[5] Chen Jinggu is a deity worshipped in Fujian, Taiwan, South China, and across East and Southeast Asia.

When young, Chen Jinggu went to the Lushan school (or Mount Lü, said to be located in modern Jiangxi[9]) with Lin Jiuniang and Li Sanniang to study under Xu Xun (许逊[9]).

After finishing her studies, she returned home and married Liu Qi (劉杞) from Gutian County Ningde.

A drought hit north Fujian,[9] so she used her Taoist powers to create rain, but eventually sacrificed her fetus and herself to save the people and vanquish an evil snake demon.

She was honoured as a deity by the people and was bestowed the honorary title Linshui, the goddess who protects the fetus and pregnant women (順產助生護胎佑民女神).

Chen Jinggu, Lin Jiuniang, and Li Sanniang were sworn sisters (義結金蘭 Yijie Jinlan).

In the novel, Chen Jinggu refused an arranged marriage and ran away from home to study Daoism and shamanism in Lushan.

[15] Scholars have analyzed the book based on the reversal of gender norms and the woman's role in society.

The story continues with how Chen Jinggu grew up, studied at Lüshan, and eventually saved Northern Fujian from drought while defeating the white demon snake, but at the cost of sacrificing her own child.

It could also symbolize Chen Jinggu's status as a goddess of the sea, with the coastal province of Fujian bordering the ocean.

This included the three Monkey Saints of Lin Shui Palace, who were once fiends who were subdued by the goddess Chen Jinggu.