Kaiou Ryuu, also known as Liu Haiwang, leads a temple in Heilongjiang, China, mentoring disciples like Kaiou Retsu and Youou Chou. Despite approaching 100 years of age, he maintains a massively muscled physique at 200 cm (6'7") tall and 100 kg (220 lbs). His appearance features a bald head, gray beard, and matching eyebrows, typically clad in a white sleeveless shirt, black kung fu pants with wrapped ends, and kung fu shoes. His face remains severely disfigured from a confrontation with Yuujirou Hanma. He embodies strictness and discipline, displaying an unaccepting attitude toward failure. Initially denying Retsu the title of Kaiou due to perceived insufficient strength and skill, he later reconsidered following Kaiou Dorian's recommendation. Ryuu values demonstrations of power through non-violent means like breaking materials to avoid harming others. A strong sense of pride defines him, occasionally leading to sly tactics, such as throwing a bloody towel at Yuujirou as a distraction. He reacts fiercely to perceived insults, exemplified when he berated Retsu for interfering in his match. His history centers on selecting worthy successors. In one flashback, he tested disciples by punching a stone water tank; Retsu countered by striking the opposite side, shattering it. Though impressed by Retsu's initiative, Ryuu deemed him unworthy after showing him a mountain tunnel carved bare-handed in one night. The circumstances prompting Dorian's later advocacy for Retsu's title remain unexplained. During the Great Chinese Challenge Saga, Ryuu permitted Baki Hanma's entry into the Raitai tournament only after Baki defeated Youou Chou. At the Hong Kong tournament, Ryuu faced Yuujirou Hanma in a qualifying trial requiring the breaking of 40 stone tiles. Their match turned brutal when Yuujirou ripped off Ryuu's face and discarded it. Despite his grievous injury, Ryuu regained consciousness, berated Retsu for attempting revenge, and launched a surprise attack on Yuujirou using his bloody towel. Yuujirou swiftly ended the counterattack with a kick. Post-fight, an attendant mentioned surgery on an unnamed patient likely to survive, hinting at Ryuu's possible recovery. His abilities stem from mastery of Chinese Kenpo, likely including the Byaku-Rinji style. He possesses immense physical strength, crushing an armrest in anger and nearly passing his own strength test before Retsu interrupted. Remarkable endurance and pain tolerance allowed him to continue fighting after facial disfigurement. His dedication is evident in indirect feats like carving the large "great hitting stone" sphere, set as an example for Retsu.