The Dreadful Omen and the Prediction of Brahma King

On the side of the Jiang Kingdom, the three ministers Qula, Baidui, and Caima Keji were all thinking: "In today's battle, our army has been scattered like chaff blown away by the wind. If this continues, we may face total defeat within a few days. What strategy should we adopt now?" None of the three could come up with a solution. The military camp was filled with sighs of despair, and everyone was gripped by anxiety and restlessness.

On the Ling Kingdom's side, as night fell, the White Brahma King descended a prophecy to the Great Lion King on how to subdue the enemy:

"Beloved child Joru,

you must remember well,

Now you must not miss the opportunity for battle.

It so happens that King Sadan of the Jiang Kingdom,

A Demon King, has taken refuge in the Black Castle.

He has sworn not to leave the Black Castle for nine years,

His fate lies in my hands.

His life force will not be exhausted within nine years,

So take your time and subdue him slowly, without haste."

"The chief Qula, clad in golden armor,

Will come to attack our camp tomorrow;

you must be on guard.

This man's wisdom and courage are unmatched by anyone,

Beware lest the Ling army suffer defeat.

Whoever you send to fight Qula,

Take care that your life does not fall into his hands.

Use the Red Rabbit-like Divine Steed as the vanguard,

Array your forces bravely to meet the attack.

I, Brahma, will orchestrate the actions,

Strive to secure victory in this war.

For now, use only soft tactics against him,

How to deal with him after nine years will be up to you."

After singing this prophetic song, the White Brahma King vanished into the sky. The next day, the Great Lion King shared Brahma's prophecy with everyone. Upon hearing it, each man tightened his armor belt, readied his saddle, and stood in strict battle formation.

Qula's Fierce Charge and the Mysterious Red Rabbit-like Divine Steed

In the Jiang army, Chief Qula thought, "Today I shall accomplish feats of heroism that will make my name as renowned as heaven!" With this thought, he immediately armed himself with his three personal weapons, mounted his chestnut horse, and declared, "Let the Jiang people watch! I will show the Ling people my true power!" Saying this, he waved his troops forward, spurring his horse straight toward the right flank of the Ling army. In an instant, dust flew into the sky, blades flashed, and the onslaught was unstoppable.

When the Ling people saw an enemy approaching, Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen said, "From afar comes a man riding a chestnut horse. This must be the old Jiang general Qula mentioned in the prophecy—no easy opponent to deal with. Brave warriors of Ling, those with arrows, nock them quickly; those with swords, grip your hilts firmly; those with spears, raise your weapons high! Prepare to unite and face the enemy!"

Just as the heroes were standing in strict battle formation, Qula charged forward like a boulder rolling down a high mountain. Seba Niben Daya of the Ling army first loosed a volley of arrows, but none struck their target. Qula rampaged back and forth, killing over thirty armored Ling soldiers. Just as he was about to charge at the main army, the White Brahma King used his divine power to alter his direction, turning his horse's head toward his own camp.

On his way back to camp, Qula encountered a herd of Ling army horses. He drove this herd back to the Jiang camp and distributed them as spoils of war. Among the herd was a chestnut horse skilled in transformation, though no one recognized its true nature. They only saw that the horse had beautiful markings and an extraordinary appearance, so everyone vied to claim it. Baidui said, "Since everyone wants this horse, we'll have to draw lots. Otherwise, let it be kept for Qula as a reward for his battlefield merits. I won't contend with anyone for this horse."

In the end, it was decided to leave the chestnut horse to Qula as his prize. Qula said, "Brothers, do not be overly elated. King Sadan, seated upon his throne, still remains shut away in his dark chamber, his mind addled, paying no heed to state affairs. If the Jiang people must rely on such a king, what will become of our kingdom? My heart, Qula's, is filled with anxiety. Receiving this fine horse today brings me but a brief moment of solace. But after all, if a minister lacks a worthy king, his valor can hardly shine. The king remains locked in his dark room, ignoring governance—Qula would be better off dead. A servant without a good master is like a young child without parents. Qula cares not for his six-foot body, life or death. Today, I am determined to carve a bloody path. Should I by chance encounter Gesar, I would willingly stain the grasslands with my blood, my heart accepting my fate. If I truly sacrifice this six-foot frame, the right-wing army must avenge me. I hope the yellow-clad, yellow-armored, yellow-horsed warriors will continue to fight him to the finish. As for the officers commanding the great army—do not chase those who fly into the sky, do not seek those who burrow into the earth; sweep away all remaining enemies. My weapons—the long spear, the curved bow, my sharp sword and arrows—shall display their might before the enemy, blazing a trail for victory. The chestnut horse has strong legs, galloping like a spinning wheel onto the battlefield. Today, let him rest awhile, fill his belly with beans and fodder in the trough. I shall ride this captured horse instead, to see if his galloping stride is sufficient. I will saddle him with a cushion and golden saddle, to test his capability in battle."

Having spoken, he immediately bridled the horse, preparing to charge toward the Ling camp. At this point, Baidui and Caima Keji hurried forward to dissuade him.

Baidui advised, "Be patient. According to the stars, today is not a favorable day for battle."

Caima Keji also said, "Rest today. Tomorrow we shall go to battle together and secure victory. If you act rashly, you will surely regret it later. It would be best not to go into battle today."

Qula paid no heed to a single word either of them said. Mounting the chestnut horse, he galloped like a gale wind toward the direction of the Ling camp.

The Red Rabbit-like Divine Steed's Treachery and Qula's Horrific Demise

Following the prophecy that the White Brahma King had bestowed upon Gesar, the Ling people prepared themselves, stood in strict battle formation, and readied to attack Qula. At that moment, they saw Qula riding the Red Rabbit-like Divine Steed in Ling side, charging forward like a whirlwind. Chao Tong immediately cried out, "Everyone, look quickly! Today's affair has gone wrong! The Great King's precious steed has fallen into enemy hands, and now Qula is riding it. If we shoot, we might harm this divine horse. Do not recklessly use your blades, arrows, or spears. In my opinion, it would be best for our men and horses to flee if they can, hide if they can, and avoid direct confrontation."

As he spoke, he frantically busied himself, looking for a safe place to take cover. Qula rode the Red Rabbit-like Divine Steed straight toward the Ling camp. Just as man and horse were about to reach the Ling army encampment, the divine steed soared into the sky, carrying Qula up with it. Qula was utterly helpless; his body was like a chicken feather blown into the sky by a fierce wind. He pierced through the clouds and reached a height close to the golden sun, terrified out of his wits. While Qula was still in shock from the fright, the divine steed performed three consecutive somersaults in the high sky. Qula fell from the horse's back and plunged into a poison sea shrouded in toxic mist.

When the Jiang people saw Qula being carried into the sky by the horse, gradually rising higher, and then falling from the horse's back into the poison sea, everyone was panic-stricken. Princess Pema Chuzhen, accompanied by her maidservants, hurried to the shore of the poison sea to observe. They saw a black toxic mist swirling above the sea. Looking more closely, she saw Qula struggling to make his way from the waves toward the shore. At this, the princess cried out sorrowfully, "Our beloved minister! This horse has brought such suffering upon you!"

Then they saw Qula crawl ashore, lie down on the sandy beach, and immediately stop breathing. When the princess drew near, the toxic fumes had already corroded Qula's flesh, separating it from his bones. In a short while, both flesh and bones turned into poison gas and vanished into the sand.

The news that Chief Qula had fallen into the poison sea and been dissolved into toxic gas spread throughout the Jiang Kingdom. Men and women, young and old, were all grief-stricken. Baidui and Caima Keji, in particular, were consumed by anxiety day and night. Some people said, "Riding such a horse that spews poisonous fire to fight the Ling Kingdom—how could we not suffer a devastating defeat? Who would have thought this horse would cause such harm?"

In the military camp, everyone wore a worried expression. They could neither eat nor drink, all mourning the loss of such a brave general as Qula. After the wise and courageous Red Rabbit-like Divine Steed had cast Qula into the poison sea, it galloped along a rainbow path through the sky onto the great grasslands. It neighed three times in succession. Upon hearing this, the herd of horses that Qula had previously driven away rushed straight back to the Ling camp, as if children hearing their mother's call. Seeing this scene, the Ling army was overjoyed. Some cheered, while others waved colorful silks.

The Summoning of the Black Mage and Chao Tong's Counter-Curse

The next day, Baidui said, "Since things have come to this, what use is grief? Now that Qula has fallen in battle, let Sela concurrently serve as the commander of the right-wing army. Continuing to mourn like this will bring no benefit. I truly wonder what good it does for the king to sit day and night in his mourning chamber, stubbornly keeping vigil? When Chief Qula held power during his lifetime, he was a precious jewel of the Jiang domain. Now that Qula's body and soul have parted, how can the Jiang people not feel regret? Think back to those days upon the grand throne, King Sadan sat high in the center, with four tiger-like generals—Qula, Caima Keji, Yula, and Baidui—assisting in governance. When King and ministers were of one heart and mind against the enemy, even the sun and moon trembled at the sight, and the jade dragon of the sky was afraid. Quickly light the butter lamps, quickly summon the magic sorcerer, and ask him to cast spells to save us from this crisis. Long-legged Guoqu Seca, go quickly. The Jiang kingdom's subjects send you as a special envoy. If we have hope of inviting a sorcerer, fine; but if we have no sorcerer, it will be difficult to face the enemy."

Everyone agreed that Minister Baidui's proposal was reasonable. Against intangible illusions, only by inviting a magic sorcerer to help could they defend themselves. Long-legged Guoqu Seca immediately set off for the Manzha region to invite the sorcerer.

The sorcerer Miben Qiabeng knew beforehand that long-legged Guoqu Seca was coming and went out to wait for him. When the two met, the sorcerer said, "Jiang servant Seca Long-Legs, what business do you have? Speak quickly. Have you encountered some misfortune? Do not conceal anything; speak it out plainly!"

The Jiang servant Seca Long-Legs kowtowed to him, faithfully conveyed Minister Baidui's words, and gave a detailed report on the Ling army's entry into the kingdom and the precarious situation of the Jiang domain. As they spoke, the two walked into the sorcerer's meditation room.

Sorcerer Miben Qiabeng said, "The Great Lion King of the eastern Ling Kingdom has brought unrest to the Jiang domain. I am not inclined to interfere in such matters. However, if the Ling people use evil spells and illusions to suppress the lord of the land during war, this must be resisted. I will quickly cast spells, doing my utmost to fling ritual offerings and fire loops toward the Ling camp. You may return and convey these words to the ministers. The day after tomorrow at sunset, I will inflict severe vengeance upon the Ling people."

Having spoken, this sorcerer of the demonic faith, Miben Qiabeng, immediately offered incense and offerings to the celestial gods, the fierce gods, and the dragon gods, and prayed to the demon gods, rakshasas, and the joyful demon king of the black side.

The servant Seca Long-Legs bid farewell to the sorcerer and returned to the Jiang camp, faithfully relaying the sorcerer's words to the Jiang heroes. Everyone was delighted upon hearing this. Some Jiang people also began murmuring secret mantras under their breath.

That evening, the Great Lion King Gesar of Ling was sitting within his divine tent when he suddenly heard celestial music coming from the sky. Looking up through the skylight of his divine tent, he saw the White Brahma King in the sky, his face as full and bright as the moon, radiating divine splendor. Smiling, he said to the king, "Good boy Tuibagawa, why are you still so indifferent now that things have come to this? In the past, I gave you prophecies; why do you remain unmoved, as if blown away by the wind? Do not sit idle now, neglecting battle and missing your opportunity. Know that the day after tomorrow, the Jiang sorcerer will recite incantations using the power of the demonic faith and hurl black ritual offerings toward the Ling camp. Although the king himself will not suffer much harm, this will cause disaster for half of the Ling soldiers and heroes. More importantly, if the demonic incantations injure the dragon king and the earth gods, the Ling domain will face destruction. Therefore, on the night after tomorrow, let Uncle Chao Tong also perform a secret mantra, cast spells, and hurl ritual offerings, using sorcery to counteract sorcery. There is no other way."

The next day, the heroes gathered before King Gesar. The king repeated the White Brahma King's prophecy to everyone: "Brave heroes of Ling, listen carefully. The White Brahma King cares for our Ling land. Within King Sadan's Jiang army, there is a fierce man named Baidui. As everyone knows, he is full of cunning schemes and wicked ideas. He wants to rely on a sorcerer to cast spells. The demonic faith sorcerer Miben casts his magic arts; the Jiang people have invited him to oppose us. Tomorrow evening at sunset, his fiery red lasso will attack our camp. The White Brahma King's prophecy also indicates that to contend with the sorcery of that great demonic sorcerer, only Uncle Chao Tong is most suitable. Uncle's sorcery has always been renowned. What use is it if it cannot subdue the enemy? This matter depends on Uncle employing clever tactics. Sorcery must be countered by sorcery. I earnestly ask Uncle to make preparations quickly and vow to strike a heavy blow against the magic sorcerer."

After the King issued these orders, Chao Tong immediately became as joyful as a summer peacock hearing thunder. Tipping his head to one side, he burst into loud laughter, his face scrunching up until it became flat. His chin beard swayed from side to side, and his whiskers stood on end. Grinning broadly, he said, "Nephew Great Lion King speaks rightly. The King's command is like a boulder rolling down a high mountain—Uncle will certainly follow it. Casting spells and hurling ritual offerings—I will take it all upon myself. Words spoken by a true man cannot be pulled back even by nine great oxen. However, in our Lingga region, people in the past have often liked to find fault, saying this is wrong and that is not right. But to be fair, if they have the ability, they too can cast spells and hurl ritual offerings. If there truly is such a person, this old man can serve as his assistant."

Chao Tong spoke many arrogant yet sarcastic words with great self-satisfaction. The heroes remained silent; at this moment, no one wished to offend him. Only Seba Niben Daya could barely contain himself and said, "Uncle, do not put on airs, pretending that a green stone is a jade gem. Do not reach beyond your grasp like an old goat climbing a rocky cliff. If you truly have the ability to cast spells, then please carry out the king's orders quickly. There is no need for other empty words. Angry outbursts on a full stomach, blowing your own trumpet as if you were amazing—such behavior, like an old dog tethered, ferociously lunging and pouncing, is not needed today. Tonight, we could dispatch a few heroes who might also subdue that sorcerer. Should we send someone else instead? Please consider it quickly, Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Chao Tong grew very angry. His face turned bright red, his red beard bristled, and his eyes became bloodshot. Immediately, he snatched up the glittering and flaming ritual offering for spell-casting and hurled it into the distance, simultaneously jumping up and saying, "Niben, you worthless thing! When you are not needed, you hover around; when you are needed, you keep your distance. Come quickly and help your uncle. Now I am going to hurl ritual offerings and cast spells at the Jiang people. Before I call upon and drive the deities, hold this ritual offering properly. Whatever you do, do not drop it. If it is lost, it will be disadvantageous for our side."

With these words, Chao Tong took the infinitely powerful red ritual offering from Seba Niben's hands and hurled it with all his might toward the Manzha region of the Jiang domain. The ritual offering, carrying a blazing flame, flew into the distance like a bird, crashing with a thunderous roar that shook the heavens and split the earth.

When Chao Tong's hurled offering entered the Jiang domain, suddenly a fierce wind arose on all sides, and flying sand and rolling stones violently attacked the Jiang sorcerer's meditation room. Amid the storm, a nine-headed venomous scorpion the size of a yak suddenly appeared. The scorpion brandished its pincers and stomped the offerings and mandala in front of the sorcerer into powder. The sorcerer, terrified, could only flee for his life. As he fled, he thought, "This must surely be the power of the Ling people's secret mantra—there is no way to counter it." Thinking quickly, the sorcerer immediately lifted up his Vajra magic pagoda and hurled it toward the Ling kingdom. Relying on the transformative power of the demonic gods, the magic pagoda flew forward through the air.

Meanwhile, the flaming ritual offering that Chao Tong had thrown was also flying toward the Jiang domain. The ritual offering and the magic pagoda met in midair. For a moment, sparks flew in all directions, and the rumbling sound was like nine thunderclaps striking simultaneously. Hundreds of birds on the earth took flight in terror, tens of thousands of beasts fled in panic. Many people on both the Jiang and Ling sides stood dumbfounded, not knowing what was happening in the world. Only Chao Tong understood. He continued reciting secret mantras and issued orders to the ritual offering: "Quickly melt the Vajra magic pagoda!"

He then swiftly donned his sorcerer's robes, put on his bear-skin ritual hat, rang his ritual bell, beat his ritual drum, and sang a song of hurling the ritual offering:

"Within this rare and supreme castle,

My nature is pure and without blemish.

I pray to the three thousand six hundred deities,

Today, I ask you to come and help me subdue the stubborn foe.

When the blue jade dragon of the sky roars,

It can command thunder, rain, and hail.

When the golden-winged garuda soars with tenacity,

It can open paths for all the birds.

The Great Lion King's power knows no bounds,

He can imprison the sun and moon.

Uncle Chao Tong's sorcery is boundless,

He can imprison the stars of the heavens.

Jiang sorcerer, do not think you can escape,

Death awaits you ahead.

The Vajra magic pagoda will soon be melted,

I command your Jiang sorcery to go to hell!"

After finishing his song, Chao Tong hurled the ritual offering in his hand toward the Manzha region of the Jiang domain. The ritual offering struck Sorcerer Miben Qiabeng in his meditation room in Manzha. The sorcerer was immediately burned to ashes by the flames emitted by the ritual offering, vanishing without a trace. After the flames from the ritual offering had cremated the sorcerer, they flew toward the Vajra magic pagoda dancing in the sky. Fireballs surrounded the magic pagoda, and before long, the pagoda was melted. Both the sorcerer and the magic pagoda were subdued by Chao Tong.