Li Gun, nicknamed the “Flying Great Sage,” is a Liangshan hero in Water Margin. Together with Xiang Chong, he follows Fan Rui and occupies Mount Mangdang. He is associated with shield fighting and thrown weapons, giving him a distinctive role in close infantry combat.
When the Mount Mangdang group comes into conflict with Liangshan, Gongsun Sheng uses Daoist magic to break their formation. Fan Rui, Xiang Chong, and Li Gun are eventually defeated and brought into the Liangshan brotherhood.
After joining Liangshan, Li Gun and Xiang Chong continue to appear as a fighting pair. Their use of shields allows them to press forward in infantry actions, and they often operate in close connection with figures such as Li Kui.
Following the imperial amnesty, Li Gun accompanies the Liangshan armies through later campaigns and is eventually killed during the war against Fang La. Although not one of the central heroes, his shield-based combat style and partnership with Xiang Chong give him a clear martial identity.
