Cao Guojiu

The source associates his story with a brother of Empress Cao and gives more than one personal name, including Jingxiu and Yi. It also notes that a recorded imperial relative's biography does not describe the same religious career. The historical family connection and the immortal's story therefore require separate treatment.

A recurring narrative has him reject the misuse of family influence, give up wealth and retire to the mountains. This places ethical choice, rather than noble birth alone, at the centre of the religious character. It does not prove that each episode occurred in the life of a particular court figure.

Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin appear as guides in accounts of his admission among the immortals. Their exchange with him concerns understanding the Dao and the heart. Its role is to explain recognition within a sacred narrative, rather than to supply a historical initiation record.