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Xianxia Novel (Simplified Chinese: 仙侠小说; Traditional Chinese: 仙俠小說), is a type of novel developed from the Wuxia genre that was later influenced by Taoism. It was first introduced in the Republic of China mainland period and became popular in the 21st century. The Xianxia novel uses protagonists, typically known as "the exercisers", who are actually Taoist or Buddhist.
Xiuzhen
Xiuzhen (Chinese: 修真), meaning "exercise," is a Taoist concept by which humans can extend their lifespan through a set of exercise arts called the "Art of Breathing". This art mostly can be divided into Base Building (筑基) and other arts. Base Building itself refers to the practice of strengthening the body through the "Exercising Method".
The "Exercising Method" could comprise of martial arts, Buddhism, or Taoism depending on the doctrine of different religions. The "Exercise" is considered disobedient to Heaven, a term originating in Wuxia.
Whatever the levels that is settled, but mostly follow the current status after the Base Building:
- Turning the sperm into air (炼精化气),
- Turning the air into spirit (炼气化神),
- Turning the spirit back into emptiness (炼神还虚),
- Turning the emptiness into Dao (炼虚合道).
Dao (道) actually meaning the rules or principles of the universe. Taoists believe that these exercises lead to a longer lifespan.
History
The History of Xianxia Novel can be traced back to the author Huanzhu Louzhu, who is the author of Shushan. Huanzhu Louzhu is thought to be the creator for Wuxia and Xianxia Novels. But until the 21st century, the Xianxia became popular.
One notable author has a penname of Xiaoding (萧鼎). He wrote a novel called Zhuxian (诛仙) about a child that escapes the massacre of their village and is adopted by Qingyun Men (Cyan Cloud School), known as the leading school of Justice for immortals.
In Xianxia Novel, they explained that the immortals actually are the persons who just have longer life not the ethernal life and greater power than the normal persons, and the one that general people who claim as gods actually are just more powerful persons only, in fact, they are still human, and they might be more like human in humanity side.
Characteristics
Many characters in Xianxia novels have special powers and extended lifespans. Some live up to 300 or 500 years and retain a youthful appearance. Their powers vary with the level of exercising they have achieved and the weapons they use. These weapons are typically the sword, the stick or saber.
Most novels provide an abnormal pet for their protagonists. The pet might be an ancient creature like a dragon, monkey, fox, wolf. The creature has different exercising method from that of humans. Most of these companion creatures are stronger in body but weaker in soul compared to a human who is in the same exercising level. When a companion creature's mastery of the Exercise achieves a high level, their intelligence is also increased. Some of these high-mastery creatures are able to speak as a human and to use tools.
References
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