The White Brahma's Prophecy Commands War on Men and commands Chao Tong lead the campaign

On the night of the thirteenth day of midsummer in the Water Dragon year, the heavens were dim, the lofty peaks wore no golden crowns, and the vast seas bore no golden light. Stars gathered in the sky above, and the people of Ling Gabu slept peacefully in their beds. In the center of the high heavens, at the summit of the Thirty-Three Celestial Realms, within the silver-shimmering conch palace, upon the white conch throne, sat the Great White Brahma King. His white conch crown swayed gently, his radiant hair sparkled, and his crystal-clear beard floated lightly. Heavenly flower rain fell in a drizzle, and sandalwood incense swirled fragrantly.

The White Brahma King wore a white conch helmet adorned with trembling Garuda plumes. He donned white conch armor with a gleaming conch-inlaid chest mirror, encircled by pearl garlands that shone brightly. On his right hung a tiger-skin arrow quiver; on his left, a leopard-skin bow case. His right hand held a crystal-hilted precious sword, his left grasped a red-speared banner, and he rode a blue-grey divine horse. Surrounded on all sides by countless heavenly soldiers and generals clustered like stars, with vast banners fluttering across the sky, the White Brahma King led his valiant celestial warriors down the rainbow path, descending into the mortal realm.

On the Madeya Flower Tiger Plain of Dokham's Ling Kingdom stood the majestic Senju Dazi Palace. Within this thousand-pillared royal chamber, as the invincible King Gesar lay half-asleep, a mighty roar suddenly resounded through the air for no apparent reason. Instantly, rainbow canopies appeared around the Senju Dazi Palace, and flower rain cascaded from the heavens. Amidst fierce thunderclaps, the White Brahma King stood radiantly upon the rainbow path and awakened Gesar: "Son of the gods, Tuibagawa! Do not sleep, rise quickly! The foolish sleep endlessly; how can you indulge in slumber so? The world's karmic cycle never ceases; the greedy and angry never turn back. Do not let your mind wander!"

The White Brahma King continued: "Setting aside the feud between Men and Ling, that land comprises eighteen great regions, eighteen great tribes, with three million soldiers altogether. King Xinchi of the Men Kingdom is the incarnation of the demon Ishvara. His minister Gula Tuojie is the incarnation of a rakshasa. The sixty great generals of Men drink the blood of the living and devour their red hearts. King Xinchi of the Men Kingdom is now fifty-four years old. If he passes to fifty-seven, Ling will never have the chance to subdue him. His man-eating Red Demon Horse is now seven years old. Should it escape to nine, Ling will have no means to tame it thereafter. The minister Gula Tuojie is thirty-six this year; if he passes thirty-seven, the people of Ling will never be able to overpower him. Fate has decreed that this is the year to conquer him. If we wait past next year, neither the demon king, demon horse, nor demon minister can be subdued. Unless Xinchi is vanquished, the black clouds and dense fog of the south will not part, the frozen earth will not thaw, and in a world without sun, moon, or flowers, the suffering of sentient beings will be immeasurably deep..."

"Father King, please tell me, what crimes has King Xinchi committed against Ling?"

"Before you were born, when Gyatsa was still young, two generals of Men, Aqiong Guru and Muqiong Guru, led 150,000 troops to raid the eighteen Darong tribes of Ling territory. They seized horses, grain, cattle, and sheep, and stole Ling's precious treasure: the six-fold cloud-patterned brocade robe. They killed many people, including two retainers of Darong. At that time, Ling was weak, with few soldiers and generals, and could not seek revenge. Now, my son, you possess the power to subdue demons and vanquish monsters. This is the perfect time for vengeance, do not wait any longer."

"Your son obeys. Tomorrow I shall prepare the troops and march on Men."

"No, these crimes were committed against the eighteen Darong tribes under Chao Tong's jurisdiction. You must send a dream to the Wrathful King of Darong to raise his army. Tell him that the beautiful princess of Men, Meiduo Zhuoma, was meant to be a bride of the Darong family. She is now twenty-five years old, and this is the perfect opportunity to take her as wife."

With that, the White Brahma King departed upon his clouds, and the sky gradually brightened. Gesar draped his robe over his shoulders, left the palace, and took a deep breath, pondering the White Brahma King's words. The Lion King thought to himself: "In the past, I warred for years against the fierce northern demon Lutsan, the White Tent King of the Yellow Hor Kingdom, and King Sadan of the Purple Jiang Kingdom. Now, barely months have passed since the Jiang-Ling war ended. The warriors have been resting and regaining their strength for only six months. Before the gods above issued their prophecy, why did the people of Ling Gabu hide from me the origins of the Men-Ling feud? As the saying goes: 'There is always a reason when a father conceals words; there is always a cause when a mother hides food.' Upon reflection, it is indeed strange and curious. Yet the root of this conflict seems to lie with Chao Tong alone. Chao Tong is an incarnation of Hayagriva and knows all things, why not follow the White Brahma King's counsel and send him a prophecy to see how he responds?"

The Soul-Bird's Message: Gesar transforms into Chao Tong's prophetic bird, and remind the promise of Princess Meiduo Zhuoma as a bride

Gesar then transformed into the likeness of Chao Tong's soul-bird and flew toward the Darong tribe's territory.

That day, Chao Tong was in quiet meditation when suddenly his prophetic soul-bird fluttered onto the shrine table before him and spoke: "Meditating lord Chao Tong, do not forget old grudges. The six-fold cloud-patterned brocade robe remains in the hands of King Xinchi of Men. Your two retainers of Darong died beneath Men's arrows. The fine horses and cattle of the Darong tribe now breed on Men's pastures. The princess of Men, Meiduo Zhuoma, is as beautiful as Sangjang Zumu. She is twenty-five years old and awaits you, King Chao Tong, to come and marry her. This year's opportunity is rare to find, act quickly, do not hesitate."

With that, the prophetic bird fluttered its wings twice and flew away.

While the divine bird delivered its prophecy, Chao Tong's eyes darted about, thinking: "It was this very magical white-feathered bird that once told me I could obtain the precious throne of beautiful Ling. For that, I even hosted a seven-day, seven-night banquet for the great tribes of Ling Gabu. Yet, as the saying goes: 'In trying to fan another's fire, I burned my own beard.' In the end, the supreme throne of Ling was seized by Bumba Gyatsa and Joru. Now I receive another prophecy from this divine bird, surely it cannot be trusted either."

So Chao Tong watched where the divine bird flew, and saw it rise high into the sky before vanishing like a rainbow.

Only then did he believe. He firmly memorized the prophetic bird's words, especially the promise of marrying Meiduo Zhuoma, which echoed in his ears constantly. This confirmed the old saying: "A toothless old ox loves tender grass; an aged man desires a young bride."

Chao Tong abandoned his meditation retreat and hurriedly ordered his retainers: "Assemble all 700,000 troops of the Darong tribe. Prepare red tea, thirst-quenching wine, and various meats, butter, and cheese."

Despite Queen Dan Sa's opposition, Chao Tong insists to marry the young princess, and seeks Gesar's blessing.

Chao Tong’s queen Dan Sa, wondering what spell had overcome Chao Tong during his retreat, stopped the retainers and asked what he intended to do.

Chao Tong, both excited and impatient, told Dan Sa about the prophetic bird's message. Dan Sa let out a cold laugh: "Surely you haven't forgotten Hayagriva's prophecy before the horse race? A sixty-two-year-old man wanting to marry a young girl, the older you get, the less sense you make!" These words made Chao Tong's white beard tremble and his face flush purple like a ritual torma offering. He pointed at Dan Sa, speechless.

Seeing Chao Tong so angry, Dan Sa knew she had spoken too harshly and quickly left. When she returned, holding a golden pot of tea in her left hand and a silver pot of wine in her right, she spoke gently to soothe him: "My lord, one should not rise mid-meditation, nor interrupt cultivation suddenly. This prophecy is certainly not divine will. How can the Darong tribe possibly withstand a great nation like Men? How could a young and beautiful girl like Meiduo Zhuoma marry an old man like you? Your hair is snow-white, your mouth toothless like an empty sack, your face wrinkled like tree bark. My lord, do not bring more disasters upon us! I say this for your sake, for mine, and for the lasting peace of our family."

Chao Tong had recovered his composure and cursed Dan Sa: "Ignorant, ugly woman! How dare you lecture me, Lord Chao Tong? The Darong army boils like a poisonous sea, how could we not defeat Xinchi? And you even dare say no girl would love me! I know women's nature well, they care not for white hair but for whether a man can fight like a ram. Toothless is no matter, I'll kiss like a lamb. Wrinkles don't matter, girls will twine around my neck like vines. No one says they don't love Chao Tong, except you, wicked Dan Sa! This expedition to Men is ordained by heaven. Say one more word, Dan Sa, and I will not forgive you!"

Dan Sa saw Chao Tong was utterly obstinate, as if possessed by a demon. But if she ignored him, she feared he would truly gather the army and march on Men. How could the Darong tribe's forces possibly wage war against the mighty Men Kingdom? Not only would Chao Tong never return, but the people of Darong would perish in battle. Clearly, further persuasion was useless. Perhaps only King Gesar could stop his foolish plan. With this thought, Dan Sa's furrowed brow relaxed slightly: "If you insist on going, my lord, I won't stop you, but you should at least inform King Gesar. If the Lion King agrees to support you, he will surely lend his strength."

Chao Tong realized Dan Sa spoke sense. If Gesar agreed to help and mobilized the Ling army, King Xinchi would surely die. But would the Lion King help him? Chao Tong wasn't certain, though he was willing to try.

Without another word, Chao Tong changed into fine clothes and hat, mounted his Windchaser horse, and rode toward Dazi City.

Gesar announces the campaign, Ling’s army departs for the Men Kingdom

Gesar had long anticipated Chao Tong's arrival, for the prophetic bird had been his own transformation, intended precisely to stir Chao Tong to march on Men. So when Chao Tong arrived, Gesar rose to welcome him: "Uncle has come, something must be on your mind. Please sit and speak slowly." As he spoke, Gesar ordered the maidservants Aqiongji and Liqiongji to bring tea and refreshments.

Chao Tong felt unexpectedly honored. Though he had rendered some service in the Jiang-Ling war, upon returning to Ling, the heroes had dredged up his deeds from the Hor invasion of Ling, and he had consequently suffered the King's cold shoulder. Today's warm reception was almost too good to believe. But seeing the Lion King's joyful expression, Chao Tong became convinced of Gesar's sincerity. Perhaps the King was going to treat him well again! At this thought, Chao Tong was nearly ecstatic. Suppressing his overwhelming delight, he said with barely concealed excitement: "Good nephew, good King! Your uncle has come to report a grave matter."

"Oh? Pray tell!"

"King Xinchi of the Men region is one of the four great demon kings. You, Great King, have already subdued three demon kings, why leave Xinchi unvanquished? Moreover, in earlier years he marched against Ling, killed our people, and seized our horses. Even now, Ling's treasure, the six-fold cloud-patterned brocade robe, remains in Xinchi's hands. We were powerless to seek revenge then, but now our Ling is so strong, and your fame shakes the four directions, why not send troops to Men?"

Gesar smiled slightly. What a man, this Chao Tong, he could never shed his glib tongue. How grandly and righteously he spoke, yet he never once mentioned taking Meiduo Zhuoma as his bride.

"Let bygones be bygones," Gesar said slowly, deliberately. "Our Ling is at peace, our people live happily. Why stir up war?"

"How can that be?" Chao Tong grew more anxious seeing Gesar so unconcerned. "Blood debts remain unpaid, stolen goods unrecovered. As the saying goes: 'Not answering a question makes one a fool; not avenging an insult makes one a fox.' If we do not destroy Xinchi, it will not only tarnish Your Majesty's prestige but also threaten our Ling."

"Oh? Would he dare invade Ling?"

"Men now has 1.8 million troops, matching our Ling's strength. King Xinchi continues attacking neighboring kingdoms, burning, killing, and looting to expand his territory and army. Once his forces outnumber Ling's, our safety can no longer be guaranteed."

"Hmm, uncle speaks sense. And I have also received the White Brahma King's prophecy commanding us to attack Men, recover our brocade robe, and wash away past humiliations. Uncle might also..." Gesar paused deliberately, "take a beautiful bride."

Seeing that the heavenly secret had been revealed, Chao Tong blushed with embarrassment and fell silent.

Gesar said no more to Chao Tong, immediately ordering the assembly of Ling's 1.8 million troops. He commanded the Three White Crane Brothers to summon Qinen, minister of the northern Demon Kingdom; Sinba Meruze of the Hor Kingdom; and Yula Toju of the Jiang Kingdom to come and receive orders.

The lords and ministers of Ling took their seats according to rank. The invincible mighty king ascended the supreme golden throne at the head of the ninety-nine ranks, its backrest carved with azure dragons, beneath a peacock-feather jeweled canopy. His countenance shone like ten thousand suns, radiant and magnificent. At the head of the right-side seats, upon the lion-throne, sat the fifteen-day-moon-like Prince Bumba Zhale Zejie. The old Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen, his face gleaming like sun-dried leather, sat at the head of the middle row upon the large leopard-skin cushion with golden ring patterns. The warriors gazed up at the King of Ling's countenance, wondering what commands the invincible mighty king would issue.

Then the invincible King Gesar's face turned wrathful, his eyes red as lightning, evidently bearing deep resentment. King Gesar declared: "Uncle Chief Steward, and you other elder ministers of Ling! Why, before the gods above issued their prophecy, did you never tell me how the Men Kingdom, relying on its national strength, sent two generals with ten thousand soldiers to sweep into Ling like a storm? They destroyed the eighteen tribes of Ling Gabu, slaughtered the people and horses we raised, plundered the wealth we accumulated, and to this day, this grudge remains unavenged. As the ancient Tibetan saying goes: 'Not avenging an insult makes one a fox; not answering a question makes one mute; not thanking for food makes one a cheat.' I, the Lion King Gesar, and that King Xinchi of Men, let us see who truly rules the kingdoms. My thousand-mile chestnut steed and his man-eating Red Demon Horse, let us see which is swifter today. Gula Tuojie the minister, and Chaxiang Danma, my ordained minister, let us see who is the true prime minister. The sixty demon generals of Men and the eighty brothers of Ling, let us see who are the true heroes on the battlefield!"

After King Gesar spoke, the old Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen exchanged glances with the other three elder retainers of Ling. Then, rising from the central leopard-skin cushion with golden ring patterns, he placed a white khata upon the golden table and addressed the throne: "Your Majesty issues such commands today, and we are deeply grateful. The prophecy of the gods above is utterly wondrous. We ministers had already resolved to gradually inform Your Majesty of the origins of the Men-Ling conflict. However, because the warriors of Ling's four great tribes had been exhausted by years of continuous warfare, the matter was postponed until today. Now that the gods above have granted their prophecy, the time for vengeance has also arrived. The heroes and fierce generals of Ling will surely display their might on the battlefield. Even though I, Rongtsa Chagen, am advanced in years and feeble, my courage from former days is undiminished. This time, I will certainly follow Your Majesty to the battlefield!"

After the old Chief Steward's declaration, the heroes below were filled with even greater fighting spirit and immediately began mustering troops and preparing for war.

The vanguard Chao Tong wore a robe of red silk with golden patterns edged in otter fur, over chainmail armor. He donned his Garuda Nest helmet, his white quiver holding fifty copper-tailed arrows, and his brown bow case containing a resonant thunder-bellowing precious bow. At his side hung the Sangya sword, and beneath him his Windchaser horse. He rode proudly at the very front of the Ling army.

Zumu led the assembled queens and noblewomen, holding multi-colored khatas, to bid farewell to King Gesar and the heroes. Zumu sang:

O Great Lion King Gesar of the world,

May you swiftly vanquish King Xinchi!

We offer three white khatas,

Khatas to see off the White Brahma King,

Not for parting but for reunion.

We offer three yellow khatas,

Khatas to see off the fierce deity Gezuo,

Not for parting but for reunion.

We offer three blue khatas,

Khatas to see off the Dragon King Zuna,

Not for parting but for reunion.

We offer three red khatas,

Khatas to see off the war gods,

Not for parting but for reunion.

Three more khatas that fear no fire,

Three khatas that fear no water,

Three khatas with golden borders and patterns,

Khatas to see off the ministers,

Not for parting but for reunion.

When Zumu finished singing, tears streamed down like rain. The women, children, and elders of Ling stood along the roadside, offering prayers for their loved ones, wishing them swift victory over Xinchi and a speedy triumphant return. After taking leave one by one, the 1.8 million troops marched out of Ling in mighty formation, heading straight for the Men region.