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The Demon King Luzan

 

The demon who kidnapped Meza was Luzan, a powerful black demon king who lived in the northern land of Yar Kong in a magical palace with nine spires. This palace was located in the Eight Mountains, Four Ghost Lands, and the Cairanmubu Plain. Luzan was a terrifying figure, as tall as a mountain, with nine heads and eighteen horns growing from them. His body was covered in venomous black scorpions, and nine poisonous black snakes coiled around his waist. His hands and feet were armed with thirty-six iron claws, sharper and stronger than an eagle’s talons.

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When Luzan was happy, his face looked fierce and murderous. When he was angry, he exhaled smoke from his mouth like a volcanic eruption, and his nose spewed toxic winds like a raging storm. Surrounding him were his loyal demon ministers and servants: the Outer Minister Dog Mouth Sheep Teeth, the Inner Minister Blood-Drinking Demon Boy, the Diplomatic Minister Winged Crow, the Administrative Minister Black-Tailed Male Wolf, the Witch All-Knowing Sorceress, the Maid Flower-Toothed Slave, the Guard Chanting Old Crone, and twenty-nine powerful wizards. Most fearsome of all were Luzan’s father, the Black Strongman, and his sister, Adanamu, both of whom were unmatched warriors.

 

On the seventh day of Gesar’s retreat, Luzan was resting in his palace when Chao Tong, a rival of Gesar, sent him a secret letter. The letter revealed that King Gesar was in retreat and that Meza had been left behind at home, making it the perfect time to invade Ling Gabu.

 

When Luzan read the letter, he grinned wickedly. He had long heard of the beauty of Ling Gabu’s thirteen queens, especially Meza, who, apart from Zumu, was the most beautiful. The thought of possessing Meza filled him with excitement he could no longer suppress. He gathered his demon ministers, flew on black clouds, and invaded Ling Gabu, kidnapping Meza. By the time Gesar learned of this, Luzan had already returned to his demon land.

 

The Mother Goddess’s Call to Action

 

Following the goddess Langmangam’s prophecy, Gesar dedicated himself to practicing demon-subduing magic and martial arts. One day, Gesar went to the vast grasslands of Jue Ma Hai. He herded the horses to the right, the cattle to the left, and the sheep to the center. Feeling content, he lay in a circular sleeping position and drifted into a deep sleep.

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Suddenly, in the sky above, clouds swirled, rainbows gleamed, and the goddess Langmangam appeared amidst the brilliant colors. Her divine presence dominated the three realms as she called out to Gesar, urging him to wake up. “The time to subdue the demon kings has come!” she declared.

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This was the moment Gesar had been waiting for. He immediately sought out his queen, Zumu, and told her about the goddess’s command:

 

“Above, the snowy mountain crystal palace,

The lion with jade-green mane is king of beasts.

It subdues demons and evil with unmatched might.

But beware, if it falls to the blue dragon,

Its jade mane will be wasted.

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Below, in the sandalwood forest,

The tiger with fiery stripes is king of the four-clawed beasts.

Its stripes are its pride,

But if it loses to the old dog in the village,

Its stripes will bring it shame.

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In Ling Gabu's majestic palace,

The Lion King shines in golden armor.

You are the king of all beings,

A hero who can subdue the four great demons.

Look north to the demon land,

The dying old demon is Luzan.

If you cannot defeat him,

Even the golden armor will bring disgrace.”

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Gesar said to Zumu, “My beloved queen, I must head north to the demon land. Please take care of the palace.”

 

Zumu’s Scheme and the Goddess’s Warning

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After Gesar shared his plans, he mounted his divine steed, Jiangga Peibu, and was ready to set off. But Zumu grabbed the reins and pleaded with him, “My king, my beloved!

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The white lion of the snowy mountains should display its power in the snowy peaks.

The striped tiger of the forest should show its might in the woods.

You, the Lion King of all beings, should demonstrate your strength here in Ling Gabu.

Even though the goddess has given her decree, there’s no need to rush. Eat some sweets, drink some wine, and you won’t feel hungry or thirsty on the journey.”

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As she spoke, Zumu helped Gesar off his horse and offered him sweets and fine aged wine. Unbeknownst to Gesar, Zumu had secretly added a potion to the wine that would make him forget his mission. After finishing the food and drink, Gesar succumbed to the effects of the potion, fell into a deep sleep, and completely forgot about going to the northern demon land to battle Luzan.

 

Days passed. On a bright full moon night, the goddess Langmangam appeared again in Gesar’s palace. At that moment, Gesar and Zumu were sound asleep in bed. The goddess leaned close to Gesar’s ear and whispered, “Gesar, O Lion King, it is not right for you to remain idle in leisure. The day to subdue the demons and rescue Meza has arrived. If you continue to delay, you will lose the chance to defeat the demons and be humiliated instead.”

 

Gesar sat up with a start, but the goddess had already disappeared, leaving behind her melodious voice echoing in the air:

 

The Lion King of the snowy mountains,

Must show his emerald mane when it is full.

The striped tiger of the great forest,

Must reveal its vibrant patterns when ready.

The golden-eyed fish of the deep sea,

Must display its six fins when complete.

The Lion King of Dazi Palace,

Must demonstrate his courage and strength.

If you fail to heed my words today,

The people of Ling Gabu will suffer great loss.

 

Gesar rubbed his eyes and suddenly remembered the goddess’s earlier instructions. He realized that his indulgence in wine had caused him to forget his important mission. Seeing Zumu sound asleep beside him, Gesar decided not to wake her, to avoid further delays or arguments.

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