Cao Xing

Cao Xing is an officer who served under Lu Bu and a subordinate of Gao Shun. He is one of the few generals who stayed loyal to Lu Bu during the events of Xia Pi.

Historical Information
Cao Xing was a member of Lu Bu's army and a subordinate under Hao Meng. He was briefly mentioned in the Record of the Three Kingdoms but was given a longer entry in the historical record, YīngXióng Jì (英雄記). In 196, Hao Meng decided to rebel against Lu Bu and, not listening to Cao Xing's pleas to dissuade him, he routed the general and surrounded his castle. Hao Meng was eventually driven back by Gao Shun. Choosing to fight for Lu Bu and not his original master, Cao Xing pursued Hao Meng as he fled. They attacked one another relentlessly and, though he was injured, Cao Xing chopped off Hao Meng's arm. By this time, Gao Shun caught up with his escapee and relieved his prey of his head.

After the incident, Chen Gong and Yuan Shu accused Cao Xing as a co-conspirator of the rebellion and testified that he should be held accountable for Hao Meng's actions. After Cao Xing stated that he passionately opposed Hao Meng, Lu Bu yelled at his doubters and praised him. Cao Xing was then entrusted command of Hao Meng's former troops. He has no other mention in historical records.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms
He cornered Cao Cao at Pu Yang but was ultimately thwarted by Dian Wei. He later helped Gao Shun escape from Xiahou Dun's pursuit by piercing the general's left eye with an arrow. The frenzied Xiahou Dun retaliated and pierced Cao Xing's skull.