Li Gen is a character featured within the famed classic Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods (more commonly known as Fengshen Yanyi). In the Legend of Nezha, it is recounted that Li Gen, a yasha entrusted with guarding the sea, once served as the imperial pen of Haotian Shangdi. He consistently wielded his authority to subjugate others and was subsequently banished from Heaven.[1]
As a yaksha, Li Gen became the number one investigator under the East Sea Dragon King Ao Guang. In appearance, Li Gen is a lizard like creature with long mercury red hair, protruding fangs, and a face the color of indigo.[2] [3]
After the celestial being Nezha had been washing himself within the Nine Curve River - which had upset Ao Guang's Crystal Palace to an abnormal extent - Li Gen would be sent out to investigate, as like he should. When Li Gen found Nezha and concluded that he would make a delicious meal for his master, he began to bark at Nezha for his actions. After being called a beast in an undermining way by Nezha, Li Gen's anger burst, leading for him to charge at Nezha with his renowned steel trident. Instantly however, Li Gen would find himself dead upon the ground after being stricken by Nezha's legendary golden bracelet.[4] [5] [6]
After his death, Jiang Ziya appointed him as the "Dahuo Xingjun" (God of the Great Misfortune Star, 大禍星君). Three figures on the list of gods, Li Gen, Princess Longji, and Ao Bing, already belong to the Heavenly Court. It is unusual for only a few immortals to be included on the list of gods. It is believed that yasha have entered the list of gods through unconventional means, earning an important position Xingjun.[7] [8]