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Wuxia Blog

Translation updates, cultural insights, and other musings about wuxia and Chinese culture.


Twin Blades of the Storm Dragon Chapter 1 Updated
Translation notes

Two paired swords with brotherly names — one auspicious, one ill-omened — set a tragedy in motion.

Laughing in the Wind Chapter 1 completed
Translation notes

Parts 4 through 8 of Chapter 1 are now available, continuing the story of the Lin family.

Salutes of the jianghu
Translation notes

Exploring the traditional salutes and greeting gestures such as the famous fist in palm salute and cupped hands, and their cultural significance.

Laughing in the Wind Chapter updates
Translation notes

Parts 1 through 3 now feature Quick Reference sections.

Translating factions in wuxia
Translation notes

A comprehensive framework for translating factions in wuxia. Learn when to use School, Sect, or Order based on perspective and context, with examples across Jin Yong's novels.

Ancient Tomb School or Sect?
Translation notes

Ancient Tomb School or Sect? Both translations are valid depending on perspective.

Weapon articles
Update

Fifteen comprehensive weapon articles now document the arsenal of wuxia, from legendary named weapons to fundamental weapon types found throughout the genre.

Understanding wuxia fundamentals
Update

Four foundational articles now explain core wuxia concepts essential for understanding the genre's terminology and social structures.

Why 'transmission' instead of 'teach'?
Translation notes

Exploring why wuxia translations use 'transmission' for martial arts teaching and what this reveals about lineage, legacy, and the sacred bond between shifu and disciple.

Mandarin Duck Blades translation updated to Third Edition
Translation notes

The Mandarin Duck Blades translation has been updated to align with Jin Yong's Third Edition, with a comprehensive changelog documenting differences between editions.