Fa-Hai is a Buddhist monk who serves as the central antagonist in the Chinese legend of the White Snake, adapted across various media. His background and role center on opposing the relationship between the snake spirit Bai Suzhen and the human Xu Xian. Originally depicted as a righteous figure in Ming dynasty versions like Feng Menglong's "Stories to Caution the World" (1624), Fa-Hai intervenes to save Xu Xian's soul from Bai Suzhen, portrayed as an evil demon. His characterization shifted negatively over time. Modern adaptations increasingly frame him as a fanatical zealot rigidly enforcing cosmic order, viewing all spirits as inherently evil. His motivation stems from a strict interpretation of Buddhist principles, believing interspecies relationships violate divine law, particularly after learning of Bai Suzhen's pregnancy with Xu Xian's child. Fa-Hai employs deception and magical confrontation. He tricks Xu Xian into offering Bai Suzhen realgar wine during the Dragon Boat Festival, causing her to reveal her serpent form and inadvertently leading to Xu Xian's death from shock. Later, he imprisons Xu Xian at Jinshan Temple to "protect" him, prompting Bai Suzhen and her companion Xiaoqing to flood the temple during a rescue attempt—a battle causing significant collateral damage. Ultimately, Fa-Hai defeats Bai Suzhen and seals her under Leifeng Pagoda, declaring she will remain imprisoned until the pagoda falls or the lake dries. In sequels or alternative endings, Fa-Hai faces consequences. In one version, Bai Suzhen's son—after becoming the imperial examination's top scholar—offers sacrifices at Leifeng Pagoda, leading to its collapse and her freedom. In another, Xiaoqing trains for centuries to defeat him and destroy the pagoda. Some narratives explore his origins, such as a DC Comics adaptation depicting him as a jealous turtle who cultivated qi to become human after witnessing Bai Suzhen's transformation for Xu Xian. Fa-Hai wields significant powers rooted in Buddhism and mysticism. He summons protective deities such as Skanda and Sangharama during battles, creates potent barriers, and casts curses capable of petrifying foes for centuries. His magic includes molecular reconstruction and, in some iterations, immortality through enlightenment. Post-flooding, he is portrayed as hypocritical and destructive, reflecting critiques of religious intolerance amid 20th-century social movements. His legacy varies: earlier texts frame him as a heroic demon-slayer, while later adaptations emphasize his role in a tragic romance, cementing his image as an inflexible antagonist who prioritizes dogma over compassion.