China: Carving of Crown Prince Yin Hong, depicting his role in the 16th Century Ming Dynasty novel Fengshen Yanyi ('Investiture of the Gods'). From Ping Sien Si Temple, Pasir Panjang Laut

Yin Hong was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Yin Hong was one of the sons of cruel King Zhou of Shang, and therefore a crown prince. For killing Jiang Huan to avenge the death of their mother, he and his brother Yin Jiao were sentenced to execution, and was only saved when the passing immortal sages Guangchengzi and Chijingzi saw what was happening and summoned a tornado to sow confusion while they stole the princes, taking them as their students. Guangchenzi took Yin Jao while Chijingzi took Yin Hong.

After several decades of studying and learning, Yin Hong was deemed strong enough to re-enter the world and contribute. Chijingzi armed and armoured his disciple, and asked him to help the sage Jiang Ziya and King Wu of Zhou fight the tyranny of the Shang Dynasty. However, as he was headed towards King Wu's army, Yin Hong was confronted by a man named Shen Gongbao, who persuaded Yin Hong to aid his father King Zhou instead, protecting the Shang Dynasty from the usurpers.

Yin Hong was swayed by Sheng Gongbao's words and began fighting against King Wu's army alongside his brother, defying their teachers' wishes. He eventually met his end when Chijingzi himself entered the field of battle to rectify his mistake, killing Yin Hong. Yin Hong would later be deified as a god of grain.

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