War among Gods and Men - 2. A New Empire: 科幻世界的封神演義卷二（國際英文版）

By Hong-Yee Chiu and 丘宏義

The Lost Wisdom of Tao

In the beginning, it was darkness. "... 'Let there be light', and there was light." Light is energy. Energy can create matter. This was how the Universe began billions and billions of years ago, so we were told. Since the b

• Language: English
• Publisher: EHGBooks
• Release date: Sep 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781647848484

Book preview

16 Tao Against Tao

Inside the encampment of the Imperial Teacher a scheme was contrived to kill Jiang Sarn. According to this scheme, the power infused by Yao Aptitude into the Matrix of Lost Soul would be used to extract the soul of Jiang Sarn by a devious means called Ciurp Creadh. This plan naturally met with the approval of all the Axis Taoists. The plan was carried out as follows: Yao Aptitude went inside his Matrix of Lost Soul to make additional preparations. First another earthen terrace was constructed. Next straws were tied around a gourd bottle to form a clothed effigy to resemble a real person. A card on which the name of Jiang Sarn was written was attached to the effigy. This effigy was laid on an offering table on the terrace. Three oil lamps were placed near the head of the effigy, and seven candle lights around its feet.

The principle of operation of Ciurp Creadh was as follows: The soul of a person consisted of three animae (Whenn) and seven umbrae (Poh). A total loss of the three animae and seven umbrae meant instant death and a partial loss would cause a degradation in the reasoning power of the individual. The three oil lamps at the head were called Anima Collecting Lamps and the seven candle lights at the feet were named Umbra Gathering Lights. The purpose of these lamps and lights – one lamp to each anima and one light to each umbra – was to coordinate the incantations cast by Yao Aptitude in his Matrix of Lost Soul to withdraw the three animae and the seven umbrae in succession from Jiang Sarn's body into the gourd bottle inside the effigy. After all animae and umbrae were collected, Jiang Sarn would then die. Three times a day, Yao Aptitude would dishevel his hair and using his sword of Tao, draw talismanic symbols in the sky while reciting incantations and dancing the proper steps of Tao. This was the ritual needed to extract animae and umbrae from the body of Jiang Sarn.

Three days after the initial delivery of the ritual activity, the effect began to show. Jiang Sarn, usually a very calm person, suddenly became restless and could neither sleep well nor remain seated in his office for long. He paced up and down incessantly. More than often the source of ideas, he now became quiet but restless.

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Figure II- 1. Ten war matrices of extermination

Yang Exterminator was the first one to notice this erratic behavior, and he was perplexed. Jiang Sarn studied Tao in Palace Jade Abstraction for forty years. He is one of the most accomplished Taoists from that Palace. He is entrusted by our Patriarch with an important mission. All astrological indications point to our success. Yet at this critical moment, he shows absolutely no concern for our military problem. I do not believe that he would lose his mind just because for the time being he is not able to find the proper measures to nullify the power of the ten Matrices of Carnage. This is an extremely erratic behavior. He began to become worried.

Seven days later, one anima and two umbrae of Jiang Sarn had already been snatched by Yao Aptitude. By this time Jiang Sarn had lost all interest in his official business and he dozed off during all the meetings. No one had any idea of the cause of Jiang Sarn's misbehavior. They conjectured that he might not have any idea of how to nullify the power of the ten Matrices and as a result he showed an uneasiness. Fourteen days later, two out of the three animae and four out of the seven umbrae of Jiang Sarn were gone. This was serious enough to cause him to fall into a coma-like deep sleep for most of the time. Nata, Yang Exterminator and other key disciples conferred among themselves: A huge enemy encampment and ten powerful Matrices of Carnage are now outside the city wall. Yet our teacher sleeps day and night, and pays no attention to military matters of extreme urgency. There must be something wrong.

Yang Exterminator said, According to my humble opinion, the premier appears to have lost his mind. He behaves as if he were drunk or lost in a dream. He does not behave like the premier we used to know. Someone must have schemed against him. Otherwise, the premier, a student of Tao from East Kwen Ren, an expert of five forms, would never be so unconcerned about the current military situation.

All agreed: Let us go to his bedroom and ask him to come to the conference hall to discuss our defense plan. So all the disciples went to Jiang Sarn's sleeping chamber, and asked to see him. Jiang Sarn was awakened from his sleep by his attendants. He was still extremely sleepy.

Wu Serendipity, his most entrusted disciple, went inside the bedroom and begged: My teacher, in recent days you have been sleeping day and night and you have paid no attention to urgent matters. Would you please come with us to the conference hall?

Jiang Sarn could not find any good excuse so with his sleepy eyes he went with his disciples to the conference hall. As the warriors and generals took their turns to present their views of current affairs, Jiang Sarn just sat there, silent and immobile as a statue, as if he were drunk or had lost his mind.

Nata decided to test whether Jiang Sarn still knew his Tao. At this time a gust of wind happened to blow outside. Nata asked Jiang Sarn to prognosticate the cause of the wind. Jiang Sarn did what he was asked to do, then replied: Nothing to it, it is supposed to be windy today. This was not the way the premier used to respond to this kind of question. Usually, Jiang Sarn would conduct a long and very sophisticated reasoning process before he arrived at a conclusion. No one dared to disagree with this rather obviously inadequate answer.

By the twentieth day, Jiang Sarn had lost two animae and six umbrae. In one more day he would lose the rest and then he would be dead. By this time Jiang Sarn had completely lost control of his remaining anima and umbra. Before they were snatched by Yao Aptitude, this remaining pair wandered out of his body and he was apparently dead.

All the disciples and King of Arms went to his residential hall and circled around his body. King of Arms wept: Since you came here, you never even had a day of good rest; you devoted all your time and effort to the affairs of my country. How could I let you die? My heart aches for you.

In tears, Yang Exterminator placed his hand over Jiang Sarn's heart and felt a faint heartbeat. Yang said, No, he is not completely dead. Do not plan a funeral yet. Let us see if we can find a way to revive him.

As all the ranking officers grieved over Jiang Sarn's death, his remaining anima and umbra wandered towards the Platform for Appointment of Divinities. Pah Mirror, God of Prevalent Blessing, was startled and he gently pushed this pair out. The remaining anima and umbra of Jiang Sarn, guided by his instinct, then wandered towards East Kwen Ren Range where he had studied Tao for 40 years, virtually his home.

Just then, Senior Demigod South Pole happened to be outside gathering a kind of mushroom purported to possess supernatural power, formes japonica. He saw a wandering spirit so he took a good look. He was startled to find out that this anima and umbra were those of Jiang Sarn. Quickly, he collected the anima and the umbra and corked them inside a gourd bottle he was carrying, and started back to Palace Jade Abstraction to see Patriarch Primeval. As he was about to enter the Palace, a demigod by the Taoist name Son of Naked Essence showed up and beckoned Senior Demigod South Pole: Let us play a game of Wei Chi.

No, sorry. I am busy today, Senior Demigod replied.

What do you mean by you are busy? This is recess time from our Tao lecture session. If we do not play a game of Wei Chi today, when the next lecture series begins we will not have any leisure time for a long while.

I really want to play a game of Wei Chi (go) with you, but today I have an extremely urgent matter to take care of, Senior Demigod grudgingly explained.

I know why you are busy. I was just joking with you. I have been following Jiang Sarn's spirit since it wandered away from West Branch Mountain to come here. I am glad you caught it, Son of Naked Essence said.

Yes, I caught the spirit. I am just about to go inside the Palace to ask Patriarch Primeval to help me restore Jiang Sarn to life.

It is not a matter of such an urgency that requires the personal attention of Patriarch Primeval. I can take care of it. Please give me Jiang Sarn's spirit, Son of Naked Essence said. The gourd bottle was handed over.

Carrying the gourd bottle containing Jiang Sarn's remaining anima and umbra, in a great haste Son of Naked Essence terra-trekked to the official residence of the premier in West Branch. Yang Exterminator recognized Son of Naked Essence and greeted him with a bow. I trust that you come here today on behalf of my teacher, Yang said.

Yes. Please report to whoever is in charge that I am here, Son of Naked Essence said.

King of Arms was still in Jiang Sarn's official residence, so he came out to greet Son of Naked Essence personally. He saluted Son of Naked Essence as if he were his teacher, a high honor from a ruling monarch.

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Figure II- 2. Yao Bing extracts soul of Jiang Sarn

Son of Naked Essence said, The purpose of my visit is to restore Jiang Sarn to life. Where is his body now?

King of Arms and the entourage of disciples accompanied Son of Naked Essence to the bed on which Jiang Sarn was lying. Both eyes were closed and there was not a single sign of life. King of Arms asked: My teacher Taoist, how do you propose to revive him?

He is neither ill nor dead. All we need to do is to restore his animae and umbrae, then he will revive in no time at all, Son of Naked Essence replied.

Can you do it, King of Arms asked.

Yes.

When? King of Arms urged.

Probably by midnight, Son of Naked Essence replied.

At midnight, after adjusting his clothes, Son of Naked Essence left the city. He went through the outskirts of the ten Matrices and heard the chilly sobbing cries of wild spirits there. The instillation of heresy Tao in the ten Matrices had caused West Branch Mountain to be shrouded by a black smog. To enter the Matrix, Son of Naked Essence first created two giant lotus flowers to support him and to shield him from evil spells. Then he entered the Matrix of Lost Soul.

He saw Yao Aptitude working hard to perform the last ritual to complete his mission. Yao Aptitude, his hair disheveled, was issuing his final command to extract the last anima and umbra of Jiang Sarn. Each time he hit his jade tablet of command, all the lamps and lights dimmed and the remaining anima and umbra of Jiang Sarn hopped inside Son of Naked Essence's gourd bottle, trying to get out. Yao Aptitude became impatient and shouted: All incantations have been cast, all talismanic seals and drawings made, where are the remaining anima and umbra? As Yao bowed low at the altar to cast another incantation, Son of Naked Essence seized this opportunity and whisked down, trying to snatch away the straw effigy. Unfortunately, for some reason Yao raised his head and saw Son of Naked Essence. You Son of Naked Essence! You try to steal this effigy! As he cursed, he threw a handful of black soul-snatching sand at Son of Naked Essence. Son of Naked Essence reflexively hopped up to avoid the sand, but in doing so his two giant lotus flowers were left behind, totally destroyed by the powerful black sand. He himself narrowly missed the deadly black soul-snatching sand particles, which left a trail of bluish sparks in the air. Hurriedly he terra-trekked back to the residential hall of Jiang Sarn and was received by Yang Exterminator.

His face still showing the expression of horror and his breath short, Son of Naked Essence narrated his close call. Upon hearing of the failure of his mission, King of Arms said in tears, If so, then my proxy father premier may never be revived back to life.

Son of Naked Essence reassured the king. Not quite so. He might have a few more days of bad luck, but he will eventually be all right. Meanwhile, I will leave here to solicit help.

Where are you going, my teacher, King of Arms asked.

Avoiding a direct answer, Son of Naked Essence replied, It will not take me long. Take good care of Jiang Sarn while I am away. Then he left.

Son of Naked Essence terra-trekked back to East Kwen Ren Range and encountered Senior Demigod South Pole at the door of Palace Jade Abstraction. He told Senior Demigod about his failed adventure inside the Matrix of Lost Soul and said, The mission is more difficult than I thought. Please help me.

Senior Demigod went inside the Palace and narrated to Patriarch Primeval the failure of Son of Naked Essence to retrieve the soul of Jiang Sarn. Primeval said: Although I am the Patriarch of Sect Elucidatus, at the present moment there are some practical difficulties with me becoming directly involved to help you restore Jiang Sarn to life. Ask Son of Naked Essence to see the Great Lord at Palace Eight Vistas. This message was transmitted to Son of Naked Essence.

Palace Eight Vistas was located in Hsuan Doo, or the Capital of Meditation. There was no one around so Son of Naked Essence stayed outside and waited. Finally a Taoist, Hsuan Doo (Teacher of Meditation), emerged. Son of Naked Essence narrated to the Teacher his difficulties with the Matrix of Lost Soul and asked for permission to have an audience with the Great Lord, Lao Tzu.

Son of Naked Essence was admitted. On his seat of meditation, Lao Tzu said cryptically: The suffering of Jiang Sarn in the Matrix of Lost Soul was ordained since time immemorial. Even my device to save him is destined to be lost in the Matrix. No one can alter destinies ordained by heaven. Yes, I will help you save Jiang Sarn. He turned to his attendants. Bring me the Tai Chi Yin Yang Chart. Lao Tzu then passed the Yin Yang Chart to Son of Naked Essence, and gave detailed instructions of how to use it to recover the captured animae and umbrae of Jiang Sarn from the Matrix of Lost Soul.

Terra-trekking back to the residence of Jiang Sarn, Son of Naked Essence related his recent encounter with Lao Tzu to King of Arms and the other disciples. This time we can definitely recover the soul of Jiang Sarn and revive him, Son of Naked Essence confidently declared.

When do you want to do it? Yang Exterminator said.

The same time, around midnight, Son of Naked Essence replied.

At midnight Son of Naked Essence went out of the city and headed directly towards the Matrix of Lost Soul. He unrolled the Yin Yang Chart. This Chart, an original blueprint used to create the Universe, contained dharma of all five forms – metallum, wood, water, fire and earth. The unrolled Chart immediately transfigured itself into a golden bridge. No power of evil could penetrate the confines of the bridge. Thus, Son of Naked Essence was protected from all evil forces. As Yao Aptitude bowed again to beckon the last anima and umbra into the straw effigy, the golden bridge flew Son of Naked Essence down to the platform and this time he successfully retrieved the effigy together with the gourd bottle which contained the two animae and six umbrae of Jiang Sarn. However, the noise of retrieval alerted Yao and as he raised his head he saw Son of Naked Essence. Damn you, Son of Naked Essence, you are here again to steal my effigy! Another handful of black soul-snatching sand was thrown at Son of Naked Essence. Forgetting that the golden bridge that was transfigured from the Yin Yang Chart could protect him against the power of black sand, Son of Naked Essence instinctively jolted up and escaped, leaving the Chart behind. The Chart fell down and was entrapped inside the Matrix of Lost Soul, as foretold by the Great Lord, Lao Tzu.

Terrified at the loss of the precious Chart, Son of Naked Essence nearly missed his Tao of terra-trekking (which would have been fatal because had he failed, he would have been reduced to the element on which the Tao of trekking was based, in this case, terra). But he had successfully retrieved the straw effigy and the gourd bottle which contained the two animae and six umbrae of Jiang Sarn. This was all that mattered.

Son of Naked Essence told the disciples of Jiang Sarn and King of Arms: I successfully recovered the animae and umbrae of Jiang Sarn, but in the process I left the Yin Yang Chart behind. It shall remain there until the power of this Matrix is nullified. Let us not worry about this for the time being. Let us revive Jiang Sarn first. He first removed the gourd bottle from the effigy. Then he parted Jiang Sarn's hair and located the entrance point of animae and umbrae. Uncorking the gourd bottle, he aimed the opening of the bottle at the point of entrance, and lightly tapped the gourd bottle several times. The same was done with the gourd bottle that contained the remaining anima and umbra.

Moments later, lo and behold, life was restored to the dead body of Jiang Sarn. As he rose, he spoke clearly and coherently. What a long sleep I had!

King of Arms was greatly relieved and said, If it were not for this great teacher, Son of Naked Essence, my proxy father premier would still be dead!

Jiang Sarn then got off his bed and thanked Son of Naked Essence for saving his life. He was briefed by Son of Naked Essence on the scheme of Yao Aptitude to use Ciurp Creadh to capture his three animae and seven umbrae into the gourd bottle inside an effigy placed within the Matrix of Lost Soul, and the two close calls he had in retrieving the straw effigy. Jiang Sarn lamented at the shallowness of his Tao that he had not foreseen this foul play at the very beginning. What shall we do to recover the lost Yin Yang Chart? he worried.

For the time being, nothing can be done. First, let us concentrate on how to nullify the power of the ten Matrices of Carnage, Son of Naked Essence replied.

After several days of good rest, Jiang Sarn fully recovered. A conference was called to discuss schemes to nullify the power of the ten Matrices of Carnage.

No one had any good ideas. Son of Naked Essence said, This is heresy Tao. We do not even know the degree of complexity or the intricacies of the structures of the Matrices. We should wait a little longer for other demigods to join us.

As he was saying these words, Yang Exterminator reported: Demigod Yellow Dragon of Aunt Ma's Cavern in Mount Duo-Demigods has just arrived.

Taoist Yellow Dragon was welcomed to the official reception hall. May I hear your directive? Jiang Sarn said politely.

I come to West Branch to aid you in nullifying the ten Matrices of Carnage. For this mission we demigods have abandoned for the time being our time-honored code of abstinence from carnage. We are all involved now. I am the first one to arrive, but others will soon follow. However, it is not convenient or appropriate for us demigods to mingle with mortals of the world of dust. Please build a thatched-roof pavilion just outside the east gate of the city as an accommodation for demigods. They are all used to austere and simple lifestyles. The rest of the party will arrive at any moment. Decorate this Thatched-Roof Pavilion with fresh flowers and colorful ribbons to indicate your respect.

Jiang Sarn ordered Nangong Swift and Wu Serendipity to supervise the construction of the designated Thatched-Roof Pavilion. The construction work was soon completed. Not long afterwards the remaining demigods arrived. The assemblage of demigods included:

Son of Cosmos Feat of Peach Cavern, Mount Nine Demigods

Son of Naked Essence of Cavern Lofty Clouds, Tai-Hua (Supreme Splendor) Mountain;

Demigod Yellow Dragon of Aunt Ma's Cavern, Mount Duo-Demigods

Ju Liu-son (Haven of Progeny) of Cavern Soaring Clouds, Mount Slender Dragons (who later converted to Buddhism and eventually achieved immortality as Buddha Krakucchanda)

Demigod Tai-Yee (Great Unity) of Cavern Golden Rays, Mount Genesis

Demigod Lin Pao (Astute Value) of Cavern Primordial Sun Mount Kung Tong (Mount Emptiness)

Grand Bodhi Manjusri of Cavern High Clouds Five Dragon Mountain

Demigod Pu Hsian (Prevalent Sage) of Cavern White Crane, Mount Nine Merits

Lady Demigod Merciful Navigation of Cavern Savior Net in Pu Toh (Vast Craggy) Mountain (who later also converted to Buddhism and became Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Goddess of Mercy)

Demigod Yu Din (Jade Cauldron) of Cavern Golden Sunset Clouds in Mount Jade Spring

Demigod Tao-Hsin (Mighty Tao) of Cavern Jade Edifice, Mount Golden Court

Lord Gracious Virtue of Cavern Purple Sun, Green Peak Mountain.

As the demigods gathered around the Thatched-Roof Pavilion, Jiang Sarn personally presented his greetings. After the usual protocols, a conference among demigods began. Son of Cosmos Feat spoke first. We fellow demigods gather here today to help promote prosperity and to suppress decadence, to institute truth and to eliminate falsehood. Mr. Jiang Sarn, when do you plan to begin your task to nullify the evil power of the ten Matrices of Carnage? We are here at your service.

To be charged with a responsibility as formidable as this one scared Jiang Sarn. Fellow senior Taoists and demigods, I have had only forty years of training of Tao. How could you expect me to have the wisdom to nullify the mighty power of the ten Matrices of Carnage? Please give kind consideration to the shallowness of my Tao and please weigh the possibility of the possible suffering of people if we fail. I would like to designate this responsibility to one of you. Please.

Son of Cosmos Feat replied, Although our Tao can protect ourselves, we do not have the ability to overcome this heresy Tao.

As they were dickering over the responsibility of leadership, they heard elk bellows from the sky. Soon a Taoist riding an elk descended. All the demigods knew the newcomer – Demigod Light of Lantern. After exchanging Taoist bows, the newcomer said: I apologize for being the last one to arrive. The power of heresy Tao instilled into the ten Matrices of Carnage is indeed strong and difficult to nullify. May I ask, who has taken over the responsibility of leadership in the matter of nullification?

Jiang Sarn bowed, and replied, There is no one yet. I am waiting to hear suggestions from you.

My purpose in coming here is to help Jiang Sarn. If there is no leader yet, I will assume the leadership in our campaign to nullify the ten Matrices of Carnage. I am also here to help my fellow Taoists should the need arise. Jiang Sarn, please turn over the tally of command and the seal of authority to me.

Greatly relieved, Jiang Sarn replied, At your service. As he was speaking, he turned over the tally of command and the seal of authority to Demigod Light of Lantern.

After accepting the responsibility of leadership, Demigod Light of Lantern first thanked his fellow Taoists for their cooperation, then he revealed his plan to nullify the power of the ten Matrices of Carnage. "On my way here, I had an opportunity to examine the ten Matrices. Their heresy Tao is strong and the Matrices are powerful. However, there is one common weakness that we may use to nullify their power.

The Tao they instilled into the ten Matrices is not within the realm of our knowledge of Tao but the ten Matrices have their common limitations; the Matrices are not as invincible as they claimed. The Tao is difficult to understand, but the ten Matrices were instilled in a great haste and they all have one common weakness or shortcoming, that is, their power reserve is grossly inadequate. After each application of its power, the strength of its instilled Tao declines substantially and it will take a long while before the strength is recovered. We may utilize this shortcoming to overcome it. The master of the Matrix will probably discover this weakness if we do not nullify the power and kill the one in charge at our second trial immediately following the first assault. Once they discover this common weakness, of course they can remedy it by increasing the reserve of the instilled power. Our strategy is to launch two successive assaults within a short span of time. The first one will be a decoy whose purpose is to dissipate as much as possible the power of the Matrix in the first round, and in the second one we apply full power of our Tao to nullify the Matrix while it is still in its weakened state. However, the first challenger, being a decoy, will almost certainly die. Thus ten from our side we will sacrifice as decoys. Your names are not on the Roll of Divinities. When the time comes, those whose names are in the Roll will volunteer or will be asked to volunteer.

While demigods in Jiang Sarn's camp were conferring on their strategy to nullify the power of the ten Matrices, the Imperial Teacher, after the unexpected failure of the scheme of Yao Aptitude, decided to take some action. He asked his ten Axis Taoists: Have you completed preparation of your ten Matrices of Carnage?

They have been completed for some time. They are ready for action at your call. You can send a letter of challenge to Jiang Sarn. We want to finish our business here as soon as possible so that we can all go back to our island to continue our study of Tao and you can march your triumphant army back to the capital, Chin Comprehensive answered.

Deng Arduous was again the messenger to deliver the letter of challenge. This time it was, by coincidence, also Nata who was in charge of reception in Jiang Sarn's official residence. The content of the letter of challenge was more or less the same as that delivered before, except it boasted its ten Matrices of Carnage and it demanded an immediate reply. Jiang Sarn countersigned the letter, adding the message that three days from the date of the letter the challenges would be met.

The Imperial Teacher ordered a big banquet to entertain the ten Axis Taoists before the forthcoming duel of Tao. By midnight, after a long celebration, the whole group decided to go outside the banquet tent for some fresh air and they took a look at West Branch City. To their surprise, they saw golden rays emerging from the Thatched-Roof Pavilion, with colorful clouds floating above. Golden sparkles continued to drip from the clouds like rain. The Imperial Teacher and his Taoist friends were startled: This must be the whole gang from East Kwen Ren. We must be careful. They reexamined their plans, but none of them realized the major shortcoming that Demigod Light of Lantern had discovered, the inadequate reserves of power.

Three days after the day of the delivery of the letter of challenge, both camps were ready for a duel in Tao. The Imperial Teacher, riding his Black Unicorn, was surrounded by his four warriors Hsin, Taon, Deng and Zhang. The ten Axis Taoists stood in front of their respective Matrices of Carnage in appropriate positions and orientations according to patterns of their most favorable stellar constellations. From one side of the Thatched-Roof Pavilion, on his No-elephant, Jiang Sarn first emerged; he was accompanied by his disciples and his warrior generals. First on the row were Nata and Huang Heavenly Compliance. They were followed by Yang Exterminator and Lei Thunder, then by Han Poisonous Dragon and Shiue Ferocious Tiger, and finally by Suvarnata and Moksa. The demigods emerged from the other side of the Thatched-Roof Pavilion. Leading the procession was the Demigod Light of Lantern, holding the seal of authority and the tally of command. Next came Son of Naked Essence, ringing a golden bell rhythmically, and Son of Cosmos Feat, cracking a hollowed jade stone with a gold hammer in harmony with the golden bell. They were followed by Demigod Great Unity and Demigod Astute Value, then by Lord Gracious Virtue and Haven of Progeny, then Grand Bodhi Manjusri and Demigods Prevalent Sage, Merciful Navigation and Yellow Dragon, and finally by Demigods Jade Cauldron and Mighty Tao. The golden bell and the hollowed jade stone carried by Son of Naked Essence and Son of Cosmos Feat were the equivalents of the drums and gongs used to command the movement of troops in warfare of mortals.

A bell in the Matrix of Heavenly Extermination was rung and a Taoist with a bluish face and a red beard, riding a yellow spotted elk, galloped out. Which one of you dares to brave this Matrix? Chin Comprehensive yelled.

A decoy was needed now. Looking around, Demigod Light of Lantern could not find a suitable candidate. Just then, a Taoist descended from the sky, holding a two-pronged spear. After making a perfunctory Taoist bow to the demigods, he said: I, Deng Hua, a fifth-generation disciple of Palace Jade Abstraction, am under my teacher's order to come here to nullify the power of the Matrix of Heavenly Extermination. I apologize for being late.

Demigod Light of Lantern gave the order for Deng Hua to go ahead. Then he sighed and murmured to himself, He is the one. No one can escape from the fate ordained by the Invisible Master of the Universe!

Deng Hua stepped forward, and challenged: You Chin Comprehensive, stop being so arrogant. I am here to eliminate you.

Who are you to make such a bold claim? Chin Comprehensive said.

You idiot! You mean you do not even recognize me! I am a fifth-generation disciple of Palace Jade Abstraction! Deng Hua retorted.

Are you brave enough to challenge my Matrix of Heavenly Extermination? Chin Comprehensive queried.

I am under my teacher's order to do so. I cannot go back to my mountain empty-handed. Deng Hua bragged, and drew out his sword. Chin Comprehensive also drew his weapon, a heavy, four-edged sword. A combat ensued.

As agreed before, the setup of ten Matrices was supposed to be a means of testing the strength of the Tao of the defenders and the invaders, and it was supposed to be a duel in Tao, therefore the weapon play was but a perfunctory overture before a more violent and lethal test of the strength of Tao. So, a few rounds of weapon play later, Chin Comprehensive suddenly threw his weapon to the ground and retreated into his Matrix. Deng Hua followed closely behind. In a hurry, Chin Comprehensive ran towards the control platform and grabbed the Flag of Three Heads. The Flag was waved and its power instantly stunned Deng Hua, felling him to the ground, unconscious. Chin Comprehensive came down from his control platform and cut off Deng Hua's head with a sword. Then Chin emerged from his Matrix and displayed the head to the other side. Which one of you from East Kwen Ren Range wants to join him?

Demigod Light of Lantern ordered: Manjusri, it is your charge to nullify the Tao of this Matrix. Be careful.

Yes, Demigod Light of Lantern. Your holy order is acknowledged, Grand Bodhi Manjusri replied. As he moved towards the battlefield, he said to Chin Comprehensive, You members of Sect Interceptus are freely roaming Taoists, wandering happily around the universe without any restraint. No one bothers you. Why do you have to set up this Matrix of Heavenly Extermination to destroy lives? If I am forced to nullify the power of this Matrix, I cannot avoid breaking the code of abstinence from carnage. It is not that I do not have a heart of benevolence, but I have to fulfill the ordained destiny of the heaven. Do not regret!

You are also a freely-roaming Taoist yourself! Why do you have to come here to become involved in affairs of mortals? You have no idea the kind of strength of Tao you are facing! You are asking for your own extermination! Chin Comprehensive retorted.

Who knows who is exterminating whom! Grand Bodhi Manjusri muttered. Chin Comprehensive rode his elk forward and challenged Grand Bodhi Manjusri with his four-edged sword. Grand Bodhi responded to the challenge with his sword. A few rounds later, Chin Comprehensive again retreated into his Matrix. Grand Bodhi Manjusri followed. As he came near the gate of the Matrix, he saw cold mists rising from the ground and he heard chilling sounds of wandering spirits. He hesitated. However, the rhythmic ringing of command bells and the accompanying cracking of the jade stone hastened and he had to move in. He first created two giant white lotus flowers to float himself above the ground. Opening his mouth, a giant golden lotus emerged and floated above his head to protect him. Meanwhile, five beams of rays emerged from the five fingers of his left hand. The five rays expanded into an energy curtain completely enshrouding Grand Bodhi. The curtain of white rays joined the golden lotus flower overhead to form a shield. Five lanterns materialized, hanging from the tips of five petals of the golden lotus flower. The lanterns gleamed brightly, illuminating the otherwise dark Matrix. As before, Chin went to his control platform, took the Flag of Three Heads out and waved. Nothing happened. The power of the heresy Tao of his Matrix was already weakened by the previous application and could not penetrate the curtain of energy shield and the golden lotus which protected Grand Bodhi above. He waved the Flag again, and again, and nothing happened. With each waving of the black flag the strength of the Matrix weakened further. Now that the power of the Matrix was nullified, Grand Bodhi released his Pole of Dragons. Chin Comprehensive was instantly confined to the Pole by three rings. The energy shield and the golden lotus flowers suddenly disappeared. Making a Taoist bow in the direction of East Kwen Ren Range, Grand Bodhi Manjusri prayed: This disciple apologizes that he has to violate the code of abstinence from carnage. After these words were spoken, he cut off the head of Chin Comprehensive (whose spirit then went to the holding area of the Platform for the Appointment of Divinities) and he emerged from the Matrix, completely unharmed. Displaying the head of Chin, Grand Bodhi Manjusri proclaimed: The power of the Matrix of Heavenly Extermination has just been nullified!

The Imperial Teacher was enraged at the loss of Chin Comprehensive. He galloped his Black Unicorn forward, ready to challenge Grand Bodhi Manjusri for a physical fight. Riding on a huge crane, Demigod Yellow Dragon flew over and stopped the Imperial Teacher. We are competing against each other upon our strengths of Tao. We agreed earlier that no violent earthly combat must take place. You still have nine Matrices left. Besides, we are even; you lost one of your men and we also lost one of ours. Please go back to your encampment and let the duel of Tao continue! In frustration, the Imperial Teacher grudgingly withdrew inside his encampment.

Zhao River yelled the second challenge: Grand Bodhi Manjusri! You have nullified the Matrix of Heavenly Extermination. I dare you to challenge my Matrix of Earthen Fire!

Demigod Light of Lantern asked Han Poisonous Dragon to take up the challenge. Han leaped up and said, I will go.

As Han approached the Matrix of Earthen Fire, Zhao River shouted, Who are you who dare challenge my Matrix of Earthen Fire?

I am a disciple of Grand Bodhi Manjusri. I am under the order of Demigod Light of Lantern to nullify the power of your Matrix, Han Poisonous Dragon responded.

With your trivial level of Tao, you dare to nullify my power? Ha! Ha! laughed Zhao River. A sword-to-sword combat ensued. A few rounds later, Zhao River retreated to his Matrix with Poisonous Dragon following closely behind. Zhao River went directly to his control platform. Waving his red flag of Five Bearings, queer clouds immediately rose from the ground, and thunder and lightning commenced from above. Flames of all colors were ejaculated from all over the ground. Within seconds Han Poisonous Dragon was in flames and his soul was guided to the Platform for Appointment of Divinities.

Zhao River triumphantly emerged from the Matrix. Remounting his spotted elk, he announced loudly: Friends of Sect of Elucidatus, send someone with a better training in Tao. Do not waste lives unnecessarily!

Haven of Progeny was ordered to launch the second assault. He told Zhao River: You, a demigod of Sect Interceptus, set up this despicable and abhorrent Matrix to destroy lives. Don't brag about your Tao! You will soon join those unfortunate souls in the Platform!

Zhao River was enraged and he immediately challenged Haven of Progeny with his sword. Several rounds of sword play later, Zhao River again retreated inside his Matrix and ran towards the control platform. Haven of Progeny followed closely behind. Before Zhao River could reach the control platform, Haven of Progeny had already taken out a Deity-Tying Rope and released it. The Rope rapidly snaked through the air towards Zhao River and before he had a chance to grab his flag, the Rope wrapped him into a bundle. Zhao's Tao was immobilized by the power of the Rope so he could not apply his Tao to escape. Haven of Progeny then summoned his Yellow Turban Muscle Men to take Zhao River to the Thatched-Roof Pavilion. Without a master to control its functions, the Matrix of Earthen Fire was but a wooden temporary structure with an earthen platform in the middle. The power of this Matrix was essentially nullified.

Again the Imperial Teacher felt frustrated and wanted to use physical force against Haven of Progeny. Demigod Jade Cauldron stopped the Imperial Teacher. This is only the second of ten Matrices; there is no need to feel desperate yet. Besides, I must remind you that we agreed at the very beginning that this is a duel of Tao against Tao. There is no need to degrade yourself to the practice of the world of dust by using physical forces. The Imperial Teacher fell silent. He went back to his encampment, distressed. No more challenges were made; both sides decided to call it a day.

At his encampment, the Imperial Teacher conferred with the masters of the remaining eight Matrices. Apologetically, he said: We not only did not succeed, we have also lost two of our fellow Taoists. I really feel terrible about this!

Don't worry, Tong Entirety replied, we are all Taoists and we accept our ordained destiny. We still have eight Matrices left. Let me make sure my Matrix of Wind Roar will succeed.

Meanwhile, inside the Thatched-Roof Pavilion, Haven of Progeny asked Light of Lantern: What shall we do with Zhao River?

Just hang him at the tip of the pole above this Pavilion to warn our opponent heresy Taoists of our power, Light of Lantern answered.

In the next round, we shall face the Matrix of Wind Roar. How do you propose to nullify its power? some demigods fretted.

There is no easy way to do it, Light of Lantern replied. Even after the Matrix discharges its power in the first assault, the wind still will be too strong for us. The wind derives its strength from the combination of two forms, metallum and fire. We need a device called Amulet of Wind Poise to quiet down the wind. The wind must be stilled before we can nullify the power of the Matrix.

The obvious question was raised. Where can we get this Amulet of Wind Poise?

Demigod Astute Value said: I have a friend Taoist in the Cavern Eight Jewels, in Mount Iron Fork, by the name of Doo-Er the Conquest of Calamity, who has this Amulet of Wind Poise. I can write a letter to ask him to loan us his Amulet. However, for reasons that I cannot reveal to you, Jiang Sarn, you should send your men to fetch it. I suggest the combination of a civil officer and a military warrior.

San Felicitous and Zhao Field were sent as envoys. They rode day and night towards their destination. After they crossed Yellow River, they arrived at Mount Iron Fork and soon they were at the door of Cavern Eight Jewels. The two presented the letter of introduction to the Taoist, Conquest of Calamity. The Taoist said: Since the demigods have already gathered there on behalf of Jiang Sarn, and since my good friend Demigod Astute Value wrote this letter to me, I feel obliged to loan you this Amulet. However, be careful with it. Don't lose it. The Amulet of Wind Poise was thus passed to the two.

By the time they arrived at the bank of the Yellow River, no ferryboat was in sight. They galloped up and down the riverbank, but they could not find one single ferryboat. They found a passerby and asked for the reason. The passerby explained: Several days ago, two bullies showed up. They are a husky and robust duo. They drove all ferryboat operators out of this area and they took over the business. They set up a ferry station five li from here. They charge whatever rate they like and no one dares argue or challenge them.

Really! Things happened so fast around here! San Felicitous commented.

By the time they arrived at the ferry, they saw these two husky bullies. They had tied a rope across the river. Without the use of oars, these two pulled the boat swiftly across the broad river as if it weighed nothing. Zhao Field recognized the two, the two Fang's – Fang Hsian and Fang Bee – who had defected from Emperor Zoe's court on behalf of the two missing princes. They started to converse about old days. Then the two Fang's asked the two envoys: Where are you heading?

We want to cross the river, Zhao Field said.

That is no problem. We will fetch you across. The two were fetched across the river. Where are you these days? Fang Bee casually asked.

Thinking that they were in the hands of friends, Zhao Tien the Field said, The regime of Emperor Zoe is corrupt so I have switched my loyalty to King of Arms of the Zhou Dukedom. The Imperial Teacher mounted several campaigns against us and he was repeatedly defeated. Now he has acquired help from his Taoist associates to set up ten Matrices of Carnage, which have enormous power of destruction. We are encountering the Matrix of Wind Roar. We needed a device, called the Amulet of Wind Poise, to nullify its power. The purpose of our trip was to borrow one.

Ha! My opportunity has come! thought Fang Bee. My brother and I offended Emperor Zoe when we sided with the two princes. Ever since, we have been destitute and wandering around without a home. If I can present this Amulet to the Emperor, perhaps we can be absolved of our previous offenses. My brother and I could even be restored to our previous rank. He then asked: Chancellor San, I have never heard of or seen the so-called Amulet of Wind Poise. Can I have a look at it?

San Felicitous thought, We two have been kindly fetched across the Yellow River by the two Fang brothers. Since Fang Bee is an acquaintance of Zhao Field, we can trust them. Thus San Felicitous did not suspect any foul play and innocently he took out the parcel containing the Amulet of Wind Poise.

Before he could unwrap it to show Fang Bee its contents, Fang Bee snatched it from his hand and inserted the parcel in between his belts. He then said: Very good, this will be enough as your fare. After these words, Fang Bee and his brother left and walked towards the direction of the capital city Morning Song.

Unable to challenge the two husky Fangs, San Felicitous sat down and started to cry. Tears flowed out of his eyes, and he cursed himself. We came a long way here to borrow this Amulet, now because of my stupidity and carelessness I let the Fang's rob me of it. How can I face Premier Jiang and the other colleagues? He was ready to drown himself in the Yellow River.

Zhao Field stopped him. "We may not value our lives more than our mission, but we have to think about the consequences. We are under the order of Premier Jiang to borrow the Amulet of Wind Poise. If we die here, he will never know what happened to our mission. It is disloyal to