《太上說紫微神兵護國消魔經》

Interpretation of the Scripture of the Purple Tenuity Divine Army's Protection and Demon Dispersion as Spoken by the Supreme Lord

At that time, the Supreme Lord Laozi (Taishang Laojun) expounded this sacred scripture in the Purple Tenuity Upper Palace (Zixi Shanggong), one of the highest celestial realms in Daoism, on the eighth day of the third lunar month during the second year of the Shanghuang era. This occurred during the "Kaihuang Jiashen" cosmic calamity—a cyclical period of great tribulation in Daoist cosmology—marked by widespread disasters, crop failures, and ceaseless warfare, leaving the people in turmoil. Only those who accumulated virtue (De) and cultivated the Dao could transcend the calamity and ascend to immortality.

Ordinary people, ignorant of cosmic principles, defied the Dao (the Way) and indulged in wickedness, allowing demons from Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) to run rampant. These malevolent spirits lurked by day and emerged at night, spreading plagues that caused sudden deaths. Terrified, the people fled in panic, their cries of despair shaking the heavens.

Moved by compassion, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun), the supreme deity of Daoism, commanded the stars Xu and Wei (two of the twenty-eight lunar mansions in the northern sky) to manifest as the Great Emperor of Perfect Warrior (Zhenwu Dadi). Formed from the Qi (vital energy) of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the Perfect Warrior gestated as a sacred embryo in the Palace of Vast Numinosity. On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the embryo split open, and the Divine Lord of Perfect Warrior was born. Towering five hundred zhang in height, he wore black robes with unbound hair, wielding a sword and treading in boots, leading divine generals such as the Duke of Thunder and Mother of Lightning.

The Celestial Worthy then ordered the Perfect Warrior to subdue the demons at Mount Fengdu. Obeying the command, he marshaled his forces—including the Deputy General of the Northern Feng Demon-Slaying You, the celestial soldiers of the Divine Empyrean, and the Nine Qi Merit Officers (guardian deities)—deploying an inescapable celestial net to vanquish the hordes of demons.

This scripture recounts a Daoist mythological tale:

At that time, the Great Divine Being of Yellow Armor led celestial soldiers and generals to wage a great battle against the Six Caverns of demonic ghosts in the underworld. The Ghost King employed the Qi of Kan and Li (Yin-Yang) to transform into giant turtles and serpents, attempting to unleash dark arts. The Perfected Warrior Emperor (Northern Deity) subdued them with divine power, trampling them beneath his feet. The Perfected Warrior then dispatched the Great Divine Being of Golden Bells and Fiery Projectiles to recite demon-subduing incantations. From his mouth spewed flames that transformed into fiery wheels, scorching the demonic hordes until their hair burned and their dark powers were exhausted. The demonic ghosts finally repented, vowing to convert to the righteous Dao. The Perfected Warrior then commanded celestial soldiers to escort the demonic multitudes to Fengdu (the underworld's capital).

The Celestial Worthy (highest Daoist deity) proclaimed: When Yin energy reaches its extreme, transformation occurs, and Yang energy arrives. At such times, auspicious omens manifest—yellow stars gathering, crimson light appearing, purple vapors rising, the Five Planets aligning, rainbows crossing the moon, and lightning encircling pillars. Then sacred mountains release numinous energies, stars nurture supporting talents, and a sage ruler emerges. With virtuous ministers assisting, wickedness retreats, wars cease, the Five Grains flourish, and the people live in peace and prosperity.

Because the True Lord (referring to the Perfected Warrior) performed great deeds for the world, eliminating harm for the people, his merit moved Heaven. The Celestial Worthy dispatched golden boys and jade maidens bearing the Nine Dragons' Imperial Edict to confer upon the Perfected Warrior the title "Supreme General of the Mysterious Heaven Who Commands the Northern Pole." At this moment, the Perfected Warrior mounted an azure dragon to pay homage to the Three Pure Ones (highest Daoist deities). Immortals present gazed at the clouds, watching the auspicious mists as they bid farewell to the Perfected Warrior. Suddenly, purple clouds descended from Heaven while thin mist rose from Earth. As the clouds and mist merged, celestial music could be heard drifting away. All immortals then returned to their abodes, spreading the Dao's teachings according to the Celestial Worthy's instructions, ensuring this precious scripture would circulate throughout the land so all living beings might receive divine protection and boundless blessings.

Thus concludes the Scripture of the Most High on the Purple Tenuity Divine Troops Protecting the Nation and Dispelling Demons.