Holy Mother Guiling

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Holy Mother Guiling
Alias(es)	Our Lady of the Turtle Spirit; Guiling; 龟灵圣母
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Jie Sect; Shangqing lineage
Occupation/Role	Core disciple of Jie Sect; one of Master Tongtian's four direct disciples; overseer of the sect's departure register 3 123
Status	Alive; originally predicted to be drained of essence and blood by Mosquito Daoist, with body and soul perishing. This death has not occurred; the reformed Investiture replaces the sect's predetermined destruction with tribulation according to individual karma 3 26 126
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Holy Mother Guiling is introduced in Biyou Palace during the panic over Zhao Xuan's fulfilled prophecy about the Investiture of the Gods List. While other core disciples react with concern or restraint, Guiling paces in agitation and is the first to demand Zhao Xuan's presence, believing he must have prepared a way to respond 1.

Her anger is rooted in years of contempt from the Chan Sect, whose disciples insult Jie Sect members as "fur-clad and horned," "born from wet eggs," and "ignorant of etiquette." Guiling refuses to accept the idea that origin or true form should determine one's right to cultivate the Dao 1.

When Zhao Xuan reveals the predicted fates of the Jie Sect disciples, he tells Guiling that her end is especially miserable: unlike some who enter the Investiture List, she will be devoured by Mosquito Daoist, losing both body and soul without reincarnation 3. This fate later appears to her directly when calamity energy causes Jie Sect disciples to see visions of their futures 26.

After Zhao Xuan shifts the Jie Sect's strategy toward withdrawal, accountability, and forcing other powers to bear their own responsibilities, Guiling becomes one of his most vocal supporters. She initially struggles to accept retreat, but later recognizes the value of making the Heavenly Court, Chan Sect, and Western Sect expose their dependence on Jie Sect labor 5 9 15.

During the Third Sea Eye dispute, Guiling repeatedly backs Zhao Xuan's stance against the Heavenly Court, the East Sea Dragon Palace, and Guangchengzi of the Chan Sect. She threatens Xuan Lang, mocks the Dragon Palace's sudden urgency, challenges Haotian's excuses, and nearly acts when Guangchengzi insults Jie Sect disciples' origins 12 16 17 18 19.

When the Investiture of the Gods List manifests with "Jie Sect" written first, Guiling's anger hardens into cold resolve. She joins the sect's collective demand for accountability and reacts fiercely when the List reveals that the Jie Sect is targeted because its disciples are numerous and heterogeneous 25 26 28.

Guiling subsequently supports the sect's internal cleansing, declaring that the Jie Sect should punish its own corrupt members rather than leave them for outsiders to exploit. She confronts Ma Yuan's followers and Chang'er Dingguang Xian's attempts to use Outer Sect sympathy as a shield. After Chang'er's secret dealings with Jade Emptiness and the Western Sect are exposed, she calls for his death and physically attacks him; Jinling and Zhao Xuan carry out the final destruction of his body and true spirit 33 34 35 36 37.

As the investigation widens, Guiling condemns the use of disciples' past merits to select candidates for Heavenly Court vacancies. She also assists Zhao Xuan's operations in Chaoge, capturing a talisman-bearing agitator alive, and remains on Golden Turtle Island to help Jinling guard the Three Steles while Tongtian and Zhao Xuan take the Antarctic Immortal's case to Zixiao Palace 43 44 54 89 94.

At the Golden Ao Assembly, Guiling volunteers to oversee departures from the mountain. Zhao Xuan approves her appointment, and the departure register becomes a Black Daoist Book beside the Three Steles. Her responsibility forms part of the new safeguards requiring disciples to report outside invitations and clarify their purpose and karma before entering the tribulation 123.

Appearance

The context does not provide a full physical description, but Guiling is consistently shown through forceful movement, aura, and expression rather than clothing or features.

• Frequently paces when agitated 1.
• Her killing intent visibly surges when Jie Sect disciples are insulted 17 28.
• Releases a "monstrous aura" strong enough to frighten Xuan Lang into nearly falling from the clouds 12.
• Her anger later becomes visibly colder and more controlled after the Investiture List targets the Jie Sect 25.
• Often grips her sword hilt tightly during revelations about her fellow disciples' assigned fates 43 48.
• Carries a tortoise shell in her sleeve and later holds it openly; the shell cracks during her reaction to Biyun's injury and shines when the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Cover is brought to the island 99 102.

Personality

Guiling is blunt, explosive, and deeply intolerant of hypocrisy. She speaks openly even when Daoist Duobao warns her to be cautious, arguing that polite silence will not stop the Investiture of the Gods List or make other sects sacrifice their own disciples 2.

Her temper is especially fierce where the Chan Sect and Heavenly Court are concerned. She cannot accept that Jie Sect disciples do the dangerous work of maintaining order, only to be labeled murderous, impure, or expendable afterward 1 4 17.

Although impulsive, Guiling is not portrayed as foolish. Under Zhao Xuan's influence, she learns to hold back at critical moments, including when Zhao Xuan signals that patience is more useful than another outburst during the confrontation with the Investiture List 29. By later arcs, she can suppress her anger when the situation demands caution, as shown during the investigation of Chang'er Dingguang Xian 35.

Her concern for the sect's dignity is not simply fear of death. When Zhao Xuan records the costs of the old Investiture, the prospect that Shangqing's reputation will remain tarnished after the sect's destruction particularly distresses her. She rejects an arrangement in which Jie Sect disciples do the work, bear the karma, and are then condemned for it 30.

Guiling's loyalty does not extend to shielding genuine wrongdoing. She enthusiastically supports internal investigation, threatens to deal with corrupt disciples herself, and refuses to accept Chang'er's appeals to fear, personal connections, or Outer Sect sentiment once his betrayal is exposed 33 36 37.

Her anger remains a recurring vulnerability rather than disappearing entirely. Zhao Xuan restrains her proposed intervention in Chaoge and retaliation against Jade Emptiness, Jinling stops her from attacking the Antarctic Immortal prematurely, and Tongtian warns her against violating Zixiao Palace's decree. She accepts these limits despite her dissatisfaction 54 74 91 98 99.

Abilities & Skills

Pressure and Aura

Guiling can release a powerful aura capable of intimidating Heavenly Court personnel.

• Forces Divine General Xuan Lang into fear when he tries to leave Golden Turtle Island after being exposed 12.
• Retracts her aura when Zhao Xuan warns that the Heavenly Court might twist the incident into a claim that Jie Sect bullied the weak 12.
• Her presence alone keeps the East Sea Dragon Palace envoy from daring to trespass onto Golden Turtle Island 16.

Combat Readiness

Guiling is repeatedly shown as ready to fight when Zhao Xuan is threatened or Jie Sect is insulted.

• Steps forward when Guangchengzi releases Yuqing Immortal Light to pressure Zhao Xuan 18.
• Prepares to act when Yuanshi's Saintly pressure descends over the East Sea, but stops when Zhao Xuan orders everyone not to move 20.
• Reacts with killing intent when Guangchengzi describes Jie Sect disciples as mixed and "fur and horns" 17.
• Physically attacks Chang'er Dingguang Xian after Zhao Xuan exposes his recorded negotiations with rival sects 37.
• Produces half an inch of sword light when Jade Emptiness's policy of prioritizing Jie Sect disciples for divine vacancies is revealed; Zhao Xuan prevents her sword qi from erupting 54.
• Releases magical power in her palm when the Antarctic Immortal tries to claim a witness for Jade Emptiness judgment, but holds back after Jinling restrains her 91.

Sect Loyalty

Guiling's strongest trait is loyalty to the Jie Sect and its disciples.

• Defends the dignity of Jie Sect disciples against Chan Sect contempt 1 17.
• Supports Zhao Xuan's refusal to let the Heavenly Court shift blame onto Qingxiaozi 12 13 15 16.
• Accepts Zhao Xuan's accountability strategy after seeing how much the Heavenly Court depends on Jie Sect disciples 9 15.
• Supports punishment of corrupt sect members rather than allowing their crimes to compromise the entire Shangqing lineage 33 36 37.
• Accepts responsibility for helping Jinling defend the Three Steles during Tongtian and Zhao Xuan's absence 94.

Capture and Enforcement

Guiling performs direct enforcement duties rather than only threatening opponents.

• At Zhao Xuan's command, goes to Chaoge's North Gate to capture the gong-beater spreading accusations against the Grand Preceptor's Residence. Her orders include searching his mouth, sleeves, and shoe soles and preventing him from burning a talisman 89.
• Seizes the gray-clothed agitator from behind and clamps his jaw when he tries to bite the talisman bead beneath his tongue, preserving him as a living witness 89.
• The captured man becomes part of the evidence Tongtian and Zhao Xuan take to Zixiao Palace 94.

Tortoise Shell

Guiling possesses a tortoise shell that is shown reacting during the Shi Ji and Biyun crisis.

• A fissure opens in the shell inside her sleeve when she hears that a Sky-Shaking Arrow has struck Biyun 99.
• The shell flares in her hand when the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Cover is displayed before the Three Steles 102.
• She keeps the shining shell in hand but does not advance as Zhao Xuan stabilizes Biyun's true spirit 102.

The shell's formal name, grade, and specific combat functions are not established in these passages 99 102.

Departure Register Oversight

Guiling volunteers to manage the sect's departure register under Zhao Xuan's new rules. The register becomes a Black Daoist Book beside the Three Steles, supporting the requirement that disciples register before leaving the mountain and clarify their purpose and karma before entering the tribulation 123.

Power Progression

Chapter	Demonstration or Development	Established Scope
12	Releases her aura against Xuan Lang	Can intimidate a Heavenly Court Water Department general; retracts the pressure at Zhao Xuan's warning
16	Guards against unauthorized entry by the Dragon Palace envoy	Her presence is sufficient to deter the envoy from trespassing
37	Attacks Chang'er Dingguang Xian after his betrayal is exposed	Demonstrates direct participation in sect enforcement; his final execution is carried out by Jinling and Zhao Xuan
54	Produces sword light in response to Jade Emptiness's involvement	Demonstrates sword qi, but Zhao Xuan stops its release
89	Captures the Chaoge agitator alive	Demonstrates close-range restraint and prevention of a talisman-based attempt to destroy evidence
91	Condenses magical power in her palm during the Antarctic Immortal confrontation	Prepares to intervene, but is restrained by Jinling
99, 102	Carries and holds a reactive tortoise shell	The shell cracks and shines during the Biyun crisis; its full capabilities remain unspecified

No named cultivation realm, breakthrough, or increase in cultivation is established for Guiling in these developments 12 16 37 54 89 91 99 102.

Relationships

• Zhao Xuan — Eldest Senior Brother; Guiling trusts his foresight, supports his hardline strategy, and repeatedly follows his signals even when angry 1 9 15 18 20 29. He entrusts her with capturing a witness in Chaoge and approves her appointment to oversee the departure register 89 123.
• Master Tongtian — Sect Master and teacher; Guiling is one of his four direct disciples and calls out to him when the Investiture List openly marks the Jie Sect 3 25. He assigns her to remain on the island and help Jinling protect the Three Steles, and later warns her against retaliation that would breach Zixiao Palace's decree 94 98.
• Holy Mother Jinling — Fellow direct disciple; Jinling often serves as the colder, more restrained counterpoint to Guiling's anger 5 25 35. They support the internal purge together, and Jinling physically restrains Guiling during the Antarctic Immortal's attempted seizure of a witness 37 91 94.
• Holy Mother Wudang — Fellow direct disciple; listed with Guiling, Jinling, and Duobao among Tongtian's four direct disciples 3 25 35. They participate in reviewing outside contacts and gifts during the sect's internal investigation 41.
• Daoist Duobao — Fellow core disciple; warns Guiling to watch her words, though he cannot fully refute her criticism of the Investiture scheme 2. During the Biyun crisis, his Golden Bell blocks the sect's impulsive attempts to strike the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Cover 102.
• Zhao Gongming — Fellow Jie Sect disciple; shares strategic discussions around Zhao Xuan's actions and is teased by Guiling when he finally grasps the value of withdrawal 11 29. She reacts fiercely when his name is revealed as a predetermined candidate for the Wealth Department 48 49 50.
• Qingxiaozi — Jie Sect disciple defended during the Third Sea Eye incident; Guiling backs Zhao Xuan's effort to clear him and prevent the Heavenly Court from blaming him again 11 12 16 19 21.
• Xuan Lang — Heavenly Court Water Department general; Guiling threatens him with her aura after Zhao Xuan exposes his accusations 12.
• Haotian — Heavenly Emperor; Guiling openly mocks his handling of the Third Sea Eye and shows no fear when he glares at her 16 19. She later condemns the Heavenly Court's use of old merits to select Jie Sect disciples for divine vacancies 43 44 51.
• Guangchengzi — Chan Sect representative; Guiling challenges his hypocrisy and nearly attacks when he insults Jie Sect disciples' origins 17 18 20.
• Chang'er Dingguang Xian — Jie Sect attendant immortal; Guiling is especially repulsed by him and recognizes his attempt to use the Outer Sect to pressure Zhao Xuan 35. She calls for his death after his escape routes are exposed, attacks him when his secret negotiations are proven, and mocks his claim to loyalty as his true spirit attempts to flee west 36 37.
• Antarctic Immortal — Jade Emptiness representative; Guiling suspects the timing of his arrival during unrest in Chaoge, objects to his attempt to take a witness back to Kunlun, and considers his confinement too lenient 89 91 98. She later welcomes the exposure of his use of the Jade Emptiness Outer Estate to withhold Biyun's Life Seal 118.
• Shi Ji and Biyun — Fellow sect member and attendant whose suffering provokes Guiling's outrage. She demands action after Biyun is struck, reacts strongly to the treasure that burned Shi Ji, and supports the demand for full restitution rather than merely changing the Investiture List 99 102 117 118.
• Western Sect — Rival faction whose recruitment practices Guiling condemns. She questions what the sect expected in return for offering Chang'er a Lotus Throne and challenges the presentation of such dealings as compassion 40 41.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Investiture Panic

Guiling helps voice the Jie Sect's outrage when Zhao Xuan's prophecy begins coming true. Her early speeches frame the Investiture of the Gods List as a scheme where the Heavenly Court needs manpower, the Chan Sect avoids tribulation, the West gains benefits, and Jie Sect is pushed forward to die 1 2.

Acceptance of Zhao Xuan's Strategy

She initially cannot accept sealing the island and "rotting" in seclusion, but comes to enjoy Zhao Xuan's colder approach: withdrawing Jie Sect support so the Primordial World can see who has actually been maintaining order 5 9 15.

Third Sea Eye Confrontation

Guiling acts as Zhao Xuan's aggressive support during the Qingxiaozi case. She exposes the Dragon Palace's opportunism, mocks the Heavenly Court's failures, and challenges Guangchengzi when he tries to separate Chan Sect rhetoric from actual responsibility 12 16 17 19 21.

Accountability Against the Investiture List

When the Investiture List reveals Jie Sect's supposed crimes, Guiling's personal resentment becomes part of the sect-wide challenge to heavenly injustice. Her predicted fate—death without even making the list—sharpens the contradiction she voices: whether listed or not, Jie Sect disciples are treated as disposable 25 26 28 29.

When Zhao Xuan exposes the benefits other factions receive and the costs imposed on Jie Sect, Guiling condemns the use of her fellow disciples' lives to sustain that arrangement. The rewriting of Shangqing's merits as crimes and the prospect of posthumous slander affect her especially strongly 30.

Internal Cleansing of Jie Sect

After Zhao Xuan gains authority over Investiture-related matters, Guiling participates in the tense internal investigation of Jie Sect disciples. She is present during the Ma Yuan and Chang'er Dingguang Xian cases and recognizes the danger of reputation, Outer Sect pressure, and insufficient evidence 34 35.

She supports the purge from its announcement, warning that the sect should not protect scoundrels simply because they belong to Jie Sect. During Ma Yuan's hearing, she silences his defiant followers. In Chang'er's case, her initial restraint gives way to decisive hostility once evidence reveals that he traded sect information for protection and advancement 33 34 36 37.

After Chang'er's execution, Guiling supports Zhao Xuan's demands that Jade Emptiness and the Western Sect answer for their own involvement. She confronts the Yuxu delegation, helps enforce the mountain gate's procedure for their departure, and questions the Western Sect's claimed compassion 38 39 40.

Hidden Registers and Manufactured Destiny

Guiling voices the sect's outrage as the Clear Gate Register exposes the Heavenly Court's efforts to obtain names of useful Jie Sect disciples. She condemns the conversion of past service into qualifications for compulsory divine office and recognizes that the Court is selecting candidates rather than simply rewarding merit 43 44.

The appearance of Zhao Gongming's and Jinling's names intensifies her anger. She challenges the claim that divine vacancies constitute a Heavenly Mandate, demands to know who submitted their names, and protests when List Qi begins pressing on Zhao Gongming's fate 47 48 49 50.

During Lu Qing's investigation, she reacts fiercely to the erasure of Zhou Huai's sacrifice under the principle that the dead cannot be assigned positions. When Jade Emptiness's annotation granting Jie Sect disciples "priority" is uncovered, she nearly releases sword qi and asks why Jade Emptiness did not prioritize its own members instead 51 54.

Mortal Affairs and the Antarctic Immortal

Guiling rejects the rhetoric used to justify sect intervention in mortal affairs, questioning who will actually die beneath claims of upholding order, saving people, and following Heaven. She also challenges the Investiture Table's treatment of Chaoge and Xiqi as inherently doomed and righteous sides 58 60.

Although she initially wants to go to Chaoge during the Western Sect's collection of suffering, Zhao Xuan asks her to let mortals speak for themselves first 74. Later, he gives her a defined enforcement mission: capture the agitator at Chaoge's North Gate alive and prevent him from destroying talisman evidence. She successfully restrains him 89.

Guiling objects when the Antarctic Immortal attempts to seize the witness, but Jinling prevents a premature attack. After Tongtian defeats Yuanshi's conjured hand, Guiling openly mocks the failed rescue of the Antarctic Immortal. She then remains behind to help protect the Three Steles during the appeal to Zixiao Palace 91 93 94.

When Tongtian returns with news of the Antarctic Immortal's detention, Guiling regards the confinement as too lenient. Tongtian nevertheless requires her and the other disciples to respect the ruling and refrain from attacking Kunlun 98.

Shi Ji and Biyun's Rescue

News that Biyun has been struck by a Sky-Shaking Arrow provokes an immediate demand for action from Guiling. Zhao Xuan explains that attacking Qianyuan Mountain would allow Jade Emptiness to portray the sect as the aggressor, and Guiling restrains herself while he undertakes the rescue 99.

When Zhao Xuan returns with the wounded Shi Ji, Biyun's fading true spirit, and the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Cover, Guiling's tortoise shell flares. She remains visibly angry but does not advance while Zhao Xuan uses the cover's fire intent to stabilize the spirit 102.

She later condemns the inclusion of Biyun, Shi Ji, Nezha, and Chentang Pass in the hidden tribulation arrangements and rejects Shi Ji's written death as an unquestionable predestined fate. When the Antarctic Immortal's withholding of Biyun's Life Seal is finally exposed and remedied, Guiling notes that the Outer Estate will no longer be able to conceal its interference so easily 108 110 117 118.

Golden Ao Assembly and Departure Safeguards

After the Investiture system begins distributing obligations among the Heavenly Court, Jade Emptiness, and the Western Sect, the Jie Sect turns to its own rules for future participation 122 123.

Guiling volunteers to oversee the departure register, and Zhao Xuan accepts. The Black Daoist Book beside the Three Steles records departures under rules intended to stop outside invitations, emotional provocations, and unclear obligations from drawing disciples into fatal situations 123.

These safeguards become part of the broader reformed settlement: Hongjun abolishes the decree that Jie Sect must perish, and disciples thereafter enter tribulation according to their individual karma. Guiling's original predicted death remains an account of the old path rather than an event that has occurred 3 26 126.

Notable Quotes

"Could it be that if I shut my mouth now, this Investiture of the Gods List won't appear?" 2

"Why must the Jie Sect be responsible for every single miserable mess?" 4

"What Investiture of the Gods, what heavenly mandate!" 5

"We were truly foolish in the past." 9

"Qingxiaozi has suppressed the Sea Eye for two thousand years; where were you of the Chan Sect then?" 17

"I am not even worthy of the list?" 26

"Are we such an eyesore that even our existence is an offense?" 28

"If such scum really has mixed into the Jie Sect, there's no need for outsiders to act; I'll tear them apart myself!" 33

"So a ledger can flay people too." 39

"My Jie Sect disciples filled their gaps for them. And this is how they repay us. Using old merits to pick people!" 43

"So much for giving the Interception Sect priority. Why didn't they give themselves priority?" 54

"He tried to silence the witness right in front of us!" 91

Trivia

• Guiling is among the Jie Sect figures whose original Investiture-era fate is revealed directly by Zhao Xuan before the calamity fully unfolds 3.
• Unlike Jinling, whose true spirit is predicted to ascend to the list, Guiling's predicted fate is complete destruction without reincarnation 3 26.
• She is one of the characters most personally affected by Chan Sect insults toward disciples of non-elite or non-innate origins 1 17 28.
• Zhao Xuan can stop her with a gesture or glance at critical moments, showing both her trust in him and his authority within the sect 18 20 29.
• Despite Zhao Xuan's status as Eldest Senior Brother, Guiling is initially more renowned than he is outside the sect 1.
• Her capture of the Chaoge agitator supplies concrete evidence for the Antarctic Immortal's case, making her an active investigator as well as a vocal supporter of accountability 89 94.
• Her tortoise shell is shown cracking and glowing, but the provided developments do not establish a formal treasure name or grade 99 102.
• Her appointment to oversee departures gives her a preventive disciplinary role: instead of only reacting after fellow disciples are harmed, she helps administer rules intended to keep them from being lured into danger 123.

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