Quick Answer: Who Is Tu Xingsun?
Tu Xingsun (土行孙, Tǔ Xíngsūn) travels through the earth in Investiture of the Gods (封神演义, Fēngshén Yǎnyì). Shen Gongbao (申公豹, Shēn Gōngbào) draws him into the war on the Shang side. His teacher Juliusun (惧留孙, Jùliúsūn) intervenes, and Tu submits to Zhou.[1][2][3]
- Shen offers him a recommendation to a Shang commander.[1][2]
- Deng Chanyu (邓婵玉, Dèng Chányù) is the commander’s daughter and becomes Tu’s wife.[2][3]
- The novel later introduces another practitioner who can travel underground.[4]
The power makes Tu valuable to others and shapes the risks he faces.
Shen Gongbao offers a young practitioner something his years of training have yet to bring him: a place in the world of officials. Tu’s acceptance puts his unusual ability to work for a commander and sets him on a course back toward his teacher.
Why Tu Xingsun First Serves Shang
In Chapter 52, Shen Gongbao asks about Tu’s training and learns that he can move through the ground. He promises a letter introducing Tu to Deng Jiugong. Tu leaves with treasures taken from his teacher. In the next chapter Deng reads the letter and gives Tu responsibility for military provisions.[1][2]
His Teacher Brings Him to Zhou
Juliusun’s intervention in Chapter 55 stops his pupil’s opposition to Jiang Ziya’s side. Tu submits to Zhou. The chapter also arranges his marriage to Deng Chanyu in the middle of pressure on her family. Reading the marriage in that setting helps explain why the chapter brings private and military obligations together.[3]
Earth Travel and the Final Register
In Chapter 87, Zhang Kui also travels underground. The similarity matters because Tu’s usual advantage does not set him apart from this opponent. Both Tu and Deng die in the chapter.[4] In Chapter 99, the investiture lists him as the Earth Office Star (土府星, Tǔfǔ Xīng) and gives Deng a separate title.[5]
For an earlier episode in which Tu escapes underground, see Kong Xuan at Golden Rooster Ridge.
A Different Ending in The Legend of Nezha
CCTV’s animated The Legend of Nezha keeps Shen’s approach but describes a promise of payment in episode 41. In the episode 50 synopsis, Tu and Deng start a life together. The series centered on Nezha keeps both characters and gives their marriage a different ending from the novel.[4][6][7]
FAQs About Tu Xingsun
Who teaches Tu Xingsun?
Juliusun is the teacher he names when he first speaks with Shen Gongbao.[1]
What is his best-known power?
The novel gives him the supernatural ability to travel through the earth.[1]
What title does he receive?
Chapter 99 lists Tu Xingsun as the Earth Office Star.[5]
Sources
[1] Investiture of the Gods. Chapter 52
[2] Investiture of the Gods. Chapter 53
[3] Investiture of the Gods. Chapter 55
[4] Investiture of the Gods. Chapter 87
[5] Investiture of the Gods. Chapter 99
[6] CCTV. The Legend of Nezha, episode 41
[7] CCTV. The Legend of Nezha, episode 50