Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

The Grandmaster leads his troops out from Ancient Shang, the west wind soughs, sending off the slanting sun. The monarch causes chaos, the people suffer greatly, the ministers strive to be loyal, their lives end in sorrow.

Only knowing to leave, not knowing to return, recognizing rise, not recognizing fall. The four generals also follow the campaign to their end, making one think of Cheng Tang repeatedly.

Let us say Grandmaster Wen was idly sitting at the Prime Minister's Mansion when he heard the report: "Dou Rong at Youhun Pass repeatedly defeats Eastern Marquis." Suddenly another report came: "Deng Jiugong at Three Mountains Pass has a daughter, Deng Chanyu, who has repeatedly defeated Southern Marquis, and now the troops have retreated."

Wen Zhong was greatly pleased and went to court the next day to present a war proposal to King Zhou. King Zhou said, "The Grandmaster wishes to wage war against West Qi, grant sovereignty for it."

He ordered his attendants: "Quickly dispatch the Yellow Banner and White Halberd, to command the campaign."

The Grandmaster chose an auspicious day and performed a ceremony for the Treasure Banner. King Zhou personally sent him off, filling a cup to the brim and handing it to Grandmaster Wen.

Wen Zhong, after a year of preparation, had already handled all matters thoroughly. This expedition was intended to eradicate the latent threat of West Qi once and for all.

However, the Divine Skills cannot ultimately compete with fate, and who could have known that this trip to West Qi would be one with no return?

The Grandmaster received the wine, bowed deeply and said, "This old minister goes forth, certainly to vanquish the rebels and bring peace to the borders. May Your Majesty consider carefully, investigate all matters minutely, do not let the divide between ruler and minister deepen, and maintain open communication. This old servant won't be gone more than half a year, and shall return triumphant."

King Zhou said, "Grandmaster, as you set out on this journey, I have no worries, and await your good news soon." He ordered the Yellow Banner and White Halberd to be arranged, and commanded Wen Zhong to set forth.

The Grandmaster drank several cups, King Zhou watched Grandmaster Wen mount his steed. The Mo Qilin, having not been to battle for a long time, when Grandmaster Wen prepared to mount, suddenly neighed loudly and leapt, causing him to fall off. The officials were shocked. The attendants helped him up. The Grandmaster hurriedly tidied his attire.

At this time, Junior Doctor Wang Bian stepped forward and reported: "Grandmaster, falling from your horse while setting out is indeed an ill omen; perhaps another general could be selected for the campaign."

The Grandmaster said, "Doctor, you are mistaken! Ministers dedicate themselves to the nation, forgetting their families, mount steeds for battle, disregarding their lives; being injured, not dead in battle is common, why find it strange? Likely this steed has not battled in a long time, neither tested, its muscles cannot stretch, thus this mishap.

Doctor, please do not speak further." Then he ordered, "Signal the troops to depart." The Grandmaster mounted again. This departure, who knows in what year ruler and minister will meet again, will only lead to a silent heroic soul returning blood-stained. The Grandmaster's sincere loyalty, three years of campaigning, all is for the state and the people.

Applying all strategies to support the empire, but the heavens are unwilling to see it succeed.

Let's say Grandmaster Wen led thirty thousand troops out of Chaoge, crossing the Yellow River, reaching Mianchi County. General Zhang Kui received him and paid his respects at the tent front.

The Grandmaster asked, "Which road is closer to West Qi?" Zhang Kui replied, "It's two hundred li to Azure Dragon Pass." The Grandmaster commanded, "Head towards Azure Dragon Pass." Troops and horses left Mianchi County, heading towards Azure Dragon Pass. Along the way, flags fluttered, embroidered bands swayed, truly a formidable army.

Acloud of killing intent rising with the battle, a faint red cloud reflecting green moss. Ten li of only the sound of armor clashing, a formation mountain appears as if from the soil.

Let's say the great army left Azure Dragon Pass, traveling narrow and small paths, only allowing one or two riders to pass, horses and men found it difficult, every step felt more perilous.

Seeing such difficulties, Grandmaster Wen regretted it too late. Had he known earlier, he would have returned through the Five Passes, it would be much more convenient; now though, the journey is delayed. One day, they reached Yellow Flower Mountain.

One mountain not yet passed, another greets, a thousand li without a half-li of plain ground, do not speak of a shepherd boy pointing from afar, only in paintings is it unfitto tread.

Let's say Grandmaster Wen saw the mountain's treachery, ordered his men and horses to rest, urged Mo Qilin ahead to explore.

He saw a flat expanse as if a battleground. The Grandmaster sighed, "What a magnificent mountain! If Chaoge were at peace, I would come to Yellow Flower Mountain to enjoy leisure and relaxation, how joyful it would be!"

Also seeing lush bamboo, ancient trees, and towering pines, endlessly delightful. While enjoying the mountain's scenery, suddenly he heard a gong sound from behind, the Grandmaster quickly pulled his mount around, realizing it was the warriors forming their formation below; the formation was the Long Snake Formation, led by a general with a face like indigo, hair like cinnabar, tusks top and bottom, golden armor, red robe, mounted on a black horse, wielding a Mountain-opening Axe.

The Grandmaster, keenly watching the formation, was noticed by the soldiers below: Wen Taishi was clad in a red robe, mounted on a beast, wielding dual Golden Whips, secretly observing the formation. The soldiers halted their formation, reporting to their leader: "Lord King, there's someone on the mountain observing our den."

The leader, upon hearing, looked up, was furious, and swiftly ordered the formation to retreat, spurred his horse, which flew up the mountain. The Grandmaster saw a general fly towards him, so heroic and brave, his heart greatly rejoiced, "Should I capture this person, it would be timely when attacking West Qi."

While pondering, the horse had already approached, and the oncoming general shouted, "Who are you? Such audacity! Dare to spy on our mountain!"

The Grandmaster replied, "A humble Daoist admires this tranquil mountain, intending to build a thatched hut, and recite two or three chapters of 'Huangting'; would the general permit it?"

The newcomer, furious, cursed, "Demon Path!" urging his horse forward, brandishing the axe, directly attacking. The Grandmaster hastily wielded his Golden Whips to parry. Whips and axe clashed as they fiercely battled atop the high mountain. Having campaigned for many years, Grandmaster Wen had seen too many heroes, but didn't regard them highly.

Seeing this general's skill with the axe showed some prowess: "Once I capture him, even if not a major victory against West Qi, small success can still be achieved." The Grandmaster turned his steed and fled East.

The man pursued. The Grandmaster heard the sound of bells behind, pointed with his Golden Whip, and a golden wall rose from flat ground, enclosing the general within, using Golden Escape. The Grandmaster returned to the mountain, dismounted, leaning against a pine sitting on a rock. The Grandmaster observed several murderous auras hiding in the mountain, silent. Not mentioned further.

Let's say a petit officer reported up the mountain: "Two lords! A red-clad Daoist lured the grand lord into a formation of yellow energy, and then he disappeared."

The two generals hastily asked the messenger: "Where is he now?" The officer replied, "He's currently sitting on the mountain."

The two became furious, hurriedly mounted, and led troops loudly shouting up the mountain. The Grandmaster, seeing this, slowly mounted Mo Qilin, pointed with a Golden Whip, shouted, "Both generals, hold on fast!"

The two generals, seeing the Grandmaster as a three-eyed Daoist, were also shocked, stepping forward and shouted, "Who are you, to dare commit such deeds, where is our elder brother taken? Return him, and we will spare your life!"

The Grandmaster said, "Just now, the blue-faced one, ignorantly collided with me, was struck dead by my whip. What business do you two have now? I've no other intentions, only wishing to cultivate at Yellow Flower Mountain, would you two agree?"

The two were furious, urging their steeds forth, one wielding a spear, the other attacking with double sabers. The Grandmaster wielded his Golden Whip, fighting fiercely on horseback amidst them.

The Grandmaster turned Mo Qilin southward and fled. The two pursued. The Grandmaster pointed the whip, using Water Escape on Zhang Heavenly Monarch, and Wood Escape for Tao Heavenly Monarch.

Wen Zhong wielded his Daoist Skill handily captured these few people easily.

The four generals, Deng Zhong, Xing Huan, Zhang Jie, and Tao Rong, had become brothers from youth, learned some Daoist Skills, not too advanced, but courageous nonetheless.

They became bandits at this Yellow Flower Mountain, never expecting to encounter Wen Zhong today.

After being dealt with by Wen Zhong, upon hearing his renowned name, they all submitted.

The Grandmaster Wen's people and horses continued their journey, suddenly seeing a stone stele ahead, inscribed with the characters "Juelong Ridge."

The Grandmaster, sitting silently upon Mo Qilin, remained speechless for a long time, Deng Zhong noticed the Grandmaster holding back his mount, his face showing alarm.

Deng Zhong asked, "Why does the Grandmaster stop and remain silent?" Grandmaster Wen replied, "I gained Enlightenment while at the Biyou Palace, studying under the Saint Mother Jin Ling for fifty years.

When my master ordered me down the mountain to assist Cheng Tang, I asked before departure, 'What is the fate of your disciple?'

My master said, 'Your life shall never encounter the character 'absolute'.' This day marching, unexpectedly I see this stone stele, inscribed with the word "absolute," which gives me pause, hence my hesitation."

Deng Zhong and the four generals laughed, saying: "Grandmaster you're mistaken! How can a great man let a single word determine a lifetime of fortune or disaster? Moreover, 'Blessed are the virtuous,' with the Grandmaster's talent and virtue, how could it be impossible to conquer West Qi? As the ancients said: 'Why divine when there is no doubt?'"

The Grandmaster neither smiled nor spoke. The generals urged the troops forward. Swords and spears shone like water, armored soldiers like clouds, the march continued silently.

The scout reported to the central command: "Grandmaster, troops have reached the southern gate of West Qi, please issue commands." The Grandmaster ordered, "Make camp." The cannon roared, the army shouted in unison, establishing camp and setting up a grand fortress.