Nezha

Ne Zha is one of the many famous mystical beings who assist Taigong Wang in Fengshen Yanyi. He is Li Jing's eldest son, Jin Zha and Mu Zha's older brother and Taiyi Zhenren's pupil. While clearly distinguished as a boy in the Japanese ports, Ne Zha switches genders in the English version of Mystic Heroes and is named Naja. In the English version of Saiyuki: Journey West, he is called The Fool.

Role in Games
When Ne Zha was seven years old, he played with a dangerous paopei and accidentally burned himself to death. Moments after he died, Taiyi Zhenren reconstructed his body so that he would continue to live. Though he was able to grow a few inches, the price for his new life is that he would forever stay in the immortal body of a young boy. His father was pleased to see his son still alive and entrusted Ne Zha to the mystic.

After Taigong Wang left for the mortal realm, Li Jing was asked by his mentor to aid the youth. Ne Zha overheard his father's plans to leave without him and became upset. By the time the main party meets the family duo, Ne Zha is beating his father during his tantrum. He spars with Huang Feihu while his father talks to his fellow Kunlun student. Once Taigong Wang invites the boy to join their perilous journey, Ne Zha jumps at the chance for some action. When they confront the first of the five gates, Zhang Guifang stuns the travelers with his paopei. Since Ne Zha isn't human, he remains unaffected by the treasure's effects and proudly beats the general. Confident from his first victory, he daringly challenges Wu Wenhua but is squashed by the man's technique. Severely wounded and unconscious, Taiyi Zhenren momentarily returns him to Mount Kunlun to properly mend his wounds. He returns in perfect health before the party faces Ma Yuan. Ne Zha remains with the main party for the rest of the game. He returns with his family to Mount Kunlun after the final battle.

During the timeline in Magical Fengshen, Ne Zha is heralded as a one of the four legendary heroes who sealed away Da Ji's soul. Huang Feihu hints that one of the paopei he gave the children formerly belonged to Ne Zha and the rest of townsfolk mistakenly say that it belonged to "a beautiful goddess" seen in a south-eastern lake. When Sora's party reaches him, he throws a fit for being called a beauty and attacks the children. Once he is defeated by them and learns their real purpose for visiting him, Ne Zha refuses to aid their cause. Before he disappears into the lake, Marin showers him with praise and sweet talks him to help. He tells them Yang Jian's location and comically erupts when the girl admits that she was lying to him.

He also appears as one of Sanzo's Guardians in Saiyuki: Journey West. He is sealed at Firetop mountain where Sanzo's party first encounters Yaksha. Upon his release, he is surprised to see Goku out of his rock and throws a few curses at him. Without much ado, he leaves everyone baffled as he enters Sanzo's staff. Goku replies that he was the one who he bullied back in Heaven five hundred years ago. When he is summoned into battle, the party's attack strength rises and Sanzo can use Ne Zha's fire whip.

Personality
Smug and daring, Ne Zha thinks himself to be one of the greatest beings in any realm. Willing to show his superiority at any time, he loves to brawl and picks fights at any opportunity. He is also irritated easily by subjects that he can't understand and doesn't particularly care much for traditional values. Magical Fengshen reveals that he probably isn't very educated since he can't read the kanji in Ji Fa's letter.

He is the black sheep of his family, as his outspoken confidence starkly contrasts their prim and proper image. Ne Zha is a strong idol for his younger brothers and, though he tries to act kindly towards them, he is slightly annoyed by the similarity of his younger brothers' faces. He can't stand his "useless father"'s preachings and pummels Li Jing mercilessly. He claims that he can't stand children and is constantly disturbed by Lei Zhenzi's need for attention.

Since they share the same rebellious spirit, he shares a minor rivalry with Huang Tianhua. Like his rival, Ne Zha surprises the party with his unabashed and caring love for animals.

Fighting Style
Ne Zha is a purely offensive character who is quick on his feet and can deal critical hits often. In the first game, he has below average physical life and defense but several offensive capabilities at his disposal. He cannot take physical hits very well but he is resistant to most magics in the game. He has the power to float and can dodge attacks relatively easily. He is one of the first characters to have a long range attack and is a capable fighter in most situations.

In the first game he uses a golden ring of fire to burn his foes. In Fengshen Yanyi 2 and Mystic Heroes, his attacks are changed to additionally deal fire damage.

The following lists his starting weapon and magic proficiencies in Fengshen Yanyi.
 * Sword - n/a
 * Spear - 2/8
 * Club - n/a
 * Bow - 1/7
 * Earth - 1/7
 * Healing - n/a
 * Illusion - 2/8
 * Chi - 1/6

The following lists his stats in Mystic Heroes.
 * Magic Type: Fire
 * Power: 4/4
 * Magic: 1/4
 * Jump/Speed: 3/4