Gojun, also known as Ao Jun, rules as the Dragon King of the Western Sea. He commands Heaven's Western Army as its highest-ranking officer, overseeing all military operations and personnel in that sector. His key subordinates are Tenpou Gensui and Kenren Taisho, with Tenpou specifically valued for his capabilities. Gojun enforces strict discipline and protocol, demanding proper military decorum like salutes from those under his command. He executes Heaven's orders without question, viewing them as absolute directives. Physically, Gojun displays draconian features aligning more closely with youkai than typical gods. Two prominent horns protrude through his silver hair, styled in a long braid with shorter fringe framing his face. His porcelain-white skin is dotted with scales, and his eyes possess red sclera with yellow, slit-pupiled irises. He maintains pointed ears and takes notable care in his appearance, including meticulous skin upkeep due to its challenging nature. His origin traces back to Chinese legend as the Pearl Dragon (Ao Jun). Centuries ago, he and his three dragon brothers defied the Jade Emperor to end a devastating Earthly drought by bringing rain from the sea. This act resulted in their imprisonment under mountains by the enraged Emperor, though they later transformed into China's four great rivers. The creator deity Yuan-Shi-Tian-Zong eventually freed them, enabling their ascension to Heaven. There, the Jade Emperor granted them humanoid forms and titles as Dragon Kings, appointing them commanders of the Heavenly Armies. As the youngest brother, Gojun received dominion over the Western Sea and leadership of the Western Army. During the Heaven conflict, Gojun becomes entangled in the rebellion led by Konzen Douji, Kenren Taisho, and Tenpou Gensui to protect Goku. He is taken hostage by the group during their escape attempt toward the Dimensional Gate to reach the Lower World. While he does not comprehend their motivations, he witnesses their actions firsthand and later documents the events through official reports and memoirs. These writings serve as the framing device narrating the rebellion. Gojun's dragon heritage shapes his personality, contributing to pride, territoriality, and a serious demeanor. He adheres to a strict honor code, valuing fairness and kindness beneath his austere exterior. Legend states water dragons like him are less power-hungry and more inclined toward negotiation, accepting defeat without resentment. He demonstrates this by not holding grudges after being easily subdued during the hostage incident and attempting diplomatic persuasion with Konzen regarding the rebellion's consequences. His draconian nature includes a dislike for spicy foods and a preference for boiled vegetables, particularly spinach salad. He possesses exceptional skill at shogi, though he does not consider it a hobby, and favors silver as his color. In relationships, he seeks a serious, coolheaded partner. A significant lore aspect connects him to the main Saiyuki narrative: he is retroactively revealed as the basis for Hakuryuu (Xuanzang's horse in Journey to the West), who was originally a dragon prince punished for devouring the priest's steed. This aligns with Gojun's role as the Dragon King of the Western Sea and his eventual literary inspiration.