The Li Mingliang 李明良

Li Mingliang (1286–?) was a native of Yangxi Village, Xingde Township, Ancheng during the late Yuan Dynasty, which is now part of Anfu County, Jiangxi Province. He came from a prominent local clan.

From a young age, he showed exceptional talent. During the Dade era (1297–1307), he traveled to famous mountains and rivers in the Liang and Chu regions (historical areas covering parts of present-day Henan, Hubei, and Hunan provinces). Later, he went to Wudang Mountain, where he became a disciple of Lin Daofu (style name Longyanzǐ, "Master Dragon Crag") and formally joined the Quanzhen School as a Taoist priest.

Over the next fifteen years, Li Mingliang maintained a pure mind and adhered to the principle of "upholding unity" (a core Quanzhen Taoist practice of concentrating on the Tao). He built a thatched hut and devoted himself to Taoist cultivation there day in and day out. By nature, he was resolute inwardly yet gentle outwardly; he handled affairs with openness and honesty. He had a keen interest in the study of I Ching (the "Book of Changes"), and Taoist practitioners and scholars outside the mainstream (referred to as "fangwài zhī shì") were drawn to him, coming to study under his guidance upon hearing of his reputation.

Wu Quanjie, the Great Hierarch of the Xuanjiao School (a major Taoist school in the Yuan Dynasty), appointed Li as "Tidian" (Administrator) of the Wulong Palace (a key temple on Wudang Mountain). During his tenure, Li oversaw the renovation and construction of major structures at Wulong Palace, including the Main Hall, the Jade Statue Pavilion, and the temples, pavilions, and verandas at Huayang Cliff. In the third year of the Hou Zhi Yuan era (1337), he was awarded the honorific title "Jiaomen Gaoshang" ("Eminent Senior of the Taoist Community") and further conferred the title "Tongxuan Lingying Mingde Fashi" ("Dharma Master of Profound Mystery, Numinous Response, and Bright Virtue").

(From Records of Mount Taihe, the Great Mountain / Dayue Taihe Shanzhi and Comprehensive Collection of Blessed Lands on Wudang / Wudang Fudi Zongzhen Ji)