Wandering Wonder Swordsman (Volumes One and Two) is a long-form wuxia novel by Zhang Xueqian, adapted from the folk martial arts storytelling cycle Defeating the Arhats. It was published by Beifang Literature and Art Publishing House in October 1988. Set during the Zhengde era of the Ming dynasty, the book spans two volumes and ninety-four chapters. It tells how Wang Shouren, Censor-General of the Censorate and Vice Minister of War, is framed for his uncompromising integrity by the Five Sacred Mountains Lotus Sect and the forces of Prince Ning, Zhu Chenhao, who are recruiting soldiers at Jiugong Mountain. The theft of the imperial edict, the Imperial Sword, and the golden plaque bearing the words “As Though the Emperor Were Present,” known collectively as the “Three Treasures,” sparks turmoil throughout the martial world. The story follows wandering swordsman Cai Fang and his band of heroes as they help Wang Shouren recover the Three Treasures, taking them through challenges such as arena duels and breaking through battle formations as they fight the villains Hai Xiao, the Eighteen Arhats, Huang Yun, and other bandits. With help from veteran swordsmen, the heroes brave one danger after another, ultimately exposing Prince Ning's treasonous plot and escorting the Three Treasures safely back to the imperial court.
