Cao Gang

Biodata

Background and Organization

The Cao Gang arose alongside the digging of the Grand Canal at the dynasty’s founding. Centuries later, its sphere of influence stretched along the canal, and it was a dominant force in Yangzhou City 18 21.

• Leadership: The Gang Leader holds the title Dragon King. The hierarchy also includes deputy gang leaders, elders, external affairs envoys, hall masters, and stewards 19 33.
• Membership: The gang accepts recruits regardless of background or aptitude, including martial artists who arrive with existing skills. Ranked core disciples hold authority over outer disciples 6 12.
• Scripture Repository: Its collection of martial arts manuals attracts recruits. Access to higher floors depends on merit; the Crimson Sun Nine Songs is one of its prized techniques 6 10.
• Transport network: The gang operates grain ships and maintains rest stops along the canal for crews traveling long distances 373.

Leadership

Major Events

• Li Xian’s recruitment: Seeking advanced martial arts, Li Xian approaches a Cao Gang outpost at Kui Shui Wharf. After demonstrating his strength to its members and a local hall master, he is offered a place in the gang 6 7.
• Internal conflict: Li Xian’s dispute with Hall Master Zhang Fengyuan leads to multiple deaths and an investigation. He later kills Zhang’s father, Deputy Gang Leader Zhang Yangming, in a public duel 18 19 20 23.
• Leadership crisis: Cao Xiong’s disappearance brings Liang Haisheng to acting leadership amid unrest. White Dragon Temple monks become involved, and the Prefecture issues a wanted notice accusing Cao Xiong of colluding with Demonic Evil 32 33.
• Li Xian’s succession: Li Xian becomes Dragon King. Hall masters from cities near Nanfeng later travel to pay their respects to him 47 52.
• Expansion: The Four Great Sects submit to the Cao Gang; their leaders become elders, while their former mountain gates are used to train new disciples. The gang’s business and influence later spread through Youzhou, Songzhou, and farther regions 169 211 373.
• Conflict with the Demon Suppressing Division: Cao Gang forces attack the division in Changji City and kill its members despite their surrender. Later, gang disciples turn away an imperial envoy carrying a decree for Li Xian 261 386.
• Green Lotus Sect encounter: On a return voyage through Youzhou, a fleet led by Liang Haisheng finds cultists killing villagers at a canal rest stop. The gang defeats the cultists and discovers an altar bearing spirit tablets 373.