Cao Xiong

Cao Xiong is a competitive Hongtian teacher who envies Zhang Xuan and claims that Liu Yang was coerced away from his class. (Chapters 2–4, 25–80, 192–225)

Biography

The Enlightenment Will Trial against Liu Yang

Encouraged by Shang Bin, he invokes the Enlightenment Will Trial as a supposedly decisive route to disgrace Zhang Xuan. Liu Yang's will instead confirms his voluntary loyalty, and the review identifies Cao Xiong as the instigator; he is permanently barred from teaching and from academy employment. (Chapters 2–4, 25–80, 192–225)

Appearance and personality

Cao Xiong is vain, envious, and more interested in comparative reputation than a student's actual progress. (Chapters 2–4, 25–80, 192–225)

Abilities and cultivation

His knowledge of academy rules lets him initiate the trial, but his teaching never builds the loyalty the trial measures. (Chapters 2–4, 25–80, 192–225)

Relationships

Liu Yang is the student he treats as property, Shang Bin the ally who amplifies the case, and Zhang Xuan the rival whose instruction wins Liu Yang's genuine allegiance. (Chapters 2–4, 25–80, 192–225)

Items

No scoped catalog items are associated with Cao Xiong.