Lingu Lanying

Lingu Lanying rises from a Foundation Establishment cultivator on the riverbank to a Daoist Master whose breakthrough helps secure Linhai Prefecture. She combines careful diplomacy with direct action when her family and the people under its protection are placed at risk. (Chapters 787–788, 856–857, 1358, 1628–1631, 1712)

Biography

A family match she would not force

Lanying first approaches Li Qinghong to discuss a possible match between Li Wushao and Gu’er, a white Hooked Serpent in her family’s care. Lanying wants closer ties with the Li family and speaks well of Wushao, but Gu’er refuses because she wants a Pristine Water partner and views Wushao’s Water Mansion lineage as incompatible. Lanying carries the refusal herself and offers an apology gift, though she is troubled by the decision. She ultimately respects Gu’er’s choice rather than force the match, even though she had hoped the alliance would succeed. (Chapters 787–788)

Holding the riverbank

During the northern conflict, Lanying distinguishes herself in combat, but is later surrounded and reported missing after her white Hooked Serpent mount and spirit pet are lost. She returns to defend the riverbank and challenges orders that would leave the families and counties there to bear the fighting alone. Concern for her own disciples and the local people leads her to warn the Li cultivators about Chi Zhiyan’s deployment and return to the formation to stand guard. After the northern cultivators retreat, she publicly asks Si Yuanli whether they should aid Bianyan, putting the question before the riverbank cultivators. (Chapters 799, 804, 810, 824, 856–857, 880–881)

A breakthrough that protects Linhai

The Old Sword Immortal had invested heavily in Lanying, teaching her and providing spirit items because of her lineage and her resemblance to a woman from the past. Her breakthrough to the Purple Mansion Realm fulfills that long preparation: it gives the Lingu Family the strength to protect the Lin family and its branches in Linhai while allowing Great Xiukui Temple to remain uninvolved. As a Daoist Master, she later returns from the battlefield to report and publicly commends Li Jianglong’s campaign. (Chapters 1358, 1628, 1631, 1712)

Appearance and personality

Lanying wears pale jade robes and keeps her long black hair pinned with ornaments. She speaks gently in personal matters but can be blunt about political danger; her concern for Gu’er, her disciples, and the riverbank’s residents shapes the choices she makes. (Chapters 787–788, 856–857, 1712)

Abilities and cultivation

Lanying advances from the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment to the Purple Mansion Realm. During the northern conflict she nearly dissolves an enemy’s demonic body, though the method is not named. Her breakthrough later makes her a Daoist Master and a defender of Linhai; the specific mechanics of her cultivation and combat abilities are not detailed. (Chapters 787, 804, 1358, 1628–1631, 1712)

Relationships

• Gu’er: Lanying hopes to match her with Li Wushao, but honors her refusal. (Chapters 787–788)
• Li Wushao and Li Qinghong: She approaches Qinghong to discuss the match and personally explains Gu’er’s decision. (Chapters 787–788)
• The Lin family of Linhai: Lanying’s breakthrough gives the Lingu Family the ability to protect the Lin family and its branches. (Chapters 1628, 1631)
• The Old Sword Immortal: He nurtures her and provides instruction and spirit items in preparation for her advancement. (Chapter 1358)

Items

Lanying once rode a white Hooked Serpent mount, which died during the northern conflict; she also lost her spirit pet. The Old Sword Immortal gave her a spirit item and a painting, but their names and effects are not established. (Chapters 824, 856, 1358)