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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 and became popular in the 21st century. The Xianxia novel uses protagonists, typically known as "cultivators", who are actually Taoist or Buddhist.
Xiuzhen
Xiuzhen (Chinese: 修真), meaning "cultivate", is a Taoist concept by which humans can extend their lifespan through a set of cultivation arts called the "Art of Breathing". This art 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 "Cultivating Method" could comprise martial arts, Buddhism, or Taoism depending on the doctrine of different religions. The "Cultivation" is considered disobedient to Heaven, a term originating in Wuxia.
Whatever the level that is settled, it mostly follows the following steps, according to Base Building:
- Turning spirit into air (炼精化气),
- Turning air into a spirit (炼气化神),
- Turning a spirit back into emptiness (炼神还虚),
- Turning emptiness into Dao (炼虚合道).
Dao (道) actually meaning "the road" or "the principles of the universe", Taoists believe that these exercises lead to a longer lifespan.
History
The Xianxia novel began with Huanzhu Louzhu, who is the author of Shushan. Huanzhu Louzhu is thought to be the creator for Wuxia and Xianxia Novels, and Xianxia is essentially a ‘fantasy-fied’ version of Wuxia.
One notable author, using Xiaoding (萧鼎) as a penname, wrote a novel called Zhuxian (诛仙). The novel is about a child who escapes the massacre of their village and is adopted by Qingyun Men (Cyan Cloud School), known as the leading school of Justice for immortals.
The characters forming Xianxia are Xian and Xia, which literally means ‘immortal hero’. In Xianxia novels, the immortals are actually the people who simply have longer lives, not possessing eternal life or greater power than normal people, and those that people claim to be gods are simply more powerful people; in fact, they are still human.
Characteristics
Many characters in Xianxia novels have special powers and extended lifespans. Some live 300 to 500 years and retain a youthful appearance. Their powers vary with their level of activity, achievements and weapons used. These weapons are typically the sword, the stick or saber.
Most novels provide an abnormal or unusual pet for their protagonists. The pet might be an ancient creature like a dragon, monkey, fox or wolf. Most of these companion creatures are stronger in body but weaker in spirit compared to a human who is at the same level. When a companion creature's mastery achieves a high level, their intelligence is also increased. Some of these high-mastery creatures are able to speak like a human and to use tools.
References
- the Xianxia Novel Channel on Qidian
- "Wuxia vs. Xianxia". wuxiaworld.com.
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