Shou-Lao first appeared in Marvel Premiere #16 (July 1974) and was created by Len Wein, Roy Thomas, and Larry Hama.

Shou-Lao is a Chinese dragon who was previously killed by K'un-L'un citizen Quan-St'ar and had its heart removed.

Enraged at this, Yu-Ti banishes Quan-St'ar, resurrects Shou-Lao, and places it in a sacred cavern.

Following this, Shou-Lao is repeatedly killed and resurrected as part of a trial undergone by holders of the Iron Fist mantle to gain his power.

: Judgment Day event, Lin Lie is instructed to kill Shou-Lao, but refuses, and instead gains his power by having him give it willingly.