Treatise on Military Preparations, Volume 45

Sacrifices are made to the Master of Wind Fengshi: An ancient deity believed to control the winds, crucial for naval or long-distance land maneuvers, the Master of Rain, and the Master of Horses. The offerings of livestock, sacrificial wine, dried meat, incense, and ritual silks follow the same protocols as described above. However, for the Master of Wind, a dog is ritually dismembered original: 磔犬 (zhequan); an ancient practice where the sacrifice was intended to appease or "stop" the wind to serve as the primary offering.

The prayer text states:
"On this [Year], [Month], [Day], the Commander, [Official Title and Name], presents these offerings of [Items] to [Name of Deity].

The rebel faction has initiated this hardship, violating the laws of the land and disrupting the natural order. Their malice flows among the people, and their crimes are beyond forgiveness. Having received the Imperial mandate to launch this expedition, I reverently carry out this heavenly punishment. To exterminate the bandits and overcome the enemy, we rely solely on your divine aid. May you graciously accept these offerings."
One tradition states that the sacrifice is offered to Vaiśravaṇa, the Heavenly King original: 毘沙明 (Bishaming), likely a transcription error for 毘沙門 (Bishamen/Vaiśravaṇa), the Buddhist guardian of the North and a god of war. If a temple or a physical likeness exists, the ritual is performed there. If no temple is available, one should face the head of the path taken by the three armies toward the North to establish the ritual position. Set out incense, lamps, wine, fruit, congee, butter, honey, and various pastries.

On the day of departure, a sacrifice is made to the Spirits of the Road. This involves the ritual of Striking the Carriage Parts Fanjiao: A ritualized 'collision' where a carriage drives over sacrificial items to clear the way of bad omens.
This ritual is performed at the head of the road outside the city walls. Earth is mounded into the shape of a mountain, and reeds, straw, thorns, and cypress branches are used to form the Spirit Tablet Shenzhu: A physical object believed to be the temporary residence of a deity during a ritual. Once the ceremony is complete, a carriage is driven over these items; this is called 'Striking the Carriage Parts.' The livestock and ritual silks used are the same as the previous standards.

While on the march, whenever the army encounters famous mountains, great rivers, or any shrines dedicated to the various gods, officials are dispatched to offer wine and dried meat.