Jinguang Xian is a formidable disciple of Tongtian in Investiture of the Gods. He first steps forward with other senior Jie adepts when Guangchengzi’s return of Fire Spirit Sacred Mother’s crown enrages Biyou Palace. The confrontation does not yet settle the quarrel, but it places Jinguang Xian among the disciples willing to defend their school openly as the conflict between Jie and Chan hardens into war.
At the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation, he is entrusted with the Four Symbols Formation, one of the great arrays set before Tongtian’s host. The narrative calls him fiercely unmatched when he leaves the formation. Cihang Daoren is sent specifically to meet him. After a brief sword exchange, Jinguang Xian withdraws into the array and releases its transformations and hidden treasures, forcing Cihang to answer with a three-headed, six-armed manifestation and protective radiance.
Cihang then raises the Three-Treasures Jade Ruyi and has a Yellow-Turbaned Strongman seize Jinguang Xian. Under command he reveals his original form, a golden-haired hou, and a name tablet is hung at his neck before he is given to Cihang as a mount. His defeat is not proof that he was minor: a principal array and one of Chan’s greatest adepts are required to subdue him. The episode instead turns a proud defender of Tongtian’s teaching into one of the clearest emblems of Jie’s collapse.