A big, talkative, shameless black dog, Hei Huang was once the companion of the Great Emperor Wushi, one of history's most powerful rulers. After millennia of sleep, he crosses paths with Ye Fan and becomes his inseparable companion.
Personality
Boastful, greedy, crafty and deeply funny, Hei Huang is the series' great scene-stealer. Beneath his cynicism lies a touching loyalty to his former master, whom he hopes to find again.
Powers & abilities
The undisputed expert in formation patterns, he can create or undo formations capable of trapping entire armies. His knowledge of ancient times makes him a living encyclopaedia.
History
A former companion of the Great Emperor Wushi, he has seen the ages pass. Awakened, he teams up with Ye Fan, accompanying him on his adventures while looting everything that shines and searching for traces of his vanished master.
Relationships
Ye Fan is his adventure companion and almost a brother. He is deeply attached to Emperor Wushi. He regularly squabbles with Ji Ziyue and Ye Fan's friends.
Key moments
- His entrance, as loud as it is irreverent.
- His spectacular formations, which save the group.
- His memories of Emperor Wushi, rare moments of gravity.
In the adaptations
The donghua makes him one of the most popular characters thanks to his voice acting and expressions. The novel develops his past further.
Did you know?
- Hei Huang (黑皇) means "Black Emperor", a pompous title he gave himself.
- He is often cited as one of xuanhuan's best comic characters.
Our take
Hei Huang is the best reason to smile in Shrouding the Heavens. His duo with Ye Fan is a reminder that epics can have humour.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan