The Jiang Army's Anxiety and Discovery of the Incantator's Demise

At this time, the Jiang people were still unaware that the incantator Miben had been eliminated by Darong Chao Tong. The next day, the Jiang troops, believing the incantator would hurl sacrificial offerings toward the Ling camp, were all in high spirits. Only Minister Baidui was uneasy; he had heard people say that yesterday, someone had seen several fireballs the size of yaks flying through the sky toward the direction of the incantator's dwelling. He thought: "Could the Ling people be up to some trick?" His heart was filled with anxiety, but he had no way to ascertain the truth. Not until the sun was sinking in the west did he still see no sign of the incantator hurling offerings at the Ling camp, which only deepened his alarm. He then said: "It seems our incantator may have fallen victim to some sorcerous attack from the Ling side, or why else would he not hurl his offerings at the Ling camp? Seca Long-Legs, go quickly and investigate!"

The servant Secla Long-Legs immediately mounted the swift "Gale Mule-Headed Horse" and galloped off to investigate. Upon arriving at the Manzha region, he found the meditation hut there had been destroyed, and the incantator Miben Qiabeng was nowhere to be found. Some said he might have been crushed to death in the ruins, others said he might have been burned alive by celestial fire—there was no way to determine his fate. Disheartened, Sela had no choice but to return dejectedly to the Jiang camp and report the situation truthfully to the ministers. Upon hearing this, everyone was filled with fear and unease.

Divergent Voices Between the Two Camps and the Failed Peace Talks

Caima said: "Now all sorts of misfortunes have befallen us. So many valiant generals have died, and even such a skilled incantator has met his end. What can we do? Though the King is not yet dead, it is no different from being dead. The army's losses are too great!"

Minister Baidui could only console them: "What else can we do now? The King will not be seen for nine full years. During these nine years, you ministers must do your utmost to maintain the war effort, while also guarding the castle well. We ministers should set life and death aside and strive with all our might to preserve the kingdom for the king. Besides, death comes sooner or later; if we can die for the country, it is a worthy death. But before we die, we must do everything we can to resist the enemy."

On the Ling side, knowing that Chao Tong's sacrificial offering had subdued the incantator, everyone was overjoyed. The heroes sang songs of joy, mounted their tall warhorses, waved silk ribbons, blew pleasant-sounding horns, and reveled in happiness. They praised Chao Tong profusely, and following the Great King's earlier words, bestowed generous rewards upon him. At the celebration, Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen said: "If we wait a few more years, the Jiang people will become greedy and ferocious. By then, it will be too late to deal with them. Now we should use peaceful means to negotiate with them and see if it is feasible."

Everyone agreed this was reasonable. The next day, they dispatched a hundred riders, including both men and women heroes led by Meisa Bungji, to the Jiang camp for negotiations. When the Jiang people saw the Ling heroes, impeccably dressed, riding fierce warhorses, and galloping swiftly, with many wearing women's attire, they were astonished and wondered what kind of force this was. Discussions buzzed among them.

Meisa sent a letter to the Jiang people proposing peace talks. The letter said: "Recently, the war between Jiang and Ling has been fierce. From now on, we should be open and honest, with sincerity as pure as gold, hoping to reach a peace agreement. Please invite the ministers and virtuous ladies to come and discuss."

Upon seeing the letter, Minister Baidui said: "What is this? We should first find out clearly. But there is no need for ministers to step forward. Matters of women are best answered by women. Princess Pema Chuzhen is an eloquent and worldly-wise woman; she should go and respond."

So they sent someone to the palace to invite the princess. After preparations, the princess, accompanied by her attendants, led a hundred riders to the meeting. Meisa Bungji first sang a song expressing her hope for a peace treaty with the Jiang kingdom:

"I pray to the Wisdom Dakini in the sky,

I bow to the compassionate Holy Tara,

I entreat the supreme and flawless accomplished ones,

Guide us to the path of ultimate bliss.

In the sacred land of Ling on Jambudvipa,

There are seven renowned sisters,

I, Meisa Bungji, am the Great King's consort,

Among the seven, I am the foremost.

My figure is slender like a vase,

My beauty is unmatched, like a flower,

My temperament is gentle, my steps light.

Though I have never seen you before,

I have long heard your name.

You are the beautiful princess of King Sadan's kingdom,

I am especially happy to meet you today.

Now I have some heartfelt words,

Which I have come in person to tell you.

Both Jiang and Ling are sacred lands,

Since ancient times, we have lived in harmony and friendship.

Now, for no reason, the flames of war have ignited,

Year after year, calamities continue without cease.

Both sides have suffered heavy losses,

How can living beings find peace under the edge of swords and spears?

I hope the border disputes between Jiang and Ling

Can be resolved through friendly negotiation.

We have come specifically for this purpose,

Hoping both sides will make peace and cease hostilities.

If the war between us continues without end,

Like a lion and tiger fighting, both will surely suffer.

In this life, we will incur bad repute,

In the next life, the karmic fruit will harm only ourselves.

You and I have fate to meet today,

We should consider the future of both sides.

Let us strive for peace between Jiang and Ling,

This is our bounden duty.

I hope the Great Lion King Gesar

And King Sadan can join hands,

Swear oaths as one person,

And never be enemies again.

I hope you, Princess Pema Chuzhen,

Will form a friendship with me, Meisa Bungji,

Swear oaths to always be harmonious,

Like sisters, close together.

Let only peace prevail in both Jiang and Ling,

Let us discuss friendship with open hearts.

I hope you, Princess, will cooperate sincerely,

To save all living beings together."

After Meisa Bungji finished singing, Pema Chuzhen thought to herself: "This person is eloquent; perhaps she is not truly here for peace talks, but to test us. If we can truly negotiate peace, that would be good. I must use my words to contend with her. If the negotiations succeed, it will benefit our side without harm. Now I cannot avoid answering her." So she said politely: "Very well, Sister Meisa. Before a person of such great reputation as you, I am but a fog. I have things in my heart but cannot answer with my mouth. Yet an ancient proverb says: 'One who receives food without repaying is a cheat; one who is asked but does not answer is a mute.' For good or ill, please listen to my few words of reply!"

Then she sang:

"I bow to the guides of the path of great bliss,

The Dakinis of the Vajra family,

I bow to those who bestow the rain of wisdom-emptiness,

The Dakinis of the jewel family!

I take the pure lotus as my model,

Hence I am named Pema.

Because I worship the ten virtuous teachings,

Hence I am named Chuzhen.

Your fame spread across the demon land,

But once Lutsan died, all your renown was lost.

Please, Sister Meisa, do not be angry,

Listen to my words in reply.

The happiness of the kings and ministers of Jiang and Ling

Will be destroyed in the chaos of war.

Who will ultimately win this war

Is predetermined by fate and cannot be changed.

The war was started by men,

It is not fitting for women to make a treaty now.

Even if a treaty is made, others will not obey,

In the end, you and I will have worked in vain.

Does the Great Lion King Gesar of Ling,

Along with the heroes and people of Ling,

Wish to cast away their heads,

Or offer their bodies as tribute?

Thinking of negotiating peace is truly difficult,

Making a treaty is even harder.

I do not ask about what I don't know,

I do not exert effort on what is impossible.

I, Princess Pema Chuzhen, am a small person,

A weak woman, no bigger than a fingertip.

I usually sit peacefully beside my father the king,

And have never concerned myself with state affairs."

After the princess finished, Meisa thought, "No matter what she says, I must say a few more words." So she said: "Ah! Please listen, Miss Pema. As the saying goes, 'Though the speaker makes it clear, the listener remains confused.' Regarding your words, I, Meisa, have my own view. I do not wish to boast or stand out. I only wish to make Jiang and Ling as peaceful as curdled milk, safe and trouble-free, to let the land be at peace and the people happy. Please think it over carefully."

Still distrustful that the Ling people would go to such lengths but then suddenly propose peace, the princess sang another probing song to Meisa:

"Meisa's words are very sweet,

Like the cuckoo bird's calls.

The cuckoo's singing stirs people's hearts,

How many men's tears wet their clothes!

You harbor malice toward the Jiang people,

Honey on your lips, a sword in your heart, come with a deceitful plan.

You wrap a bird's head in butter,

Where do you hide your black poisonous heart?

Your heart is false, your words full of nonsense,

Making a treaty is nothing but a fraud.

Please, Meisa, think it over in your heart,

Do not deceive others and yourself with lies.

If you truly wish to cease hostilities,

Speak forthrightly without evasion.

If there is no scheme to cheat,

Let it be as still as curdled milk!

If the lands of Makang Ling and Sadan Jiang

Are to negotiate peace and friendship,

The power must be in the hands of the Jiang king,

The Ling king must become the Jiang king's slave.

The Jiang consort must be the mistress,

Zumu must become the Jiang consort's maidservant.

Only then can we cease war and negotiate peace,

Only then can we lay down arms and discuss friendship.

From this day forward between Jiang and Ling,

Until the end of the world,

The Ling people must never rebel,

The Jiang people must never lose power.

If you can agree to this oath,

Then we can discuss a truce and peace.

I have told you the conditions for peace,

Consider whether you agree, Meisa."

After the princess finished, she said: "If you agree to these conditions, we can sign a cease-fire treaty now. The Ling heroes I mentioned, whom the Jiang people should take away, must be taken now. On the Jiang side, I can represent us in signing the treaty."

Meisa Bungji felt the princess was arrogant beyond measure, making such unreasonable demands, truly bullying too much. What would be the point of such a ceasefire? Especially the Jiang demand to immediately take away several Ling heroes—this was absolutely unacceptable. She could only put off answering for now and return first to report. So she said: "Princess, a small tailless ground rat trying to swallow a yak—your greed is too great. According to your unreasonable demands, peace is impossible. I must first return to consult with the Great King and ministers of Ling, and then I will give you a detailed reply."

Thus, Meisa and Pema Chuzhen each returned to their own camps. After Princess Pema Chuzhen and her retinue returned to the Jiang camp, a grand military feast was held that evening. Ministers Baidui, Caima, and Sela went before the king to report, and the princess and her attendants also went to offer wine and tea to the king.

King Sadan's Stubborn and the Supreme Deity's Broken Soul Rainbow

Minister Baidui again advised King Sadan: "Great King, please listen. The king sitting long in the mourning chamber brings no benefit. Now the people of Jiang are suffering, and the kingdom is hard to preserve. The famous Golden Armor General Qula has died in battle, and the immensely powerful Secret Incantation Master Miben Qiabeng of the Manzha meditation hut has also been harmed. The Supreme Deity's Soul Rainbow has been severed by the Ling archers—various inauspicious events are unfavorable! Please, King, no longer sit in the mourning chamber; quickly ascend the throne, give orders to your subjects to defend the land, repel the enemy, and take charge of state affairs!"

King Sadan was greatly alarmed and said: "Ah! Master Miben and Qula are two who are absolutely indispensable. I never expected they would be killed. Now, before the Ling army grows too strong, we must quickly counterattack and take revenge. It is not yet time for me to leave the mourning chamber. You ministers and Master Jiaduo Nae Bo must avenge Qula. The Supreme Deity's Soul Rainbow being severed by the Ling people is unfortunate. This year, the Supreme Deity's prophecies have been inaccurate several times; we should not trust it too much. It doesn't matter that the Supreme Deity's Soul Rainbow has been broken—as long as other soul objects are not damaged, the Ling people can do nothing to me."

Princess Pema Chuzhen also reported her meeting with Meisa to her father. After hearing this, the king said: "Daughter, you answered Meisa very well today. If the Ling side sends someone again, use soft methods to deceive them. Adapt according to what they say, drag things out for three or four years, and I will ensure that the Ling army never returns. Now there is no need for any fear; you ministers must act according to my words."

Hearing the king's instructions, the ministers had no choice but to withdraw with long faces.

Fierce Battle with Heavy Losses on Both Sides; Ling Celebrates Victory but Mourns the Fallen

The next day, following the King's orders, the ministers resolved to fight to the death with the Ling army. Led by Baidui, Caima, and Sela, along with three long-limbed soldiers, as well as two poison men, Jiaduo and A Ri, they donned armor and helmets, each mounted a fierce horse, and charged straight toward the Ling army.

Seeing this, the Ling people said: "Look! More Jiang people are attacking us!"

They immediately prepared to meet the assault. The Great Lion King Gesar ordered: "Today, it is not suitable to confront these Jiang people head-on. Everyone, quickly prepare your strong bows and hard arrows. When the enemy approaches, shoot arrows like a blizzard. Especially the Spirit God Pass, guarded by the Long Lineage troops, must not be lost—hold it firmly. Do not leave your positions; the army must hold the line like a city wall."

At this time, all the Ling heroes had mounted their warhorses, with their horses' heads facing the direction of the Jiang attack, waiting in formation. Dust rose ahead, with shouts of men and neighing of horses as the Jiang troops galloped in. At the forefront were Baidui, Caima, and Jiaduo. The Jiang army first struck the right wing of the Ling forces. The Ling army immediately counterattacked, arrows flying like raindrops, but they could not stop the enemy. The Jiang troops broke into the Ling right wing, churning back and forth for several rounds, then charged into the forward troops, killing and wounding many Ling soldiers. The Ling heroes fought bravely but could not destroy the Jiang army. Finally, the Jiang troops broke out from a corner of the Ling camp, each using a lasso to capture one Ling soldier. Then the Jiang army attempted to attack the left wing of the Ling forces. Seeing the enemy's intention, the Ling heroes took the initiative and charged. The Jiang forces pretended to retreat, and the Ling troops pursued closely. Sinba and Bara were at the forefront. Suddenly, the Jiang people reined in their horses, and Caima Keji rushed before Sinba, saying fiercely: "You on the red horse, if you lack confidence, acting fierce will only bring you trouble. Today, when the snow mountain wears a golden crown, we'll see who is the true hero and who is the brave! I am the commander of the left wing, the Flower Tassel Regiment is under my command. Gathering troops is like winding thread, dispatching the army is like a tiger growing wings. Qula was a fierce general, and the Poison Man Baigan Tulu was famous—they were the two eyes of the Jiang people, cruelly killed by the evil Ling people. The bright path has been blocked, and disaster came from the black hands of the Ling people. Today, I swear we are irreconcilable; we will decide life and death at the edge of the sword. Shooting arrows from afar is not the act of a hero, nor is wielding spears in close combat. Set aside bows, arrows, and spears for now; we will show our true skill with swords and axes." With that, Caima raised his Wind-Splitting Treasure Blade and charged.

Sinba Meruze immediately raised his great ax to meet him. Sword and ax clashed, sparks flying. Suddenly, Sinba's ax-handle was cut by Caima's sharp sword, and the ax head fell to the ground. Sinba immediately reined his horse to flee, drawing his short knife as he fled, fighting bravely. His short knife met the demonically transformed short knife, and the two blades clashed, bursting into blazing flames. The flames fiercely swept toward Sinba, who could not withstand them and turned his horse to run. Caima pursued closely but could not catch up, as his mount was not as fast as Sinba's red horse.

Baidui, Jiaduo, and Donggeng Chijie Long-Arm also charged into the Ling camp for a melee. Danma encountered Jiaduo, and as the two fought, A Ri charged in from behind Jiaduo to help. Jiaduo used a spear, A Ri wielded a sword, and together they fought Danma. Danma was protected by his Emerald Hundred Vajra Armor and was not injured. Jiaduo's black spear was cut in half by Danma's sword. Seeing this, A Ri quickly slashed at Danma's shoulder, but due to his protective armor, Danma was unharmed. Enraged, Danma raised his Red-Handled Treasure Blade and cut off A Ri's head.

Seeing A Ri killed, Jiaduo wanted revenge and turned back to fight. At this moment, Chao Tong crept up from behind Danma. He fixed his sharp treasure blade to the front saddle tree with sorcery, blade pointing forward, and spurred his horse toward Jiaduo. Seeing this, Jiaduo was startled and thought: "This man is the most powerful sorcerer of Ling, with the ability to ascend to heaven and enter the earth. I am no match for him." So he reined his horse and fled.

Gade encountered Donggeng Chijie Long-Arm, and the two grappled bare-handed on horseback. Long-Arm grabbed Gade's waist, Gade seized Chijie's arm, and both fell from their horses. Their horses each ran in different directions. Their strength was evenly matched; sometimes it seemed Gade was winning, sometimes Chijie had the advantage. They wrestled back and forth, unable to decide a victor. Just as they were locked in struggle, Gongba suddenly charged up behind Chijie, swung his sword, and cut off Chijie's head and helmet.

Seeing his companions fall one after another, Minister Baidui was determined to fight to the death. Just then, Bala Senda Adong charged toward him. Baidui lassoed Bala, gave a hard pull, and dragged Bala off his horse. At this moment, the heroine Adanam and Seba Niben Daya arrived to help. Each shot an arrow; the heroine's arrow hit Baidui, but due to the protection of the demon god, he was not injured. Seba Niben Daya's arrow hit Baidui's mount. Supported by the black wind driven by the black demon god, the "Black Wind White Cloud" horse did not fall until it fled to the gate of the Jiang camp, where it collapsed.

Sela, along with two poison men, Zhaxi Toju and Taqiong Lugu, charged into the Ling camp for another melee, killing many Ling soldiers before swiftly withdrawing. After this chaotic battle, both sides had casualties, and neither was willing to accept defeat. The war continued.

After the Ling army returned to camp, the Great King asked: "In today's fierce battle, how many heroes were lost? How many soldiers died on the battlefield?"

He then ordered Michong and Gongba to conduct a roll call. After counting, they reported: Fifty Red Armor soldiers died in the left wing, and thirty Green Armor soldiers in the forward troops. They reported this to the Great King. Hearing this, the Great King said: "This is each person's predetermined fate. Black karma and white karma—their seeds are sown by oneself. May they abandon pain and resentment and reach the shore of ultimate bliss."

Hearing the Great King's blessings for the fallen, the Ling army's hearts were somewhat comforted. Then Danma, Sinba, and Gade brought the heads of Donggeng Chijie Long-Arm and A Ri to the front of the divine tent to celebrate the victory. The heroes praised each other, laughing joyfully and talking without end. Seeing others' achievements, Chao Tong was displeased: "Gade and Sinba together dealing with one enemy—this is not commendable. Today, Danma fought two enemies alone, was overmatched and on the verge of defeat, and it was I who arrived in time, saving Danma's life. Who has the greatest merit is self-evident. If there are to be commendations and honors, I am the meritorious one and should be recognized first."

Hearing Chao Tong's words, the Great King and the heroes said nothing. They simply continued talking and laughing, drinking tea and wine to celebrate the victory. When the Jiang people returned to camp, they gathered together. Baidui said: "If you try to blow on fire with your mouth against the wind, you won't kindle the flame, but you'll scorch your beard. A Ri and Donggeng Long-Arm have unfortunately died; the others who survived are fortunate. Now, in such a miserable state, it seems that having a demon god or not makes no difference."