text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 51

This chapter is titled "The Final Resolve of Grand Old Master Wen Zhong". When Lao Tzu and Heavenly Primogenitor entered the Yellow River Trap as previously intended, Jade Firmament suddenly lashed forth the Golden Dragon Scissors upon Lao Tzu, who was awaiting such a surprise attack from the beginning. As the duel dragons came towards Lao Tzu at the brink of cutting him into two halves horizontally, Lao Tzu simply lifted forth one of his sleeves, sending the scissors back in their original state within his very hands. Obtaining Green Firmament's Universe Muddling Dipper just as easily, Lao ordered his genie to take both weapons before the Jade Emptiness Palace, to the obvious rage of the three sisters. High Firmament, who was determined to defeat the great Lao Tzu in magical renown in order to prove to all celestials that she is deserving of Jiang Ziya's reputation and title amongst the land, lunged forth at the grand master with sword posed. To High Firmament's unparalleled ill-fortune, however, another yellow-scarved genie under Lao Tzu suddenly rushed forth, beat her with its fists, and then toppled the entire Unicorn Cliff upon her body. Jade Firmament, who became enraged beyond imagination at the death of her sister, High Firmament, lunged forth at Lao Tzu only to have her skull smashed by Heavenly Primogenitor's jade sceptor. As Green Firmament now realized the great unjust ways of the Chan Taoists, she ground her teeth in rage while lashing her blade at the two celestials; but alas, it was too late: Primogenitor awakened his magical casket only to trap Green Firmament within, dissolving her flesh in mere moments upon entry. Following such a brutal end to the three sisters, Lao Tzu awakened all celestials present with an immediate teal of thunder, and then guided them back to the reed pavilion at once. Teaching each disciple present back at the pavilion how to travel on golden beams of light at will, less any such unfortunate incident reaccurs in the future as like in the past, the two grand masters took their leave from the pavilion, but ordered Immortal of South Pole to stay and assist until Jiang Ziya has successfully done away with the Red Sand Trap. As Celestial Lotus and Pretty Cloud had meanwhile entered the Yellow River Trap's remnants only to find High Firmament and Jade Firmament dead, to their great horror and rage, they both reported such an incident to Grand Old Master, who, being greatly distressed in return, ordered a royal messenger to be sent to Morning Song for reinforcements while another messenger is sent to Sanshan Pass's Deng Jiugong with intentions for the latter to assist him at the Western Foothills. With Immortal of the South Pole's appearance before the remaining Red Sand Trap the following morning, Master Zhang charged forth with cutless in hand, fully determined to make up for the loss of so many fellow warriors on the side of Shang. Being effectively reinforced by White Crane Lad upon entering the opposition's trap, Zhang Shao ascended his platform and sprayed volleys of red sand across the entire perimeter, which was easily negated by the Five Fire and Seven Fowl Fan of South Pole. Using the jade scepter to knock celestial master from his platform, Immortal of the South Pole ended Zhang Shao's life with a single stroke of his sword, and then unconvered the three captives who he had been told were present for some time. Nezha and Thunderquaker, who awoke immediately following a sudden bolt of lightning, realized shortly that King Wu was nothing more than a lifeless body that has not been decayed due to the magical charms that protected him from any such resolution. Burning Lamp, who revived the fallen king with elixer pills and water after receiving his body at the reed pavilion, declared that the prior incident with King Wu was of neccesity, and Heaven has now experienced the self-sacrificial ways that the king possesses -- a factor that will assuredly assist them in the future. Now knowing that all ten traps have essentially been destroyed, Burning Lamp declared that all immortals should return to their respective mountains for the time being while Grand Completion and Pure Essence are to guard the five passes and the two neighboring border passes as to ensure no further assistance can come to the Grand Old Master from such means. As Burning Lamp took his additional leave shortly following, with Merciful Navigation being the only remaining superiorman, Jiang Ziya ordered his soldiers and generals to thoroughly prepare for a descisive battle against Grand Old Master the following day. Wen Zhong, who was meanwhile exceedingly depressed over the lack of reinforcements from either that of the capital or Commander Deng Jiugong, held a conference with Pretty Cloud and Celestial Lotus only to obtain word of Jiang Ziya's intentions by an enemy messenger. Approaching the rebel commander on the battlefield the following morning, completely resolved to sacrifice his very own life to do away with Jiang Ziya, Wu Ji, under the immediate order of the prime minister, decapitated the remaining master Zhao Jiang before Wen Zhong's very own eyes as a showing of their defiance. Not allowing his anger to be controlled in any manner, Wen Zhong, combined with Pretty Cloud, Celestial Lotus, and his four personal generals--Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao--each lashed forward and clashed their weapons furiosly against their respective opponents.

As Celestial Lotus had her sack of wind calmed to nothing by the Wind Conquering Pearl of Merciful Navigation shortly following the start of the battle, Jiang Ziya seized such a chance to brutally smash Lotus's head in with his Staff of Beating Gods. Pretty Cloud, who became horrified and fuming with rage at the sight of her close friend die before her very own eyes so suddenly, was stabbed from the back multiple times by the fire lance of Nezha, putting an additionally unfortunate end to her life. Yellow Flying Tiger, who was greatly encouraged by the heightened morale of the Zhou forces, pierced the heart of Zhang Jie with his duel Dragon-Phoenix blades. Realizing that three of his generals had just recently lost their lives, and it would be evidentially pointless to continue the fight with heightened morale clearly present on the opposite side, Wen Zhong ordered a full-scale retreat in his great distress. As Merciful Navigation returned to his respective mountain that afternoon, Jiang Ziya gave set orders to the majority of his generals, with intentions to not only assault the Shang camp in a raid, but to additionally attempt to draw many into surrender. Wen Zhong, who obviously knew that the prime minister would more than likely attempt such a feat, ordered his generals to protect set regions in especial caution of such a potential happening. As the raid began that night, with Jiang Ziya and other such generals breaking into the Shang forces's camp gates, Wen Zhong personally lunged forward atop his dragon to smight the enemy with exceeded valiance and magical prowess. Being unexpectedly struck once more due the unparalleled speed of Jiang Ziya's Staff of Beating Gods, Wen Zhong, and the majority of the Shang forces, clearly realized that they were simply struggling against an inevitable defeat -- especially after seeing fierce flames and smoke soar above their food supplies and other parts of the camp. As the forces of Shang began to flee as a resolution, around half of the remaining soldiers surrendered to the Western Foothills while another majority fled back to their respective homes in fear of any form of death. Grand Old Master, who knew he had little authority over such an incident, considering the circumstances at hand, fled in the direction of Mount Western Foothills with Deng and Xin protecting their commander's life even if it costed their own. With the eventual retreat of Jiang Ziya's forces in great victory, Wen Zhong camped upon the foot of Mount Western Foothills, became informed of the reported death of Tao Rong within the former conflict, and suggested his forces--currently numbering 30,000--to march through Good Dream Pass to obtain a level of assistance from neigboring generals. As the Grand Old Master continued on his way through Mount Peach Blossom, he suddenly caught sight of a man of Taoist appearance, who he resembled to be one of the superiormen who assisted the rebel commander in breaking his ten traps. Announcing his name to be "Grand Completion", and his desire to stop the Grand Old Master from obtaining any additional assistance from neighboring passes, Wen Zhong knew that such a simpleton could not be reconciled with, and thus lashed his golden staff at the former with far greater renown. After being in contact with the Heaven Overturning Stamp, Wen Zhong's advance was halted by its great power, and realizing that great casualties could be further suffered by such an opponent of celestial attributes, he ordered his forces to head to the west for now. Heading in the direction of Mount Yan for several nights upon days, Pure Essence appeared before their pathway as they approached Mount Taihua, to the great disgust of Wen Zhong. Recognizing Pure Essence as being the man that was causing Master Yao an extreme amount of trouble far into the past, and combined with his current obstinace of not letting them reach neighboring passes, Wen Zhong vowed to destroy such an opposition not only for revenge, but for the sake of his reputation and great pride in the name of Shang. Charging forth with smoke spouting from his third eye, Pure Essence was obviously overwhelmed beyond imagination -- and thus unleashed his Yin Yang Mirror upon the Grand Old Master following a few rounds of battle.

封神演義/卷051


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 52

This chapter is titled "Fall of the Legendary Hero". As the Yin Yang Mirror's white side was effectively placed before Wen Zhong's eyes, in a single moment of time he realized that the enemy's weapon attempted to drown away his consciousness. Naturally immune to such magic trickery with the power of genjutsu that he wields within his very own palm, the Grand Old Master nonetheless had little choice but to flee as Pure Essence began to shine the red side in his face—which he knew to be certain death than anything else. Realizing that the only choice he had left was to head through the Yellow Flower Mountain to reach the Green Dragon Pass as opposed to personally heading to Morning Song while abandoning his comrades, Wen Zhong and his soldiers traveled for half a day before seeing a young celestial surrounded by flags and banners that represented the Western Foothills. As this celestial declared himself being none other than Nezha, with intentions to ensure that the enemy is blocked off from any source of assistance, Wen Zhong, who was already furious at the obnoxious opposition prior, began to fume with even greater hatred and resolve to destroy all that stood before him as supreme head of the Shang Dynasty. Nezha, who began to battle with Wen Zhong and every other general of Shang single-handedly, managed to strike down both Ji Li—one of two disciples under Grand Old Master—and that of Deng Zhong, which shattered the morale of the oppositionary forces, forcing Wen Zhong to break through and travel along an additional path towards the Yellow Flower Mountain. As the Grand Old Master camped for the night while realizing that 20,000 of his original 30,000 had supposedly defected to the enemy due to not being present, he was comforted by Xin Huan, who suggested that they both return to Morning Song and gather forces to avenge their suffered humiliation another day. Continuing along the pathway to the Yellow Flower Mountain, and upon their arrival, Huang Tianhua stepped forward to prevent the Grand Old Master and his remaining soldiers from heading any further by order of Prime Minister Jiang Ziya. Annoyed by this fourth blockade with his hair standing on end and his teeth grinded with rage, Wen Zhong sent the young warrior fleeing in fear of his wrath. Unfortunately however, Tianhua seized the moment to not only kill Yu Qing—the secondary disciple of Wen Zhong—with his Fire Dragon Javelin, but to additionally wound Xin Huan with one of his Heart Penetrating Nails through the leftern wing. Grand Old Master, who was confused and utterly disstressed, ordered his soldiers to rest upon a bleak mountain upon the arrival of dawn, where he sat by himself, devising his next plan of evasion less another army appears before his midst. As everyone within the camp of Shang had slept throughout the end of dusk and into night, Wen Zhong became startled at a sudden hearing of cannon fire, and, to his unparalleled rage, he noticed Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa drinking happily upon the mountain top while at the same time mocking him from below with great laughter. Charging upon them angrily, an intense bolt of lightning shook the sky, and to the Grand Old Master's perplexed amazement, not a single soldier nor that of Jiang Ziya or King Wu could be seen anymore—even when using the power of his divine third eye. Considering what kind of genjutsu user is behind such trickery, and how he wields power exceeding his own in such an art, a large army suddenly surrounded the foot of the mountain below and charged at Wen Zhong immediately following. Falling upon them with exceeded resolve, every soldier disappeared with an additional blinding bolt of lightning; Wen Zhong, in his state of perplexity, prepared to perform divination in order to understand what was truly happening. As Jiang Ziya and King Wu suddenly appeared before the mountaintop, openly mocking the Grand Old Master for losing all honor and dignity in such a humiliating scene, Wen Zhong, who began to perform divination immediately following, was suddenly interuppted by the swift thrust of a monster's hammer through the darkness. Letting out a cry of great dismay while managing to effectively dodge the blow, Wen Zhong's dragon received the hit from below the Grand Old Master, killing it instantly. Tumbling to the ground and fleeing atop a dust cloud in startled fear, Xin Huan roared from the shadows of the mountainside and parried each blow from the pursuing beast—which in this case happened to be Thunderquaker.

Protecting Wen Zhong with all the strength he possessed even if it costed him is very own life, Xin Huan remembered this creature had attacked him previously during a moment of his master's retreat, and knowing that he must prove himself to the Grand Old Master as a warrior of the greater good, Xin Huan nearly killed Thunderquaker with his twin hammers; but at the same, Yang Bliss's Sky Barking Hound bit into the flesh of Xin Huan, effectively opening a chance for Thunderquaker to deal a brutal blow to the opposition's head, killing him instantly. As Wen Zhong returned to his camp feeling intense distress over Heaven's intentions of forsaking the Shang Dynasty despite the many loyal feats that he has performed in the name of the late King Da Yi, he gazed forth at the fallen body of Xin Huan upon his return, and fell to the ground and wept profusely at the many great warriors that gave their lives for the sake of his name—especially that of Xin, who had seemed to him as being his very own guardian. Gathering the remnants of his soldiers, who had been protected by golden walls throughout the former night—as Wen Zhong knew that the situation would be far too risky to allow any more potential casualties on his side—Wen Zhong marched along secondary pathways through the Yellow Flower Mountain until he arrived before a village, where he and his soldiers were graciously served many meals by a certain old man upon their welcoming. Receiving this old man's name as Li Ji, so that he could record such a name in order to reciprocate such kindness sometime into the future, Wen Zhong and his men continued along the direction of the Green Dragon Pass until being confronted by a certain woodcutter along the way. As soldiers under the Grand Old Master had asked this certain man the closest route to the Green Dragon, they returned to tell Wen Zhong that the southwest is the fastest route to such a destination. Knowing that the Dragon Extinction Peak lays to the southwest, and he will more than likely suffer even greater detriment—possibly his own life—if he arrives in such a region, Wen Zhong wished to prove to Heaven that he shall conqueor all that stands in his way for the longevity of the Shang Dynasty, and thus pressed forward with intense resolve. Arriving before the peak shortly, and seeing a man of Taoist appearance—namely in this case being Master of the Clouds—who declared that he shall take the Grand Old Master's life as destined, Wen Zhong began to burst into great laughter, knowing that nothing can stand in the way of his magical prowess and great resolve to uphold the greater good. Pressing forward upon Master of the Clouds with staff firmly gripped in his hands, eight skyscraper pillars of divine fire suddenly sprang out from the ground, completely hemming in Wen Zhong from all sides. These pillars, being thirty-feet in height and ten feet in circumference, suddenly emitted countless great fire dragons which soared about throughout the air upon the signal of Master of the Cloud's thunderbolt. Laughing with great confidence at such a meager ability, fire charms appeared all around Grand Old Master's body as he vanished in a beam of white light to escape the enormous barrier previously trapped within. This barrier, which was unfortunately made of the hardest diamond, was impenetrable, and only resulted in Wen Zhong ramming his own head into the walls of such a barrier, hitting him with such intense force that he fell to the ground dead. As the soul of the unfortunate Wen Zhong flew before King Zhou back at Morning Song, who in return was in an exceedingly drowsy state at the time due to heavy drinking, the Grand Old Master informed the king to employ virtuous qualities as repentance for his vile manner towards the people, considering that he himself lives no longer, and assuredly cannot perform any more feats for the sake of the Shang Dynasty. As Wen Zhong's soul disappeared within the wind, King Zhou awoke that night with a start, and upon informing Daji of his meeting with Wen Zhong, which he remembered more subconsciously than anything else, the latter suggested that such was nothing more than a dream of his worries, and should thus be forgotten about completely. Meanwhile back at the Western Foothills, Jiang Ziya was delighted to hear of the success on the part of his specific generals, and the death of Wen Zhong; but at this same moment in time, Shen Gongbao had seen the fall of the Grand Old Master with his own eyes, and began to search for powerful immortals as an attempt to wipe out the foul Jiang Ziya no matter what. As Shen approached a certain mountain by the name of "Squeezing Dragon", he happened upon a small man around four-feet in overall height who was running around the mountainside in great joy. Upon inspection that this certain man is a disciple under that of Krakucchanda, but has only studied the Way for 100 years, Shen Gongbao seized such knowledge by offering the lad a chance to wear a great dragon robe and be remembered among the people as a hero if he were to follow his advice. This disciple, who was known as "Earth Traveler Sun", was naturally not fond of his master and more on the side of being carefree; and as Shen had informed Sun that he shall recommend him a post under Deng Jiugong, Commander of Sanshan Pass, and learned that the former had the ability to travel underground at will, he suggested that the Celestial Binding Ropes--which were prized as Krakucchanda's ultimate weapons--should be stolen. Doing as he was told, Shen Gongbao led Earth Traveler Sun towards the location of Deng Jiugong at once.

封神演義/卷052

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


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 53

This chapter is titled "Wrath of Commander Deng Jiugong". As Shen Gongbao successfully led Earth Traveler Sun before Sanshan Pass, he continued along various other regions in desperate search for potential comrades. At this same point in time, the remnants of Wen Zhong's forces had reported the death of their commander to Han Rong of Sishui Pass, which was then transferred in the form of a letter before the eyes of Wei Zi, who was unexpectedly startled beyond his own belief at such news. Appearing before King Zhou within a side court immediately following, the king discussed with his fellow ministers how the Grand Old Master is to be essentially avenged after feeling intense grievance over such an incredible loss. As Supreme Minister Ji Shang suggested that Deng Jiugong, a man that has recently defeated many rebelling forces under Western Duke E Shun and is stationed closest to the Western Foothills for a high rate of potential reinforcement, King Zhou agreed to such a suggestion, issuing forth a royal decree to the residence of Deng Jiugong, granting him the white sceptor and yellow axe as a symbolization of his newly attained military authority. As Royal Messenger Wang Zhen rode for days upon end through the beautiful autumn weather, he eventually arrived before Sanshan Pass, and handed the royal decree to Deng Jiugong, who, in exchange, accepted such a decree while ordering Kong Xuan to take over the pass as commander for the time being. Leaving the pass the following day with a great army at his essential backing, a small lad appeared before the gates with a letter of recommendation for Deng Jiugong—who in this case had been none other than Earth Traveler Sun, who happened to run around for quite some time before deciding to confront the commander as intended. Personally opening the letter and realizing that it is from one of his past acquaintances—Shen Gongbao—Deng Jiugong, who was still rather unconfident in the capacity of such a young boy despite his supposed abilities, merely appointed him as assistant supervisor of the food supplies and then continued along his way to the Western Foothills. Arriving before the reported eastern gate of Phoenix City not long after, and camping for the night, a patrolman had meanwhile approached Jiang Ziya at his mansion, reporting the arrival of a man he knew to have been Deng Jiugong, a reputed commander of the Shang Dynasty.

As Deng issued forth a command to challenge the eastern gates the following morning, Tai Luan, his right-hand vanguard, strode forth to the enemy gates with cutless firmly in hand, where he was met momentarily by General Nangong Kuo. Not having any patience for a man of treachery, Tai Luan immediately slashed apart the former's armor plates, leaving a great opening that was not allowed for seizing as Nangong fled the scene in great fear of being killed by the opposition's renown. Praising Tai Luan for demoralizing the enemy forces later that day, Deng Jiugong approached the western gate with his troops placed within five individual square formations, ready to pounce upon the enemy at any moment. As the two sides began to fiercefully clash against one other following the arrayment of Jiang Ziya's forces, the forces of Shang eventually retreated back to camp once their commander and vanguard were seriously wounded: the former being struck in the left arm by Nezha's ring, while the latter was burned by the flames of Zhao Sheng. Deng Chanyu, the daughter of Deng Jiugong, who was greatly distressed at the condition of her father, was allowed the right to challenge the gates of Phoenix City later that day. With Nezha retorting against such a challenge shortly, he was startled to see such a beautiful woman on the battlefield, but had little choice but to fight back once she relentlessly lunged forth at him with her long cutless. As Chanyu began to flee in feigned defeat, Nezha pursued; but to his detriment, the former casted forth a golden pebble with her hand at quick speed, woulding Nezha severely in the eyes and nose, forcing him to retreat back to the city immediately. Huang Tianhua, who began to ridicule Nezha for being hurt by a mere pebble despite the celestial attributes that he supposedly possesses, volunteered to meet Chanyu once she had challenged the city the following morning in addition. As the two fought valiently for some time, with Chanyu's feigned retreat, Tianhua ended up suffering a wound to his forehead even more severe that that of Nezha's, and thus fled back to the city only to be ridiculed in return by an avengful Nezha. With the prime minister busy breaking up the fight between that of Tianhua and Nezha, Deng Jiugong was meanwhile exceedingly delighted over the successive victories of his young daughter. Chanyu, who possessed great confidence over her two former victories, presented herself before Phoenix City's gates the next day only to be met by Dragon Beard Tiger, who wields the same general art in battle. As the two began to battle each other with great renown, Dragon Beard Tiger suddenly unleashed a volley of stones and boulder dust from his two hands, and as he violently thrusted forth at the opposition within such confusion, Chanyu managed to land two hits on his neck and face, and then followed by lifting her sword to finish the beast through beheading.

封神演義/卷053


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 54

This chapter is titled "The Master Burrower Earth Traveler Sun". Yang Bliss, who leapt to Dragon Beard Tiger's assistance at the very notice of his comrade's situation, held off Deng Chanyu for a lengthened time, never being hurt in the least even when the latter deployed her golden pebbles at regular intervals. Using his Sky Barking Hound to tare at Chanyu's neck at such a point of advantage, the unfortunate woman had little choice but to flee back to the Shang camp with tears in her eyes and in a state of tremendous pain. As Deng Jiugong burned with far greater bloodlust at the pitiful sight of his daughter upon her return, Earth Traveler Sun had meanwhile finished his daily supervision and soon obtained word upon the condition of his commander. Feeling regret over not hearing of such information prior, Sun entered the main camp and used his elixer pills to heal Deng Jiugong's wound in mere moments upon entry. Reciprocating such an action upon Chanyu after being informed of her condition, Jiugong hosted a personal feast in honor of Sun, in which he became determined to allow Sun the position of vanguard at the latter's request. At Tai Luan's consention to his commander's request, knowing that Sun's reputed ability will more than likely bring Shang a swifter victory, Earth Traveler Sun left the camp at once, ordering an enemy celestial to present himself before his feet. As Nezha retorted such a challenge openly, and began to lunge forth in great laughter at the shortness of his opponent, Sun, on the other hand, had little trouble against this foe -- for he could easily jump about nimbly and strike at great speeds with his cudgel. Using such an advantage to his essential benefit, Sun suddenly unleashed his Celestial Binding Rope to bind the unfortunate Nezha while throwing him before the feet of Deng Jiugong upon his return shortly following. Deng Jiugong, who knew that King Zhou and the commanders of neighboring regions would think highly of him if he were to possess evidential proof of his ability to conquer even that of celestials with great ease, decided to throw Nezha in the back camp, where he prepared to send the former to the capital for the benefit of his reputation. As Jiang Ziya had meanwhile displayed great astonishment at the learning of Nezha's capture--which would naturally be impossible considering his celestial renown--Huang Tianhua ensured the prime minister that he would challenge this certain foe the following day in order to see if such information is true. Confronting Earth Traveler Sun nontheless the next morning, Tianhua unfortunately had little advantage against the strategic prowess that Sun could pull off simply with his shortness and speed, and was thus captured and thrown into the gaouls with his counterpart, Nezha, back at the camp of Shang in short time. Deng Jiugong, who was naturally exceedingly delighted at the simultaneous victories of his vanguard, created another banquet to honor Sun, where they both drank merrily for hours upon end. Carelessly allowing himself to become rather drunk with dulled senses, Deng Jiugong declared that if Sun were able to essentially subdue the Western Foothills through the potential capture of rebel commander Jiang Ziya, he would give him is precious daughter as a token of gratitude. Being overjoyed at the prospect of obtaining Chanyu, Earth Traveler Sun appeared before the gates of Phoenix City at the brink of dawn the next morning; and upon the calling of Jiang Ziya to show himself, the prime minister realized that he would be looked upon as a fool if he were not to confront a mere boy, and thus exited the camp gates with generals to his right and left. Charging upon the rebel commander with heightened confidence, Earth Traveler Sun deployed his Celestial Binding Rope following a few volleys; but to his overpowerment upon immediate retortion of the enemy, the prime minister was carried back to safety while the Zhou forces fought with even greater vigor. Having his Celestial Binding Rope still tightly bound upon the prime minister, and considering the current overpowerment on the side of Zhou, Sun had little choice but to retreat in a state of intense rage at the thought of his rope being taken away from his grasp permanently -- thus increasing the probability of loss rather than an essential victory. As the Zhou forces returned to the Phoenix City, each general realized that the rope around the prime minister only grew tighter around his body whenever an individual attempted its removal. Yang Bliss, who was naturally akin to such situations, placed a single magical charm upon the rope, which caused it to fall to the ground immediately following. Informing the prime minister that such a rope is none other than the 'Celestial Binding Rope', and was used by Krakucchanda within the Vehemont Flame Trap, Yang Bliss obtained consention to meet Earth Traveler Sun the following day to ask the reason behind Sun's actions -- and more importantly: how he even obtained the rope. Confronting Sun the next day, the lad had little patience for talk and immediately bound the celestial foe with a secondary rope made of the hardest mineral while returning to the Shang camp in a state of satisfication over his victory. As Yang Bliss easily slipped from such bonds and sent his Sky Barking Hound upon Earth Traveler Sun in surprise, Sun had little time to react, and immediately burrowed deeply into the ground. Being slightly frightened at such an unexpected art, Yang Bliss fled back to Phoenix City shortly to elaborate the current situation with Prime Minister Jiang Ziya. Now fully realizing that Sun possesses the ability to travel undeground at will, and that he will more than likely seize such an ability to attempt a full-scale assault upon the capital city in unpredicatable locations, Jiang Ziya and Yang Bliss thought throughout the day as to how such potential danger could be erased. Taking immediate preparations, the prime minister moved King Wu safely to a neighboring mansion while generals and countless mirrors were hung about the city gates. As Jiang Ziya had thus sheltered King Wu safely away from any potential harm, Earth Traveler Sun burrowed beneath Phoenix City's gates that evening; and upon the realization that Jiang Ziya was heavily guarded by soldiers from every direction, which was close to what he thought to have been the rebel commander's mansion, Sun decided to roam around until he was led in the direction of the palace, which exued forth music into the air. Seeing a man of kingly appearance who he had assumed to have been King Wu, Earth Traveler Sun emerged from the ground beneath once the great clamor had stopped, and the king was supposedly asleep and easily harmable. Approaching the king's bed and cleaving off the former's head, Sun noticed a woman of exceeded beauty sleeping near his fallen victim. Closing near upon this woman, Yang Bliss suddenly emerged forth from the darkness and forcefully grappled ahold of Sun, while carrying him cautiously in the air less he manages to flee through the ground. Approaching Jiang Ziya shortly following, the order to execute Earth Traveler Sun was given; but, to their ill-fortune, Sun struggled to such an extent to which he was able to essentially reach the ground and burrow away from trouble. As the young lad had meanwhile returned to the side of Commander Deng Jiugong, while elaborating the unfortunate happenings, Yang Bliss departed to Dragon Squeezing Mountain in order to discuss the current happenings with Krakuchanda, who he assumed to have been Sun's master.

封神演義/卷054


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 55

This chapter is titled "Submission of Earth Traveler Sun". As Yang Bliss continued along to the residence of Krakuchanda of Dragon Squeezing Mountain, he happened upon a neighboring mountain, where he had noticed an extravagent mansion known as "The Green Phoenix Palace". Suddenly noticing a beautiful woman exit the palace's outer gates while he sat behind a pine tree fully observing the situation, he politely bowed before her upon approach, and inquired her knowledge of a boy by the name of "Earth Traveler Sun", who is the current cause of trouble within the Western Foothills. Happening to know the young lad through his constant behavior of roaming about between regions, she informed Yang Bliss that he is indeed a disciple of Krakucchanda -- so the matter should thus be easily subsideable if the latter is elaborated on the current circumstances. Receiving her name as being "Princess Long Ji, daughter of the Jade Emperor"--who had been exiled to this specific mountain after performing many accidents simultaneously--Yang Bliss kowtowed in thanks while continuing along the direction to Krakucchanda's residence. As he approached a large swamp with a storm rising violently throughout the air, a large dragon-like beast with sword-sharp teeth emerged from the water's depths, lunging forth at the former while being thirty-feet in overall heighth. Using his hands to unleash cracks of lightning upon this beast, which sent it into immediate flight, Yang Bliss pursued it within a large cave without a single moment of hesitation. Shining brilliant rays of light from his eyes as a method to see eternal light even inside a purely dark cave, Yang Bliss happened upon a double-edged cutless with three sharp points laid upon a parcel as he approached the far end of the cave, not finding a single trace of the beast he had clashed with prior. Finding a shining yellow gown inside the parcel, which fortunately fit him perfectly, he took ahold of the cutless and began to stride out of the cave before hearing the unexpected voice of two individuals, who exclaimed him to be a thief.

These individuals, who were none other than the Golden Fleece Lads of Mount Wuyi, noticed that the thief was none other than their master; upon a traditional kowtow of apologies, while allowing their master to receive the gown and sword as a gift, Yang Bliss instructed them to return to the Western Foothills and inform Prime Minister Jiang Ziya of his past happenings with a woman by the name of Long Ji after elaborating her words in full detail to his two disciples. As the two lads thus used the sword of Yang Bliss as proof of their identities as disciples of the former, they arrived before the Prime Minister's mansion shortly and elaborated their master's words to Jiang Ziya himself. With Yang Bliss's arrival at Krakucchanda's residence, he asked if he knew a certain lad by the name of "Earth Traveler Sun", who happened to be using a Celestial Binding Rope against the Western Foothill cause. Knowing that his rope was missing, and Earth Traveler Sun would be the kind to act against his word to such an extent, Krakucchanda believed Yang's words, and declared that he shall arrive at the Western Foothills in short time. As both Yang Bliss and Krakucchanda had arrived at separate moments to elaborate the situation's truth, Jiang Ziya personally approached the Shang camp and began to inspect it from the shadows. Deng Jiugong, who knew that the situation most obviously suggested a potential trap, ordered Earth Traveler Sun, who is a master at any such perdicament, to charge forth at the rebel commander and capture him if at all possible. Strongly resolved to do away with Jiang Ziya for the sake of obtaining the hand of the beautiful Deng Chanyu, Earth Traveler Sun burrowed his way to the enemy's position and immediately lunged from the ground to deploy his Celestial Binding Rope, which he happened upon within the capital city during his former night attack. Realizing that his rope mysteriously stayed afloat in mid-air whenever he attempted to wield it's power, as was the same for his secondary rope, he suddenly caught sight of his master descending from the skies, and thus began to burrow into the ground as a means of escape. Taking immediate action, Krakucchanda slammed his palm upon the ground, turning it into iron and resulting in an easy capture of the unfortunate Earth Traveler Sun, who happened not to flee in time. Presenting his disciple before the feet of Jiang Ziya, Krakucchanda demanded the reason as to why he acted against his authority in such an impulsive manner. Informing his master that a man by the name of "Shen Gongbao" had inticed him to attack the Western Foothills--for he would never have a chance at greatness in any other manner employable--he additionally stated that he was greatly encouraged by Deng Jiugong, his commander, to destroy the Western Foothills for the sake of obtaining the hand of Deng Chanyu, a beautiful woman that is the former's daughter. Taking such statements into consideration, Krakucchanda realized through divination that Sun was supposedly destined to be married to this "Deng Chanyu", and thus suggested to Prime Minister Jiang Ziya that a matchmaker should be found -- who in this case was chosen to be none other than San Yisheng. Consenting to such a suggestion, Jiang Ziya told San Yisheng upon the latter's arrival to see Commander Deng Jiugong of Shang about a certain matter that involves Earth Traveler Sun's marriage to his daughter, Deng Chanyu. As the supreme minister was elaborated on the issue further before taking any form of leave, Deng Jiugong had obtained word some time before on the capture of his vanguard, and began to fume in frustration as to be expected.

封神演義/卷055


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 56

This chapter is titled "The Conflict for the sake of Reputation". As San Yisheng had approached the Shang camp, he was refused any potential entrance, for Deng Jiugong personally stated that he was not in any position to meet the former, out of fear that any furthered amount of demoralization would come about his soldiers. With San Yisheng's consistent protests, and Tai Luan's suggestion to allow the Supreme Minister entrance for the sake of furthered observation, the two individuals met each other shortly, where they exchanged traditional bows of greeting as respective enemies. As San Yisheng began to elaborate the issue concerning Earth Traveler Sun's supposedly destined marriage to the former's daughter as an unavoidable matter, he asked for Jiugong's descision on the matter. Deng Jiugong, who knew that Earth Traveler Sun must have spout such words in order to ensure his own potential safety, retorted his intentions to never allow any individual the hand of his precious daughter, and that the rebel commander is simply spouting nonsense for the sake of reconciliation. Vaguely recalling his original statement to Sun that involved giving him Chanyu if the Western Foothills were conquered, San Yisheng received such words, and told the commander that such a statement could easily be proven as the resolving figure of Sun's determination, and if it were to be retracted as a mere child's game, Jiugong may lose an extent of reputation amongst the populace and will naturally lose faith amongst the greater whole of Shang. Taking these words into consideration, General Tai Luan secretly wispered a plan into the commander's ear, who in turn lightened with delight, and declared to San Yisheng that he shall do as the latter advises, but is in need of carefully discussing such information to Chanyu before forming any final decision. As San Yisheng was clearly glad to hear such words, he returned to Phoenix City to report the Shang commander's declaration immediately following. Meanwhile, Tai Luan elaborated his plan in great length, suggesting that a capable individual should first tell the prime minister that Chanyu has consented, but, in fear that such words are only involving some form of trap that will end to her detriment, she is in need of seeing Jiang Ziya in order for the information to be confirmed, and without any additional risk adding upon her part. In doing so, a great feast would be prepared for the rebel commander, but, at a time of advantage, men should be ordered to seize the former at a set signal. Consenting to such a plan has being of great risk to his reputation, but an opportunity to act in the greater good, Deng Jiugong ordered Tai Luan to appear before Phoenix City with such a message in hand. Allowing the individual presence within the city, he appeared before Prime Minister Jiang Ziya and began to elaborate his master's words, declaring that the day after tomorrow shall be chosen for the marriage, with the honor of the prime minister and San Yisheng to personally lead his son-in-law to the ceremonial region. Giving a reply of consention in return, Tai Luan returned to the side of his commander; Jiugong, knowing that such a resolution was the only true rational choice on the part of Ziya, had already made careful preparations in order to ensure that over three-hundred set warriors are placed in regions that would not only allow them secrecy from any potential enemy, but would additionally allow a quick strike when the signal for attack is called. As the second day had thus arrived in quick time, Jiang Ziya, who knew that the possibility for Jiugong to attempt deceitful measures was exceedingly likely, additionally placed his forces in set regions that would ensure his essential safety from the enemy. However, just to ensure that everything ends in his own victory with a personal taste of deceit, Jiang Ziya, still present within Phoenix City that morning, specifically told Earth Traveler Sun to enter the back camp and carry away Deng Chanyu at the first hearing of cannon roar. With the arrival of mid-afternoon, San Yisheng and Jiang Ziya appeared before the camp of Shang, to which they exchanged proper courtesies before taking their seats inside the camp gates.

As Jiang Ziya's generals brought forth many presents of celebration before Deng Jiugong and the soldiers present, Xin Jia of Zhou suddenly ignited the fuse of a large cannon hidden within a box, creating an earth shaking explosion and clouding the air with dirt. With the rebel commander's courtiers unleashing forth their hidden weapons while charging forth at Deng Jiugong, who was startled out of his very imagination, fled from the camp with Tai Luan, but became hemmed in by the forces of Zhou, which had surrounded the camp from strategic points while wiping out any opposition from outside. Managing to flee nontheless, Jiang Ziya's forces poured forthward, overpowering the great power of Shang with the element of surprise. With Deng Jiugong fleeing to the south amongst such great confusion, Chanyu and other such generals and soldiers went in pursuit of their commander; but Chanyu was unfortunately seized at a sudden moment by the Celestial Binding Rope of Earth Traveler Sun--which was temporarily allowed to him by his master--resulting in the forces of Shang desperately regrouping at Mount Western Foothills after being pursued by the Zhou forces for a lengthened period of time. Feeling exceedingly deep remorse and fear at the sight of his daughter not being present to any extent, Deng Jiugong felt utterly humiliated at his stupidity for allowing such an incident to come about so easily. Meanwhile back at Phoenix City, Jiang Ziya suggested to Krakucchanda that the marriage between Deng Chanyu and Earth Traveler Sun should not be delayed any further; the latter in return stated his consention. Ordering a maidservant to attend to Chanyu's needs as a resolution, Chanyu, who knew that the situation prior was only a means to seize Jiang Ziya, fell to the ground and began to weep silently at the unfortunate reality of the situation: being married to Earth Traveler Sun. Accepting such circumstances nontheless as being for the benefit of her father above all else, and for any potential chance at seizing Jiang Ziya's life, Deng Chanyu gave herself in to the lustful Earth Traveler Sun, to which the latter unleashed his "inner essence" with keen anticipation throughout that night upon his lover. As Jiang Ziya had confronted the two individuals the following day, Deng Chanyu declared her intentions to persuade her father into surrender, considering the current circumstances. Knowing that Deng Jiugong more than likely possesses a small remaining force at his disposal, and there is a high chance that Chanyu will defect at a moment of advantage if the time arises, Jiang Ziya allowed her leave with a large army under the flag of Zhou, completely prepared to take any measures for the means of success.

Arriving before the camp of Shang after obtaining report on its specific wherabouts from neigboring scouts along the mountain, Chanyu was allowed entrance before her father, to which she not only exclaimed her forced marriage to Earth Traveler Sun, but declared that an alliance with the Western Foothills would be the best choice at hand -- considering the length of time it would take to obtain any potential reinforcements and the strucken morale it would cause to currently assaulted passes under the flag of Shang, encouraging them to submit to the rebelling nobles. Seeing the rationality of her daughter, Deng Jiugong decided that submission is indeed the best option considering the current circumstances. As soldiers of Zhou reported such a statement to Prime Minister Jiang Ziya shortly following, Jiang Ziya joyfully ordered his attendants to march from the city to meet Commandering Deng. Confronting the commander as he arrived, they both took eachother's hand in mutual respect and entered the Silver Security Hall for a banquet of celebration towards their newly confirmed comrade. Many soldiers that escaped from the Western Foothills reported such an incident to Han Rong of Sishui Pass, who in return sent an immediate report to Supreme Minister Zhang Qian of Morning Song. Ascending the Star Picking Mansion in meeting before King Zhou, the king became very wrathful at such an unexpected report, and thus called a conference before his ministers in order to determine how to make up for Deng Jiugong's defection. Fei Lian, who secretly dispised the Shang Dynasty and assisted in any manner that would result in its eventual downfall, suggested that Su Hu, Marquis of Jizhou, should be sent as commander of the expedition -- for he is an imperial relative of the king, and would certainly make every effort to destroy the Western Foothills for the sake of his relation and mutual benefit with the Shang Dynasty. Setting aside Su Hu's original rebellion against the dynasty as simply being a result of bad circumstances, King Zhou sent an imperial decree to Jizhou at once, appointing Su Hu as espeditionary commander against the Western Foothills.

封神演義/卷056


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 57

This chapter is titled "The Resolve of Su Hu". As the royal messenger had been received with customary rites of incense burning while being seen off shortly following, Su Hu announced that evening before his fellow generals and relatives that he has been appointed as expeditionary commander: An opportunity that he could easily seize in order to ally himself with the Western Foothills as he intended for far too long. Obtaining mutual consent amongst the greater whole of his generals with such intentions in mind, Su Hu gathered an army of 100,000 soldiers before leaving Jizhou and marching swiftly to the Western Foothills. Camping immediately upon his arrival, three days passed without any sign of movement on the part of the Shang forces. Obtaining report that Su Hu is the expeditionary commander, and will more than likely submit out of his past dissatisfication against King Zhou, Yellow Flying Tiger approached the camp of Shang upon Jiang Ziya's consention; and to his surprise, a man by the name of Zhao Bing charged defiantly from the camp, feriously clashing his blade against the former's. As Yellow Flying Tiger easily took Zhao Bing captive that morning, Zheng Lun, who had no intention whatsoever to serve the Western Foothill cause in the name of his honor, informed his commander that Yellow Flying Tiger, the former rebel of the Shang Dynasty, has mercilessly taken Zhao captive without a second thought, to which Su Hu retorted by ordering the former to do battle with the rebel, for it would assist both the Western Foothills and that of his reputation under the Shang Dynasty if such an individual were to be disposed of.

Successfully capturing Yellow Flying Tiger as suggested the following morning, Su Hu was enraged at the rebel's conjectured behavior, and thus ordered him to be thrown into the gaouls temporarily. Jiang Ziya, who became alarmed at the report of his comrade's capture, was approached by Huang Tianhua, who possessed the intention to meet this "Zheng Lun" in battle. With the Prime Minister's consent, Tianhua approached the battlefield but only received the same fate as his master by the hands of Zheng Lun, while any other soldiers of Zhou that had the intention of reconciliation on the part of Shang were beheaded, much to the lack of Su Hu's knowledge. Knowing clearly that even if any of his soldiers were to leak such information to his commander, Su Hu would be convinced to destroy Jiang Ziya as a prospect of not only doing away with the country's "evil" for the sake of saving King Wu, but to prevent any potential attack from neighboring comrades, who would be eager to acquire the title of expeditionary commander as their own while easily being able to kill Su Hu with the former evidence of his deceit. Realizing that Su Hu had no intentions for reconciliation whatsoever, dispite Yellow Flying Tiger's words, Jiang Ziya deployed both Earth Traveler Sun and Deng Chanyu to the front, to which they were confronted by Zheng Lun. Laughing heartily at a mere young lad approaching him and boasting many words of overconfidence, Zheng Lun disasociated himself from Chanyu and began to lunge violently upon Earth Traveler Sun. Realizing that the pesky kid had great speed and sank beneath the ground whenever a threatening blow was issued forth, Zheng Lun, who began to perspire in his frustration, unleashed two beams of light that forced Sun into unconsciousness, resulting in easy capture. Unfortunately however, at the very moment he commanded his crow soldiers to take the captive back to their main camp, Chanyu seized the moment to launch a golden pebble into Zheng Lun's forehead at incredible speed, forcing him into retreat with his face covered in blood.

As Earth Traveler Sun was successfully placed before the feet of Su Hu, the latter ordered his immediate execution through beheadment, knowing that it would be far too risky to keep a young boy that supposedly possesses such a rare ability alive. Escaping through the ground as he broke free from his bonds in fear, both Su Hu and Zheng Lun became enraged at such a turn of events, and thus became resolved to attack the city the following morning. Zheng Lun, who adopted such determination, was confronted by Nezha after essentially healing his wound -- even though he intended to see Chanyu, who he greatly hated for humiliating his pride. Realizing very shortly that the man confronting him is a celestial with great renown in the art of spear, Zheng Lun deployed his beams of light consecutively; but alas, for it did not have any effect on Nezha whatsoever. Being striken with fear at his trump card being of lack, Nezha impatiently thrusted forthward his Univeral Ring, breaking the bones within Zheng Lun's back and forcing his soldiers to assist him into retreat. Su Hu, who became saddened and enraged in entirety at the condition of his general, declared that the ability of Jiang Ziya's generals is evidentially dangerous, and surrender may be the better option in order to ensure that the rebel commander falls internally one way or the other for the benefit of King Wu. Seeing his commander's words as being rational and more potentially profitable than of any detriment, Zheng Lun still embraced the pride and honor within his heart and fully declared that he will find one way or the other in order to ensure that Jiang Ziya and his generals fall by the resolve wielded in his two hands. Resolved to give in to the Western Foothills only when his head is separated from his body, Su Hu knew the situation could not heed his fellow comrade, and thus approached Yellow Flying Tiger and began to show him great kindness in hopes to eventually seize Jiang Ziya's life in the name of his virtue. Preparing a feast and allowing Yellow Flying Tiger passage back to Phoenix City in open arms, Su Hu began to form a written letter to Prime Minister Jiang Ziya stating mutual cooperation in a pre-set night raid that will end in Zheng Lun's capture on the side of Zhou.

However, at this same point in time, a man by the name of "Lu Yue" was allowed enterence within the Shang camp, to which he declared his intentions to dispose of Rebel Commander Jiang Ziya by order of Shen Gongbao. Allowing this man a seating within the camp, who was of Taoist heritage, he requested to see Zheng Lun upon hearing of the latter's many cries of pain, and thus healed his wounds with a mere droplet of water as a showing of his magical renown being far exceeding that of an ordinary Taoist. Zheng Lun, who was grateful beyond words, declared Lu Yue as "master" while falling to the ground in formal kowtow. Waiting several days following and disallowing Su Hu to send any further "mutual" communication with the Zhou forces--thus disposing of his prior intentions--Lu Yue acquired the assistance of four Taoist men who known as Zhou Xin, Li Qi, Zhu Tianlin, and Yang Wenhui. As Su Hu took notice of these four individuals, he knew that his chances of success against Jiang Ziya were heightened, but due to not being able to enforce his former words to Yellow Flying Tiger, he felt a level of shame and embarassment. Now that Lu Yue obtained the mutual support of the Shang army, he sent forth one of his four disciples to do battle against the Phoenix City.

封神演義/卷057


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 58

This chapter is titled "Lu Yue, the God of the Plague". This certain man deployed was none other than Zhou Xin, who was met shortly by Jinzha outside the eastern gates of Phoenix City. Fleeing faintly following a few rounds of battle, Zhou Xin struck his pair of chimes three consecutive times, sending Jinzha fleeing into Phoenix City in a great headache, fearing prior that such a factor could have led to his potential death if he had not fled. The day following such an incident, Li Qi appeared before the enemy's gates only to be confronted by Muzha, who in turn was resolved to avenge the humiliation that his elder brother had suffered earlier. To the detriment of Muzha, however, Li Qi waved a large pennant several times, resulting in the former turning exceedingly pale with the feeling of intense fire burning within his flesh. Fleeing back to the capital city in fear at knowing his current vulnerability, he fell to the ground and began to foam at the mouth -- a point to which he was no longer conscious.

Hearing from Li Qi of his two consecutive victories, despite not taking the former foes captives, Lu Yue began to sing in great joy knowing that the magical prowess within the hands of his disciples is truly unrivaled. As like the two days prior, Zhu Tianlin volunteered to meet the oppositon the day following, to which he was confronted by Thunderquaker. Experiencing great difficulty in striking at Thunderquaker--as the latter constantly used the vantage of his wings to evade any potential attack--Tianlin retreated a set distance before suddenly landing a blow upon Thunderquaker at an unexpected angle, forcing him to fall to the ground with intense gravitional pull being thrusted upon his body. Despite such a disadvantage, Thunderquaker managed to kick about a great measure of sand with the strength left within his wings, resulting in more or less lucky escape.As Thunderquaker returned to Phoenix City with the assistance of neighboring scouts, Jiang Ziya received report that a fourth man had just confronted their territory: A man seemingly different from the three originally confronted. This individual, who was expectedly Yang Wenhui, was met in short measure by Dragon Beard Tiger, a man to which he considered exceedingly strange in appearance. As Dragon Beard began to unleash volleys of stones upon the opposition, Wenhui retorted by negating each attack with the swift movement of his silver-edged whip; the Zhou general had little choice but to flee, knowing that his technique proved fruitless against such a foe.

The Prime Minister being highly distressed at such continued happenings, obtained report that a fifth Taoist with three eyes had just appeared before the city's gates. Riding forth from the gates with generals at his right and left hands, Jiang Ziya confronted this man--who was known as "Lu Yue"--and immediately realized that he must be the reason as to why Su Hu had not been won over at the beginning - - for he eternally trusted the words of Yellow Flying Tiger and knew that Su Hu must have been controlled due to such assumed intentions. As the generals of Zhou impulsively charged and surrounded Lu Yue from all sides, not intending on giving in to any form of reconciliation that could end with detriment, Zheng Lun immediately assisted his master with immense speed; but at the moment to which he caught sight of Huang Tianhua, he immediately realized that Su Hu must have setten free the former in an eventual attempt at Jiang Ziya's life. Knowing that the situation at hand is of far greater benefit with Lu Yue at his side, Zheng Lun thrusted his club at the youthful warrior, but was met by Nezha in merely an instant. As Lu Yue began to consider the situation with desperation, he transformed himself into an enormous beast with six heads and sword-like fangs. Unfortunately however, Yang Bliss seized such a moment to shoot Lu Yue consecutively with his golden balled bow, forcing the latter into immediate retreat with a wounded Zheng Lun tailing behind him. Grinning with delight nontheless upon his return to the Shang camp, Lu Yue first healed his disciple's wound with an elixer pill before ordering his other four disciples to scatter forth many plague pills within the rivers, streams, creeks, and ponds that were used as provisionary supplies for the benefit of the Zhou forces and fellow civilian of Phoenix City.

The people of Phoenix City, who did not visibly notice any difference in their natural consumable water, fell right and left, torn apart by a hidious plague that spread about as a resolution of their unknowing. As all generals discluding that of Nezha and Yang Bliss were also effected by this plague, Zheng Lun obtained the consention of both of his commanders, and charged at the city gates with high morale and great determination to prove his past defeats as being a mere strick of bad luck. To his immediate surprise however, he took notice of many soldiers gathered before the city wall ready to pounce upon him as if it were an ambush rather than an act of desperation as he would have naturally considered. Cautioning the situation, Zheng Lun decided to return to the side of Lu Yue, where he elaborated the evidence that Phoenix City is seemingly strongly guarded. Yang Bliss, who had created many false warriors out of grass while molding their figures with the assistance of his magic prowess, began to perspire, knowing that he had little more than a few hours left to preserve such a tactic. At such a critical moment in time, Yellow Dragon and Jade Tripod had originally felt in their minds an unpredicatable happening could have taken place, and thus arrived within Phoenix City and greeted Jiang Ziya and King Wu, to which they were enlightened about the situation. With such knowledge, Tripod ordered his disciple, Yang Bliss, to head immediately to Fire Cloud Cave for the sake of obtaining elixers from the the "Three Holy Masters" while he personally continues the original grass-soldier technique in the latter's stead. Obeying his master's command and arriving shortly before the intentioned cavern, Yang was allowed entry after obtaining the consention of a Taoist lad, where he confronted the three masters: Emperor Heaven, Emperor Earth, and Emperor Mankind. Kowtowing before Fu Xi, the Emperor of Heaven, and elaborating the rationale behind his arrival, Fu Xi asked Shen Nong to hand the former three specialized elixers that could negate such a continued tragedy in entirity. As Shen Nong consented, he additionally handed Yang Bliss a magical herb that possessed the ability to cure any infectious disease if boiled in water; Yang thus left shortly afterwards, fully grateful for the kindness recently considered towards the cause he fought for.

Using every such instruction noted with the three elixer pills present, the plague dispersed at a quick pace while the magical herb cured the diseases that had been previously rampant. At this same point in time, Lu Yue, after hearing Zheng Lun's words prior, and concluding that their former stand was only a final desperate movement, besieged the city from all external provisions for an entire week, longing for the people of Zhou to feel great humiliation in the face of the greater power wielded within his palm. As Su Hu was naturally unwilling to accept such a truth after seeing the evidence of Lu Yue's former defeat, he scoped the city from a high position and realized that full activity was present within the capital city -- concluding that such a plague obviously did not have any visible effect. Returning to the camp and scolding Lu Yue for not being aware of the situation, Lu Yue, in his enraged wonder, saw the truth with his own eyes, and thus ordered his five disciples to immediately strike the city from all directions with a combined force of 15,000 soldiers. As the people of Phoenix City had not recovered their strength after such a plague was only recently diminished, Nezha, Yang Bliss, Yellow Dragon, and Jade Tripod all headed to the four gates in order to block the opposition's assault from all sides.

封神演義/卷058


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 59

This chapter is titled "Awakening of the Left Arm of Successorship". As the Shang forces charged through the four gates with supreme resolve for victory after such a long period of suspense, Lu Yue himself broke through the northern gate only to nearly crush Yellow Dragon to death in his six-headed, three-armed form. As Yang Bliss had meanwhile held off the enemy forces leaking into the eastern gate while ordering soldiers to find regions of safety for the common civilians to take shelter, he immediately charged forthward, slashing the invading General Zhou Xin into two vertical halves in a single cleaving of his sword. With the Shang forces within the east being effectively beaten back as a result of their leader's death, Yang Bliss seized the moment to assist Jade Tripod at the southern gates against Zhu Tianlin.

As Nezha slashed apart Li Qi at the western gate with the great renown of his fire-tipped lance, he was allowed entry to assist the troubled Yellow Dragon at the northern gate against Yang Wenhui and the overpowering Lu Yue. Unfortunately, at such a moment in time, Tianlin had been killed in addition, resulting in all four celestials charging forth upon Lu Yue, who ground his teeth in great frustration and rage at the prospect of his ambitions being folleyed. Fleeing at the moment to which he realized the situation was dire he managed to reach the neighboring hills with Wenhui, mind the loss of his left arm during such a violent feud. Sitting beside a rock and attending to his crucial wound, Lu Yue greatly considered the visiting of his former collogue, Shen Gongbao, until a strange man with a battle club appeared before the former, declaring his name as being "Wei Hu". Declaring that he had been looking for a man by the name of "Lu Yue" upon order of his master, Divine Virtue, Yang Wenhui became exceedingly fearful for the safety of his master, and out of immediate impulse, began striking violently forth at the opposition with his silver-edged whip -- much to Lu Yue's detriment, who was now put into an even greater situation of danger as he had realized. Unfortunately however, Wei Hu possessed exceeded speed dispite the wielding of his powerful club; and as a resolution, Wenhui was immediately overpowered and smashed directly in the head by the former's weapon, forcing Lu Yue to flee on a beam of light, knowing that the situation was hopeless even though revenge was strongly boiling within his blood.

Being told the specific route of arrival to Phoenix City by his master at a prior time, Wei Hu shortly arrived before the presence of the Prime Minister, to which he reported his confrontation with a man that was supposedly Lu Yue, while additionally declaring his intentions to serve under the former as a new assistance to their cause. Meanwhile, Su Hu obtained report on the disappearance of Lu Yue, and thus began to counsel his vanguard general, Zheng Lun, on his former plan that he believed to be the best according to the situation. Zheng Lun, who possessed strong intentions of loyalty, declared his commander's form of action would never be able to bear fruit; and if Lu Yue were to obtain knowledge on such a desperate movement that proved to be against his direct intentions, he would naturally feel resentment and great jealousy for missing an opportunity that was handed into the arms of individuals who were truly undeserving of such a chance - - thus strengthening the probability that he will find one way or another to act in impulsive defiance, leading for their eventual intentions to be nullified in one form or the other.

As Pure Essence was meditating in his cave, he shortly obtained report via the hand of White Crane Lad on the invitation to attend his master's banquet in celebration of Jiang Ziya's future position of commander against the Shang Dynasty. Seeing the lad off, Pure Essence believed that considering Ziya will soon obtain the title of Commander against King Zhou, to which he is "destined" to strike the five passes in short measure, Yin Hong, the secondary son of King Zhou, who is now his very own disciple, could be used as a keen figure to act against the morale of the opposition, and prove to the populace that their cause is truly for the greater good -- considering that the matter of Yin Hong's disappearance is widely unknown to the populace, and can thus be used as a great factor for the Shang soldier's of higher morals and will to strike back at their king if the situation is called for. With such a thought clearly in his mind, Yin Hong was called to his side and elaborated about his intentions to send him as an assistant factor with Jiang Ziya; Yin Hong, in return, declared the great hatred he possessed towards his father: A hatred that he was willingly to embrace even if it costed him his own life. Handing the resolute Yin Hong his Purple Fairy Longevity Robe, the Yin Yang Mirror, and his Water Fire Sword, Pure Essence clearly knew that Yin Hong possesses great resolve to dispose of his father, but he still may return to the side of Shang if he were to be treated with reciprocated feelings within the hearts of commanders loyal to the dynasty --considering that he would indeed do anything for the greater good. Pure Essence thus commanded his disciple to say an oath in pledge. Realizing that his master's trust is of the utmost importance, Yin Hong declared that his body may be burned to ash if he were to defy the former's wishes. He then set out to the Western Foothills after receiving careful instruction from his master, to which he made his way through a mountain he thought beautiful, before being confronted by a strange brute-like warrior who possessed the immediate impulse to protect his homeland from all intruders.

Being striken with fear as this brute not only lashed at him with his two ridged staves, but was additionally reinforced by a comrade of similar appearance, Yin Hong unleashed the white side of the Yin Yang Mirror, effectively absorbing the souls of the two warriors and rendering them as nothing more than mere corpses to the soil. As two more men rushed forth from the shadows to attack, with the first falling to the mirror's unparalleled ability, the latter of the two fell to his knees and pleaded forgiveness, to which he soon realized that the young man standing before him was none other than Yin Hong, the the second son of King Zhou. Receiving pleads to spare the former three individuals that the fourth had not realized were in truth dead, Yin Hong was naturally compassionate despite the danger of the situation, and thus flashed the red side of the mirror, bringing the three warriors back to life, who additionally prostrated themselves upon realization of the personage before them. These four men--Liu Fu, Gou Zhang, Bi Huan, and the fourth: Pang Hong--explained to the prince that they are four outlaws of the Shang Dynasty who live in their homeland--the Yellow Peak Range on Mount Two Dragons--in order to acquire some means of reputation as protectors of such a region, despite their being nothing more than bandits due to not possessing the ability of becoming government authorized generals. As Yin Hong declared his own intentions to serve under the benevolent King Wu, and such for being the reasoning behind his appearance in their territory, he essentially obtained the mutual support of these three men shortly following, who, in return, vowed to serve under Yin Hong with the 3,000 outlaws under their command out of means to obtain the reputation they have longed for.

As the entourage continued their march towards the Western Foothills, a man of Taoist appearance riding a celestial tiger of silver fur descended before their army from the north. This man was none other than the reputed leading figure against Jiang Ziya, Shen Gongbao, who was shortly allowed presence before Yin Hong, to which he inquired the identity of the leader and where he intended on traveling to. Upon realization that this young man was Prince Yin Hong, and possessed the resolved intentions to act against the will of his father, Shen Gongbao laughed aloud, stating that a son of royal class should never attack his father no matter how immoral and hated he may be: great political detriment would result from such an action and his ancestral temples and name would be shamed for generations to come, ensuring that the Shang Dynasty is thrown to the mud in disgrace. Yin Hong, who clearly saw the logic in his words, and considered the possibility that his master was truly intending on deceiving him, cast aside his oath upon Gongbao's reassurance and thanked the Taoist for truly enlightening him. As both parted ways in satisfaction, Pang Hong and the other three leaders lost a large amount of confidence in the competence of their leader, but nontheless decided on following Yin Hong in the name of the Shang, and only defect if the situation does not prove fruitful. Changing the banners to the insignia of the Shang Dynasty, with Pang Hong's instructorship over such a task, they soon recognized flags of similar relation far to the north, to which they were told that Commander Su Hu is stationed at such a region through the helpful ears of Shang scouts along the perimeter. Grinding his teeth in frustration at the prospect of assisting the father of the wicked Daji--who had been the reason behind his mother's cruel death--Yin Hong nontheless approached Su Hu's camp and sent forth Pang Hong as messenger.

As Su Hu obtained word that a man by the name of "Prince Yin" had arrived and wished to see him, he immediately suspected that this supposed "prince" may in fact be one of the two heirs of the Shang Dynasty who were blown away by the wind seven years into the past, and thus left the camp at once with Zheng Lun by his side. Realizing upon entry that the second crown prince, Yin Hong, had survived and prospered through the help of a certain immortal by the name of "Pure Essence", and has risen an army in the name of his father, Su Hu clearly knew that such a chance would greatly benefit his reputation under the dynasty and certainly heighten his current chances of conquering the enemy, Jiang Ziya. Yin Hong thus left the camp the following day with the four outlaw generals by his side while Yellow Flying Tiger, upon retortion, charged from the city gates with his sons. Not recognizing the man standing before him, Yin Hong drew his halberd and charged at the opposition with full intent to ensure unconditional victory for the sake of his reputation.

封神演義/卷059


text:
Portal:Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 60

This chapter is titled "The Three-"handed" Beast Fights under the Veil of Princely Repute". Yin Hong, who though being trained continuously in the art of combat by his master, Pure Essence, for the past seven years, could not handle the great prowess that Yellow Flying Tiger possessed, and was thus immediately reinforced by Pang Hong less he were to suffer any form of crucial harm. Fearing the condition of his fellow general as he desperately clashed against the veteran warrior, Yin Hong strode forthward between their duel, flashing the white side of the mirror into Yellow Flying Tiger's eyes at a sudden instant, forcing him to the ground as a lifeless corpse. After additionally performing such an action upon Huang Tianhua, the three remaining sons fled back to the city while Yin Hong and his generals--taking ahold of the two victims--returned to the Shang camp in satisfaction over their first victory.

As Yin Hong flashed the red side into the faces of the two prisoners within the camp of Shang later that day, awakening them instantaneously, Yellow Flying began to angrily criticize the "prince" for being an imposter: The true Yin Hong should have easily been able to remember that of his savior, considering he even declared his own name within the process of their feud. Yin Hong, who was startled at the reality that he did not wish to accept, but believed it to be rational for Yellow Flying Tiger to have joined King Wu, freed his old friend from the bonds around him and bowed in respect, allowing the fellow man return to his respective home as a means to return the kindness he had showed him far into the past. Zheng Lun, who protested that such an action will further decrease the confidence and morale of Shang and destroy an opportunity that could prove crucial to the Zhou forces, was retorted by Ying Hong, who stated that the people know he is fighting for the sake of his reputation, and by showing such a form of kindness, the probability that others shall adhere to his call will increase in great fold -- considering that their own rank would be duely enhanced, and filial peity is a far more respected motive then blatant rebellion, so even the common man would bow before such courage and strength of leadership and humanity. Zheng Lun, seeing the light of his words, fell into silence, while Yellow Flying Tiger and his son set out at once with thanks.

Advancing to the city wall of Phoenix City the following morning with his renewed generals left and right, Jiang Ziya and his own unit exited the gates and began to do battle against the young prince after a feeble attempt to convince Yin Hong to defect. As their conflict arose, Jiang Ziya had attempted to land a crucial blow upon the young prince with his Staff of Beating Gods, but such a hit was nothing more than the landing of a feather before the ability that Yin Hong's magic robe possessed. Advancing forthward to finish the rebel commander off in such a state of vulnerability, he suddenly gazed to his side only to see his head commander, and trustworthy comrade, Pang Hong, pierced through the heart by Nezha's lance in one immediate attack. Bursting with unparalleled hatred and despair, Yin Hong feriously charged his halberd into Nezha's body with many thrusts as he continuously attempted to steal the latter's soul with the Yin Yang Mirror to no avail. With Jiang Ziya's immediate order, Deng Chanyu landed a crucial blow into Yin Hong's face with one of her golden pebbles, forcing him to flee back to the Shang camp in great humiliation. Detesting his master for deceiving him to join the ranks of such barbarians who would attempt to take his life at many moments without the slightest remorse or hesitation, the news of Bi Huan's additional death was heard amongst the camp, putting the young prince in an even greater state of despair and hate.

Yang Bliss, who had taken notice of Yin Hong's mirror, and suspecting the probability that such a mirror is belonging to Pure Essence as the rumors hold, was allowed Jiang Ziya's consention to head before Mount Tainhua in a chance to confront the superiorman on the current situation. Entering the Exalted Cloud Cave upon his arrival, and confronting Pure Essence, Yang Bliss soon acquired knowledge that the former's disciple, Yin Hong, was given the Yin Yang Mirror; in response to such a factor, Yang Bliss declared that the prince is attacking the Western Foothills on the contrary. Distressed at the immortal's statement, Pure Essence commanded Yang to return to Phoenix City while he makes his own preparations before departure, to which he will confront the prime minister on the matter. Arriving at the Western Foothills three days into the future, Pure Essence resentfully declared the truth of the matter to Jiang Ziya before personally confronting Yin Hong later that day within the Shang camp.

As Yin Hong confronted his master outside the Shang camp with Liu Fu and Gou Zhong to his right and left, Pure Essence commanded his disciple to stop this nonsensical rebellion and defect to the Western Foothills before any crucial form of harm is forced upon him. Yin Hong, in retortion, declared that a son should never cast aside the collosal benefit of his filial peity and go to the extent of killing his very own father: For the people of Zhou are evidentially cruel in their general manner, and by joining such men that cloud their reputation with supposed "virtue", the Shang name would be naturally thrown to the very dirt in time. Pure Essence, who was enraged to hear such words come from his disciple, angrily clashed his sword against the former's halberd, resolved to dispose of anyone--even his own precious disciple--if it meant the enforcement of time's need. Yin Hong, who was overpowered by the strong will of his master, desperately shined the white side of the mirror into the opposition's face; but Pure Essence managed to escape upon a beam of light at that very moment. Frustrated that his master managed to escape his grasp, thus ensuring furthered annoyance in the future, Yin Hong was nontheless filled with pride at the evidence that he has the potential to overcome whatever stands before him as long as the mirror is at his side.

As Su Hu and the others inquired potential strategems against the Western Foothills that night, a strange man with fire emitting from the sockets of his eyes and mouth, fully surrounded by a form of skeleton-like armor, approached the camp of Shang, asking to see Prince Yin Hong. Upon meeting the prince, this fearsome Taoist-warrior, known as "Ma Yuan" of White Bone Cavern on Skeleton Mountain, declared that he has been recently convinced by his friend, Shen Gongbao, to assist the Shang cause against the Western Foothills. Yin Hong, who was naturally delighted to hear the prospect of another warrior by his side, feasted Ma Yuan full with as much meat as the latter had desired. As Ma Yuan swore to the prince that he would destroy Jiang Ziya for the sake of his friendship with Shen Gongbao and the crucial defeat the the former had suffered, he approached Phoenix City that day only to be confronted shortly by the rebel commander and his generals. Declaring his intentions to execute the opposition for the honor of Jie Taoism to which Jiang Ziya has destroyed, Ma Yuan stole his Staff of Beating Gods following a single round of combat while a general by the name of Wu Rong immediately ran to his commander's assistance. Not longing to waste any amount of time on a mere commoner, Ma Yuan shouted many incantations, giving rise to an enormous "third hand" which sprouted from his back; this hand grabbed ahold of the unfortunate general while smashing him to the ground with unparalleled strength. Stomping on his thighs and tearing his body in two horizontal halves, Ma Yuan tore open Wu Rong's heart and began to lavishly devour it to the terror of all others who happened to be present. Earth Traveler Sun, who was enraged beyond words at such an unexpected sight, wished to seize this moment to potentially acquire great merit, and thus charged at Ma Yuan only to be smashed to the ground in short measure. As Ma Yuan was astonished to see an enormous whole beneath the crater to which he just smashed his new victim, he had little time to consider the situation: Deng Chanyu had unleashed a volley of pebbles upon the beast, forcing him to desperately lunge at the rebel commander. Devouring the heart of a certain individual who happened to get in his way--to which in this case being Yang Bliss--Ma Yuan was still kept at bay by the desperate resolve of the Zhou soldiers. Seeing that he was already crucially suffering from wounds, he openly vowed that Jiang Ziya has one more day to live; the day following, his life shall be torn apart.

As Jiang Ziya shivered in terror within the city at the prospect of such a carnivorous beast taking his life in the same manner as suffered by Wu Rong and Yang Bliss, Yin Hong had meanwhile provided a great feasting between the generals and that of Ma Yuan, who, not feeling very well, began to drink a large majority of hot wine upon Zheng Lun's suggestion. Falling to the floor with an immense stomach ache that seemingly grew stronger in pain, Ma Yuan was escorted to the latrine in the back of Shang camp, to which he began to relieve himself. To his great detriment however, the "heart" of Yang Bliss was in fact a specialized form of matter that was constructed with atoms of magic that reduced the user's vital energy dramatically. As a result of such, Ma Yuan was rendered weak for at least three days of time while Yang Bliss returned to see the Prime Minister, fully elaborating his devious method that should have proved of affect to the beast. Being greatly relieved at such news, Outstanding Culture had reportedly arrived, who, in return, declared to Jiang Ziya that he has arrived solely out of speculation that his disciple, Ma Yuan, may have been assisting the cause of Shang. Enlightened with the current situation, Oustanding Culture told Jiang Ziya a specific plan that should result in Ma Yuan's capture based upon the duration of Yang Bliss's former trick. Taking the superiorman's instructions into heart, Jiang Ziya approached the camp of Shang on the specificed date, and upon the pretense that he had intended on spying on their encampment, Ma Yuan lunged from the gates on the prince's consent. With rejuvinated power, Ma Yuan charged at Jiang Ziya, who ran away as fast as he could muster.

封神演義/卷060