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. 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 Epic of King Gesar is a famous epic passed down in Tibet and Central Asia. Currently, there are 140 performers in Tibet, Mongolia, and the Tu ethnic regions who sing this epic. The Epic of King Gesar has been passed down for over a thousand years and contains 600,000 verses, making it the longest epic in the world. Its length is three times that of the Indian epic Mahabharata and fifteen times that of Ramayana. The epic tells the story of the legendary King Gesar of the Kingdom of Ling and has had a significant influence on Tibetan Buddhism. There are more than 50 versions of this epic. In China alone, the Tibetan version has been published in 120 volumes, divided into 29 chapters. The first printed version was published in Mongolian in Beijing in 1716. The Epic of King Gesar first drew the attention of the Western world in the 1770s. German zoologist and botanist Peter Simon Pallas (1741–1811) mentioned the Gesar Temple in his travelogue Travels Through the Provinces of the Russian Empire (1771–1776). Later, French scholars Alexandra David-Néel (1868–1969) and Rolf Alfred Stein (1911–1999), along with American scholar Robin Kornman (1947–2007), translated and introduced this epic, bringing this ancient cultural treasure to the modern world. Table of content Description Table of content Description Chapter 1 Click for here for ch1 The People of the Snowy Land Suffer Great Hardships, Praying for the Gods to Descend and Subdue the Demons Chapter 2 Click for here for ch2 Avalokiteshvara Delivers the Teachings on Ox-Tail Continent:The Rakshasa King and the Divine Son Protected by the Heaven of Ultimate Form Chapter 3 Click for here for ch3 The Divine Child Fears Difficulty and Refuses to Descend. The Heavenly Deities Urge Him with Nine Divinations Chapter 4 Click for here for ch4 Seeking the Divination Deity to Resolve Doubts, Eliminate Disasters, Cure Plagues, and Receive the Dragon Maiden as a Reward Chapter 5 Click for here for ch5 A Good Omen Appears, Chief Seeks Dream Interpretation, and the Great Sage Proclaims Prophecy Chapter 6 Click for here for ch6 Avenging a Brother – Gyatsa Leads a Campaign Against the Guo Tribe, and Senlen Wins the Dragon King's Daughter Chapter 7 Click for here for ch7 Jealousy Arises – Jiafei Bullies the Dragon Maiden, Who Is Banished to the Wilderness Chapter 8 Coming soon Introduction The story begins in the creation era, describing how three great Buddhist masters transformed Tibet from a wild land into an empire (around the 7th to 9th centuries CE). Among them, the most famous was Padmasambhava, who brought order to Tibet with powerful oaths. However, many demons were not completely subdued, and chaos returned. Tibet fell under the rule of man-eating demons and nomadic tribes, splitting into many small kingdoms ruled by evil and greedy kings. To solve this problem, Buddha, Brahma, Samantabhadra, along with underground deities and the dragon clans, decided to send a heavenly hero to subdue these demons. They chose Wenshika (the son of Brahma). Although he was reluctant, he eventually agreed. He descended to Earth and was born as the son of the dragon princess Jemu, becoming a prince of the Kingdom of Ling. The Kingdom of Ling was located in eastern Tibet, between the Yangtze River and the Yarlung River. Jemu had a half-brother named Gyatsa Shega, a great warrior who died heroically in battle. She also had two uncles: Rongtsacha Gen, who was wise and supported her, and Chotong, who was greedy and tried to seize the throne but failed. Chotong later collaborated with enemies. At first, Jemu and her son were exiled to the upper reaches of the Yellow River because of his unruly nature, where they lived a primitive life. At the age of 12, Jemu's son returned to the Kingdom of Ling to compete in a horse race to decide the next king. He won the race, became king, and was honored as "The World Lion King Gesar Lozang Zaba." Later, he married Zhum as his wife. As king, Gesar first defeated the northern man-eating demon Black Marutsan. His wife was later kidnapped by the White Tent King of the Hor Kingdom. Gesar killed the White Tent King and rescued his wife. He then went on to conquer the Kingdom of Jiang (modern-day Yunnan) and the Kingdom of Men (in the Himalayan foothills).

Log In / Sign Up Total number of reciting : - Make a wish for the world with king Gesar King Gesar is revered in Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture as an embodiment of wisdom and courage. He is not only a legendary heroic king but also a great protector of all beings and a symbol of spreading peace. The Gesar King Mantra is a sacred chant connected to his blessings. Reciting this mantra can purify negative karma, awaken wisdom, attract blessings, and bring inner peace and strength to oneself and all beings. Why recite the King Gesar Mantra ? Purify Mind and Body: Helps release inner worries and burdens, enhancing focus and enlightenment. Accumulate Merit: Each recitation plants the seeds of virtue, bringing long-lasting blessings for oneself and one’s family. Spread Peace: Through recitation, the power of compassion is shared with oneself and the world, resolving conflicts and obstacles. Strengthen Faith: Feel the courage and wisdom of King Gesar, inspiring oneself to face life’s challenges. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - King Gesar Mantra : om ah hung benza maha guru mani radza Sarva siddhi pala hung I want to make a wish too / complete the wish (Please login to activate)

Collection of King Gesar Thangka around the world. Include some masterworks. King Gesar thangka Gallery Featured The original version is an ancient thangka collected by Kathok Monastery and created by a lama painter from the Kham region and belongs to the Nyingma school (Nyingma pa). They place great importance on the terma lineage and therefore possess many extremely rare paintings of supreme deities and protectors. Its style often features light green hills and a light blue sky as the background. The painting method for trees and rocks is relatively simple, with thicker coloring strokes. However, the most important feature is that the wrathful deity appears very powerful and exudes a strong sense of mystery. Photo capture from internet. Last update : 8/2/2025 Featured The central and largest figure is that of Gesar Norbu Dradul in Dralha (dgra lha) warrior appearance, the eyes are wide and the eyebrows raised, a moustache and goatee accent the face in the fashion of a Tibetan king, wearing body armor with elaborate decorations, a mirror and auspicious symbols. On the crown of the head is a battle helmet, gold in colour, decorated with jewels, a half vajra and adorned with flags and streamers. The second most important figure in the composition of the single painting is Gesar Dorje Tsegyal (ge sar rdo rje rtse rgyal) located below the large central Gesar Norbu Dradul. Dorje Tsegyal is in the appearance of a Tibetan King with pronounced eyebrows, moustache and goatee. He wears a white hat adorned with ribbons, a half vajra and peacock feathers. The right hand holds to the heart a wish-fulfilling jewel and the left hand held to the side holds a bow and arrow. Date Range 1900 - 1959Lineages Nyingma and BuddhistMaterial Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton Source : https://www.himalayanart.org/items/46001 Featured This painting depicts Gesar seated on an ornately decorated, high throne with a green bolster, adorned with gilding and mountain scenery. In his right hand, he holds a flaming jewel, and in his left, a bow. He is dressed in a heavy robe embroidered with cloud patterns. Around his neck, he wears a necklace strung with dzi beads and a large amulet, and his ears are adorned with traditional Tibetan gold and coral earrings. His facial expression is stern, and he wears a traditional Tibetan hat with a small vase finial and a feather tucked into the cap. Above his head in the sky, Padmasambhava is centrally seated on a cloud, flanked by Tsangpa on the left and Nammen on the right. Around him, his traditional retinue of thirty heroes and five female figures are depicted in various poses, each identified by inscription. He is typically depicted as a warrior on horseback, or, as in this case, as a king among his retinue of heroes; this latter depiction only became popular in the late nineteenth century. Himalayan Art Resources, item no. 24961. Last update : 22/3/2025

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 - mantra, praying Brief Offering Prayer to Gesar & King Gesar Mantra｜Drukmo Gyal 格萨尔王祈请颂及心咒 Life Story of the Buddha Gesar of Ling On May 26, 2012 during the Gesar Windhorse Retreat at Padma Samye Ling, Venerable Khenpo Tsewng Dongyal Rinpoche taught the brief life story of Gesar of Ling, the direct emanation of Guru Padmasambhava, and an emanation of the Three Lords Manjushri, Chenrezig, and Vajrapani.

K i n g G e s a r of Tibet Shilong palace The Gesar King Shilong Palace is located in Golog county, Qinghai Province, about 18 kilometers from the county seat. According to legend, the Shilong Palace was the residence of King Gesar. place that Connected with King Gesar shilong(Lion-Dragon) palace The Gesar King Shilong Palace is located in Golog county, Qinghai Province, about 18 kilometers from the county seat. This palace showcases vivid and colorful sculptures of characters from the Gesar epic. The surrounding mountains are said to have over a thousand gullies pointing towards the palace from the east, west, south, and north. These are believed to form an auspicious "Eight Treasures" pattern, making it a unique and remarkable sight. The original Shilong Palace fell into ruins over time. Based on local legends, reconstruction began, and after more than a decade of effort, the palace was rebuilt on its original site in Dari County. The main structure was completed in September 2006, and the palace is now open to visitors, with additional buildings still under construction. The Gesar King Shilong Palace combines majestic and traditional Tibetan architectural styles. The entrance is built in a simple and dignified Tibetan style, with deep red walls.The main palace features luxurious Tibetan decorations.At the center of the palace is a giant statue of King Gesar, depicted riding a divine horse, radiating power and dominance over the three realms.There are also statues of Gesar’s 30 heroic brothers, each holding weapons, with unique and lifelike expressions that exude strength and determination. The 10th Panchen Lama personally composed a prayer for the Gesar King Shilong Palace titled A Prayer for Auspiciousness in the Land of Gesar. In this prayer, he called upon deities and protectors to bless the palace. According to legend, the Shilong Palace was the residence of King Gesar. It is said that the palace's walls were built using stones transported by countless small lions, while the roof was constructed by the divine tiger Nianqing Dala and the divine dragon, hence the name "Shilong Palace." Although its location was widely known in the Golog region of Qinghai, its exact site became obscure in modern times. After extensive research and verification of the descriptions of Shilong Palace in the Gesar epic, it was finally determined that the palace should be reconstructed at its current location. This means that the Shilong Palace we see today is a reconstruction on its original site, and its historical and cultural significance is beyond measure. The Dharma King, His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok, taught more than once with his vajra speech: “All the glorious deeds accomplished throughout the life of the Great Lion King Gesar can be understood through this Shilong Palace. Therefore, it is a truly sacred monastery with spiritual power. If sentient beings take refuge in and make offerings to it, they will be freed from disasters and misfortunes throughout their lives, rescued from fear, and the entire region will be liberated from the suffering of hunger, disease, and war. Ultimately, they will be guided onto the path of liberation.”

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. King gesar's legend begins here Chapter 12: Danma’s Divine Arrow Kills Little Lusa, and Nangla Charges Alone into the Great Ling Camp Lusabenma Finishes Training and Plans Revenge 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. 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, Bemba Gyacha, 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 Nangla, 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 Nangla 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 Bemba Gyacha, 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, Bemba Gyacha, 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 Bemba Gyacha’s head. Against cowardly Ling soldiers, How could my blade ever feel fulfilled? Come out, come out, Bemba Gyacha! 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.” Bemba Gyacha's Rage and Challenge When Bemba Gyacha 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 Bemba Gyacha is my name. Where the roaring sound of glaciers echoes, The name of Bemba 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, Bemba, 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, Bemba Gyacha, 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, Bemba Gyacha, 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, Bemba Gyacha. 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 Bemba Gyacha and Lusabenma As Bemba Gyacha 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, Bemba’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 Bemba was immune to swords and spears. Shocked and unnerved, he quickly pulled his horse around and retreated toward the corner of his camp. Bemba Gyacha gave chase relentlessly, refusing to let him escape. At this critical moment, Serba Niben Daya, one of Bemba’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 Bemba Gyacha, 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 Bemba and Serba, 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 Nangla said: "Ah! Ah! My brother, Lusabenma! A few days ago, you battled the Ling camp, brought back the bloody severed head of Serba’s brother, Dachu Tuo Lazenbo, 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 Bemba Gyacha and Serba 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?” The senior commander, Uncle Wang, 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 Bemba 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 Bemba, Dared to challenge 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." Uncle Wang Rong Chacha, the commander-in-chief, 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 Eastqu River’s 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 Uncle Wang 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 Nangla’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 Nangla, 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 Bemba Gyacha 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 Nangla's War Declaration At dawn the next day, King Nangla 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 Bemba Gyacha’s right camp. Bemba and Minister Danma rode out to meet the attack. King Nangla 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 Nangla, 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 Nangla, 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 Nangla. 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, Nangla. 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, Nangla, 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 Nangla, enter the battlefield, The Ling rulers think they are invincible. But today, Nangla 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 Nangla 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 Nangla, 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 Bemba Gyacha 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 Nangla, have come to the Ling camp, And encountered you, the hero. Bemba Gyacha, 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, Nangla, am no better than a dog!" Bemba Gyacha's Taunt Song and the Start of Battle Just as Nangla finished his war song, General Danma was about to respond, but Bemba Gyacha 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 Bemba Gyacha. 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 Nangla— 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 Nangla! 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, Bemba Gyacha, 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, Nangla, 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? Tora Lazenbo, 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 Nangla 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 Bemba Gyacha finished his song, he and Danma charged at King Nangla and his two generals. Swords clashed and sparks flew as the battle began. Aftermath of the Battle and Ling's Next Move After Bemba Gyacha’s sword shattered pieces of King Nangla’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, Bala Senda Adong and Gade Chujong Bena, 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 Nangla. At that moment, Nyancha 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 Nangla and his remaining general, Yongzhu Raosai, regrouped their shattered forces at the left camp. However, Ling generals Sipan, Nyancha Adan, Dapan, and other heroes charged in relentlessly, while Bemba Gyacha and Danma also pressed the attack. The Chawarong soldiers suffered heavy casualties and were utterly defeated. The Ling army surrounded King Nangla, 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 Nangla, 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 Nangla 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. Bemba Gyacha 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 Nangla’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 Uncle Wang 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 Nangla, leave him to me, Bemba Gyacha. 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. Bemba Gyacha 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 Nangla 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 Bemba Gyacha or 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 Nangla's Lament to the Gods King Nangla, 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 Nangla 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, Nangla said: "General Yongzhu Raosai, Do not follow me, King Nangla, 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 Nangla, Even if I die a thousand times, I will avenge this blood feud. Even in death, I will not regret it. Bemba Gyacha 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 Nangla 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 Nangla: "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 Nangla, 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, Nyibun, 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 Serpa tribe. Following them is a white knight, With a bright and clean face, Wearing shining gold and jade earrings. He is Bala Senda 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, Nyancha 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 Qujong Bena. 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 Rongcha 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 Nangla 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 Yangmin Tso thought to herself: "Is King Nangla 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 Nangla’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 Nangla. In the past, Nangla’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 Nangla, Are rushing to the battlefield recklessly. No good fortune will come of this. As your queen, Yangmin Tso, 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 Nangla, 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 Nangla, 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 Yangmin Tso's advice would be the best course of action, both for the present and the future. Everyone tried to persuade King Nangla, 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, Nangla, 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 Yangmin Tso 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 Nangla 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, Nangla 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 Bemba Gyacha Shiega charged straight at the Chawarong forces. Seeing Bemba, King Nangla’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 Nangla swung his sword and managed to slice off several pieces of armor from Bemba’s right arm. Enraged, Bemba leaned forward on his horse and shouted: “Ah! You, Nangla King, today, one of us must die! If I, Bemba, 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 Nangla’s doom—the sword landed squarely on Nangla’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 Nangla 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 Dazhong’s Anu Sipan, who wielded the "Dongnalisen" sword. Sipan struck Aqin on the neck, severing his head cleanly as if cutting a plant stem. Young general Dama Daodeng rushed at Sipan, attacking with three sword strikes, but none landed. Sipan thought: “This one is strong. I’ll capture him alive to show everyone.” However, as Sipan reached for his scabbard, Daodeng turned his horse and fled. Fighting alongside Senqiong Rawei, 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 Daodeng in combat. Daodeng slashed Laga’s left leg, causing blood to gush out. Laga, biting his lip, stabbed Daodeng in the chest, driving his blade through his ribs and out of his back. Both fell from their horses and died together. Meanwhile, Bemba Gyacha Shiega 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 Yangmin Tso 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 Nangla 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 Nangla’s life has ended, And Chawarong’s people lacked fortune. Delaying further discussion will not help. Bemba Gyacha of Ling is cruel and tyrannical, His "Yasi Gachen" sword is ruthless and fierce. For these reasons, The sun of our world, King Nangla, 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 Nangla’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 Yangmin Tso, 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 Nangla’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 Nangla’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 Sepa 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 Sipan and Gyacha. 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, Sipan, and Gyacha, 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 Zega, 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 Gyacha and 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 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 Nangla of Chawarong. We never imagined He had come to invade our land. To clarify the situation, We sent General Senge Kangxun to inquire, But before he could say even three sentences, Senge Kangxun and his men Were all slaughtered in the dust. This enraged the two Nangla 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 Gyacha, How could Nangla 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 Yangmin Tso, 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 Yangmin Tso 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 Nangla 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 Rongcha Chagen sat at the head of the table, while Senlun and Sipan sat to his right, and Gyacha sat to his left. After listening to Yongzhu Raosai’s song, the overseer Rongcha 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 Nangla and several others, including Lusa Bemba, 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 Nangla, 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 Gyacha 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, Joru, 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 Nangla In the eyes of the demon Nangla, 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. Nangla’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 Nangla. 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 Avalokiteshvara guide me now. Demons and tyrants of this world, I call upon the Northern Horse-Necked King, 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 Mubudong lineage. 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, Nangla, and your partner Lusa, 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. Nangla brothers and their demon generals, You insisted on being enemies of Ling. You killed 506 Ling soldiers, Among them, several commanding officers. Nangla, 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, Nangla, 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 Nangla'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 Nangla, destined to be subdued by Joru, believed in him completely. Nangla 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, Nangla, 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 Nangla, 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, Nangla’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 Yangmin Tso, 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 Yangmin Tso 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 Sipan of Darong, General Bemba Gyacha, 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. Sipan and Gyacha, You think yourselves unmatched in the world, But your behavior that day was unspeakable. Chotong and Gadé, 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 Zega, 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 Chotong. 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 Chotong, 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 Chotong didn’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. 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, Sipan and Gyacha. 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 Chotong 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 Repé, We pray to the great Horse-Necked King. 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, Chotong of Darong, am of noble descent. As the elder of 700,000 Darong households, A descendant of Mubudong, Like a lion of snowy peaks, Who else but me, Darong Chotong, could be here? Born from noble blood, from the age of eight, I, Chotong of Darong, Subdued the demon Kezé Reba. During the war between Ling and Drong, When Ling was nearly defeated, The tiger roars of Chiju camp Scared away the foxes of Drong. 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, Chotong, Shoulder the responsibility of opening the treasury. The sons of Ling, Have always succeeded through their deeds. And today, This victory belongs to me, Chotong. 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 Chotong’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, Chotong’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, Chotong, 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 Chotong. Chotong believed there could be more valuable treasures inside, so he declared: “Today is an auspicious day, and only I, the elder Chotong, am fortunate enough to finish what we started. We must make every effort to retrieve all the treasures from this cave.” Inwardly, Chotong 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, Gyacha, 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 Chotong 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. Chotong Retrieves the Treasures Inside the cave, Chotong 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 Padmasambhava, 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. Chotong 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 Padmasambhava’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. Chotong 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 Chotong 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, Chotong rubbed his beard, smiled humorously, and winked at the crowd. Chotong's Accomplishments and the Dividing of Treasures The chief steward of Ling, observing Chotong, thought to himself: “This Chotong 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 Chotong of Darong, you truly are the manifestation of the Horse-Necked King. 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 Chotong remarked: “Should we distribute these arrows now?” General 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?” Gyacha, 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 Rongchacha Gen. 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 Chotong 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 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 Gyacha, 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 Padmasambhava, 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 Chotong 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 Chotong’s neck. Chotong's Thoughts and Joru's Question Chotong 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, Chotong smiled cheerfully, standing tall and proud. Joru then asked: “Today, everyone has received their share of arrows. Was a share left for me?” Gyacha 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 Mayu, 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 Chotong. 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 Chotong was. On the first day of our good fortune, We witnessed how Chotong opened the arrow treasury. If we fail to praise him now, There will be no better chance to honor him. This time, to Elder Chotong, 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 Yangmintso of Chawarong, along with Minister Yongzhurause 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 Yangmintso 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, Nangla 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 Yangmintso, listen carefully. Your wish has already been fulfilled. When Nangla 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, Yangmintso?” Joru's Farewell and Reflection of the Leaders Hearing this, the ministers and servants behind Yangmintso 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 Sipan and Gyacha 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 Shanglingga? 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. Linggabu 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 Dalong Supervisor 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, Serbani Bendaya, accompanied by Danma and Bala, summoned Queen Yangmintso, Minister Yongzhurause, and the leaders of the Chawarong villages and tribes. Once everyone had arrived and taken their seats, Serbani announced the appointment of Queen Yangmintso 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 Nangla 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 Yangmintso 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 Yangmintso 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. Notes: Pulu: A transliteration of a Tibetan term, referring to a type of handmade woolen fabric. It comes in many varieties and is generally used as clothing material.

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K i n g G e s a r of Tibet Dana (Yapu) Monastery Dana Monastery is also called the "Ling Kingdom Monastery" because of its connection to the legendary Tibetan hero King Gesar. While many scholars believe Gesar is a mythical figure, people in the Yushu region firmly believe that Gesar was a historical figure and that he once lived in Dana Monastery. place that Connected with King Gesar Dana (Yapu) Monastery Dana Monastery is the only Yeba Kagyu monastery in Qinghai. The Yeba Kagyu tradition was founded by Yeshe Zhepa, a disciple of Phagmo Drupa. Later generations of followers honored him as "Sangye Yeba." In 1171, during the Southern Song Dynasty, Yeshe Zhepa built Yapu Monastery in the Kham region, which later became known as Yeba Monastery, giving rise to the Yeba Kagyu tradition. Dana Monastery is also called the "Ling Kingdom Monastery" because of its connection to the legendary Tibetan hero King Gesar. While many scholars believe Gesar is a mythical figure, people in the Yushu region firmly believe that Gesar was a historical figure and that he once lived in Dana Monastery. The monastery houses many relics said to belong to Gesar and his generals. King Gesar in The Epic of King Gesar was a follower of the Yeba Kagyu tradition. In the Yeba Hall, the lower right quarter is dedicated to Gesar and is called the Gesar Hall. In the center of its east wall stands a 9-meter-tall statue of King Gesar, flanked by statues of his generals, Jiben and Jacha, which are slightly smaller than the central Gesar statue. In front of the Gesar statue, there are swords said to belong to Gesar and Jacha. On the southern side, there are various belts said to belong to Gesar's queen, Zhuomo, including the most precious one made of conch shells. The walls display weapons, armor, and clothing believed to belong to Gesar and his 30 generals. There is also brocade khatas donated by the 9th and 10th Karmapas to the Gesar statue. On both sides of the west wall's door frame are sculptures of Queen Zhuomo and her sister Naichong, with the walls adorned with animal skins (tiger, leopard, bear, etc.) said to have been used by Jacha to transport tea from inland China. In another small chapel of the Yeba Hall, there is a "Papen" scripture believed to have been recited by Gesar himself. On Longbao Mountain, west of Dana Monastery, there are many stone formations at the peak, including stupas believed to be the burial sites of Gesar and his generals. These stupas are in the Gelug style and have Tibetan inscriptions in various colors, though many have become unreadable due to weathering and animal activity. Inside some stupas are small clay statues, usually in four colors: the largest are white, followed by light red, dark red, and the smallest are black. Each clay statue bears Sanskrit inscriptions similar to the six-syllable mantra. Unfortunately, most of the Gesar relics in the monastery were destroyed during the late 1960s to mid-1970s. Today, only a few items remain, including a felt hat, shield, helmet, fragments of armor, scripture pages said to belong to King Gesar, 30 small white conch shells from Queen Zhuomo's conch belt, and a few items from the generals Danma and Nang'e.

Chaotong, the Lord of Mayu, crossed the mountain and unexpectedly stumbled upon the Hor army, consisting of the twelve black-and-red divisions, training their forces. 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 36 Using Illusions, Chao Tong Bravely Enters the Enemy Camp Three Times; Cowards, Fearing Death, Attempt to Rebel. Chaotong’s Encounter with the Hor Army Chaotong, the Lord of Mayu, crossed the mountain and unexpectedly stumbled upon the Hor army, consisting of the twelve black-and-red divisions, training their forces. On the right wing was the White Tent army, with white helmets and banners that seemed to blot out the sky. On the left wing was the Yellow Tent army, their yellow helmets and banners filling the heavens. In the center was the Black Tent army, with black helmets and banners stretching across the earth. Behind them were three Flower Tassel regiments from the Benba tribe, three Green Tassel regiments from the Riba tribe, three Iron Blue Feather regiments from the Garwa tribe, three Water Pattern Tiger Stripe regiments from the Nianjia tribe, and three White Cloth Leopard Tail regiments from the Gengga tribe. Additionally, the Chabao, Chaxiao, and Dunba tribes had nine white and black tassel regiments. At the front, the Sinba warriors led the Blood Tassel Regiment. They shot arrows that rained down like hail from the sky. Long banners fluttered in the wind, weapons filled the air, and men and horses covered the grasslands. The sight terrified Chaotong, leaving him trembling and speechless. He was so overwhelmed that he fainted on the spot. After a while, Chaotong regained consciousness and nervously spoke to his horse: “Oh, my black-maned bow-backed horse, look down there! The Hor twelve-division army is as numerous as the stars in the sky. There’s no way we can go any further. They look like they’re coming straight for us. Let’s hurry back home!” The horse replied calmly, “They are not coming this way. They’re just training their soldiers. Wait a bit, and everything will be fine.” After some time, all the Hor divisions returned to their camps. The ground grew quiet, with only wisps of smoke rising from the cooking fires. Chaotong, regaining a bit of confidence, said to his horse, “Perhaps they saw me, the great and furious Lord, and didn’t dare to advance any closer!” However, deep down, he thought: With so many soldiers, who knows what great things they could accomplish? How did Jiacha and Danma dare to charge into such a massive camp and come back with so many horses? They must have used some cunning tricks. The horse, sensing Chaotong’s cowardice, teased him, saying, “Back in Ling, you wore armor in front of your uncles and packed food in front of your aunts, boasting about your bravery. Now, if you can’t achieve anything, you’ll surely lose face. Even I, a mere animal, feel embarrassed for you. Aren’t you the one who was so good at pretending back in Ling—turning green stones into pine resin and yellow brass into real gold?” The horse’s half-mocking, half-encouraging words gave Chaotong an idea. Using his knowledge of illusions, he disguised himself as Jiacha, closed his eyes, and let his horse charge into the Hor camp. Though his heart pounded with fear, he managed to grab a small herd of horses and bring them back to Ling Gabu. Chaotong’s Deception and Capture At the Hor camp, Sinba Meruze immediately recognized Chaotong’s disguise as Jiacha. Remembering the words of the seer, he chose not to expose him. The other Hor leaders, however, were dumbfounded watching the “courageous Jiacha” return to attack again. Yet, none dared to send troops in pursuit, unsure of what to do. Chaotong drove the stolen horses to a valley and entrusted them to his own horses for safekeeping. Then, riding a fine chestnut horse he had just taken from the Hor camp, he disguised himself as King Gesar. He boldly rode to the Hor camp, thrust his whip diagonally into his saddle, crossed his legs atop the saddle, and sat in a meditative “vajra pose.” With a voice that shook the heavens, he shouted at the White Tent King: “You dare to oppose Ling Gabu? You dare to challenge me, King Gesar? You deserve punishment! I will drive away countless herds of your fine horses. If you wish to stop me, let the White Tent King come himself so we can discuss face-to-face whether the two nations should break apart entirely or if peace can still prevail. Think carefully, White Tent King!” The White Tent King, terrified by the imposing figure of the “King Gesar,” did not dare utter a word. He quietly whispered to his Black Tent and Yellow Tent brothers, “It seems we’ve encountered a great bandit today. Just stay quiet and let Gesar do whatever he wants.” Taking advantage of their fear, Chaotong managed to steal another herd of fine horses and added them to the ones he had already taken. At this point, his horse, the “Black-Tailed Jackal,” said to him, “It’s time to return to Ling Gabu. A wise man knows when to seize the moment and retreat. A prudent woman knows how to balance meals. A clever merchant knows when to close a deal. Let’s not overstay our welcome. We’ve gained enough; it’s time to go home.” But Chaotong, emboldened by his success, refused to stop. “How can I leave now?” he exclaimed. “Look at those Hor warriors—they’re terrified of Jiacha and Jue Ru, a couple of black-faced brats who eat tailless marmots and wear stolen calfskin coats. The White Tent King is so scared he won’t even step outside his tent! If I, the great Chaotong, step forward and roar like a tiger, I’ll scare him into fainting. If I can steal three herds of horses, as the saying goes, ‘When there’s oil on the surface of the bowl, there’s sure to be richness at the bottom.’ Not only will I have food and drink, but my reputation as a brave warrior will spread throughout Ling Gabu!” Despite his horse’s repeated attempts to dissuade him, Chaotong was determined. Left with no choice, the horse carried him back to the Hor camp. Chaotong’s Arrogance and Capture Chaotong arrived at the Hor camp, his eyes glowing red, his mouth twisted, and his face contorted. He began shouting boastful threats at the White Tent King: “Hey! Hey! White Tent King, Since the time of Hor’s King Tomo, The Hor and Ling nations have always been at peace. There has never been a war between us. But you young fools, Act recklessly, Like wild colts running aimlessly. Your red banners fill the battlefield. Are you chasing someone who killed your father? If not, then why are you running around like this? Is your Yellow Hor claw trying to grasp The sacred valleys of Ling? Let me tell you: With one swing of my blade or one arrow from my bow, I’ll take your head, White Tent King! I’ll make the waters of your Hor Wuji River flow backward, And your horses’ corpses fill the valleys. If I don’t turn your Achin grasslands into a wasteland, Then I, the Horse-Head King, have no power. Then I, the Lord of Mayu, am worth nothing! Do you hear me, White Tent King? Quickly offer tea and gifts, Lay down your saddles as offerings. If you don’t act now, Misfortune will soon come your way!” Chaotong’s Escape and Capture Upon seeing that the intruder was Chaotong, the Lord of Darong, the White Tent King was unimpressed. Chaotong’s reputation for cowardice was widely known, and the White Tent King thought to himself, If I feared even Chaotong, how could I call myself a hero? Five highly skilled Sinba warriors immediately armed themselves and rushed out from their respective camps. Faced with this formidable display, Chaotong’s earlier bravado vanished. He quickly turned his horse around and fled. As Meruze gave chase, Chaotong grew desperate. He threw away his helmet and armor, eventually abandoning his horse, and ran frantically into a ravine. He disappeared into a marmot hole, leaving only half a footprint behind. The Sinba warriors followed his tracks to the marmot hole. Peering inside, they saw Chaotong’s hair and beard trembling like blades of grass in the wind. His dirt-covered face revealed two glowing green eyes that flickered nervously. Drawing his golden blade, Meruze shouted, “Chaotong! How dare you compare your goat-like beard to the mane of a white lion? How dare you match the howl of a fox to the roar of a heavenly dragon? You’ve overestimated yourself! And now, you’re hiding in a hole? I’ll cut your body into pieces and cast your soul into hell! Is there anything you’d like me to tell your family before I end this?” Terrified by Meruze’s words, Chaotong crawled out of the hole on trembling knees. From his protective charm box, he took out five lengths of red silk khata scarves and a crystal reliquary with five peaks. Offering them as gifts, he kowtowed nine times to Meruze, as reverently as one would to a spiritual master. “Great Sinba, mighty as Mount Sumeru,” pleaded Chaotong, “even if you take my life, it won’t help Hor’s cause. Please spare me! I’ll surrender to the White Tent King and devote my entire being to Hor!” Chaotong’s Humiliation Before the White Tent King Meruze considered the situation. If I don’t kill this man today, who knows what kind of trouble he’ll cause when he meets the White Tent King? He raised his blade, ready to strike, but the other Sinba warriors began arriving at the scene. Realizing he couldn’t act impulsively, Meruze tied Chaotong up with a black rope, rolling him into a ball, and secured him to his “Black-Tailed Jackal” horse. They escorted him to the White Tent King’s camp. The White Tent King’s grand tent was a majestic sight. On either side, banners, ceremonial weapons, and musical instruments were displayed with grandeur. In the center of the tent, the White Tent King sat upon a golden throne. To his left and right, the Yellow Tent King and the Black Tent King sat on silver thrones. Behind them stood Sinba warriors, their red tassels fluttering in the wind. At the entrance, rows of armored soldiers held weapons, standing in solemn formation. At a distance of one arrow shot, Meruze untied Chaotong and placed him before the White Tent King. Chaotong, trembling like a leaf in the wind, offered a khata scarf and a golden reliquary and said, “Oh great White Tent King of Hor! I, the Lord of Mayu, Chaotong, surrender my life and all I possess to you. I bow to the White Tent King and devote myself to the Sinba warriors.” His teeth chattered, his body shook like a leaf, and he collapsed to the ground in terror. The White Tent King, disgusted by Chaotong’s cowardice, nevertheless saw him as a useful tool. Suppressing his contempt, he addressed Chaotong: “The Hor army will march to Ling Gabu. We will kill all the men, Destroy all the cities, Seize all the wealth, Take all the women, And spread our heroic deeds far and wide. Chaotong! Do you think my vision can be achieved? The thirty heroes of Ling Gabu— How strong are they, truly? The nephew of the Guo tribe, Gesar, Is said to have gone north to Yar Khang. What news is there of him now? I will raid Ling Gabu for treasure. I will capture the beautiful Zhumuo. Quickly, Chaotong, give me your best plan! You, Lord of Mayu, Chaotong, And I, White Tent Tiger-Hat King— The two of us are united in heart and mind. Before the gods, let us swear an oath: When Ling Gabu is conquered, I will be the Hor Achin King, And you will be the Eastern Mayu King. I will marry my daughter, Princess Gamucuo, To you as your queen. Between heaven and earth, We will stand like a tiger and a lion, side by side. When Gesar returns to Ling Gabu, We will face him together. Surely, we will destroy Jue Ru! Sinba Meruze, come quickly! Untie the black rope binding the Lord of Mayu, Chaotong. Let him sit on a flowered cushion. Bring him the finest yak meat, And the tenderest mutton ribs. Serve him strong tea and fine wine. Today, gaining Chaotong is like gaining Ling Gabu itself. In time, the plans of Yellow Hor will succeed. You will all see this soon enough!” Chaotong’s Continued Betrayal and Ling’s Growing Suspicion After the White Tent King completed his dramatic speech, the quick-handed Sinba warriors untied Chaotong and seated him on a luxurious leopard-skin cushion. They brought him fine wine, strong tea, and a platter piled high with yak and mutton. Shaken from his earlier ordeal, Chaotong greedily ate and drank, gradually regaining his composure. Once finished, he wiped the grease from his lips and began reporting to the White Tent King. He meticulously described the situation in Ling Gabu, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of its various tribes, and suggested strategies for an invasion. When Chaotong concluded, the White Tent King beamed with delight and said, “Everything you’ve said perfectly matches my vision. Once I conquer little Ling Gabu, your power, Chaotong, will be as vast as the sky. If you doubt me, just wait and see. I’ll now select fifty horses from the twelve Hor tribes for you. It’s no big deal—these animals will eventually return to their tribes anyway.” The two sealed their pact by making a blood oath. They drank hot blood and ate raw meat together, laughing and talking as if they were lifelong allies. Chaotong then revealed his plan: “Tomorrow, I will provoke the Chief Steward’s son, Ang’ou Yuda, into raiding a herd of horses. Let him steal them first, and then send two or three of your bravest Sinba warriors to pursue him. No matter what, they must take his head and strip his helmet tassel. Once this is done, the Chief Steward will feel as though a bucket of ice water has been poured over his heart. He will never again consider defending the cities. Within three years, Hor will achieve total victory. If this plan fails, and Ling’s merchants and farmers unite under the Chief Steward to fortify their strongholds, then even after nine years, Yellow Hor may lose countless soldiers and still fail to conquer them!” The White Tent King nodded enthusiastically, fully agreeing with Chaotong’s devious plan. To reward him, he sent Meruze to select horses for Chaotong. Meruze deliberately picked 300 of the worst horses—those with missing manes, broken tails, and sores on their backs—and gave them to Chaotong. As the sun began to set, Chaotong herded these horses back to Ling Gabu. Dansa’s Warning and Ling Gabu’s Growing Distrust The next morning, as sunlight spread across the land, Chaotong began distributing the horses among the tribes of Ling Gabu. However, he deliberately excluded the Chief Steward and Jiacha. His wife, Dansa, observed his actions and couldn’t hold back her criticism. “Lord Chaotong,” she said, “are these horses ones you truly captured yourself? Or were they simply given to you by others? Not a single one of them is fit for riding. If you distribute such poor horses to the people, it will only bring shame upon you and may even spark unnecessary disputes.” Chaotong, who had always found Dansa’s words irritating, became even more annoyed. He thought of the promises made by the White Tent King—power, wealth, and the hand of a beautiful princess. These thoughts deepened his resentment toward Dansa. “You foolish, filthy woman!” Chaotong snapped. “Nine thick ropes couldn’t tie you down, a full bucket of yogurt couldn’t satisfy you, and even double-wide doors couldn’t contain you! If there’s any gossip or trouble, it’s all because of your big mouth!” Ignoring her advice, Chaotong distributed the horses among the various tribes. As expected, his actions immediately aroused suspicion among the people of Ling Gabu.

K i n g G e s a r of Tibet Ronggo Monastery Located in the northwestern part of Dege County, near G215 between Dege County and Shiqu County, at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters. It is about 90 kilometers from Dege County town. place that Connected with King Gesar Axu Grassland Although the leaders of Ling in Dokham have historically supported many monasteries, Ronggo Monastery has always been regarded as the most esteemed monastery of Lingtsang. This is because Ronggo Monastery was originally King Gesar’s palace, also known as the "Lion-Dragon-Tiger Palace" (Senjong Dazé). The location of the palace aligns with the descriptions in the epic of King Gesar. In Tibetan history, the Tertön master Chögyal Lingpa is renowned as an outstanding historian. His biography includes a story about him rebuilding the old palace of Lingtsang. At that time, Tertön Chögyal Lingpa believed that rebuilding the palace was crucial for maintaining world peace, despite some ministers thinking it would be a laborious and demanding task. Chögyal Lingpa identified the old palace at Ronggo Monastery as the "Lion-Dragon-Tiger Palace" built by King Gesar and emphasized its significance. Ultimately, the descendants of King Gesar followed Chögyal Lingpa's suggestion to rebuild the old palace. They resided there and regarded it as King Gesar's ancestral temple, preserving it and passing it down through generations. The "King Gesar Museum" at Lingtsang Ronggo Monastery currently holds a collection of precious historical artifacts. These include valuable relics from the descendants of King Gesar's family, such as items belonging to King Zanshan. Among them are imperial fabrics and brocade offered by Ming Dynasty emperors, which have been perfectly preserved, as well as ceremonial brocade used in the monastery. The museum also displays King Gesar's personal vajra (ritual weapon) and the invincible battle flag, both of which bear witness to the glorious history of the Lion-Dragon-Tiger Palace.

K i n g G e s a r of Tibet Jacha Fortress Located in Lawongtong Village, Gongya Township, Dege County. It is the site of the Zhongling tribe fortress of the Lingtsang family during the time of King Gesar. place that Connected with King Gesar Jacha Fortress The Jacha Fortress is located in Lawongtong Village, Gongya Township, Dege County. It is the site of the Zhongling tribe fortress of the Lingtsang family during the time of King Gesar. The entire site is surrounded by mountains on three sides and bordered by water on the other. The ruins are situated on a hillside along National Highway 317. The site mainly consists of the central fortress ruins at the top of the hill, the remains of subsidiary buildings scattered along the mid-slope and foot of the hill, and the faintly visible remnants of the fortress walls, as well as ancient defensive watchtowers located in the east, west, south, and north. Gongya Monastery was built on the site of Jacha Fortress and is one of the rare monasteries of the Sakya school that performs the "King Gesar Dance." The fortress, known as "Ochü Chozong" (Castle of the Gathering Waters), was centered in Gongya by Jacha, the eldest brother of King Gesar of Ling. To the east was the Natural Sunlight Castle, to the south the Hanging Bucket Castle, to the west the Beautiful Neck Castle, and to the north the Soaring Eagle Castle. The ruins of these ancient sites are scattered throughout the surrounding area. The Jacha Fortress was built in the late 11th century. At that time, the ancient Dege region under the Lingtsang domain was divided into three tribal groups: Upper Ling, Middle Ling, and Lower Ling. This unified structure emerged after King Gesar consolidated the previously fragmented tribes. The Gongya region, where the fortress is located, served as the political center of the Middle Ling tribe and was governed by Jacha, the half-brother of King Gesar. During the Yuan Dynasty, after the central government unified the Tibetan regions, the Lingtsang Tusi family was officially recognized, with Ezhi as their administrative center, overseeing a vast territory in the Kham region. However, by the late Ming and early Qing periods, the power of the Lingtsang family gradually declined due to the growing influence of the Dege Tusi family. As a result, the Lingtsang family's territory significantly shrank and was eventually replaced by the Dege Tusi. On the mountain peak directly south of Jacha Fortress, there is a sharp cut or dent, which is said to be the path of an arrow shot by General Jacha. On the mountainside, there are ruins of a stupa dedicated to the Five Long-Life Goddesses, protectors of King Gesar. Near the riverbank, this site attracts crowds of worshippers every year on the 15th day of the fifth month in the Tibetan calendar. Looking southeast from the fortress, at the foot of the mountain, you can see eight scattered mounds of earth. Among them, the largest mound is home to a single towering cypress tree, about 10 meters tall. A tragic yet beautiful legend surrounds this place: it is said that not long after General Jacha passed away, he appeared in a dream to his eldest son, Lhasa Garatsega. In the dream, he revealed that at the foot of the fortress mountain, there were eight stupas, which were manifestations of his soul to help guard the land. Among them, the largest stupa represented his heart, and his soul transformed into a green cypress tree to stay by his son's side forever.

Zhumuo carried the twelve tail feathers of the disaster bird and went straight to the Datang Chamotan meeting site. She placed the feathers in the center of the gathering of heroes and anxiously sang 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 32: THE HEROES OF LING DISCUSS THE CALAMITY BIRD WITH PASSION; THE VETERAN DANMA BRAVELY SCOUTS ENEMY MOVEMENTS. Zhumuo Warns the Heroes of Ling Gabu Zhumuo carried the twelve tail feathers of the disaster bird and went straight to the Datang Chamotan meeting site. She placed the feathers in the center of the gathering of heroes and anxiously sang: In this Datang Chamotan field, Heroes of the holy Ling divine tribes, Revered lamas under the sacred parasols, Officers in shining armor, Youths with fluttering banners, Girls as radiant as mountain flowers, Children with fluttering longevity knots, Those above, sit under the trees and listen, Those below, sit by the lake and hear. Please listen to my report, Zhumuo's words: Yesterday morning, at that time, A thief bird came flying by. It was so ugly and strange, Words can hardly describe it. Its right wing stretched eastward, Its left wing extended westward. Its body was larger than three oxen, Its sharp teeth resembled green peaks. Each feather was thick and long, As strong as a warrior’s arm. Suddenly, it landed on the treasure canopy, Breaking the sturdy ropes that held it. I told my servant Yuda, “Quickly fetch the precious bow, Quickly kill this beast!” Yuda didn’t miss his mark, He shot down twelve massive tail feathers. Chiefs of the tribes, take note, This matter is as heavy as a mountain! If you ask about its origin, You must think back three years ago. It was the year our Lion King went north. Heroes from all tribes escorted him, The cavalry guarded for eighteen stops, The oxen carts guarded for twenty stops, On foot, they escorted him for twenty-five days. They escorted him to the northern land of Qulong Nacha Gongma. The king gave instructions to all the officers. “If I return early, it will be two years, If late, it will not exceed three years. No matter what, within these three years, I will triumph and return home.” Before mounting his horse, He reined it in and stood before it, Saying: “I will go north to subdue demons. Enemies may invade in my absence. Patrol frequently on the three great mountain peaks, Station sentries at the three great valleys, Conduct reconnaissance on the three mountain slopes, Guard the three great plains carefully.” The king spoke to us earnestly, “Do not invade others without cause. If enemies come to attack, Fight bravely without regret!” Did everyone remember the king’s words? Now, this strange event has occurred. I, Zhumuo, find it suspicious. First, ominous signs appeared during the day, Second, bad dreams plagued the night, Third, the disaster bird’s arrival is truly unlucky. Do not hope for good fortune from this! I urge all heroes to discuss this carefully. After her song, Chaotong of the Darong tribe thought to himself: These tail feathers look like they belong to the Hor disaster bird “Gangga Raosang.” It’s likely that the White Tent King is planning to lead an army to invade Ling Gabu, and this bird was sent ahead to scout. From Zhumuo’s song, it’s clear she’s urging the tribes to prepare for defense. The Hor Kingdom will certainly suffer if they attack! But what if I claim this bird is actually a divine messenger from Gesar? I’ll say the king sent it to deliver news of his return. Wouldn’t that be better? Pretending to be wise, Chaotong said, “Zhumuo, daughter of the Galo family! Don’t twist auspicious signs into something negative. I alone know the origin of this bird and can recognize these feathers!” He then fabricated a story, claiming these feathers were divine symbols sent by Gesar. He insisted the bird was a messenger bringing news from the king, urging everyone to stop worrying and to halt patrols and sentries. However, Chief Steward Rongchachagen saw through Chaotong’s lies and immediately stopped him. “Chaotong! You’re pretending to know what you don’t understand, spouting nonsense. I know very well where these feathers come from. This is a serious matter for Ling Gabu! The Yellow Hor Kingdom is surely planning to attack the holy Ling divine tribes with a sudden assault!” The crowd, alarmed by the steward’s words, listened closely as he continued: “I have visited the Hor Kingdom many times. They have such birds, called ‘Gangga Raosang,’ also known as the ‘disaster bird.’ It is the soul bird of the White Tent King. This white feather belongs to the White Tent King, the black feather to the Black Tent King, the yellow feather to the Yellow Tent King, and the purple feather to Sinba Meruze. The other feathers belong to the chiefs of various Hor tribes. People of the divine Ling tribes, heed the king’s instructions! Station sentries at the valleys, patrol the mountain peaks, and conduct reconnaissance on the slopes. Be vigilant against enemy invasion!” Jiacha Proposes a Reconnaissance Mission When Jiacha Xiega heard these words, his face darkened like storm clouds, and his angry eyes flashed like lightning. He jumped off his horse and shouted to his brothers, “Hor and Ling Gabu have never had old grudges or new conflicts. The White Tent King has no reason to stir up trouble and create enmity. However, the world is unpredictable, so we should send someone to patrol and investigate. I, the brave Jiacha, will go. Agile Danma can go. Swift Dongzan can go as well. If a single rider is not enough, then let the Long clan send seven riders, the Zhong clan send seven riders, and the You clan send seven riders. A total of twenty-one knights can go together to investigate what is happening in Hor.” Jiacha advised everyone, “Young trees are easy to cut, small fires are easy to extinguish, and tiger skins must be tanned starting at the head. When dealing with enemies, we must strike first and strike hard!” Chief Steward Rongchachagen responded, “Brave Jiacha! When you are calm, you are as compassionate as the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. But when you are angry, you are like the wrathful Horse-Headed King. Please listen patiently to this old man’s advice. The Long, Zhong, and You clans should each send three riders to investigate. However, among so many heroes here, determining who should go requires careful discussion.” Jiacha grew even more anxious after hearing this. He said impatiently, “Steward Rongchachagen, don’t act so superior just because you’re older! Since you’ve decided to send someone to investigate, why say this person can’t go or that person can’t go? Who exactly should we send? Who is truly the right person for this task?” Jiacha’s gaze swept over the heroes from all the Ling tribes until finally, it landed on Danma. Danma’s family had always been as close as kin to the royal family of Ling. There was no hero in Ling like him, nor a marksman as skilled as him. Danma was calm, sharp, and resourceful. Any mission entrusted to him was completed flawlessly. For this reconnaissance mission, no one was more suitable than Danma. Thus, Jiacha entrusted this critical task to him. Danma, who regarded Jiacha as a brother, would never hesitate to follow Jiacha’s orders, even if it meant going to a demon’s lair to face death. After bidding farewell to his brothers, Danma leapt onto his silver-gray horse and rode off without delay. At that moment, Zhumuo’s maid on her right carried a golden jug filled with fragrant tea, while the maid on her left carried a silver jug filled with fine wine. Zhumuo herself held a longevity knot, auspicious silk, and a khata scarf as gifts to sincerely wish the hero Danma a safe return. Danma, accompanied by twenty-one knights, left Ling Gabu and rode forward. Before long, he sped ahead, riding alone. He reached the white road of Hor and climbed to the top of the highest mountain to survey the Hor Kingdom. From there, he saw the red plain of Yulang Gongwa, teeming with troops from the twelve black and red divisions of Hor. The plain was packed with people, smoke from cooking fires covered the land, and the area was so crowded it seemed as if even a single embroidery needle couldn’t fit. Looking more closely, Danma observed that the right flank of the Hor army consisted of the White Tent Division, the left flank was the Yellow Tent Division, and the center was the Black Tent Division. The remaining nine divisions were divided into three groups following behind the main forces. Leading the vanguard was a force of 20,000 Hor warriors, the elite Baturu soldiers of Sinba. All their camps’ gates pointed toward Ling Gabu. Notes Baturu: Means "warrior" or "brave man."