Ling Cao

Ling Cao is the father of Ling Tong and a warrior who fought for the Sun family. At the Battle of Xia Kou he led a naval force to attack Huang Zu but was killed with an arrow shot by Gan Ning.

Role in Games
In the Dynasty Warriors series, both father and son fight together on the field during Sun Ce's early campaigns. When Huang Zu tries to flee in the fourth title, Ling Cao pursues him by himself, leading him straight to Gan Ning. He can be saved during this title; in Dynasty Warriors 5, however, he dies due to Gan Ning's ambush. Ling Tong bitterly tries to avenge him, swearing to kill his father's murderer. While it is still one of Ling Tong's motivations for disliking Gan Ning, his death is given a passing mention in the newest titles.

During Gan Ning's dream stage in Warriors Orochi 2, he is one of the objectives to successfully complete the surprise attack. He is alarmed by the trio's presence and has to be quickly silenced.

Quotes

 * "Argh! Killed... by lowly pirates..."

Historical Information
Ling Cao was said to have been a dauntless, resolute person who was exceptionally brave. It is said that Sun Ce relied on him to keep the spirit of his army high. After he quelled rebellions in Yongping County, he was distinguished with high honors and promoted by Sun Ce. In 200 AD, he continued serving the Sun family when Sun Quan took over. During the campaign against Huang Zu in 203 AD, he was struck by an arrow and killed. The records surrounding Gan Ning states that Ling Cao was killed by him. By contrast, Ling Tong's historical records only mention that a stray arrow caused his father's death.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Ling Cao was mentioned in chapter 15 as a villager in Yuhang. He lead a resistance with the villagers to stop the plundering Yan Baihu. When the thief fled, Sun Ce rode into the village and recruited Ling Cao and his son for their bravery. Ling Cao's next mention in the novel happens twenty-three chapters later during the Battle of Xiakou. Ling Cao was leading a group of lightly-armed troops up the Great River but he was slain by an arrow shot by Gan Ning. The fifteen year old Ling Tong recovered his father's corpse and fumed with thoughts of revenge.