text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 40

This chapter is titled "Phoenix City's Great Siege". With the immediate arrival of dusk, and the essential completion of the terrace, Jiang Ziya began to recite many incantations and spells to stir up the winds for his set intentions. Destroying the deathly heat of summer with a refreshing breeze, the wind gradually became stronger—even to the extent that trees became uprooted, and sand flew about violently. As the wind became etched with a tint of coldness, winter snow suddenly fell from the skies, covering the land beneath with a tint of silver and white. Being exceedingly astonished and enraged at the coldness at the same time, Lu Xiong began making preparations to make an immediate retreat, less they were frozen to death by such blatant sorcery. Realizing that the enemy army could escape his grasp without death, Jiang Ziya began to recite many charms, effectively summoning the sun before the Shang forces' eyes. Sending large torrents of waves raging about, the prime minister additionally summoned forth a cold wind, freezing all unfortunate soldiers of Shang to ice. Seeing an ocean of ice layed about beneath the summit, Wu Ji and Nangong Kuo broke into the Shang camp as ordered, taking back Lu Xiong, Fei Zhong, and You Hun as prisoners as easily as turning over their very palm. As Lu Xiong stood defiantly before the feet of Jiang Ziya, while Fei Zhong and You Hun fell to the ground, begging for mercy, the prime minister ordered them to be placed within prison for the time being. Reciting incantations immediately after to melt away all ice below the mountain's summit, over 5,000 soldiers of the original 50,000 had been clearly frozen to death, while the remaining 45 managed to escape from the Western Foothills without any notable harm. With Jiang Ziya's decree to receive King Wu before Mount Western Foothills at once, General Nangong Kuo set out to Phoenix City shortly, performing such a task with immediate speed. Being accompanied by his civil and military officials along the way, King Wu noticed many lumps of ice and snow laying about in random areas of the mountain—and was thus informed by the prime minister following his arrival. As the prime minister began to write an elegy of in memory of the warriors who lost their lives for the Zhou cause, King Wu began to burn incense, while Jiang Ziya ordered the three prisoners to be brought forth and beheaded at once. Following the end of their ceremony, Han Rong had received the remnants of Lu Xiong's army, and at the same time, sent an urgent report to Grand Old Master Wen Zhong on the current issue within the Western Foothills. Being determined that his own appearance within the Western Foothills is the only insurance of Shang victory, Wen Zhong was immediately confronted by his two disciples, who suggested the four Diablo brothers—for they possess great magical renown, far exceeding what the original four Taoists could have obtained through their discipline. Being delighted, and well confident, over their summary, Wen Zhong sent an order to the four brothers, appointing them as expeditionary commanders if they are to comply. Realizing that the Grand Old Master must assuredly be rather desperate after receiving report on their appointment, the Diablo brothers nonetheless roared through the Good Dream Pass, 100,000 strong, and arriving before Phoenix City in rather quick pace.

As the prime minister obtained word shortly on the arrival of a Shang army camped near the city, Yellow Flying Tiger carefully spyed on their forces from the city wall, and upon the spotting of the renowned Diablo brothers—Mo Lihong, Mo Liqing, Mo Lihai, and Mo Lishou--he returned to Jiang Ziya's side and thoroughly elaborated the situation. Informing Jiang Ziya of their individualized special abilities—in which he knew by fighting by their side during a conflict against the East Sea district—the prime minister sat in great discomfort and distress. After three days without any form of challenge, the four brothers toasted eachother that night, while charging forth the following morning to do battle. Not having any preset plan as Jiang Ziya exited from the city gates to confront the four brothers, Mo Liqing started things off by ragefully yelling at the prime minister for his intentions on rebellion, especially after seeing Zhang Guifang's head atop Phoenix City's walls, who he had recognized. Even after being told that they never possessed any intentions to rebel against the dynasty, but were simply defending themselves from King Zhou's constant unbased assaults, the four brothers cared little of his words—for Grand Old Master is a keen man of intellect and competency and would surely not have sent them if the Western Foothills was not planning rebellion—and they thus charged at the Zhou forces, fighting right and left with great renown. Unfortunately for Nezha, and any other generals who had wielded a weapon of magical attributes, Mo Lihong used his Universe Muddling Umbrella to absorb such weapons with a single horizontal spin. With eager to show the opposition his own power, Mo Liqing shaked the Green Cloud Sword atop his back, forcing all within a set perimeter to unconditionally kill themselves with their own weapons. As the clouds above turned dark, with flames shooting about from Lihong's umbrella, Lishou used his white elephant to devour all unfortunate soldiers that happened to stand within its path. Fleeing back to Phoenix City in complete defeat, over 10,000 casualties had been counted, while nine generals had additionally lost their lives. As the Shang forces returned in great happiness over such a feat, Lihong suggested a complete assault upon Phoenix City's walls during their next military conference, in a chance to force both Jiang Ziya and King Wu into effective surrender. Enforcing such a suggestion with open arms, the four Diablo brothers clearly realized that boards of truce had been placed forth the city gates, but they nontheless assaulted the city with scaling ladders and cannons -- not daring to let up for a single second, less such a grand opportunity were to be negated at some later time. Retorting with flaming arrows, lime bottles, throwing spears, and of the sort for over three days, the Shang forces became even more resolved to break through such a defense, even at their own lack of soldiers through such aggression. Ordering a retreat following the end of their third day of assault, the four brothers decided that they should besiege the city and ensure that external food supplies and reinforcements are essentially cut off. After three months without any true success, Lihong suggested to his brothers a full scale assault upon the city with their legendary weapons; the amount of innocent casualties is of no more concern, for the city's capture is completely essential, less their own personal expenses result in reprimanding from the Grand Old Master. As it was agreed that such an action shall be taken by midnight, Jiang Ziya had meanwhile performed divination after hearing a sudden unpredictable blast of wind blow down many obstacles within Phoenix City. Realizing that such a resolution was rather likely to come about eventually due to their obstinacy, Jiang Ziya summoned forth the North Sea as a large water barrier that stretched over the entire city, negating any potential attack from the opposition's weapons. Being utterly astonished at the uselessness of their weapons against such a formidable crest of water over Phoenix City, the four brothers had little choice but to give up their pre-planned attack for that night. As the barrier remained erect before the city for months, as Jiang Ziya full realized the external actions of besiegement on the part of the Diablo brothers, the four brothers could do nothing more than continue to await food supply conveys in order to obtain a chance to attack the city from within. Eventually obtaining word that their city's supply of food could only last another ten days at the most, Yellow Flying Tiger suggested that the rich citizens of the Western Foothills should be forced to open their granaries for the city's overall use, while being repayed at a later time. Declining such an offer due to the panic and exceedingly poor morale that it would create, Jiang Ziya decided it best to think the matter over. After eight days had passed, two distinguished Taoists—known as Han Dulong of the Poisoned Dragon, and Xue Ehu of the Wicked Tiger--arrived to offer their food supplies after declaring their discipleship under Superiorman Divine Virtue. Handing a letter from their master as proof of their identities, Han Dulong placed forth his promised provisions: a small bag that possessed two handfuls of rice overall. As the soldiers of the Western Foothills tried their very best to hold back their laughter at such a sight, Jiang Ziya asked the Taoist to place the rice within one of the city's three granaries. Obtaining word after the passage of three hours, stating from a patrolman, that the barns are overflowing with rice, Jiang Ziya smiled with great delight at the good fortune of his king.

Now knowing that he possessed a strengthened resistance that could still easily be crushed by the Diablo brothers with ease, Jiang Ziya reinforced the North Sea water barrier at every moment. Being exceedingly disgusted and utterly wrathful at their lack of ability to take the city in its current impenetrable state, the four brothers sent a report to Grand Old Master Wen Zhong, stating that Jiang Ziya has defended his city with treacherous methods, resulting in their expedition almost taking over an entire year without a sign of the enemy's decay. As a few more days had passed by, another Taoist arrived before the gates of Phoenix City, and upon his admission, he declared his name to be "Yang Bliss", one of the head disciples under Jade Tripod. Being informed of the current situation against the Diablo brothers upon his asking, Yang Bliss managed to convince the prime minister that he shall be able to deal with the opposition—for he is a man of incredible magic renown, far exceeding that of an ordinary Taoist. As word of the board of truce being removed had reached the ears of the four brothers, they enthusiastically charged from the Shang camp, completely eager to destroy their opposition after such a long period of await. Once Ma Chenglong, commander of food supplies, had arrived from Caozhou before the feet of Phoenix City, Lishou, completely resolved to ensure the Western Foothill's internal decay at all costs, ordered his white elephant to devour the former at once. Seeing such an incident being carried out, Yang Bliss smiled with delight at such a chance, and thus threw himself in front of the elephant, being devoured in addition. As the Zhou forces fled back in fear at such a sight, Nezha informed Jiang Ziya of current happenings, but the latter nonetheless felt reassured that Yang Bliss may still be alive, considering the magical renown that he stated to have possessed. Being delighted at their great success, and obtaining notice on the lack of Phoenix City's water barrier for reasons unknown, Lishou suggested the unleashing of his white elephant as a chance to devour both Jiang Ziya and King Wu in one quick assault. Realizing that the barrier's disappearance is very probable of being a trap, the three brothers nonetheless agreed to such a suggestion. Once the white elephant had thus been sent forth with set intentions to destroy the king and his prime minister, Yang Bliss, still living within the beast's belly, thrashed its heart into pieces while destroying its body as a means of escape.

Cleaning his body from the blood, Yang Bliss was ushered forth within the city, to Nezha's immense surprise. Jiang Ziya, however, had expected such an outcome to an extent, and nonetheless became informed of the Diablo brother's original intentions before Yang's arrival. As Yang Bliss boastfully elaborated his many transformations, while becoming a small ermine weasel as proof, he left the prime minister's presence after ensuring the capture of the four weapons under the Diablo brothers. Assuming the appearance of Lishou's elephant, and returning to the Shang camp in its place, the four brothers realized that their plan did not go as planned—due to the distinct insignias that would have appeared before the animal's skin if another victim had been consumed—but nonetheless drank away their worries that night. Falling asleep with deep drunken stupor, Yang Bliss managed to grab ahold of Lihong's legendary umbrella, but upon the accidental knocking down of two other weapons within the room, which triggered evidential signs of awakening on the part of the four brothers, Yang had little choice but to flee at once from the Shang camp. Returning to Phoenix City, handing the prime minister Lihong's umbrella, and returning to the side of Lishou that same night, the four Diablo brothers awoke the following morning only to the great yells of fury on the part of Lihong, for his weapon had clearly been missing. Being ensured from the camp guards that no spy, or intruder at that, could ever get close to the camp without thorough inspection, the Diablo brothers unconditionally felt thoroughly unconfident at such a loss. Meanwhile within the Purple Sun Cave, Virtue of the Pure Void called forth Huang Tianhua, his disciple, after carefully watching the former incidents involving the Western Foothill's Phoenix City. Instructing his disciple to head to the Western Foothills and assist Jiang Ziya's cause, Virtue of the Pure Void first taught Tianhua how to use the twin golden-tipped hammers, and followed by giving the former his Fire Dragon Javelin and the jade unicorn as an additional form of assistance. Seeing his disciple off shortly after, Tianhua used his unicorn's unparalleled attribute of speed to arrive before the Western Foothills in mere moments. After being allowed passage within the city, while greeting his fellow father and prime minister upon entry, Tianhua stayed at his family's house for the day, fully enjoying the amount of meat that he effectively received—for he was only allowed to feast on vegetables when originally under Pure Void. Cladding himself full with armor of bright gold the following day, Huang Tianhua obtained consent to face the four Diablo brothers after informing Jiang Ziya of his set instructions on how to deal with such an opposition.

Categorized Events

 * Defiance and blind loyalty of Honest Hero
 * Consecrating of the God Altar; death of Fei Zhong and You Hun
 * Unleashing of Grand Old Master's trump card - the Diablo Brothers
 * Baby Tooth's unmeasurable anxiety; arrival of the Diablo Brothers
 * Renown of Diablo Red - stealing of the heavenly treasures
 * The mass rice provision; appearance of Yang Bliss
 * Yang Bliss's flying mink ruse
 * Heavenly Educated appears before Baby Tooth and Flying Tiger

封神演義/卷040


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 41

This chapter is titled "Grand Old Master Wen Zhong Attacks the Western Foothills". Striding swiftly atop his jade-unicorn, Huang Tianhua arrived before the Shang camp shortly, offering battle immediately following. Seeing a young man of around sixteen years of age challenging their gates with seemingly great confidence, Mo Liqing moved forward to do battle immediately after being informed of the former's intentions. Using his White Jade Ring to deliver a brutal blow to the opposition's back, Nezha suddenly intercepted Liqing, fully resolved to protect his fellow ally at all costs. After using his golden Universal Ring to shatter Liqing's jade ring to pieces, Nezha had little choice but to retreat with Tianhua in his arms—for the other three brothers quickly assisted with their respective weapons just following such a happening. Returning to Phoenix City immediately after, Yellow Flying Tiger gasped in astonishment at the report of his son, for Liqing is known for drenching his ring in the most deadly of poisons before use. Gazing forth at Tianhua at once, alas, it was too late: Tianhua was nothing more than a lifeless body shortly. Performing divination to become informed of the recent happenings within the Western Foothills, White Cloud Lad arrived before Phoenix City later on, retrieving the body of Huang Tianhua with reassurance to Yellow Flying Tiger. As Pure Void revived his disiciple with dissolved elixers of legendary origin, he reprimanded Tianhua for impulsiveness, informed him of his former death by the hands of a jaden ring, and handed him a special weapon to use against the opposition before giving his farewells. Returning to Phoenix City shortly following, Tianhua was admitted within the Prime Minister's mansion, where he thoroughly elaborated the happenings at his master's cavern. Riding from the city gates the following morning with great determination for revenge, Liqing was astonished to see Tianhua alive, and still fuming over the lack of his ring, he charged at the former with his lance immediately following. Thrashing at the young warrior with exceeded renown, Tianhua unleashed the weapon that his master had given him--the Heart Penetrating Nail—and threw it straight at Liqing's breast. As the nail burrowed into his heart like a drill, resulting in immediate death, Lihong, who was enraged at the lack of power he possessed without his umbrella, fearlessly charged at Tianhua with his great halberd. Maneuvering like a snake in order to avoid any potential attack from other deadly weapons that the boy may possess, Tianhua launched a secondary nail, and to Lihong's great ill-fortune and surprise, it followed his movement like an enraged beast, piercing his throat in one sudden strike. Piercing through Lihai's heart immediately after passing through the throat of Lihong like a raging bullet of incredible speed, Lishou clearly realized the situation was desperate—and thus ordered his elephant to crush Tianhua before he, included, meets death. As the elephant suddenly reared back to attack its master—for Yang Bliss was still performing his magic disguise—Lishou was thrashed about violently, resulting in his additional unfortunate end. Recollecting his two nails afterwards, Yang Bliss returned to his former state, and upon introduction to Tianhua, they both returned to Phoenix City with the heads of the four Diablo brothers. Mounting the four newly received heads atop Phoenix City's eastern gates, Commander Han Rong had meanwhile received many soldiers under the Diablo brothers, and upon their explanation of such an unfortunate happening, Han Rong sent another urgent report to Wen Zhong, elaborating the recent happenings within the Western Foothills. Fuming with incredible rage upon the receiving of such a report, Wen Zhong was resolved in his heart that only he is truly capable of destroying Jiang Ziya once and for all, despite what the capital may suffer if he is to take leave so suddenly.

Approaching King Zhou the following day with written report, the king gave his immediate approval towards the Grand Old Master's declaration of taking leave. Obtaining a glass of wine from King Zhou as tribute to his departure, Grand Old Master left the palace and ascended his mount. Being idle for so many months, Wen Zhong was reared from the mount immediately, while at the same time being informed from other ministers that such may foretell a bad omen on the part of his future. Dismissing such an incident as solely being the result of his mount's idleness for such a long period, the Grand Old Master set off at once, taking along over 300,000 soldiers as support. Obtaining suggestion to head through the Green Dragon Pass—for it was the shortest route to the Western Foothills—from Commander Zhang Kui of Mianchi Country later on, Wen Zhong did as he suggested, but regretfully met various narrow mountain paths and other such obstacles that resulted in a lengthened march. Arriving before the Yellow Flower Mountain along the way, beautiful flowers of yellow bloomed in every which direction, filling the soldiers of Shang, and Wen Zhong alike, with heightened happiness. Halting his army before the summit of the mountain, the Grand Old Master personally inspected the terrain ahead, and was immensely satisfied at the enchanting view laid out before him. Suddenly hearing the gongs of soldiers behind him, while clearly seeing troops marching along the mountain, a patrolman reported to the commanding general that a certain man could be seen spying upon their formation—Grand Old Master in this case. As the general charged at the conjectured spy with great furiosity, Wen Zhong evaded each blow as easily as a leaf blowing through the wind. Baiting the general farther to the east, Wen Zhong encased the pursuing general within four large golden walls, and followed by relaxing upon a rock to see how the situation shall develop. Suddenly being confronted by two additional generals who declared themselves to be the "mountain chiefs"—thus being nothing more than unaligned outlaws—the former two charged at Wen Zhong like raging beasts. Waving his golden staves in a set direction, the first of two chiefs saw before him a grand ocean of sea, while the second felt as if being surrounded by a forest—thus indicating their being trapped within Grand Old Master's art of genjutsu. Relaxing under a tree, Wen Zhong became confronted by a fourth high-ranking chief: a large beast that could fly swiftly through the clouds with its wings, while equipped with two hammers. Grinning with delight at the chance to obtain this individual under the flag of Shang, Grand Old Master used neighboring rocks to break the wings of his foe, leaving him no choice but to beg for mercy. Obtaining consent from the enemy--who's name had been "Xin Huan"—to serve under him as a left arm of the royal army sent to destroy the Western Foothills, Wen Zhong was informed that over 10,000 outlaws are present within the mountain and are under the former's command. As Xin Huan pleaded for the freeing of his three allies, and upon Wen Zhong's inquiring of their strong bond of loyalty and friendship despite being nothing more than outlaws, the Grand Old Master rose his palm to the skies in consent, and upon a sudden clap of thunder, the three bound individuals felt as if they awoke from a dream. However, these three, as expected, still considered Wen Zhong as their enemy—and thus charged at the former, completely resolved to destroy him for assaulting their mountain.

Categorized Events

 * Heavenly Educated's duel against the Diablo Brothers
 * Death of Heavenly Educated; inner anguish of Yellow Flying Tiger
 * Vacuum's magical potion if revival; Heavenly Educated's second duel
 * The death of the Diablo Brothers; the tri-celebrated victory
 * Grand Old Master's unparalleled chagrin; the eternal vow to destroy the Western Foothills
 * Grand Old Master personally sets out
 * Arrival at Mount Yellow Blossoms; Conflict with the four lords
 * Eternal allegiance established

封神演義/卷041

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 42

This chapter is titled "Surrender of the Bandit Chiefs". As the three outlaws charged at Wen Zhong with great furiosity, Xin Huan immediately intervened, stating that none other than the renowned Grand Old Master is the man before their very midst. Falling to their feet with both shame and embarassment, they led Wen Zhong before their head camp at once, offering him a drink as fellow friendship and atonement for their former rudeness. Stating their names--Deng Zhong, Tao Rong, and Zhang Jie--while declaring their original alignment with Morning Song before secluding themselves away from the capital's troubles later on, Wen Zhong promised them high positions as ministers if they are to achieve great success by his side against the Western Foothills. After obtaining a consentual agreement with the other three outlaw leaders, Wen Zhong instructed them to gather all who are willing to stand by his side in exchange for wealth, while the remainder are given money and food as a form of shelter. Performing such a task immediately following, 7,000 of the original 10,000 chose to fight by the Grand Old Master's side after being overjoyed at a chance to obtain heightened wealth and rank -- the very opposite they obtained before fleeing from Morning Song. With immense delight at the expected result of such an offer, Wen Zhong departed with his newly combined forces, arriving before an auspicious stone monument along the way. With the words "Dragon Extinction Peak" inscribed within the monument, Wen Zhong became reminded of his original master, Mother Golden Spirit, informing him that disaster is destined to follow if the character "extinction" is ever to be come across in the future. Telling such to his generals nearby, Deng Zhong reassured the Grand Old Master that with his virtue and great talent, he is sure to win over the Western Foothills without any extreme sacrifices. Silently considering his words along the journey, and obtaining report of their closing in on the southern gate of Phoenix City, Wen Zhong ordered his army to set up camp for the time being. Due to the unparalleled reputation that the Grand Old Master had possessed, many patrolman instantly realized the identity of the man camped before them, and thus approached Jiang Ziya and informed him of such a situation. Hearing of Wen Zhong's great reputation and renowned characteristics, the prime minister decided to mount the city walls and gaze forth at his camp; Jiang Ziya was indeed immensely pleased at the ingenious layout set before him -- and thus returned to his mansion and summoned the generals for a meeting. As they discussed their next movement carefully, a letter was soon given to the prime minister, being adressed from the Grand Old Master himself. Reading the letter, which stated Wen Zhong's intention to receive Jiang Ziya for capital punishment, or the unconditional destruction of their city, the prime minister instructed the messenger to tell the Grand Old Master his intention: to meet eachother on the battlefield in three days. Being informed of such a statement, Grand Old Master fiercely led forth his soldiers before the southern gates three days following, immensely resolved to destroy such defiance with his own two hands. After the firing of five cannons on the side of Zhou, Jiang Ziya appeared with generals right and left, while bowing before the newly arrived Grand Old Master, who layed out his forces before the former. Angrily yelling at Jiang Ziya for enthroning Ji Fa as king without the authorization of King Zhou, and destroying their forces left and right unconditionally throughout the past, Jiang Ziya retorted with more clearer rationality, placing great shame into the face of Wen Zhong. Angrily calling forth Yellow Flying Tiger before him in his great rage, Wen Zhong ordered one of his men to capture the rebel for his blatant violation of rebellion against the capital. With General Deng Zhong's acceptance of such an order, a grand battle began between many generals under both the Zhou and Shang forces.

As Xin Huan roared forth atop his wings to slay Jiang Ziya from the skies, Huang Tianhua became exceedingly frightened at the former's appearance, but nontheless charged forth atop his unicorn in order to protect the prime minister. Realizing that Xin was currently occupying Jiang Ziya's last line of defense, Wen Zhong thrusted about his two golden staves with unparalleled renown, arriving before the rebel commander shortly, and attacking the opposition like a raging beast. To Jiang Ziya's lack of knowledge, Wen Zhong's two staves were created through the scales of legendary dragons of old, and after throwing the leftern staff into the air, it crashed down directly upon the prime minister's right shoulder, shooting blood in every which direction. As such an action immediately triggered the retortion of Nezha and his two brothers, Wen Zhong had little choice but to hold off the celestials layed out before him until he can seize the chance to kill the rebel commander. Upon Tao Rong's release of the Wind Collecting Pearl, which sent sand and dirt flying about profusely, Wen Zhong, and his generals alike, used their weapons in a synchronized manner amongst the confusion, forcing the Zhou forces to flee like helpless animals. As the generals of Shang congratulated the Grand Old Master over his victory following their return, Yang Bliss had meanwhile suggested to the prime minister that a night raid should be deployed after their potential victory the following day. Approving such a suggestion fully, Jiang Ziya and Wen Zhong fiercely clashed blade against staff the next morning. With generals battling right to left, with Jiang Ziya in a seizable position for reciprocated attack, Wen Zhong seized this chance by launching forth one of his golden staves within the air, aiming for the head of Jiang Ziya. Little did he expect however, the prime minister immediately recognized the staff approaching him, and thus used his Staff of Beating Gods to coil around the weapon, breaking it into golden shards upon the ground. Not believing his eyes, Wen Zhong wrathfully charged his great dragon into the enemy commander with collosal speed and mobility. Being striken in the back by the sudden movement of Jiang Ziya's multi-jointed weapon, Wen Zhong had little choice but to flee, resulting in the retreat of the Shang army shortly after. As Jiang Ziya began his preparations for the night-raid that afternoon, Wen Zhong sat in his inner quarters, exceedingly resentful over the destruction of one of his golden staffs, and the impact that such would place before the morale of his army. Knowing Jiang Ziya to be a man of treachery, and surely improved of morale after such a lucky victory earlier that day, Wen Zhong ordered his generals to meet any potential assault at set points within the camp, while he directly stands before the central quarters to see if the prime minister would act in such a predictable manner as to attempt a raid or any other form of attack. As such preparations were being made within the Shang camp, Jiang Ziya stealthily moved his forces towards the opposition, and upon the sudden signal of cannon fire, the forces of Zhou attacked the camp from three differing directions.

封神演義/卷042


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 43

This chapter is titled "The Grand Old Master's Bad Luck". As Nezha and Huang Tianhua smashed down the central gates of the Shang camp, Wen Zhong rushed forth, using his remaining golden staff with renowned force and resolve. Unfortunately however, many of the generals on the side of Zhou possessed strange weapons of unparalleled ability compared to the generals of Shang, thus resulting in disasters evolving within random parts of the camp. Especially due to that of Yang Bliss, who possessed exceedingly rare qualities coming from a Taoist--in this case being fire--the Shang army's store of grain and fodder was turned into ashes in mere moments upon his arrival. As Wen Zhong gazed at flames shooting throughout the air within the direction of his provisional supplies, he immediately realized that the situation has turned very chaotic, and survival will be difficult even if he manages to fight back the enemy in any way possible. With such thought in mind, Grand Old Master soared through the air atop his great dragon, ordering all soldiers present to regroup with him once they are to arrival within Mount Western Foothills. As Xin Huan valiently protected his commander from any potential harm in their escape, Master of the Clouds had meanwile seen the banners of the Grand Old Master present throughout the Western Foothills region, and thus realizing that Jiang Ziya would find great difficulty against such a foe, he ordered Thunderquaker to appear before him at once. Kowtowing before his master upon arrival, Thunderquaker left with the instructions to assist his elder brother, King Wu, and the prime minister of the Western Foothills at all costs possible. Seeing a great army spread before him in conjectured retreat, Thunderquaker realized that the soldiers before him must be from the Shang Dynasty -- for they are present with the same insignias upon their armor as when he protected Ji Chang originally in the past. Deciding to test the strength of the opposing army due to being idle for such a long period of time, Thunderquaker charged at the enemy from the skies with his two hammers, but was immediately intercepted by Xin Huan, who additionally possessed two hammers as his set weapons. Realizing Xin Huan's skill greatly outmatched his own, Thunderquaker fled at once to what he thought to have been Phoenix City without any pursuing of the enemy afterwards. Holding a conference within the city that morning, the generals had praised their commander profusely for his ability to wield such an outstanding cast of immortals in such a fortunate manner. As they continued on with their praise, Thunderquaker was invited before the prime minister shortly, immediatley following his essential permission to enter. Stating his name, origin, and past service towards his father, Ji Chang, Jiang Ziya was very pleased to see the man who is late master constantly talked about before his very own eyes. Introducing Thunderquaker before King Wu shortly after, the king, who was startled at the strange appearance of his supposed younger brother, and worried over the fear that may be placed over his family if they are to see such a sight, had his brother taken in to Jiang Ziya's family upon volunteer. After Grand Old Master's arrival before Mount Western Foothills, he became extremely angry at the realization that over 20,000 soldiers of his original 307,000 had been wiped out in one single assault the former night. Realizing that it would be difficult to obtain reinforcements from neighboring generals, due to their guarding of local districts and territory from the rebelling dukes and nobles, Wen Zhong decided it would not be best to ask for assistance from the capital either -- for such would damage his reputation and would additionally take too long. Being reminded of the many fellow Taoists that would assuredly assist in his cause, Wen Zhong ordered Deng Zhong and Xin Huan to guard the camp closely while he departs for the time being.

Arriving before Golden Turtle Island at the East Sea, Wen Zhong gazed delightfully at the beauty around him, and feeling great anticipation as to what day he could relax in such beauty without the least worry, he searched the entire circumference of the island, and thus began his leave after finding no one present. Glancing behind at the sudden hearing of his name, Grand Old Master saw Celestial Lotus standing before him. Being informed by her that their Taoist comrades are currently present on White Deer Island, finishing their own individual traps--dubbed wholely as the "Ten Death Traps"-at the moment, Wen Zhong took his appreciative leave to the island she had mentioned. Arriving before White Deer Island momentarily, the nine celestial masters present approached their friend from afar, declaring the near completion of ten traps that shall assist him in his attack upon the rebel leader Jiang Ziya. Mentioning the expected arrival of their tenth ally, Mother Golden Light, Wen Zhong volunteered to await her return while they each head to his camp stationed at Mount Western Foothills. Seeing her arrive shortly following, the two greeted eachother with great dignification, and then took their immediate leave to Mount Western Foothills. Regrouping with his other nine Taoist comrades, Grand Old Master directed them to Phoenix City, and followed by setting up camp at a point that seemed to their strategic advantage. As Jiang Ziya had heard the great commotion of war crys resound outside the city gates from afar, Yang Bliss warned the prime minister that Wen Zhong has more than likely returned with reinforcements of Taoist origin, for by the destruction of his camp mainly due to the assistance of immortal powers, he would naturally have to reciprocate such power if he wished to obtain victory in any form. Ascending the city walls and seeing a mystical cloud of haze solely within the direction of the war cries, Jiang Ziya clearly realized that the situation is going to be difficult. Back in the camp of Shang, it was decided that the ten Taoists--dubbed as the "Welkin Lords"--would personally display their own individual traps to Jiang Ziya and his forces as a showing of their invincibility and intellect behind such creations. Appearing before Phoenix City the following day, Qin Wan, the first of ten lords, appeared before Jiang Ziya and declared his intentions for the latter to inspect ten traps without the slightest physical combat -- for such would violate the compassionate will of Heaven. Consenting with full reassurance of his safety--for Qin Wan was already confident enough that Jiang's life can easily be seized by such weapons any time he desires in the future--Jiang Ziya began to read the name of the ten traps: "Heavenly Distruction", "Earthly Fury", "Roaring Typhoon", "Frigid Ice", "Golden Light", "Bleeding Blood", "Vehement Flame", "Soul Snatching", "Red Water", and "Red Sand". Emerging from the enemy camp after carefully analyzing each trap with a fearful look in his eyes that he tried best to cover, Jiang Ziya proudly stated his ability to overcome such traps to Qin Wan, and then returned to his camp after exchanging a polite bow. Returning to his mansion with intense distress over the complexity of each trap that he most assuredly could not comprehend, Grand Old Master Wen Zhong had meanwhile returned with the rebel commander's set response, and thus began to inspect the specialty of each trap under their possession.

封神演義/卷043


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 44

This chapter is titled "Jiang Ziya's Souls Float Over Mount Kunlun". As Qin Wan began with the elaboration of his "Heavenly Destruction Trap", he noted its possession of three pennants: Heaven, earth, and humanity, and upon the consent of its creator, the trap reduces any potential intruder into nothing more than ashes -- be it immortal or human. Individually elaborating the other nine traps following, Grand Old Master grinned with delight at such a summary. However, Master Yao declared to Wen Zhong his own intentions of destroying the rebel commander under twenty-one days of time, and upon the latter's consent, Yao ascended the platform within his Soul Snatching Trap and created a straw effigy of Jiang Ziya, which was used to effectively gather his souls into one set region. Performing such an action three times every day, the prime minister clearly showed signs of being consciously dead -- for he never said a word, and appeared as if he were constantly dazed. As days upon days passed by with Jiang Ziya's clear intentions to do nothing other than sleep and complain subconsciously, each general realized that one of the new Taoist foes must possess an ability that is taking control of the prime minister in some form -- for Jiang Ziya was the only individual who carefully analyzed the traits within each trap, so they naturally would not understand the situation fully. Rousing the prime minister as a resulotion, and forcing him to appear before his generals within the conference hall, Nezha started by asking the former why he acts the way he does currently. Bending his fingers in a divinational attempt, Jiang Ziya replied by stating that everything is usual and need not worry about. Once twenty-one days had essentially passed, Yang Bliss and the others were surprised to see the prime minister nothing more than a lifeless corpse. Little did Master Yao truly understand, however, is that even after gathering all spirits present within Jiang Ziya, they would unconditionally head to the Terrace of Creation as preordained by Heaven. Being pushed away by Bai Jian upon arrival before the terrace, Jiang Ziya's souls floated onwards towards Mount Kunlun. Being gathered immediately by Master of the Cloud's gourd, and sealed tightly within by a cork, Pure Essence appeared before him, and upon the realization of the situatin, the latter took hold of the gourd and headed to the Western Foothills at once, knowing that they must be the souls of Jiang Ziya, for any other soul would be accepted by the terrace unconditionally. Being allowed entrance within Phoenix City, and essentially realizing that Jiang Ziya is indeed void of his souls, Pure Essence informed the king of the reason behind the prime minister's passing before leaving the city late into the night. Realizing that his gourd shook more violently with each step taken closer before the Soul Snatching Trap, Master Yao had meanwhile performed his incantations, but to his great dismay, the remaining souls of Jiang Ziya refused to gather themselves before his trap.

As Yao continuously began to chant and recite incantations incessantly, Pure Essence, upon his arrival, assumed the man standing before him is attempting the retrieval of the prime minister's remaining souls-due to the souls within his gourd shaking in synchronization to the former's calls--and thus charged down to steal the straw effigy. Managing to grab ahold of the effigy, Yao coincidentally looked up at the very second of the former's theory, and threw forth his black sand needles at Pure Essence, fully realizing his opposing intentions. To the fortunate sacrifice of his lotus flowers as protection, Pure Essence managed to escape the trap while elaborating the prior incidents to Master of South Pole upon his arrival at Mount Kunlun. As such was reported to Heavenly Primogenitor, Pure Essence became instructed to head to the Eight Landscape Palace to visit Lao Tzu -- for he will be able to effectively deal with the issue. Upon his arrival before Lao Tzu's residence at such a palace, he was allowed entry shortly, while thoroughly elaborating the incident with Master Yao in his attempt to steal the souls of Jiang Ziya. As Lao Tzu had personally seen the construction of what had been known as the "Soul Snatching Trap", he naturally understood that the Map of Eight Diagrams is the only way to negate such a trap's effect -- and thus handed such to Pure Essence, who departed just following. Returning to Phoenix City and reassuring King Wu and his generals of a newly obtained method that will result in the prime minister's revival, Pure Essence departed immediately to Master Yao's trap. Unrolling the map to create a large golden bridge descending through the Soul Snatching Trap, Pure Essence managed to retrieve the straw effigy, but at the same moment, Yao fumed with rage at the enemy's second attempt, while unleashing a large volley of his sand upon the former. Dropping the map in his immense terror, Pure Essence managed to escape, but was struck pale at the realization of his new weapon being lost so subtley. Returning at once to Phoenix City, Pure Essence was allowed entry to the Prime Minister's mansion, where he began to pour the souls down Jiang Ziya's throat, including the additional two sub-souls essentially accquired from Yao's effigy. As Jiang Ziya awoke as if from a long night of sleep, and was completely informed of the prior incidents involving his souls, he banged his fist in rage at such a treacherous act that even he could not prevent. Resting for several more days as a resolution, an immortal by the name of "Yellow Dragon" had arrived before the city gates shortly following, and was allowed entry upon his awakening. Informing the prime minister that many additional immortals shall be expected to arrive before the Western Foothills as a result of the ten traps, he proposed the building of a reed pavilion in addition, which should be constructed far from the capital city not only for potential military conferences, but the ultimate protection of the people as well. Following such a proposal fully, General Wu Ji reported the creation of the pavilion around a day following decree for construction. Immortals gathered shortly following within the pavilion, and each minister of the capital, excluding that of King Wu, gathered to pay their obeisances. Once all expected immortals had effectively arrived, a conflict between who should take the title of commander resounded throughout the pavilion. At such a moment in time, a whistle throughout the air had been heard to announce the arrival of an immortal of exceeded characteristics.

封神演義/卷044


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 45

This chapter is titled "Confronting the Destructive Forces". As all immortals present left the pavilion to confront the noise from outside, Superiorman Burning Lamp of Prime Consciousness Cave was seen before their eyes. Expressing his apologies over such a late arrival, Burning Lamp was given the seal of commandership upon proposal, and thus elaborated the visible attributes of each of the ten known traps -- as such knowledge could easily be obtained from his magical bull eye, which had the ability to see in distances far unparalleled to that of human vision. Not desiring to wait any longer, less the rebel commander obtains some type of immortal assistance against the traps, a note of challenge involving the ten traps was given to Jiang Ziya via the messengership of Deng Zhong. With reply to meet in three days of time for battle, the ten lords suddenly noticed auspicious clouds and golden lanterns only present within the residence of immortals upon their leave from camp the second night, and each lord thus returned to their respective traps, entirely resolved to destroy the opposition even with such expected assistance. Leaving the camp of Shang the following morning with the ten traps at his left and right hands, Wen Zhong obtained sight of the Zhou forces approaching before him steadily with many individuals of conjectured immortal traits. As Qin Wan's Heavenly Destruction Trap was of the closest distance, Burning Lamp and his forces appeared before the trap at once. Pondering over a method that will lead to the trap's destruction without excessive sacrifice, Deng Hua, a junior disciple of the Jade Emptiness Palace, descended from the skies, immediately declaring his desire to tear the opposition before him to shreds. Qin Wan, who was currently present outside of his trap, knew the man standing before him could be destroyed by his own primitive aggression without any real trouble -- and thus lashed at Deng Hua with his staff. Leading Deng into his trap with a mere faint, Qin Wan grabbed ahold of three representative pennants upon the desk present, and placed them in a triangle formation upon the ground. As a large beam of thunder shot from the gap between the pennants, Qin directed the thunder into the direction of his opponent, burning Deng Hua into ash in a single blinking of the eye. Declaring his easily-won victory upon the exiting of the trap, Burning Lamp felt great grievance at such words, but nontheless asked Outstanding Culture to have a try against Qin Wan. Lashing forth his sword at Qin Wan upon full consention, the latter retreated to his trap following a single faint, and to the great fear of entry on the part of Oustanding Culture, he nontheless entered the trap while floating upon two lotus flowers. Unfortunately for Qin Wan, however, large lotus flowers sprouted in every direction from the very finger tips of Outstanding Culture. Seizing the chance to bind the enemy with his invisible stakes, Qin Wan became terrified for his life, but nontheless died just following a single cleave from Outstanding Culture's blade. As Outstanding Culture left the trap with Qin Wan's head firmly within the grip of his palm as a display of his prowess, Grand Old Master gazed at such a sight from the skies, and with great rage filled within his breast, charged down upon the former like a dragon seething with bloodlust. Being intercepted, however, by Yellow Dragon, who declared that they are solely competing in magic prowess, not physical conquerorship despite the situation which reinforces such rationale, Master Zhao Jiang had meanwhile rode forth from his Earthly Fury Trap to place forth a challenge. As Han Dulong accepted such a challenge upon the consent of Burning Lamp, Zhao gave up ground shortly starting, while Han pursued with great determination to wipe out the opposition.

Ascending his platform within the trap, Zhao Jiang grabbed ahold of his two pennants, and upon the acquiring of fire and lightning attributes by waving such pennants, the unfortunate Han Dulong became mere dust before the wind in a single second. Exiting his trap with immense confidence, Krakucchanda strode forth from the Zhou forces and offered battle against the former. Upon the entering of the Earthly Fury Trap, Krakucchanda negated any potential harm from the fire and lightning by covering his entire body with mystical clouds acquired from the crust of his skull. Tieing Zhao Jiang with his Immortal Binding Rope at such a moment, Krakucchanda felt great mercy for the life of Zhao -- and thus ordered his genie to forcefully drop the heavenly master within the Reed Pavilion, still in a captive state. Spouting with great wrath at the destruction of two of ten traps, and the death of Zhao Jiang and Qin Wan, Wen Zhong called off the competition, and returned to the Shang camp to hold a military conference over the current circumstances. Having intense confidence in the renown of his Roaring Typhoon and its fierce wind attributes, Master Dong ensured the Grand Old Master that he shall obtain revenge in his stead no matter what opponent he is forced to fight. Back at the Reed Pavilion, Zhao Jiang had been hung upon the pavilion gates, still nothing more than a capitve, while Burning Lamp and the others discussed how they shall go about with the destruction of the Roaring Typhoon Trap, as it is the third trap standing before their midst. During their discussion, Superiorman Spiritual Treasure stated that his friend at Cloud Light Cave of Mount Nine Tripods and Iron Forks possesses an item known as the "Wind Stopping Pearl" that is used to negate wind at the user's will. Receiving such a pearl from "Wo Evading Sage" shortly, the two sped to the Western Foothills at high speed, but to their detriment, no ferries operated for over two days following their arrival before the Yellow River. Approaching a fellow passerby and inspecting the reason for such, San Yisheng became informed that two giants--in this case being the Fang Brothers--monopolized the river by demanding great fares if any individual is to pass, and as a result of such a recent incident, only one additional ferry had been open for current use. Approaching such a ferry, Fang Bi and Fang Xiang were indeed seen, and upon Chao Tian's recognition of such men, he declared his intentions and was thus allowed passage. Informing the two brothers of their recent obtainment of the Wind Stopping Pearl as their reason for departure, Fang Bi asked to gaze at it; holding the pearl within his hand, he knew that he could obtain great reputation if such power was wielded effectively, and thus pocketed the pearl, declaring such as being toll for passage. Not having any true courage to act against such a resolution, the two officials had little choice but to accept. As San Yisheng and Chao Tian thus made their way back to the Western Foothills, they luckily ran into Yellow Flying Tiger, who was bringing supplies of grain within the city gates. Elaborating their story immediately upon arrival, Yellow Flying Tiger set out at once, knowing fully that the two giants will heed his call. Luckily catching the two brothers before they returned to the opposite bank at the Yellow River, Yellow Flying Tiger approached Fang Bi and Fang Xiang and essentially retrieved the pearl with a single demand. Being informed of their current position within society after elaborating his disdainment of King Zhou, Yellow Flying Tiger convinced the two brothers to serve under King Wu by his side, and then followed by handing San Yisheng the pearl as he returned. Arriving before the prime minister at the reed pavilion and elaborating the incidents lattering their departure, Jiang Ziya handed the pearl to Burning Lamp without a moment of hesitation.

封神演義/卷045


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 46

General Summary
As the Shang and Zhou forces arrayed themselves the following morning, Burning Lamp signaled his choosing of the Roaring Typhoon Trap by approaching it with each immortal and disciple by his side. Master Dong of Shang thus stepped forthward from his trap, and upon Burning Lamp's seeing of Fang Bi, a man that is seemingly capable of great strength, he ordered the latter to take the challenge at once. Fleeing into his trap at the very sight of such a giant beast, Dong ascended his platform at once, and upon the waving of his pennant, Fang Bi was stabbed to death by thousands of swords that became multiplied with the power of black wind. As Dong thus exited from the trap, Merciful Navigation, who was handed the Wind Stopping Pearl, entered the Roaring Typhoon Trap shortly following a clash between blades. Negating all black wind with the pearl touching his body in any form, Merciful Navigation used his glazed vase to trap Dong within, in which he exited the trap immediately following such a victory. Just as Grand Old Master seethed with great rage at such a sight, and was determined to obtain some form of revenge at once, Master Yuan ran forth from his Frigid Ice Trap and called forth for battle, vowing to Wen Zhong that he shall become his emobodiement of vengeance. With the retortion of Xue Ehu, Yuan retreated into his trap following a meager amount of rounds, and upon the ascension of his terrace, Yuan froze the lower body of Xue Ehu with frozen ice emitting from his purple pennant, and followed by smashing the opposition to literal pieces with a glacier, twenty feet in overall circumference. As Wen Zhong grinned with great delight at such promiseful destructive force at his very disposal, Universal Virtue approached Yuan as the secondary challenger. Knowing that he must destroy this foe in order to prove his ascended might to the Grand Old Master no matter what, Yuan immediately rushed forth within his trap and summoned forth multiple glaciers of outstanding size within a single moment. Unfortunately however, no matter how ice that happened to topple upon Universal Virtue, Universal Virtue created many majestical clouds above his head that emitted flames upon the user's will. Realizing the situation to be grim--as the opponent possesses a clearly dominant advantage against his ability--Yuan fled for the sake of his promise to Wen Zhong, but was at the same time wiped away from life as he was beheaded by Virtue's "Hooks of Wu". Immediatley following, Mother Golden Light exited from her Golden Light Trap, and at the same moment, was challenged by Xiao Zhen, another disposable disciple of the Jade Emptiness Palace.

Entering the trap following a few exchanged blows upon Burning Lamp's consention, Golden Light ascended her platform and unleashed myriads of golden light beams emitting from her magic mirrors, burning away the flesh of Xiao Zhen instantaneously. With Grand Completion's approach following such an incident, Golden Light retreated within her trap, while unleashing volleys of light upon the former. To her ill-fortune, however, Grand Completion completely protected himself from any potential harm with his eight-diagramed robe, and used his Heaven Overturning Stamp to destroy every mirror present within the trap. Finishing off Golden Light with a second round of his stamp, and exiting the trap shortly following, Grand Old Master's rage touched the very heavens, and nothing could stand in his way now that half of his fellow allies had been wiped away so easily. With Master Sun's immediate intrusion, Qiao Kun, a hermit of Mount Wuyi, volunteered to meet the opposition within the Bleeding Blood Trap. Following a clash between blades, Sun ascended the platform within his trap and summoned forth volleys of black sand to pierce Qiao's flesh, who ended up dieing shortly through a loss of blood. As usual, an individual of superiorman qualities was sent forth for battle--in this case being Fairy Primordial--and upon the consention of Burning Lamp, the two fought with great renown before venturing within the opposition's trap. Using green lotus flowers to negate any black sand that came near his body, Sun's ability became rather useless, resulting in his own life being ended shortly by the former's Nine Dragon Divine Fire Coverlet. As Yellow Dragon ordered the two sides to return to their respective camps in preparation for the next day of battle, Grand Old Master had meanwhile returned to the side of his fellow comrades, and with tears within his eyes, he pleaded for the four remaining lords to return to their mountain less any further casualties arise. Solely possessing intentions to assist the Grand Old Master for the sake of the greater good, even if they may lose their lives through such resolve, Wen Zhong's morale rose to an extent, but he clearly realized that more celestial reinforcements are essential if the foul Jiang Ziya is to be eradicated along with his defiant comrades. Recalling Zhao Gongming, his old friend from Mount Emei, Wen Zhong ordered Ji Li and Yu Qing to take command of the camp before taking leave to such a mountain at once. Successfully arriving before the residence of Zhao Gongming and performing his formal greetings, Wen Zhong thoroughly elaborated the current happenings in his clash against the rebel leader Jiang Ziya. Reproving his old friend for not telling him of such earlier, he promised the Grand Old Master to return for the time being while he personally departs to the Western Foothills after making essential preparations. Arriving before the camp of Shang atop a large black tiger, Zhao was allowed entrance, and upon his greetings before Wen Zhong and the four celestial masters, he inquired as to why a certain man is seen within the distance hanging upon a pavilion gate. Being informed that such is Zhao Jiang, one of their fellow allies, as a simple means for Jiang Ziya to express his contempt towards their cause, Zhao Gongming ragefully mounted his tiger and set forth in the direction of the pavilion in order to show Jiang Ziya his place.

Future Events

 * see: Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 47


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 47

This chapter is titled "Zhao Gongming, the Conqueror of Sun and Moon". Appearing before the reed pavilion shortly while shouting great words of rage, Jiang Ziya appeared before the former with disciples to his right and left. Commenting on the foul cruelty of Jiang Ziya in his opposition against the greater good, Gongming leaped at the commander with his lightning staff, and as he threw such a staff into the air, it came crashing down upon the prime minister's head with weight exceeding that of a boulder -- killing him instantly. Being distracted by the Zhou forces great fury immediately following, Yang Bliss seized the moment to order his Sky Barking Hound to attack the opposing immortal. Realizing that his precious robes were being torn apart by such a foul beast, Zhao Gongming smacked the dog several times within the head before fleeing temporarily to the Shang camp in dismay. Upon his return before the camp, he informed Grand Old Master Wen Zhong that he managed to kill the rebel commander in a single blow of his staff, but was forced to return upon a furocious attack from the Zhou forces as a resolution. Luckily for Jiang Ziya, however, Grand Completion arrived before the prime minister's mansion to analyze his corpse, and upon the mixing of elixer with water to create a medicine that can effectively revive the fallen prime minister, Jiang revived after around two hours of time. As Grand Completion informed Jiang Ziya of the past happenings involving his suffered death by Gongming's hands, he reported the prime minister's revival to Burning Lamp while heading to the camp of Shang in order to secretly inspect their next move. Being informed by Wen Zhong that a man by the name of "Burning Lamp" is more than likely the second in command amongst the immortal party under the deceased rebel commander, and is thus in need of additional elimination to sully the enemy's morale, Zhao Gongming left the Shang camp early the following morning, and called for Burning Lamp to show himself at once. With Burning Lamp departing from the reed pavilion and thoroughly reprimanding Zhao Gongming for his "defiance of Heaven's will", Gongming knew clearly in his heart that his actions are for the greater good--for the dignity of the land will only suffer when Taoists sully their simple nature by running rampant with weapons of destructional qualities, fighting for a cause that is nothing more than ideal. Thus, for the sake of his eternal friendship with Wen Zhong and reputation as a god amongst Taoists, Gongming lashed forth his staff upon the former, but Yellow Dragon immediately retorted in protection of his leader. Little did Yellow Dragon truly expect, however, Gongming suddenly unleashed a Dragon Binding Rope from the sleeves of his robe, which bound Yellow Dragon instantly. Not taking the chance for Yellow Dragon's life to be cut, Pure Essence lunged forthward at Gongming, but to the great difference of their renown which the former had little knowledge of, Zhao Gongming threw twenty-four Sea Conquering Pearls within the sky, forcing all foes present to their knees in blindness. As each immortal fortunately managed to escape without being taken captive, or being killed at that, Gongming returned to the Shang camp and was welcomly toasted by the Grand Old Master, while their single captive became held on a flagpole within the camp as retortion to the enemy's arrogance. Meanwhile, Burning Lamp was not able to obtain any acknowledgment as to what weapon Gongming had been using to result in such a potential disaster, and nontheless became even further distressed upon the seeing of Yellow Dragon being treated so contemptuously -- and thus asked who, if even possible, could save the immortal from further humiliation. With the volunteership of Yang Bliss, Yang Bliss transformed himself into a flying ant that evening, and upon his approach before the camp of Shang, he ascended the flag pole and removed a magical charm that bound Yellow Dragon in place, thus returning to the reed pavilion in success. As Wen Zhong obtained word that Yellow Dragon had escaped mysteriously shortly afterwards, he clearly realized that no one could have ascended the flagpole without the obvious notice of royal guards, and Yellow Dragon assuredly could not have removed the charm by himself due to being magically and physically bound, thus concluding that a man who possesses transformational capability had to have been the cause for such an incident. With such an assumption in mind, Wen Zhong sent Zhao Gongming to challenge the reed pavilion early the following morning. As Gongming approached the solo Burning Lamp outside the gates of the reed pavilion, while learning that a man by the name of "Yang Bliss" had been the cause behind Yellow Dragon's freedom, he lashed forth his staff and sea conquering pearls upon the opposition.

Fleeing immediately to the southwest less he suffers by the hands of Gongming's mysterious weaponry, Zhao Gongming gave chase at the very same moment. Approaching a slope and seeing two distinguished men playing Go underneath the shade of a pine tree, Burning Lamp had no idea who these men were, but knowing that he was in a desperate situation indeed, he began to elaborate the past and current circumstances all at once. As the men--known as Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao--believed it best to assist this strange man for the sake of their morals and overall mutual cooperation within the future, they suddenly caught sight upon a man Burning Lamp claimed to be "Zhao Gongming", and lashed at the latter as a result. Being infuriated at such unexpected obstinace, Gongming unleashed his Dragon Binding Rope upon Xiao Sheng. As Xiao Sheng flipped his Treasure Catching Golden Coin into the air, which resulted in any weapon standing before him to fall to the ground with the weight of a large rock, such an action reciprocated as Gongming attempted the additional usage of his Sea Conquering Pearls. Becoming even more enraged at such a resolution, he used his staff, which is unaffected by any immortal weapon, to smash Xiao Sheng's head in, killing him instantly. Being devastated over the death of a man that was seemingly innocent and had little to do with the current situation, Burning Lamp protected the remaining Cao Bao by gravely wounding Zhao Gongming from behind with his Universal Ruler. As Gongming thus ragefully fled atop his black tiger, Burning Lamp approached Cao Bao and upon the recieving of the enemy's Sea Conquering Pearls, they both left to Phoenix City shortly following. With the Zhou forces now in possession of Gongming's most powerful weapon, which was to their knowledge, Gongming had little choice but to report the issue to Grand Old Master upon his return, and then leave to the Three Fairy Island in order to obtain an essential backing. Promising his old friend that he shall swiftly return, Zhao Gongming soared across the skies with the greatest of speed atop his mystical black tiger, and upon his arrival before the intended island, he approached the residence of his three younger sisters: High Firmament, Jade Firmament, and Green Firmament, who reciprocated a bow of greeting to their elder brother while inspecting the reason for his arrival. Elaborating the current situation with the loss of his treasured items and the need for either the Golden Dragon Scissors or the Golden Universe Muddling Dipper as an essential replacement, his three sisters declined, stating it best to await until Jiang Ziya has created the gods less they end up losing their lives fighting against the cause stated to be one with Heaven. With continued refusal to assist their brother in any form as a measure of caution rather than unwilling defiance, Gongming left their residence in a great fume of rage, considering he already knew Jiang Ziya had been killed by his hands, and his sisters were resolved to act against his views even with such a reality. Traveling a few miles on foot in search of other comrades that could assist in his cause, Gongming was suddenly met by his old friend Celestial Lotus, who, after being informed of the former's woes, grabbed his hand and returned to the residence of High Firmament and the others immediately. With Celestial Lotus's persistant intentions to obtain at least the Golden Dragon Scissors for the sake of Gongming's cause, High Firmament agreed to give her brother the scissors upon one condition: Gongming makes constant threats to this "Burning Lamp" until the Sea Conqueroring Pearls are obtained out of fear. Ensuring his sister that he will do what he can in order to reobtain the pearls at all costs, Zhao Gongming returned to the camp of Shang and was welcomed by Wen Zhong momentarily following. As the next day arrived with immediate departure before the reed pavilion, Burning Lamp met the former and remained obstinant to never hand back the treasure--for such an action would be nothing other than detrimental, even if the opposition declares a supposed level of truce following. Clashing blade against staff as a resolution of such, Zhao Gongming decided to finish matters quickly by casting his Golden Dragon Scissors within the sky at once.

封神演義/卷047


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 48

This chapter is titled "Lu Ya's Gourd of Supreme Light". As the scissors became two large dragons with tails interlocking as one, Burning Lamp fled for his life atop a cloud made of wood, while his deer was unfortunately cut into two halves in an instant. Not desiring to risk the loss of his newly obtained weapon by pursuing Burning Lamp a second time, Zhao Gongming returned to the camp of Shang intensely annoyed. Returning to the reed pavilion after fleeing for an extended distance, Burning Lamp thoroughly elaborated about Gongming's scissors that can turn into large dragons at will, creating great fear within the hearts of all who happened to be present. At such a point in time, a certain man claiming to be a Taoist had entered; he was a hermit from Mount West Kunlun known as Lu Ya. Declaring that he has come in order to put an end to Zhao Gongming after seeing his magical prowess early on from the clouds, each superiorman present thought little of such words with justifiable rationale as they maintained a doubtful silence. As Zhao Gongming appeared before the reed pavilion the following morning, as easily expected, he began to mock Burning Lamp for his cowardice despite holding such a high rank amongst the immortal populace on the side of Zhou. Being suddenly met by a man who he recognized to be Lu Ya from outside the pavilion's gates, he knew that such a man would be far too dangerous to let live--for even if Lu Ya were to assist the side of Shang, who knows what treachery he could pull with the weapons at his very disposal--and thus Gongming unleashed his Golden Dragon Scissors to destroy the foe in a single shot. Unfortunately transforming into a rainbow and fleeing far to the southeast, Zhao Gongming ground his teeth in rage, fully realizing that he would have no possible method to capture such an annoyance in his current state.

Personally observing Gongming in his previous encounter, Lu Ya returned to the reed pavilion while instructing Jiang Ziya to build a straw effigy of Zhao Gongming on Mount Western Foothills. Additionally instructing the prime minister to worship the effigy three times a day and burn charms at the very same moment--as was the method he taught Master Yao of the Soul Snatching Trap far into the past--Gongming will die on the twenty-first day following. As the prime minister followed such instructions very carefully and secretively for days upon end, Zhao Gongming clearly began to feel as if his heart were burning like a great fire. Walking to an fro as a resolution without the slightest feel of comfort whatsoever, Master Bai became enraged at the sight of his comrade, and knowing that the enemy is the primary cause for such a condition, he challenged the gates of the reed pavilion later that day, completely disregarding the words of Wen Zhong. As Burning Lamp and the other superiormen exited the pavilion gates shortly following, Lu Ya declared his intentions to answer Bai's challenge at once, knowing that he possesses a weapon that will not only destroy the opposition in mere moments, but will ensure his prowess to be known amongst each of his allies in addition. Entering the Vehement Flame Trap after a few rounds of battle, Master Bai ascended his platform and summoned many volleys of fire from all eight directions upon Lu Ya. Standing amongst the flames without a single burn mark present on his body, Lu Ya opened his gourd, and as a slender white beam of light ascended through the clouds and rotated several times throughout the air in a circular fashion, large eyes began to grow upon the light, puting Bai into intense fear exceeding his imagination. As this beam of light fell down upon Bai's head like an enormous blade with intense speed, Bai had little time to evade, and was cut into two halves as an immediate result. Leaving the trap shortly afterwards, Master Yao of the Soul Snatching Trap suddenly appeared, vowing to avenge his fallen comrades and the humiliation he suffered through the hands of Pure Essence.

With the retortion of a warrior known as Fang Xiang, Yao entered his trap momentarily, and not intending to waste any more time with such a neuisance, he smothered the former with his black sand of needles, killing the opposition at once. Exiting the trap and ordering Pure Essence to show himself less others are killed off as a latent resolution, Pure Essence knew in his heart that he possessed little choice in the matter -- and thus approached the enemy master with sword drawn. Upon the entering of the Soul Snatching Trap, Yao Bin unleashed countless clouds of black sand to not only blind the enemy in all directions, but to additionally ensure an immediate death. Emerging from the sand with white clouds negating any potential harm, Pure Essence flashed the white side of his Yin Yang Mirror into the eyes of Yao Bin, sending him plummetting to the ground in great dismay. Being helplessly paralyzed by the mirror's ability, Yao realized that he could do nothing in such a state, and thus he met an unfortunate death by the edge of Pure Essence's blade. As Pure Essence returned the Map of the Eight Diagrams to Xuandu Cave immediately after retrieving it from Yao's body, Wen Zhong had meanwhile been informed of the death of two additional masters and the strange condition of Zhao Gongming in the camp of Shang. With fifteen days having passed with Zhao Gongming sleeping daily upon end, Wen Zhong performed divination only to find out that a straw effigy of his old friend would be pierced through the heart by the arrow of Lu Ya upon a set date -- which would result in Gongming's death. As Master Bai conjectured the summit of Mount Western Foothills being the more probable region to which the effigy would be present, Grand Old Master knew that such a region would be heavely guarded nontheless due to its strategic position, and thus decided to inform Zhao Gongming before taking any action. Zhao Gongming, who happened to be mainly conscious dispite the condition of his internal spirits, was informed of his condition entirely, and upon the most careful of consideration that he could muster in such a state, he suggested that his two disciples--Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosi--should be sent to seize the effigy -- for they had been trained with extraordinary stealth and are naturally akin to such situations. As Wen Zhong immediately approved such a suggestion, Burning Lamp had already made cautious preparations by protecting the prime minister with Nezha and Yang Bliss less the enemy were to obtain knowledge of their intentions through rational means. Approaching Mount Western Foothill's summit, and seeing a certain man kowtowing before a straw effigy, Yao Shaosi and Chen Jiugong smiled with great delight as they snatched the effigy with the speed of lightning while fleeing in the direction of the Shang camp. Nezha and Yang Bliss, who were naturally startled to see such an incident take place so suddenly, pursued the two thieves immediately following. As Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosi approached the Shang camp, they were immensely started to find it disappear upon their entry following a burst of lightning -- as Yang Bliss used his genjutsu art to form an illusionary image that seemed as if to be their true camp. Using the lightning signal to appear before the two thieves momentarily, Nezha and Yang Bliss managed to dispose of Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosi while successfully retreiving the effigy.

Returning to Jiang Ziya that night with effigy in hand, Xin Huan of Shang had meanwhile been sent to investigate the location of the two disciples, but to his great dismay, he found them both dead at a region neighboring the Shang camp, which he naturally informed the Grand Old Master about immediately following. Pounding his desk in utter rage at such a stunning report, Wen Zhong entered the room of Zhao Gongming and informed him of such unfortunate news after he had awakened. Requesting the Golden Dragon Scissors to be wrapped within his robes while sent to the residence of his three sisters following death, with tears spouting from his eyes, Gongming became exceedingly resentful by not following the words of High Firmament within the past. Seeing his old friend in such a miserable condition, Wen Zhong began to grind his teeth in unparalleled rage while vowing to destroy the foul Lu Ya even if he must give up the life he possesses to sully such hate. With Wang Bian of the Red Water Trap reciprocating such rage, the former dashed forth before the reed pavilion's gates and shouted for immediate challenge. As Cao Bao, the newly obtained friend of Burning Lamp, stepped forward to challenge the opposition, Wang Bian's rage touched new heights as his old comrade stepped before him, willing to oppose the greater good so unconditionally. Not having any tolerance for treachery in any form, Bian ran within his trap, and upon the approach of Cao Bao, he boiled the latter alive with burning red water. With hatred burning with a steady blaze, Bian exited his trap and was met by none other than Virtue of the Pure Void momentarily.

After Wen Zhong had made the divination, he would realize that Lu Ya was planning on killing Zhao Gongming with charmed arrows. Thus, Chen Juigong and Yao Shaosi would be ordered to seize the straw effigy at the time of night. By feeling a sudden blood rush to his heart, Lamp Lighter would realize that two disciples under Wen Zhong were currently being sent to steal the effigy; and if such an action is not stopped, Lamp Lighter and the others would surely be killed by Gongming's might. Nezha and Yang bliss would thus be sent immediately to the Western Foothills to elaborate such news to Jiang Ziya. By the time that they had arrived to Ziya's location however, Chen Juigong and Yao Shaosi would already get their hands on the effigy and effectively escape. Thus, Nezha and Yang Bliss would head out at full speed in order to retrieve the stolen effigy. When both Cheng and Yao arrived at the Shang camp, they would be admitted by Deng Zhong. After discussing the situation with Grand Old Master, they would both hand the effigy to him. Immediately, the two disciples would head to the back camp and suddenly realize that the whole Shang camp was gone in a mere instant. Before Yang Bliss appeared atop his horse, the two individuals would stand completely puzzled. While within the darkness of the night, both Nezha and Yang Bliss would duel out against the two disciples. Following the passage of a few minutes, Yao Shaosi would be stabbed to death by Nezha, and Yang Bliss would penetrate the breast of Chen Juigong; effectively putting an end to both of Zhao Gongming's disciples.

In short time, both Yang Bliss and Nezha would arrive at Phoenix City and return the effigy to Jiang Ziya. When the Grand Old Master had learned of the death of Chen and Yao, he would pound his desk in immense rage. As Wen Zhong fumed in his anger, he would head to Zhao Gongming's room and order him to awaken. Once Gongming heard of the news, he would tell Wen Zhong to wrap up his Golden Dragon Scissors with his robe to be given to his three younger sisters when he dies. Zhao Gongming would weep bitterly with tears pouring down from his face -- even to the extent that he could not speak. As Wen Zhong watched the tragic scene, his hair would stand on end, and he would gnash his teeth in eternal hate. At the same moment, Welkin Lord Wang Bian would head out with his Red Water Trap; completely determined to crush Jiang Ziya. After killing Cao Bao easily with his red acid water, Virtue of the Pure Void would be chosen as his second opponent.

Categorized Events

 * Wen Zhong's divination; Lu Ya's plot revealed
 * Chen Juigong and Yao Shaosi set out to retrieve straw effigy
 * Stealing of the effigy; Yang Bliss and Nezha pursue
 * The false Wen Zhong; The unfortunate death of Chen and Yao
 * Returning of the effigy; Jiang Ziya's due praise
 * Insatiable hatred of Grand Old Master
 * The last will of Zhao Gongming; Lord Bai sets out
 * Death of Cao Bao; Virtue of the Pure Void awaits

封神演義/卷048


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 49

This chapter is titled "King Wu in the Red Sand Trap". As Pure Void lashed at the opposition with exceeded renown, Bian entered his trap shortly while flooding the entire region with burning red water. Floating atop the water on a white lotus flower without any worry of being burned, Pure Void used is Five Fire and Seven Fowl Fan to turn the unfortunate Bian into nothing more than ashes upon the ground. The Red Water Trap now being destroyed, Burning Lamp and the other superiormen returned to the reed pavilion while Grand Old Master was informed of Bai's death shortly following such an incident. As the twentieth day of the month approached soon following, Wen Zhong, who knew clearly in his heart that he is the indirect reason that his old friend will suffer death soon, approached Zhao Gongming, even more furious to wipe out the entire Western Foothills even if such is opposing his very own destiny. With reciprocated rage and inner distress upon the faces of Gongming and Master Zhang in addition, they wept throughout the night in great agony. At eleven o'clock the next morning, Lu Ya approached Jiang Ziya, who was still present before the straw effigy as expected, and instructed the prime minister upon handing him a mulberry bow with three short peach arrows, to shoot the left eye first, his right eye second, and the third through Gongming's heart. Doing as instructed momentarily following, Zhao Gongming roared with great agony as the first two arrows created exceedingly crucial pain within his two eyes. Being held in the arms of Grand Old Master, and looking into the latter's eyes one final time, Gongming suddenly became pure pale without a bloodpulse -- thus signalizing his recent passing. With Gongming still held tightly within his arms, tears poared unrestrainedly from Wen Zhong's eyes as he vowed to tear apart Lu Ya's flesh as recompetence for such underhanded treachery. Ordering a grandiose ceremony to mark the encoffining of Zhao Gongming's body, all generals alike became frightened at such a happening, and clearly knowing the great treachery at the very disposal of each superiormen rebel, the overall morale of the Shang forces decreased dramatically as a result. As Jiang Ziya and Lu Ya returned to the reed pavilion stealthily upon a rainbow less any enemies were to await for potential ambush while Master Zhang approached the pavilion with his trap, Burning Lamp suggested to the prime minister upon arrival that King Wu should be sent into the opposition's Red Sand Trap -- for upon analyzing, only a man of sagely stature would be able to conquer the trap, as possessed to that of any superiorman on their side. Knowing that Burning Lamp more than likely knows what he is talking about, despite the holy grail of detriment that would result if the king were to lose his life, Jiang Ziya sent Wu Ji to fetch King Wu nontheless. Arriving shortly, and upon the king's unconditional consention, Burning Lamp placed many charms upon King Wu's body, and ordering Nezha and Thunderquaker to thoroughly protect the former from any harm, all three arrayed themselves before Zhang immediately following.

As Zhang ran within his trap while being pursued by the the enemy, he ascended his platform and spread red sand throughout the entire perimeter, completely engulfing the three individuals until they found themselves deep within large pits of sand as a resolution. Gazing into the distance with his magical bull eye, and seeing the king and his protectors deep within a layer of sand, Burning Lamp informed Jiang Ziya that King Wu is destined to remain in such a state for 100 days, and that he will assuredly survive "as according to Heaven's will". Realizing that Burning Lamp had never informed him of such information prior, and he more than likely created such a statement as to ensure his reputation meets no harm if the king were to be found alive by any other superiorman, he immediately suspected the former as plotting the death of King Wu, and thus kept careful watch of his every move less disaster were to follow. Entering Phoenix City and reporting such an incident to the family members of King Wu and other relatives of the same nature, Zhang had meanwhile returned to the side of Grand Old Master Wen Zhong while boasting about his great victory, who in exchange felt some sense of relief, but was still greatly hurt by the passing of Gongming. Shen Gongbao, who secretly perceived the happenings with Gongming from the time of his arrival to the time of his death, appeared before the residence of High Firmament and informed her of Zhao Gongming's recent passing by the hands of Jiang Ziya. High Firmament, who secretly knew that her name is on the List of Creations and any impulsive action of revenge would surely fulfill such a fate, readily declared to Shen Gongbao that she is indeed grievant over such news, but on no account shall she risk her own life for his sake. Jade Firmament and Green Firmament, who did not share her philosophy on the situation whatsoever, left their residence with Shen Gongbao leading the way to the Western Foothills. As High Firmament joined her two sisters in fear of any potential danger they could suffer within the future, all three were met by Celestial Lotus and Lady Pretty Cloud in addition, who vowed to assist them against the rebel commander Jiang Ziya. Arriving before the camp of Shang shortly following, Wen Zhong informed them of Gongming's death by the hands of Lu Ya on the twenty-first day of the month. Receiving the Golden Dragon Scissors in tears, the three sisters arrived before their brother's coffin in the back camp and clearly realized that his eyes and body had been bleeding very recently despite him being dead. Knowing that the foul Lu Ya is the cause behind his death, the five ladies and Grand Old Master appeared before the reed pavilion the following day, essentially resolved to do away with Lu Ya for the sake of their vengeance and the morale of their forces. As Lu Ya exited the gates of the pavilion, and upon realization that Gongming's sisters were before him and demanding a rational reason for their brother's murder, Lu Ya, who now realized the opposition must possess either a keen level of spies or divination in order to know such information, responded to the call by declaring Zhao Gongming to be a man that lacked great virtue, and solely acted out of evil intentions to support the tyrant ruler King Zhou -- and such is the reason as to why he deserved death. Jade Firmament, who was naturally quick tempered, rushed at Lu Ya, and with the immediate assistance of her fellow sisters, the opposition was knocked unconscious by the power of their Universe Muddling Dipper. Lu Ya was thus stuck with charms upon his entire body and hanged on a flag pole within the Shang camp -- as like the situation earlier with Yellow Dragon. Hanging upon the flag pole, Jade Firmament could not withhold her hatred to any extent, and upon her order to unleash volleys of arrows at Lu Ya all at once, each arrow suddenly dissolved into nothing more than ash before touching the bounded man's body. Realizing the chance to kill Lu Ya could easily slip from their graps in the current situation, Green Firmament casted forth the Universe Muddling Dipper upon the former, but, to her detriment, Lu Ya turned into a rainbow and fled back to the reed pavilion immediately following, putting even greater bloodlust in the hearts of the three sisters. As Lu Ya had meanwhile departed from the reed pavilion upon Burning Lamp's consention, High Firmament, who knew that she could use the evidential reasoning of Shen Gongbao as being the cause of her brother's death to attack the rebel commander Jiang Ziya, approached the pavilion with her sisters and shouted for him to show his face. Yelling at Jiang Ziya for being the cause behind their brother's death, the three sisters and Pretty Cloud with Celestial Lotus each attacked the commander with full force.

封神演義/卷049


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 50

This chapter is titled "The Yellow River Trap". As Jiang Ziya was immediately reinforced by Yang Bliss, Huang Tianhua, and Nezha on both sides, High Firmament would suffer a crucial blow from Ziya's Staff of Beating Gods, and Celestial Lotus thus used her black wind art combined with Pretty Cloud's Eye Blinding Pearl to send the forces of Zhou fleeing in fear, while they themselves returned to the Shang camp. High Firmament, who now knew the strength at Jiang Ziya's disposal, realized that with treacherous immortals like Lu Ya on his side, the theory of him reciprocating the qualities of Heaven is truly nothing more than a joke, and the fact that she is destined to be on the List of Creations would thus have to additionally be wrong, considering that the former is the list's "destined creator". Realizing through such rationale that it would be best to avenge her brother with the vail of Shen Gongbao's fake words in a chance to obtain Jiang Ziya's position effectively without risk for her own reputation, High Firmament asked Grand Old Master Wen Zhong to specifically pick out 600 warriors that are seemingly of the greatest strength amongst the majority of the Shang forces. With these warriors, High Firmament created a trap that possessed chalk drawings of windows, exits, and other forms of signals to denote advancement or retreat on the part of the soldiers that are to be placed within. With individual spells placed upon their bodies and other sorts of magical attributes within the trap, anyone of immortal or human characteristics would feel as if confronted against one-thousand soldiers. As High Firmament entirely informed the Grand Old Master of this trap and its traits, Wen Zhong, the five women, and a set number of soldiers discluding the original 600 left the camp of Shang and approached the opposition's reed pavilion shortly following. Seeing Jiang Ziya, Burning Lamp, and others exit the pavilion, Wen Zhong was astounded beyond words at the mysterious survival of the rebel commander, and thus immediately gnashed his teeth in rage at the great magical treachery within the sleeves of the enemy superiormen. As High Firmament rode before Jiang Ziya, she declared the invincibility of her newly established trap while offering the former a chance to inspect such a trap without any sort of harm in the process. Taking her word, Jiang Ziya began a thorough inspection, and upon his leave, Yang Bliss was greatly eager for battle, and lunged forth at Jade Firmament with his Sky Barking Hound. High Firmament, who became disturbed at such rudeness, used her Unverse Muddling Dipper to throw Yang Bliss within her trap. With the retortion of Jinzha and that of Muzha, they in addition were thrown into the Yellow River Trap shortly afterwards. Jiang Ziya, who would have shared the same fate as the former three if he did not possess his Yellow Apricot Flag for essential protection, fled back to the reed pavilion after countering High Firmament's dipper. As Jiang Ziya returned to the pavilion and thoroughly elaborated the special weapon at High Firmament's disposal earlier that day, the five women of Shang had meanwhile decided to spare the lives of the three captured celestials until they personally confront Burning Lamp. Grand Old Master Wen Zhong, who was naturally delighted at six individuals of the Western Foothills being held captive, held a special banquet for Master Zhang and the others.

Approaching before the reed pavilion the following morning as previously promised, Burning Lamp exited the gates, and upon the reprimendation of High Firmament and the others for their vengful intentions dispite the risk of death, Jade Firmament lashed forth at the enemy commander atop her swan. Pure Essence, who intercepted Jade with immense speed, was only thrown into the Yellow River Trap in mere moments following his interuption by the muddling dipper. As such an action became reciprocated to every other superiorman present, Burning Lamp realized that the situation was exceedingly dire, and grabbed Jiang Ziya while fleeing back to the reed pavilion once a gust of wind had been created as essential protection. Expressing his deepest of apologies to the prime minister for carelessly allowing such a dillemma to take place, Burning Lamp headed to Mount Kunlun, where he obtained information via from White Crane Lad that Heavenly Primogenitor is currently making his way to the Western Foothills at such a moment. Arriving before the pavilion shortly, and upon the arrival of midnight, an incredibly large cloud appeared above the pavilion with thousands of lamps floating around it in every direction visible -- a process in which Heavenly Primogenitor had summoned for reasons not told. High Firmament, who assumed the arrival of a far greater personage--more than likely the reputed Heavenly Primogenitor of Chan--by seeing such great magic at work that Burning Lamp or any other superiorman seen with her eyes would not have the ability to produce, began to consider whether killing the captives within her trap would be the better choice rather than going about another process. Deciding to wait and see how the enemy reacts further, Heavenly Primogenitor arrived before the enemy's trap the following morning and began to inspect it upon the polite consention of High Firmament, who became quite worried at the arrival of such a trump card to potentially interfere with her plans. Sighing deeply at the sight of his disciples laying about so humiliatedly, Primogenitor began to take his leave; but at the same time, Pretty Cloud threw one of her Eye Blinding Pearl's at the former only for it to be burned to ashes before touching his body. As the five women became frightful at such a sight, Primogenitor meanwhile returned to the pavilion, stating that his disciples are little more than lowly mortals, and no potential act to save them wasn't considered -- for Lao Tzu is to arrive shortly, and he wishes to discuss the situation with him before taking any such action. With the arrival of Lao Tzu, High Firmament gazed into the direction of the reed pavilion, and upon the realization that the Grand Master of Mount Xuandu, Lao Tzu, is more than likely present due to his specialized jade pagoda floating above the pavilion, the four other women suggested any form of surprise attack if the enemy is to approach their trap the following morning. As the two grand masters solely approached the trap, High Firmament, Jade Firmament, and Green Firmament exited the trap without the slightest of greeting, to the great rage of Lao Tzu, who declared his intentions to fight them in their own field: the Yellow River Trap.

封神演義/卷050