Chapter one:Master Zhang's Prayer to Dispell the Plague | General Hong's Mistaken Encounter with Demon

The poem goes:The rooster's crow at dawn calls the hour,While robes are donned and cloaks of emerald power.The gates of heaven swing wide, revealing the imperial halls,As kings and rulers kneel beneath their golden thralls.The sunlight stretches, touching the immortal's palm,A fragrant mist rises, as dragons float in calm.The morning court disperses with colors bright and grand,The sound of phoenix calls echoes from the royal land.It is said that during the reign of the benevolent Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, on the third day of the third month of the third year of the Jia You era, at the third watch before dawn, the Emperor sat upon the Purple Hall Throne, receiving the greetings of the officials. And there, one could behold:Clouds of auspiciousness surrounded the Phoenix Pavilion,A radiant aura shrouded the Dragon Tower.The smoke-laden willow trees gently brushed the flags,While dewdrops clung to palace flowers, greeting the swords and halberds.Within the fragrant shadows, jade hairpins and pearl slippers gathered upon the red marble steps;Amidst the celestial music, brocaded robes and embroidered silks assisted the imperial procession.Pearl curtains fluttered as golden chariots appeared atop the hall,Phoenix-tail fans unfurled as the precious palanquins halted before the white jade stairs.A distant crack of the imperial whip echoed three times,As the civil and military officials assembled, both in line, in perfect harmony.At that moment, an officer at the palace gates shouted, "If there is a matter, bring it forth early for petition; if there is none, roll up the curtains and retire from the court." From among the crowd of officials, Chancellor Zhao Zhe and the Deputy Minister Wen Yanbo stepped forward to offer their petition, saying: "At present, the plague is rampant in the capital, and the people are suffering. Many have perished, both military and civilian. We humbly implore Your Majesty to show mercy, to reduce punishments and taxes, in order to ward off the calamity and relieve the people's hardship."The Emperor, upon hearing the petition, swiftly ordered the Hanlin Academy to draft an imperial edict: one part granting amnesty to all prisoners across the land, and the other part absolving the common folk of their taxes. Additionally, he commanded that the temples and monasteries within the capital be properly maintained to offer prayers and sacrifices for the dispelling of the disaster.However, despite these measures, the plague grew even more severe that year. Upon hearing of this, Emperor Renzong's health was greatly affected, and he felt troubled. He convened the court once again to discuss the matter. Among the officials present, one minister stepped forward to speak out of turn. The Emperor turned to see that it was the Deputy Minister of State, Fan Zhongyan. After exchanging formal greetings, Fan stood and presented his petition:"Your Majesty, the calamity is spreading, and both the army and the people are suffering. Day and night, they are struggling to survive, trapped in the hardships of this disaster. It is my humble belief that in order to quell this disaster, we should invoke the celestial powers. The Heavenly Master of the Han dynasty, by his star, should be summoned to the capital. Let us arrange for a grand ritual of the Daoist rites, a 3,600-fold celestial sacrifice, in hopes of receiving divine aid to dispel the plague and protect the people."Emperor Renzong, upon hearing this, approved the petition. He immediately ordered the Hanlin Academy to draft a new edict, which he personally inscribed. Along with this, he dispatched a sacred incense offering, and appointed General Hong Xin, the Grand Marshal of the Palace, to be the divine envoy. Hong was entrusted to travel to Mount Longhu in Xianzhou, Jiangxi, to seek the Heavenly Master Zhang for his celestial intervention.As the Emperor prepared for the sacred mission, incense was lit in the Golden Hall, and the imperial decree was handed over to General Hong. He was sent off with great haste to embark on the journey.Hong Xin received the imperial edict and, bidding farewell to the emperor, dared not linger. With the imperial decree in hand, and a gold box filled with royal incense, he mounted his steed. Accompanied by several dozen attendants, they set off from the capital, leaving behind the bustling city of Dongjing, their journey leading them towards the serene Guixi County in Xinzhu.On their way, the sights that greeted them were as though painted by the hand of nature itself:The distant mountains rose in layers, their green ridges interwoven in hues of jade, while the clear waters below mirrored the sky in perfect tranquility. In the forests, rare flowers bloomed in splendid colors, as though brocades spread upon the earth. Delicate willows, their young branches like strands of golden silk, danced gently in the breeze, sweeping the ground in graceful arcs. The weather was warm and pleasant, the sun casting a soft glow over the landscape. Occasionally, they passed small roadside inns and mountain villages, the paths smooth and the land open. At night, they rested in a postal relay station, the simplicity of the surroundings adding to the peace of the journey.The travelers, draped in flowing robes, seemed to glide through the dust of the world, while their horses galloped through the streets, leaving behind fleeting wisps of earth. he Grand Minister, Hong Xin, carried the imperial edict, a crimson decree, as he and his entourage set off on their journey. They spent the night at a postal station, traveling by day and resting at relay stations, enduring thirst and hunger as they pressed on. After more than a day's journey, they arrived in Xinzhu, Jiangxi. Local officials, both large and small, came out of the city gates to greet them, and immediately dispatched messengers to inform the abbot and Daoist congregation at the Upper Clear Palace on Mount Longhu, preparing to receive the decree.The next day, the officials accompanied the Grand Minister to the foot of Mount Longhu. There, they saw numerous Daoists of the Upper Clear Palace, with the sound of bells and drums echoing, and the air filled with incense, flowers, lanterns, and colorful banners. A procession of spiritual music filled the air as they descended from the mountain to welcome the imperial edict, leading them to the very front of the palace where they dismounted.As the Grand Minister gazed upon the palace, he marveled at the majesty of the Upper Clear Palace. Before him stretched:Twisted pine trees, their branches like serpents, and emerald cypress trees casting dark shadows. The gate was adorned with a golden plaque bearing the imperial edict, and the doorposts were lined with sacred talismans and jade seals. Near the Empty Emperor Altar, there were faintly hanging willows and famous flowers; beside the medicinal furnace, towering pines and aged cypress trees hid the view. On the left wall, the celestial warrior Tian Ding stood, guarding alongside the True Lord Taiyi; on the right side, the Jade Maiden and Golden Boy stood in reverence, holding up the Great Emperor of the Purple Weft. With flowing hair and a sword in hand, the northern True Warrior stood, stepping upon a tortoise and snake; wearing boots and a crown, the Old Man of the South Pole crouched low, suppressing dragons and tigers.In the front, the 28 Star Lords of the Constellations stood, while behind them, the 32 Emperors of Heaven were arranged. Below the steps, a stream trickled gently, and around the courtyard, splendid mountains surrounded the area. A crane with a red crown soared above, while a turtle with green fur lingered below. On the treetops, monkeys offered fruit, while in the grass, a white deer carried ginseng.Inside the Three Purities Hall, a golden bell rang, its sound resonating as the Daoists practiced their ethereal steps; before the Four Saints Hall, the jade chime was struck, and the True Man performed the ceremonial rites. On the fragrant offering platform, vibrant clouds of red and orange light shimmered against the blue glass, while at the jade altar, the setting sun's rays cast long shadows over the red agate. The arrival of the Grand Minister was heralded by auspicious clouds outside the gates, as though the Celestial Master himself were escorting the venerable Lord Lao. At that moment, both the Abbot and his Daoist attendants, with the Daoist boys leading and following, brought the Grand Minister to the Three Purities Hall, where the imperial edict was respectfully placed at the center of the altar. Grand Minister Hong then asked the abbot, "Where is the Celestial Master now?"The abbot respectfully replied, "May the Grand Minister understand: this generation's Patriarch is known as the 'Xu Jing Celestial Master.' His nature is one of purity and high moral character, and he is weary of mundane matters. He has retired to the peak of Mount Longhu, where he built a humble thatched hut to cultivate the Dao and nourish his spirit. Therefore, he no longer resides in the main palace."The Grand Minister asked, "Since the Emperor has sent an edict, how can we meet with him?"The abbot answered, "Allow me to explain: The imperial edict is here in the hall, but we, the Daoists, dare not open it. Please, Grand Minister, come to the abbot's quarters and drink tea. We will discuss the matter further."At that time, the imperial edict was placed on the altar in the Three Purities Hall, and all the officials went to the abbot's quarters. The Grand Minister sat at the center while the attendants served tea, and a full vegetarian feast was prepared. After the meal, the Grand Minister asked the abbot again, "Since the Celestial Master is in the mountain hut, why not send someone to invite him down to meet us and receive the edict?"The abbot respectfully replied, "Grand Minister, although the Patriarch resides at the peak, his Daoist practice is extraordinary. He values his independence and avoids the disturbances of the mundane world. He can ride clouds and fog, and his whereabouts are unpredictable; he has never descended from the mountain. Even we, the Daoists, rarely get to see him, let alone request his presence!"The Grand Minister said, "How then can we meet him? At present, there is a severe plague in the capital. The Emperor has specially dispatched me as an envoy, carrying the imperial edict, personally bringing dragon incense to summon the Celestial Master. We seek his help to perform a grand sacrificial ritual to quell the heavenly disasters and save the people. How can this be arranged?"The abbot answered, "The Emperor's desire to save the people is noble. However, it requires that the Grand Minister demonstrates true sincerity. You must fast and bathe, change into simple robes, leave your attendants behind, carry the edict yourself, burn the royal incense, and walk up the mountain to pay respects and pray to the Celestial Master. Only then will you be granted an audience. If your heart lacks sincerity, even a journey to the mountain will be in vain."The Grand Minister, upon hearing this, responded, "I have traveled from the capital and followed a vegetarian diet. How could my heart not be sincere? Since this is the case, I will do as you advise and ascend the mountain first thing tomorrow morning."That evening, they all retired to rest for the night. At the break of dawn, the Daoist priests began their morning rituals, preparing incense, herbal baths, and offering vegetarian food. The Grand Minister rose and underwent his purification: bathing in the fragrant water, changing into fresh clothes, wearing hemp shoes, and eating a vegetarian meal. He then took the imperial edict, wrapped it in a yellow silk bundle, and placed it on his back. In his hand, he held a silver censer, slowly burning the royal incense. A group of Daoist priests accompanied him and pointed out the path leading to the rear mountain.The abbot, reminding the Grand Minister, said, "If you truly wish to save the people, do not waver in your resolve. Keep your heart focused on the journey ahead." With these words, the Grand Minister bid farewell to the priests and recited the sacred name of the Heavenly Lord as he ascended the mountain.As he climbed halfway up the mountain, the Grand Minister saw the towering peak that seemed to pierce the sky, confirming that this was indeed a majestic mountain. The mountain was described in poetic detail:The base of the mountain is vast, spreading across the earth, and its peak reaches the heavens. From a distance, the clouds are scattered like broken remnants, and up close, the peak seems to swallow the brightness of the moon. The mountain has a varied terrain: the uneven slopes are called hills, the narrow passages through the rocks are called caves, and the solitary peaks that stretch upward are called ridges. Some areas hide tigers and leopards, others are shrouded in wind and clouds, and there are caves where high beings dwell in seclusion.The mountain is rich with features: the paths where woodcutters roam are called trails, and the wide roads where carriages can pass are called highways. There are streams with the sound of flowing water, ancient crossings that lead to the source of rivers, and cliffs where water droplets form springs. The left side of the mountain is hidden by steep cliffs, and the right side reflects the mist. The sky produces clouds, and the mountain swallows the fog.The mountain appears both sharp and smooth, with some parts seeming to hang precariously in the air, while others are flat and well-defined. Thousands of peaks vie for attention, while streams rush through the valleys. Waterfalls descend in slanted arcs, and vines hang upside down. The roar of tigers creates winds at the valley entrance, while the cry of monkeys causes the moon to dip behind the mountain's slopes.The scene is described in vibrant, almost ethereal imagery: the mountain, painted in shades of deep blue, resembles thousands of pieces of jade, and mist envelops the entire landscape like a green veil, shrouding everything in a mystical, dreamlike atmosphere. Hong Taiwei was traveling alone, winding his way up the mountain path, clutching vines and pushing through thick underbrush. He had already crossed several peaks, walked over three or four miles, and was beginning to feel his feet ache and legs grow heavy. Struggling with each step, he could not voice his fatigue, though his heart was filled with doubt. He thought to himself, "I am a high-ranking official and the son of the imperial court. Back in the capital, I rested on soft cushions, eating from exquisite dishes, yet now I am weary beyond measure. How could I have ever imagined walking this rugged mountain path in these humble grass sandals? I know where the Heavenly Master is, yet I am forced to endure such hardship!"After walking just another thirty or fifty paces, his breath became shallow, and he had to pause, clutching his shoulder in exhaustion.Suddenly, a gust of wind arose from a valley, and as it passed, a deafening roar, like thunder, erupted from behind a pine tree. From the shadows leapt a massive tiger, its eyes wide and fierce, its golden fur gleaming in the light.Hong Taiwei was so startled that he let out a cry of "Ah!" and stumbled backward in shock. He dared not look directly at the beast, but from the corner of his eye, he saw:Its fur shimmered like a golden cloak, and its claws, sharp as silver hooks, numbered eighteen.Its eyes blazed like lightning, its tail whiplike, and its mouth opened like a bloodthirsty chasm, its teeth sharp as spears.Stretching its body and extending its claws, it stood poised in a menacing stance, its tail whipping and its head shaking with a thunderous sound.All the foxes and hares of the mountain hid in terror, and the deer and wild boar of the ravines had retreated into hiding. The great beast, the tiger, fixed its gaze upon Hong Taiwei. It circled him, its mighty body coiling with grace and power. Then, with a deafening roar, it sprang away, leaping down the hillside behind him.Hong Taiwei collapsed at the base of a tree, his heart pounding, his thirty-six teeth clashing in fright. His mind spun in chaos, as though a dozen buckets of water were violently sloshing up and down within him. His entire body felt numb, like it was swept away by a fierce wind, and his legs buckled beneath him, as weak as a defeated rooster. He groaned helplessly, his mouth uttering continuous cries of distress.The tiger disappeared for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, before Hong Taiwei managed to crawl back onto his feet. He gathered his scattered thoughts, carefully rearranged the incense burner, and ensured the dragon incense was still burning. Determined, he climbed the mountain once more, bent on finding the Heavenly Master.After walking another thirty or fifty steps, Hong Taiwei sighed deeply, muttering under his breath, "The Emperor's imperial decree—how could it bring me here, to suffer such terror?"No sooner had he spoken than the wind picked up once again, carrying with it a noxious scent that struck him like a venomous force. Hong Taiwei turned to look and saw movement in the bamboo and vines along the mountain's edge. A snake, as large as a barrel and as white as snow, slithered out of the underbrush.At the sight, Hong Taiwei froze, a wave of terror surging through him. He let go of the incense burner with trembling hands and cried out in fear, "This is it—my end has come!" His body swayed, and he collapsed by a stone, his eyes barely open.The snake seemed to rise with the wind, its head lifted high as though to greet a storm. Its scales, like a thousand pieces of jade, glittered in the light, and its tail coiled like a silver thread. It moved with a grace that belied its danger, its mere presence commanding the air. The snake's body undulated, twisting and bending as it prepared to strike, and in that moment, the mountain itself seemed to hold its breath. The enormous snake darted toward the stone slab, coiling itself tightly before Hong Taiwei. Its eyes sparkled with golden light, and with a sudden movement, it opened its massive mouth, extending its tongue and releasing a poisonous mist directly at Hong Taiwei's face. The shock sent his three souls into turmoil and his seven spirits floating away. After giving him one final glance, the snake turned and slithered down the mountain, disappearing before Hong Taiwei could even react. Finally, he managed to rise to his feet, muttering, "How shameful! You nearly scared me to death!"He looked at himself, his body trembling with fear, feeling as if he had been struck by cold chills. "Damn that Taoist!" he cursed under his breath, "What an impudent trickster, playing with my life and giving me such a fright! If I can't find the Heavenly Master here, I'll have words with him down the mountain."He grabbed the silver incense burner, rearranged his robes and official garb, then prepared to ascend the mountain once more. Just as he was about to move, a faint sound of a flute reached his ears from behind a pine tree. It grew louder, drawing closer. Hong Taiwei turned his gaze, and there, emerging from a hollow in the mountain, was a young Taoist boy, riding a yellow ox and blowing a bamboo flute.As Hong Taiwei looked at the boy, he saw: two small hair buns atop his head, his body clothed in simple blue robes, a grass cord tied around his waist, and straw sandals on his feet. His bright eyes and white teeth shone like pearls, his form was graceful and untainted by the world. His green hair and red complexion were striking, and his entire appearance was free from any vulgarity.In the past, the immortal Lü Dongbin had written a poem about a shepherd boy that perfectly captured this image:"Grass stretches across the wild, six or seven miles,The flute plays