Hu Dacheng was a native of Hunan. His mother was a devout Buddhist, and every time Hu Dacheng returned from his private tutoring, he had to pass the Guanyin Shrine. Following his mother’s instructions, he often went inside to kowtow before the Great Bodhisattva Guanyin.

One day, as Hu Dacheng was heading to the Guanyin Shrine as usual to offer incense, he noticed a young girl inside, about twelve or thirteen years old, playfully amusing a small child while holding their hand. Though young, the girl possessed exceptional beauty. Hu Dacheng was fourteen that year, and upon seeing the girl, he felt an immediate affection. He promptly inquired after her name. The girl smiled and replied, "I am the daughter of Painter Jiao. My name is Lingjiao.