Kang Jin Long (Neck Golden Dragon)

Kang Mansion is the second of the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon of the East and is associated with the Metal element, manifesting as a golden dragon. The term 'Kang' signifies the throat or neck, denoting its position along the Azure Dragon’s cervical region; its stars shine with exceptional brightness. In Daoism, it is venerated as Kang Jin Long Xingjun (Stellar Lord Kang the Golden Dragon). Kang Jin Long enjoys wide renown in *Journey to the West*, where he famously pierced through a magical golden cymbal with his horn to free Sun Wukong—a feat that has deeply embedded his image in popular consciousness. Folk tradition holds him responsible for administering heavenly decrees and official documents, and revering him is believed to dispel calamities and extend blessings. Astrologers of antiquity regarded Kang Mansion as governing the inner imperial court, and held that its luminosity portended peace and stability throughout the realm.