During my visit to the yogi's temple, a friend of a friend unexpectedly mentioned the existence of a secret King Gesar temple hidden within an ancient village. To be precise, it should be described as an ancient castle rather than an ordinary village, as the castle came first, followed by the village. K i n g G e s a r of Tibet Guomariz castles The history of Guomariz Village dates back over 600 years ago, making it one of the best-preserved ancient castles in the country. place that Connected with King Gesar Guomariz village During my visit to the yogi's temple, a friend of a friend unexpectedly mentioned the existence of a secret King Gesar temple hidden within an ancient village. To be precise, it should be described as an ancient castle rather than an ordinary village, as the castle came first, followed by the village. Guomariz was originally the site of Litun, one of the four settlements. Before the 28th year of the Ming Wanli era (1600), Litun was divided into Upper Litun and Lower Litun. The upper settlement became Guomariz, while the lower settlement became Gashariz (the ancient Gashariz settlement no longer exists, with only remnants of walls remaining). It is said that the gate of Upper Litun was wrapped in red copper, and thus it was called "Guomariz" in Tibetan, meaning "Red Gate." The Guomariz Ancient Castle (Litun) is located in Guomariz Village, 7 kilometers north of Tongren County, on the western terrace of the Longwu River, surrounded by mountains and water. The castle was built during the Ming Dynasty as a fortress for military garrison and defense during the era of border reclamation. The castle is rectangular in shape, 200 meters long from east to west and 180 meters from north to south, covering an area of 36,000 square meters. Currently, 147 households live inside the castle, while 404 households reside outside. In 2006, Guomariz Village was recognized as a "Chinese Historical and Cultural Village." The Guomariz Ancient Castle was originally built using rammed earth construction and served as a military garrison to guard the border. My friend, who is a well-known thangka painter living inside the village, led me through the castle. The castle is very primitive, with narrow roads. After walking for ten minutes, my friend finally brought me to the secret King Gesar temple and explained that it is not open to the public. It is said that the temple was built by the military at the very beginning of the castle's construction as a protective deity temple for the castle. Later, it became the ancestral temple of Guomariz Village. Unlike other King Gesar statues I had seen before, the one in the ancestral temple was a wrathful deity. However, instead of holding the usual sword of wisdom in his right hand, he held a forked blade.

Seven days later, Lusabenma, the younger brother of King Nangla, finished his training. He came to the council hall to discuss strategies with the Chawarong ministers and generals on how to repel the Ling army. K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. Chapter 12: Danma’s Divine Arrow Kills Little Lusa, and NangWa Charges Alone into the Great Ling Camp Lusabenma Finishes Training and Plans Revenge Seven days later, Lusabenma, the younger brother of King Nangwa, finished his training. He came to the council hall to discuss strategies with the Chawarong ministers and generals on how to repel the Ling army. When Lusabenma heard the details of their defeat, he was furious. He could no longer sit still on his cushion and said, “That so-called hero of Ling, Bumba Gyatsa, is truly arrogant. I will personally face him in battle, and if I cannot take his head, I swear I will no longer call myself a man.” His eyes flashed with anger, his shoulders trembled uncontrollably, and his teeth ground together audibly. At the crack of dawn the next day, Lusabenma led a hundred handpicked elite soldiers and charged toward the Ling camp. The Ling soldiers, upon seeing them, were thrown into a brief panic. No one dared to step forward to face Lusabenma. As he approached the Ling camp, Lusabenma blew a sharp whistle that sounded like thunder, shaking the mountains and the earth. He pulled his horse to a stop, turned the reins, and sang the following short heroic song: "Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. In the boundless skies of colorful clouds, I pray to the nine-eyed deity, Help me claim the enemy’s liver and heart. If you don’t know who I am, I am the younger brother of King Nangwa, My name is Lusabenma, the one who shakes the heavens and earth. I am the pillar of Chawarong, The one who subdues the undefeated. Thunder gods in the skies and I, Lusabenma, Are known as invincible generals. When ministers and generals gather in the hall, I am the one who steadies the golden throne. In strategy meetings, I am the one who makes the final decisions. When formidable enemies appear, I am the soul taker who claims their hearts. When the weak cry for help, I am the savior and protector. King Nangwa and I, Lusabenma, Are like the sun and moon in the sky. Our generals and ministers, Surround us like stars in the heavens. Our elite soldiers and mighty steeds, Are like poisonous thorns covering the land. Everything I say is true. Let me tell you the truth: The Ling camp is full of poor wretches, Pretending to be heroes in front of cowards, But in front of true heroes, they are like mice. As for that arrogant Bumba Gyatsa, Whether he hides in a corner or stands in the open, He doesn’t dare face me, Lusabenma. Claiming to be a hero is a disgrace to him. He wears weapons, but they bring him shame. Today, both of us are fully armed, Let’s see who is stronger. Both of us carry sharp swords, Today, let’s see whose blade is sharper. Both of us claim to be heroes, Today, we’ll determine who is greater. In the past, you ran wild, Bumba Gyatsa, Killing Xujie the Great General, And slaughtering Chuimi’s soldiers. You managed to act freely there, But at my gates, you’ll find it impossible to pass. The gates of Hero Lusabenma Will never allow Ling demons to camp. Even heaven and earth would not permit it! Hear my comparisons: A wall of sand built on a plain, Cannot withstand a rushing flood. A lone eagle soaring in the cold wind, Cannot be stopped. A wild ox climbing high cliffs, Cannot be held back. And even if Ling soldiers are many and strong, They cannot stop Lusabenma from charging forward. Listen, I have more to say: If a black hawk with iron talons Grabs a sheep and flies into the sky, What glory is there in preying on a small sparrow? If a young hunter’s poisoned arrow Strikes, it should pierce a tiger’s heart. What satisfaction is there in shooting at small prey? My hero’s sword, Lusabenma’s blade, With one swing, will sever Bumba Gyatsa’s head. Against cowardly Ling soldiers, How could my blade ever feel fulfilled? Come out, come out, Bumba Gyatsa! Show your heroic spirit like a mighty dragon. Roar loudly like a thunderous beast! Why are you silent today? Have you heard me, soldiers of Ling? If you understand, my words are sweet nectar. If you don’t, then think about it yourself.” Bumba Gyatsa's Rage and Challenge When Bumba Gyatsa heard Lusabenma’s words, his face immediately turned red with anger. He clenched his teeth so hard they ground together. Fury rose in his chest like fire, and his fingers itched to fight. His arm muscles twitched, his beard quivered, and his thoughts surged like a tidal wave. He immediately tightened the strap of his “White-Shouldered Phoenix” belt, fastened the buckles of his white armor, and equipped himself with three weapons: a sword, a bow, and a spear. Without hesitation, he charged toward Lusabenma, raising his “Yasi Gachen” treasured sword high above his head. He waved the blade and sang the following song: “Om Mani Padme Hum. Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you don’t know where this is, This is the beautiful land of Chawarong, The place where Ling’s heavenly soldiers are stationed. If you don’t know who I am, I am the fortress of silver water and iron walls— The invincible Bumba Gyatsa is my name. Where the roaring sound of glaciers echoes, The name of Bumba spreads far and wide. In the camp of Ling, I am a renowned general, The great commander who defeats tough enemies, The savior of friends and family. Listen carefully, Lusabenma, You may claim to be what you said: A rushing flood in a valley, Proudly crashing against a dam of sand. But if the waves surge uncontrollably, A bridge will be built across your neck. A soaring eagle in the bright blue sky, Facing cold winds with pride— But if it flies too high with no restraint, A fierce wind will break its wings. A wild ox climbing sheer cliffs, Refusing to be stopped. But if it leaps recklessly, It will fall and shatter its bones. Arrogant little demon Lusabenma, You may act wild in front of weak soldiers, But when you face me on the battlefield, You’ll lose your life in my hands. Lusabenma, you are too arrogant. Why call out for me, Bumba, so loudly? There’s no need to shout— Ling’s soldiers have already descended from the heavens, And not only have they fought, They’ve already achieved glorious victories. A snow lion with its flowing mane, If it feared a small donkey, How could it rule the snowy peaks? How would it display its skills? A striped tiger in a dense forest, If it feared a wild goat, How could it roam the woods alone? How could it feast on fresh meat? A wild horse on the plains of the Qiangtang grasslands, If it feared small jackals, How could it run freely in the open? How could it find water and grass? As a general in the Ling camp, If I feared a little Lusabenma, How could I lead four large armies? How could I charge into battle and kill the enemy? The warriors of Dokham Ling, Since arriving in Chawarong, Compete fiercely with their steeds, And fight to make their mark. As for the Chawarong generals like Chuimi— From the day they opposed Ling’s army, Has even one returned alive? It’s pitiful that you still refuse to repent. Let me, Bumba Gyatsa, Visit Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. Your two forward generals, Along with Nangjia Guobo, And countless soldiers and horses— They were all wiped out in less than a day. Where was Lusabenma then? Where did you go and come back from today? I’ve been searching for you everywhere, Longing to meet you sooner. And now, at long last, we meet. On this very day, Lusabenma, You and I, Bumba Gyatsa, Will settle this once and for all. If we don’t fight to the death, What’s the point of all these empty words? You came to the battlefield today, Because you wanted to meet me, Bumba Gyatsa. I’ve been waiting for you, Lusabenma, Day after day, for so long. Finally, our paths have crossed, A perfect match, a destined meeting. When we clash with swords, Don’t run away or hide.” The Clash Between Bumba Gyatsa and Lusabenma As Bumba Gyatsa finished singing, he and Lusabenma charged at each other like two massive boulders rolling down from a steep cliff. They collided fiercely, engaging in a brutal battle for a long time. Despite their intense fight, neither of them suffered any injuries. However, during the skirmish, Bumba’s “Yasi Gachen” treasured sword struck Lusabenma’s helmet flag and chopped it off, scattering pieces across the ground. Lusabenma was startled and soon realized that Bumba was immune to swords and spears. Shocked and unnerved, he quickly pulled his horse around and retreated toward the corner of his camp. Bumba Gyatsa gave chase relentlessly, refusing to let him escape. At this critical moment, Seba Niben Daya, one of Bumba’s allies, thought to himself: This is the man who killed my brother. If we let him escape today, how can I call myself a warrior? Determined, he mounted his pale yellow warhorse, brandished his sword, and charged to intercept Lusabenma. Together with Bumba Gyatsa, they attacked Lusabenma from the front and back, fiercely surrounding him. Despite their relentless assault, Lusabenma remained unharmed. Sparks flew from his armor as their weapons struck him, but not a single blow penetrated. Protected by the secret efforts of Chawarong’s guardian deities, Lusabenma escaped without any injuries. Lusabenma also counterattacked several times, aiming his strikes at Bumba and Seba, but he failed to even knock off a single piece of their armor. Realizing that the battle wasn’t going in his favor, Lusabenma decided to retreat. He turned his horse around and, in a fit of suppressed rage, killed more than ten Ling soldiers as he fled. Though he had lost over twenty of his own soldiers, the rest of his troops followed him in a chaotic retreat, shouting and clamoring as they left the battlefield. The Ling soldiers, seeing Lusabenma retreat, chose not to pursue him further. Lusabenma Returns to Dongga Jinzhong Fortress Lusabenma returned to Dongga Jinzhong Fortress and reported the results of his campaign. King Nangwa said: "Ah! Ah! My brother, Lusabenma! A few days ago, you battled the Ling camp, brought back the bloody severed head of Seba’s brother, Tarchu Tola Tsampo, as a war trophy, turned their camp into a sea of blood, and killed or wounded many Ling soldiers. And today, not only did you fight against the famous Ling generals Bumba Gyatsa and Seba Niben Daya, but you also killed and wounded many Ling soldiers, returning with your troops full of energy. This is excellent! Other generals who went out could hardly survive, let alone achieve such merits!" As a celebration, they prepared fragrant tea, fine wine, fresh meat, and butter to honor Lusabenma’s achievements. Meanwhile, in the Ling camp, an emergency meeting was held. Everyone agreed: if Lusabenma, this demonic menace, wasn’t eliminated soon, he would become a great threat to the safety of the Ling territories and its people. Danma Jangcha Volunteers to Fight Lusabenma While everyone marveled at Lusabenma’s bravery and cunning, General Danma Jangcha took five white khatas (ceremonial scarves) from his protective charm box and presented them before the council. He announced: "Listen, uncles and ministers of Ling! In the past, every hero of Ling who went to battle achieved great merits. This time, to deal with the old demon Lusabenma, I, Minister Danma, must go myself. Please consider this." The council expressed concern: “If only Danma goes, can he handle Lusabenma? Wouldn’t it be better to send more generals?” Chief Steward, Rongtsa Chagen, replied: “Minister Danma is different from the other generals. He is brave, intelligent, and a master archer. He will certainly succeed.” Everyone nodded in agreement with the uncle’s decision. At dawn the next day, Minister Danma Jangcha donned his full armor. His colorful helmet flag fluttered like a rainbow, and his sword, arrows, and spear gleamed with silver light. Mounted on his fine steed, “Ouzhu Danma,” he led fifty elite cavalrymen out of the camp. The people of Ling eagerly awaited good news from him. Danma Challenges Lusabenma When Danma and his soldiers reached the vicinity of Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, Danma let out three loud shouts: "Ha-ha-ha!" He then called out: "Listen up, rulers and ministers of Chawarong, especially you, Lusabenma, you little brat! Come out and face me, Danma, today. If you don’t dare, you’re nothing but a cowardly fox!" After a short while, Lusabenma heard Danma’s taunts and was filled with rage. As he stepped out of the palace gate, Danma nocked the sacred arrow of the guardian deity onto his bowstring. He thought: If my arrow doesn’t strike his nose, it will be hard to claim victory. Danma spoke: “Ah, cursed Lusabenma, don’t rush to die yet. Let me say a few words before we fight slowly.” He then sang: "Om Mani Padme Hum. I pray to Brahma in the heavens, I pray to the Dragon King below, I pray to the Guragadro gods, And to the great protector spirits of Ling. Today, come and aid Minister Danma, Let me drink the enemy’s blood in one gulp. If you don’t know where this is, It is near the gates of Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. If you don’t know who I am, I am from the blessed heartland of Ling. King Bumba and Minister Danma, Like the sun and moon ruling the skies. Snow lions always come in pairs, Like eagles nesting on rocky peaks. That’s why I’m called a great minister, Why am I known as Danma? The Danma River splits yin and yang. The Dan region has twelve thousand households. People call Danma the Sea of Poison. I lead the charge in battle, And guard the rear during victory. If a weak one is left behind, I’ll rescue them, even alone. Since my baby teeth grew, I’ve loved archery, My arrows hit the mark every time. Remember these truths, Lusabenma! What you did yesterday, Your bandit-like behavior, Let me compare it to this: A merchant traveling far, If unable to earn wealth, His long journey is a waste, Suffering is what he deserves. A vain village girl, If she cannot guard her household, Her beauty becomes a source of ridicule, Her immoral thoughts bring shame. Scholars who seek knowledge, If they cannot benefit others or themselves, Their hard study is in vain, Jealousy and resentment bring only pain. Arrogant Lusabenma, You haven’t killed a single Ling soldier, Your horse ran in vain, Escaping shamefully for your life. Lusabenma, you little coward, Running to Ling’s camp for no reason— This is an insult to Ling’s warriors! You insulted General Bumba, Dared to challenge Anu Sipan, And committed countless crimes, Angering me, Minister Danma. For this reason, on this day, Before the heroes of Ling, I swear an oath of blood. Before night falls today, If I don’t bring back Lusabenma’s bloody head, Then Danma is no better than a corpse." Danma’s Arrow Strikes Lusabenma As soon as Danma finished his song, he released the sacred arrow, which hit Lusabenma right in the heart, at the point between his black and white centers. The arrowhead nearly pierced through his back. However, because Lusabenma was truly a demon’s son, the strike did not kill him immediately. Lusabenma grabbed the arrow embedded in his chest with his left hand, while drawing his “Hala Dongjiao” treasured sword with his right. He raised it above his head and charged at Danma. The two clashed fiercely, locked in battle for a while, but neither could gain the upper hand. Eventually, unable to bear the pain of his arrow wound, Lusabenma turned his horse around and fled. He managed to make it through the gates of Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, but as soon as he entered, he fell from his horse and died on the spot. Hero Danma Jangcha thought to himself: I’ve never seen such a demon, pierced through the heart by an arrow, yet still able to fight on with such ferocity. Although I didn’t bring back his head, there’s no way he will survive. This is enough to bring joy to the people of Ling. Satisfied, Danma turned his horse around and returned to camp. The sacred arrow, stained with Lusabenma’s blood, returned safely to its quiver. Danma’s Victory and Ling’s Next Plan When Danma returned to the Ling camp, everyone was overjoyed to see him victorious. Danma addressed the ministers and generals, saying: "Respected rulers and ministers of Ling, today I have achieved a small victory. First, I shot the sacred arrow, the flesh-eating, blood-drinking arrow, into the heart of the demon Lusabenma. Although it did not kill him instantly, he charged at me. We fought fiercely until he turned and fled back to the fortress. While I didn’t bring back his head, I am certain he won’t survive long. Soon, it will all become clear. Brothers and elders of Ling, you can rest easy." Chief Steward, Rongtsa Chagen, responded: "I expected General Danma would achieve this great success, and indeed, it has come to pass! This is excellent news. Now, capturing Chawarong and the Arrow Fortress will be as easy as turning one’s hand. Here’s the plan: At dawn tomorrow, we’ll send Dongchu Lubudapan, one of our bravest heroes, to Chawarong. Anyone who dares stand in his way will lose their head. We’ll wish him swift success. The day after tomorrow, as the sun rises over the mountain peaks, the four divisions of Ling’s army will prepare to march. We’ll surround Dongga Jinzhong Fortress from all sides. The specifics of the attack and troop movements will be discussed in detail later." After Rongtsa Chagen finished speaking, everyone nodded in agreement. At that moment, the divine child of Guomu, dressed in an ill-fitting robe and hat, appeared in the Ling camp silently, unnoticed by anyone. He declared: "People of Upper Chamoling! Danma’s skills are exceptional, and that demon Lusabenma is already dead." After speaking, he vanished in an instant. Lusabenma’s Death and King Nangwa’s Fury When Chawarong’s ministers and generals heard of Lusabenma’s death, they felt as though their hearts had been ripped out. Overwhelmed with sorrow, they prepared Lusabenma’s body with great care. King Nangwa, devastated by the loss, wept uncontrollably, his tears falling like broken strings of pearls. His breathing was labored, like the snorting of a wild ox. His shoulders twitched as if stung by a bee, and he clenched his teeth in fury. He roared: "Ah! Officials of Chawarong, we have reached this point now. My dear brother Lusabenma—having him was like having everything; without him, we have lost it all. Today, his defeat on the battlefield is like losing my entire kingdom. Without my brother Lusabenma, there is no joy in my life. Tomorrow morning, I will confront Ling’s Bumba Gyatsa and Danma myself. First, I will eat their flesh while it’s still warm. Second, I will drink their blood while it’s fresh. Third, I will die on the battlefield as a warrior of Nangla. If none of these three outcomes happen, I will no longer consider myself human!" The king paced back and forth in rage, unable to sit still. Despite the ministers’ repeated efforts to comfort him, his anger remained unrelenting. King Nangwa's War Declaration At dawn the next day, King Nangwa of Chawarong donned his full armor, armed himself with a sword, arrows, and a spear, and mounted his warhorse, “Norbu Choegye.” Two of his top generals followed closely behind, leading one hundred elite cavalrymen toward the Ling camp. When the Ling camp saw the approaching enemy, their heroes quickly prepared for battle and stood ready. The Chawarong forces charged directly at Bumba Gyatsa’s right camp. Bumba and Minister Danma rode out to meet the attack. King Nangwa drew his treasured sword, “Nyetso Gumu,” raised it high above his head, and began to sing: "Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. I pray to the gods of the heavenly palace above, To the nine-eyed deity of the celestial realm, To the Vajra White Mule deity of Chawarong, And to the twelve guardian deities of the mountains below. Help me, King Nangwa, achieve victory today. If you don’t know where this is, This is at the mouth of Mount Nangre in Chawarong. If you don’t know who I am, I am King Nangwa, ruler of the mortal world, Whose name is celebrated across the four seas. You call me the King of Gods, My power surpasses that of Brahma, Therefore, I am called King Nangwa. My wealth and glory rival the Dragon King, My courage and strength outshine the Lion King, My fame spreads farther than the roar of crystal dragons. My armies are as numerous as grains of sand, My palace is as indestructible as adamantine rock, My power and status are beyond measure. I am the King of Chawarong, Nangwa. All neighboring nations, far and wide, Respect and adore me sincerely, Not out of superficial flattery. Who dares to encroach upon my borders? Only the beggar soldiers of Ling, Who have invaded Chawarong without reason. Chawarong, this land of peace like milk and cheese, Has been stained red with blood by the Ling invaders. The ministers and generals of Chawarong, Especially my dear brother Lusabenma, Were loyal to me, their king. Yet the vile Danma killed my brother with his arrow. The Ling people have committed unforgivable sins. On this very day, For the fallen soldiers of Chawarong, If I cannot avenge this blood feud, Then I, the king, have no reason to live. Generals of the Ling camps, If you have any bravery, step forward. Today, I will see who is a true hero. Defeat me, Nangwa, if you dare. If I lose, I will admit my defeat. Who wins and who loses will be decided today. This chaotic and senseless war, Is nothing but a waste of innocent lives. Now, let me share some metaphors: Before the great roc soars into the sky, The eagle thinks itself extraordinary. But when it sees the roc, The eagle’s skills pale in comparison. Before hearing the snow lion’s roar, The tiger believes its claws are supreme. But when the snow lion releases its mighty roar, The tiger cowers, unable to show its strength. Before seeing the white-lipped deer run, The domestic horse believes itself fast. But when the deer begins its long run, The horse dares not compete. Before the green cuckoo sings, The lark thinks its voice unmatched. But when the cuckoo’s melody fills the air, The lark falls silent in shame. Until I, King Nangwa, enter the battlefield, The Ling rulers think they are invincible. But today, Nangwa has arrived. Let’s see who dares to face me! Soon, the truth will be clear. Listen, I have more to say: I am like the rising sun in the east, Shining upon the four divisions of Ling. As long as darkness exists, I will rise every day to drive away the evil shadows. I am the white wolf of the mountain pass, Roaming far and wide, devouring sheep. Until the flocks are devoured completely, I will continue to cross mountains and valleys. I am a skilled falcon in the skies, Catching sparrows wherever I go. Until every last sparrow is caught, I will not stop my hunt. I, King Nangwa of Chawarong, Will trample the Ling camp into a river of blood. Until every Ling soldier is eradicated, I will continue my search and destroy them all. You Ling bandits, Why have you come to Chawarong? Could it be that your Ling tribes Have been struck by disaster and famine? Are your stomachs growling from hunger, Forcing you to beg and scavenge in Chawarong? Otherwise, you have no excuse To set foot on my lands. For this reason, in the past few days, I have shown restraint and ignored you. Chawarong and Ling Should never have gone to war without reason. But my restraint was mistaken for weakness, And you pressed your advantage. Do you think I am easy to bully? Today, I, King Nangwa, Have come to your Ling camp for the first time. Let’s see if my courage is enough. Leaders of the Ling tribes, Have you thought about what will happen next? The wise submit to the times. Surrender now, raise your white flags, Remove your helmets, and beg for mercy. Otherwise, starting from today, First, the Ling camp will be filled with corpses. Second, rivers of blood will flow. Third, you will cry out in regret. If I fail to fulfill these promises, I am no longer worthy of being called a god. I’ve heard only two small warriors Dare to challenge me. Though I’ve never met them, I assume they are Bumba Gyatsa And Danma. If so, it’s like this: I, the eagle, have come from the horizon, And encountered this tall white rock. You, the towering white rock, Are the perfect place for me to land. I, the hunter, have come from the foothills, And encountered you, the deer. You, the proud stag on the mountain ridge, Are the perfect target for my arrow. I, the fisherman, have come to the great river, And encountered you, the fish. You, the greedy little fish, Are the perfect catch for my hook. I, King Nangwa, have come to the Ling camp, And encountered you, the hero. Bumba Gyatsa, you’ve come to the battlefield today, Giving me the perfect chance to avenge my brother. As for cowardly Danma, Who hides in the shadows with his arrows, He killed Lusabenma with a sneak attack. A true hero fights face to face with a sword. Today, I will turn you both into spoils of war. With my sharp blade, I will cut you into pieces. If I fail to do so, Then I, Nangwa, am no better than a dog!" Bumba Gyatsa's Taunt Song and the Start of Battle Just as Nangwa finished his war song, General Danma was about to respond, but Bumba Gyatsa seized the opportunity and sang a short, mocking song: "Rua Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. I pray to the unfailing Three Jewels, With the calmness of the Dharmakaya, With fierce and terrifying power, And the ability to subdue demons. May the protector spirits help me succeed! If you don’t know where this is, This is Chawarong, Where Chawarong will face defeat, And Ling will claim victory! If you don’t know who I am, I am from the divine land of Eastern Ling, The indestructible fortress of silver water and iron walls. My name is Bumba Gyatsa. Like the evergreen sandalwood in the forest, Like the nectar of rivers, I am among the top generals of Ling! Since the day my beloved mother gave birth to me, From the time I left her arms, I’ve fought countless battles, And I’ve never lost to anyone. Especially now, in this year, Leading the army into Chawarong, We’ve killed so many of your soldiers and leaders, That no one dares leave their homes, And even your civilians were scattered Like sand washed away by a great flood. And just yesterday afternoon, General Danma went to the battlefield, And Lusabenma, your brother, lost his life. The remaining ministers of Chawarong, All wept bitterly, Crying and wailing in their palace courtyards. Tell me, King Nangwa— How does it feel? You heartless king, Watching your soldiers and generals die, Were you sick or hiding in a dark room? Why did you only show up today? Today, you’re here on the battlefield, But not because you’re a hero. You’re only here because you had no choice! In Tibet, there’s an old saying: ‘A widowed woman, Forced to pick up a bow and arrow because her man’s gone; A lonely bachelor, Forced to do housework because his wife’s gone.’ How fitting this is for you, King Nangwa! You want to sit securely on your throne, But it’s unstable. You want to flee, But you’re afraid of being mocked. With no one else to fight for you, You’ve been forced to come here in a panic. Today, you’re pretending to be a hero, But in front of me, Bumba Gyatsa, What is a little ‘god’ like you? Even if Brahma himself came, I wouldn’t lose to him! Let me give you some advice: When the great forest is burned to ashes, The tiger weeps bitterly. Its beautiful pelt Is taken to adorn armor. When a rock is struck by lightning, The hawk mourns in grief. Its white feathers Are taken to decorate arrows. When a lake dries up, The golden fish grieves. Its tender flesh Becomes a hero’s feast. Chawarong lies in ruins, And you, Nangwa, are in pain. But your heart, lungs, and liver Will soon become trophies for the heroes of Ling. How does that make you feel? You brag and boast, But if you can’t follow through, It’s better to stay silent. From the start of the war between Ling and Chawarong, What advantage has Chawarong gained? Tarchu Tola Tsampo, the loyal son of Ling, Sacrificed his life for his country. Apart from that, the Ling soldiers and generals, Are still full of energy and unharmed. But your so-called geniuses of Chawarong, From Lusabenma to your armored mercenaries, How many of them have died? Can you even count? Yet you still boast shamelessly! You call yourself the sun of the heavens, Wanting to shine upon Ling. But now you’ve fallen into a celestial wolf’s jaws. Let’s see if you can chase away the darkness. You, the white wolf of the mountain pass, Dream of devouring the sheep, But today you’ve met a slinging whip, And the sheep remain untouched. You, the iron-beaked falcon, Dream of capturing all the sparrows, But today, you’ve been pierced by a poisoned thorn, And the sparrows escape unharmed. You, King Nangwa of Chawarong, Dream of destroying the Ling camp, Yet your life will end in my hands, And you’ll realize you cannot win. Your tiny Chawarong may let you act arrogant, But here in Ling’s territory, That won’t work. Ling is a divine land, Home to the children of the heavens. Our power and status rival the gods, And defeating demons is our destiny. Especially the divine child, Joru, Though young, His skills are unmatched, And he has divine powers. Soon, he will: Subdue all demons in Jambudvipa, Spread the Dharma to save all beings, Conquer Tibet’s eighteen regions, Unite all of Jambudvipa. To achieve these four great deeds, He will need resources. The sacred treasure of the Thin-Neck Arrow, Buried in your southern Chawarong by Guru Padmasambhava, Belongs to Ling. This inheritance must pass to its rightful heirs. Once the arrow treasure is retrieved, We will easily capture Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. The demon king will be subdued, And the Dharma will flourish in the land of devils. Whether you agree or not, These events will come to pass. Remember my words!" As soon as Bumba Gyatsa finished his song, he and Danma charged at King Nangwa and his two generals. Swords clashed and sparks flew as the battle began. Aftermath of the Battle and Ling's Next Move After Bumba Gyatsa’s sword shattered pieces of King Nangwa’s armor, and the fierce clash with Wenbu Chixiong Guobo led to the latter’s death, the battlefield descended into chaos. Meanwhile, Danma Jangcha was locked in a heated duel with Chawarong’s general, Adan Chonzha. Their battle was evenly matched, with neither able to gain the upper hand. As the two fought, two additional Ling generals, Barasenda Adong and Gadru Chujiong Benna, rushed out from the front lines. Seeing this, Adan Chonzha realized he was about to be surrounded. He quickly turned his horse and retreated back toward King Nangwa. At that moment, Niancha Adan, stationed at the left flank of the Ling forces, fired a golden-feathered arrow. The arrow struck Adan Chonzha directly in the heart, knocking him off his horse and killing him instantly. King Nangwa and his remaining general, Yongzhu Raosai, regrouped their shattered forces at the left camp. However, Ling generals Anu Sipan, Niancha Adan, Lubudapan, and other heroes charged in relentlessly, while Bumba Gyatsa and Danma also pressed the attack. The Chawarong soldiers suffered heavy casualties and were utterly defeated. The Ling army surrounded King Nangwa, attacking him with swords and arrows, but none of their attacks could harm him. Even so, the Ling forces suffered over a hundred casualties in the fierce battle. Yongzhu Raosai, protecting King Nangwa, led a desperate retreat. They turned their horses, whipped up a fierce wind, and escaped through the front lines. The Ling soldiers pursued them for some time before returning to camp. In this battle, Chawarong lost more than seventy soldiers and two leading generals. King Nangwa and his surviving troops retreated to Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. Once back inside the castle, they sat down to drink and discuss their dire situation. Meanwhile, the Ling forces were also mourning the loss of Wenbu Chixiong Guobo, one of their most distinguished warriors. Bumba Gyatsa addressed the Ling leaders: "Comrades, Wenbu Chixiong Guobo was one of our most elite warriors among tens of thousands of soldiers. Today, he fell to King Nangwa’s sword, and we also lost over a hundred men. If we continue to delay like this, the enemy will only grow bolder. Therefore, we must act quickly and follow the plan set by Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen two days ago. Starting tomorrow, we will mobilize all our forces and surround Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. No one who dares to leave the fortress will be allowed to escape alive. As for King Nangwa, leave him to me, Bumba Gyatsa. None of you need to interfere. Within seven days, we will annihilate the enemy completely. As for the collection of the Thin-Neck Arrow treasure, we will discuss that later. Brothers, remember this well." All the Ling generals and elders nodded in agreement. Mobilization of the Ling Army At dawn the next day, the four divisions of the Ling army began their preparations. Soldiers donned their armor, ate their fill, saddled their horses, packed their tents, and loaded their supplies. Everything was ready. Danma Jangcha led the vanguard, marching at the front of the army. Bumba Gyatsa commanded the rear, his banners fluttering like rainbows, his weapons gleaming with radiant light. The sight of the Ling army was awe-inspiring — their warhorses neighed, their hooves thundered, and their ranks marched in perfect order with an air of unshakable confidence. Meanwhile, King Nangwa stood on the balcony of Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, observing the Ling army advancing toward the “Zhejong Gong’a” pass. Seeing the enemy forces fully mobilized, he thought: “Ah! Ah! The entire Ling army has come out. It seems they are planning to surround Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. If I fight today, not only will we fail to achieve victory, but we will also suffer an even greater defeat. If only my dear brother Lusabenma were here, we could discuss a strategy and strike back at the enemy. But now he’s gone, and all my generals have perished at the hands of the Ling soldiers. What can I do now? As the king, it’s up to me to decide how to fight. While I’m still alive, I’ll try to kill as many Ling soldiers as I can. If I can take Bumba Gyatsa or Anu Sipan with me to the grave, that would be ideal. If not, I’ll try to kill Danma or any other Ling general. Even if I die in the end, I will have no regrets.” King Nangwa's Lament to the Gods King Nangwa, overwhelmed with anger and grief, turned to his attendants and sang a lament: "Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. High in the skies beyond the clouds, O powerless nine-eyed deity, Why do you not see my suffering? Have all your nine eyes been gouged out? In the rainbow-draped heavens, O land goddess Gawa Wangmu, Why are you kind to the enemy but cruel to me? Your love and hate are reversed, your judgment twisted. In this sturdy fortress, You, the mighty Dorje Dzongkar deity, Have allowed wolves into my home, And handed over Chawarong’s wealth to the enemy. People of Chawarong, Even if you offended the gods in some way, How could they bring such disaster upon you? The enemy commits countless atrocities, Yet you do not so much as say a word. Chawarong’s dragons and demons, Bowing their heads and cowering in fear, Have disgraced us all. All those years of pious offerings to you— When we needed you most, they were useless. From now on, I will no longer rely on you. You have fulfilled the wishes of the Ling people, And now you continue to protect them. Until the Ling people are fully satisfied, You will not lift a finger for Chawarong. Do as you please—I will not beg anymore." Turning to his attendants, King Nangwa continued: "Listen, my loyal subjects, I have something to say to you. Look at the dark clouds gathering on the horizon, The bright sun now obscured. Look at the frost blanketing the grasslands, Crushing countless small flowers. Look at the forest engulfed in flames, The animals within fleeing for their lives. Look at the fishermen surrounding the lake, The golden fish now in danger. Look at the Ling army closing in on us, Our palace completely surrounded. Isn’t this the truth, my people? Tell me your thoughts. All living beings, whether high or low, Treasure their lives and fear death. No one wishes to lose their life. Yet this endless war between Ling and Chawarong Is not because I, King Nangla, Fear death or refuse to fight. People of Chawarong, You have four fundamental rights: The right to personal freedom, The right to act as you see fit, The right to inherit your parents’ legacy, The right to move freely and decide your own fate. Will these rights survive the war? Ministers and generals, We must act with unity of purpose. Our war is one for self-defense, And this must remain clear. Yet in this cursed year, Everything we do seems to go wrong. Our soldiers are brave, Our weapons remain sharp and unbroken. But fighting the Ling army is like striking a mountain with a rock, While their blades cut through us like butter." Reflecting on past battles, he continued: "In recent days, Our generals have charged into battle, Sacrificing themselves without hesitation. Our heroes fought valiantly on the battlefield, Yet we achieved no victories. Instead, we lost Lusabenma, Alongside many other brave warriors, And countless soldiers. Facing the Ling army now, We truly cannot compete. Therefore, I offer this advice: To the remaining generals and soldiers, Before we all meet our end, Go now to the Ling camp and surrender. These are my heartfelt words, Worth listening to and acting upon. I am not speaking out of cowardice, But from careful consideration of the consequences. If we continue this war, We have no chance of victory. Let us not foolishly persist, Causing even greater sacrifices for no reason." Turning to his general Yongzhu Raosai, Nangwa said: "General Yongzhu Raosai, Do not follow me, King Nangwa, Into battle. Stay behind and guard the palace. If Dongga Jinzhong Fortress Falls to the Ling forces one day, Welcome them with open arms and hospitality. Empress Yangmin Tso, Lead our attendants and citizens. Work tirelessly to secure peace for our homeland. Think of all possible ways to negotiate. As for me, King Nangwa, Even if I die a thousand times, I will avenge this blood feud. Even in death, I will not regret it. Bumba Gyatsa and I Are evenly matched in courage and skill. I will settle this with him today, Fighting to the death if necessary. To the soldiers who remain, Do not accompany me to the battlefield. Do not join me in the afterlife. Remember what I have said; It will be to your benefit." King Nangwa then addressed his people with final instructions: "Do not grieve or shed tears. Open the storerooms, Take out butter, cheese, tea, wine, fresh milk, and meat. Gather everyone together, And hold a grand feast. When the Ling forces arrive, Do not cry or wail. There is no reason to celebrate, But despair serves no purpose either. Look at the Ling army advancing on the Zhejong Gong’a pass— Their banners fluttering in the wind, Their silver armor shining brightly. Their heroes march in perfect formation, Displaying an awe-inspiring might. Oh, the people of Ling! Your army is well-trained and disciplined. At first glance, they command respect. Among all these heroes, Who among you can recognize them? Observe them carefully, And remember what you see." General Yongzhu Rosai's Observation After closely observing the Ling army’s formation, General Yongzhu Raosai reported to King Nangwa: "Your Majesty, I have carefully identified the leaders and troops of the Ling army. Here’s what I know." He then sang the following song: "Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re." If you don’t know where this is, This is the Dongga Jinzhong Palace, The grand and bright royal residence, Where the ruler sits on the highest seat. Surely, everyone knows me, My name is Yongzhu Raosai. Since I was thirteen years old, I have served the kings of Chawarong, Supporting the royal court. Back when the old king was alive, I traveled far and often for trade, Bringing back gold, silk, and precious gems, Rare and priceless treasures of the world. The royal treasury overflowed with riches, As abundant as the wealth of dragon kings. Then, when you, Prince Nangwa, Grew to adulthood and ascended the throne, The kingdom flourished under your rule. You guided Chawarong with order and strength, And I sat proudly among the court ministers. Thanks to your favor, I was made the chief among the ministers. You entrusted me with all major affairs, And showed me great kindness. The people respected me, My colleagues trusted me, But all of this was not my doing— It was due to your good fortune. As a minister, I may lack bravery or wisdom, Yet I have always been loyal and diligent. I have never once acted with a divided heart, And I have worked tirelessly for your reign. Whatever you needed done, I made it happen. However, this year has been different. As Your Majesty said, No matter what we try to do, Everything goes wrong. Even so, I have never lost hope. In this war we are fighting now, It is not because the ruler and ministers are unaligned, Nor because our strategies are flawed, Nor because our tactics are in conflict, Nor because our soldiers lack courage. Yet, we have not won a single victory— It is all due to fate, which is difficult to resist. Your Majesty, you are our savior, Always thinking ahead and planning carefully. For the queen, the soldiers, and the people, You have arranged a path of retreat, Offering us guidance and wisdom. This course of action is necessary, But the time to act has not yet come. You, the king, are preparing for a final stand, While your soldiers and subjects surrender. But how can such a thing happen in this world? Against our mortal enemies, the Ling army, You, my king, should remain in the fortress, While we, your generals, fight to the death. If all efforts fail, And the Ling army breaks into the fortress, Then, Your Majesty, When you are forced to fight them yourself, I, General Yongzhu Raosai, Swear to live and die by your side. If I do not remain loyal to my king, What is the point of living in this world? I ask Your Majesty to remember this. Now, let me report on the Ling army. The invading Ling generals and their troops— I know them well. Do you ask how I know this? In my younger years, I often traveled to Upper Ling for trade. I dealt with the generals of the six Ling tribes, Exchanging goods and learning about their forces. I have also studied their records. Last time, when we raided Ling, We took the opportunity to gather more intelligence. Your Majesty, look over there— By the "Zhejong Gong’a" road. In the front of the first formation, That blue horse racing like a cuckoo, Praised by all as "Odzhu Damba," Carries the furious dragon-like rider. That is the old general, Danma Jangcha. Leading a thousand men in blue helmets and banners, They are the father-and-son troops of Danma. Behind them is a rider on a golden-yellow horse, A fearless warrior dressed in golden armor. That is the great general, Niben Daya, as strong as an iron hammer. His horse, swift like a golden bird, Is called "Amba Segong." Behind him are a thousand men in yellow helmets and banners, The warriors of the Seba tribe. Following them is a white knight, With a bright and clean face, Wearing shining gold and jade earrings. He is Barasenda Adong. His slow-moving white horse, Is called "Dongri Daga." Behind him are a thousand men in white helmets and banners, The heroes of the Gongri tribe. Next is a black warrior, A famous strongman. His name is Anu Sipan. His black horse, fast as a mountain wind, Is called "Boro Dongqiang." Then there is a white-faced knight, With a face glowing like a conch shell, Urging his horse forward with his heels. That is the hero, Niancha Adan. His mighty horse, Is called "Gangri Jiangze." Behind him is a brown knight, Skilled in dark magic and trickery. He casts "Soka" to defeat his enemies. That is the unmatched uncle, Chao Tong. His horse, Is called "Gugu Raozong." Following him are a thousand men in red helmets and banners, The warriors of the Dazhong division. Next comes a black knight, His hair wild and unkempt, wearing no helmet. Wrapped in a black cloak, without armor, He possesses the strength to move mountains, And the power to summon and control spirits. His name is Chujiong Benna. His swift horse, Is called "Longna Jiejue." Behind him are a thousand men in black helmets and banners, The father-and-son troops of the Gaju tribe. Next is a gray knight, A master strategist with unparalleled skill. His name is Rongtsa Chagen. His red horse, Is called "Xiajiang Zheguo." Next comes a purple knight, Wielding the "Poisonous Snake" spear, Charging fearlessly into enemy camps. His name is Dapan, feared by gods and demons. His horse, Is called "Zhili Zaodiao." Behind him are a thousand men in white helmets and banners, The warriors of the Qiongjumu division. Finally, there is a red knight, His face bright red like blood. Charging into battle like a demon, His name is Cairi Zegui. His horse, Is called "Phoenix Wing Red." Behind him are a thousand men in red helmets and banners, The soldiers of the Zhenju Wenbu division. At the rear of the four Ling divisions, There is a young hero with a pale face. His name is Bemba Gyacha, renowned for his skill. His mount is called "White-Shouldered Phoenix." On the vast grasslands of Qiangtang, A horse like this is unmatched. If a mother could give birth to such a child, That alone would be enough. Behind him are three white knights, His personal guards. On the "Zhejong Gong’a" road, The Ling army advances in force. They have clearly come to surround Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. Knowing this, how can we sit idly by? Let everyone here remember what I’ve said." General Yongzhu Raosai’s Reflection and the Ling Army’s Encirclement After finishing his song, General Yongzhu Raosai thought to himself: "Facing such a fierce and overwhelming Ling army, it is indeed difficult to resist. Right now, the only option left is for the king to lead all of us—his ministers, subjects, and citizens—to surrender. If we surrender, though we will become part of Ling, the ruler and his ministers will still be treated according to their ranks and given appropriate respect. Moreover, we will be allowed to manage our own affairs under the governance of the 'White Doctrine of Virtue. However, the king does not believe in the White Doctrine of Virtue and has grown stubbornly arrogant. If I present this reasoning to him, it will only make him angrier. Therefore, I can only follow along with the king’s decisions. Sigh! This is such a difficult situation." The ministers and soldiers could only watch helplessly as the Ling army surrounded them on all sides. Following the king’s orders, a grand feast was prepared for all the soldiers inside the fortress. Everyone ate and drank to their hearts’ content. The king also distributed gold, silver, jade, agate, silk, and weapons according to their needs, as a way to encourage them. As a result, the generals and attendants competed eagerly, each declaring their desire to kill the enemy and achieve merit. The fortress was filled with loud cheers and excitement. Meanwhile, the Ling army began deploying their forces, using every possible means to control all the roads in and out of Chawarong. They stationed soldiers to block any escape routes. Like a flood, their troops poured into the area facing Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, setting up camp on the “Lure Xitang” dam. The entire plain was covered with white tents, warhorses roamed the hillsides, and soldiers fetching water moved like hopping sparrows. Those gathering firewood resembled rolling boulders. The steam from their tea was as thick as smoke, and the cooking fires filled the sky with haze. The scene was chaotic and overwhelming, dazzling to the eye and terrifying to behold. The Ling army’s dark mass surrounded the fortress so tightly that not even water or air could pass through. Danma Jangcha's Battle and Song The next day, General Danma Jangcha of Ling, fully armed and dressed for battle, charged towards Dongga Jinzhong Fortress like a cuckoo flying into the sky. Chawarong's General Darezhi Kase led more than twenty cavalrymen out of the fortress gate to confront him. As they approached, Darezhi Kase drew his sword, raised it to the sky without saying a word, and charged at Danma. Danma also unsheathed his sword, and the two fought fiercely for a while, but neither could gain the upper hand. Danma thought to himself: "This man can only be defeated with strategy, not brute force." He quickly dodged to the left and struck down six or seven of Darezhi Kase's soldiers from behind. The remaining soldiers scattered and fled. Taking advantage of the chaos, Danma distanced himself from the Chawarong general. Once he had created enough space, he swiftly drew his "Flesh-Eating White-Feathered" divine arrow, placed it on his bowstring, and sang a short song to inspire the arrow: "Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re." If you don’t know where this is, This is outside the gates of Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. If you don’t know who I am, I am the great general Danma Jangcha of Ling. Listen, little demon general of Chawarong, Today, between the two of us, Though we have crossed swords, Neither of us has managed to kill the other. Arrows, spears, and swords— If you don’t know how to use them, Why carry them on your body? When a bamboo shaft becomes the Thin-Neck Arrow, Does a sharp sickle hurt more than this arrow? When its black feather is fastened, Is there anything lighter than this arrow? When its iron tip is fixed, Is there anything deadlier than this arrow? When its tail is painted with red vermilion, Is there anything more beautiful than this arrow? When it is placed in your quiver, Is there anything warmer than this arrow? When it is drawn on the bowstring, Does anything else desire to fly as much as this arrow? Thin-Neck Arrow, where will you go? If you fly high, strike the enemy’s forehead, Drink his fresh blood and spill his brains. If you fly low, strike the enemy’s chest, Suck his heart’s blood to your fill. If my arrow does not hit its mark, How can I call myself a divine archer? If the arrow fails to reach its target, My arm and thumb lack the strength. If it misses its intended prey, Then call me a blind archer. You, "Flesh-Eating White-Feathered Arrow," Since you love to devour flesh, Quickly fly to the enemy and claim your feast. To satisfy your thirst for fresh blood, Go swiftly and drink the enemy’s heart blood. O gods of heaven and earth who protect good deeds, O almighty deity "Weerma," O guardian deity of the virtuous Ling land, Guide my arrow straight to its target, And chase down the enemy’s soul." Danma Jangcha's Arrow and the Afteramath As the song ended, Danma Jangcha released his arrow. It flew straight into the forehead of Chawarong’s General Darezhi Kase, striking the exact center of the cross on his helmet. The arrow pierced through, flinging his skull and helmet into the air, and he fell off his horse, dead. The remaining soldiers, seeing this, dared not approach Danma. They only shot arrows at him from a distance, but despite their efforts, which rained down on him like hail, Danma remained unharmed—his armor and the protection of the guardian deities shielded him completely. Wielding his sword, Danma charged at the Chawarong soldiers, shouting “Go-he-he!” as he cut down nine more warriors in quick succession. The remaining five soldiers fled back to the fortress in terror. When Danma returned to the Ling camp, he was greeted with a celebration by his comrades. Meanwhile, in the Chawarong fortress, the king and his ministers held a meeting. King Nangwa said: “Didn’t I warn you yesterday? Sending our soldiers to battle is just sending them to their deaths. You didn’t believe me, did you? Now look—today, at the hands of just one Ling general, we’ve lost General Darezhi Kase and fifteen more soldiers. The Ling army is overwhelming, and we can’t hold out for even a moment. Therefore, starting tomorrow, I, Nangla, will personally go to the Ling camp and fight them to the death. If we keep dragging this out, we’ll only waste more lives, and there will be no good outcome. Everyone, remember what I’ve said!” Hearing this, everyone in the room fell silent and frowned. No one could come up with a solution. The Queen's Plea At this moment, Queen Yang Mintso thought to herself: "Is King Nangwa being influenced by the gods of Ling, or has his life already reached its limit? Why is it that no one can change his determination to go to war? But as his queen, it is my duty to voice my thoughts, or I will regret keeping silent. How can I sit still while this continues?" The queen then presented the king with the longest khata (ceremonial scarf) in the land and sang the following song: "Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re." I pray to the white "Nangte" gods of the heavens, To the black "Sate" gods of the underworld, And to the flower "Bate" gods of the human world, The three sister goddesses of the Jade Mountain. If you don’t know where this is, This is the palace of Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. In front of King Nangwa’s throne, Surely, you know who I am. I was born in the purple land of Jiang, The younger sister of the official Tsarma. I married into Chawarong, To be Queen of King Nangwa. In the past, Nangwa’s status was as high as the heavens. Ministers and generals stood in rows, The nation was prosperous and wealthy. Inside, there was peace; outside, no enemies. In those happy and prosperous days, I thought I could live my life in joy, Never imagining that such a day would come. Life is full of unexpected sorrows. But now, this year, The Ling army has spread across Chawarong like a plague. They accuse us of theft and murder, Claiming they came here for the Arrow Fortress. Using lies and false excuses, They aim to swallow our kingdom whole. They killed General Lusa of Chawarong, Along with many soldiers and servants. They have deployed a massive army to siege our fortress. Sooner or later, they will kill you, my king, Like a cat waiting to pounce on a mouse. Yet you, King Nangwa, Are rushing to the battlefield recklessly. No good fortune will come of this. As your queen, Yang Mintso, I can neither eat during the day Nor sleep at night. I don’t know what to do. Ministers like Yongzhu Raosai, And all the attendants and generals, Do any of you have a better idea? In peaceful times, Everyone is sharp and full of ideas. But now that we face a crisis, No one dares to step forward or speak. From my perspective, Regardless of past victories or defeats, The outcome of this war is already clear— The king has resolved to surrender to Ling. Let us follow your decision. There’s no need for you, King Nangwa, To stubbornly fight on the battlefield anymore. Let the ruler and his ministers stay together— Living is better than dying. Please, my king, think carefully. From now on, when dealing with Ling troops, Avoid confrontation and seek negotiations. Preserve your position, And consider the survival of Chawarong. Though life may not be as it was before, It will still go on. Let me give an example: In the spring, young grass may wither in a drought, But as long as its roots remain, It will sprout again. In summer, the green cuckoo may fall silent, But as long as it survives, It will sing again next year. In autumn, willow trees may shed their leaves, But as long as the trunk stays alive, It will bud again the following spring. Though your power, King Nangwa, Has been taken by Ling, As long as you live, There will be a chance to reclaim it. For the remaining ministers and soldiers, Let us all work to survive together. If you cannot endure life under Ling rule, Then, after the war is over, You can go to Jiang’s lands. Unite with my brother, Tsarma, And King Sadan— Gather an army of tens of thousands, And erase Ling from existence. This is my heartfelt advice, My king, please consider it. If my song is wrong, forgive me. If my voice is off, I repent. Please, my king, remember my words." The King's Decision and Final Battle After the queen finished her song, the ministers and generals unanimously agreed that following Queen Yang Mintso's advice would be the best course of action, both for the present and the future. Everyone tried to persuade King Nangwa, but the king was adamant about not surrendering to the Ling army. He said: "You, my queen and generals, all agree to follow my proposal, which is good. It eases my mind, and so it is decided. However, as for me, Nangwa, I cannot bear to lower myself before those despicable Ling people. I wouldn’t survive a single day under such humiliation. Do not try to persuade me further. If I die, Queen Yang Mintso and General Yongzhu Raosai, you must work together to find a proper way to lead the people. Unite them and avoid letting them live as wandering exiles. Fight for autonomy and ensure that they can live in their homeland. I have nothing more to say. Go and carry out my orders." Hearing these words, everyone left the room with heavy hearts, overcome with worry. The King's Final Charge Early the next morning, King Nangwa fully armed himself, mounted his warhorse "Norbu Chongxue," and left the palace gates alone. After taking only a few steps, three commanders—Damu Aqin, Yamei Senqiong Rawei, and young general Dama Daodeng—led 360 elite cavalrymen in a daring charge to follow him. They surged behind the king like a hailstorm, their arrival shaking the earth and mountains. Surrounded by so many soldiers, Nangwa thought to himself: "The more people, the greater the casualties. This will only harm us. Why won’t they listen to me? Sigh! What else can I do?" When the Chawarong king and his army approached the Ling camp, the Ling soldiers were already fully prepared. Their generals stood ready at the gates, bows drawn, forming a tense and disciplined formation. Suddenly, Ling general Bumba Gyatsa Xiega charged straight at the Chawarong forces. Seeing Bumba, King Nangwa’s anger flared. He drew his sword, spurred his horse forward, and charged like a whirlwind, breaking through his own ranks. The two enemies, filled with hatred, said nothing and immediately clashed in battle. King Nangwa swung his sword and managed to slice off several pieces of armor from Bumba’s right arm. Enraged, Bumba leaned forward on his horse and shouted: “Ah! You, Nangwa King, today, one of us must die! If I, Bumba, don’t settle this, I am no man!” He then raised his sharp "Yasi Gachen" sword and struck with full force. It was as if fate had sealed King Nangwa’s doom—the sword landed squarely on Nangwa’s helmet plume, splitting his skull in two. The king fell lifelessly from his horse. The Fall of Chawarong When the Ling soldiers saw King Nangwa fall, they raised their flags and cheered loudly, shouting: “Today, we will kill every Chawarong demon! Kill those who resist and capture the rest alive—don’t let even one escape!” Except for a few older soldiers left to guard the camp, the entire Ling army mounted their horses and surrounded the Chawarong forces like an iron ring. The Chawarong soldiers, trapped in a rain of spears and arrows, suffered heavy casualties. Seeing their king killed, the Chawarong soldiers were devastated, their hearts burning with grief and anger. Ignoring their own safety, they fiercely fought back with arrows, spears, and swords. In the chaos, bodies piled up, and rivers of blood flowed. General Damu Aqin killed many Ling soldiers before being confronted by Darong Anu Sipan, who wielded the "Dongnalisen" sword. Anu Sipan struck Damu Aqin on the neck, severing his head cleanly as if cutting a plant stem. Young general Dama Daodeng rushed at Anu Sipan, attacking with three sword strikes, but none landed. Anu Sipan thought: “This one is strong. I’ll capture him alive to show everyone.” However, as Anu Sipan reached for his scabbard, Dama Daodeng turned his horse and fled. Fighting alongside Senqiong Rawei, Dama Daodeng broke through the Ling lines, killing 37 Muba soldiers along the way. The Ling forces could not stop them, and they led 130 Chawarong soldiers out of the encirclement. Muba captain Nangchi Laga engaged Dama Daodeng in combat. Dama Daodeng slashed Nangchi Laga’s left leg, causing blood to gush out. Laga, biting his lip, stabbed Dama Daodeng in the chest, driving his blade through his ribs and out of his back. Both fell from their horses and died together. Meanwhile, Bumba Gyatsa Xiega continued slaughtering Chawarong soldiers. Seeing the heavy losses among the Muba soldiers, he turned his horse and attacked Senqiong Rawei, splitting him in two with a single stroke. By the end of the battle, only 53 Chawarong soldiers were still alive. They were all captured by the Ling army, divided among the camps as prisoners. The Ling soldiers celebrated their victory with a grand feast that lasted three days. Back in the Chawarong fortress, the defeated remnants returned and reported the events. Queen Yang Mintso and the remaining officers were overwhelmed with grief and broke down in tears. General Yongzhu Raosai's Speech and Song After offering words of comfort to the remaining soldiers and elders, General Yongzhu Raosai invited everyone to sit in the meeting hall. He said: “Ah, noble leaders of Chawarong! Even though we are overcome with grief and sorrow, do you think the Ling enemies will pity us? Now that we are among the survivors, let us all offer our thoughts and strategies. I, Yongzhu, will speak first. Consider my words carefully before deciding whether to accept them.” He then sang this song: The deep and boundless blue sky, I pray to the merciful savior, To the faultless Three Jewels, hear me, To the unbiased friend, most just. Please, with your wisdom, look down upon us, Observe the suffering and save these souls. In our overwhelming grief, we call to you— Do not let Nangwa fall into hellish realms. If you don’t know where this is, This is the meeting hall where, In the past, our king and ministers, Gathered in joy to discuss great matters. But today, we are masterless slaves, Stricken with grief, restless in spirit. Joy and sorrow, wealth and poverty, Are never fixed in this world. Not only are we enduring this, It is the same law for all mankind. Therefore, let us broaden our hearts. The ominous defeat we face is certain. It is because King Nangwa’s life has ended, And Chawarong’s people lacked fortune. Delaying further discussion will not help. Bumba Gyatsa of Ling is cruel and tyrannical, His "Yasi Gachen" sword is ruthless and fierce. For these reasons, The sun of our world, King Nangwa, Has gone to another realm, Leaving his servants in endless darkness, Lost and masterless, unable to find a path forward. What should we do? No great ideas come to mind. But I have a last-resort plan to propose: We, the surviving soldiers, Are absolutely no match for the powerful Ling forces. According to King Nangwa’s final wishes, The time to surrender has come. Before the Ling heroes and soldiers Storm our palace and take it by force, Early negotiations are the wisest course. Therefore, at dawn tomorrow, We must send a capable minister To the Ling camp to negotiate. Present them with a white khata scarf, Along with various gifts prepared as offerings. Complete these tasks without delay. The day after tomorrow, the Ling generals Will surely come to the palace. At that time, Queen Yang Mintso, You must take the lead, Alongside the servants and guards, As well as the people of Chawarong. Discuss with them how we might survive. What matters is to endure, Even if just barely. From today onward, The soldiers and young men of Chawarong Must not show any signs of hatred, Nor provoke the Ling people into conflict. Hatred toward the Ling people will achieve nothing. Instead, it will only bring greater harm to ourselves. This is my proposal, Consider whether to accept it. If the remaining Chawarong soldiers, Wish to avenge our kingdom’s humiliation, And fight to the last man, As long as everyone is united, I will not oppose it. But while we still have a choice, Let us carefully consider the consequences. What I propose aligns with King Nangwa’s final wishes. It is meant to protect the lives of many. My words are offered with the best intentions. A single good suggestion, Must be supported by the majority to succeed. If, in the end, there is no way forward, Let us not regret what we have decided together. In the past, even with King Nangwa’s royal guards And all the loyal ministers and servants, We could not prevent the Ling soldiers From achieving victory. The result is now clear. In the Ling camp, Aside from a few minor officers, The famous generals and warriors remain unharmed. If we wish to take revenge, Unity will be essential. Everyone here, remember this in your hearts." General Yongzhu Raosai's Proposal and Journey to the Ling Camp After finishing his song, everyone agreed that surrendering was the best option. No one had the heart to continue fighting. The hall fell silent, with no one saying a word. At this moment, the respected elder Senge Lawang spoke:“Ah, my fellow countrymen! General Yongzhu’s suggestion is very reasonable. I can’t think of a better plan. Tomorrow, when the sun rises, General Yongzhu Raosai, you must prepare to go to the Ling camp. Delaying further will bring us no benefit. Moreover, it’s better to save our captured soldiers from cruel torture as soon as possible.” Everyone agreed with his proposal wholeheartedly. The next day, General Yongzhu Raosai, accompanied by four attendants, set out with three mules loaded with gifts and headed toward the Ling camp. The Ling soldiers, seeing the Chawarong delegation with their mules full of goods approaching, thought to themselves:“They don’t look like they’re coming to fight—they must be coming to negotiate.” While they were discussing among themselves, a Ling commander said:“It’s very likely they’re here to surrender. Stay calm and send a few men to inquire first.” A ten-man leader from the Seba tribe, along with three soldiers, quickly went out to meet the Chawarong delegation. Yongzhu and his attendants hurriedly dismounted and explained in detail their sincerity in coming to surrender. The ten-man leader said:“Very well! Wait here for a while. I’ll report your message to my superiors and get back to you.” The ten-man leader returned to the camp and reported to the overseer and generals, including Anu Sipan and Gyatsa. After discussing the matter, they said:“Go and bring them in.” Yongzhu Presents Gifts and Sings His Prayer Yongzhu Raosai and his four attendants carefully brought the gifts into the Ling camp’s grand tent, where the overseer, Anu Sipan, and Bumba Gyatsa, along with other leaders, were seated according to their ranks. After presenting five colorful khatas (ceremonial scarves) to the overseer and generals, and one white khata to each of the leaders present, Yongzhu held the longest khata in his hands, ready to sing. However, the overseer interrupted him, saying: “Minister, please take a seat and speak.” Yongzhu then sat at the end of the middle row, removed his hat, cleared his throat, and sang the following prayer: "Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re." I sincerely pray to you, To the faultless Three Jewels, To the guardian deity Chawarong Dorje Drakpa, And to the twelve protector deities. Please, with undivided attention, protect me, And help me accomplish this heartfelt task. If you do not know where this is, This is Rure Xietang in Chamoling, The great camp of the celestial Ling army. If you do not know who I am, I am Yongzhu Raosai, a servant of Chawarong, Born in the sacred Dza fortress, Now seventy-four years old. For generations, my family Has faithfully followed the virtuous path. In my younger days, Under the rule of the old king of Chawarong, I traveled far and wide for trade, Even visiting the lands of Upper Ling. Among the elders present here, Many of you seem familiar to me. And what am I now? You may call me Yongzhu Raosai! I am no great strategist, But through life’s experiences, I became a minister. That is the kind of person I am. On this auspicious day, I humbly present myself before the noble elders of Ling. With a khata to lead the way, I am grateful for the chance to express my thoughts. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude. In this celestial camp of Ling, Where the sun and moon shine upon the mountains, And the four divisions are stationed in the heart of the sea, The elders of Ling stand mighty as Mount Meru, While the heroes surround them like golden peaks. The invincible Gyatsa and Anu Sipan, Shine like the sun and moon, Bringing fortune and joy to the Ling kingdom. Your grand white tents are as vast as the sky, Your rulers and ministers are as harmonious as the sun and moon, As steadfast as towering mountains, And as calm as the great seas. Your majestic forms are a sight to behold. In the presence of your mighty authority, I dare not speak carelessly, But can only humbly sing a few words. The soldiers of the six divisions, Who have traveled to this hot, narrow valley, Must have endured great hardships, But your hearts are surely happy for this great mission. Reflecting on the war between Chawarong and Ling, It did not arise without cause or reason. But it need not have come to this. The sacred arrows stored in our arsenal Are not like ordinary arrows. Ling truly needs these arrows, But in this hot valley, Whether we have them or not matters little. Soldiers of Ling, If you wish to obtain these arrows, There is no need for war or bloodshed. If you had needed the Thin-Neck Arrows, You could have sent a letter to request them, Instead of setting up a battlefield. The arrows could have been sent to Ling. Bamboo for making arrows is abundant, And it grows back endlessly. The bamboo of Chawarong will never run out, And as long as there are skilled archers, We could have supplied all the arrows you needed. But, noble rulers and ministers of Ling, Did you ever send someone to deliver such a message? No, and now we face this tragic ending. Early one morning, General Niben Daya arrived in our territory. When the people of Chawarong saw him, They asked where he had come from. We thought he was an official passing through, Perhaps coming to visit King Nangwa of Chawarong. We never imagined He had come to invade our land. To clarify the situation, We sent General Senge Kangtsun to inquire, But before he could say even three sentences, Senge Kangtsun and his men Were all slaughtered in the dust. This enraged the two Nangwa brothers of Chawarong, And so the king, his ministers, and soldiers, Could no longer endure it. They took up arms— How could they stand by and do nothing? This is the origin of the conflict between Ling and Chawarong. Who is to blame for it? I can say no more than this. Since that day until yesterday, Our king, ministers, and soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, Fighting bravely to resist and retaliate. But in the face of the mighty wild yak, How can a black yak hope to prevail? Behind the swift wild horse, How can a domestic horse hope to keep up? In the presence of Ling’s heroes, How could Chawarong generals compete? Before the invincible Gyatsa, How could Nangwa hope to win? The sins of the past were boundless, And today we suffer great calamities in return. Our kingdom is lost, and our king has perished. The wishes of the Ling people will now be fulfilled. The sacred arrows are in your hands without effort, And the soldiers of Chamoling, Celebrate their victory with joy. In the dark and desolate lands surrounding us, The light of virtuous deeds shines bright. This is the perfect moment to spread the White Doctrine of Virtue. I, your humble servant, present three requests: In Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, Widow Queen Yang Mintso, Along with us humble ministers and servants, And the innocent people of Chawarong, Should be treated as equals to your own citizens. Please protect their lives and happiness. Queen Yang Mintso Is no ordinary woman. She is honest and kind-hearted, And has never held grudges against Ling. In fact, just a few days ago, She tried to persuade King Nangwa Again and again— But he refused to listen. The queen has done no wrong, So I ask you to take good care of her. In her later years, Please provide her with kindness and comfort. As for the captured Chawarong soldiers, Please release them and let them return home. I, Yongzhu, have come today to make these three requests. I offer this white khata, A finely crafted tiger hide, And nine gifts, carefully arranged, Which I humbly present to you. Though the gifts may seem small and humble, I ask you to accept them with grace. May the blessings of nectar fall upon us. With sincerity and reverence, I make this prayer. Elders and brothers, Do not linger in this barren valley. I humbly invite you to the palace, Where wine and a feast await. The keys to the treasury Are ready to be handed over to Ling. Everyone here, please remember my words." The Ling Army's Response to Yongzhu Raosai Inside the Ling army's grand tent, the overseer Rongtsa Chagen sat at the head of the table, while Senlun and Anu Sipan sat to his right, and Bumba Gyatsa sat to his left. After listening to Yongzhu Raosai’s song, the overseer Rongtsa Chagen smiled and said: “Ah! Yongzhu Raosai, the minister of Chawarong, you have a clear understanding of the situation and have explained everything—past and present—very well. Your fair and reasonable words have been heard. The reason the Ling army came to Chawarong was to obtain the sacred arrows, just as you said. If it could have been resolved peacefully without force, that would have been ideal. However, things are not so simple. King Nangwa and several others, including Lusabenma, are evil demons who had to be subdued. The time for that has now come. As for the Arrow Treasury, no matter where it is hidden, it must be excavated. Now is the time to retrieve it. This is an essential resource for Ling to conquer many great territories in the future. It is also the first auspicious key to unlocking hundreds of doors for our kingdom. Regarding the three requests you made earlier, we will discuss them further before responding to you. However, I believe that once an enemy surrenders, they should be treated like one of our own children. Therefore, rest assured that your requests will be honored, and you will be satisfied. Now, you should be happy and grateful. Do not forget the kindness shown to you. Do not confuse right and wrong. Instead, you should dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to virtuous deeds for the benefit of all beings under Buddhism. Based on your future contributions, further rewards will be given to you. Keep this in mind.” Yongzhu Raosai was overjoyed to hear this. He stood up, bowed deeply, and said: “Ah! Thank you! There is no greater kindness than this. From now on, I will serve Ling with all my heart and sincerity.” Afterward, the overseer presented him with a long khata (ceremonial scarf). Yongzhu bowed repeatedly as he walked backward out of the tent before finally turning to leave. The Hospitality and the Demon Attack After Yongzhu Raosai and his attendants returned to their white tent, Ling chefs brought them an abundant feast, including tea, butter, meat, and cheese. They were also informed that they could now retrieve the captured soldiers. After enjoying the meal, the prisoners, who had been scattered across various camps, were gathered and handed over to Yongzhu. Overjoyed, they returned to Dongga Jinzhong Fortress to report the success of their negotiations. The people of Chawarong were delighted and began planning to welcome the Ling soldiers into the city. Meanwhile, the Ling leaders and soldiers returned to their respective camps. The next day, the Ling soldiers celebrated until noon. However, King Nangwa, unwilling to accept defeat even in death, transformed into a ferocious demon and launched an attack on the Ling camp. Suddenly, the Ling camp was engulfed in chaos. Fierce winds, torrential rain, thunder, and lightning filled the air. Dust and stones flew everywhere, and the sky darkened. Ghostly wails echoed as the earth trembled and mountains swayed. Tents collapsed, and it became impossible to see even someone standing nearby. The demon, with a blood-red face and dark purple skin, loomed over the camp like a giant. He wore a steel helmet and copper armor, which dripped with fresh blood. In his right hand, he held a massive mountain high above his head, and from the tip of his left index finger, flames shot out as he burned everything in his path. His feet straddled the Ling camp, and his fiery red eyes glared menacingly. His head swayed as he bit his blood-stained lips. The sight was so terrifying that even brave soldiers felt fear. Even the great General Gyatsa hesitated, unwilling to face the demon directly. The elders and heroes of Ling thought to themselves: “This demonic protector of Chawarong is too terrifying. Today, lives will surely be lost in our camp.” Desperate for salvation, they prayed to their patron deities for protection, as there seemed to be no other solution. Joru Confronts the Demon At this critical moment, a sharp and piercing whistle suddenly echoed from the center of the Ling camp, sending chills down everyone’s spine. Amidst rainbow-colored lights flashing in the chaos, Jue Ru, the divine child, appeared. He was dressed in his unusual attire, with a short sling tucked into his belt and a long sling in his hand. He placed a stone, the size of a sheep’s stomach, onto the long sling and called out: “Ah! Well, heroes of Ling! Are you here to fight the enemy, or are you here to flee for your lives? If you want to run, find a path and escape quickly. If you want to fight, come out of your tents now! All of you who boast about your divine powers, your ability to subdue demons, and your endless transformations—why are you not stepping forward today? Look at these small Ling tents, collapsing one by one to the ground. How laughable this must be to our enemies, and how embarrassing it is for us in front of our loved ones! Disaster hasn’t even reached your throats, yet you still think highly of yourselves. Come and see for yourselves—do I look like a beggar or an orphan?” Joru’s mocking words caused those who worshipped him to laugh secretly, finding amusement in the situation. They watched the scene with a mix of anxiety and curiosity, eager to see what would happen next. Facing the terrifying demon, Joru, instead of feeling hatred, was filled with pity and compassion. His kindness made him let go of any resentment he may have had toward the demon. Joru Intimidates the Demon Nangwa In the eyes of the demon Nangwa, Joru suddenly appeared immensely powerful and majestic, as tall as a mountain and radiating flames and spiritual light that seemed capable of burning him to ashes. Nangwa’s will to fight vanished instantly, and he was terrified, thinking only of escape. However, he soon realized that he was surrounded by a fiery net on all sides, leaving him with no way out. Panicked and helpless, the mountain he was holding slipped from his hands and fell to the ground with a deafening crash. The impact raised a cloud of black and red smoke, like a dark storm cloud, that spread over the Ling camp. The poisonous fumes made the Ling soldiers nauseous and caused them to vomit. Everyone covered their heads with their clothes, not daring to move. Joru, standing firm, pulled his sling tight, placing a stone in it, and aimed directly at the demon Nangwa. He sang a powerful and intimidating song to assert his dominance: "O precious savior, the Three Jewels, Forever protect my heavenly crown. Great compassion that saves all beings, May Avalokitesvara guide me now. Demons and tyrants of this world, I call upon the Northern Hayagriva, To bring peace to this human realm, And calm the roots of restless minds. If you don’t know where this is, This is the ancient Chawarong basin, Which is now called the Killing Field. When seized by the messengers of Yama, The spirits of the dead scatter with the wind. Those driven by worldly fears, Who tread the road to the afterlife, May the Three Jewels show mercy upon them. My name is Joru, a child of Ling, A lowly orphan of the Guocha clan, Descended from the Mukpo Dong clan. I live in the remote valley of Mame, A subduer of ghosts and monsters, A planter of virtuous victory banners, A destroyer of evil flags. Though I appear as a mere child, My divine powers are beyond measure. With an angry face, I drive out spirits, Yet my heart is kind, seeking to save all beings. For the welfare of this world, I use both wisdom and strength, soft and hard. The first demon I must conquer this year, Is you, Nangwa, and your partner Lusabenma, Along with your wicked ghostly crew. Though the Ling camp has already defeated you, I, Joru, have no objections. But I must also claim the sacred arrows, For the time of prayer has come. Resistance is useless. Nangwa brothers and their demon generals, You insisted on being enemies of Ling. You killed 506 Ling soldiers, Among them, several commanding officers. Nangwa, you were unable to restrain yourself. Even in death, you remain unrepentant, Adding to your sins with hatred toward Ling. In summary, your entire life, You have done no good deeds. Even in death, you seek destruction. Now, as a spirit inhabiting this demon form, You wreak havoc on the Ling camp, Seeking revenge without mercy. You have committed evil for so long, But one day, all wrongs must be repaid. Do you not see the happiness of heaven and earth, And the suffering of hell and beasts? Such is the law of karma— What you wish cannot be done. Therefore, you, Nangwa, If you are allowed to continue your sins, How much longer could this go on? Today, I will kill you, Destroy your sinful body with my sling, And after your evil spirit is extinguished, I will send you to heaven through liberation. My sling, the “Flower Wu Duo,” Let me tell you its origins: Its right four-sided cord, Soars like a jade dragon in the sky. Its left circular cord, Twists like a silver serpent down the slope. Its “Wu Body” is round with four rings, Like whirlpools forming in the rivers and seas. Its “Wu Dragon” flower-patterned pouch, Is like a shark curling its nose. Its tassels surpass the mane of a jade dragon, Like a rainbow hanging in the sky. Its soft sling straps are white and flat, Like a khata floating in the air. When it spins and whistles through the air, It sounds like summer thunderclaps. When its stone hits the target, It lands like celestial iron striking the earth. These eight divine powers of the “Flower Wu Duo” Are unmatched: On the white mountain ridge, rainbow lights flash. The benevolent deities rejoice. In the dark corners, flames burst forth. The wicked demons are destroyed. Worn on my body, it’s protected by the war god. Tucked at my waist, it shows my might. On the battlefield, it defeats enemies. In thieves’ hands, it seizes wealth. At home, it brings prosperity. For business, it ensures success. The white sling is made of wool, Like a thousand sheep in the clouds. The black sling is made of yak hair, Like a hundred yaks grazing on the mountain. The majestic “Flower Wu Duo” destroys demons. Its spiritual powers chase down fleeing souls. When the “Wu Dragon” wraps around my finger, It means your soul is in my grasp. When its strap is pressed under my thumb, It means I decide where my strike will land. When the stone is placed in the “Wu Body,” It means I will crush all evil. The right side, the Yang aspect, holds many methods. The left side, the Yin aspect, carries spiritual power. Together, they combine in the “Wu Body,” With a divine stone placed above. Borrowing the power of compassion and virtue, The sound of the sling will accompany this melody. The stone will strike Nangwa's chest, Bringing peace to all. Do not blame me, Joru. I am the embodiment of the Three Jewels. Only through me can you find happiness. You must have the resolve to enter the Pure Land.” Joru Sends the Demon Nangla to Liberation After Joru finished singing his song, the demon Nangwa, destined to be subdued by Joru, believed in him completely. Nangwa sincerely repented and said: “Respected Joru, you are the incarnation of a divine being, possessing immeasurable powers. Your heart is compassionate, and you are a hero dedicated to subduing stubborn enemies. I, Nangwa, am deeply sinful and have committed countless wrongdoings in the past. I am already on the edge of hell, and today, you have saved me. Thank you, savior of all beings! From now on, I vow that in all future lifetimes, I will come before you to receive your teachings. I will sincerely practice virtuous deeds and pray for liberation in the next life.” Joru responded: “That is wonderful! Now that you, King Nangwa, have listened to my words, you must hold onto your repentance and wishes. I will now send you off to the Western Pure Land of Eternal Bliss.” With a powerful swing of his sling, the stone flew with a deafening "boom," as if the heavens and earth were splitting apart. Like an arrow shot by a man, Nangwa’s soul was sent to the presence of Amitabha Buddha. Along with him, the souls of all the soldiers who had perished in battle on both sides were also liberated and sent to the Lotus Palace of Rebirth, where humans and gods are reborn. The vast, pure emptiness of the three realms was brought to an end. After accomplishing this, Joru silently disappeared. The soldiers of Ling, who had witnessed Joru's subjugation of the demon, were deeply impressed and praised his achievement. They all thought, “If only Joru could stay with us until we fully claim the Arrow Treasury.” That evening, the soldiers rebuilt their collapsed tents and rested peacefully. The Ling Army Arrives at Dongga Jinzhong Fortress The next day, as the sun rose, the Ling army moved their camp closer to the plaza near Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. The generals decided to relocate into the fortress. The soldiers of the four divisions set out one after another, pitching their tents around the palace. When the people of Chawarong saw the elders and generals of Ling arriving, white clouds of incense immediately rose over the Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. Colorful banners and parasols were hung, fluttering in the wind. The sound of drums, horns, and cymbals filled the air as the people cheered loudly. On both sides of the palace gates, fragrant altars were built, burning various herbs and creating clouds of smoke that covered the Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, resembling a misty sky. When Ling's civil and military officials, dressed in their finest attire and looking majestic, arrived at the palace gates, Yongzhu Raosai, dressed in formal ceremonial robes and holding a pure white khata, respectfully greeted them outside the city gates. Queen Yang Mintso, accompanied by several palace maids, also came out to greet them. She wore a bright smile, elegant silk clothing, and dazzling jewelry. Her slender figure was more graceful than a celestial being. She carried a white khata in her hands, on which rested a precious lapis lazuli vase filled with vibrant flowers. She slowly approached the palace gates to welcome the Ling officials. The Ling leaders entered the spacious and brightly lit council hall. After everyone was seated, a grand banquet was held. The table was adorned with sweet pastries, with the "Zhota Danji" as the centerpiece dish. Next, a bowl of white rice was brought out, with the keys to the various storerooms placed on top. The bowl was solemnly presented to the head of the Ling delegation. Afterward, Yongzhu Raosai and the Ling ministers exchanged gifts and engaged in friendly conversations. Distribution of Treasures and Joru's Song On the third day, all the storeroom doors were opened, and a vast amount of high-quality tea, wheat, barley, and other provisions were distributed to the soldiers of the four divisions. As for the gold, silver, carnelian, coral, silk, woolen cloth, and weapons, a portion was taken out, and everyone, regardless of their rank, was given a share. The most valuable treasures included: A golden-handled ruby scepter. A "mandala" made of white, yellow, red, and blue gemstones, crafted in a “child-mother” (interlocking) pattern, measuring about two fingers tall and a palm’s width long. An agate whip about the thickness of a thumb and almost an arm’s length, with red pearls wrapped around the handle. These three treasures were regarded as sacred relics of Ling, carefully wrapped in colorful silk and stored separately. Other rare and precious items were sealed and left untouched. The remaining carnelian, coral, jade, pearls, gold, silver, and silk were all gifted to Queen Yang Mintso and Minister Yongzhu Raosai. The elders and commanders of Ling gathered on the balcony of the palace's upper floor to admire the beautiful scenery of Chawarong. Suddenly, a loud voice called out: “Leaders of Ling! Come quickly!” Not knowing who had shouted, everyone curiously made their way to the council hall. After sitting down, Joru leapt out from the crowd and began singing: "Listen, heroes of Ling! General Anu Sipan of Darong, General Bumba Gyatsa, Generals lined up like tigers and leopards. When the demon trampled upon us, Not one of you dared to face him, Not even to sing a single prayer. If I, Joru, had arrived a moment late, You would have died seven or eight times over. Anu Sipan and Gyatsa, You think yourselves unmatched in the world, But your behavior that day was unspeakable. Chao Tong and Gadru Chujiong Benna, You claim to be slayers of demons, But that day, you were truly pathetic. I, Joru and my sling, Though not great weapons, They worked well enough that day. If someone has true skill, Even a stone can be a weapon. There is no truer saying than this. That brutish and impossible-to-handle demon, I struck him on the nose with a stone, And only then did the Ling soldiers breathe a sigh of relief. Late last night, The Chawarong deity Dorje Drakpa, And the twelve guardian deities of Chawarong, All came to bow before me, Joru. The day after tomorrow, on the fifteenth, The door to the Arrow Treasury, Will open at the most auspicious time. The golden key to the white rock door, Has already been handed to me, Joru. Today, I give it to Chao Tong. At dawn tomorrow, The arrows will finally be ours. In the past, during the Ling-Chawarong war, Heroes of Ling, There wasn’t a single hero who didn’t make their mark, Nor a warhorse that didn’t charge forward. Yet only the horse ‘Gugu Raodzong,’ Never set its hooves on the battlefield. And only clever Chao Tong, Has never seen what the enemy looks like. It’s not that the horse was sick, Nor that you were unwell. Before the enemy was defeated, It’s obvious Chao Tongdidn’t want Anyone to know his true abilities. Elders and brothers of Ling, You’ve eaten meat and drunk wine, Divided silk and gold, Sitting here comfortably, of course. But this is not the way! Get up quickly, Finish the task first, And celebrate later. Ling’s leaders, When the enemy comes, you need help, But at banquets, you forget the people. The hard labor is left to the servants, While the good food and drink are enjoyed by the leaders. Those shameless, wicked leaders, Even go so far as to insult their servants. This is something people often say, Ling’s elders, re member it well." Joru's Criticism and Exit Hearing this, General Darong Anu Sipan responded dismissively: “Defeating one little demon, and you’re already bragging this much?” Joru replied with a grin: “I haven’t achieved much, yet I boast. After all, you and I are from the same clan, aren’t we?” Everyone burst into laughter. The elders and brothers present admired and respected Joru even more. Anu Sipan stepped back slightly, creating space, and said: “Joru, don’t rush off just yet. Stay a while longer.” Joru replied: “I can’t stay long, or it will embarrass you, Anu Sipan and Gyatsa. Now, get back to your positions and focus on business. I’m off to play on the castle balcony.” With that, Joru made a gesture as if leaving and disappeared. The Journey to the Arrow Treasury The next day, as the sun rose, all the elders and high-ranking generals, each accompanied by thirty warriors, set out happily for the “Shiri Lazi” white rock cliff in the lower valley of Chawarong, where the arrows were hidden. The cliff was very tall, with a steep, smooth front. In the center, several protruding white stones sparkled like embedded jewels, clearly marking the location of the arrow treasury. Once they arrived, the soldiers dismounted their horses and gathered various fragrant herbs, which they burned to create clouds of incense smoke. The white smoke quickly filled the sky, and everyone prayed to the heavens. At this moment, Darong Commander Chao Tong stepped forward from the group. He approached a large white rock shaped like a reclining elephant, sat down with his thigh resting on one leg, and placed the key to the treasury—attached to an arrow—onto his bowstring. He began to sing: "Alata Tarata Raye, Taralu Yilanlu Raye. Boundless heavens full of peace, Respected Tsong Rinpoche, savior of all, And my master, Jewel Lama, Smile upon us and grant long life. Your compassion forms clouds in the sky, Showering us with the rain of nectar. In the mandala of Wangdze Repe, We pray to the great Hayagriva. O Vajra deities of body, speech, and mind, Bless my body and soul. Amid the terrifying waves of blood oceans, And blazing fires of wrathful tents, I fix my gaze on the blood-red spear tip. Do you know where we are? Beneath the Shiri Lazi cliff in Chawarong, The site of the Arrow Treasury. Do you know who I am? At the Sazang Silong junction, Within the stronghold of Borang Nianzong, Where the heart of a tiger resides, I, Chao Tong of Darong, am of noble descent. As the elder of 700,000 Darong households, A descendant of Mukpo Dong, Like a lion of snowy peaks, Who else but me, Darong Chao Tong, could be here? Born from noble blood, from the age of eight, I, Chao Tong of Darong, Subdued the demon Keze Reba. During the war between Ling and Rong, When Ling was nearly defeated, The tiger roars of Qiju camp Scared away the foxes of Rong. Standing firm before the fierce enemy, I never relied on reinforcements. In the heavenly realm of Ling, My heart is as kind as a shepherd’s. But when enemies invade, I am as fierce as hail on crops. In all these past days, Enemies have been subdued on all sides. Ling’s virtuous foundation is rooted firmly. In the lands of Jambudvipa, All nations envy Chotong. Is it sandalwood or willow? You’ll know by its scent. Is it brass or gold? You’ll know by its weight. Is it the green cuckoo bird? You’ll know by its call. The greatness of Darong’s history, Needs no boasting—it is well known. If I speak the truth, This year, Ling’s great army marched, And the goal of coming to Chawarong, Was already revealed by the gods. Everyone speaks of the Arrow Treasury, But if no one opens it, What’s the point of winning the war? The war between Ling and Chawarong, Revolves entirely around the Arrow Treasury. If I open it, does it not count as a great merit? In Ling’s great assembly, The wise elders plan the strategy, The clever Joru devises schemes, And the boastful generals take pride. But let me, Chao Tong, Shoulder the responsibility of opening the treasury. The sons of Ling, Have always succeeded through their deeds. And today, This victory belongs to me, Chao Tong. Behold the silver arrow with eagle feathers, Tailored with golden ends, Adorned with green jade. With the golden key tied to it, I notch it onto my bowstring, And with the strength of my arms, I draw the bow. Shiri Lazi, the crystal fortress, Its smooth and seamless surface, Will soon yield to my arrow. Listen, guardians of the treasury! Protect this act with virtue. Do not harbor jealousy or ill will, But perform this act for the greater good. May this treasury be opened, And the arrows obtained for the benefit of Ling." The Opening of Arrow Treasury After the song, the arrow was released. That day was an auspicious one for opening the arrow treasury. The gods of heaven, earth, and dragons, who protected virtuous deeds, came to assist. Additionally, Joru’s pure and sincere prayers, combined with Chao Tong’s own efforts and blessings from his patron deity, contributed to the success. The bowstring made a long, melodious sound as the arrow soared through the air. The horizon wavered like waves crashing upon the shore, and the deep rumble of summer thunder echoed continuously. Under the brilliant sunlight, a fine drizzle began to fall, and a vibrant rainbow arched across the sky. Many miraculous phenomena appeared. At that very moment, Chao Tong’s arrow hit the center of the white rock cliff. It produced a deafening sound, like a thousand voices shouting in unison, and the treasury’s gate burst open. Arrows with tails of gold, silver, jade, coral, copper, iron, and conch shells came pouring out of the cave in a torrent. The soldiers of Ling were overjoyed and could not stop praising the sight. After a while, the flow of arrows stopped. Everyone rushed forward and carried out large bundles of arrows, piling them in an open space until the heap was as tall as a building. Since it wasn’t possible to transport them all back to the city that day, three attendants were sent to the city to prepare pack animals for the task. The Discovery of Treasures in the Cave The commander, Chao Tong, suggested that someone inspect the cave to see if anything else was left inside. A few generals approached the cave and noticed a brightly colored curtain deep inside. Curious about what it might be, they reported it to Chao Tong. Chao Tong believed there could be more valuable treasures inside, so he declared: “Today is an auspicious day, and only I, the elder Chao Tong, am fortunate enough to finish what we started. We must make every effort to retrieve all the treasures from this cave.” Inwardly, Chao Tong thought to himself, “The prophecy from the gods only mentioned arrows, not anything else. If there are treasures inside, no one else but me has the magical ability to retrieve them from this steep cliff. This is a good chance to mock the others—like the Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen, Gyatsa, and even Joru.” However, he also realized that Joru, with his cleverness, might appear at any moment. Thinking it unwise to say too much, he changed his tone and said: “Well, if there really are treasures in the cave, as the Chief Steward mentioned, I will retrieve them. But remember, in past battles, when we faced lone enemies, so many soldiers were sent to handle a single foe. The victory was small, yet everyone praised it like a dragon’s roar, as if building a ‘mani mound’ higher and higher. Now, retrieving these treasures is vital, and if we fail, it would be a huge regret. As the elder here, I’ll take on this tough task. You all just stay put and watch the show. But don’t forget me when this is all over!” As Chao Tong finished speaking, his body glowed with radiance. With a loud "whoosh," he leapt into the air like a bird returning to its nest and disappeared into the cave. Chao Tong Retrieves the Treasures Inside the cave, Chao Tong saw a golden statue of Vajrapani, the deity of infinite merit, standing in the depths. To its right was a stone platform holding a golden longevity vase filled with nectar. There was also an undergarment belonging to the revered Master Pema Tochin, along with a pair of boots. In a metal box, he found many multicolored protective knots and a small yellow silk pouch containing black pellets the size of peas. He took these items and noticed two more objects: a tiny statuette of a celestial maiden on the threshold and a long iron spear with both its head and tail made of metal. Beneath it lay a wrathful ritual club tightly wedged in the cracks of the rock. Chao Tong tried to retrieve the club but couldn’t pull it loose. He thought, “It’s best to leave this behind for the guardian demon of the treasure to remember.” With this, he tucked the two statues into his robe, wrapped the rest of the items in Master Pema Tochin’s garment, slung them onto his back, and carried the golden vase in his hand. When he emerged at the cave’s entrance, the soldiers of Ling were eagerly watching. Like an eagle, he glided down and landed in front of them. The crowd erupted in cheers, praising his supernatural abilities. Chao Tong laughed and said, “Why are you all crowding around me like townsfolk at a market stall? These treasures are precious ‘Ritual Blessings.’ They cannot be casually displayed. Quickly, bring a clean mat to place them on!” The soldiers immediately built a stone platform, covered it with silk, and burned incense around it. Only then did Chao Tong carefully arrange the treasures on the mat. He then said: “Generals, especially the chief steward, come and see these treasures! There’s an old Tibetan saying: ‘Even the Buddha can be criticized by biased people.’ Though my actions today are as bright as the sun, some may still try to tarnish them like clouds covering the sun.” As he spoke, Chao Tong rubbed his beard, smiled humorously, and winked at the crowd. Chao Tong's Accomplishments and the Dividing of Treasures The Chief Steward, Rongtsa Chagen of Ling, observing Chao Tong, thought to himself: “This Chao Tong always takes a small achievement, as insignificant as a horse’s tail, and inflates it into something as grand as a raging river. He can’t go three sentences without taking a jab at the elder generals. But today, he’s obtained so many enviable treasures, so let him brag. After all, today is a day of great fortune and success for Ling, and it’s best not to speak any ill-omened words.” Smiling slightly, he said aloud: “Ah, great elder Chao Tong of Darong, you truly are the manifestation of the Hayagriva. Skilled in mantras and illusions, you’ve accomplished many remarkable deeds. Everyone here is only filled with joy and admiration for you—no one would dare to criticize. We should celebrate your achievements and reward you.” The officials all lifted the treasures high above their heads, offering prayers and blessings. That night, they camped near the white rock cliff. Early the next morning, a large number of mules and horses arrived, and the treasures, along with the arrows, were loaded onto over 300 loads and transported back to the city. Upon entering the city, the sacred statues and divine medicines were placed on the main seat of the council hall. The arrows were sorted, bundled, and neatly arranged with their tips pointing upward. Once the generals were seated, a grand banquet was prepared. Elder Chao Tong remarked: “Should we distribute these arrows now?” General Anu Sipan responded: “Good idea! But how exactly should we divide them? Let the chief steward decide.” The chief steward, considering Joru’s young age, thought it best to temporarily store most of the treasures and arrows obtained from Chawarong. He said: “In my opinion, we don’t need to distribute everything at once. Let’s take out a portion now and distribute them according to rank among the officials and soldiers present. The remaining treasures and arrows should be taken back to Ling and divided after further discussion. What do you all think?” Gyatsa, another general, chimed in: “Good idea! Chief steward, please decide how much to distribute and the method of division.” The chief steward replied: “Alright, let’s proceed as follows for now.” He then sang a song: "Alata Tarata Raye, Taralu Yilanlu Raye. I pray to my master and protector deities, May the Three Jewels never leave my crown. If you don’t know where this is, It is the grand council hall of Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, Spacious and bright. If you don’t know who I am, My name is Rongtsa Chagen. I am the leader of Ling, Known as a wise and farsighted person. On the battlefield, I command the four divisions of Ling. In the distribution of spoils, I am impartial and just. Though I have lived through glorious days, I have never been arrogant or unreasonable. Though I have endured many days of hardship, I have never shed a single tear. I have never envied those above me, Nor have I oppressed those below me. When others suffer, I feel discomfort, And I have never delighted in their pain. For the foundation of Ling, I am loyal and dedicated to my duty. Though I never sought power, The people of Ling respect and admire me. Because of my calmness and integrity, A small man like me was given high office. But if one is wise yet impatient, Even the highest position may lead to decline. Let us see how this unfolds. Now, let us talk about Ling’s leaders. In this war between Chawarong and Ling, Chawarong was defeated, And Ling emerged victorious. This was thanks to Ling’s brave soldiers, The timely prophecy of the gods, Joru's magical transformations, And the steadfast support of the protectors. These four factors ensured our success. Therefore, these fine arrows, Should first be offered to our masters and protectors, As auspicious gifts to honor them, To recognize the achievements of our soldiers, And to ensure blessings of long life and prosperity. Bundles of ninety arrows, Adorned with gold, silver, and carnelian, Tied with five-colored silk, Shall be offered as sacred gifts. Second, to the young Joru, Though he looks like a mere boy, He is beyond comprehension by both gods and demons. His magical powers and foresight, Are unparalleled in this world. Let us not forget this war, Between Chawarong and Ling. Thanks to Ling’s leaders and soldiers, The enemy was defeated, and the arrows were won. Yet this smooth victory, Was foretold by Joru. The strong enemy was crushed, And the arrows obtained. For this, to Joru, We offer a gift of gratitude: One hundred and fifty arrows with conch-shell tips, A long spear with heavenly iron fittings, And the second batch of auspicious offerings. Third, to the local deities of Ling, And the many protective guardian deities, To thank them for their support in our victory, We offer another sacred gift: A bundle of sixty radiant arrows, With various precious tails. Next is to the elder Chao Tong of Darong, Who opened the arrow treasury, Obtaining many rare treasures. He deserves a great reward: A long, white khata, A bundle of golden-tailed arrows, Five-colored longevity knots, And seven protective medicines. To honor and thank you, We present these treasures to you. To General Anu Sipan, Who holds great power and commands the four divisions, We offer one hundred and thirty coral-tipped arrows, Along with three protective medicines. To General Gyatsa, A shining pearl among Ling’s heroes, We offer one hundred and thirty silver-tipped arrows, Along with the same protective medicines. To the many leaders of Ling, Each shall receive ninety arrows, And the protective medicines shall be distributed equally. As for myself and Senlun, Though we did not fight on the battlefield, We worked tirelessly and thoughtfully, To ensure the foundation of Ling’s future. For the respect of the elders, We shall receive one hundred and eight golden arrows, Along with the same protective medicines. For those who achieved great merit, All the generals and heroes, Will receive their due rewards. Throughout history, Rewards have always been given fairly. Today, to honor our heroes, Each shall receive fifty arrows. For the soldiers of the four divisions, Each shall receive twenty-five arrows, Along with three protective medicines. To the Queen of Chawarong and her ministers, Each shall receive a colorful knot of silk. To help restore Chawarong’s vitality, Three arrows wrapped in silk shall be given. A pair of boots belonging to Master Pema Tochin, Along with some of his garments, Shall also be left for them. Among the remaining treasures, Two sacred statues, And a portion of the arrows, Along with Chawarong’s three sacred treasures, Will be taken back to Ling for safekeeping. For now, they shall be kept as public property, For the benefit of all Ling. May everyone here keep this in mind." After the song ended, everyone nodded in agreement. Joru's Arrival and Gratitude Just as the soldiers were receiving their arrows, a sudden burst of music filled the air outside the balcony of the council hall. Cymbals, six-string zithers, suonas, hand drums, and various other instruments played harmoniously, creating a beautiful and melodious sound. At the end of the rainbow stretching across the sky, Joru appeared, dressed in his usual attire. He walked forward, carefully examined the displayed treasures and arrows, and said: “Ah! Elder Chao Tong of Darong! This time, in capturing the Arrow Treasury, you have accomplished an extraordinary and earth-shaking feat. This is truly wonderful. Elder, you are different from the other elders. You have gone to great lengths to ensure that I, Joru, achieve fame and success, accomplishing remarkable deeds. Before I, Joru, even had land or mountains to call my own, you gave me all six valleys on the sunny side of the Yellow River. Your kindness and generosity toward me are boundless. For the sake of my future achievements, I hope you will continue to assist me with even greater effort! First, to thank you for your past generosity. Second, so that you may continue to help me in the future. And third, to contribute to the success of our current endeavors. To express my gratitude, I present you with this white khata—a modest but auspicious gift of the highest quality.” After finishing, Joru draped the khata around Chao Tong’s neck. Chao Tong's Thoughts and Joru's Question Chao Tong thought to himself: “In the past, I never had good intentions toward Joru. I never considered doing anything good for him. Yet somehow, everything I did ended up benefiting him instead. Things have indeed turned out the opposite of what I intended. Not only does he hold no grudge against me, but he also speaks so many words of gratitude. But who knows? Perhaps his words are insincere, and he doesn’t mean what he says! How can I trust him? Still, I might as well go along with it. There’s no way to argue or oppose him—it would only leave me in an embarrassing position. However, today he gifted me this khata, which is reasonable and appropriate.” Thinking this, Chao Tong smiled cheerfully, standing tall and proud. Joru then asked: “Today, everyone has received their share of arrows. Was a share left for me?” Gyatsa stood up, brought over a prepared bundle, and placed it in front of Joru, saying: “This is your share.” Joru's Joy and Gratitude Joru was overjoyed and said with a wide smile: “Today, even I, the insignificant Joru, have been recognized as a member of the Ling Kingdom and received such a generous share. I am truly delighted. Now that our enemies have been subdued and essential military supplies have been secured, while we are all gathered here as brothers and elders, I, Joru, would like to sing a song for everyone. Please listen: "Alata Tarata Raye, Taralu Yilanlu Raye. I pray to the Threefold Buddha, The eternal Dharmakaya in the vast sky, The Sambhogakaya rises like the sun, Dispelling darkness with the light of the Nirmanakaya. If you don’t know where we are, Beside the spacious Chawarong Valley, In the palace of Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, Where the elders and brothers of Ling Gather joyfully for this celebration. Surely you know me. In the eastern land of Ma, A desolate wilderness under clouded skies, Three peaks rise tall into the blue heavens, The sun and moon circle around their ridges. On the right, in the dark forest, Ferocious beasts roar and shake the cliffs. On the left, on the green meadows, Wild animals gather, noisy and restless. Behind, on the solid white cliffs, Cold winds howl as eagles soar. When the sun rises each day, Tigers, leopards, and bears roam the mountains. Wolves and foxes conspire together, Eagles and hawks glide through the skies. A paradise for wild birds and beasts, Feasting on flesh and blood, rejoicing. But when night falls, Demons and ghosts emerge, Wandering and causing an uproar, Their strange cries thunderous, Wailing and howling in chaotic noise. Owls shriek, Foxes howl loudly, spreading fear. In such a desolate and vicious place, The cruel wild beasts show their ferocity. Day and night, I, Joru, lived under constant threat, Trembling with fear, my heart uneasy. I could barely endure the passage of time. The wicked commander harmed the innocent, Orders from above could not be defied. The story of my suffering— Who in Ling does not know of it? Ah, but I am only joking. I, Joru, have lived happily and joyfully. The people of Ling have not experienced the peace That I found in those quiet valleys, Practicing virtue and finding joy in my heart. Without the tranquility of the mountain solitude, It would be hard to find such peace. That sacred and serene place, A holy field blessed by the Buddhas of the Three Times, A refuge for the wise, A sanctuary of blessings from the masters. The residence of dakinis and kind spirits, A place where greed is abandoned, A land for completing spiritual practice. Such a sacred place cannot be replaced. Since I left my mother’s embrace, I turned to the Buddha, abandoning evil, And only then could I witness the Dharmakaya. The world before my eyes seemed like a child’s game. Illusions and emptiness are their true nature, Blessings and karma are ours to cultivate. With wisdom and mindfulness combined, Diligent practice leads to mastery. Lowly emotions can be cast aside, The body and mind become free and unbound. Wherever you wish to go, it takes but a moment. The wisdom of the Threefold Buddha shines in your heart. Such extraordinary attainment, Can only be realized through purity. I, Joru, have been blessed with this pure land, Thanks to the generosity of Elder Chao Tong. I will repay you slowly in the future. To all the leaders of Ling, I still have more to say: In early spring, if you don’t venture out, You won’t hear the cuckoo’s call. Now, in the first month of summer, Its sweet chirping fills the air. If you don’t listen carefully now, You may not hear it again. Before mid-summer’s end, You won’t see the barley grow tall. But now, as autumn begins, The granaries are filled with golden grain. If you don’t enjoy it now, The six grains won’t always be ripe. Before the Chawarong warriors were defeated, No one knew where Chao Tong was. On the first day of our good fortune, We witnessed how Chao Tong opened the arrow treasury. If we fail to praise him now, There will be no better chance to honor him. This time, to Elder Chao Tong, Offering rewards is only right and proper. Gifts must be given generously, This aligns perfectly with my wishes. Securing the slender-necked arrow treasury, Is the first step for smaller clans, Creating the conditions to conquer greater domains. This achievement must be celebrated, For it secures the long-term interests of Ling. On this day of joy and happiness, I, Joru, call forth blessings. May the deities of the Thirty-Three Heavens fill the skies, Guardians and wealth gods spread across the firmament. May the light of virtue shine brightly on every mountain peak. Let the sound of melodious mountain songs echo, Let cheerful laughter fill every face. May they grant us success and happiness. I pray to the Northern Heavenly King, the Great God of Wealth, And to the auspicious goddesses of fortune. May Vaisravana, the God of Wealth, Shower us with treasures like rain. Among the celestial ranks of the upper realms, May the great Brahma King and all the heavenly gods, Bestow divine longevity and peace, As sunlight and moonlight dispel all darkness. In the crystal palace of the lower realms of the dragon kings, May Gawu, Gyepo, and all dragon kings, Enjoy their treasures and jewels, Like heavenly nectar descending from above. On the vast earth of the middle realm, May the heavenly kings who turn the tides of fate, Bring forth the wealth and blessings desired by all. May the auspicious four-fold blessings descend completely. The seven precious treasures of the Wheel-Turning King, With the power to promote good and dispel evil, The eight auspicious symbols and eight auspicious objects, And the essence of the 'Gyongshi' treasures, may they all arrive. Let there be spectacular performances and sweet melodies, Delicious food and drink that please the palate, Comfortable, soft clothing that pleases the body, And all the blessings of the five senses be gathered here. Strong armor and sharp weapons, Swift, intelligent horses and mules, Yaks, dairy cows, and sheep, May all the blessings of four-legged animals be summoned here. May families be full of children and grandchildren, With silk and grain overflowing in their storehouses. May longevity, health, prosperity, and the Buddha's teachings flourish, And may all our wishes be fulfilled. May the army, skilled in defense and counterattack, Brave, resilient, and wise, Fully equipped in all branches of service, Be blessed with luck on the battlefield. Arrows of three-sectioned bamboo with feathered shafts, And iron-tipped arrows that pierce enemy hearts, Superior weapons that adorn heroes, May all blessings of feathered arrows be called upon. Five-colored silk adorning arrow shafts, Today, we wave the flag of arrows to summon good fortune. May the blessings of the earthly realm, Descend from the heavens like rain, Rise from the ground like mist, And fly in the air like snowstorms. May these blessings and treasures gather here, Like nectar dissolving into the ocean. May these blessings remain forever effective, May the nectar of long life overflow to the four directions. May the knots of longevity blessings never come undone, May the longevity pills always retain their potency. May fortune and power rise to prominence, May homes flourish with abundance and joy. May strong enemies be subdued and their wealth seized, May families and friends gather and celebrate for centuries, May a thousand years of good fortune and happiness prevail. May wise teachers of the Dharma enjoy long lives, May their teachings achieve great success. May the benefactors of Buddhism flourish with blessings, May the Dharma spread endlessly. Across this vast earth, May plagues and wars disappear. May timely rains bring abundant harvests and thriving livestock, And may all living beings enjoy eternal happiness and peace." When Joru finished singing this song of blessings and celebration, the people who already loved him felt even more sincere faith and admiration for him. Even those who were indifferent to him before now developed a deep sense of respect and awe. The Queen's Reverence and Offering Queen Yang Mintso of Chawarong, along with Minister Yongzhu Raosai and the servants of Chawarong, came to pay their respects to Joru and listen to his teachings. As they listened, they were filled with extraordinary admiration for him. Drawing from their wealth, they offered Joru gifts of silk, gold, and silver. In particular, Queen Yang Mintso presented high-quality silk and an abundant amount of gold and silver. She approached Joru gracefully, removed a gold bracelet from her wrist, and offered it to him. With tears in her eyes, she said: “I take refuge in the Buddha and pay my respects to the noble Joru, a hero whose kindness is as great as a mountain. I have long admired your fame and wished to meet you and receive your teachings. Today, meeting you feels like rain falling after a long drought or drinking nectar to quench great thirst. My lifelong wish is fulfilled, and I feel both joy and sorrow, overwhelmed and uneasy. We, who are helpless and lost, are eternally grateful to you in this life and the next. Those two sinful brothers, Nangwa and his sibling, have both passed on. I thank you for rescuing them from the lower realms of suffering. I beg you, noble and precious Joru, to liberate them completely!” Joru replied: “Devotee Yang Mintso, listen carefully. Your wish has already been fulfilled. When Nangwa passed away, I performed rituals to guide him to the Western Paradise. The compassion of the Three Jewels is never false. I, Joru, have sincerely guided all the fallen soldiers to better rebirths based on their merits. You must know that they will find increasing happiness, so there is no need for sorrow. Life in this impermanent world is full of change. Reflect on whether you walk the path of virtue or the path of evil. If your mind is unsettled, only the Three Jewels can save you. Therefore, you must sincerely take refuge in the Buddha and work diligently to abandon evil and cultivate goodness. Repent for past wrongdoings and vow never to repeat them. Be generous, recite mantras, and practice the six-syllable mantra with body, speech, and mind dedicated to goodness. Do you understand, Yang Mintso?” Joru's Farewell and Reflection of the Leaders Hearing this, the ministers and servants behind Yang Mintso were filled with admiration. They were overjoyed and unanimously praised Joru. Joru then said: “Now, I ask all of you soldiers to prepare to return the share of arrows that belongs to me. For the time being, please have Supervisor Anu Sipan and Gyatsa safeguard them. When I need them in the future, I will ask you to return them to me, is that alright?” Danma said: “This time, Joru, why don’t you accompany all the elders and soldiers to Upper Lingga? After that, we can return to Xianmai together and visit your mother. What do you think?” Joru smiled and replied: “I, the beggar Joru, traveling with all of you would not be convenient. I cannot ride a horse, nor can I endure long journeys. It would only make things inconvenient for you commanders while traveling or resting. So, for now, I won’t go. Ling Gabu is the center of the world. Before long, I, Joru, will not only visit often but also plan to live there for an extended time. At that time, we can chat, discuss everything, and enjoy ourselves together.” After speaking, melodious music filled the sky, radiant light shone brightly, and in the blink of an eye, Joru disappeared. The elders and commanders present, witnessing Joru’s mysterious disappearance and hearing his profound teachings, felt both trust and wonder in their hearts. They realized that they would need to rely on Joru in the future. In that moment, silence fell over the gathering as everyone sank into deep thought. Departure Preparations and the Announcement Supervisor Darong Anu Sipan said: “I think all our officers and soldiers should prepare to depart in five days. Tomorrow, we can first send messengers to Ling to deliver the news. The stored arrows, other non-essential items, and the pack mules and horses can leave first along with most of the civilians. Does this sound reasonable? Let’s discuss.” Everyone agreed, saying: “That’s a good plan.” The next day, the Ling Kingdom's three clans—senior, middle, and junior—each sent a warrior to deliver the message. Over the next three days, the officers and soldiers set up tents and shelters in the large open field south of the royal palace. They held a grand celebratory military banquet, enjoying themselves with food, drink, and entertainment. At the same time, they took breaks to pack their belongings, supplies, and travel necessities. On the second day of the banquet, under a large tent, Seba Niben Daya, accompanied by Danma and Barasenda, summoned Queen Yang Mintso, Minister Yongzhurause, and the leaders of the Chawarong villages and tribes. Once everyone had arrived and taken their seats, Seba Niben Daya announced the appointment of Queen Yang Mintso and Minister Yongzhurause as the leaders of the Chawarong region. He also issued the Ten Virtuous Laws and Five Regulations, requiring all men and women to respect and strictly follow them. The village and tribe leaders were instructed to post these rules at major roads and gathering places. The proclamation read: "To all beings of high and low status living in the land of Chawarong: The supreme Buddha, his disciples, and the miraculous Avalokiteshvara illuminate all of the snowy land, especially the regions of Great Tibet and Dokham. Since the integration of religion and governance, led by the boundless power of purity and the expulsion of extreme dark forces, all people have come to understand the consequences of good and evil actions. They firmly believe in the importance of choosing good and abandoning evil. However, the evil brothers, King Nangwa and his sibling, along with several misguided military generals who sought rebirth through dark rituals, cruelly oppressed the people and brought great suffering to the region. To subdue these demons, the gods gave clear guidance. Following these signs, our soldiers from Ling, disregarding their own safety, fought several battles and ultimately defeated these rulers and their officials. The arrow treasury was successfully secured, and from now on, all beings in this land will walk the path of goodness in both this life and the next. All citizens are required to live peacefully and abide by the rules. Queen Yang Mintso and the elder ministers will spread this proclamation, lead by example, and dedicate themselves to practicing goodness. If anyone harbors hostility and knowingly violates the rules, they will face severe consequences as prescribed by law. This is a matter of critical importance. Please choose wisely and do not stray from the path." —Issued by the civil and military officials of Ling, in the Year of the Fire Rabbit, during the Saga Dawa month Departure and Festive Send-Off After three days of celebrations, at the break of dawn on the fourth day, the pack animals carrying luggage and supplies set off first. By the time the sun reached the mountain peaks, everyone except for the 2,300 soldiers left behind to guard the area had mounted their horses and departed in an orderly fashion. The officials and attendants from Chawarong escorted the departing troops with offerings of fragrant tea and fine wine, following them all the way to the main road called “Zheqiong Gong’a.” Five days later, the elders of Ling and the remaining 1,300 rear guards also set out. Crowds gathered to watch the procession, lining the roads like ants emerging from a nest. They burned fragrant smoke and incense as a sign of blessing. Queen Yang Mintso and Minister Yongzhurause, accompanied by thirty servants, followed the Ling officials to the Chawarong main road. They offered tea, wine, cheese, and khatas (ceremonial scarves) to the commanders. After the offerings, the Ling officials and their troops mounted their warhorses and joyfully returned home. When the Ling soldiers and officials arrived back in their homeland, crowds of men, women, and children came out to greet them, with some traveling great distances to welcome them. Once all the troops had regrouped, a grand celebratory feast began the following day. The feast lasted for seven days. During this time, there were no distinctions between nobles and commoners, officers and soldiers, or men and women. Everyone danced, sang, and played together day and night, celebrating without restraint. Regliious Offerings and Gratitude After seven days of celebration, the supreme masters of Ling, revered as saviors and protectors, were invited to attend the gathering. The people presented them with khatas and requested their blessings. The returning soldiers offered the stored treasures and high-quality arrows from the armory to the masters. Together with the elders and commanders, the masters organized a grand offering ceremony to honor the protective deities, land gods, and war gods who had ensured their success. They prayed for the prosperity of virtuous beings and the decline of evil forces, hoping that the integration of religion and governance would flourish like a waxing moon. Following the ceremony, two sacred statues, an elixir vase for longevity, protective talismans, and carefully packed longevity blessings were entrusted to the masters for safekeeping. The hidden arrows were cataloged and stored in the “One Glance Liberation” temple. Afterward, the masters were escorted back to their residences, and the elders and commanders returned to their respective castles.

To the northeast of Ling Gabu lies the land of the Hor people. The Heavenly Emperor of the Hor Kingdom was named Hor Saiqing, hence the Hor people were also called the Yellow Hor. K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. CHAPTER 31 THE WHITE TENT KING SENDS FOUR BIRDS TO SEARCH FOR THE BEAUTY; THE BLACK CROW SPREADS SLANDER AND BRINGS CALAMITY The Northeast of Ling Gabu and the Search for a New Bride To the northeast of Ling Gabu lies the land of the Hor people. The Heavenly Emperor of the Hor Kingdom was named Hor Saiqing, hence the Hor people were also called the Yellow Hor. During the reign of King Jinei Haituo Du, the Yellow Hor Kingdom expanded even further, becoming wealthier and more prosperous. King Jinei Haituo Du had three sons. Because they lived in black, white, and yellow tents, they were called the Black Tent King, the White Tent King, and the Yellow Tent King. The three brothers grew up quickly and were all highly skilled in martial arts. Among them, the second son, the White Tent King, was the most talented. In the Year of the Fire Dragon, the third year of Gesar’s northern demon-slaying campaign, tragedy struck the White Tent King when his wife, Jhana’s Gas, suddenly passed away. Unable to endure the loneliness, the White Tent King gathered his ministers to discuss finding a new bride—someone renowned as the most beautiful woman in the world. After deliberation, the ministers decided to send the talking birds raised in the palace—a dove, a peacock, a parrot, and a crow—to search the world for a woman who could become the new queen. The four birds flew out as instructed. When they reached a fork in the road, the parrot said, “We four birds may be sent out like arrows, but we’re merely following orders. To find a woman who can be the White Tent King’s bride, the stepmother to Prince Lawu, the mistress of the Hor Kingdom, and the mother of the people—how can such a woman be found? Even if we find her, she may not agree to marry him. If she refuses, the king will send troops to seize her, and countless lives may be lost. When that happens, it will all be blamed on us four birds. I say we shouldn’t take on this thankless task.” “But the king sent us. How will we explain ourselves if we return empty-handed?” said the always gentle dove, worried about failing the mission. “Exactly! What will we do?” asked the beautiful peacock, spreading its colorful tail feathers in anxiety. “I think we should all go back to our homelands,” the parrot suggested. “The dove can return to Jhana, the peacock to the Yellow River, and I’ll go back to Men. As for the crow—it has no homeland, so it can settle wherever it likes.” The dove and peacock agreed, happily returning to their homes. But the crow refused to follow the parrot’s advice. Watching the other birds leave, the crow felt both anger and joy. It was angry because the more favored birds—the gentle dove, the beautiful peacock, and the clever parrot—had abandoned the king’s mission, despite being treated far better than the crow. While they were fed fine grains, the crow was given only dregs. Yet the crow was also pleased, for their departure gave it a chance to earn the king’s favor. Determined to find the most beautiful woman in the world, the crow set off with renewed resolve. The crow flew tirelessly, traveling from city to city, region to region, north to south, east to west. But no matter how hard it searched, it couldn’t find a woman who met its standards. One day, the crow arrived in the beautiful land of Ling. Tired and frustrated, it decided that if it couldn’t find the woman here, it wouldn’t return to the Hor Kingdom. Failure meant the crow would face punishment for the entire group of birds, and the White Tent King might even take its life. Ling was a stunning place, where heavenly dragons sang, cuckoos chirped melodiously, and larks filled the air with sweet songs. The crow, enchanted by this land, forgot its worries and flew freely. Without realizing it, it arrived at the Auspicious Victory Palace in the city of Dazi. Before the precious turquoise pavilion, the crow could no longer fly. It exclaimed in awe, “The most beautiful woman in the world is here!” This was the residence of Gesar’s queen, Zumu. The Lion King had left for the northern lands to slay demons three years ago and hadn’t returned. During these three years, Zumu had lost interest in dressing up. However, that day was an auspicious day in Ling. The stars in the sky, the time on earth, and the sun above were all exceptionally bright and beautiful. Zumu felt a rare sense of happiness. She recalled how Gesar had promised before leaving, “If I return early, it will be within two years; if I’m late, it won’t exceed three years. No matter what, I’ll return within three years.” Now, three years had passed. Zumu thought, Perhaps the king will return today. I should prepare myself to welcome him. She called her maids, Azhongji and Lizhongji, to help her wash her hair and dress up. Afterward, the three of them sat outside the pavilion, admiring the colorful clouds in the sky, the distant green mountains, the nearby trees, and the singing birds. Zumu’s rare good mood lifted the spirits of her maids, who happily shared cheerful stories to keep her entertained. At that moment, the crow arrived. It was stunned by Zumu’s beauty. Her radiant complexion outshone even the most vibrant lotus flower, and her elegance surpassed that of celestial maidens. Overwhelmed with joy, the crow sang: I spread my iron-black wings, Flying through heaven and earth. I’ve seen countless beautiful worlds, And countless lovely maidens, Yet not one compares To this woman’s unmatched beauty. The crow exclaimed, “Ah, Lady Zumu, your beauty is renowned, but seeing you today, I realize the truth exceeds the tales. You are Gesar’s queen, yet you sit alone in an empty room. What a pity, what a waste of your youth to live in sorrow. I am the envoy of the Hor White Tent King, searching for a bride for my king. A woman as beautiful as you would be the perfect match for him. Our king is young, strong, skilled in combat, and rules over twelve thousand households, with countless cattle and sheep. If you become his queen, you’ll enjoy wealth and luxury far beyond living here alone.” Zumu’s Anger and the Crow’s Success The crow spoke proudly, but Zumu, filled with anger, was furious. What bad luck to see this wretched bird on such a joyous day. She turned to her two companions and sang: Hey! Hey! My dear companions, We’ve herded lambs together since childhood, We’ve picked flowers together since we were young. On the land of Ling Gabu, Birds like this have never been seen. Why has this crow appeared today? Did you hear what it said? That vile demon bird said: “Zumu of the Gyalo family, Your husband is alive, yet you live as if widowed. Why stay in Ling Gabu? Why not go to the land of Hor? Would you like to be the bride of the White Tent King? Would you like to be the stepmother of Prince Lawu? Would you like to be the mistress of the Hor Kingdom? Would you like to be the mother of the Hor people? Across the roads of the world, Across Han and Tibetan lands, Compared to the prosperous Hor Kingdom, No place can match its splendor.” You wretched demon crow, Spreading bad omens by day, Bringing evil dreams by night, Spreading disasters wherever you go, Creating bad luck wherever you land! After singing, Zumu grabbed a handful of ashes and threw it at the crow. However, the ashes missed the crow and instead knocked her turquoise hair ornament to the ground. The crow quickly picked up the ornament and, flapping its wings, flew straight to the Hor Kingdom. Zumu and her two maids, Azhongji and Lizhongji, concealed the incident and didn’t tell anyone about it. Meanwhile, in the Hor Kingdom, the White Tent King grew increasingly anxious. It had been one hundred days since the four birds were sent out, yet none had returned. The king ordered his minister, Sinba Meruze, to go outside the city and investigate, hoping to hear good news about a beautiful woman. On this day, Sinba climbed to the highest point in Yaze City and looked in all directions. He saw no sign of the dove, peacock, or parrot, but noticed the crow perched on the top of a tall flagpole. Sinba asked the crow if it had brought good news for the king, but the clever crow, fearing Sinba might steal the credit, replied, “Sinba! I have nothing to say to you.” With that, the crow flew straight to the palace, landing beside the king’s throne. It placed Zumu’s turquoise hair ornament before the White Tent King. Seeing the sparkling, jade-green gem, the king knew the crow had found something significant and immediately asked, “Crow, you’ve worked hard. Quickly, tell me—where is the beautiful woman?” The black crow, feigning exhaustion, appeared hungry and thirsty. Before answering, it began to sing a song, criticizing the dove, peacock, and parrot: If you don’t know this place, It’s called the “City of a Thousand White Peaks,” Or the “City of Red Towers,” Or the “City of Ten Thousand Armor Bearers.” This is the capital of the White Tent King. Oh mighty king with the tiger hat, Hear my report as your loyal envoy: The dove, peacock, and parrot, Along with me, the crow, Were all raised by you as soul birds. The snow-white dove ate white rice, The blue peacock ate barley, The colorful parrot ate five grains, But I, the crow, was fed only dregs. Now the dove has returned to Jhana, The peacock has flown back to the Yellow River, And the parrot has returned to Men. None of them fulfilled your mission, None repaid your kindness, They betrayed your trust and loyalty. I, the humble black crow, Never forgot the White Tent King. I traveled far and wide, To every land, to every region. Across the small kingdoms of the world, Across the mountains of Han and Tibet, Though languages and customs differ, And family names are not the same, While there are many beautiful women, None are fit to be your queen, None are fit to be the stepmother of the prince, None are fit to be the mistress of your kingdom, None are fit to be the mother of your people. Hearing the crow’s account, the White Tent King was furious at the other birds and felt an overwhelming urge to punish them. To reward the crow, he ordered his guards to slaughter a sacred white sheep as a feast for it. He then asked the crow again, “Where is the beautiful woman?” The crow shook its head and refused to answer. The king, desperate, ordered the sacrifice of a long-haired sacred bull. Still, the crow shook its head, dissatisfied with the offering. Finally, the king, determined to please the crow, had a golden horse sacrificed for it. Only then did the crow stop demanding more. The Crow’s Report Seeing the White Tent King’s furious expression and murderous gaze, the crow dared not bargain anymore. It immediately sang: I, the crow, flew to Ling Gabu, To that dragon-coiled, tiger-crouched land. Heavenly dragons soared and sang in the sky, Cuckoos chirped joyfully, Larks trilled melodiously. In the magnificent palace, On the square royal carpet, Beneath the nine-pillared turquoise canopy, Lives a woman named Zumu, Truly the most beautiful woman in the world. Her skin is like white silk, Her flesh as radiant as red satin, Her eyes are as sharp and bright as a hawk’s, Her eyebrows curve like crescent moons. A single step forward is worth a hundred horses, Like a celestial maiden dancing gracefully, Even a hundred horses could not compare. A single step back is worth a hundred purple mules, Like soaring clouds across the sky, Even a hundred mules could not compare. Her thick black hair is worth a hundred oxen, Each strand like a string of pearls, Even a hundred oxen could not compare. Her smile is worth a hundred sheep, Her tongue tip forms the sacred “Ah” shape, Even a hundred sheep could not compare. She is the pinnacle of earthly beauty, The ornament of all daughters of the land. Among the women of Ling, She is the finest of them all. In winter, she is warmer than the sun, In summer, she is cooler than the moon. Her scent surpasses flowers, Bees swarm around her in delight. Though there are countless beauties in this world, Only she is worthy of the king. She was once Gesar’s beloved queen, Known as the renowned Zumu. Gesar ventured north to slay demons, Leaving her behind to guard an empty room. Don’t miss this chance to take her, Her turquoise hair ornament is proof, And only I, the crow, am truly loyal. “Wonderful! The gods have granted me this opportunity. I’ll bring her here immediately!” exclaimed the White Tent King. The White Tent King’s Ambition and Sinba’s Advice The White Tent King didn’t want to hear any more of the crow’s chatter. He was eager to bring Zumu to his side immediately. Minister Sinba Meruze, who overheard the conversation between the king and the crow, grew uneasy. He thought: Waging war against Ling Gabu without cause not only violates the heavens’ compassion but will also bring disaster to the people. Though Ling Gabu is small, the Lion King Gesar is incredibly powerful. How can we win an unjust war? Why can’t the king see this? Hoping to stop the king from making a mistake, Sinba advised, “My king, we have lived in peace with Ling Gabu for many years without conflict. Is it worth starting a war over one woman? Even if you capture Zumu, do you think the Lion King will let this go? Please reconsider your decision.” Sinba continued, “Perhaps we should send the disaster bird to investigate Ling Gabu before taking any action.” But the White Tent King dismissed Sinba’s advice. He was entirely focused on obtaining Zumu and said, “Our Yellow Hor Kingdom is stronger than Ling Gabu in every way—land, soldiers, and leadership. That poor boy Gesar has no real skills. If we strike first, we will surely win. We’ll wipe out the Ling people completely, and no misfortune will come upon us. However, sending the disaster bird to investigate is still a good idea.” The disaster bird was ordered to fly to Ling Gabu and scout its current condition. Zumu’s Unease and Nightmare Meanwhile, in Ling Gabu, Zumu had been feeling uneasy ever since her encounter with the crow and the loss of her turquoise hair ornament. Her maids, Azhongji and Lizhongji, were also anxious. They noticed that their queen, who had recently shown signs of joy, now looked even more worried. That night, Zumu had a terrible dream. She dreamed of mountains collapsing, floods engulfing Ling Gabu’s homes, and cattle and sheep being swept away. In her nightmare, she saw demonic hawks flying chaotically, wolves descending from the mountains, horses scattering, and livestock being taken away. Zumu woke up in terror, drenched in sweat. She remembered the dream that Meisa had once told her about and how Meisa had been captured by the black demon afterward. Zumu thought: Could a disaster be about to strike Ling Gabu? It must be! And this disaster may fall upon me. “Oh, my king, it’s been three years. Why haven’t you returned?” Overwhelmed by fear, Zumu missed Gesar more than ever. She woke her maids and told them about her dream. Her maids were horrified. “Queen, this is terrible! Meisa had a nightmare before she was taken. A few days ago, the black crow came to propose for the Hor King. Could it be that the Hor Kingdom is planning to invade and take you?” The Disaster Bird and Ling Gabu’s Alarm The queen and her maids were filled with panic and unease. At that moment, the massive disaster bird from the Hor Kingdom arrived at the sacred grounds of Ling Gabu, where heavenly dragons roared. It landed on the top of the nine-pillared turquoise canopy. Suddenly, a sturdy golden pillar cracked, the strong ropes holding the canopy snapped, and the ruby pulley used to tighten the ropes broke apart. The entire canopy began to sway dangerously. Zumu rushed to the entrance and saw an incredibly hideous and ferocious bird perched on the canopy. She shouted, “Brave warrior Yuda! Come quickly! There’s an ugly bird on the roof of the canopy. Can you shoot it down?” Yuda fetched his bow and arrows, but the dazzling radiance of the disaster bird’s feathers intimidated him, and he didn’t dare to shoot. Instead, he went inside the tent and looked at the bird’s twelve tail feathers through the skylight. He shot an arrow, knocking the tail feathers to the ground, but the disaster bird flew away. Afterward, the disaster bird thoroughly scouted Ling Gabu, flying all over the land. Once its mission was complete, it returned to the Hor Kingdom. Zumu turned to her maid Lizhongji and said, “First, the black crow came to propose, and now the disaster bird has come to spy on us. This can’t be a good sign. Go and report this to Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen immediately.” Having witnessed these ominous signs alongside her mistress, Lizhongji was also deeply worried. She hurried to the Chief Steward’s tent and reported everything about the black crow and the disaster bird. However, the Chief Steward dismissed her concerns, saying, “How could such things happen in this dragon-coiled, tiger-crouched land? There’s an old saying: ‘Mules can’t run far, and women’s words can’t be trusted.’ The divine tribes of Ling are as calm as solidified yogurt. Why are you stirring up trouble like blood in water? What good will this do?” Lizhongji replied, “There’s another saying: ‘The sun will rise because the heavens push it forward.’ I’m not stirring up trouble. The queen sent me to deliver this message. She’ll be here shortly. Let her decide what to do. In the meantime, please gather the divine tribes for a meeting.” Hearing this, the Chief Steward immediately ordered the drums to be beaten and the conch shells to be blown. Letters were sent out like snowflakes falling from the sky, and messengers flew like birds, summoning the people of Ling Gabu. They were instructed to gather at Datang Chamao at sunrise the next day. Notes Saiqing : Means "big yellow"; Hor Saiqing refers to "Yellow Hor." Sinba : Originally means "butcher," but here it refers to a hero.

The time and route for the horse race had been decided, and everyone in the Ling tribe now knew about it. But what about Joru, who had been exiled? Steward Wang constantly worried about Joru and his mother, Gyacha often dreamed of meeting his younger brother, and the people of Ling also hoped for their return. K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. Chapter 16: The Pearl Maiden Shows Gratitude and Searches for Joru and His Mother, The Divine Son Transforms to Test the Maiden's HearT The Search for Joru and His Mother Begins The time and route for the horse race had been decided, and everyone in the Ling tribe now knew about it. But what about Joru, who had been exiled? Chief Steward constantly worried about Joru and his mother, Gyatsa often dreamed of meeting his younger brother, and the people of Ling also hoped for their return. Most importantly, Joru needed to know about the race so he could return, participate, and claim the throne. But who could be sent to deliver this message? Without the right person, Joru and his mother would never return. And if Joru didn’t come back, who could defeat Chao Tong and expose his scheme? The old chief steward was deeply troubled and couldn’t think of the right person to send. While he was racking his brain, Gyatsa and Danma came to see him. The steward thought, “Perhaps they have an idea?” Indeed, Gyatsa and Danma had come to offer a suggestion. They said that the only person who could successfully bring Joru and his mother back was Sangjang Zumu, the Pearl Maiden. The chief steward’s eyes lit up with excitement. Why hadn’t he thought of this before? He immediately instructed Gyatsa to go to the Gyalo family and explain the situation to Sangjang Zumu. She must be persuaded to invite Joru back. A Plan to Bring Joru Home Gyatsa and Danma arrived at the Gyalo family’s pasture and met Sangjang Zumu and her father, Gyalo Dunpa Kyenzen. The father and daughter were already talking about the upcoming horse race. Dunpa Kyenzen said, “Joru and his mother were never in the wrong. They should never have been exiled from Ling. Now, at this critical moment, it is the right time for them to return.” Zumu’s thoughts wandered to the past, and she remembered the role she had played in Joru’s exile. She had once witnessed Joru transforming into a ferocious, man-eating figure and had reported it to Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen. This led to the exile of Joru and his mother. Ever since then, Zumu had felt guilty, regretting her actions. She thought, “If I hadn’t reported what I saw, they would never have been banished. But what’s done is done—nothing can change the past.” She silently prayed, “Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen, please send the right person to bring Joru and his mother back. If Joru doesn’t return, Chao Tong will win the race, and I will have no choice but to marry him. But Chao Tong is despicable—how can I marry such a man?” Zumu, the reincarnation of the White Tara Goddess, was noble, honest, clever, and brave. She was loyal and virtuous, with a strong sense of morality. She was admired throughout Ling for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness. Her slender figure was like a graceful bamboo, her face as radiant as the full moon, and her eyes as clear as crystal water. She was adorned with exquisite jewelry, including amber, turquoise, coral, and sapphire, and wore robes of fine silk trimmed with otter fur. Her every movement exuded grace and elegance, and she was regarded as a flawless gem. Zumu Sets Off for Joru and Faces Challenges Zumu’s hair was parted neatly on both sides, with a phoenix-shaped braid rising in the middle. To keep her thick hair in place, she wore rare amber on the right side, while turquoise and coral ornaments tied her small braids securely. Around her neck, she wore a dazzling cat’s-eye necklace adorned with red coral beads, green turquoise prayer beads, and a ruby-encrusted protection amulet. On her wrist were sapphire bracelets, and her fingers bore golden rings that shone like sunlight. She wore a cloak made of brocade trimmed with otter fur, and her silk boots were embroidered with three rainbows. Zumu’s natural beauty, enhanced by her luxurious attire and radiant jewelry, made her appear more stunning than ever. She outshone blooming lotuses, and even the sun and moon seemed dim in her presence. Her beauty was so captivating that even ascetics might feel desire, and even the King of Hell would submit to her. This is why the Ling tribe had chosen her as the prize for the horse race—her allure was undeniable. For the heroes of Ling, regardless of status or age, the desire to win Zumu far surpassed the desire for the throne or treasures. When Gyatsa and Danma arrived, Zumu and her father, Gyalo Dunpa Kyenzen, warmly welcomed them. After hearing their purpose, Danma, fearing that Zumu might refuse, brought up the reason for Joru and his mother’s exile, which made Dunpa lower his head in silence and left Zumu feeling ashamed. Sensing the awkwardness, Gyatsa comforted them, saying: “There’s an old saying: ‘It’s better to give treasures to the river than to let them fall into the hands of enemies.’ At this critical moment in the fight for the throne, we must bring Joru back. He is a saintly warrior and will surely defeat Chao Tong and win the prize. Only then can the people of the Tibetan region be free from disaster, and only then will Zumu find peace of mind. Right now, only Zumu can bring Joru and his mother back—they will trust no one else.” Gyatsa’s words made sense, and Dunpa nodded repeatedly in agreement. Zumu, deeply moved, looked up at Gyatsa and said: “Great hero of Ling, Gyatsa, brother of Joru, do you know the pain in my heart? Since the day Joru was exiled, I have known no joy—only sorrow. Even the six holy remedies cannot cure the pain in my heart. If my journey can bring Joru back, I will risk my life to succeed.” Gyatsa and Danma were surprised by Zumu’s immediate and heartfelt agreement. They were moved by her sincerity and devotion, and they blessed her, wishing her great success on her journey. The First Test of Zumu's Courage The next day, Zumu, like an angel, rode her beloved horse, Zhomichongru, bringing along the supplies and food she needed for the journey. Alone, she set off for the Mamey region. At the same time, Joru, who was living in Mamey, had a premonition that Zumu would be arriving. He said to his mother, Guomu: "Mother, today Sangjang Zumu from the Gyalo family is coming to our house. I must go meet her." Before his mother could respond, Joru had already vanished. That day, as Zumu rode through the eastern valley of Bari Mountain, she found herself in a desolate wilderness. The vast expanse was eerily quiet, and there was no sign of human life. Suddenly, the sky darkened, and Zumu thought the weather was about to change. She urged her horse to move faster. Out of nowhere, a man dressed in black on a black horse appeared, as if he had flown from the heavens or risen from the earth. He held a black spear and blocked her path. The man said nothing but gazed intently at Zumu. He studied her beauty in detail: her delicate body was as graceful as a bamboo reed, her face glowed like the rising moon, her rosy cheeks looked as though they had been painted, and her large, watery eyes stared back at him in terror. Her long, glossy black hair was adorned with amber, turquoise, and coral ornaments. Around her neck hung a necklace of agate beads and a ruby-encrusted protection amulet. Her wrists sparkled with sapphire bracelets, and her fingers wore rings of gleaming gold. Her maroon robe, trimmed with otter fur, and her silk boots, embroidered with rainbow-like patterns, completed her stunning appearance. The man’s face was dark as coal, and his eyes bulged like copper bells. His fierce and terrifying expression made Zumu’s soul nearly leave her body. Yet, to her surprise, the man didn’t attack or say anything; he simply continued to stare at her. It was puzzling. Zumu steadied herself and was just about to speak when the man finally broke the silence: "If you don’t know this place, It is the Jewel Valley of Jiaqing. If you don’t know who I am, I am Bari Nima Genzan, renowned and feared. My left side is iron, my right side is copper, My arms are bronze, my body is steel, my head is gold. I eat the flesh of my enemies as food, Drink their blood as wine, Take their treasures as spoils of war. Whatever I say, I do, Mercy is a concept I do not know. Oh, beautiful maiden, Your figure is as graceful as a celestial goddess, Your adornments sparkle like stars. Wealth and beauty rarely come together, So why are they both found in you? Which noble family do you come from? Which clan is your husband’s? It seems we are destined to meet, Otherwise, why would fate bring us together here? Here are three paths for you to choose: The best option is to become my wife, And keep your precious jewelry with you. The second option is to become my lover, But you must leave your horse and ornaments behind. The worst option is to return home naked. These are your choices. Decide." Hearing these words, Zumu was certain she could not escape. She thought to herself, “How can a virtuous maiden become the wife of a bandit?” She resolved to die rather than submit. Oddly, this thought gave her courage, and she closed her eyes, waiting for the end. However, after some time, nothing happened. When she opened her eyes, the man was still staring at her, motionless. Zumu’s will to live rekindled, and she said to the bandit: "If you want my jewelry, you can have it. If you want my ornaments, take them. But my horse is not yours to take. I cannot be your lover, and I will never be your wife. If you are truly a man of honor, Please show mercy to a helpless woman. I have an important task to complete—I must bring Joru back." As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks. Bari Nima Genzan almost laughed out loud. He softened his tone, as though comforting a child, and said: "Alright, alright, I won’t take you away, beautiful maiden. However, you must deliver the treasures you promised me here on the morning of the seventh day. For now, I’ll let you go. But to prove your honesty, you must give me the gold ring on your hand." He then asked her: "You mentioned Joru in your song. Who is this Joru? Is he a beast, or perhaps just livestock?" Zumu replied: "He is a man. The people of Ling mock him, calling him names like 'Joru,' 'Rat-Eater,' 'Sniveling Brat,' and 'Crooked Neck.' He is peculiar—worship him as a god, and he becomes a demon; place him among demons, and he resents the gods. He rejoices when the rich starve and laughs when heroes are bitten by dogs. Though born of noble blood, the son of King Senlun, He has become a beggar by choice, abandoning his fortune. He fights mice for grass and eats ginseng fruit to survive. He is my mission; I am here to bring him back." She then removed her gold ring and handed it to Bari Nima Genzan, agreeing to meet him in the same place seven days later. They parted ways. Encounters with the Handsome Stranger Joru held the gold ring in his hand, thinking to himself: "This is the first meeting gift between me, the Great Lion King Gesar, and Queen Zumu. I must treasure it." Once the black-clad man and his black horse disappeared without a trace, Zumu continued her journey. The sky cleared, and the desolate wilderness vanished. In its place, she saw seven figures atop a sand hill known as the Seven Sand Mountains. After the fright she had just endured, Zumu was overjoyed to finally see people. She urged her horse forward, hoping to meet them. As she approached, she saw seven men and their horses resting. The leader of the group reclined leisurely against a large rock, while the others were busy unpacking supplies, boiling water, and preparing food. Zumu’s eyes fell upon the leader, and she froze in her tracks. He was the most handsome young man she had ever seen. His skin was smooth and fair like the flesh of a conch shell, his cheeks glowed as though brushed with rouge, and his attire was luxurious. His posture was dignified, and he sat there smiling pleasantly, as if he hadn’t noticed Zumu’s presence. Zumu’s heart was captivated by the sight of this beautiful youth. She forgot her purpose, her mission, and even herself. She stood there, staring at him with wide eyes, unable to move or speak. The young man, however, seemed completely oblivious to her. He played idly with a piece of dry grass in his hand and paid no attention to the renowned beauty of Ling who stood before him. After what felt like an eternity, Zumu snapped out of her trance. She felt a wave of humiliation unlike anything she had ever experienced. In this young man’s presence, she felt less significant than the piece of grass he held. Embarrassed, she turned her horse to leave. Just as she was about to go, the young man spoke: "If you don’t know who I am, I am Borga, a minister of Jaga. I am passing through here on my way to Ling to propose marriage." Hearing these words, Zumu halted. "A marriage proposal? Who is this young man planning to marry?" Her heart raced, and her face flushed. This did not escape Borga’s notice. He said teasingly: "I’ve heard of Sangjang Zumu’s beauty, And of Dunpa Kyenzen’s wealth. I wonder if the rumors are true, And if I might marry her." Hearing this, Zumu’s earlier feelings of inferiority vanished. She touched her coral hair ornament and golden amulet, thinking, "So my reputation has spread even to Jaga! Even they know of Zumu of Ling. Thankfully, the bandit didn’t take my jewelry earlier—only my gold ring. But that’s no matter." She straightened her posture and lifted her head proudly, listening as the handsome minister continued: "An ideal woman is like a goddess, Blessed with fortune and longevity. An average woman is like the moon, Her favor waxing and waning with power. A lowly woman is like a sharp blade, Skilled in stirring conflict and hatred. An ideal woman is like a good medicine, Beneficial to all who know her. An average woman is like crystal, Her value depends on the circumstances. A lowly woman is like a poisonous flower, Deceitful and unfaithful to her partner. There are more women than grass on the mountains, But a true companion is rarer than gold. I don’t lack gold; I lack a soulmate. Oh, maiden, I have traveled far to this place. Oh, maiden, I don’t want Zumu—I only want you!" Zumu’s Joy and Sorrow Zumu felt both joy and sorrow. She was flattered that her beauty had captivated this proud prince, but she was also disheartened—"Are all men so fickle, falling for one woman after another? He doesn’t even know who I am, yet he’s ready to abandon Zumu for me. What a handsome yet unfaithful man!" Her sadness, however, was quickly overwhelmed by her pride. She could hardly contain herself. Though she tried to hide her delight, her eyes sparkled with affection. She felt proud of her beauty and thrilled by the young man’s admiration. Her restraint melted away, and she smiled openly, saying in a confident tone: "Atop the Seven Sand Mountains of Mamey, Stands a treasure of the white stone cliffs, Known as the magnificent spirit vulture With six full wings—that is me. Midway down the Seven Sand Mountains of Mamey, Lies a treasure of the snowy peaks, Known as the majestic white lion With a lush green mane—that is me. At the base of the Seven Sand Mountains of Mamey, Stands the treasure of Ling, Known as the radiant and graceful Zumu, Her youthful beauty gathered in one being—that is me. Swans live in the sacred Mapham Lake, And would never abandon their waters. Minister, if you long for Sangjang Zumu, How could you let her go so easily? Zumu has become the prize of Ling’s horse race. Whoever has the swiftest steed may win her hand. If you cannot compete in the race, Even paving the ground with gold won’t win Zumu. Bamboo from the southern forests, Feathers of the white-headed vulture— Their strength depends on the glue binding them, And harmony makes them fit for a quiver. Clear water from the Tibetan highlands, Red flowers from Jaga’s southern fields— Their fragrance depends on the temperature of the water, And harmony makes them a divine elixir. Minister Borga of iaga, If you wish to marry Zumu, You must come to Ling and compete in the horse race. Only the victor may claim me as his bride." Zumu Proves Her Identity After hearing Zumu’s words, the Jaga minister seemed doubtful that this woman before him was truly the famous Sangjang Zumu. He asked suspiciously, "A stranger’s face is unfamiliar. How will you prove that you are Zumu?" Zumu hesitated briefly, then brought out the longevity wine she had prepared for Joru. The bottle was sealed with the wax stamp of the Gyalo family, making it the perfect proof of her identity. The Jaga minister saw the wine bottle and said, "I must taste this wine to believe you." To prove her words, Zumu opened the bottle without hesitation. She intended to pour a small amount into a cup for him to taste, but to her surprise, the wine seemed enchanted. It flowed straight into the Jaga minister’s mouth, leaving not a single drop behind. Zumu was astonished. She had only meant for him to take a sip and then return the bottle, but now it was empty. Was this a sign from the heavens, blessing their union? A Test of Zumu’s Loyalty The Jaga minister drank the wine, and his cheeks became rosier, his youthful glow even brighter. He looked more handsome than ever. Declaring his intentions, he said, "I must leave immediately to compete in the horse race. I will win—I am certain of it. But I don’t want the throne or wealth; I only want Zumu. Once I win her, I’ll bring her back to Jaga. The Jaga palace is far better than anything in Ling." Zumu was enchanted by this beautiful young man. She leaned close to him and whispered sweet words of love. To ensure they would never forget this moment, they carved a mark into a large rock nearby. The minister placed a crystal bracelet on Zumu’s wrist, and Zumu tied a white silk ribbon with nine knots as a keepsake for him. They promised to meet again at the horse race before reluctantly parting ways. What Zumu didn’t know was that the black bandit she had met earlier and the Jaga minister she had just parted from were both Joru in disguise, testing her faithfulness. And she had fallen for it. Zumu's Shocking Encounter with Joru's Illusions Zumu crossed a small mountain, only to see another one of similar size ahead. What frightened her was the scene on the slope—countless burrows of tailless rats, and in front of each burrow sat a figure that looked exactly like Joru. Terrified by this bizarre sight, Zumu froze, unable to move forward. She hid behind a large boulder to collect herself. After a while, she peeked out and saw that all of Joru's duplicates had vanished. There was now only one Joru, busy skinning a large tailless rat. Gathering her courage, Zumu stepped out from behind the rock and shouted "Joru!" three times. Joru looked at her frightened expression and remembered her affectionate words to the Jaga minister. He decided to punish her as a lesson. Pretending to mistake her for a ghost, he picked up a stone-throwing device and chanted: "Welcome to Mamey, Where tailless rats run wild. The land belongs to the rats, And the power to demons. Since Joru arrived here, He has ruled the fates of demons. Joru is the sworn enemy of rats, And all ghostly creatures are subdued. Ghost maiden, why have you come to Mamey? I'll knock out your teeth, Rip out your hair, And banish your soul beyond the mountains. Then you'll know Joru's power!" With that, Joru flung a handful of dirt at Zumu. Magically, her teeth fell out, her hair was torn away, and her head became bald and shiny like a brass bowl. Overwhelmed by pain and humiliation, Zumu collapsed onto the ground, crying bitterly. Joru ignored her and walked back home. He told his mother, Guomu, "Mother! Zumu has arrived at our home. She was surrounded by fierce ghosts and demons, but I’ve subdued them all. Now she’s crying by a large rock outside." In reality, Joru had performed this act to cleanse Zumu of any ill fortune and negative energy before welcoming her into their home. But Zumu had no idea and felt deeply wronged. Guomu’s Consolation and Joru’s Plan When Guomu heard that Zumu had arrived, her heart was filled with both joy and concern. Hearing that Zumu was crying, she rushed to her side and found her sobbing uncontrollably. Zumu recounted the hardships she had faced on her journey, including losing her teeth and hair because of Joru. Guomu looked at her pitiful state and felt sympathy for her. She scolded Joru in her heart while comforting Zumu: "My dear child, don’t be sad. Come with me to our home. My mischievous Joru loves to show off his powers. These small injuries are nothing to worry about! I’ll have him restore your beauty, and you’ll look even better than before." Guomu helped Zumu into their home. When Joru saw her, he pretended to be surprised and said: "Oh my! So it was Zumu who came! I thought it was a ghost. How silly of me! But since you’ve come, why didn’t you come straight to the house? Why were you shouting outside so loudly? If you didn’t want to see me, why did you come to Mamey at all? And if you had just said 'I am Zumu,’ none of this would’ve happened!" Zumu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She explained everything, including the command from the Chief Steward to bring Joru and his mother back to Ling for the horse race. She said: "The Chief Steward ordered General Gyatsa to find you and your mother to compete in the horse race and win the prize. I traveled all this way without fear of demons or hardship. But you mistook me for a ghost and made me look worse than one! How can I return to Ling now? How can I face anyone?" Hearing this, Joru chuckled to himself. "Return to Ling? She probably just doesn’t want to see that handsome Jaga minister anymore," Joru Restores Zumu’s Beauty After hearing Zumu’s plea and seeing her pitiful state, Joru couldn’t bear to tease her further. He said seriously, “Restoring your beauty is not difficult, and I can even make you more beautiful than before. However, there’s one thing I need you to do for me first.” “Don’t just say one thing—even if it’s ten or a hundred, I’ll do it!” Zumu was desperate to rid herself of her ghostly appearance. Joru continued, “This task is not easy. I need to participate in the horse race, but I don’t have a suitable horse.” Zumu replied quickly, “That’s not an issue. Your father’s stables have a hundred fine horses. Just pick one!” Joru chuckled and said, “Among my father’s hundred horses, is there any that can rival Chao Tong’s famous Jade Horse?” At this, Zumu hesitated. “Well… no…” Joru smiled. “The horse I need is not among my father’s herd. It’s a one-of-a-kind treasure, a divine steed neither tame nor truly wild. It resides in the herd of a hundred wild horses. Only my mother, Guomu, and you can capture it. No one else can.” Joru looked at Zumu with hopeful eyes and said, “So, I need your help.” Zumu, though not timid by nature, felt unsure of her abilities. “A wild horse… me… am I capable of this?” Joru reassured her, “You can do it! Horses can understand human words. If you can’t catch it, call out to my brothers, and they will use the Sun-and-Moon Divine Rope to help you.” Zumu nodded, though her heart was still uneasy. She agreed to help. With Zumu’s promise, Joru immediately began the ritual to restore her beauty. He entered a deep meditative state, clearing his mind of all distractions. Following ancient traditions for blessings and prosperity, he chanted a sacred song to summon the gods and bestow their blessings upon Zumu: "Oh gods of the thirty-three heavens, Come today to help me, Joru! My elder brother, Dongchung Garbu, the phoenix-headed god, Full of joy and laughter, Lives in the celestial realm. Gather the radiance of divine maidens, And grant Zumu unparalleled beauty! My younger brother, Longshu Weichung, the dragon-bodied deity, In his crystal palace, Residing in the depths below, Bring forth the voices of dragon maidens, And grant Zumu a silver tongue! My sister, Taqin Egajin, the eagle-feathered goddess, With her enchanting eyes, Dwelling in the space between heaven and earth, Bring fortune and blessings from all lands, And grant Zumu wisdom and grace! Divine protectors, Zunya Longda and guardians Wilma, Hear my call today. Let Zumu’s face shine brighter than the moon, Her beauty surpassing the lotus flower! Let her hair flow like black silk, And her voice echo like sweet melodies. Let her beauty conquer all who see her, And let her be the pride of Ling!" When Joru finished his chant, he gently touched Zumu’s head and face. Instantly, her hair grew back, thick and glossy like a raven’s feathers. Her teeth were restored, white and flawless. Her face became radiant like the moon, and she appeared even more beautiful than before. Guomu handed Zumu a mirror. Seeing her reflection, Zumu blushed and shyly covered her face, overwhelmed by her restored beauty. Zumu’s Final Trial in Joru’s Home After recovering from her initial shock, Zumu began to observe her surroundings. She noticed that Joru and his mother lived in a small tent patched together with rags. The inside of the tent was dirty and smelled unpleasant. Zumu felt extremely out of place and stood outside, hesitant to step inside. Joru noticed her reluctance. Without saying a word, he glanced up at the sky and summoned the Eight Dragon Kings. Thunder roared, lightning struck, and hailstones began to fall. The heavens and earth seemed to merge in chaos, and Zumu had no choice but to rush into the small tent for shelter. Once Zumu was inside, Joru stopped the storm and brought out food for her. He prepared a feast of tailless rat meat and ginseng fruit, ingredients blessed by divine forces. Zumu, exhausted from her long journey and the many trials she had endured, was starving. She didn’t bother to ask what kind of food it was. Without hesitation, she devoured everything Joru had set before her. In no time, the plates were empty. But soon after, her stomach began to churn uncomfortably. She vomited everything she had eaten, covering the tent with foul-smelling waste. Joru remained calm. Despite the mess, his actions had a deeper purpose. Through this ritual of purging and cleansing, Joru was preparing Zumu to become part of his life. From this day forward, the land around their home would prosper, and its people would thrive.

In order to deceive the Chawarong king, Nangla, and weaken his power, the divine son Jue Ru (King Gesar) transformed into a beautiful young woman with long black hair, a slender figure, and an alluring charm. She arrived at the Dongga Jinzhong castle, where Nangla, the King of Chawarong, resided. K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. Chapter 11 Joru Transforms into a Beautiful Woman In order to deceive the Chawarong king, Nangwa, and weaken his power, the divine son Joru transformed into a beautiful young woman with long black hair, a slender figure, and an alluring charm. She arrived at the Dongga Jinzhong castle, where Nangwa, the King of Chawarong, resided. The king, seated majestically on his golden throne called “Renqin Wangjie,” was struck by the sudden appearance of this mysterious and beautiful woman after a shower of flower petals fell. The sight of her instantly stirred his lustful desires like a wind shaking the branches of a tree. Overcome with greed, he sang: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re, If you do not know this place, It is the Dongga Jinzhong castle. If you do not know who I am, I am Nangwa, the king of men. Beautiful girl, listen to me: First, tell me where you are from. Next, tell me where you are going. Your body is as delicate as white vines, Your words flow like the melody of a ‘Zhisa’ pipa. Who is your father, and which noble family does he come from? Who is your mother, and which aristocratic house does she belong to? Where are your parents’ homes? Do you already have someone in your heart? Do not hide anything—speak clearly. In this Dongga Jinzhong castle, It would be best for you to stay as my companion. Teach me wisdom and combat skills, And stay with me for at least three years. You and I, the king and the maiden, Will make the perfect couple in this world. Even the gods would clap their hands in celebration. If you are willing, please remember this in your heart. If you are not, I still have more songs to sing.” The woman smiled seductively, swayed her body gracefully, and moved one step closer to the king. She bowed deeply, and in doing so, diminished one-third of the king’s virtue. Then, in a sweet and flattering voice, she sang: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re, If you do not know this place, It is the Dongga Jinzhong castle, The royal chamber of King Nangwa. If you do not know who I am, I am Zedan, the princess of the Dragon King, From the crystal palace of the lower world. My father is a great noble from the Longmen lineage, And my mother, too, is from a renowned family. I am an intelligent and clever girl. And you, the savior of mankind, King Nangwa, Are like Mount Meru in your majesty. Your voice thunders like a mighty storm, Your wisdom is as deep as the ocean. Surely, you must be a transformation of the Dragon King himself. You and I together, King, Would be the perfect couple in the human world, Even the gods would clap their hands in celebration. Only a princess of the Dragon King Is worthy to be your queen. But let me tell you something important: The iron sickles from outside Will cut down the main beams of this house. On the land of Chawarong, For eight generations, kings have failed to prosper. The magnetic iron fortress outside, With its ill-fated flags flying, Will bring harm to Chawarong And misfortune to King Nangwa. It must be dismantled immediately. Also, Lusabenma, your brother, Is destined to face great calamity this year. He must sit quietly for a month to avoid harm. Until the signs from heaven change, He must not go to battle. Meditation will ensure his safety, And all your wishes will be fulfilled. If you understand, please remember my words. If not, I have more songs to sing.” After finishing her song, the king thought to himself, “This girl shares my thoughts exactly. Judging by her insights into karma and her predictions, she must have been sent by the Dragon King to help me. With her help, my kingdom will flourish, and my fame will spread across nations.” Satisfied with this thought, he smiled. That night, the woman stayed in Dongga Jinzhong castle. She shared an intimate night with the king, who became so infatuated with her that he felt as though his vital energy was completely drained. The King's Overconfidence and Ling's First Attack The next morning, as dawn broke, the ministers and generals of Chawarong gathered in the great hall to discuss matters. Meanwhile, Queen Yang Mintso was overcome with jealousy. She swayed her braid, shook her head in anger, her eyes flashed like lightning, and her nose flared with rage. She was so furious that she couldn’t even speak. The king and the woman felt a bit embarrassed. The woman said, “Your Majesty, please do not forget what I told you yesterday. The sooner you act, the greater your accomplishments will be. I don’t have time to accompany you today, but I will return soon to see you again.” With that, she disappeared without a trace. The ministers and generals of Chawarong didn’t believe that an enemy army would attack them, so they were completely unprepared. After some idle chatter, they all dispersed. Meanwhile, in Ling’s camp, the leaders were discussing who should lead the first attack and how to proceed. Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen said, “Today’s first battle will not be like the others. The enemy’s strength and skill are far greater. Therefore, it is best for Seba Niben Daya to go first.” Everyone nodded in agreement. The next morning, Seba Niben Daya mounted his pale yellow warhorse and led fifty heavily armored cavalry soldiers. Fully armed, with flags flying, their imposing presence was like a tiger descending a mountain. Those in the Ling camp praised the sight of such a mighty force. Seba Niben Daya's First Victory A few days later, the Ling army arrived at the Four Great Plains, from where they could see the Dongga Jinzhong castle of Chawarong in the distance. Inside the castle, the Chawarong king, Nangwa, stood on the balcony and spotted the Ling forces approaching. He turned to his ministers and said, “Across the river, the yellow horsemen are galloping with dust billowing behind them. Their teeth grind like thunder, their banners and weapons rise like a storm. Brave warriors lead the charge. Yesterday, that woman said that the iron sickles from outside would destroy the beams of this house. Could she have meant these men? Are they friends or foes? Send someone to investigate immediately.” The brave and intelligent minister, Senge Kangtsun, volunteered for the task. Leading 100 iron-armored cavalrymen, he charged toward Seba Niben Daya like rolling logs and falling boulders. When the two sides were a bowshot apart, Senge Kangtsun pulled his reins and shouted: “Om Mani Padme Hum! Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you do not know this place, It is the slaughterhouse of the King of Hell. If you do not know who I am, I am the King of Hell himself. Let the heavenly god Dorje Drakpa And the Twelve Protector Deities stand behind me. Nangla’s status is like that of the heavens. This land of Chawarong, Ruled by the Nangwa King, Is not a place for idle wanderers. Surrender, yellow horsemen! Tell me, where are you from? Where are you going? Who is your master? Speak clearly and truthfully. If you lie, I will show you no mercy!” Seba Niben Daya calmly drew a golden arrow, placed it on his bow, and responded: “Om Mani Padme Hum! Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you do not know this place, It is the territory of Chawarong. If you do not know who I am, I am Seba Niben Daya from the holy land of Ling. Known as the Iron Hammer of Ling, I strike down my enemies with righteous fury. Chawarong and Ling Have no reason to fight without cause. But long ago, Nima Leqintha of the Dong tribe Came to Chawarong to retrieve arrows. Eighteen mule-loads of feathered arrows Were stolen by your people. Today, I have come to settle this debt. Lost cattle and sheep will be recovered. Justice must be served. Ling’s rules are clear: One warrior versus one warrior. Let’s settle this like men. If you retreat even a step, You are no hero—only a cowardly woman. If I retreat even half a step, I am nothing but a mangy dog. There is no time for idle chatter!” As soon as Seba Niben Daya finished speaking, he fired his golden arrow, but it missed. Senge Kangtsun retaliated with his own arrow, which also missed. The two warriors then drew their swords and engaged in a fierce duel. They fought for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, but neither could gain the upper hand. Seba Niben Daya, determined to win, thought to himself, “If I don’t kill this demon today and secure the first victory, it will be disastrous for the entire battle.” With this in mind, he leaned to the right from his horse, picked up a stone the size of a sheep’s stomach, and hurled it at Senge Kangtsun’s chest. The stone shattered Senge’s protective mirror armor, striking his vital spot. Senge Kangtsun fell from his horse, and Sebani quickly claimed his head. The Ling soldiers seized the opportunity to charge forward, slaughtering the enemy like hail pounding grass. The Chawarong troops were utterly defeated and scattered in all directions. Chawarong's Defeat and Ling's Celebration Inside the Dongga Jinzhong castle, the Chawarong king, Nangwa, watched his soldiers retreat in defeat. He was furious. His anger boiled over—his hair seemed to emit blood-red steam, and sparks erupted from his face. From the top of the castle, he hurled a large stone, as big as a wild ox’s stomach, at Seba Niben Daya. The stone struck Niben Daya, knocking him off his horse and leaving him momentarily unconscious. The Ling soldiers rushed to rescue him. They gave Seba Niben Daya a life-saving pill, and after a short while, he regained consciousness. Mounting his horse once again, Seba Niben Daya’s fury drove him to slay over fifty enemy soldiers. On the battlefield, corpses littered the ground. However, Ling also suffered losses, with over twenty of their own soldiers killed. After this intense battle, Seba Niben Daya led the Ling troops back to camp, carrying with them the severed heads and arms of their fallen enemies. The Ling soldiers were overjoyed at their victory. They placed the heads and arms in front of the camp gate, celebrated with dancing and offerings to the gods, and honored Seba Niben Daya for his bravery in battle. He was awarded for his heroic achievements in defeating the enemy. Chawarong Prepares for Revenge Meanwhile, in Dongga Jinzhong castle, the Chawarong king, Nangwa, was still furious over the loss. He lounged angrily on his golden throne, “Renqin Wangjie,” and sang: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re, If you do not know this place, It is Dongga Jinzhong castle. In this bright and sunny hall, If you do not know who I am, I am the radiant King Nangwa. I pray to the boundless blue sky, To the Nine-Eyed Protector God, To Chawarong’s White Mule God, And to the Twelve Dragon Daughters, Come and aid me, King Nangwa. This year, Ling has sent its army to Chawarong. Across the river at Xintangjiamu Plains, Their four divisions have set up camp. They chop down our young trees for firewood, Steal our water to brew their tea, Feed their horses with our green grass. Ling’s arrogance cannot go unpunished! Not just this—they have done much worse. In the past, Chawarong merchants Traveled to Gana to trade. A caravan of eight men with one hundred mules Was robbed by Ling’s young men. They slaughtered the innocent, staining their clothes with blood. And now, today, these yellow horsemen Have come to provoke us again. A small detachment of them, Led by someone called Seba Niben Daya, Dared to invade this land. They killed our general, Senge Kangtsun, And fifty of our finest soldiers— Like a dream, they all vanished. How can my ministers tolerate this? We cannot let this go! I command all three divisions of Chawarong To prepare for war. Send messengers to rally every soldier. Against these Ling invaders, We must strike back with blood for blood. Tomorrow at dawn, Lusabenma, my brother, And General Dorje Mima Will lead 300 elite cavalry soldiers To the Ling camp at Xintangjiamu Plains. Blood must repay blood; Property must be reclaimed. If blood is not avenged, We are no better than cowards. If stolen goods are not recovered, It is like a maiden losing her spindle.” The Chawarong king ordered his ministers and soldiers to prepare for battle. From now on, the entire kingdom was mobilized to defend their homeland. Lusabenma's Fury and Joru's Warning As soon as King Nangwa gave his order, Lusabenma and General Dorje Mima grew restless with anger. They couldn’t wait to storm out of their tent and head into battle. The next morning, just before dawn, Joru appeared near the Ling camp and shouted three times, “Sipan! Sipan! ... The enemy is at the gates, and yet the Ling soldiers are all snoring and fast asleep. How can I, Joru, tolerate such carelessness?” Some soldiers were startled awake by the shouting. When they opened their eyes, they saw Joru standing naked in a corner of the tent. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared. The commander, Chao Tong, thought to himself, “Joru, this troublemaker in human form, doesn’t sleep at night, doesn’t let others sleep either, and keeps showing off with nonsense. This war has nothing to do with him, yet he rushed here uninvited. What a strange and irritating being.” However, most of the Ling soldiers, except for Chao Tong, agreed with Joru’s warning. They quickly got up, armed themselves, and prepared their horses, ready for any emergency. At dawn, Lusabenma appeared at the camp gate, moving mountains with his supernatural strength. He shifted a mountain from the left to the right, then moved one from the right to the left, standing like a terrifying pillar of strength. His imposing figure scared the cowardly Chao Tong and a few others into fleeing the camp. Without saying a word, Lusabenma bent his bow and fired an arrow into the Ling camp. The arrow flew like lightning and roared like thunder when it hit the ground. Over 100 Ling soldiers in iron armor fell dead instantly. Lusabenma’s arrows were poisonous, and the thick smoke they emitted was so terrifying that even the Ling gods dared not look directly at him. The Battle Begins Seba Niben Daya, Wenbu Alubasen, and Commander Sipan quickly launched an attack to block Lusabenma’s path. They swung their swords and fired arrows, but it was as ineffective as peas hitting a drum—Lusabenma was completely unharmed. The five Ling heroes charged at him again, trying to hold him down. They grabbed him tightly and dragged him backward with all their might, but it was like children trying to pull a wild ox—they couldn’t move him an inch. Lusabenma strode into the Ling camp’s middle section, while the five heroes followed closely behind. They attacked him again, slashing and stabbing, but they only managed to cut off three pieces of his armor. It was useless. At this moment, Tarchu Tola Tsampo rode forward, holding his reins in his left hand and a sword in his right. He struck Lusabenma several times, knocking off a few more pieces of armor and almost injuring him. Lusabenma thought, “This person, though young, is quite strong and skilled in combat. Judging by his appearance, he must be from a noble lineage.” He then drew his treasured sword, “Hala Dongjiao,” and swung it in the air before slashing downward. Tarchu Tola Tsampo was split in two and died on the spot. Seba Niben Daya, seeing his comrade killed, could no longer contain his rage. He chased after Lusabenma, attacking him relentlessly with arrows and blades, but it had no effect. At that moment, two Ling generals, Bumba Gyatsa Xiega and General Danma, charged forward to block Lusabenma’s path. They fought fiercely, exchanging blows, but neither side could gain the upper hand. Eventually, both sides retreated to their respective camps. Dorje Mima's Death and Lusabenma's Retreat Shortly after Lusabenma retreated to his camp, Dorje Mima, one of Chawarong’s top generals, launched a surprise attack on the Ling camp from the left flank. He charged forward with great ferocity, killing Ling soldiers as he went. However, he was soon met by the powerful Ling general, Dapan, who confronted him head-on. Dapan thrust his long spear toward Dorje Mima’s chest, sending sparks flying. Then, with a sweeping motion, he swung his sword down, aiming directly at Dorje Mima’s head. Although the blow didn’t kill him, it managed to knock off eight pieces of his armor. Dorje Mima staggered backward, praying desperately to the heavens, earth, and dragon gods to protect him in this critical moment. After his prayers, he regained his composure and thrust his spear again with all his might, this time piercing Dapan’s chest straight through to his back. Dapan fell from his horse, mortally wounded. Dorje Mima approached him and took his head as a trophy. The Ling soldiers, enraged by the fall of their general, charged at Dorje Mima like wolves attacking sheep. The battlefield was soon covered in blood, and many of Chawarong’s soldiers were killed. Realizing the battle was turning against him, Lusabenma quickly regrouped the remaining Chawarong forces. He led the retreat and guarded the rear, ensuring the survival of his remaining soldiers. On the way back, he encountered five Ling commanders, led by Nima Lunzhu. In a fierce clash, Lusabenma killed all five of them, cutting his way through the Ling forces to escape. Before leaving the battlefield, Lusabenma stood atop his horse, placing his sword on his thumb as he sang: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you do not know this path, It leads directly to Chawarong. If you do not know who I am, I am Lusabenma, Younger brother of King Nangwa. I am the son of the Dragon King, A force of nature no one can stop. From the boundless clouds in the sky, I call upon the Nine-Eyed God. Riding a tiger as my steed, Guarded by ten thousand deities, Today I’ve claimed my first victory. I trampled Ling soldiers like grass, Turning the battlefield into a river of blood. Are you satisfied, Ling warriors? You Ling soldiers, who dared to invade, Without reason or cause, Why do you bring hatred to our land? Do you think your feeble strength Can match the wild power of the plains? If you wish to challenge me, Ready your best warriors. Let us fight one-on-one, And see who is truly a hero!” Lusabenma's Intimidation at Ling's Camp After finishing his song, Lusabenma thought to himself, “Let’s see who dares to challenge my treasured sword. I will end their life!” At that moment, Bumba Gyatsa Xiega, overwhelmed with grief over the death of Tarchu Tola Tsampo, burned with rage upon hearing Lusabenma’s arrogant words. His muscles twitched, his fingers itched to act, his jaw clenched, and his head felt like it was about to explode. “That demon Lusabenma has killed so many of our Ling comrades, and now he’s standing at our camp gate spewing insults. This is unbearable!” he yelled as he prepared to charge out. Several leaders tried to stop him, but he was too furious to listen. Then, the elder chief, Chao Tong, earnestly advised him, “Nephew, hold on! Let your uncle give you a word of advice. As the saying goes, envy what others have, but be content with what you possess. There’s no need to fight today. There will be no more glory to gain. Listen to me—don’t go.” Reluctantly, Bumba Gyatsa Xiega calmed down and stayed in the camp. Lusabenma also thought there would be no more fighting that day. He turned his horse around and led his remaining forces back to Dongga Jinzhong Castle. There, he displayed the severed head and helmet flags of Tarchu Tola Tsampo as trophies. The gathered citizens remarked, “Judging by his appearance and attire, this man must have come from a noble and prestigious family.” Reinforcements Arrive in Chawarong Three days later, reinforcements arrived in Dongga Jinzhong Castle. Over 3,000 elite soldiers from the six southern valley tribes marched into the castle under the leadership of military strategist Xujie Tsampo, General Nangja Lunzhu, young commander Dama Dongdan, and the invincible warrior Senqiong Lagui. After settling into the castle, the military leaders gathered in the middle tower of the palace to discuss strategies for avenging the deaths of their two generals. Ling's Despair and Seba Niben Daya's Determination Meanwhile, in the Ling camp, the loss of Tarchu Tola Tsampo and four other commanders, along with many soldiers, left everyone in despair. The soldiers murmured among themselves, “We’ve never seen anything like that demon Lusabenma before. Neither arrows nor weapons have any effect on him.” Seba Niben Daya, filled with grief and anger, declared, “How can I sit idle while my comrades lie dead? If I cannot avenge them, I will never forgive myself!” He prepared to charge out of the camp when General Danma stopped him. Danma said, “If every commander personally avenges their own losses, what will happen to the chain of command? This war is only beginning, and there will be plenty of opportunities for revenge. Stay calm and hold your position. Trust me—I will make sure that demon Lusabenma spills his blood on the battlefield.” The soldiers nodded in agreement. Seba Niben Daya, though unwilling, stayed in the camp, secretly vowing, “If I don’t teach Lusabenma a lesson tomorrow, I might as well be dead!” Joru's Return to Chawarong At this moment, Joru, calculating that the time to subdue Lusabenma had not yet arrived, decided to act. He knew that if Bumba Gyatsa Xiega were to fight now, it would not only fail but also harm Gyatsa. The only solution was to influence the decisions of King Nangwa and his ministers in Chawarong. Joru appeared again near Dongga Jinzhong Castle, transforming into the same beautiful woman as before. She hovered low in the sky just outside the castle. When King Nangwa saw her, he exclaimed, “Oh, the enchanting Dragon Princess! Last time, you vanished like a rainbow. Seeing you again today brings me great joy! Please, come and speak with me to ease my troubled heart!” The woman, in her soft and alluring voice, replied, “Oh, great savior of the people! Last time, I shared my heartfelt advice with you, but you did not act upon it. If this continues, the brutal Ling demons will harm your brother Lusabenma, and your soldiers cannot hold out for more than seven days. Please, act quickly on my words and do not delay. I cannot stay long—I must return to the Dragon Palace to tend to the flowers. If you are sincere, I will return again to meet you.” With that, she disappeared. King Nangwa, deeply moved, immediately ordered Lusabenma to retreat to the “Dawa Yichi” meditation chamber and observe strict meditation rules. He also commanded the complete dismantling of the castle walls. Bumba Gyatsa Xiega's Revenge Four days later, just before dawn, Bumba Gyatsa Xiega prepared for battle. He saddled his white phoenix warhorse, secured his weapons—a sword, arrows, and a spear—and donned his shining white armor. With his twenty loyal soldiers, he rode out in an unstoppable march toward Dongga Jinzhong Castle. The Chawarong leaders noticed his approach and immediately sent two of their most ferocious generals, Xujie Guobo and Mina Daoqin, along with fifty soldiers, to intercept him. Xujie Guobo charged ahead, leading the way. In his right hand, he hurled what seemed like a thunderbolt of hailstones, while in his left, he raised a massive mountain on the tip of his finger. His hair stood straight up, shining red like flames, and his black and blue face exuded murderous intent. He looked nothing like an ordinary human. Bumba Gyatsa Xiega thought to himself, “Is this a man, or is it some kind of demon? I’ll sing a song to test him first.” He drew his sharp sword, “Yasi Gachen” from its sheath and began to sing: “Om Mani Padme Hum, Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you do not know this place, This is the land of Chawarong. If you do not know who I am, I am Bumba Gyatsa Xiega, A descendant of the gods above. Before I was born into this world, Among thirty heavenly sons, I was their leader. When I descended to Ling, I became Bumba Gyatsa Xiega, Nephew of the King of Jhana. You wicked demon, Let me tell you this: The thirty-three heavens follow the law of righteousness, And evil magic will always fail. Good and evil always have their rewards, And today, justice will prevail. This sword in my hand, Was gifted by the King of Jiana. Forged from the iron of the White Brahma King’s soul, Tempered in the blood of Rakshasas, Sharpened with the venom of serpents, And polished with the tusks of the great Garuda bird. Its blade cuts through the densest clouds, Its handle shines like a lotus crown, Its guard reflects rainbows in the sky, And its edge gleams like winter frost. When I wield this sword, It can fell mountains with a single slash. Today, I will strike you down, And there’s no time for idle chatter. Remember these words, for they will be your last!” After the song, Bumba Gyatsa Xiega waited for Xujie Guobo’s reply, ready to gauge his strength before attacking. Xujie Guobo's Reply and the Clash Xujie Guobo, unfazed by the song, placed his sword ring on his thumb and sang in return: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. Outside the gates of Dongga Jinzhong Castle, If you do not know who I am, I am Xujie Guobo, A great hero of Chawarong. My courage is like a tiger’s, My strength surpasses the speed of lightning. When I stand still, I am as gentle as silk, But when I charge at my enemies, I am as fierce as spiked iron. Who dares challenge me? They won’t survive three steps! Today, I greet you, noble Bumba Gyatsa Xiega. I have long heard of your name, And now, it is my honor to meet you. Let my sword be the gift of my respect to you, And let us settle this matter here and now. Do not think your blade can match mine! My sword can cleave mountains, Pierce the heavens, And dry the seas within nine days. Today, it will take your head as my trophy!” After finishing his song, Xujie Guobo charged at Bumba Gyatsa Xiega with his sword raised. Sparks flew as their blades clashed, but Xujie’s attack had no effect on Bumba Gyatsa Xiega. Bumba Gyatsa Xiega’s anger flared. “You insolent demon! You will regret crossing me!” The two warriors engaged in a fierce battle, their strikes echoing like thunder across the battlefield. The Death of Xujie Guobo and Mina Daoqin The fierce battle between Bumba Gyatsa Xiega and Xujie Guobo lasted for a long time. Though Xujie Guobo fought with all his might, none of his strikes could harm Bumba. Bumba Gyatsa Xiega, realizing Xujie’s strength, decided it was time to end the fight. He put away his sword and leapt forward, grabbing Xujie by the head with one hand and his throat with the other. With a mighty pull, he dragged Xujie off his horse. Xujie tried to resist by grabbing onto Bumba’s arms, but Bumba Gyatsa Xiega tightened his grip, choking him harder and harder. Xujie’s eyes bulged, and with a final gasp, he fell lifeless to the ground. Seeing his comrade killed, Mina Daoqin charged at Bumba Gyatsa Xiega with a roar, swinging his sword furiously. He struck Bemba three times, but the blows were ineffective. Bumba, enraged, countered with one slash of his sword, slicing Mina in half. With both generals dead, Bumba Gyatsa Xiega severed their heads and hands as trophies. He then charged into the remaining Chawarong soldiers, scattering and killing many of them before returning to the Ling camp victorious. The Pursuit of Bumba Gyatsa Xiega After seeing the defeat of their two powerful generals, Xujie Guobo and Mina Daoqin, the Chawarong leaders sent Chuimi Nangjia Guobo to pursue Bumba Gyatsa Xiega. He charged forward like a flash of lightning. Bumba, observing the immense strength of this new challenger, thought to himself, “This man seems incredibly powerful. I should test him first.” He turned his horse around, tightened the reins with his left hand, and gripped his sword, “Yasi Gachen” with his right. Then he said, “You fool, you’re just a little extra fat on a big piece of meat! What kind of officer are you? Listen to me sing a song first!” Bumba Gyatsa Xiega began singing: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. I pray to the heavens above, To the middle realm’s guardians, And to the Dragon King below. Protectors of Ling, hear my call, Help me, Bumba, achieve success! If you don’t know where this is, This is the land of Chawarong. If you don’t know who I am, I am Bumba Gyatsa Xiega, Nephew of the King of Jhana. Mighty heroes gather here, But none can rival me. My sword, ‘Yasi Gachen,’ Is the sharpest of all blades. You, red-faced demon, Have come to meet your doom. Tell me your name, your rank, And what skills you think you have! I’ve already slain Xujie Guobo, And split Mina Daoqin in two. Now, you’re here to add to my victories. Prepare to lose your head!” After finishing his song, Bemba waited to see how Chuimi Nangjia Guobo would respond. Chuimi Nangjia Guobo's Response Chuimi Nangjia Guobo, unshaken, drew his sword and replied: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you don’t know where this is, This is the highway of Chawarong. If you don’t know who I am, I am Chuimi Nangjia Guobo. The king’s military strategists wield illusions, They drink the heart’s blood of their enemies. Who could be more ruthless than me? My father is of the red mountain god’s lineage, My mother is of the cruel dragon clan. I’ve mastered the skill of riding dragons, My speed is as swift as lightning. When fighting face-to-face, I strike like thunder crashing against stone. But I have never harmed anyone without cause. On this Chawarong highway, From the Buddhist laws of Jiana above, To the justice of Jhana below, Be they bandits, merchants, or travelers, All can only bow and present offerings To our King of Chawarong, Nangwa. Who dares to shout recklessly here? You lawless people of Ling, You brought your armies to Chawarong without cause, You slaughtered the innocent and spilled their blood. To not avenge this would be unworthy of a hero! Can a flower fox disturb a sleeping tiger’s den? Surely, it will meet a bad end. Can a mountain goat leap about a hungry wolf’s den? Surely, its blood will stain the ravine. Can a lark play tricks near an eagle’s nest? Surely, its feathers will scatter in the wind. Chawarong guards its own borders. How can we allow Ling to invade? Today, I will ensure that you, Bumba Gyatsa, Meet your death here! Among the ranks of Chawarong generals, There are some with short lives, But defeating them is no great feat. Now, as for our King Nangwa, His power rivals the heavens. His brother, Lusabenma, Is as powerful as a thunderstorm. With loyal ministers and soldiers at his side, His strength is as solid as diamond. Chawarong’s twelve clans Are as disciplined and fierce as a hailstorm. Your attempts to win are futile. Bumba Gyatsa, you pitiful fool, You are ignorant and arrogant. And yet, you dare to ask That I, Chuimi Nangjia Guobo, Surrender to you? How ridiculous is your idea! Can a snow lion bow its head under a mangy dog? Can the mighty Garuda perch under the wings of an owl? Under the iron hooves of Ling’s demons, How could a true hero ever submit? If you release your horse, I will release mine. My horse also has four hooves. If you draw your blade, I will draw mine. My armor is no different from yours. If you wish to claim you’re a hero, Then prove it with actions instead of boasting. Let us compete and see who is stronger. Your empty words mean nothing. If you understand my song, Then take these words to heart. If not, I won’t bother explaining further. Remember these words well!” With that, Chuimi charged at Bumba Gyatsa Xiega. The two warriors clashed with tremendous force, their blades sparking as they struck. Bumba Gyatsa Xiega Kills Chuimi Nangjia Guobo Bumba Gyatsa Xiega, enraged, raised his sharp sword, “Yasi Gachen,” and spun it above his head. He shouted, “You ambitious fool who calls yourself Chuimi Nangjia Guobo! Perfect! You’re exactly who I wanted to kill. Today, I’ll start by spilling Chuimi’s blood and then take King Nangwa’s head. If I fail, I’ll have no face to live in this world!” Bumba swung his sword at Chuimi, but due to the secret protection of Chuimi’s guardian deities, Zatsen and Dorje Zega, the blow did not harm him at all. Chuimi countered with a strike of his own, slicing off three pieces of Bumba Gyatsa Xiega's armor. Bumba thought to himself, “In all my battles against countless heroes, no one has ever left so much as a scratch on me. This man has cut off three pieces of my armor—what a great insult!” Furious and unable to tolerate such humiliation, he silently prayed to the heavens, the earth, and the dragon gods for their blessing. Summoning all his strength, he swung his sword once more. Chuimi, his sins reaching their peak, was struck down with a single blow. With a loud “slash,” Bemba sliced him in half. He severed Chuimi’s head and arms as trophies and triumphantly returned to the Ling camp. Celebration in the Ling Camp When Bumba Gyatsa Xiega returned to the Ling camp with his soldiers, they gathered around him, cheering loudly. The shouts and whistles echoed like thunder, shaking the entire valley. Bemba placed Chuimi’s severed head and arms in the center of the camp for everyone to see. The camp’s elder, “Uncle Wang,” along with the chiefs and soldiers, praised him, saying, “Bumba Gyatsa Xiega has proven himself to have unmatched courage and skill. He is truly invincible!” Meanwhile, in Chawarong, their leaders were deeply unsettled by losing so many skilled generals at the hands of one man. They murmured among themselves, “If we don’t avenge this, we cannot call ourselves men.” Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu's Vow for Revenge Among the Chawarong generals, Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu stood up and declared, “Fellow ministers and generals, these wretched Ling people have sent their army like a flood, slaughtering many of our soldiers and generals. We haven’t provoked them, and yet they’ve brought disaster to us. How can we sit back and endure this? That wretched Bumba Gyatsa has killed Xujie Guobo and left our camp in ruins, with blood flowing like rivers. Our most talented commanders have fallen to him, and if I don’t avenge this, how can I call myself wise?” Tears filled his eyes as he spoke. He prepared to charge out for battle but was stopped by his younger brother, Yuqiong Guobo. “Brother, I beg you not to go today,” Yuqiong pleaded. “We can take our revenge later. If you must go, then take me with you. If something happens to you, how can I continue living in this world?” He clung to his brother, sobbing. Moved by his brother’s words, Chuimi Lunzhu chose not to fight that day. The Next Day's Battle At dawn the next day, Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu and his brother Yuqiong Guobo each led a force of 100 cavalry and set out for battle. In the Ling camp, the warrior Bala Senda Adong donned his armor and mounted his powerful steed, “Dongri Daga.” Like a streak of white light, he charged out of the camp to intercept Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu. Chuimi drew his sword and began to sing: “Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you don’t know where this is, It is at the foot of Chare Mountain in Lower Chawarong, Along the highway to Chawarong. If you don’t know who I am, I am the younger brother of the slain. My name is Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu. This year, on this day, The actions of the Ling forces— How could I fully describe them? We never provoked them, Yet they invaded us with loud cries. Their sinful armies fell like hailstones, Slaughtering countless brave men, Trampling the innocent and spreading disaster. This land of Chawarong, A treasure trove of fortune and prosperity. Its high mountains are rich with fruit trees, And flocks of sheep roam in herds. The mountain slopes are covered in vines and bamboo, The birthplace of fine arrows. The lowlands are filled with flowering trees, And the fields yield abundant grain. A peaceful and prosperous, happy land, Now unjustly plagued by demonic invaders. If I cannot repay evil with vengeance, Then I, Chuimi, am no better than a corpse. Today, I face this white-armored knight, He seems to be Bala Senda. Chuimi’s wish will soon be fulfilled! I pray to the heavens and celestial realms, To the deity Garlawangmu. May songs of joy and laughter ring out, And may millions of gods protect me. Today, help Chuimi achieve glory in battle, To avenge my brother’s death and sorrow. Bless me so that my wish may come true!” Bala Senda Adong's Response and Attack After listening to Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu’s song, Bala Senda Adong drew his “Leiqin” sword halfway from its scabbard and said, “Ah! Heroic Chuimi! If you are truly a brave man with a sharp blade, it should be easy for us to decide who is superior. But first, listen to my song!” He began to sing: “Rua Ala Tara Tara Re, Tararu Yilan Ru Re. If you don’t know where this is, This is Chawarong’s land. The place where Chawarong’s generals Have been slaughtered—it’s your graveyard, Chuimi! If you don’t know who I am, I come from the blessed land of Dokham Ling. I, Bala Senda Adong, am the wolf among men, Undefeated, greater than the King of Hell himself. This sword, the ‘Leiqin’ killing blade, Is like the death token of the King of Hell. This steed, ‘Dongri Daga,’ Is powerful as the great Garuda bird. All of this is true, not a single lie. Listen, you little Chuimi boy! We, the heavenly warriors of Ling, Have every reason to come to Chawarong. What’s so hard to understand? Reflect for a moment, and it will be clear. Let’s start from the beginning. Long ago, you stole Ling’s sacred arrows, And the innocent people of Ling suffered. This was the first cause of conflict. If you want a second reason, Chawarong is a blessed land, With a treasury containing sacred arrows. Those treasures, from the Guru Pema’s teachings, Rightfully belong to Ling. Children inherit their father’s legacy; The people of Chawarong should not interfere. Now for the third reason, This beautiful land of Chawarong Is under the jurisdiction of the Buddhist King. Yet certain sinful individuals Have selfishly claimed it for themselves. Since the birth of King Nangwa And his brother Lusabenma, These two bandits have seized power. Under their rule, Chawarong became a land of sin. Merchants traveling north were killed, Traders heading south were robbed, The trade routes between Tibet and China were blocked. You neither follow the Buddhist law of Jiana above, Nor accept the justice of Jhana below. Instead, your land has become a den of darkness. To subdue the evil demons of Chawarong And establish a city of compassion and Buddhist law, This is the sacred duty of us Ling warriors. Chawarong leaders, listen well! To destroy your demonic roots completely, To turn Chawarong into a land of Dharma, To open the treasury of sacred arrows— Unless these three goals are achieved, We will not return to Ling. Chawarong ministers and generals, Don’t be so eager to die. The soldiers of Ling Are coming to visit you soon. We will go to Dongga Jinzhong Fortress, To see what you have to offer. We’ll see King Nangwa’s so-called powers, Test the wisdom and abilities of your ministers, And count the strength of your twelve clans— How many men and horses you actually have. We’ve already defeated Chawarong’s five great generals, Along with hundreds of soldiers. They disappeared like clouds swept by the wind. Today, arrogant Chuimi, you and your brother, Along with your small soldiers, If I don’t annihilate you completely, It will mean I, Bala, lack skill. When Bala Senda Adong is enraged, Even the King of Hell cannot escape. Where the ‘Leiqin’ blade strikes, Not even gods have time to defend. Where my steed, ‘Dongri,’ runs, Even the wind struggles to keep up. If I let you escape today, Then Bala Senda Adong might as well be dead. Remember these words well!” After finishing his song, Bala Senda Adong swung his “Leiqin” blade at Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu. Sparks flew as the sword struck, but it caused Chuimi no harm. The Fight Between Chuimi and Bala Intensifies Chuimi Nangjia Lunzhu counterattacked Bala Senda Adong with his sword. Although he didn’t manage to wound Bala, he struck off five pieces of Bala’s armor. The blow hurt Bala so much that he almost fell off his horse. Enraged, Bala swung his “Leiqin” blade with all his might. With a loud “crack,” the sword struck Chuimi’s right arm, severing it completely. However, Chuimi, being a true demon, could not be killed instantly. With his left hand, Chuimi grabbed Bala by the chest, and the two began wrestling fiercely. They fought for a long time, but neither could overpower the other. Bala thought to himself, “Even after losing an arm, this man is so difficult to deal with. If this is the strength of Chuimi, who can possibly handle the demon Lusabenma? And how will we conquer the eighteen great kingdoms? If I don’t kill him now and let him return alive, how can I continue living in this world?” With that thought, Bala grabbed Chuimi by the chest with his left hand and pulled out his “Zhuina Rojie” dagger with his right. He stabbed Chuimi at the junction of his black and white hearts, striking his soul’s vital point. Chuimi fell from his horse and died instantly. Bala then decapitated him, removed his helmet, and took his battle flag. The Ling rear guard, like wolves rushing into a flock of sheep, slaughtered countless Chuimi soldiers. Chuimi's Brother Attacks At this moment, Chuimi’s younger brother, Yuqiong Guobo, charged into the Ling camp from the left side of the battlefield. He killed many Ling soldiers and horses, turning the ground into a river of blood. Among the Ling warriors, Gadru Chujiong Benna, who wore no helmet and whose hair was wild and unkempt, entered the fray. His body was covered in black armor that shone like oil, and his immense strength was unmatched. Like a mad elephant or an eagle grabbing a rabbit, he seized Yuqiong Guobo from his horse and lifted him high into the air. Gadru said, “Ah! You wretched Chuimi! I’ll throw you into the sky and let you see what the world of Jambudvipa looks like. Then, I’ll hurl you into a deep mountain gorge so that your brains splatter across the rocks. If you have parents, leave your last words now. If you have a guru or a deity, start praying!” With that, Gadru hurled him onto a massive boulder the size of a horse, smashing him into pieces. The Ling rear guard surged forward, chasing and slaughtering the remaining enemy soldiers. Their battle cries and whistles echoed through the mountains and shook the valleys. Chawarong's Defeat and Ling's Pause That night, Chawarong’s remaining soldiers retreated to the Dongga Jinzhong Fortress. When King Nangla of Chawarong heard the report of their defeat, he was furious. He said, “The Ling invaders have killed so many of our soldiers and generals. If we don’t avenge this, how can we endure? My younger brother, Lusabenma, will finish his training in seven days. If we don’t send him to battle, it seems unlikely that we will win this war.” He then addressed his ministers and generals, saying, “Take this time to rest for seven days. If the enemy attacks during this time, tell them we are temporarily ceasing hostilities. What we will do next will be decided after this period.” The ministers and generals dispersed to make preparations. Meanwhile, the Ling army also refrained from attacking and took the opportunity to rest their forces.

Although Guomu had endured hardship during her pregnancy, her days passed peacefully with the help and care of her dragon family and the celestial beings. On the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month of the Year of the Tiger, she felt different from usual. Her body became soft like cotton, translucent inside and out, and completely unblocked. At the same time, the land of Ling began to shake. K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. Chapter 8 The Auspicious Birth of the Divine Child in Ling and the Failure of Chao Tong’s Plot The Auspicious Signs of the Divine Child’s Birth Although Guomu had endured hardship during her pregnancy, her days passed peacefully with the help and care of her dragon family and the celestial beings. On the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month of the Year of the Tiger, she felt different from usual. Her body became soft like cotton, translucent inside and out, and completely unblocked. At the same time, the land of Ling began to shake. Around dusk, Guomu gave birth to a long black snake, which sang as soon as it landed: "I am the Black Poisonous Snake, a friend of Brahma. Call for me, and I will come." After singing, it disappeared. Next, she gave birth to a golden-hued human, who said: "I am the elder brother, the Golden Toad. Call for me, and I will come." Then, a turquoise-colored human emerged and said: "I am the younger brother, the Jade Toad. Call for me, and I will come." Afterward, seven black iron eagles were born, announcing: "We are the Seven Iron Eagle Brothers. Call for us, and we will come together." Then came a human-headed vulture, who declared: "I am the Human-Headed Vulture. Call for me, and I will come. "Finally, a red copper-colored dog appeared, saying: "I am the Red Copper Dog. Call for me, and I will come."Each of these beings disappeared right after they were born. Lastly, Guomu gave birth to a round fleshy egg, smooth and plump like a sheep’s stomach. Exhausted from labor, she didn’t examine it before falling into a deep sleep. That very night, all the female cows, sheep, and horses in the household of King Senlun gave birth to young ones. Thunder roared in the sky, flower petals rained down, celestial music resounded, and Guomu’s tent was surrounded by a colorful cloud. Chao Tong’s Attempt to Kill the Divine Child When Princess Jiafei Naga saw the golden light emanating from above Guomu’s tent, she was astonished and immediately informed Chao Tong. Together, they arrived outside Guomu’s humble tent. Hearing no movement inside, Chao Tong called out mockingly:"Guomu, you’re usually outside milking the cows before sunrise. Why are you being lazy today?" Receiving no response, Chao Tong and Jiafei entered the tent. They found Guomu weak and barely conscious, lying near a large fleshy egg at her feet. Feeling uneasy, Chao Tong drew his blade and struck the egg. To his surprise, the egg split open, revealing a radiant child, his face glowing red. The child stood up, pointed his finger at the sky, and made a gesture as if pulling a bow. In a loud voice, he declared:"I will become the ruler of the black-haired people and defeat all cruel and tyrannical oppressors!" Shocked by this newborn’s ability to speak, Chao Tong and Jiafei were terrified. Fearing the child’s future power, they decided to eliminate him before others found out. Chao Tong lifted the child by one leg. Weak as she was, Guomu tried to stop him, but Chao Tong scolded her: "You wicked witch! No woman in Ling or beyond has ever given birth to such a monstrosity. If this child is allowed to live, he will bring disaster to Ling!" With that, Chao Tong slammed the child’s head against a rock three times and pressed him into the ground. However, the child stood up, laughing fearlessly, and stared defiantly at his attacker. 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 Chief Steward, 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 Senlun to visit her. Senlun’s son, Gyatsa, 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. Gyatsa 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 Mukpo Dong clan, 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 Gyatsa, immediately sat up and affectionately interacted with him. Gyatsa 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 Joru 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 Joru. He thought to himself: "In the lineage of the Chupen Nabu clan, the Senior, Middle, and Juior lineages all come from the same root, with no one lineage superior to another. However, ever since Jiafei gave birth to Gyatsa Xiega, the Junior lineage has grown stronger and more influential. Now Guomu has given birth to a son with Senlun 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 Mukpo Dong clan. 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 Joru. 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 Joru intently, expecting him to show signs of illness or death, but nothing happened. What he didn’t know was that Joru 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 Joru. 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 Joru 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 Joru, 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, Joru will surely be dead." The Clash Between Joru 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 Jiafei and Gyatsa, he has decided to come here to protect you and the child." When Chao Tong left in a hurry, Joru 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. Joru 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 Joru. 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 Joru had summoned still stood guard. When Gongba Reza arrived at the tent, Joru 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. Joru 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. Joru 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. Joru transformed into the appearance of the great master Pema Tochin 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. Joru, having defeated Gongba Reza, took on the Gongba’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. Joru decided it was time to claim the staff as his own. Chao Tong’s Suspicion and the Discovery of Gongba Reza’s Fate When Chao Tong heard from the disguised Joru (posing as Gongba Reza) that Joru was dead, he was overjoyed. However, upon hearing Gongba Reza’s request for the magical staff, he hesitated. This staff, gifted by celestial demons to the sages of the Zhangzhung black sect, was a priceless treasure. It could grant its wielder incredible speed and freedom of action. Chao Tong was reluctant to part with it, but he feared that Gongba Reza might reveal his attempts to kill Joru. If the court head or Gyatsa discovered his crimes, Chao Tong’s life would be in peril. Reluctantly, Chao Tong convinced himself: "What choice do I have? If I give him the staff, I can at least protect myself. After all, I am old and won’t live much longer. Once I die, the staff will return to my family." With this thought, Chao Tong handed over the magical staff to the disguised Joru. The next day, suspicions gnawed at Chao Tong. He began to question whether Joru was truly dead and if Gongba Reza had fulfilled his task. To confirm his doubts, he decided to visit both Guomu’s tent and Gongba Reza’s mountain cave. Chao Tong first went to the cave. From a distance, he saw smoke rising and assumed Gongba Reza was inside. As he approached the entrance, he found the cave blocked by a massive boulder with two small cracks. Peeking through the cracks, he saw the interior in complete disarray. Gongba Reza lay dead, his head down, his face blackened, and his lifeless body sprawled on the ground. Chao Tong noticed the magical staff lying near Gongba Reza’s body. He thought: "I must retrieve the staff and return it to myself." Transforming into a mouse, Chao Tong squeezed through one of the cracks to reach the staff. However, as he got close, the staff suddenly disappeared. Confused, he reverted to his human form, thinking his mouse form had made the staff invisible to him. But even in human form, the staff remained missing. Chao Tong’s Final Humiliation and Joru’s Four Years of Good Deeds Realizing something was wrong, Chao Tong tried to escape the cave. He chanted a spell to turn his head back into a mouse’s form, but the transformation failed. Panicking, he attempted to fully return to his human body, but that too didn’t work. To his horror, he found himself trapped in a bizarre state—his head was human, but his body remained that of a mouse. At that moment, Joru arrived at the cave entrance and pretended not to recognize Chao Tong. He said: "What is this strange creature? It must be a man-eating demon. I will kill it using the same methods it used to harm others." Chao Tong, terrified, began trembling uncontrollably. His lips quivered like leaves in the wind, and his teeth chattered. He begged: "Merciful Joru, you are no ordinary being. You are a divine child, a Buddha, a great teacher and Yidam. Even though you may be angry, please do not hold grudges. I am your uncle, Chao Tong. Please spare me. I will do anything you ask." Joru replied calmly: "Ah, uncle. Your current condition is the result of your own evil intentions toward Ling. You believed the strength of your army in Darong could dominate, but such strength only leads to internal strife, harming the land of Ling. Swear to me now that you will never again harm Ling or sow discord. If you promise this from your heart, I will restore your body to normal." Desperate, Chao Tong immediately swore an oath. Joru summoned three witnesses—Hayagriva, Dralameba, and the Great Prajnaparamita Sutra—to bear witness to his promise. After the oath was made, Joru restored Chao Tong to his human form and returned to his mother. Joru remained in Ling for four years after defeating Gongba Reza and subduing Chao Tong. During this time, he subdued countless formless ghosts and spirits along the Zhaqu River and Jinsha River. He performed many benevolent deeds for the benefit of all beings, earning respect and devotion from the people. Notes: Three types of vegetarian food: Refers to milk, butter, and sugar.

K i n g G e s a r The Great Person that Connected with King Gesar YangthANG rinpoche Yangthang Rinpoche on How to Practice a Yidam Yangthang Rinpoche, a great accomplished master of the Palyul lineage, discusses in this teaching the inseparable nature of the guru, yidam (deity), dakinis, and dharma protectors with our own essence. Whether we take Tara as our yidam or bring home a thangka of King Gesar for protection, these practices introduce us to our own mind’s nature through what appears to be an “external” and seemingly more elevated object. Attaining Buddhahood does not mean achieving something external or higher; instead, every sentient being already possesses Buddha-nature. The purpose of connecting with yidams and protectors is to help us recognize the innate abilities we already have. If we practice the yidam and offer praises to protectors with faith in our own complete and perfect Buddha-nature, then we are cultivating immense merit! Let’s take a look at what Yangthang Rinpoche has to say: King Gesar Some people say King Gesar is a yidam, others say he is a dharma protector. If you regard him as a protector, then he is a protector. If you regard him as a guardian, then he is a guardian. If you regard him as a yidam, then he is a yidam. If you regard him as a guru, then he is a guru. You can also regard him as a combination of guru, yidam, and protector all in one. Some people have received this empowerment multiple times. Based on faith in the guru and devotion to the yidam, receiving the empowerment more than once—five or six times, even—is perfectly fine. Some people attend many empowerments and receive many yidam practices but worry about not being able to practice all of them, and therefore hesitate to attend empowerments. There’s no need to worry. It’s impossible to practice all the yidams one receives empowerments for. Practicing just one method is sufficient, and you can still attend other empowerments. A Brief Story of King Gesar Some people are unfamiliar with the origins of King Gesar, so here is a brief explanation:Over 1,300 years ago, when Guru Rinpoche’s time of benefiting sentient beings in the human realm was coming to an end, he prepared to travel to the land of the rakshasas to liberate beings there. His disciples came to see him off, and the son of King Trisong Detsen was so grief-stricken that he fainted, crying that he would not know how to carry on without Guru Rinpoche. Guru Rinpoche comforted him, saying, “Do not grieve. Many years from now, when the world is in need, I will appear in the human realm in flesh and blood.” Later, during the time of King Langdarma, who was influenced by Bon practices, there was a decline in respect for the Dharma. Many demonic forces manifested as kings in neighboring regions of Tibet, plotting to destroy the Dharma. At that time, Guru Rinpoche manifested as King Gesar, born into the human realm. Leading an army, King Gesar defeated the demonic armies of these neighboring kingdoms, transferred their consciousnesses to pure realms, and restored the Dharma. From the age of 13 to over 80, King Gesar spent his life in battle. His generals were emanations of Guru Rinpoche’s 25 main disciples and the 84 great mahasiddhas of India. King Gesar himself was an emanation of Manjushri’s body, Avalokiteshvara’s speech, and Vajrapani’s mind. Therefore, King Gesar and his generals are “transcendental deities” (beyond the worldly), not “worldly deities.” If you practice King Gesar as your guru, you can visualize him as Guru Rinpoche. Practice him as guru yoga, imagining that Guru Rinpoche is King Gesar, and recite Guru Rinpoche’s mantra. Guru Rinpoche embodies the essence of guru, yidam, and protector, so practicing Guru Rinpoche is equivalent to practicing all three. Alternatively, you can practice King Gesar in this way. Some people like to practice the Three Roots (guru, yidam, dakini) separately. For guru yoga, visualize Guru Rinpoche. For the yidam, you can choose Avalokiteshvara, Vajrakilaya, or Wrathful Guru Rinpoche. For the dakini, you can choose Vajrayogini, Green Tara, or Yeshe Tsogyal. How to Visualize a Yidam Visualizing a yidam clearly is very difficult. Many people are aware of the generation stage and the completion stage in tantric practice. When visualizing the yidam’s color, clothing, ornaments, and hand-held implements, we often focus on one detail, such as the face, and forget the others. If we focus on the clothing, we may forget the implements, and if we focus on the implements, we may forget the face. It’s hard to hold all the details at once. Even Tibetan scholars who have studied texts for years still struggle with yidam visualization when they enter retreat. True visualization is incredibly complex. To reach the level of the generation stage, one must visualize the yidam’s infinite palace, its intricate details, the yidam, and its retinue with the clarity of a reflection in a mirror, while simultaneously perceiving them as illusory appearances. Few can achieve this, so don’t worry if your visualization isn’t perfect. Simply visualize the yidam in the space in front of you and deeply believe that they are truly present. This is sufficient to achieve the generation stage. Then, recite the yidam’s mantra, conclude by imagining the yidam radiating light to purify you, and finally dissolve the yidam into light, merging it with yourself. This completes the completion stage. Faith and Trust in the Yidam Whether you are practicing guru yoga or a yidam, cultivate deep trust that wherever you are—heaven, hell, or anywhere—the yidam knows. Trust that in this life, at the moment of death, and in the next life, you will rely on them. Have unwavering faith. Offering to Protectors When offering to protectors, regard them as part of your own nature and an expression of your mind’s essence. If you treat protectors as merely external entities, they can help you, but you won’t be able to realize their qualities as part of yourself. Rely on transcendental deities. If you rely on worldly deities, such as mountain gods, earth gods, river gods, or local spirits, they may sometimes help you, but they may also harm you. At the time of death, they might even lead you into darkness. Do not regard worldly deities or demons as part of your mind’s nature. Doing so can lead to confusion, madness, and emotional instability. Many cases of mental instability are related to faith in worldly deities. Avoid relying on them or interacting with them. Balancing Practice and Daily Life Everyone is busy with work and earning a living. Wealth depends on karma—those with merit will naturally have wealth without much effort, while those without merit must work hard and still may not have much. Having enough food, clothing, and a vehicle for transportation is sufficient. Beyond this, consider spending more time on practice. Even if you are busy, you don’t need to recite many mantras while practicing. Recite a manageable amount, live joyfully, and remain free of worries. That is enough.

K i n g G e s a r The Great The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. selected video from youtube - song, story, dance Ling Gesar of Tibet epic: World's Longest Story Ling Gesar of Tibet epic: World's Longest Story The Ling Gesar song was composed by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsog Original sacred dances of Ling Gesar sung by Ngodrub Dolma and Getse Purba Kyab, recorded in Tibet on 2016

Total number of reciting : - Make a wish for the world with King Gesar You have make a wish in DD/MM/YYYY Number of reciting for King Gesar Mantra Target to complete By Display name Confirm Complete

About KING Gesar from the youtube Song, story, Dance 1) Ling Gesar of Tibet epic: World's Longest Story 2)The Ling Gesar song composed by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsog 3)Tibetan Culture: The Life of King Gesar 4)Original sacred dances of Ling Gesar sung by Ngodrub Dolma and Getse Purba Kyab, recorded in Tibet on 2016 LEARN MORE Lecture, mantra, praying 1)One hour of LECTURE for GESAR, KING OF THE VAJRA LIFE 2)Brief Offering Prayer to Gesar & King Gesar Mantra｜Drukmo Gyal 3)Life Story of the Buddha Gesar of Ling LEARN MORE

The seven heroes continued their journey until they reached a fork in the Hor White Road, where the path split into an upper and lower route. Chaotong, burdened by his secret promise to the White Tent King, thought to himself: K i n g G e s a r of Tibet The Legend from ling King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power. Chapter 38 Falling for a Treacherous Plot, Yuda Perishes on the Battlefield; Losing His Young Son, the Chief Steward Endures His Grief Chao Tong’s Betrayal and Yuda’s Decision The seven heroes continued their journey until they reached a fork in the Hor White Road, where the path split into an upper and lower route. Chao Tong, burdened by his secret promise to the White Tent King, thought to himself: "I persuaded Yuda to come here, but now all of Ling Gabu’s top warriors are with him. Who knows what kind of damage this could cause to Hor if things go wrong?" He turned to the group and said, “We shouldn’t act like hungry foxes running around aimlessly. We should be like well-fed tigers, eating before we fight. Let’s stop for a quick meal before heading into battle.” While the group stopped to eat, Chao Tong added, “I was never in favor of sending Yuda on this mission. Today’s date is unfavorable, and Dasa’s words earlier were full of bad omens. I think it would be better for one elder and one young person to return home. With the rest of you heroes here, I’m confident you can handle the Hor camp just fine.” Gyatsa, who had been considering ways to convince Yuda to return home, thought Chao Tong’s suggestion made sense and immediately agreed. He ordered Yuda to return home with Chao Tong. Though reluctant, Yuda couldn’t disobey Gyatsa’s command. He said his goodbyes to the group and started back with Chao Tong. After the five heroes were out of sight, Chao Tong changed his tone. “Yuda,” he mocked, “you’re turning back before even entering the battlefield. Isn’t this shameful? You’re young and full of energy, yet you’re already retreating. How about this: instead of going home, I’ll accompany you to scout the lower path of the White Road and observe Hor’s movements.” Yuda hesitated and replied, “It does feel shameful to retreat without fighting. But since Gyatsa has already given the order, I’ll follow it for now and find another chance later.” Chao Tong spat on the ground and sneered, “How strange! You were the one insisting on coming to fight, and no one could stop you. But now, it seems you were just boasting to show off!” Angered by the taunt, Yuda, eager to prove himself, rode down the lower path toward Hor’s camp, leaving Chao Tong behind. Pleased with his manipulation, Chao Tong secretly returned to Ling Gabu alone. Yuda's Heroic Stand The five heroes took the upper route of the White Road and reached its highest point near Laze. From there, they looked down and saw chaos in Hor’s camp. They couldn’t make sense of what was happening. Suddenly, from the Black Tent division of Hor, a warrior on a black horse emerged. His helmet plume swirled like dark clouds, a bow and sword hung at his waist, and he carried a black spear as he charged forward. The heroes, confused by the commotion, decided to hide near the mountain by the convergence of the upper and lower roads, waiting for the right moment to act. Meanwhile, Yuda, taking the lower route of the White Road, reached Hor’s camp before the five heroes. Though the path was longer, it avoided steep mountain climbs. Driven by his eagerness to win, Yuda moved quickly. Before the heroes arrived at Laze, Yuda had already caused havoc in the Hor camp—he drove off nine herds of horses and killed five or six of the White Tent King’s guards. Then, he began herding the stolen horses back toward Ling Gabu. In Hor’s camp, Sinba warrior Meruze silently observed the scene. Another warrior, Duoqin, exclaimed, “Forget Ling Gabu’s generals—now even their young boys dare to humiliate us. If we let this one get away, Hor will truly be no better than a pack of useless dogs!” The White Tent King, furious, ordered the mighty warrior Zanjia Kasho, who was as fierce as a bear, to chase Yuda. Yuda’s Triumph and the Heroes’ Reunion Yuda, driving the horses, continued toward Ling Gabu. Looking back, he noticed a shadowy figure darting through the mountain pass. Recognizing he was being followed, he stopped to assess the terrain and retreated slightly to a rocky nook where he could defend himself. When the pursuer came close enough, Yuda stepped into the open to confront him. The pursuer, Zanjia, shouted, “You Ling Gabu people have stolen from us repeatedly. This insult to Hor is intolerable! Let’s fight it out today. If I fail to retrieve these horses, I, Zanjia, am no longer a man!” He fired an arrow at Yuda, but Yuda dodged easily. His next two arrows also missed their mark. Just then, another Hor warrior, Tulai Nazuo, arrived to support Zanjia. Yuda drew his sword and charged directly at Zanjia. With a swift strike, he severed both of Zanjia’s arms, and the warrior fell from his horse. Tulai fired an arrow, hitting Yuda’s saddle, but Yuda grabbed Zanjia’s fallen spear and hurled it at Tulai, striking him in the chest. Seeing Yuda dispatch two of their strongest warriors, the remaining Hor soldiers were too scared to approach. Yuda calmly tied the severed heads of Zanjia and Tulai to his saddle and continued driving the horses toward Ling Gabu. The five heroes, waiting near the upper path, saw Yuda approaching with the horses and the heads of two Sinba warriors hanging from his saddle. Gyatsa, realizing what had happened, cursed Chao Tong a thousand times for his betrayal but couldn’t help feeling proud of his younger brother’s bravery. The other heroes were equally moved. They galloped forward to greet Yuda, but their joy was short-lived. Two more Sinba warriors had secretly followed Yuda. They fired two arrows, one of which struck Yuda in the gap between his armor plates, wounding his right arm. Though bleeding profusely, Yuda ignored his injuries and continued to fight. Yuda's Sacrifice and Ling Gabu’s Grief The brothers, catching up to Yuda, joined the fight against the remaining Sinba warriors. The battle was fierce but brief, and the heroes managed to eliminate their enemies in no time. However, Yuda, exhausted and gravely injured, collapsed and lost consciousness. Gyatsa and Danma discussed the situation and decided to send Dapan back to Ling Gabu to secretly bring doctors, diviners, and seers to treat Yuda. Dapan swiftly rode off and, within a short time, returned with those who could help. The group busied themselves, building fires, boiling water, and doing everything possible to save Yuda. Meanwhile, the Hor camp mourned the loss of four Sinba warriors. Worried about hidden enemies in the mountains, the White Tent King, restless and uneasy, sent two more generals, Aoe and Juben, to scout the area. Aoe, dressed in red with a red horse, looked as if he had emerged from a sea of blood. His plume seemed to be spitting fire. Juben, clad in white on a white horse, resembled an icy avalanche, his plume glowing like flames. They took different routes, unnoticed by the Ling Gabu heroes. Suddenly, Aoe fired six poisoned arrows at once from his bow. The arrows struck Yuda, Panda, the doctor, the diviner, and the seer, while another hit the tea kettle, overturning it. Gyatsa, enraged, leapt to his feet, unsheathing his sword, and rode off with Danma to chase the attackers. Meanwhile, Senda and Dapan tended to the wounded. The two Sinba generals fled sideways off the main road. Gyatsa and Danma gave chase. Danma shot an arrow that struck Aoe’s horse, causing him to fall. Gyatsa stood over Aoe, who pleaded for his life. “My brother is dying! How can I spare a villain who fired six poisoned arrows?” Gyatsaroared. With one swift motion, he severed Aoe’s head. Meanwhile, Danma caught up to Juben. Just as he was about to strike, Juben leapt off his horse and escaped into the dense forest. Gyatsa returned to the camp with Aoe’s head, but it was too late. Panda and the others had succumbed to their injuries, leaving only Yuda barely clinging to life. Gyatsa placed Aoe’s severed head beside Yuda. “Yuda, look up. Do you recognize your brother?” he asked. “I know my brother well,” Yuda said weakly. “I know you’ve taken the heads and plumes of our enemies. But until I see the head of my foe with my own eyes, I cannot die like a cowardly fox. That’s why I’m still here.” Tears welled up in Gyatsa’s eyes, but he couldn’t speak. Danma added, “Yuda, you truly are a worthy descendant of the Bumba royal family. We are in awe of your courage. The man who shot you was the six-fingered Aoe. Not only did we take his head, but we would have torn out his heart if we could. But if you don’t survive, how can we answer to the Chief Steward or King Gesar?” Tears streamed down Danma’s face as he spoke. Yuda smiled faintly and said, “Brave Gyatsa and Danma, don’t disgrace yourselves as men. There’s an old Tibetan saying: ‘No matter how much it hurts, a man does not cry—that is his nature.’ Comfort my father, the Chief Steward, and don’t worry about King Gesar. I’m dying ahead of my brothers, that’s all. If you stand united to defend Ling Gabu, I’ll have no regrets…” Before he could finish his sentence, Yuda passed away. Overwhelmed with grief, Gyatsa broke down in tears like a child. The others, though equally heartbroken, tried to console him. Dapan said, “Brother, no matter how much you grieve, the dead cannot return. We must move on. Let’s take the horses, the enemy heads, and Yuda’s body back to Ling Gabu. If we delay, more trouble may arise.” Gyatsa replied, “Yuda is gone. Even if we bring back a thousand enemy heads, it won’t ease my pain. I regret not fighting alongside him. Though Hor didn’t harm many of us, this loss is the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever experienced.” With heavy hearts, the group loaded Yuda’s body onto a horse and began their sorrowful journey back to Ling Gabu. By dusk, they arrived. Gyatsa and three ministers reported the battle’s results to the Chief Steward. Preparations for War and the Mourning of Yuda Dasa, gifted with foresight, had already foreseen Yuda’s death. She prepared butter lamps and arranged the necessary rituals according to tradition in advance. The Chief Steward, though overwhelmed with grief, suppressed his emotions and spoke calmly: “I, the Chief Steward, am heartbroken over the loss of my son, but I still have Gyatsa, Dapan, and the rest of our younger generation. Most importantly, we still have the mighty Lion King, Gesar. As an old man, I must continue to fight alongside the young to defend Ling Gabu. Now, let’s focus on the pressing matter—what did your scouts find? Is it certain that Yellow Hor intends to invade us?” Danma replied solemnly, “Yellow Hor will definitely attack us.” Hearing this, the Chief Steward immediately issued orders for Ling Gabu to prepare for war against the Hor forces. The next day, Yuda’s body was cremated, and a grand ceremony was held to honor his sacrifice. The entire nation mourned the brave warrior, but they steeled themselves for the battle that lay ahead.

This is a dedicated platform celebrating the cultural and historical legacy of King Gesar in Tibet, the legendary Tibetan hero of the world’s longest epic. It serves as a comprehensive resource for exploring Gesar's life, heroic deeds, and the epic's enduring impact on Tibetan culture.This platform provides a holistic understanding of King Gesar of tibet, blending historical, cultural, and spiritual elements to inspire and educate future generations. King Gesar of Tibet King Gesar Epic King Gesar Connected by place King Gesar Connected by person Yong's Gallery King Gesar+ About Us unveiling the legendary of king gesar The Epic of King Gesar of Ling may be as many as a thousand years old but it has only been known to the scholarly community since the middle of the eighteenth century, when a temple dedicated to him was uncovered by an explorer named P. S. Pallas. The first translations of extracts appeared in the early nineteenth century, when the German scholar Benjamin Bergmann translated two chapters from a Mongolian version. J. Schmidt also retold a Mongolian version of “Gesser” (the Mongolian rendition of the name) in a translation published in Beijing in 1839. King Gesar is a legendary figure in Tibetan culture, and his story is recorded in the Epic of King Gesar. This epic is considered the longest epic in the world, containing over 600,000 lines of verse. It narrates the heroic deeds of King Gesar and his battles against evil forces. The formation of the epic can be traced back to between 200 BCE and 600 CE. After years of oral transmission, it reached its final form and peak popularity in the 12th century. The epic mainly revolves around King Gesar's birth, growth, battles, and ultimate victory, reflecting the values and cultural traditions of the Tibetan people. The epic is usually divided into several main parts: Miraculous Birth and Early Life: This section tells the story of King Gesar's miraculous birth and the hardships he faced during his childhood. Heroic Deeds: It describes how he became a king, won the throne, and married a beautiful wife. Wars with Enemy Kingdoms: The core part of the epic focuses on King Gesar's wars with four enemy kingdoms, showcasing his bravery and leadership. Unification and Peace: This part describes how he unified the tribes and brought peace and prosperity. Death and Legacy: The final section recounts King Gesar's death and the impact he left behind. Many legends suggest that he will return in the future to save his people. The next work done on this remarkable story was undertaken by A. H. Francke, a Moravian missionary to the Ladakh wazarat, which then included Baltistan, the westernmost bastion of Tibetan civilization. Francke, who had come across the epic in the late nineteenth century, published an important translation of it in 1905 with accompanying abstracts and notes. In 1934, a Central Tibetan version was retold in translation by Alexandra David-Neel. But the most extensive treatment of the epic was undertaken by R. A. Stein in the 1950s, culminating in two major publications in 1956 and 1959... (Source : Harvard review online, Feb 2012 ) King Gesar Mantra : om ah hung benza maha guru mani radza Sarva siddhi pala hung