Unable to cross the waters, Huyan writes to request the court to send Ling Zhen, who could assail the bandits with cannons.

Wu Yong sends swimmers to steal up to Ling Zheng's artillery platform set up by the bank and overturn it.

He later contributes to the defeat of Huyan Zhuo by startling his cavalry horses with cannon blasts while Liangshan's hooked lance squad pulls them to the ground.

He participates in the campaigns against the Liao invaders and rebel forces in Song territory following amnesty from Emperor Huizong for Liangshan.

In the campaign against Fang La, Ling Zhen is often called upon to bombard enemy cities to create chaos before their attack commences.