The Supreme Peerless Divine Art

This novel is primarily a wuxia story, blending in elements of history, romance, war, xianxia, mystery, and fantasy.

Historical storyline:

Set against the turbulent Zhengde dynasty.

For example: Emperor Zhengde’s neglect of state affairs, his decisiveness and composure in a crisis, his intelligence and competence, and his skill at employing people. The eunuch Liu Jin’s greed, viciousness, and treachery, among other traits.

Romantic storyline: Intricate and moving, weaving together joy and sorrow, love and separation.

For example: Chen Wu’s intelligence, courage, and awkwardness when it comes to love; Jiang Chenxue’s ability to put the greater good first, her calmness in a crisis, her clear sense of love and hate, and her devotion; Murong Xue’s cleverness, many talents, and willingness to love and hate fiercely; Li Mingyue’s spoiled streak, lively charm, kindness, and depression.

Xianxia storyline: Based on folk myths and legends from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

For example: Jin Xiangyu’s refusal to accept fate, kindness, and steadfast loyalty; the wisdom and might of Zhou Jingyun, queen of the Jingyun women’s kingdom; and the devotion and foolishness of the two consorts, Ehuang and Nüying.

Mystery storyline: The tomb of the consort of Emperor Wen of the Liu Song dynasty, and the Mechanism Mountain.

For example: Reasoning through and solving the complex, perilous, and ever-changing mechanisms in the underground palace.

War storyline: The Prince of An’s rebellion, the peasant uprising led by Liu Liu and Liu Qi, the Prince of Ning’s rebellion, and more.

The characters in this novel feel vivid and distinct. The battles are grand in scale, the strategies complex and varied, and the formations ever-changing. The fights are thrilling and fierce, while the story is moving and lively, full of twists and turns and packed with mysteries.

This is Lingzi’s first attempt at writing. If anything falls short, I hope readers will offer their guidance.

Wuxia

One move stuns, making even ghosts and gods weep,

Every helpless turn is part of a scheme.

The clear river holds the souls of heroes,

Blood and tears entwined: that is wuxia.