Lingdu

Lingdu, whose personal name is Cao Xiyan, is an elder of Nine Mounds Immortal Dao known for measured hospitality and practical judgment. He helps Li Ximing when their interests align, while carefully limiting the obligations his lineage accepts. (Chapters 1226–1228, 1237–1241)

Biography

A discreet partner in the Peacock affair

Lingdu first meets Li Ximing while debating the Dao with Houfu. He is willing to discuss the regional upheaval but avoids entangling Nine Mounds in Purple Smoke Gate’s affairs. When the Great Boon Bronze-Color Temple’s conflict creates an opening to recover spiritual flames, Lingdu helps organize a discreet expedition with Li Ximing and Houfu. He supplies Tiger-Mouth Lotus Seeds to guard against divination and directs the retreat after the group secures its objective. The effort earns Li Ximing access to Nine Mounds’ resources and brings the lineage into the settlement around the recovered fire. (Chapters 1226–1228, 1237, 1239–1240)

Counsel without lasting entanglement

Lingdu continues to offer useful, bounded help. He points Li Ximing toward the Hidden Refinement Pool for purifying a Dharma Body and gives a practical solution when Li needs a respectable lineage for Tantai Muming: claim kinship with a deceased Nine Mounds disciple, without formally binding the Dao lineage. Later, when Yan Dushui presses him for information, Lingdu shares only that Li Ximing cultivates Bright Yang; he then realizes Yan has inferred more from the hint than he intended. His favors are real, but he remains alert to the karmic and political costs they may create. (Chapters 1227, 1241, 1323)

Appearance and personality

Lingdu is an aged, stooped cultivator who leans on a wooden staff and speaks in a hoarse voice. He is courteous and generous with counsel, yet shrewd about risk and reluctant to bind Nine Mounds to another faction’s affairs. (Chapters 1226–1227, 1241)

Abilities and cultivation

Lingdu is a Purple Mansion Realm Daoist Master. Nine Mounds has a Hidden Refinement Pool that can purify a cultivator’s Dharma Body, and Lingdu arranges access to it for Li Ximing. He also gives allies Tiger-Mouth Lotus Seeds, which shield them from Maha divinations; no personal combat technique is named. (Chapters 1227, 1237, 1242)

Relationships

• Houfu: The two debate the Dao for months and cooperate on the temple expedition. (Chapters 1226, 1237)
• Daoist Master Yuandao: Lingdu serves as an elder within the lineage led by Yuandao and carries out his instructions. (Chapters 1239–1240)
• Li Ximing: They work together during the Peacock affair and exchange cultivation counsel and practical favors. (Chapters 1227–1228, 1237–1241)

Items

Lingdu carries a wooden staff and provides Tiger-Mouth Lotus Seeds for protection from divination. (Chapters 1226, 1237)