During the Three Kingdoms period, Sun Quan of Eastern Wu appointed Ling Tong as the Commandant of Pacifying Bandits and sent him with Zhang Yi to attack Ma Tun.

A general named Chen Qin was arrogant and disrespectful towards Ling Tong, repeatedly humiliating him. Unable to tolerate it any longer, Ling Tong killed Chen Qin.

Later, during the attack on Ma Tun, Ling Tong performed extraordinarily well, achieving great military merits.

Upon returning triumphantly, he presented himself to Sun Quan, ready to accept punishment for his earlier transgression. Recognizing Ling Tong's significant contributions, Sun Quan allowed him to atone for his crime with his meritorious service.