Ao Bing

In this Chinese name, the family name is Ao.

Ao Bing (Chinese: 敖丙; pinyin: Áo Bǐng) is a character in classical Chinese works of arts, culture and East Asian Mythology, such as the Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi). He is a dragon prince and the third son of Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea.

Ao Bing
Investiture of the Gods character
A sculpture of Ao Bing as depicted in Ne Zha, located in the Chengdu Hi-tech Zone
In-universe information
Alias	The Third Dragon Prince Huagai Xing Zun/ Huagai Star lord Xiao Loong
Species	Chinese dragon
Gender	Male
Family	Ao Guang (father) Unnamed Dragon Queen (mother) Ao Jia (elder brother) Ao Yi (elder brother) Longnü (sister) Ao Run (uncle) Ao Shun (uncle) Ao Qin (uncle) Yülong/Ao Lie (cousin) Other members of the Ao clan (relatives)
Religion	Taoism, Buddhism
Home	East Sea

In Fengshen Yanyi's various adaptations, He is often shown as arrogant, spoiled, and cruel, abusing his power as a dragon prince. In this specific version of the story, Ao Bing is a major antagonist in Nezha's story. In many of those narrative typically all of the Dragon King family characters are portrayed as evil doers.

However, in the original texts of Fengshen Yanyi, Ao Bing has no detailed personality, he simply follows the orders of his elders, his responsibility as a Dragon prince, and through the events he was then accidentally or tragically killed by Nezha. Later reincarnated and promoted as the Huagai Xing Zun Star Lord, a Celestial Canopy (Also known as Star of Loneliness and Spiritual intellectual) in the heavens after his deification, in charge of controlling weather patterns and the fate of mortal Emperors.

In other ancient original tales and short stories, Ao Bing is portrayed as a lonely but mischievous child who is longing for friends, often sneaking out of the underwater palace to play.^[1][2] In one of the tales, Ao Bing is called Xiao Loong "Little Dragon" by Nezha, he is the only friend of Nezha when both are toddlers.

In Journey to the West, Huagai Star becomes friends with Sun Wukong.^[3]

In many other old tales, including the modern portrayal of Ao Bing as a compassionate friend and soul-mate^[4][5] to Nezha, even when he occasionally opposes him—especially in the hugely successful 2019 film Ne Zha and its 2025 sequel—represents a significant departure from his Fengshen Yanyi depictions and adopting his other original characteristic features.^[6]

Origins

The third son of the Eastern Sea Dragon King was first mentioned in the Complete Tale of Avalokiteśvara and the Southern Seas, a Ming dynasty novel. In one of the chapters focused on his eight-year-old sister Longnü attaining enlightenment, in the chapter he had turned himself into a fish, sneaking out of the sea-palace to swim but accidentally captured by a fisherman and sold in the market, later he was saved by Guanyin(Avalokiteśvara) and his disciple Sudhana(Red boy).^[1][7] Further ancient mention of him before this is still unknown. In the earliest mention of the Dragon King Sāgara(Ao Guang), only the daughter is mentioned in the Buddhist texts of the Lotus Sutra-Devadatta.^[8]

Before the Ming dynasty novel, there is a Tang or Song dynasty myth of "The Eight Immortals Cross the sea", in one of the tales the two older brothers of Ao Bing is mentioned as MoJie(Ao Jia) and LongDu(Ao Yi) who were killed by the immortals.^[9][10] In some other works such as one of the variation of the Legends of the White Snake, the Green Snake character, Xiao Qing is later revealed to be lost daughter of Ao Guang,^[11] making her Ao Bing's possible half sister.

The Dragon Kings did not have the family surname "Ao" until centuries later in the work of classical arts (Main article Dragon King). The name "Ao Bing" for the third son of the Eastern sea Dragon King first appeared in Fengshen Yanyi.

In Journey to the West, Huagai Xing(Ao Bing) is a rogue immortal, also the disciple of the Flame King Buddha of Light (Houyan Wang Guangfo). A conflict occurs between Huagai and SunWukong but the situation is soon resolved and both became good friends. Huagai is considered to be one of the 81 difficulties SunWukong had to overcome, a plan completely calculated by the Heavenly court.^[3]

Mythology

In myths and ancient folklore across Asia, the Dragon King family are revered as deities, in charge of rain and weather. Many myths, folklores and classical works of art depict blurred and unstable boundaries between the three realms. Conflicts arose between different races, such as the rift between humans and yakshas/yaoguais, as the heavens favoured humans over the other races. Consequently, many celestial beings, like the Loongs(Dragon clan) who were yakshas, were unable to influence the heavenly court's decisions (The four dragon kings were punished by the Jade Emperor for unauthorized rainmaking).^[12] Meanwhile, the heavenly court, the immortals and gods faced numerous internal political tensions over power and status. In some stories and versions, included a silent war erupted between the Eastern heaven (Heavenly court of Jade Emperor) and the Western heaven (Mount Sumeru/Kunlun).^[3]

In Fengshen Yanyi, as the world is in turmoil, with the two major forces of immortal sects erupted in a rift against each other, the Chan sect and the Jiao sect. In the mortal realm, the Zhou dynasty led to the fall of Shang dynasty, the fate is foreshadowed by few of the major celestial figures(Nüwa, The Three pure ones) and the heavenly court. The Chan sect sided with Zhou meanwhile, the Jiao sect joined the Shang. Jiao sect led by Tongtian Jiaozhu, mostly promoted yakshas and immortals who opposed the Heavenly Court system. The test, heavenly ordeal and the heavy responsibility fell on Jiang Ziya, who had to execute the entire war, defeat King Zhou of Shang, his concubine Daji (A Nine tailed fox demon) and investiture the Gods.^[13]

After the Shang dynasty's defeat, when Jiang Ziya conferred god titles, Ao Bing was appointed as the god of Huagai Xing (華蓋星) based on the 28 star Constellations Mansions. Ao Bing is one of the characters who have been sealed twice as a god in the Registry of Gods, followed by his subordinate, the yaksha Li Gen.^[14]

Fengshen Yanyi

In one of the short tale version, the third son of Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, Ao Bing lives in the Crystal Palace with his brothers, Ao Jia and Ao Yi. Both of them are older than him. One day young Nezha meets young Ao Bing while playing near the seashore. The two lonely kids became friends soon enough and often both played together nearby the sea. However, one day while playing and swimming, Nezha unaware of his own strength, accidentally drowns and kills Ao bing without realising. This leads to a grave tragedy, as Ao Guang in grief demands retribution and Nezha in guilt willingly sacrifices himself to pay the debt.^[2]

In Fengshen Yanyi's early version, Nezha goes to take a bath in the sea to cleanse himself, but causes a havoc in the underwater palace due to his supernatural powers. To investigate the matter, Ao Guang sends his minster a Yaksha/Yaoguai named Li Gen. Li Gen confronts Nezha in anger and attacks him using his axe, in the act of self defense, Nezha easily kills Li Gen with just one blow, unaware of his strength. Ao Bing witnessing the crime Nezha had committed against the Dragon clan, he also confronts Nezha and battles him and Nezha also accidentally kills Ao Bing. In retribution, Nezha has to sacrifice himself in order to save the people of his kingdom from drowning/buried alive by the Dragon King, pay the debt he owed to Ao Guang for killing his son and also to his parents by returning his flesh and blood.^[13]

In the popular version, Ao Bing and the Dragon clan was originally revered as a rain god who would bestow the rain at his command upon any individual in need, but, as time passed, his father became corrupt, and soon the people were living in fear of the stormy malevolence of Ao Guang and his three sons had to obey him. After the divine child-hero Nezha had slain the yaksha Li Gen and been seen creating tremors that threatened to destroy the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, Ao Bing set out (with his father's consent) to confront Nezha, riding upon a great green beast and accompanied by his father's troops.^[15][16] Ao Bing duly confronted Nezha and met with a most uncouth reception, prompting him to bellow in rage "You self-righteous cur! Li Gen was sent to us by the Jade Emperor of Heaven himself and yet, in your madness and insolence, you killed him without remorse. Defend yourself, you dog!" Hero and dragon prince wasted no more breath in words, but flung themselves instead into furious combat, Ao Bing wielding his mighty silver spear and Nezha his death-dealing magic scarf. After the exchange of many bitter blows, Nezha was finally able to overcome his adversary by unleashing a blazing fireball at him from his magic scarf and then trampling his head underfoot before he could recover from the blow. In his death agony, Ao Bing was forced to reveal his true (dragon) form and Nezha pulled out his tendons.^[17][18]

In a short story Nezha, Chapter VII "Xiaolong, you are so obedient", The young boy Ao Bing transformed into a dragon and caused heavy rain near the village, flooding the crops. Nezha captured the little dragon and raised his Qiankun Circle high, ready to attack. Seeing it was just a small dragon, Nezha changed his mind and warned it to stop causing trouble and instructed it to quickly recede the water to prevent further flooding. The dragon nodded and allowed the water to recede. Nezha, delighted, said, "Little dragon, you're so obedient! Can we be friends? My father forbids me from leaving the house, so I have no friends." Ao Bing offered to follow Nezha, who then hid the little dragon in his sleeve. This act alarmed the underwater troops, who rushed back to the East China Sea Crystal Palace to report to Ao Guang that the Third Dragon Prince had been abducted by Nezha, the Third Prince of Chentang Pass. This prompted Ao Guang to personally confront Li Jing and accuse Nezha of three crimes: causing havoc in the Dragon Palace; killing the Yaksha general; and abducting Ao Bing. Nezha explained that he had not intentionally disturbed the Dragon Palace, but had killed the Yaksha General in self-defense. In the end, the Third Prince was slightly injured, so he took him home. However, Ao Guang, upon seeing Ao Bing unharmed, was convinced of Nezha's actions. Ao Bing explained what had happened and pleaded with his father not to blame Nezha.^[19]

Folklores and Legends

According to a folklore, when Nezha caused havoc in the East Sea, he used the Universe Ring (Qiankun Quan) to kill the blue-white dragon, Ao Bing. Later, the immortal Taiyi Zhenren revived the Ao Bing using tendon-relaxing vines and white pine bark. After coming back to life, the Ao Bing retreated underground, built another palace, and continued cultivating until he attained enlightenment and ascended to the heavens. This miraculous cave was left behind, and people named the White Dragon’s cultivation palace "White Dragon Palace." White Dragon Palace is now a tourist destination that combines mountains, water, and caves into a scenic attraction. It is located in Hancheng, 18 kilometers west of Jiangyou. Its most distinctive features are its primitive, natural, and ancient charm. Stretching 1.2 kilometers in length, the cave is divided into both water and dry sections.^[20]

In another variation, Nezha and Ao Bing grew up together as close friends, even soulmates. However, due to the political and social environment of the Three Realms, religious beliefs, and the divisions between the heavens, the mortal world, and the Yakshas/demons, their fates were intertwined, and they ultimately chose diametrically opposed paths. Consequently, Ao Bing tragically died in battle with Nezha. Ao Guang, enraged, demanded Nezha's execution to atone for his sins. Later, Nezha and Ao Bing were reincarnated, both achieving nirvana and becoming immortals in the celestial realm. ^{[citation needed]}

In a short narrative from a 1971 book published in Taiwan, the story recounts a summer afternoon fraught with tragedy and regret. Nezha lamented to his master, unable to restrain himself from committing bloody crimes, constantly harming others. He was devastated to discover that he had accidentally killed Ao Bing. After Ao Guang arrived at the Li residence, Nezha, overcome with regret, committed suicide. His soul, wandering the river, reunited with Ao Bing, whose souls transformed into lotus flowers and eventually merged into one.^[21]

The narrative quotes: "…Then, I had a vision. A figure resembling me emerged from the water. He emerged from a dense thicket of lotus and cattails, holding a red sash in one hand. Water dripped down his chest, casting a faint green hue against the lotus leaves. He wrapped the sash around himself and smiled mischievously at me. As if to break my trance, he spoke, his voice as clear as a metallic bell: 'Is this a gift for me?' "No, it's a gift for the river," I answered. "I am the river," he said, laughing, and he leaped towards me... Against the backdrop of the blue sky, his outstretched arms swirl water droplets, dancing like dust from butterfly wings. I smiled, too, but he was already pounced upon me… Even in the height of summer, the river water was icy cold. When I finished my bath, the shimmering waves swept away a body wrapped in a red ribbon. Master, I cannot help but commit a bloody crime against the geese in the sky and the beasts in the forest."

The origins of the idiom " 大水冲了龙王庙 " translation, "Flood swept away the Dragon King Temple": Long ago, on the shores of the East China Sea, there stood a Dragon King Temple. A few miles away, a small temple stood beside a vegetable garden. The temple's old monk and an old farmer were close friends, often chatting and playing chess together. One day, the farmer confided mysteriously, "Abbot, something's wrong. I've always watered my vegetable patch myself, but since yesterday, when I arrived, it's already been watered, and no one's doing it!" The monk, puzzled, decided to investigate. That night, the monk hid by a well in the fields. Just before dawn, he heard a crisp sound—a flash of white light shot out from the well, and a goose-like creature emerged. Its massive wings flapped a few times, and well water gushed out, soaking the vegetable patch. Then, it disappeared back into the well. This cycle repeated for three nights. On the fourth night, the monk, a skilled martial artist, grabbed a sword. As the monster appeared, he pounced on it and stabbed it. Wounded, the creature fell back into the well. Instantly, the well water exploded into a bottomless chasm, flooding the earth. Within moments, even the Dragon King Temple, miles away, was submerged. The Dragon King Ao Guang, enraged, led his navy in a fierce battle against the monster. After three days and three nights, the outnumbered monster revealed its true form: the Dragon King's Third Prince, exiled to the East Sea for violating the laws of Heaven. Seeking redemption, the Third Prince was secretly watering the fields. When a monk injured him, he enraged and unleashed the sea, flooding his father's temple. Bound by cosmic secrets, he could not reveal his true identity, causing tragic chaos. Thus, the idiom is used when the family members no longer recognize each other.^[22]

In Legend of Nezha comic, 1985, After Ao Bing was resurrected from lotus by Taiyi Zhenren, Nezha and Ao Bing reunited tearfully after their respective deaths. During their campaign against the Shang Dynasty, the Zhou army faced the challenge of crossing a river. Jiang Ziya called upon the Eight Immortals to help them, but none responded. Ao Bing ultimately volunteered, transforming into a bridge large enough to accommodate a million-strong army. However, after crossing the bridge, despite Nezha's repeated calls, Ao Bing did not to revert to his original form. At this moment, Ao Guang appeared and explained, "From now on, this bridge will forever serve as a road, facilitating travel. By the eternal will of heaven and earth, one day, you will see him again." Nezha, upon hearing this, burst into tears.^[23]

Worship

Statue of Ao Bing at the Sihai Longwang Temple in Batu Pahat.

In Taoist traditions and folk beliefs, Ao Bing is worshiped as a folk deity and enshrined in some temples dedicated to the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. The Sihai Longwang Temple in Batu Pahat enshrines a 12-foot-tall statue of Ao Bing.^[24]

In popular culture

Further information: List of media adaptations of the Investiture of the Gods

Film and Series Adaptations

• Ao Bing appears as a major character in the animated films Ne Zha (2019) and Ne Zha 2 (2025), voiced by Han Mo in Chinese and Aleks Le in English. The films, loosely based on Investiture of the Gods, depict Ao Bing as friendlier than in prior depictions, and he becomes friends with the title character. Both films broke numerous box-office records upon their initial releases, with Ne Zha 2 in particular becoming the highest-grossing film of all time in China, the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, and the fifth highest-grossing movie of all time.^[25][26]
• 1979 Nezha Conquers the Dragon King.
• Aobing Zhuan, 2020. " Ao Bing's Biography " an illustrated comic book series from the same universe of Nezha 2019 and 2015 film, where Ao Bing is the main character.^[27]
• Lego Monkey Kid, Ao Bing is a background character. Also features Longnü and Ao Lie.
• Feirenzai webcomic (2015) and cartoon (2018 - on going), Ao Bing is a background character. Major characters Longnü and Ao Lie.
• The Legend of Hei (2019) features a Dragon character who battles with Nezha, might be based on Ao Bing.
• New Gods: Nezha Reborn, 2021.

Video games

• Honor of Kings' character Ao Yin might be based on Ao Bing.^[28]
• In the 2022 mobile game Dislyte, the character "Long Mian" is chosen as Ao Bing's "avatar", blessed with his powers.