Rivers, Lakes, and Seas

The jianghu is not a place on a map. It is another world beyond the imperial court, where the law can barely reach. There are flashes of blades, the scent of wine, lamps that never go out in roadside inns, and nameless graves in desolate mountains. The orthodox sects display their plaques high above their gates, while demonic cults and evil sects hide deep in the valleys. Heroes arrive with swords in hand, and wanderers travel with wine in tow. Some brave fire and water for a promise; some draw their swords over grudges that have lasted half a lifetime. Some want to wash their hands of the world, yet in the end, they cannot escape their fate. Martial arts are the jianghu’s capital, reputation its currency, and grudges its debts. Where the imperial court cannot reach, the jianghu maintains order through honor, strength, and personal ties. But honor can change, strength can fade, and personal ties can grow thin. It may seem a place of freewheeling vengeance, but danger lurks at every turn. It may seem a place of freedom, but everyone is trapped by the jianghu. The jianghu is a second history of humanity, written beyond the imperial court by people wielding swords and blood, loyalty and hate. Wherever there are people, there is a jianghu. This book is dedicated to everyone who dreams of the martial-arts world.