Malaysia / China: Carving of Chong Heihu, depicting his role in the 16th Century Ming...

Chong Heihu, whose name literally meant 'Black Tiger', was a character in the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', and was the younger brother of Chong Houhu, Grand Duke of the North. Chong Heihu was described as having a long red beard, eyes like golden bells, a man of great prowess and skill. He wore golden chainmail, bright red robes, a jade belt and a 'Nine-Cloud-Burning Flame' helmet, as well as wielding dual golden axes. After Chong Houhu had to retreat a third time during his battles against the rebel Su Hu, Chong Heihu came to his aid with three thousand flying tiger soldiers. He would engage in a magical duel with Su Quanzhong, son of Su Hu, summoning sacred eagles and using a magical gourd given to him by a 'superiorman' to defeat and capture Sun Quangzhong. Chong Heihu was eventually defeated and captured by Zheng Lun, a great man destined to be a god, and enjoyed a drink with his old friend Su Hu. The coalition against Su Hu was eventually ended by Ji Chang, the future King Wen of Zhou, with a simple letter, and Chong Heihu headed home with newfound respect and gratitude for Ji Chang. Chong Heihu was eventually deified as the deity of the Nanyue Emperor. Editor: Anandajoti