Chao Tong Buries the Divine Child, but the Child Lives

Although Chao Tong was startled by the child’s fearless laughter, he quickly regained his composure. With Jiafei Naga’s help, he wrapped the child tightly in an old cloth, dug a large pit near the tent, and placed the child inside. He covered the child with layers of thorny branches and heavy stones, then buried him alive. After finishing the task, the two left without looking back.

Meanwhile, Guomu, weak and trembling, crawled to the burial site. She cried bitterly, saying: “My poor child! What just happened is all due to the karma and causes of past lives. I will pray to the masters to guide you to the Western Pure Land.”

Suddenly, the child’s voice came from beneath the ground: “Mother, don’t cry. I’m not dead. I am the son of the celestial beings; death has no connection with me. The suffering I endured at Chao Tong’s hands is an auspicious sign. His attempt to bury me symbolizes that I will gain land to rest upon. The stones he placed on me represent my authority, as solid as a rock. The thorns signify my sharp weapons—swords, knives, and spears. And the cloth he wrapped me in will become my royal robe in the future. Mother, do not grieve for me. I am going to visit my seven celestial brothers. I will return in three days.”

As the child finished speaking, a beam of white light descended from the sky and landed on the burial site. The celestial beings arrived, removed the stones, dug up the soil, and lifted the child. They cleaned him and carried him to their celestial realm.

The Divine Child’s Return and the Reaction of Chao Tong

After burying the child, Chao Tong returned home. The more he thought about the child’s survival and boldness, the more unsettled he felt. He reported the unusual incident to the head of the court, but he lied, claiming the child was a monstrous stillborn, and he had buried it out of necessity.

The court head sighed deeply, stroked his beard, and said: “It seems the time has not yet come for Ling to welcome its destined noble one.”

However, knowing Guomu was the Dragon King’s daughter and aware of her misfortunes—being exiled and now losing her child—he ordered Senlen to visit her.

Senlen’s son, Jiacha, did not believe the claim that his younger sibling was a stillborn. He accompanied his father to Guomu’s tent, where they were surprised to see the tent surrounded by colorful clouds. Inside, Guomu held a healthy, radiant child in her arms.

Jiacha exclaimed in joy: “This is truly wonderful! My wish has finally come true—I now have a brother. Although he was born today, he already has the strength of a three-year-old. He must be one of the extraordinary children of the Mubudong lineage, like those fed by white lions’ milk and nurtured under the wings of great eagles. This child, skilled in all six arts even before birth, must have a special destiny.”

The divine child, recognizing Jiacha, immediately sat up and affectionately interacted with him. Jiacha embraced the child warmly and said: “It is said that two brothers together are like a hammer that can defeat any enemy. Together, we will achieve great things. I will name him Jue Ru for now.”

He handed the child back to Guomu and advised her: “Take good care of him with fine silk and three kinds of vegetarian food.”

Chao Tong’s New Plot to Poison the Divine Child

Chao Tong grew increasingly restless after Guomu gave birth to Jue Ru. He thought to himself: "In the lineage of the Qupanna Bu clan, the elder, middle, and younger branches all come from the same root, with no one branch superior to another. However, ever since Hanfei gave birth to Jiacha Xiega, the younger branch has grown stronger and more influential. Now Guomu has given birth to a son with Senlen as his father, the Dragon King as his maternal grandfather, and the dragon princess as someone sent and supported by divine forces. With such a strong father and a powerful mother, if this child is not eliminated early, he will surely pose a great threat in the future."

With these thoughts, Chao Tong devised a new plan. On the morning of the third day, he mounted his horse Gugu Raodzong and brought some food items, including white butter mixed with the deadly Yum Joga poison, along with honey and sugar. He arrived at Guomu’s tent and greeted her with a smile: "Ah, what a joyous occasion! Guomu has given birth to a son, my dear nephew. Even though he was born only a few days ago, his body already resembles that of a three-year-old. This is no surprise among the descendants of the Mubudong lineage. As his uncle, I have specially brought clean vegetarian food for him. Eating this will help him gain power and strength in the future."

Saying this, Chao Tong offered all the food he had brought to Jue Ru. Secretly, he felt satisfied with his plan: "With so much rich and oily food, even a grown man would struggle to digest it, let alone a baby. Moreover, the poison I’ve added will surely kill him."
Chao Tong watched Jue Ru intently, expecting him to show signs of illness or death, but nothing happened. What he didn’t know was that Jue Ru had already used his divine abilities to transform the poison into black smoke, which he expelled through the gaps in his fingers.

Chao Tong Seeks the Help of a Dark Sorcerer

Seeing that his poisoning attempt failed, Chao Tong thought of another plan. He decided to seek the help of a black sorcerer named Gongba Reza, a master of dark arts who specialized in stealing the souls of living beings. In the past, whenever Chao Tong sought his help, Gongba Reza had fulfilled his requests. This time, Chao Tong was determined to use Gongba Reza’s power to kill Jue Ru.

Concealing his true intentions behind a false smile, Chao Tong said: "This child is as uncontainable as heaven and earth. We must invite a master to perform an empowerment ritual and pray for his long life. I will go at once to make arrangements. Prepare a clean mat for the ceremony."Meanwhile, Gongba Reza, who had anticipated Chao Tong’s arrival, thought to himself: "Killing Jue Ru within three days will not be difficult. The child has not yet matured, and the blessings of the dragon lineage are not fully complete. My powers, which can shatter mountains and bring dragons from the south to the plains, will surely be enough to defeat him."

Although confident in his abilities, Gongba Reza pretended to hesitate, saying: "Ah, my lord, it is not that I disrespect your orders. But if I make a vow I cannot uphold, I will be condemned to hell. I fear I may not be able to fulfill this task."Chao Tong quickly knelt and performed nine deep bows, pleading: "Your power is unmatched between heaven and earth. Please, I beg you to take this task. If you eliminate Jue Ru, I will reward you generously. Your living expenses for both winter and summer will be fully covered."

Hearing Chao Tong’s sincerity, Gongba Reza finally agreed, saying: "Very well, since you insist, I will go immediately. By tonight, Jue Ru will surely be dead."

The Clash Between Jue Ru and Gongba Reza

Chao Tong returned to Guomu’s tent, pretending to be concerned. He said to Guomu: "I planned to visit the master Gonga today, but on my way, I met the elder Gongba Reza. He read an omen and said that within three days, a great calamity is coming. Because of the kindness shown to him by Princess Jiafei and Jiacha, he has decided to come here to protect you and the child."

When Chao Tong left in a hurry, Jue Ru laughed and said to his mother: "Mother, now is the time for me to subdue the old demon Gongba Reza. Quickly bring me four stones."

Guomu handed him four stones. Jue Ru arranged them in the four directions—front, back, left, and right. He closed his eyes, sat in meditation, and silently called upon the divine protectors.

Meanwhile, Gongba Reza began his journey. At the first mountain pass, he chanted “Pha!” and all the celestial beings in the sky vanished. However, nine hundred armored deities still surrounded Jue Ru. At the second mountain pass, Gongba Reza chanted “Pha!” again, and all the dragon kings disappeared, but their nine hundred retinue members remained. At the third mountain pass, where Gongba Reza could see the tent, he chanted “Pha!” a third time, and the fierce spirits vanished. Yet, the protective deities Jue Ru had summoned still stood guard.

When Gongba Reza arrived at the tent, Jue Ru threw the four stones into the air. Instantly, nine hundred deities in white armor, nine hundred in blue armor, nine hundred in yellow armor, and nine hundred skyward warriors appeared before Gongba Reza. Terrified, the old sorcerer turned and ran.

Jue Ru left an illusion of himself with his mother and pursued Gongba Reza in his true form.

Gongba Reza’s Defeat

Gongba Reza ran as fast as he could, returning to his mountain cave. Jue Ru used his divine powers to move a massive boulder, as large as a yak, and blocked the entrance to Gongba Reza’s cave.

Inside the cave, Gongba Reza, in desperation, began throwing out his offerings to the gods. First, he threw out his daily offerings, causing the cave walls to rumble. Then, he threw out his monthly offerings, which created a crack in the boulder. Finally, he threw out his annual offerings, producing a loud thunderous explosion.

Jue Ru transformed into the appearance of the great master Pema Tötreng and sat outside the cave. Unable to break free, Gongba Reza threw out his most powerful offerings, but none of them escaped the cave. Instead, they backfired, reducing Gongba Reza to ashes.

Jue Ru, having defeated Gongba Reza, took on the sorcerer’s form and went to meet Chao Tong. Disguised as Gongba Reza, he said: "Your task is complete. Now, repay me for my efforts. I do not ask for much—only your magical staff as a token of gratitude."

This staff, known as Jiangga Beiga, was a celestial treasure gifted by demons to the sages of the Zhangzhung black sect. It could grant its wielder incredible speed and the ability to act freely. The staff was tied to a sandalwood pillar alongside ceremonial arrows used for praying for blessings, and no one dared touch it.

Jue Ru decided it was time to claim the staff as his own.