, "Sister's words are very wise." The three demons discussed together and decided to return to their old lair. No further details are given.

且说子牙被三妖劫营，杀至营前，三妖逃遁。子牙收军，升帐坐下。众诸侯上帐参谒。子牙曰：“一时未曾防此妖孽，被他劫寨。幸得众门人俱是道术之士，不然几为所算，失了锐气。今若不早除，后必为患。”子牙言罢，命排香案。左右闻命，即将香案施设停当。子牙祷毕，将金钱排下，乃大惊曰：“原来如此！若再迟延，几被三妖逃去。”忙传令，命：“杨戬领柬帖，你去把九头雉鸡精拿来。如走了，定按军法！”杨戬领令去了。子牙又令：“雷震子领柬帖，你去把九尾狐狸精拿来。如若所失，定依军法！”又令：“韦护领柬帖，你去将玉石琵琶精拿来。如违令，定按军法！”三个门人领令，出了辕门，议曰：“我三人去拿此三妖，不知从何处下手？那里去寻他？”杨戬曰：“三妖此时料纣王已不济事了，必竟从宫中逃出。吾等借土遁，站在空中等候，看他从何处逃走。吾等务要小心擒获，不得卤莽，恐有疏虞不便。”雷震子曰：“杨师兄言之有理。”道罢，各架土遁，往空中等候三妖来至。有诗赞之，诗曰： 一道光华隐法身，修成幻化合天真。驱龙伏虎生来妙，今日三妖怎脱神。

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya had been attacked by the three demons during a raid on his camp; they fought all the way to the front of the camp, and the three demons fled. Jiang Ziya withdrew his troops and took his seat in the command tent. The various feudal lords entered the tent to pay their respects. Jiang Ziya said, "For a moment I did not anticipate this demonic threat and was caught off guard by the raid on my camp." Fortunately, all of my disciples are practitioners of Daoist arts; otherwise, I would have nearly fallen into their trap and lost our momentum. If we do not eliminate them soon, they will surely become a problem later." After Jiang Ziya finished speaking, he ordered the incense table to be set up. The attendants on either side heard the order and immediately arranged the incense table properly. After completing his prayer, Jiang Ziya cast down some coins and was greatly surprised, saying, "Originally it is like this!" "If we delay any longer, the three demons will almost certainly escape." He quickly gave orders and said, "Yang Jian, take this letter. Go and capture Jiutou Zhiji Jing." "If you let him escape, you will be punished according to military law!" Yang Jian accepted the order and left. Jiang Ziya then gave another command: "Lei Zhensi, take this letter and go capture Jiwei Huli Jing." "If you fail to bring him back, I will punish you according to military law!" He also gave an order: "Wei Hu, take this letter and go and capture Yushi Pipa Jing." "If you disobey the command, I will punish you strictly according to military law!" The three disciples accepted their orders and left the camp gate. They discussed among themselves, saying, "We are going to capture these three demons, but we do not know where to start." Where should we go to find them?" Yang Jian said, "At this moment, the three demons must have realized that King Zhou is no longer of any use to them. They will certainly have fled from the palace." Let us borrow earth 遁 (earth penetration) and stand in the air, waiting to see which direction they escape through." We must be careful when capturing them; we must not act recklessly, for fear of any oversight that might cause trouble." Lei Zhensi said, "Senior Brother Yang speaks wisely." After saying this, they each used earth 遁 (earth penetration) to ascend into the air and waited for the three demons to arrive. A poem praises them, which says: A ray of light conceals the Daoist form; cultivation has refined illusion into true nature. Taming dragons and tigers is a wondrous skill from birth; today, how can the three demons escape divine power?

话说妲己与胡喜媚、王贵人在宫中还吃了几个宫人，方才起身。一阵风响，三妖起在空中，往前要走，只见杨戬看见风响，随与雷震子、韦护曰：“孽怪来也！各要小心！”杨戬拎宝剑大呼曰：“怪物休走！吾来也！”九头雉鸡精见杨戬仗剑赶来，举手中剑骂道：“我们姊妹断送了成汤天下，与你们的功名，你反来害我等，何无天理也！”杨戬大怒曰：“业畜休得多言，早早受缚！吾奉姜元帅将令，特来擒你！不要走，吃吾一剑！”雉鸡精举剑来迎。雷震子黄金棍打来，早有九尾狐狸精双刀架住。韦护降魔杵打来，玉石琵琶精用绣鸾刀敌住。三妖与杨戬等三人战，未及三五回合，三妖架妖光逃走；杨戬与雷震子、韦护恐有失，紧紧赶来。怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 妖光荡荡，冷气飕飕。妖光荡荡，旭日无光；冷气飕飕，乾坤黑暗。黄河漠漠怪尘飞，黑雾漫漫妖气惨。雉鸡精、狐狸精、琵琶精往前逃，似电光飞闪；雷震子与杨戬并韦护紧追随，如骤雨狂风。三妖要命，恍如弩箭离弦，那顾东西南北；三圣争功，恰似叶落随风，岂知流行坎止。雷震性起，追得狐狸有穴难寻；杨戬心忙，赶得雉鸡上天无路。琵琶性巧欲腾挪；韦护英明驱压定。这也是三妖作过罪业多，故遇著三圣立功能取命。

Now, Daji and Hu Ximei, Wang Guiren had eaten several palace attendants in the palace before they finally rose to leave. A gust of wind sounded, and the three demons rose into the air, intending to flee forward. Just then, Yang Jian noticed the sound of the wind and immediately said to Lei Zhensi and Wei Hu, "The demonic fiends are coming!" Everyone must be cautious!" Yang Jian brandished his sword and shouted, "You demon, do not run away!" "I am coming for you!" Jiutou Zhiji Jing saw Yang Jian rushing toward him with his sword drawn and raised his own sword, cursing, "We sisters have destroyed the Chengtang dynasty for you and your fame; yet now you come to harm us. How is this in accordance with Heaven's justice!" Yang Jian was greatly enraged and said, "You wretched beast, do not speak so much. Surrender at once!" "I have been ordered by General Jiang to come especially to capture you!" "Do not run! Taste my sword!" Zhiji Jing raised his sword to meet it. Lei Zhensi swung his golden staff, but Jiwei Huli Jing quickly blocked with her twin swords. Wei Hu struck with the Demonic Subjugation Mallet, and Yushi Pipa Jing countered with her embroidered 鸾 (luan) knife. The three demons fought against Yang Jian and the other two, but before three rounds of combat had passed, the three demons raised a demonic light and fled. Yang Jian, Lei Zhensi, and Wei Hu feared they might escape and hurriedly pursued them closely. How was this scene? A verse testifies to it, which says: The demonic light spreads widely; a cold wind whistles through. Demonic radiance fills the air; even the rising sun loses its brightness; Cold winds whistle through, and heaven and earth fall into darkness. The Yellow River is shrouded in eerie dust; dark mists spread widely with a grim demonic aura. Zhiji Jing, Huli Jing, and Pipa Jing fled forward like flashes of lightning; Lei Zhensi, Yang Jian, and Wei Hu pursued them closely, as if in a sudden downpour and fierce wind. The three demons fled for their lives like arrows leaving the bowstring, heedless of directions east, west, south, or north; The Three Saints vied for merit, just like leaves falling with the wind—how could they know where the current would carry them or where it might stop? Lei Zhensi's wrath surged; he chased after the fox until even its den was hard to find; Yang Jian, in a hurry, pursued the pheasant so fiercely that it had no path left to heaven. Pipa Jing was cunning and tried to evade; Wei Hu, wise and resolute, drove it down with force. This was also due to the many sins the three demons had committed; thus, they encountered the Three Saints who could immediately end their lives with their powers.

话说那杨戬追赶九头雉鸡精，往前多时，看看赶上，杨戬取出哮天犬祭在空中；那犬乃仙犬修成灵性，见妖精舞爪张牙，赶上前一口，将雉鸡头咬吊了一个。那妖精也顾不得疼痛，带血逃灾。杨戬见犬伤了他一头，依旧走了，心下著忙，急驾土遁紧追。雷震子追狐狸，韦护追琵琶精，紧紧不舍。只见前面两首黄旛，空中飘荡，香烟霭霭，遍地氤氲。不知是谁来了，且听下回分解。

Now, Yang Jian was in pursuit of Jiutou Zhiji Jing. After chasing for a long time forward, he finally caught up and summoned Xiaotian Quan, his beast, to the air above. This dog was a divine beast with spiritual cultivation; seeing the demon flailing its claws and fangs, it rushed forward and bit off one of Zhiji Jing's heads in an instant. The demon paid no heed to the pain and fled with blood streaming from its wound, escaping disaster. Yang Jian saw that the dog had bitten off one of its heads but the demon still managed to escape. His heart grew anxious, and he quickly used earth 遁 (earth penetration) in a tight pursuit. Lei Zhensi pursued the fox demon while Wei Hu chased after Pipa Jing, neither giving up their pursuit. Just ahead, two yellow banners floated in the air; incense smoke filled the atmosphere and a dense mist covered the ground. Who could this be? Stay tuned for the next chapter to find out.