Mortal Kombat
Orphaned as a child, Liu Kang was taken in by the Order of Light's Shaolin Temple, hidden in the mountains of Honan Province in China. Trained in the teachings of the Great Kung Lao, Liu Kang's talent in the martial arts caught the attention of Lord Raiden. Raiden saw Earthrealm's last hope in the young warrior monk, and took Liu Kang to see the legendary Outworld master of martial arts, Bo' Rai Cho to further the young Shaolin's development. After several years Liu Kang's training was complete, and then he was enrolled into the top secret White Lotus Society, an order of warriors created by Raiden to defend the Earthrealm. As the tenth generation of the Mortal Kombat Tournament approached, Liu Kang was summoned by Shaolin Grandmaster Wu, and was sent by the Temple of Light to defeat Shang Tsung. He desired to defeat Shang Tsung and bring the tournament back to its Shaolin owners. As he made his way to the tournament, he met and became friends with movie star Johnny Cage and Special Forces agent Sonya Blade. At the time of Liu Kang's entry, Outworld had won nine Mortal Kombat tournaments in a row. It is unknown which opponents Kang fought throughout the tournament, but he eventually earned the right to challenge Goro, the current Champion of Mortal Kombat. By exploiting the Shokan's overconfidence, Liu Kang defeated Goro and became the new Champion. Upon hearing of Goro's defeat, Shang Tsung challenged him.
After an epic battle, Liu Kang defeated Shang Tsung with his Flying Kick, taught to him by Bo' Rai Cho. Shang Tsung's defeat caused the island to self-destruct. Liu Kang then returned home as the new Mortal Kombat Champion.
Mortal Kombat II
Coming home from Tsung's Island, he found many of his Shaolin brothers killed in a vicious attack by a Tarkatan horde. Enraged, Liu Kang decided to travel to Outworld, backed by fellow White Lotus member and spiritual brother Kung Lao, Raiden, Sub-Zero (the younger brother of the original Sub-Zero, who was killed by Scorpion), and Smoke to seek revenge. Before he traveled to Outworld, Liu Kang went to Hollywood to seek Johnny Cage's help.
Luckily, Liu Kang arrived at the right time as Cage was being attacked by a Tarkatan horde. Now joined with Johnny as well as Sonya's superior Jax Briggs, they finally traveled to Outworld. At the tournament, he and Kung Lao met Kitana, and Liu Kang began to fall in love with her. He eventually learned the true nature of the Outworld tournament, but competed anyway. While it is unclear as to what matches took place, it is known that Liu Kang fought Shao Kahn, eventually defeating the emperor. It is likely that he faced Kintaro and Shang Tsung as well, overpowering the latter once more despite his youth and renewed powers, and this time right in front of Shao Kahn himself. Unable to accept defeat, Kahn ordered his forces to destroy the Earthrealm warriors, forcing them to return home and prepare for the coming invasion.
Mortal Kombat 3
After returning to Earthrealm, Liu Kang, along with Kung Lao, began training a new generation of Shaolin warriors, only to be interrupted when the invasion began. As Kahn's extermination squads were sent to kill Earth's chosen warriors, Liu Kang found himself as the primary target. Kung Lao went against Shao Kahn and was seemingly killed by a powerful blast from the emperor. Enraged, Liu Kang challenged Kahn to Mortal Kombat and defeated him once again, causing the emperor and his forces to retreat back to Outworld. The souls that Kahn had stolen were set free, and just before the portal closed, Liu Kang was thanked by Kitana for his part in saving both Earth and her own realm from Shao Kahn.
Mortal Kombat 4
Liu Kang traveled to America to look for a new generation of Shaolin warriors to train. While there in America, he met his old friend Kai. The two then traveled back to China, where Liu Kang trained Kai to be a Shaolin warrior. However, the peace was not to last, as the fallen Elder God Shinnok had escaped from the Netherrealm through a portal to Edenia. Upon learning that Kitana had been captured, Liu Kang set out on his own to save her, but was unsuccessful. Liu Kang returned to Earth, where he began gathering Earth's warriors to save Earth and assist his mentor, Raiden.
Eventually, Liu Kang confronted the fallen Elder God Shinnok and once again emerged victorious, effectively ending his attack on Earth. Liu Kang returned to the Shaolin Temples, believing he has lost Kitana forever. However, the Edenian Princess appeared through a portal from Edenia and thanked Liu Kang for all he had done. She offered him a chance to join her at the throne of Edenia. However, due to his responsibilities as a Mortal Kombat Champion, Liu Kang was forced to decline her offer. Although he loved Kitana he had to do what he felt was right.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
For many years, Liu Kang went on to enjoy relative peace. However, the Deadly Alliance would make itself known on Earth by its successful assassination of Liu Kang. Shang Tsung posed as Kung Lao and approached the champion as he was practicing his katas. Shang Tsung, after being beaten down by Liu Kang, would be assisted by Quan Chi, who injured Liu Kang by hitting him in the back with a projectile while he was focused on Shang Tsung. Shang Tsung used this distraction to gain the upper hand and broke Liu Kang's neck, consuming his soul shortly afterwards. Liu Kang's mutilated body was discovered by his fellow Shaolin monk Kung Lao, and he was laid to rest at the Wu Shi Academy, where a shrine was built to honor him.
Mortal Kombat: Deception
In the culmination of events, Raiden released his godlike essence in order to destroy Onaga, presumably killing both Quan Chi and Shang Tsung in the process. Liu Kang witnessed these events through Shang Tsung's eyes. While it is unknown whether or not Quan Chi and Shang Tsung truly died, it has been established that the thousands of souls that Tsung consumed in the past were released, including that of Liu Kang. Furthermore, Raiden, now somehow corrupted in his reformation, reanimated Liu Kang's body and sent it on a rampage, slaughtering many of Liu Kang's fellow Shaolin monks. Liu Kang's spirit decided to stay in Outworld to assist in the war against Onaga, but he soon discovered his body's "resurrection" and was stricken by what he had done. Although Liu Kang wasn't technically responsible, he couldn't help but feel responsibility for the actions committed by his corpse. He also learned about his comrades and how they had been enslaved by Onaga. From there, Liu Kang enlisted the mysterious ninja Ermac as an ally, and had two missions to complete. The first was to try and save his friends from Onaga, the second to defeat and stop his body from doing further harm. Liu Kang was actually aware that Shujinko was deceived by Onaga into getting the Kamidogu. However, Liu Kang gladly taught Shujinko his techniques to help him. With that finished, Liu Kang then set out to complete his missions with Ermac. Liu Kang successfully saved his friends from Onaga's enslavement and had an emotional, albeit short, reunion with those closest to him, even the love of his life, Kitana. After going separate ways with his friends, Liu Kang set out to accomplish his most dire task - reuniting with his body.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
According to Nightwolf's bio, Kitana was accompanied by the spirit of Liu Kang. The bond between them was strong; thus she was able to keep his energies intact until a way to reunite his body and soul could be found. Nightwolf transferred the bond from Kitana to himself and accepted the role as Liu Kang's new spiritual anchor.
Liu Kang's corpse, however, still has a score to settle with his murderer and arch-nemesis, Shang Tsung. Despite Shang Tsung gaining the upper hand and reaching the top of the Pyramid of Argus, Liu Kang's corpse eventually caught up with him and held him in place with his hooks. This caused Shang Tsung to revert back to his elderly form. In the end, neither Nightwolf nor Liu Kang's corpse survived the Battle of Armageddon. With Nightwolf's death, Liu Kang's spirit lost its anchor to the physical world and was forced to pass on.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
After Shao Kahn's unsuccessful invasion of Earthrealm, Liu Kang returned to Wu Shi Academy for a time. Soon, some of his fellow White Lotus monks began disappearing mysteriously. Meditating, Liu Kang sensed Kitana attempting a sneak attack, but easily parried her kick. After catching up, Kitana informs Liu Kang of the disappearance of her fellow Edenian warriors.
Liu Kang informs Kitana of the White Lotus' similar predicament and they discuss who could be behind them, concluding the Black Dragon and Lin Kuei are the only factions that remain that are bold enough. Liu Kang tells Kitana to contact Sonya Blade for help in locating the Black Dragon while he searches for Sub-Zero. Arriving at a Graveyard in the middle of a flurry of snow, Liu Kang contacts Kitana and learns that Sonya is already trailing Kano.
After Kitana tells him she is returning to Outworld, Liu Kang is attacked by Sub-Zero. Liu Kang defeats Sub-Zero, who accuses the Forces of Light of being responsible for his own missing allies. Liu Kang declares his innocence and reveals his own comrades have vanished as well. Liu Kang tells Sub-Zero they have a common enemy and saves the Cryomancer from the rope dart of Scorpion, earning Sub-Zero's trust.
Liu Kang urges Sub-Zero to escape before confronting an enraged Scorpion. Liu Kang defeats Scorpion, and watches in astonishment as the specter is consumed in strange energy, leaving a red clad figure. Though the newcomer expresses confusion, Liu Kang believes he is facing the shapeshifter Shang Tsung and battles him, defeating him.
Realizing the stranger is not Shang Tsung, as well as noting his foreign aura, Liu Kang decides to take him to his masters for better understanding the stranger's origins. Returning to the Wu Shi Academy, Liu Kang cannot locate his masters and is soon confronted by Shang Tsung, who reveals he has killed them. Facing Shang Tsung in combat, Liu Kang emerges victorious over his arch enemy yet again, but does not kill him, leaving his soul to the Elder God's judgement.
Liu Kang is contacted by Sonya Blade, and informs her of the new threat that may be behind the disappearances. Explaining the warrior's strange aura, Liu Kang tells Sonya he is going to try to attune to it, despite her concerns. Liu Kang attempts to attune to the warrior's aura, but is overcome by the same strange energy that engulfed Scorpion and vanishes. Liu Kang reappears in Gotham City in a different universe, and is is greeted by the city's protector, Batman.
Infected by the emerging Kombat Rage, Liu Kang believes the dark knight to be Shang Tsung and battles him, but is defeated. An unconscious Liu Kang was taken to the U.N. Orbital Station and held captive by Batman, but was soon rescued by Raiden, who took Liu Kang to his temple where they interrupted a fight between Jax Briggs and Sonya. Liu Kang tells his allies of his capture and Raiden soon explains the new merging of universes to all of them.
Liu Kang is with Raiden as the thunder god chastises Sub-Zero for allowing Quan Chi to escape the Netherrealm. Liu Kang then witnesses Quan Chi appear with Kitana under his thrall. The necromancer releases Kitana from his control and reveals the extent of her Kombat Rage infection. Quan Chi frees Kitana from the Rage's control, using the last of his magic to do so, and pleads with Raiden to unite his Forces of Light with the Forces of Darkness to stop the merging and save all the realms.
Agreeing, Raiden assigns Liu Kang to work with Shang Tsung, which Liu Kang reluctantly agrees too, and sends them to investigate the fortress of the invaders leader. There, they are confronted by Superman and Green Lantern. Tsunh defeats Superman, while Liu Kang defeats Green Lantern.
Their partnership is tense and Liu Kang is overcome by the Kombat Rage when Shang Tsung mocks the masters he slew from before, attacking the sorcerer, but is defeated by a revitalized Shang Tsung, and the weakened Kang is knocked out by a Kombat Rage fueled Green Lantern, though he is defeated by Shang Tsung. Liu Kang acknowledges gratitude for Tsung for saving his life, but the sorcerer brushes it off and they return to Raiden's Temple.
After returning, Liu Kang accompanies the united Forces of Light and Darkness to the ruins of the merged Outworld/Apokolips space, where they are confronted by the DC Universe heroes and villains. Dark Kahn's arrival infects all present with Kombat Rage and the two groups face off, with Liu Kang confronting Green Lantern and emerging victorious, being one of the few fighters left standing when the battle ends. When a Rage affected Raiden attempts to kill Shang Tsung, Liu Kang confronts his mentor and reluctantly faces him.
When Raiden defeats him, Liu Kang falls unconscious, though both Raiden and Shang Tsung mistake this for Raiden killing him, which snaps Raiden out of his rage and gives him enough focus to face Dark Kahn. Liu Kang would regain consciousness and witness the restoration of the two universes after Dark Kahn's destruction. Mortal Kombat II011
Liu Kang is first seen interacting with Raiden, as he is preparing for the first Mortal Kombat tournament. He is alongside Raiden when they approach Johnny Cage, and is notably upset when Johnny Cage shows disrespect to Raiden. Liu Kang appears once again when Raiden explains the situation regarding the Mortal Kombat tournament to Sonya and Jax. He is shocked when he finds that Kung Lao has snuck into the tournament. Kung Lao loses to Scorpion and Liu Kang helps him up.
Liu Kang's first appearance fighting is when Ermac is revealed as "the latest creation of Shao Kahn". Even though Liu Kang was never shown to have fought in the tournament, Shang Tsung states that Liu Kang is the final Earthrealm warrior remaining. Liu Kang defeats Ermac, and is later shown training with Raiden. Raiden receives another message from his future self, and states that the "He must win" must be Liu Kang. After Raiden leaves, Liu Kang is approached by Kitana, who tries to kill him. Liu Kang manages to defeat her. When Kitana tells Liu Kang to kill her for her failure to assassinate him, he refuses, stating that their encounter never happened.
Liu Kang then faces Scorpion and Quan Chi in a two-on-one battle, and defeats them both. He is then led to face Goro in Goro's Lair. After defeating Goro, Liu Kang returns to Shang Tsung's Throne Room, where he faces Shang Tsung. After defeating Shang Tsung, Liu Kang is regarded as Earthrealm's savior, although Raiden notices his amulet has cracked even more.
A ceremony at the Wu Shi Academy is held in honor of Liu Kang's Mortal Kombat tournament victory. As night falls, a revitalized Shang Tsung and an army of Tarkatans assault the academy. Jax is knocked unconscious, and when he awakens, Liu Kang is among the Earthrealm warriors who explain the latest situation to him along with Sonya's capture. As Johnny Cage, Jax, and Raiden appear to continue the new Mortal Kombat tournament, it is revealed that Liu Kang along with Kung Lao has been sent to free their Shaolin masters.
Liu Kang later appears with Raiden, Johnny Cage, Smoke, and Kung Lao when they are approached by Jade. It is during the conversation that Liu Kang learns of Kitana's capture and imprisonment. After a brief argument with Raiden over what to do, Liu Kang and Kung Lao head to the Tower to try to find Kitana. There they discover Kitana has been moved, and are suddenly attacked by Sheeva and Noob Saibot. Liu Kang faces Sheeva, while Kung Lao faces Noob Saibot, and eventually Goro, who - after being defeated by Kung Lao - informs the two of them that Kitana has likely been executed in the coliseum. Furious, Liu Kang knocks Goro out. Kung Lao, however, believes that Kitana may still be alive, and they hurry to the coliseum.
Discovering that Kitana is indeed still alive, Liu Kang goes to release Kitana from her imprisonment. Meanwhile, Kung Lao steps up and takes on the role of "he must win". After Kung Lao defeats Shang Tsung and Quan Chi in a two-on-one battle, and Kintaro shortly after, Shao Kahn kills Kung Lao by snapping his neck, enraging both Raiden and Liu Kang. As Shao Kahn asks Liu Kang who he thinks Shao Kahn is, Liu Kang tells him that the Emperor is the murderer of his best friend Kung Lao. Shao Kahn then replied, "I am Shao Kahn! Konqueror of Worlds! You will taste no victory.". Liu Kang faces, defeats, and seemingly kills Shao Kahn with a fiery punch. After Shao Kahn's supposed death, Liu Kang, Kitana and Raiden grieves the loss of Kung Lao. Shao Kahn is later shown to survive, claiming he can not be defeated so easily with along with the wound being healed by Quan Chi. Quan Chi later resurrects Shao Kahn's dead wife Sindel on Earth, allowing Shao Kahn to invade Earthrealm.
Liu Kang accompanies Raiden to see the Elder Gods. They try to convince the Elder Gods to stop Shao Kahn, but the Elder Gods refuse to intervene. Shortly after they return to Earthrealm, they find almost all of the Earthrealm warriors dead, and Nightwolf sacrificing himself to kill Queen Sindel. Liu Kang rushes to a mortally wounded Kitana's side, as she eventually dies from her wounds, dying while holding Liu Kang's hand. Liu Kang is visibly upset with Raiden following the deaths of the Earthrealm warriors. After Raiden's latest suggestion to ask Quan Chi for help, Liu Kang believes Raiden to have become mad and refuses to go with him to the Netherrealm.
When Raiden returns from the Netherrealm and reveals to Liu Kang that "He must win" actually refers to Shao Kahn, Liu Kang refuses to let Shao Kahn win. He fights with Raiden, but is defeated. Shortly afterward, Shao Kahn enters Earthrealm, and Liu Kang once more tries to stop him. Again, Raiden forbids him to do so by sending electricity bolts in front of him. Infuriated, Liu Kang throws a fiery punch at Raiden, who defends himself with a blast of lightning. The combination of Raiden's electricity and Liu Kang's own fire severely burn Liu Kang's body, causing him fatal injuries. A horrified Raiden begs the mortally wounded Liu Kang to forgive him. The final words spoken by Liu Kang are to Raiden: "You....have killed us....all." before he closes his eyes and passes on.
After Shao Kahn's final defeat at the hands of Raiden and the Elder Gods, Liu Kang's body is taken away by Raiden, Sonya, and Johnny Cage.
Mortal Kombat X Comic
Liu Kang is featured briefly in Hanzo Hasashi's flashback to Shang Tsung's tournament, fighting Scorpion and Quan Chi at the same time.
It is later revealed a temple was erected in the fallen warrior's honor, called the Kang Shaolin Temple, and it is there the monks protect the Kamidogu of Chaosrealm for Raiden.
The revenant of Liu Kang appears in Netherrealm alongside his fallen Shaolin brother Kung Lao and the undead princess Kitana, questioning Quan Chi of their next course of action after Havik's failure to deliver them Shinnok's amulet. Ultimately, it is decided to use Shinnok's newest acolyte D'Vorah to wait for an opportune moment to claim the amulet to release the fallen Elder God.
Mortal Kombat X
Liu Kang's earliest appearance in the story mode chronologically takes place in Raiden's flashback to twenty-five years earlier during the time both he and Kung Lao were alive before Shao Kahn's tournament in Outworld. After the Wu Shi Academy was invaded, several monks were kidnapped by Baraka and his Tarkatan horde. Liu Kang sets off with both Raiden and Kung Lao to free the monks. The trio eventually discover the monks being loaded onto a ship under the command of D'Vorah. He engages the Tarkatan Horde alongside Kung Lao, while Raiden deals with both Baraka and D'Vorah. After defeating their enemies, they proceed to free the monks on the first ship. Raiden then tells Liu Kang that he must return for the tournament, leaving Liu Kang and Kung Lao to seek out and free the remaining monks on the second ship that has already departed. Liu Kang promises Raiden that he will not fail, to which Raiden replies that he knows with a smile.
In the present, Liu Kang is first seen in the Netherrealm, now an undead revenant servant of Quan Chi. He along with the undead revenant versions of Kung Lao, Kitana, and Sindel ride to Quan Chi's fortress to await D'Vorah's arrival with Shinnok's amulet. As they approach the fortress, Quan Chi and company are ambushed by the Special Forces led by Jax and Kenshi along with the aid of Sareena. As the other revenants are fighting off the Special Forces, Liu Kang fights his way out and escorts Quan Chi to safety. As they arrive at the fortress, they are followed by Jax who intends to take Quan Chi back to Earthrealm. Liu Kang tries to stop Jax, expressing his disdain at him for rejoining Raiden's side. Jax replies that Raiden did his best and that he saved Earthrealm, but Liu Kang retorts that Raiden murdered him and stole everything from him. The two fight, and Liu Kang is defeated, resulting in Quan Chi being captured.
Liu Kang later appears along with Kung Lao, Kitana, Sindel, and Smoke on Earthrealm after Shinnok is freed. He along with the other revenants pledge their allegiance to him. Liu Kang then informs Shinnok of the human presence in the Netherrealm, but Shinnok is unworried and says they will be neutralized later. Liu Kang and the other revenants then accompany Shinnok and D'Vorah, along with the captive Johnny Cage, to the Sky Temple, where Shinnok attacks Bo' Rai Cho with his amulet. Raiden soon arrives to stop Shinnok only to be surrounded by the revenants. Liu Kang asks if they can kill Raiden, but Shinnok orders them to let him live so that he could seal Raiden himself. As Shinnok leaves for the Jinsei, Liu Kang, along with the other revenants, taunt Raiden before the latter proceeds to engage them. Raiden successfully knocks out Sindel, Kitana, and Smoke with electricity, then defeats Kung Lao in kombat. He is then confronted by Liu Kang. Before their fight, Raiden tries to reach out to his former student by telling him that this is not his destiny. Liu Kang retorts by sarcastically asking Raiden if he still has visions of the future. He then reminds Raiden of his death at the latter's hands. Raiden claims it was an accident, but Liu Kang thanks Raiden for "freeing" him and declares that he will help Shinnok overthrow the Elder Gods. The two fight, and Liu Kang is defeated by his former mentor.
After Cassie Cage, Jacqueline Briggs, Takeda Takahashi, and Kung Jin arrive at the Sky Temple, they overhear Liu Kang, D'Vorah, Kitana, and Sindel discussing Shinnok's plans to conquer Earthrealm and invade the Heavens. Liu Kang leaves with Kung Lao and Smoke in order to find a way to access Raiden's portal to the Heavens. He then comes back with Kung Lao and Smoke after Cassie has defeated Sindel and Kitana. Takeda and Jacqui hold off Liu Kang and his undead comrades long enough for Cassie to defeat Shinnok. After Shinnok is defeated and the Jinsei restored, Liu Kang retreats back to the Netherrealm with the other revenants.
In the post-credit scene, Liu Kang and Kitana are now the rulers of the Netherrealm. Both he and Kitana are threatened by Raiden who throws them the severed, yet still living head of Shinnok. Raiden, who has become corrupted after cleansing the Jinsei, declares that he will no longer stand by and simply defend Earthrealm, and goes on to state that any who threaten Earthrealm will suffer "fates worse than death." Raiden then departs, leaving Liu Kang and Kitana to stare at Shinnok's head.
Mortal Kombat 11
By this point, Liu Kang had been further corrupted by Shinnok's influence and planned to invade Earthrealm. Raiden and the Special Forces launch a preemptive strike on the Bone Temple to stop their attack. As Raiden fights the Netherrealm demons outside the temple, the Special Forces infiltrate the temple to destroy it. While watching Raiden fight, Liu Kang immediately realizes he is the distraction and tries to stop the Special Forces, but he and the others ultimately fail, and the Bone Temple is destroyed. Believing all is lost, Liu Kang and Kitana resign to their fate, before Kronika arrives. He questions who she is, and she simply restores the temple, prompting the revenants to aid in her schemes.
Thanks to her temporal anomalies, the younger Liu Kang prior to his death is brought to the present timeline alongside his friends and enemies. Despite hearing what his modern counterpart has become, he still trusts Raiden and allies himself with Earthrealm's warriors. Before returning to Earthrealm with Raiden and Kung Lao, Liu Kang gives his farewell to Kitana with him bowing to her, and the Princess hugging him. Liu Kang and Kung Lao eventually make their way to the Shaolin temple where the Wu Shi Dragon Grotto is located to stop Kronika's forces from stealing the Jinsei that she seeks. As they successfully evade the traps in the Shaolin Trap Dungeon, they are encountered by the past version of Scorpion and defeat him and Jade.
They then enter the grotto to see Geras taking the Jinsei. Kung Lao expresses fear they will run into their revenant selves, which becomes true as the revenant Liu Kang and Kung Lao arrive to impede them. The revenants mock their younger selves for trusting Raiden, as he was responsible for their deaths, but Liu Kang defends Raiden. The revenant Liu Kang challenges his younger self, commenting on how blind he was in the past. The younger Liu Kang overwhelms his revenant counterpart, commenting on how deluded he has become in the future just as Kung Lao defeats his revenant counterpart. They then confront Geras and defeat him, but Kronika halts and reverts time to collect the Jinsei.
After all of Earthrealm’s bases has been compromised alongside the death of the Elder Gods, and both Kotal and Jade are captured, the Shirai-Ryu’s Fire Garden is the only surviving base left and Raiden is the sole surviving God who learned that both Shinnok and Cetrion’s true loyalty are only towards their mother, Kronika, Liu Kang asks Raiden to send him and Kung Lao to rejoin Kitana in Outworld and rescues both Jade and Kotal from Shao Kahn, while also redeeming Tarkatans’ fate on behalf of Sheeva. Despite Shao Kahn crippling Kotal, Liu Kang and Kung Lao happily watch as Kitana puts an end of Shao Kahn’s terror by her own hands and Kotal makes her the Kahn of Outworld.
He eventually clashes with Raiden when the latter starts using Shinnok's amulet to power himself into executing a redeemed past Scorpion, whom he believed Kronika sent him, while Liu Kang stands for Scorpion’s true redemption since it was the latter’s late-present human-self who sent him. In the midst of the battle, the thunder god relents and helps Scorpion before he tells a confused Liu Kang that he has realized that Kronika has been manipulating them to fight. Raiden explains that in every timeline, he and Liu Kang would fight with Liu Kang dying in everyone. After the revelation, Raiden heals Scorpion and refuses to be the goddess' puppet while Liu Kang is pleased with this declaration. However, Kronika appears and kidnaps the younger Kang so that his revenant counterpart can absorb his soul to fight Raiden once more, killing him.
The revenant attacks Raiden who defeats him in a lengthy battle but rather than kill the evil counterpart like the latter expected, Raiden merges himself and past Liu Kang's previously deceased body with the revenant Kang, transforming them into Fire God Liu Kang, with past Liu Kang's consciousness prevailing, having also absorbed his revenant counterpart's memories.
With his new godly powers and the knowledge about the Hourglass and Kronika's plan, Liu Kang is able to combat her forces and her time manipulating abilities. The armies of Earthrealm and Outworld begin their assault on Kronika's Keep with Liu Kang's new abilities wiping out several legions to get through. Once inside however, Kronika reverses time sending Liu Kang's allies back to Kharon's Ship, forcing Liu Kang to battle the revenant counterparts of his friends alone. Liu Kang eventually defeats the revenant Kitana, Kung Lao, and Jade. Then Liu Kang battles Cetrion and defeats her. Kronika then reverses time for the final time to the Prehistoric Age.
Their battle has sent them to the dawn of time itself. Fortunately, Liu Kang has managed to defeat her, using his fire to turn her to glass and destroy her body, including her crown. Raiden is separated from him leaving Liu Kang a God and the latter a mortal. During his conversation with Raiden, the former Thunder God bestows the title of protector of Earthrealm and the keeper of time to Liu Kang. When Liu Kang describes the task as hard to carry alone, Raiden suggests advising him as long as he lives. Liu Kang agrees, and they began to reshape the sands of time.
Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath
As the new Keeper of Time, Liu Kang attempts to create a new history along with Raiden using the Hourglass, but was stopped by the sudden arrival of Shang Tsung, Fujin, and the human Nightwolf. They warned him that using the Hourglass without Kronika's crown would eventually shatter it, which proved correct when Liu Kang used it to see the outcome of what would come next. He spoke with Fujin, before he sent the three back in time, right when the past Kitana would free Kotal Kahn and become the Kahn of Outworld. The Fire God was aware that Shang Tsung would eventually get the crown and win, seizing control of the Hourglass, betraying and using those around him as pawns in his chess game, until he would give his checkmate. He would wait until Shang's victory to happen to stop his plans, choosing to sacrifice all of his friends' lives for the greater good of giving them a more peaceful and better future in a new timeline he would create.
Meanwhile, the Revenant Liu Kang uses an amulet to bind the trio when they land in the Netherrealm, and order his minions to take them as hostages in Shinnok's Bone Temple. He later appears at the final chapter, ready to confront Raiden, before his legs are broken due to Shao Kahn making such damage to his past self.
The past version of Liu Kang is not kidnapped by Kronika in this timeline, but is nonetheless present when Raiden almost becomes Dark Raiden one more time, and ferry to Kronika's Isle in the same ship where Kitana, Kung Lao, Jade and Kotal Kahn are. When said ferry is ambushed by Shao Kahn's forces, Liu Kang faces Shao Kahn, and is defeated. When his and Kitana's body are dropped by the Outworld duo, Liu Kang, despite his injures, tries to reach his hand to Kitana's, but right when the two are close to handholding, Shao Kahn steps on Liu Kang's hand. Though not seen at first, Shao Kahn later cripples Liu Kang's legs, rendering his present, Revenant self-incapable of avenging himself against Raiden, making them both paraplegic.
Fire God Liu Kang reappears in the climax of the last chapter, repeating the words Shang Tsung called out to him at the start ("Cease, before you doom us all.") to prevent to sorcerer from taking Kronika's role. It is revealed he allowed Shang Tsung to progress as he did for the latter to claim the crown, at the cost of losing his friends, but vowed to the sorcerer that his friends will live again in his New Era instead of the sorcerer's. The player can then choose whether they use or fight Fire God Liu Kang. Unbeknownst to either Liu Kang or Shang Tsung, the battle between them is so fierce that the resulting expulsion of energy in proximity to the Hourglass causes the fabric of time to rip apart. In Shang Tsung's timeline, he defeats Liu Kang and chokes him, mocking him for his failure before consuming his soul and leaving him as little more than a dried husk on the ground before proceeding to create his New Era. For Liu Kang's timeline, he declares that Shang Tsung chose his fateful demise before blasting the sorcerer with temporal energy from the Hourglass, causing him to dissolve into sand as Liu Kang retrieves Kronika's Crown from his head, proceeding to create his New Era.
Liu Kang's victory depicts his New Era unfolding, transitioning to a point in the timeline depicting a new Wu Shi Academy, where Shaolin monks train vigorously. In a room, a Great Kung Lao is seen shaping his statue (said statue is the same one Kung Jin steals in Mortal Kombat X's Story Mode). Fire God Liu Kang then appears in front of him, startling the young monk. When Liu Kang mentions that he is a God, the Great Kung Lao becomes embarrassed by his response and humbly greets him, with Liu Kang noting that the Great Kung Lao is humble, unlike his reincarnation. After riddling the Great Kung Lao with said response, Liu Kang claims that is time to make him train, since he is the Fire God's Chosen Warrior. Thus, the story continues in Liu Kang's New Era. Mortal Kombat 1
After restarting history and crafting fates for every mortal of each realm, Liu Kang feared going mad like Kronika had, and thus relinquished his power as the Titan of Time and left a reborn Geras as the guardian of the Hourglass. Then, Liu Kang took the role of protector of Earthrealm and worked with King Jerrod of Outworld to establish the Mortal Kombat tournament as a friendly and peaceful exchange between both worlds. He later met with the Great Kung Lao, who became the first Champion of Earthrealm. The two would form a lasting friendship until Kung Lao passed of natural causes.
Some time after the Great Kung Lao's death, Liu Kang discarded Raiden's thunder powers and transferred them to the same amulet the old Raiden had forged by the Elder Gods.
Over many millennia, Liu Kang oversaw the mortals of all realms to make sure no threats to the peace he envisioned would emerge. Although many Outworlders opposed Liu Kang's authority and wished to engage in open warfare with Earthrealm, none dared oppose Liu Kang and Jerrod (or, after Jerrod's assassination, Empress Sindel). On the horizon of the tenth great tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld, Liu Kang worked with Madame Bo and the Lin Kuei to create a test for both Raiden and Kung Lao. After they passed, he later recruited both Johnny Cage and Kenshi Takahashi and took them to the Wu Shi Academy to prepare for the tournament. From their preliminary matches, Raiden emerged victorious as Earthrealm's champion.
Despite some friction between General Shao of the Outworld Army and Liu Kang's new champion, the tournament went smoothly and was supposed to ensure another generation of peace between the two realms. However, Liu Kang was warned by Geras that Shang Tsung somehow escaped his meaningless life as a huckster and returned him to the role of the manipulative sorcerer he once was. To learn more and prevent Tsung from posing a threat, he sent a team consisting of Cage, Kenshi, and Kung Lao to infiltrate Outworld and covertly take Shang Tsung captive, hopefully without Queen Sindel knowing of the violation of their treaty.
The infiltration team ran into many problems. Firstly, they were framed for "intentionally" interfering with Mileena's secret Tarkat treatment, and were all nearly killed, with Kenshi being blinded by a Tarkat-infected Mileena. Upon returning to Liu Kang, he was happy to see his allies return but dismayed by both Kenshi's disability reoccurring, and the news that Outworld now viewed himself and Earthrealm as enemies. Along with welcoming their newest allies, Syzoth and Ashrah, Liu Kang learned that Shang Tsung was working with Quan Chi, and he thus feared the onset of a new Deadly Alliance. Liu Kang consulted with Geras again, learning how both sorcerers came back to their old selves, despite restarting history. Geras reveals to him of his discovery, that an unknown benefactor was the reason for the sorcerers return, along with involving General Shao in their cause. Liu Kang wonders if the benefactor is Kronika who somehow came back. But Geras denies it, saying that Titans, once destroyed, cannot be revived. Liu Kang then suspects the benefactor could somehow be someone who came from the previous timeline wanting revenge on him.
Liu Kang sent the Lin Kuei to sabotage the attempt and neutralize Quan Chi, but their efforts failed, and Shang Tsung coaxed Bi-Han into betraying Earthrealm and revealing that Bi-Han allowed his father, the previous Grandmaster, to die. This led Scorpion and Smoke to turn against Bi-Han and defect from the Lin Kuei.
Liu Kang traveled to Outworld himself to entreat Queen Sindel, convincing First Constable Li Mei of Earthrealm's innocence implicating General Shao as a traitor. Li Mei hesitates at first, but after learning of how Shang Tsung gained the trust of the royal family by treating Mileena's Tarkat condition, Li Mei agreed to help & grant Liu Kang an audience, fighting with him against a misled Tanya, as well as Rain, Reiko and other Outworld soldiers loyal to Shao. Upon reaching the throne room, Li Mei tried to reason with her queen but was attacked by Tanya and forced to defend herself against her, Kitana and Mileena. When Mileena's Tarkat disease manifests again and she nearly killed Queen Sindel, Li Mei saved the queen and neutralized the insane crown princess until the serum for the disease could be administered. In gratitude of her help, Sindel forgave Li Mei and allowed Liu Kang to make his case, demanding proof of Shao and Shang Tsung's treachery -- which she would find in Shang Tsung's lab.
Reeling from the revelation of the treason, Sindel is further stunned as Liu Kang reveals himself as the previous Keeper of Time now demigod that created all reality and the mortals which dwell within. She questions if Liu Kang expects worship, but he declines and states that his role was thrust upon him by circumstance and in no way divine. Just then, General Shao arrives with the Amulet of Shinnok and traps the two princesses, Tanya and Geras within it. Liu Kang and Sindel battle against Shao's forces and force them to retreat while Liu Kang frees the captives from the amulet. When Liu Kang asks Sindel to help him foil the plans of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, she asks if this is the command of a creator, but he states that it is only the request of a friend.
Mileena offers to be a distraction for the Deadly Alliance, and once their allies are in place, they attack Shao Khan and Quan Chi's forces en masse. Gaining the upper hand, Liu Kang demands to know who the Alliance's benefactor is, and Shang Tsung reveals the hidden manipulator to be "Damashi". However, the "benefactor" instead appears in the form of another Shang Tsung, who reveals himself as the same Shang from the previous timeline who battled Liu Kang for Kronika's Hourglass. Their battle tore time apart, resulting in two outcomes: one where Kang won, and another where Tsung did. Titan Shang Tsung betrays the Deadly Alliance, revealing his intention not to conquer this timeline, but to destroy it with the Dragon Army and merge it with his own.
Liu Kang's allies (including a defecting Deadly Alliance) battle against Titan Shang Tsung's, and Queen Sindel is mortally wounded in the battle. They are forced to retreat and regroup, realizing how dire the odds are. Sorcerer Shang Tsung poses the theory that if two timelines emerged from the battle against Kronika, then perhaps there are more, and some of the Titans of those divergent timelines may prove valuable allies. Geras poses that the theory may be possible but can only be attempted by a Keeper of Time. Liu Kang repeats that he gave up that power long ago, but Geras reveals that he stored it away in the figurine gifted by the Great Kung Lao instead of allowing it to dissipate, as he feared Liu Kang may have need of it again. He also warns Liu Kang that retrieving the power this time will prove permanent, meaning he can never again become merely a demigod.
When Liu Kang asks why Geras never told him about this, Geras reveals that he did not want Kang's joyous life as the Protector of Earthrealm and his own happy life to be ruined by the temptation of a Titan's power. Liu Kang also realizes that Geras could have taken the power for himself at any time, but Geras also states that he is content as a guardian and has faith in Liu Kang's vision for the New Era. Upon reaching the figurine and the Hourglass, Liu Kang once more becomes the Titan of Time and searches for other timelines and other Titans, finding a Titan Kitana, who is the same one he's known & loved in his past life. In the meantime, their allies disrupt the Dragon Army and destroy the portals that would allow it to invade other realms.
While initially wary, Kitana soon realizes that this is "her" Liu Kang -- they are both from the same timeline where he fought her in Shang Tsung's courtyard, battled against Shao Kahn in the Koliseum, and she became the Kahn of Outworld. The two kiss and embrace, regretting that fate continues to keep them apart, but Kitana realizes that Liu Kang would not have reached out for her without a pressing need. First, he summons more allies, their old friends (including a Titan Kung Lao and Raiden) and informs them of their mutual enemy in Titan Shang Tsung.
Realizing that it's only a matter of time before Shang Tsung realizes that other, potentially infinite, timelines exist, they resolve that he must be stopped. However, Tsung interrupts their meeting with his minions, pleased to learn that there are other timelines for him to conquer, and decides to simply destroy Liu Kang's purely for spite. Though Liu Kang's allies are victorious, they realize that Shang Tsung is gathering his own group of Titan allies to do battle against them and must prepare for the mother of all battles.
They arrive at the Pyramid of Argus and declare a new Battle of Armageddon for the fate of the multiverse. Liu Kang (alongside an ally of the player's choosing -- including, possibly, a different Titan Liu Kang) fight through Shang Tsung's forces summoned across the timelines and do battle with the evil Titan himself. Liu Kang is taken prisoner by the evil Titans, forcing his ally to do battle in his stead. Once freed, Liu Kang destroys both Shang Tsung and his Hourglass, resulting in the destruction of his timeline. Liu Kang thus sends his allies back to their homes just as the timeline is destroyed. Other incarnations of Liu Kang also appear, including a few villainous ones allied with Titan Shang Tsung, an amalgamation with Kano called Red Dragon, one with Johnny Cage called Fire Cage, one with Quan Chi called Kang Quan, and many more.
An indeterminate amount of time later, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Kung Lao, Raiden and Kenshi reunite at Madame Bo's and share where their fates have led. They all decline taking cameo roles in Cage's newest films due to their duties and Liu Kang reveals that he is assisting Kuai Liang and Smoke to build a new clan to oppose and replace the traitorous Lin Kuei: the Shirai Ryu. As Johnny thanks Liu Kang for all the help Liu Kang gave to him and his friends, Liu Kang leaves Madame Bo's saying that he is glad, and knows that the realms are in safe hands.
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