Du Lengning

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Du Lengning is the son of Du Zhongping, master of Distant Hall on Ningyao Mountain. Though known as its young master, he has limited spending money under his frugal father and initially buys Mortal Realm goods from Luo Qian on credit. He helps Luo find specialists for a jade-powered electrical generator, then becomes his partner in a medicine shop, pursuing its approvals and using his contacts to secure its opening 10 14 17 20 26 30.

When Distant Hall sends a force against the Demon Beast at Tianxia Source, Du joins in part because Li Xuexiao is leading it. At Luo Qian's urging, he takes a dangerous position beside her in the defensive formation. He absorbs part of an attack that would otherwise strike her, repeatedly taking Jade Water Pills to endure the damage; both collapse when the formation breaks 33 34 35 36. Their awkward courtship continues, and they eventually marry 120 227 263.

As Luo Company expands, Du handles contacts, shop preparations and company disputes. He extracts settlements from Aristocratic Clans and confronts the Meng Household over Hero Tower. After disappearing amid the unrest in Upper Clarity Heaven, he reappears as a candidate in its council election; attacks on his reputation harden his determination to win 58 374 388 391 394. Later, he publicly counters Chief Steward Ha Dehai's attempt to pressure Luo Company for a bribe, having the steward's entourage arrested without directly defying the imperial decree Ha carries 413.

Personality

Outgoing and sociable, Du is described as almost the opposite of his cold-sounding name. He enjoys games, Mortal Realm entertainment and teasing Luo Qian. His ease with wealthy young immortals makes him a useful contact-builder, though his romantic pursuits frequently leave him flustered 10 14 56 119.

His banter with Luo rests on loyalty: when Luo says he does not understand what happened to him, Du believes him and calls him a brother 51. He is also capable of restraint when friendship demands it, accepting Luo's decision to endure an insult from the Meng Household rather than put their ally Xu Hu in a difficult position 386.

Abilities & Skills

Movement art

• Uses the third-tier immortal art Drifting Duckweed Step to travel rapidly while carrying Luo Qian 20.

Networking and business

• Introduces Luo to Lei Ming and helps recruit an artifact crafter for the generator 17 20 21.
• Pursues medicine-shop approvals and builds connections through gifts and social gatherings 29 30 56.
• Recognizes Ha Dehai's extortion attempt and uses witnesses and company guards to bring the matter before the authorities 413.

Relationships

• Luo Qian — close friend and business partner. They exchange constant jokes, but Du trusts Luo and defends their shared interests 26 51 386.
• Du Zhongping — father and master of Distant Hall. Du behaves formally in his presence and cannot count on him to bend sect rules for their business 26.
• Li Xuexiao — Distant Hall disciple whom Du pursues, protects at Tianxia Source and later marries 33 36 263.
• Qian Qiuluo — also identified as Du's wife at a later Luo Company gathering; her rivalry with Li Xuexiao leaves him uncomfortable 413 436.
• Du Bo'an — doting uncle who examines a pill Du brings him 21.
• Xiao Xiangzi — fellow Luo Company associate; Du once interrupts his artifact work in his excitement over a new advertising idea 129.

Notable Quotes

“We're brothers. Whatever you say, I'll believe you!” 51