Lei Zhenzi

Lei Zhenzi is one of the most vividly drawn heroes in the classic mythological novel Investiture of the Gods. King Wen of Zhou discovered an infant amid thunder and rain on Mount Yan and adopted him as his hundredth son; the immortal Yun Zhongzi then took the child to Zhongnan Mountain and accepted him as his disciple. Seven years later, when King Wen was released from imprisonment at Youli and journeyed home, he faced perilous pursuit by enemy forces. Lei Zhenzi descended from the mountain at his master’s command to rescue his father: having eaten two immortal apricots, he sprouted thunder-and-wind wings from his ribs, his face turned azure-blue and his hair crimson-red; he lifted King Wen upon his back and flew him across five heavily guarded passes, ensuring his safe return to the Zhou domain. Thereafter, wielding his golden cudgel, Lei Zhenzi fought valiantly on the Investiture of the Gods battlefield—storming the city of Mianchi, smashing enemy ranks, and breaking through fortified defences to achieve repeated triumphs. After King Wu conquered the Shang dynasty, Lei Zhenzi returned to Zhongnan Mountain to serve his master Yun Zhongzi. His image endures as a symbol of unwavering loyalty, martial courage, divine protection, and filial piety blessed by Heaven.