The King's Stratagem and Sinba's Deceptive Mission

That night, King Gesar summoned his ministers to discuss how to subdue the two officers who had accompanied Yula on his expedition. The Great King Gesar sang:

"Sinba Meruze, great general of Hor,

I send you now to bear a heavy load.

Jiwu Tuoge and Zhuzha Baideng too,

Rely on your wit to capture them both.

Before my tent, heroic tigers are countless,

Yet now it's Sinba who proves most useful.

Good deeds rely on Sinba to complete,

Bad deeds also on Sinba to erase.

Sinba, go swiftly to execute my command,

Only you can subdue these two.

The divine army of Ling will follow behind,

Meet at the Qianglong Jiamo Mountain pass.

When the morning sun crests the mountains tomorrow,

Join forces without delay.

The great Ling army will press from the rear,

While Sinba rides alone to clear the path ahead.

If your heart dares not enter the tiger's den,

How can your hands hope to seize the tiger's cub?

First, take Yula Toju,

To the rear of Ling for safekeeping.

Explain to my father, King Senlun,

To guard this little tiger cub with care.

As long as the Jiang-Ling war remains unresolved,

Hold him as a hostage in Ling.

Yula's steed, the 'Nangya Blue-Maned Horse',

Entrust to your uncle for now.

When we triumph and return victorious,

Return the horse to its master, Yula."

All the heroes unanimously approved King Gesar's arrangement, considering it an auspicious and wise decision from the king. Everyone happily set about their tasks as the king commanded.

The next day, as soon as the sun touched the peaks of the snow mountains, the warhorses and provisions were ready. With three blasts of the horn, the army broke camp and set out. They marched to the Qianglong Jiamo mountains and made camp, waiting to rendezvous with Sinba.

Sinba had long since mounted his red horse and galloped towards the Jiang army camp. When he reached where the Jiang troops were arrayed, he saw the demon officer Jiwu Tuoge riding a red warhorse, advancing as if to meet him in battle. From an arrow's flight away, Jiwu Tuoge called out to Sinba: "You red-bearded one, why is our Prince Yula Toju not with you? You come and go alone, sneaking about. Your face is like a black leather bag, turning this way and that—it bodes no good. Looking at your hands, feet, and movements, I know you have a butcher's cruel nature. Have you harmed the prince?"

After Jiwu Tuoge finished singing, Sinba thought to himself: I can ignore what this man says. I must use clever words to lure him into my trap. So he said: "Officer! You are like the newly risen sun, illuminating the earth, truly admirable. I have words to convey, a few messages entrusted to me by your Yula Toju for you!"

Adopting an air of calm composure, he continued: "Yesterday morning was an auspicious hour. The Jiang prince, the great official Yula, went to the Hor region to discuss matters. All went smoothly, and he specifically ordered me to bring you this message: Now, White Tent King and Yula are in discussions to form a marriage alliance. If Jiangsa can marry into Hor, the friendship between Hor and Jiang will be weightier than gold. White Tent King, ruler of the three realms, shares a karmic bond with Jiang Prince Yula. Initially, they discussed it verbally; finally, they established a contract and wrote a covenant. First, White Tent King proposed this intention; ultimately, Yula decided the course. From Hor's million-strong army, thirty thousand elite troops are to be selected to join the campaign. The Hor army has already set out, and they sent me, Sinba, to bring you this news. I invite Jiwu Tuoge to come along; White Tent King will bestow honors upon you. There are also two most important matters awaiting your discussion with him. Sinba was specially sent to welcome you. Officer, delay no more, set out quickly and come with me to the north for discussion. If you refuse to go, I won't force you, but I fear a great calamity will befall you, impossible to escape."

The demon officer Jiwu Tuoge thought to himself: Yesterday, Prince Yula Toju went with Sinba; today, Sinba wants me to go too. Judging by Sinba's words and actions, it's truly suspicious. But if I don't go, it might also be problematic. I have no choice but to go with him. At this moment, Zhuzha Baideng, feeling uneasy, also wanted to go and see. He said to the other soldiers: "You wait in the camp. The two of us will return soon with Prince Yula Toju."

So the two of them set off with Sinba. When they reached the slopes of Qianglong Jiamo, they saw from afar the great camp set up by the Ling army. Moving closer, they could see the camp's layout and the attire of the men and horses were very different from Hor's. Jiwu Tuoge's heart filled with doubt. He said: "Red Sinba, judging by the camp's layout and the soldiers' attire, this army doesn't look like Hor's. Especially the direction the spears, lances, and arrows point—it seems headed for Jiang territory. Please go to the camp and tell Yula to come here to meet us. We'll wait for him right here."

With that, he refused to go further. Seeing the situation turn bad, Zhuzha Baideng, taking advantage of Sinba's distraction, quietly fled. After Sinba discovered Zhuzha Baideng's escape, he said to the demon officer: "Demon officer Jiwu Tuoge, let the timid, cowardly fox run away! Why are you also so indecisive? This camp's layout is entirely Hor's style; the soldiers' attire is also Hor's attire. Without investigation, you make wild suspicions—this is unreasonable. Moreover, one moment you're all smiles with joy, the next you wear a mournful face—this is not good."

Hearing Sinba's words, the demon officer Jiwu Tuoge thought Sinba made sense. Leading fifty attendants on horseback, he continued with Sinba towards the Qianglong Jiamo mountain pass.

The Ambush at Qianglong Jiamo Mountain and Jiwu Tuoge's Capture

At this time, the Ling heroes, from their camp, saw from afar a group of riders approaching the Ling camp. Knowing this was Sinba bringing the Jiang men to the agreed rendezvous point, they immediately dispatched a contingent of troops galloping forward. To prevent the Jiang men from escaping, the Ling army first divided their soldiers into several groups to outflank them. One unit inserted itself among Jiwu Tuoge's fifty attendant soldiers to control them, while another group approached calmly and orderly as if coming to greet guests. As Demon Officer Jiwu Tuoge and Sinba neared the Ling army, a few of the fifty Jiang soldiers separated earlier clashed with three Ling soldiers. For a moment, roars filled the valley, and blood flowed across the ground. In the end, all fifty Jiang soldiers were killed by the Ling army. Though Jiwu Tuoge knew he had been deceived, he could not escape. He could only dismount and sigh to the heavens. Several Ling soldiers hurried forward, seized him, then ordered him to remove his war boots and ride barefoot. They bound his feet to the stirrups with black rope, tied one hand with black rope, leaving him only one hand to hold the reins. They placed him amidst the great army and marched towards the Ling camp. Thus, Jiwu Tuoge fell for Sinba's trick, becoming a captive and prisoner. The Ling army now filled the Qianglong Jiamo pass, settling in securely.

The next day, King Gesar again sent Sinba Meruze and Gongba Buyi Chajia, as before, back to the Jiang camp, planning to use their silver tongues to coax the officer Zhuzha Baideng, who had escaped en route, into their hands once more. After Zhuzha Baideng fled back to the camp, he had an inauspicious dream that night. The next day, he said to his followers: "I had a very bad dream. I dreamed in a great storm, Demon Officer Jiwu Tuoge and his men were all naked, trembling. Our officer Yula was blown away by the wind, whereabouts unknown. In the dream, a girl from the Men Kingdom told me the Jiang grasslands were dyed red with blood; the Jiang army's flagpoles were broken by the fierce wind. I don't know what this dream portends, but my heart is very uneasy."

Hearing Zhuzha Baideng's words, everyone knew it was not a good omen. They were gloomy and silent. Then, a subordinate of Zhuzha's named Dege Daru said: "Where have Officers Yula and Jiwu gone? Why do we still have no plan, not thinking of ways to find them quickly? Judging by Officer Zhuzha Baideng's dream, there will be more misfortune than good fortune ahead. Now that both officers are missing, continuing towards Ling territory is probably not feasible. We should all twist together tightly like a woolen rope and fortify ourselves here."

Everyone agreed and set up camp there. Around noon, Sinba Meruze and Gongba Buyi Chajia arrived at the Jiang camp. While they were still some distance away, Zhuzha Baideng donned his armor and weapons, mounted his steed, and charged out from the camp. At an arrow's flight distance from Sinba and Gongba, without a word, he sang loudly: "You fickle red-beard, full of cunning and cruel nature! You old dog, don't act so high and mighty anymore! Officers Yula and Jiwu Tuoge—where are they now? How could you not know? When Yula went with you the day before yesterday, it was agreed he'd return in three days. Why hasn't he returned yet? Did he fall into a butcher's black trap? Spouting nonsense, trying to confuse? Don't try that trick in front of me again!"

Furious, gnashing his teeth, eyes blazing red, Zhuzha Baideng brandished his war blade and charged at Sinba. Sinba knew this man was different from others; he couldn't be dealt with casually and would require effort. He said: "Hey! Zhuzha Baideng, relying on mere arrogance won't do. A youth's competitive temper is the root of failure. Though your wit and courage rival a divine child's, you should still think thrice before acting. If you don't ponder carefully, you'll mistake friend for foe. I am an envoy sent by Yula. You must not treat me as an enemy."

Sinba And Gongba Were Left In The Jiang’s Camp

Before Sinba's words faded, Zhuzha's subordinate Dege Daru, riding a black horse, led fifty black-clad men on black horses swarming forward. Though inwardly panicked, he forced an appearance of calm. Gongba Buyi Chajia trembled with fear, his armor clattering. By now, Zhuzha Baideng was somewhat certain they were Ling men. It seemed Yula and Demon Officer Jiwu Tuoge were surely not returning. At this thought, rage surged uncontrollably in his heart. He drew his treasured blade: "My ears have long heard rumors: the three Hor tribes have long declined; White Tent King, leader of Hor Yaze, has long since passed to the western heavens. Stop your nonsense, save yourself the embarrassment. Where are the two officers now? If you won't tell, then shut your mouth!"

As he finished, he half-drew his blood-drinking sword from its scabbard, preparing to pounce on Sinba. Just then, Dege Daru grabbed Zhuzha's arm, restraining him, and said: "Officer, we must not act rashly. If they truly are men sent by Officers Yula and Jiwu, acting immediately would be too hasty. My thought is to detain these two temporarily. If after three days Prince Yula and the other still haven't returned to camp, then executing them won't be too late."

Zhuzha Baideng thought Dege Daru's words made some sense, and his expression softened slightly. Seizing the moment, Sinba quickly added: "Zhuzha, think carefully! Killing us two is nothing, but I fear the matter of death will then fall upon the king and ministers of Jiang. White Tent King and King Sadan are friendly, sharing the same goals and hearts, which benefits both kingdoms' affairs. There's no need for us to fight today. We should both go report to Yula. Anyway, Gongba and I are now in your hands. I have nothing more to say to you. Life and death are up to you. Decide for yourself!"

Zhuzha then invited the two into the military camp. On the surface, it was to be guests, but Sinba knew they actually intended to detain them. With no other option at hand, he agreed to go with Zhuzha for the time being.

White Brahma King’s Prophecy And Ling Army's Decisive Assault To Save Sinba And Gongba

Meanwhile, King Gesar, his ministers, and the Ling army were encamped at Qianglong Jiamo. One day, during the fifth watch before dawn, a five-colored rainbow light appeared over the camp. Beautiful music spread through the air, incense smoke curled around the tents, and various auspicious signs manifested. Amidst colorful clouds and rainbow light, White Brahma King appeared, clad in a white silk robe edged with brocade. In his right hand, he held a white crystal sword; in his left, a wish-fulfilling jewel. He rode upon a white-hoofed divine steed. To his left, spear tassels were like white clouds; to his right, arrow fletchings like divine banners. Surrounded by thousands of divine children, he emitted a light as bright as a butter lamp and transmitted a clear song—a song of prophecy:

"White Brahma King has a prophecy today:

This year, the Ling kingdom must wage war,

The army must unite in heart and action,

Cannot be hesitant or divided in mind.

Sinba and Gongba were sent out yesterday,

Like thunderbolts striking a stone wall.

They wish to leave, but Zhuzha won't let them,

They wish to fly but have no wings.

Wish to burrow underground but find no hole,

Just like a fierce tiger fallen into a trap.

If delayed for three days and nights,

The Jiang men will kill these two.

After killing them, they won't stop,

But will send troops to cause trouble.

They will send scouts behind Qianglong,

Seeking to raid the Ling army's position.

Zhuzha will flee back to Jiang territory,

To bring a powerful army to resist.

If he escapes back to Jiang territory,

A dragon's roar will sound in the sky,

Poisonous air will rise from the wish-fulfilling tree,

The boundless grasslands will be swept by mournful winds.

Then Jiang's Boidoi and Qula,

Will lead a great army into Ling land.

Close combat will be like Yama's arrival,

Even gods descending would find it hard to resist.

Beloved son, Great Lion King Gesar,

Heavenly gods protect your forces for victory.

The Jiang men are like poison covering the earth,

But the divine army can completely subdue it.

At early dawn when the white sun climbs the peaks,

The army should swiftly break camp and rise,

March towards Zhuzha Baideng's encampment,

Strike fiercely like a hailstorm.

Since he won't listen to good advice,

Only use force without courtesy.

All demon kinds under heaven are the same,

They shed no tears until they see Yama.

Sinba and Gongba must cooperate closely,

Like fish meeting water.

Their lives will not be in danger,

Let them play on the plain or cliff as they wish.

The Ling army, heroes of wish-fulfilling achievement,

Must deal with this fellow Zhuzha tonight.

Even if cunning cannot subdue him,

Use the divine might of the great army to restrain him.

Wash the Jiang army with blood,

Let not one man or horse escape.

How to proceed hereafter,

Listen again for Father Brahma's instruction."

After singing this prophetic song, White Brahma King vanished into the music-filled sky.

At dawn, before the snow mountains donned their golden crowns, the commanders of the Ling army's left, center, and right wings, along with all heroic generals, gathered before the Great Lion King's tent. The king said: "All officers and soldiers of the Senior, Middle, and Junior lineages! I received a divine prophecy early this morning. We must now immediately deploy and attack. Listen carefully, all generals!"

Then, facing the heroes, the king spoke in a bold, resonant voice: "At the fifth watch this early morn, in the high, boundless sky, surrounded by a hundred thousand dakinis and immortals, White Brahma King gave a prophetic instruction. Sinba and Gongba, our minister-envoys, sent yesterday on mission to the Jiang camp, like hunters gaining no prey, fell into a trap, detained by Zhuzha's scheme. The Ling army must hesitate no more. Left, center, and right wings, quickly prepare! Deploy the great army in the mountain's corner. Each commander leads a thousand men; the vanguard must be light cavalry. Who dares take up the heavy task of capturing Zhuzha Baideng? As for the other Jiang troops, be like wolves among sheep, fearless. If the Jiang men flee swiftly west after defeat, the Ling men must pursue fiercely from the west. Zhala leads the army to set out first, use sharp arrows to greet the invading enemy. Within our army are thunder and lightning; the enemy's resistance will be in vain."

After King Gesar issued these commands, the heroes leaped for joy, placing infinite faith in White Brahma King's prophecy and the king's orders. Everyone vied to go into battle that day, eager to confront Zhuzha Baideng.

That night, Zhuzha Baideng had a dream. He dreamed that three thousand golden-armored soldiers came to Officer Qula's tribe, saying King Sadan had sent them. The next day, Zhuzha pondered carefully, thinking perhaps the king, not seeing him return after such a long expedition, had sent people to check. But he wasn't sure, so he spent the day restless and uneasy. The following day, Zhuzha wanted to stroll outside the camp. Leading a dozen attendants, he wandered outside the tents.

After they left, the Ling army surged towards the Jiang camp like a tide. They saw three contingents dividing into three wings; three thousand men surrounded the Jiang camp, throwing it into immediate chaos. Gongba, detained in the Jiang camp, saw the sudden disorder and guessed the Ling army must have come to raid. He quickly looked closely and saw that from the Ling army, Barasenda Adong, holding a treasured blade and divine arrow in his right hand and a strong bow in his left, flashed before his eyes like white silk. Following him, countless long spears pointed towards the Jiang camp like sticks stirring water. Seba Niben Daya, shining red light upon the earth like a golden bird in flight, charged forward with him. The onslaught was like wolves among sheep; the Jiang soldiers fled in all directions, and in the end, this entire contingent of Jiang troops was annihilated by the Ling army.

Zhuzha Baideng was out wandering. At that moment, the White Brahma King transformed into a wild yak, appearing before Zhuzha, tossing its horns and swishing its tail. Seeing this wild yak, Zhuzha sought to hunt it. He spurred his fine steed and galloped in pursuit. Just as he was about to catch up, he nocked an arrow and drew his bow. The arrow flew, sometimes far, sometimes near. He chased it across three mountain valleys without success. Finally, only one longevity arrow and one divine arrow remained in his quiver; all the others were spent. Only then did he regretfully mutter to himself, "Ah! I truly shouldn't have engaged in this meaningless folly. It was unnecessary to make an enemy of this stupid beast." Then, crestfallen, he and his attendants turned their horses back.

The Fierce Battle and Chao Tong's Cowardly Retreat

At this moment, the great army of the Ling Kingdom was advancing along separate routes. Hundreds of cavalry from the south, west, and north each closed in to encircle them. Ahead, they saw a hundred soldiers from the Rongba Wing of the army, who were the first to approach Zhuzha and his servants. Zhuzha and his few men retreated eastward. Just as they were about to fall back to their camp, they were surrounded by the Ling army. A fierce battle erupted. In an instant, the Jiang army camp was strewn with corpses, blood overflowed the mountain gullies, and tents lay tilted and collapsed—a horrific scene unbearable to witness. Suddenly, Chief Chao Tong leaped out from among the Ling troops, brandishing his bow and arrows, boasting arrogantly: "Today I have come here for you! To prevent you Jiang people from seizing my ancestral authority, I will not let you escape alive. This old man's fierce and fine treasured blade dares to test itself against a child like you. Show me what skills you have; this old man is willing to stoop to keep you company. Though I am aged and my strength wanes, today I dare to try you. I will smash your outer leather armor to pieces and extinguish the inner fire of your soul!"

As he sang, Chao Tong nocked an arrow and drew his bow, making as if to shoot. In truth, how would he dare to shoot so carelessly? He was merely waiting to see if his opponent would reply with a song. At this, Zhuzha Baideng grew even more enraged and cursed: "You, on your black steed, may talk big, but in close combat, your legs will only tremble. Today, for you Ling people, not a single one will be spared; all will be beheaded. Don't pretend not to know Chao Tong—you often boast of being so remarkable, recklessly claiming to challenge both heaven and earth, that only gods and men can match you. Today, I will ensure you, Chao Tong, have no authority to return home! If you wish to remain, the earth will not hold you; if you wish to live, Yama will not permit it!"

Having sung this, he drew his treasured blade and charged forward. Chao Tong was so frightened he dropped his arrow on the spot, immediately turned his horse, and fled back. After running a few paces, he looked back and saw Zhuzha Baideng already in pursuit. Trembling all over, he forced himself to appear fearless and prayed to his nephew, Gesar: "Come quickly today to save your uncle's life! Snatch me swiftly from the jaws of the God of Death!"

Chao Tong sang in a trembling voice while fleeing for his life. At that moment, heroes emerged from both the Bara and Gade tribe’s armies of Ling to rescue him, and only then did Chao Tong escape with his life.

Barasenda Adong's Duel and the Defeat of Zhuzha

Back in the camp, Barasenda Adong said to Chao Tong, "For the two of us to fight one man is unseemly. You can stay here and watch the excitement. I will go and test myself against the enemy. Please, Uncle, keep watch over the camp."

With that, he galloped to face Zhuzha Baideng. Zhuzha grew even angrier, immediately drew his bow and arrow, fitted the thumb ring onto his finger, nocked a sharp arrow on the string, and let it fly. The arrow shattered the front armor of Barasenda Adong. However, because Barasenda Adong wore a longevity garment given by Zhala close to his skin, the arrow did not pierce his flesh. Still, the force of the impact nearly knocked Bara from his horse. Though Bara wanted to retort, seeing Zhuzha brandishing his great blade and charging, he had no choice but to draw his bow and shoot an arrow. Because Zhuzha had ninety-nine one-legged demon deities protecting him, he could not be hit for the moment. Bara shot another arrow, which struck Zhuzha's mount squarely. The fine steed immediately fell to the ground. At that point, everyone from the Ling camp charged out. For a time, blades, spears, and clubs clashed back and forth, and battle cries shook the earth. Though Zhuzha fought alone, he showed no fear and held his ground for a long time. In the midst of the fierce struggle, Bara suddenly swung his blade. Zhuzha's head, along with his helmet, rolled to the ground, finally eliminating this stubborn foe. The Ling army was victorious, and everyone cheered. They returned to camp joyfully and then shared Zhuzha's horses, armor, weapons, and other spoils of war.