Game Lore Part 1 - The Original Novel

The Original Novel



Swordsman Online is inspired by a Chinese martial art novel written by JIN Yong (Louis Cha) in 1967.



The book's Chinese title is "Xiao ao jiang hu", which literally means « to live a carefree life in a mundane world of strife ». It was very successful in China and was adapted into several TV series and movies.



"Xiao ao jiang hu" blends martial arts, romantic interests and political intrigues within a complex universe where different martial art sects struggle for power. A few of these schools in particular gathered and formed the self-proclaimed orthodox Five Great Mountain Alliance, which seems united, but is actually constantly troubled by politicking among its members.

The initial development of the story revolves around a very coveted manual, the “Exorcist Swordsmanship Manual”, containing the secret of a supernatural martial art. It is passed down as an heirloom in the Lin family. Sole survivor of their slaughter by a power-greedy sect, the young Lin Pinzi is rescued by Yue the Gentleman, head of the Splendor School and member of the self-proclaimed orthodox Five Great Mountains Alliance. There, he is trained in swordplay and meets the main protagonist, Lynhu Tsong, another orphaned pupil of Yue the Gentleman and honorable swordsman despite his penchant for liquor.

Years later, after each character has evolved within the Five Great Mountain Alliance, they take part in an assembly to appoint its new leader. Lynhu Tsong discovers that his teacher, Yue the Gentleman, plotted against Lin Pinzi in order to seize the manual, and they both mutilated themselves in order to master its occult power. The members of the Alliance end up slaughtering each other out of paranoia and distrust. Ren the Unstoppable, leader of the rival Sun and Moon Cult, masterminds an attack to overcome the scattered and fragmented orthodox sects, but dies at a crucial moment from a stroke triggered by his own megalomania.

Thereafter, Ren Inis, daughter of Ren the Unstoppable, become the head of her father’s cult and seeks a truce between the rivaling martial arts sects. Three years later, she passes the leadership and marries Lynhu Tsong. A Wedding forging a bond where the righteous and non-orthodox sects finally reach a truce. Disillusioned by all the strife caused by the power struggles, Lynhu Tsong and Ren Inis retire from the jianghu, the martial arts world.

You can Read an English translation of the first 2 books in the series here: Jin Yong's Smiling Proud Wanderer or



Joe Chen, who gained popularity in China by starring in the 2013 “Swordsman” TV series, lent her image to Swordsman Online as well.