Malaysia / China: Carving of Zheng Lun, depicting his role in the 16th Century Ming Dynasty novel Fengshen Yanyi ('Investiture of the Gods'). From Ping Sien Si Temple, Pasir Panjang Laut

Zheng Lun is a character featured in the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Originally the head student of Due Zhenren of the Western Kunlun Mountains, Zheng Lun was destined to one day assist in the founding of a new dynasty and then ascend to the rank of god. He was described as having hair like golden noodles, with a face like that of a purple plum, and wielded a pair of great taming bars.

He eventually descended from the Kunlun Mountains to fight for Su Hu, the head of Ji Province who had been declared a 'rebel' by King Zhou of Shang. When the fearsome Chong Heihu began causing havoc amongst Su Hu's forces, Zheng Lun sallied forth with his legendary black crow troops to face him. Zheng Lun defeated Chong Heihu's magic and captured him, bringing him back as Su Hu's prisoner. From there, he would not be featured in the novel for quite some time.

At the end of 'Fengshen Yanyi', Zheng Lu and fellow student of Due Zhenren, Chen Qi, were raised up to become the deities of Heng Ha Erjiang, celestial officers and door guardians to sacred temples of the Buddha.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Anandajoti

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