Ling's Breach of Faith and the Advance of Brahma's Prophecy

After some time, the people of Ling found themselves running short of food. Someone suggested that they should drive down the yaks and goats that Jiang Princess and King Sadan had been grazing on the mountainside—just as soldiers pursue a defeated army—and slaughter them for food. Led by several heroic warriors and their attendants, they drove down two or three herds of cattle and goats and butchered them.

When the Jiang people learned that their livestock had been driven off, they concluded that the Ling side had broken faith and violated the peace agreement. Some advocated for re-establishing their camp and renewing hostilities with Ling. At this point, Jiang army commander Caima Keji expressed his determination to fight Ling once more: "Today's situation is truly dire—the Ling people have broken the treaty and lost all honor. Our cattle and sheep have already been driven away, and the Jiang people must rise up to resist. Ever since the bitter war between Jiang and Ling, how many of our Jiang sons have fallen in battle? The world's most peerless heroes have lost their lives, and many men of renown have met their end. Throughout our Jiang valleys and plains, all our cattle, sheep, and horses have been carried off. Blood from slaughtered animals stains the mountains and rivers, and even the blue sky is tinged with red. Our fortress still remains in Jiang hands—we must act decisively and not lose this opportunity! A man must not die like a black dog; even in death, we must die meaningfully!"

Everyone unanimously agreed with Caima's thinking and advocated for sending out troops to fight again. Only Minister Baidui argued that guarding their own fortress well was the superior strategy. At this time, although the king was present, he was disheartened and could not think of any good plan—all decisions were left to the ministers. So the Jiang army, just as before, set up camp, trained their troops and horses, and prepared to fight Ling once more. And so, in this state of neither fighting nor peace, another six months passed.

Brahma's Prophecy and the Division of Battle Assignments

During those days when the Jiang and Ling forces were neither at war nor at peace, the Lion King Gesar of Ling resided day and night within the sacred tent of "Tongwa Gunmin." One dawn, at the break of day, the White Brahma King, riding a white divine horse and surrounded by clouds, mist, and rainbows, sang a prophetic song from the sky:

"In Sadan's purple Jiang domain, the Ling army has camped for far too long. The vengeful wish shall soon be fulfilled—Sadan's power and fortune have reached their end. The white goat that the daytime demon-god relied upon has already been subdued by me, Brahma. That goat is like a rabbit seized by an eagle—never again shall it flee to do evil. The flower-patterned goat of the void demon has been bound by the fierce deity's ropes. That goat is like a small bird snatched by a hawk—never again shall it flee to do evil. The black goat of the earth's dark demon has been bound by Dragon King Zuna. That goat is like a lamb taken by a wolf—never again shall it flee to do evil. The power of white prayer is immensely great—beloved son, hear this glad tidings and remember it well. I have more words for you, Joru—pay special attention and listen carefully. In the Jiang camp are Caima Keji and Sela, Minister Baidui, and Jiaduo Nae Bo—these four are the powerful ones who hold authority. Tomorrow they will come to raid our camp. If we allow them to charge in, the consequences will be dire—Ling's casualties would be shocking. The Ling army should attack tonight instead, destroying their camp without mercy! Which man can truly be called a hero? Which steed can truly be called a fine horse? Tonight when men and horses take the field, all shall see clearly. Against that officer Caima Keji, use the Yasi treasure blade—let Zhale Zejie confront him. Quickly give Zhale the War God's Long-Life Knot. Against Xunnu Dongtong Long-Armed, only a divine arrow can slay him. Let Niben Daya go to face him—quickly give him the War God's Long-Life Knot. Against the black poison man Zhaxi Tuoju, use the blood-drinking divine arrow to kill him. Let the great general Danma confront him—quickly give Danma the War God's Long-Life Knot. Against Lawu Xunnu Long-Handed, only a mighty strongman can slay him. Let Gade go into battle to subdue him—quickly give Gade the War God's Long-Life Knot. Against the poison man Taqiong Lugu, he must be fought with sharp weapons. Let Bara Senda confront him—quickly give Bara the War God's Long-Life Knot. Against the left-wing general Sela, only soft methods can overcome him. Let Sinba use strategy against him—quickly give Sinba the War God's Long-Life Knot. As for Qimei Jiaduo Nae Bo, none of you shall ever defeat him. Wherever he goes tomorrow, I, Brahma, shall personally subdue him. As for the invincible minister Baidui, only the Great King can subdue him. According to the calculations of celestial movements, only soft methods can be used against him. As for Chenba Nanjia Deang, let Senda Adong deal with them—quickly give Bara the War God's Long-Life Knot. Against the messenger Gequmida, he must be pierced with a spear. Let Adanam confront him—quickly give Ada the War God's Long-Life Knot. As for Muchang King Sadan, that old demon king—he shall leave his mourning chamber and journey far. Brahma has already seized hold of his soul; the demon's life shall not last long. He will lead his attendants and demon followers to inspect Lake Wumacuo. Joru, go quickly to the lakeside and use your miraculous powers to subdue him. Once this old demon is vanquished, all else will fall into place. Subduing the old demon requires courage—do not be afraid to slay demons and monsters. A man's full armor is very sturdy, a galloping steed builds strength and momentum, with firm faith one dares to overcome stubborn foes, and the sacred Dharma shall surely flourish and expand."

After singing, the White Brahma King flew back to his heavenly palace. King Gesar was overjoyed to hear this. When the sun appeared, he gathered all the heroes before the sacred tent with a majestic demeanor and relayed Brahma's prophecy to his troops in song: "When the White Brahma King, our compassionate father, graced us with his presence—white man, white horse, white armor, pure white heart, white speech—these 'five whites' together bring limitless divine power. He said this year our Ling Gabu shall surely achieve what we have set our hearts upon. The day of joy is already before us—to vanquish King Sadan and his ministers. Ling's eighty heroes are skilled at war and have galloped across battlefields for many years. When heroic men are skilled in combat, achieving their goal is as easy as turning over one's palm. The King of Jiang and all his ministers—their fighting spirit has withered and their breath grows faint. Jiang's fortune is spent and defeat is inevitable. Tomorrow at dawn when the sun rises, the Ling army shall march out to destroy the Jiang camp. Let every hero know in his heart—each faces a mighty foe requiring both wisdom and courage. The deities bestow upon heroes the Long-Life Knot, whose protective power is immense. Life is safeguarded by the gods; the body is shielded primarily by armor. As for that old demon King Sadan, he shall leave his mourning chamber to go forth and inspect. How to subdue him shall be my responsibility—let these words be engraved in the hearts of all ministers."

After King Gesar finished singing, he bestowed the resurrection medicine and longevity garments upon all the heroes and their horses. Each hero remembered the task assigned by the king and prepared for the proactive attack. At that moment, rainbows stretched across the sky, and the stars displayed auspicious omens. In the latter half of that night, the Ling army divided into four routes and swiftly surrounded the Jiang camp completely. Then, according to their assigned tasks, the heroes stormed directly into the Jiang camp. On the Jiang side, Minister Baidui had dreamed an inauspicious dream that night, and when people learned of it, they all became anxious and uneasy. Everyone donned their armor, saddled their horses, and grasped their weapons, preparing for battle. As soon as dawn broke, they saw the Ling army had completely encircled their camp from all four directions—east, west, south, and north.

The Four-Pronged Assault and Heroic Duels

Surrounding the eastern side were Prince Zhale Zejie and Minister Danma with their troops; surrounding the southern side were Seba Niben Daya and Wenbu Alubasen with their forces; surrounding the western side were Mujang Renqing Daru with Gade and Chao Tong among their troops; surrounding the northern side were Bara Senda and Sinba with the heroine Adanam among their forces. The four armies were commanded uniformly by King Gesar through his miraculous powers.

The attack began with Minister Danma shouting "Hey!" and charging from the eastern side. Zhale followed behind, spurring his horse into the fray, with their troops storming the enemy's lair. The eastern battle raged fiercely. On the southern side, Seba Niben Daya also roared "Hey!" and urged his "Golden Bird Soaring" horse into the charge. Wenbu Alubasen rode in on his "Fire Red Spot" horse, with troops following into the enemy camp. On the western side, Gade shouted "Hey!" and rode his "Golden Fish Leaping" horse into the enemy camp, while Mujang Renqing Daru whipped his horse forward, charging into the enemy formation with troops following. On the northern side, Bara Senda roared "Hey!" and rode his "Thousand-Ripple White Silk" horse, cracking his whip as he charged into the enemy camp. The heroine and Sinba also galloped forward with their troops charging bravely behind. War cries thundered like rolling thunder, dust blanketed the sky and earth, and the fierce battle continued until noon before there was a brief pause. Everywhere on the slopes and in the hollows, corpses lay scattered across the fields, blood flowed in channels, and the wounded either fled or hid among the ravines and thickets—a sight that chilled the heart and frightened the soul.

At the foot of Mount Daryi Chae in the Jiang domain, Seba Niben was pursuing and slaughtering the Jiang soldiers like a hungry wolf chasing a flock of sheep. The young Jiang warrior Xunnu Dongtong Long-Armed blocked Niben's path, nocked an arrow to his bow, and let fly—the arrow struck Niben directly, knocking several pieces of golden armor to the ground. But thanks to his vajra armor protecting him, his skin was not broken. Niben thought: I must return an arrow. But the Great King had already instructed that only a divine arrow could kill this man. So he drew out one of the three divine arrows bestowed by the king, nocked it to his bow, and called out: "What use is your chest-thumping and boasting? What good is your long arm? Watch me, Niben Daru—I will not let you return alive!"

With that, he loosed his arrow, striking Dongtong square in the chest. The mirror-polished armor plate protecting his heart was utterly useless—the arrow burst through his back, gleaming white, and Dongtong tumbled from his horse. Niben wanted to dismount and sever Dongtong's head, but having killed so many that day, his feet were glued to the stirrups by dried blood and he could not get down. He could only bend from his saddle, swing his blade to cut off the head, lift it on his sword tip, and tie it to his horse before continuing the pursuit. Meanwhile, Danma was also hunting through the dense forest, killing the fleeing Jiang soldiers one by one as they hid among the trees.

The poison man Zhaxi Tuoju, riding a red horse, galloped toward Danma and encountered him in the dark, thick forest. Seeing Danma, the poison man wasted no words—he swung his blade and charged. Danma recalled the Great King's instruction, immediately drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and waited. The poison man charged straight ahead without hesitation. Danma loosed his arrow, but the poison man was not gravely wounded and continued pressing forward fearlessly. Danma fired a second arrow—this poison arrow struck the man's forehead directly, tearing off a bowl-sized piece of his skull. The poison man immediately fell from his horse, dead. Danma took his head, armor, and other belongings, tied them to the poison man's horse, then attached that horse to his own mount's tail and continued his pursuit.

Fierce Individual Combat and the Ling Army's Victorious Withdrawal

At that moment, between the snow mountain and the grassy plain, Caima Keji was leading more than a hundred of his warriors in pursuit of Zhale Zejie. Caima was the first to break from formation, blocking Zhale's path. From about an arrow's flight away, he nocked and loosed—the arrow struck Zhale where his armor plates joined. But because he wore the protective longevity garment bestowed by the Great King beneath his armor, his skin was not broken. Zhale had not been paying attention and narrowly escaped disaster.

Grasping his divine arrow and drawing his Yasi treasure blade, Zhale bellowed: "Caima Keji, you boast that your fame spreads to the four corners of the earth—but today you shoot arrows as feeble as wind-blown grass stalks! If young women had seen that, wouldn't you be ashamed? I am not one who shoots arrows from afar—I prefer to close in and fight blade to blade. Come, let us clash!"

So saying, he flourished his treasure blade and urged his peerless steed forward like a whirlwind. Caima drew his own sharp blade and charged to meet him. Zhale struck first—Caima's head and iron helmet separated cleanly from his neck and tumbled to the ground. Zhale's attendants then surged forward, some shooting arrows, others swinging blades, and in a fierce onslaught all hundred-odd Jiang soldiers were annihilated. Zhale and his men tied Caima's head and helmet to their horses and galloped back to camp with triumphant shouts.

After the Jiang vanguard commander Caima Keji fell to Zhale Zejie's blade, the Jiang people refused to accept defeat. From their original camp, the young warrior Lawu Xunnu Long-Handed rode out on his sky-blue horse and charged into the Ling camp. The strongman Gade came out to meet him. Recognizing Gade, Lawu flew into a rage. Gnashing his teeth and without a word, he loosed two arrows in quick succession—one struck Gade in the chest, the other in the lower body. Though the arrows pierced his armor, the protective power of the War God's Longevity Garment left his skin unbroken. Gade thought: better to grapple with him bare-handed. So he neither drew his blade nor loosed an arrow, but driven by fury, he spurred his steed forward. Lawu also did not retreat a step and made no move to use his weapons—he too wanted only to wrestle. Gade seized him with both arms, hooked him around the waist and twisted—Lawu was flipped upside down and slammed to the ground. Gade then rained down punches and kicks, and Lawu immediately breathed his last. Gade took his head and helmet, tied them to his horse, and returned triumphantly to camp.

Meanwhile, Bara Senda Adong was charging through the Jiang camp, striking left and right. In the melee, he encountered the poison man Taqiong Lugu. From a distance, the poison man drew his blade and reined in his horse, calling out: "White rider of Ling, is this what your manly valor amounts to? Over- fierceness will cost you your life! Shooting arrows from afar does not make a hero—only close combat with blades can settle who is greater. Let us see whose skill is superior, let us see who is the hero and who is the coward!"

After singing this challenge, the poison man Taqiong brandished his gleaming white blade and stood his ground, awaiting a response. Bara Senda Adong also flourished his great sword and replied: "Boy Taqiong Lugu of Jiang, whatever skill you have should come with some measure of restraint. Aren't you ashamed to spew such boasts!"

With that, Bara swung his blade and charged forward. The poison man Taqiong Lugu also swung his blade and rushed to meet him. After several exchanges of swordplay, the poison man could no longer hold his ground and turned to flee, with Bara in hot pursuit. Thanks to the demon-god's supernatural assistance, the poison man quickly soared into the sky. Bara could not catch him. When King Gesar learned of this, he immediately exercised his miraculous powers—the poison man and his mount became as if bound by ropes, unable to escape, and crashed to the ground. Bara rushed up and split him in two, then cut off his arms and head to carry away.

At this time, the heroine Adanam charged into the thick of the Jiang forces, battling fiercely. She encountered Gequmida. The moment they saw each other, both drew their blades—no words, no questions—and clashed. Adanam thrust her blade into Gequ's chest; the tip emerged from his back. She withdrew the blade and slashed repeatedly, hacking Gequ into six pieces scattered upon the ground, the blood staining the grassland crimson.

Around this time, Dadui, commander of the Jiang Blue Tassel regiment, rode a gaudily decorated horse with a gaudy rider, shouting "Ling people, come!" as he charged forward without hesitation. He happened to encounter Wenbu Alubasen (“Basen”). Dadui, without a word, loosed three arrows in succession. The first struck the bridge of Basen's warhorse's nose—the horse reared back in retreat, kicking up a trail of dust. The second struck Basen's right shoulder. The third struck Basen in the back. Thanks to the War God's Longevity Garment protecting him, Basen was not seriously wounded. Then Dadui charged with his long spear, thrusting wildly at Basen—but again, the protective garment meant he suffered no harm whatsoever. Basen's fury blazed. With a mighty swing of his blade, he chopped Dadui's spear in two. Dadui quickly discarded the broken spear and drew his blade to close with him. Their blades clashed, sparks flying in showers, dazzling their eyes. Taking advantage of the moment when the sparks blinded his opponent, Basen struck—Dadui's arm, along with his blade, fell to the ground. Pressing his advantage, Basen struck again—Dadui's head and helmet tumbled to the earth.

The Jiang forces were scattered—some dying in the wilderness, others fleeing in retreat. Amid the confusion, two servants, Guoqu Seca Long-Legged and Chenba Nanjia Deang, charged out and collided with Mujang Renqing Daru. Seca swung his blade and Deang brandished his spear, both engaging Renqing in combat. Renqing struck first, chopping Deang's spear shaft in two. Seca slashed at Renqing, but protected by his vajra armor, he was unharmed. Renqing swung his blade back—Seca's head and body separated instantly, and he died beneath the blade. Deang, gripping the half spear shaft, tried to fight Renqing, but seeing how deadly Renqing's blade work was, he knew he could not match him and turned to flee. Renqing gave chase, caught up, and split him in two with a single stroke from head to leg.

Not far away, Sinba and Sela were locked in combat. First they exchanged arrows, then they fought with spears. After several rounds with neither gaining the advantage, a plan suddenly struck Sinba. He turned his horse about and feigned flight. Sela followed behind, half-chasing, half-not, as the two circled round and round, riding off into the distance.

At that moment, Qimei Jiaduo Nae Bo encountered the transformed manifestation of the Ling King—a white man on a white horse. Jiaduo swung his blade to engage, but the manifestation fled without fighting. Jiaduo chased behind him—up over mountain peaks, down to riverbanks, across mountains and streams, pursuing everywhere. Every time it seemed he was about to catch him, he could not quite reach him. His heart grew weary and discouraged, and he could only watch the manifestation ride off into the distance.

Minister Baidui likewise encountered the transformed manifestation of the Lion King Gesar. Baidui charged in with his long spear, and the King's manifestation also met him with a long spear. Neither spear yielded—neither side could gain any advantage—so the two parted and each went their own way.

When the golden sun neared the snow mountains, the Jiang and Ling armies each withdrew. As Zhale Zejie was retreating, he met Baidui on the road. The moment Baidui saw Caima Keji's head tied to Zhale's horse, it was as if a black thorn had pierced his heart—grief and fury surged together. He immediately swung his treasure blade, spurred his steed, and charged like a raging wind. Zhale thought: this must be Baidui. According to the Great King's words, his fate has not yet run its course today—fighting him now would not bring victory. So he wheeled his warhorse about and, cracking his whip, feigned flight. Baidui, consumed by rage, pursued relentlessly like a shadow following its form. Zhale did not look back—he simply fled with all his might. When the other heroes witnessed this, every one of them feared for Zhale's safety and rushed forward one after another to support him. Seeing that continuing the chase would leave him vastly outnumbered, Baidui could only rein in his horse and gallop back to his own camp.