The state of Yue was renowned for its mediums, and Luan Da was a fine example. The Shih ji (Records of the Grand Historian) described him as "tall and a brilliant speaker", who was "fertile in techniques" and a master of esoteric arts, such as shadow play. He was originally a mystic in the court of the emperor's brother, Liu Ji, the Prince of Jiao Dong. Liu Ji's wife had mentioned Luan Da to her brother, the Marquess of Lecheng, Dingyi. Trying to boost his standing with Emperor Wu, Dingyi told the emperor of Shaoweng's far more capable fellow disciple, Luan Da, in 113 BC.Sima Qian, 1994, p. 231Needham 1966, p. 315
