Chen Jing was originally nothing more than a collection of musical scores, originating in the State of Chen during the Southern Dynasties. After Chen fell, the scores naturally found their way into the hands of ordinary people. Several centuries later, a venerable master of peerless martial arts came across Chen Jing. He intended to use the music to soothe his weariness after training.
Unexpectedly, during that time, the old master learned a sword technique said to be the best in the world. When the technique came to light, it caused a huge stir in the martial world. Every highly skilled fighter wanted to get their hands on it.
The old master who created the sword technique didn't want it falling into the hands of outsiders. He hid the manual in the mountains, in caves, inside pillars, at the source of a spring... but martial arts experts found it every time.
Later, when the old master retrieved the manual once again, he had nowhere left to hide it. After thinking for three days and three nights, he finally came up with a solution: combine the sword technique, said to be the best in the world, with the musical scores.
Chen Jing's writing in this novel is reminiscent of that of ancient masters, with refined and elegant prose. The characters he creates are vivid and distinct, truly admirable.