The Xiao Linghu 萧灵护

Xiao Linghu, styled Tianyou, was a native of Luling (present-day Ji'an County, Jiangxi Province) during the Middle Tang Dynasty.

From a young age, he aspired to follow the Taoist path. When he grew up, he encountered an extraordinary person who taught him the Taixi Method (embryonic breathing, a Taoist breathing technique that mimics the breath of a fetus) and the Jinyedan Method (a Taoist alchemical technique for refining the "Golden Liquid Elixir," believed to grant immortality or vitality). After that, he traveled extensively to seek out Taoist masters and companions, devoting himself to practicing the Huoding Art (a core Taoist external alchemy practice involving refining elixirs in a tripod cauldron).

As recorded in Volume 33 of Comprehensive Mirror of True Immortals Through the Ages Who Embodied the Dao, in the 2nd year of the Zhenguan era of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (628 CE), he resided in Zhaoxian Guan (Zhaoxian Taoist Temple). Nobles and princes showed him great respect and invited him to serve as the "Fazhu" (Dharma Master, a leading position in a Taoist temple responsible for presiding over rituals and teaching doctrines).

He passed away in the 1st year of the Hongdao era of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (683/684 CE).