Cao Xing

Cao Xing (rōmaji: Sō Sei) 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.

Role in Games
Cao Xing often appears at Xia Pi near Xiahou Dun's army. In the latter's Legend Mode in Dynasty Warriors 4: Xtreme Legends, he shoots the general's eye and tries to flee from the scene. A wounded yet infuriated Xiahou Dun chases him.

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
Cao Xing served as one of Lu Bu's main eight generals during the latter's initial invasion of Cao Cao's teritorry and homeland of Yanzhou. During Cao Cao's invasion of the Xiapi region, Cao Xing was sent to reinforce the defending Gao Shun. Gao Shun and Xiahou Dun dueled during one of the first battles, yet Gao Shun broke off from the fight and his opponent pursued. Cao Xing, atop his horse, shot an arrow from his bow that pierced Xiahou Dun's left eye, and in retaliation after recovering, Xiahou Dun speared Cao Xing through the face.