Jingxuan

Jingxuan (simplified: 静玄, traditional: 靜玄, pinyin: Jìngxuán, jyutping: zing6 jyun4), also known as Jingxuan Shitai (静玄师太), was the first-ranked Jing-generation disciple of the Emei Order and the de facto commander of the Order’s forces during major operations. Known for her intelligence, steady leadership, and inclusive character, she played a crucial role in organising and leading the Order’s disciples during the attack on Bright Peak and other significant events.

Biography

Early training under Miejue

Jingxuan was a disciple of Miejue, the third leader of the Emei Order, and rose to become the first-ranked among the Jing-generation disciples. Her intelligence, steady character, and leadership abilities distinguished her among her fellow disciples, earning her the respect and trust of both her master and her junior sisters.

As the first-ranked Jing-generation disciple, Jingxuan held a position of authority within the Order’s hierarchy, serving as a bridge between Miejue and the other disciples. Her role required both martial arts proficiency and administrative capabilities.

Leading the attack on Bright Peak

When the Emei Order participated in the Six Major Factions’ expedition to Bright Peak, Miejue was technically in command as the Order’s leader. However, Jingxuan served as the de facto commander, responsible for organising and directing the Order’s disciples during the campaign.

Under Jingxuan’s leadership, the Emei Order’s forces were well-coordinated and effective. She demonstrated her ability to manage complex tactical situations, coordinate multiple disciples, and make decisions under pressure. Her steady leadership proved crucial to the Order’s performance during the expedition.

Battle capabilities

During the attack on Bright Peak, Jingxuan demonstrated her martial arts abilities and tactical skills. She led the Emei Order’s forces in combat against the Ming Order’s Five Elements Banners, coordinating her disciples effectively and maintaining discipline even in the heat of battle.

Her leadership during this campaign established her reputation as a capable commander and a reliable senior disciple who could be trusted with important responsibilities.

Supporting Zhou Zhiruo’s leadership

After Miejue’s death and Zhou Zhiruo’s succession as the fourth leader of the Emei Order, Jingxuan demonstrated her loyalty and support for the new leader. Despite being older and more experienced than Zhou Zhiruo, Jingxuan accepted her leadership and helped maintain stability within the Order during the transition.

Jingxuan’s support for Zhou Zhiruo reflected her character—she prioritised the Order’s unity and stability over personal ambition. Her inclusive and steady nature made her a valuable supporter of the new leader and helped ensure a smooth transition of power.

Personality & traits

Intelligent and steady

Jingxuan was known for her intelligence and steady character. She possessed the analytical thinking and calm judgment necessary for leadership roles, making her an effective commander and administrator within the Emei Order.

Inclusive and supportive

Unlike some of her more narrow-minded fellow disciples, Jingxuan demonstrated an inclusive and supportive nature. She cared for her fellow disciples and worked to maintain harmony within the Order, earning their respect and trust.

Leadership ability

Jingxuan’s leadership abilities were demonstrated through her role as de facto commander during the attack on Bright Peak. She was able to coordinate multiple disciples, make tactical decisions, and maintain discipline under pressure, proving herself to be a capable and reliable leader.

Loyalty to the Order

Jingxuan demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Emei Order and its leaders. Her support for Zhou Zhiruo after Miejue’s death reflected her commitment to maintaining the Order’s stability and unity, even when it meant accepting a younger leader.

Martial arts abilities

Emei Swordplay

Jingxuan had mastered Emei Swordplay (峨嵋剑法), the signature sword technique of the Emei Order. Her sword techniques were described as sharp and precise, capable of effective combat applications. Her mastery of this technique, combined with her tactical abilities, made her a formidable fighter.

Whisk techniques

Jingxuan was skilled in using a whisk (拂尘), a traditional monastic weapon and symbol of authority. She could use the whisk to execute various techniques, demonstrating versatility in combat and the ability to adapt to different situations.

Internal energy cultivation

As a senior disciple of the Emei Order, Jingxuan had cultivated her internal energy through Emei Nine Yang Power (峨嵋九阳功), a technique derived from the Nine Yang Power. Her internal energy cultivation supported her martial arts abilities and combat effectiveness.

Overall martial arts level

Jingxuan’s martial arts abilities were solid and reliable, placing her among the top tier of the Emei Order’s disciples. While she may not have possessed the exceptional talent of some other disciples, her combination of technical skill, tactical thinking, and leadership abilities made her a valuable and respected member of the Order.

Relationships

Miejue

Jingxuan was deeply loyal to Miejue, her master and the leader of the Emei Order. She served as Miejue’s trusted lieutenant, carrying out her orders and managing the Order’s disciples on her behalf. Her relationship with Miejue was one of mutual respect and trust.

Zhou Zhiruo

After Zhou Zhiruo succeeded Miejue as the fourth leader of the Emei Order, Jingxuan demonstrated her support and loyalty to the new leader. Despite being older and more experienced, she accepted Zhou Zhiruo’s leadership and helped maintain stability within the Order.

Fellow Jing-generation disciples

As the first-ranked among the Jing-generation disciples, Jingxuan had authority over her fellow disciples. She used this authority responsibly, leading them effectively while maintaining harmony and cooperation within the group.

Other Emei Order disciples

Jingxuan maintained good relationships with other Emei Order disciples, including those from other generations. Her inclusive and supportive nature made her a respected figure within the Order, and her leadership was generally well-received by her fellow disciples.

Behind the scenes

Jingxuan represents the importance of reliable, steady leadership within martial arts organisations. While characters like Miejue represented absolute authority and Zhou Zhiruo represented personal ambition, Jingxuan embodied the qualities of a supportive, capable administrator who could maintain order and effectiveness even under challenging circumstances.

Her character demonstrates that effective leadership requires not only martial arts prowess but also intelligence, tactical thinking, and the ability to coordinate others. Her role as de facto commander during the attack on Bright Peak showed how important capable middle management is to the success of large organisations.

Jingxuan’s support for Zhou Zhiruo after Miejue’s death reflects the importance of unity and stability within organisations, even when personal feelings or ambitions might suggest otherwise. Her inclusive and steady nature made her a valuable asset to the Emei Order throughout her service.

The character’s name “Jingxuan” (静玄) combines “jing” (静), meaning “quiet” or “still,” and “xuan” (玄), meaning “profound” or “mysterious.” This name reflects her steady, calm nature and her profound understanding of both martial arts and leadership.

Portrayals

Jingxuan has been portrayed in various adaptations of The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre:

The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre

1986 series — Roland
2001 series — Zhao Jingyi
2003 series — Various actors
2009 series — Various actors
2019 series — Wang Wanchen