According to the
Ming dynasty Taoist text '''' (), Marshal Tianpeng was originally a historical figure named Bian Zhuang (), who lived during the same era as
Confucius. Bian Zhuang was renowned as a heroic tiger slayer, and Confucius himself praised his bravery. Historical records describe him as a man of great filial piety who was also capable of killing tigers and displaying exceptional courage in battle. Marshal Tianpeng is regarded as one of the
Four Saints of the North Pole (), alongside
Marshal Tianyou (), the Protective Sage Yisheng (), and
Zhenwu Dadi (). He is depicted as a formidable general who wields a nine-toothed rake and wears golden armor, symbolizing his martial prowess and divine authority. Marshal Tianpeng commands 36 celestial armies and is associated with the
Big Dipper constellation (). In chapter 217 of
Daofa Huiyuan, Tianpeng Yuanshuai is described as a formidable marshal of the North Pole. His appearance is depicted as follows: He had a fearsome presence, with three heads and six arms, red hair, and red armor covering his body. In his left hands, he held a magic seal, an axe, and a firm rope, while his right hands wielded a convulsion bell—an artifact symbolizing the
constellations—and a long sword. He commanded 360,000 warriors and traveled amid dark, ominous clouds interwoven with five-colored light. Countless deities greeted his arrival with great reverence. ==Role in
Journey to the West==